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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 11 Apr 2013 [PDF]
• Dempsey: Post-2014 Security Agreement Talks Can Move Forward AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- It isn't necessary to have a decision on an exact number of troops in post-2014 Afghanistan before securing a bilateral security agreement, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the House Armed Services Committee today.
• Combined Force in Kandahar Arrests Taliban Leader AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained another insurgent in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.
• PRT Farah Links Local Leader with International Center for Journalists NNS 11 Apr 2013 -- Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Farah met with the local Director of Information and Culture, Lal Mohammed Bahari, to deliver cameras and video equipment provided by the International Center for Journalists in Farah City here, Apr. 10.
• Army engineering team, Soldiers partner in Afghan security mission Army News 11 Apr 2013 -- American Soldiers with a mission to advise the Afghan uniformed police finished securing a key coalition compound with the assistance of deployed U.S. Army civilian engineers and technicians.
• MWSS-272 helps DHS secure Southwest border USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- detachment from Engineer Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., deployed Feb. 28 to Nogales, Ariz., to construct a new border security road and improve several existing roads in support of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Southwest Border Infrastructure Enhancement Program.

Defense Policy / Programs

• FY 14 budget: Sequester puts key Air Force objectives at risk AFNS 11 Apr 2013 -- Upon release of the Air Force Fiscal Year 2014 budget here April 10, the services' senior leaders said the shadow of sequestration in 2013 and on-going fiscal uncertainty will affect critical programs and objectives for years to come.
• Army Officials Describe $129.7 Billion Budget Request AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- In a Pentagon briefing yesterday, Army officials described their service's $129.7 billion portion of the Defense Department's $526.6 billion base budget request for fiscal year 2014, which begins Oct. 1.
• Air Force Budget Official Outlines Fiscal 2014 Funding Request AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- The shadow of sequestration in 2013 and ongoing fiscal uncertainty will affect critical programs and objectives for years to come, Air Force officials said yesterday at a Pentagon briefing on the service's fiscal year 2014 budget request.
• Budget Safeguards Joint Force Versatility, Dempsey Says AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- As declining resources necessitate increased national security risks, a predictable funding stream is crucial, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on the defense portion of the president's proposed fiscal year 2014 budget.
• Hagel Presents Defense Budget Request to Congress AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel centered his testimony to Congress today on what he termed "profound budget problems" stemming from sequester.
• Sequestration Consumes Intellectual Efforts, Commander Says AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- One of the dangers of sequestration is the amount of attention spent on managing budgets and finances rather than airmen focusing on training and their jobs, the commander of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command said here today.
• Enter the Dragon: Eighth Army unveils new emblem Army News 11 Apr 2013 -- Eighth Army recently unveiled a combined joint task force emblem in support of its transformation to a Field Army headquarters.
• Improved biosurveillance capabilities for U.S. Forces Korea Army News 11 Apr 2013 -- A portal, a duel and a kraken that springs to life. No, it's not the latest science fiction movie. It's an advanced technology demonstration that's just getting started.
• Jaguar, Acaxual partner two nations together for two task forces working in El Salvador Army News 11 Apr 2013 -- For two partner nations that are working side by side building schools and providing critical medical aid to a community that desperately needs it, selecting the right name for their respective task force was an important step in the process.
• 166th Aviation Brigade trains Texas Army National Guard unit for Kuwait deployment Army News 11 Apr 2013 -- With the recent sequestration and deep budget cuts underway across the entire Army, it was uncertain whether Division West's 166th Aviation Brigade would conduct training for the Texas Army National Guard's 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, set to deploy to Kuwait, in the sophisticated flight simulation center at Fort Rucker, Ala., last month, said Col. Kevin Vizzarri, 166th Aviation Brigade commander.
• Obama Calls for More Nuclear Weapons Funding, Cuts for Nonproliferation RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2013 -- US President Barack Obama on Wednesday proposed boosting funding for the Energy Department to modernize the nation's existing nuclear weapons in what analysts say is part of a bargain he struck with Republican lawmakers to secure their support for the New START deal with Russia to reduce nuclear stockpiles.
• Army on the fast path to installing modern cryptographic equipment Army News 11 Apr 2013 -- Until recently, Soldiers learning about cryptography were trained on Cold War-era equipment.
• Americans Increasingly Wary of Foreign Intervention VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- After more than a decade of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, opinion polls suggest the American public is increasingly reluctant to support military intervention overseas. That reluctance is inhibiting activists who would like to see the United States take a more robust role in conflicts like the ongoing civil war in Syria.
• Eucom Nominee Outlines Priorities During Confirmation Hearing AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- The Afghan security transition, the Arab Spring and the U.S.-Russia relationship were among the command priorities discussed this morning during the Senate Armed Services Committee's confirmation hearing for President Barack Obama's choice to be the next commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe.
• Strategic Command Provides Vital Warfighter, Operational Support AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- While providing the deterrence to protect the United States from a strategic attack, U.S. Strategic Command is playing a very real, yet often unrecognized, role in operations in Afghanistan and around the globe, its commander, Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler, reported.
• Commander Stresses Importance of New Air Refueling Tanker AFPS 11 Apr 2013 -- The commander of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command today stressed the high priority his service places on the KC-46A tanker aircraft program.
• USS Monterey Departs Naval Station Norfolk for Scheduled Deployment NNS 11 Apr 2013 -- After completing all preparations, Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment April 8.
• USS Thach Returns from Deployment NNS 11 Apr 2013 -- The guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) will return to San Diego from its deployment to the 4th Fleet Area of Operations (AOR), April 12.
• Stennis Strike Group Transits the Surigao Strait NNS 11 Apr 2013 -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) transited the Surigao Strait, a narrow passageway between the Mindanao and Leyte islands of the Philippines, April 10.
• Marines forward-arm, refuel helicopters during FARP exercise USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- Five minutes out!" With that warning, Marines rush to refueling points and wait for the signature sound of rotors slicing through the air as aircraft near their position for an expedient pit stop.
• Philippine, US militaries work shoulder-to-shoulder USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- Hundreds were in attendance at the opening ceremony marking the official start of Exercise Balikatan 2013 April 5 at the Commissioned Officers' Club at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Republic of the Philippines.
• Joint Task Force teams up for African Lion 13 maritime offload USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- As the morning rain ended and the Moroccan sun began to dry the pier, members of Joint Task Force Port Opening (JTF-PO), U.S. Strategic Command, emerged from a meager shelter in the overhang of a pier side warehouse. Mobilized to Morocco in support of Exercise African Lion 13, a U.S. Africa Command directed, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa-led multi-lateral exercise, they brought their expertise to the Port of Agadir to deliver prepositioned combat equipment to the Marines, soldiers and sailors supporting the exercise.
• BSRF-13 ready to train in Romania USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania which will serve as the unit's home throughout its six-month deployment as a crisis contingency force.
• The KA-BAR slashed and stabbed its way into USMC history USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- The KA-BAR fighting knife has long been associated with the United States Marine Corps. Since World War II, the two have hardly been separated.
• HMLA-167 celebrates 45 years of warfighting USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 celebrated its 45th birthday aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River with spirited competition, food and tunes at the air station soccer fields, March 28.
• Marines prepare for Afghanistan in simulator USMC News 11 Apr 2013 -- Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion obtained valuable experience for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the safe environment of the combat convoy simulator April 5 on Camp Hansen.
• Cyberspace: Fundamental to joint fight AFNS 11 Apr 2013 -- Cyber operations are a clear catalyst for change in the art and science of modern warfare, Lt. Gen. John Hyten, the Air Force Space Command vice commander, said during the Space Foundation's Cyber 1.3 luncheon here, April 8.
• DNI Statement on North Korea's Nuclear Capability Director of National Intelligence 11 Apr 2013
• Statement by Press Secretary George Little on North Korea's Nuclear Capability DoD 11 Apr 2013
• Pentagon: Inaccurate to Say N. Korea Has Nuclear-Armed Missiles VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- The Pentagon late Thursday said North Korea does not have nuclear-armed missiles, playing down an intelligence report leaked earlier in the day which said Pyongyang had the capability to build atomic warheads that could be fitted on missiles.
• UK forces put to the test in largest European exercise UK MOD 11 Apr 2013 -- Nearly 13,000 military personnel from 9 countries, including 5,250 from the UK, set to take part in largest military exercise in Europe.
• UK warship joins Kuwaiti forces in Gulf exercise UK MOD 11 Apr 2013 -- A Royal Navy frigate has conducted a series of manoeuvres with Kuwaiti armed forces in the Gulf.
• Russia to Field MiG-31 Replacement by 2020 - Commander RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2013 -- The Russian Air Force is hoping to receive a new long-range fighter-interceptor by 2020 and retire its existing fleet of MiG-31 interceptors by 2028, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said on Thursday.
• Russia's Newest Warship Completes Sea Trials RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2013 -- Russia's newest Baltic Fleet warship, the Project 20380 Boiky corvette, has completed sea trials, a spokesman for the Western Military District told RIA Novosti on Thursday.
• Russian Air Force Approves New Bomber Design – Commander RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2013 -- The Russian Air Force has approved the conceptual design and specification of its future PAK-DA strategic bomber, paving the way for development of components for the aircraft, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said Thursday.
• Russia Must Be Ready to Face Military Threats – Deputy PM RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2013 -- The Russian industrial complex must be ready to mobilize quickly in case of a potential regional or global conflict, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday.
• Russia Tests New Amphibious Armored Vehicle RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2013 -- A new amphibious armored personnel carrier (APC), the BTR-82AM, is undergoing a series of trials at the Russian Black Sea Fleet's naval infantry facility in Sevastopol, fleet spokesman Capt. 1St Rank Vyacheslav Trukhachev said on Thursday.
• Iran Army keeps watch on all threats, ready to counter: Commander Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2013 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces says the Islamic Republic constantly monitors all the potential threats against the country in order to be prepared to take any necessary countermeasures.
• President Hadi's Decrees on the Reorganization of Yemen's Military Structure US Dept. of State 11 Apr 2013
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 4/11/2013 The White House 11 Apr 2013

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 11, 2013

Other Conflicts

• 11 April 2013 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Apr 2013
• Obama: Time for N. Korea to Stop 'Belligerence' VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says North Korea should end what he called its belligerence. The president also says the United States will take all necessary steps to protect itself and its allies.
• South Korea capable of intercepting North missiles: Defense Ministry Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2013 -- South Korean Defense Ministry has announced that its missile defense system is capable of intercepting North Korean missiles should its northern neighbor decides to strike the South Korean territory.
• Taiwan can detect North Korean missile launch: minister CNA 11 Apr 2013 -- Taiwan's military can detect North Korea's missile movements and launches, Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu said Thursday.
• Taiwan can intercept North Korean missile: defense minister CNA 11 Apr 2013 -- Responding to concerns that Pyongyang will move beyond bellicose rhetoric and launch a missile that could hit Taiwan, Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu said Thursday that Taiwan is capable of intercepting a North Korean missile.
• North Korea renews threat to close joint industrial zone with South Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has once again threatened to permanently close the Kaesong joint industrial zone with South Korea amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
• North Korea ready to fire missiles at South: State TV Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2013 -- North Korea has stated that it is ready to launch a military strike on its southern neighbor should South Korean authorities do not give up their confrontational policies.
• North Korea Renews Threats VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- Despite ever increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula, students in the North Korean capital broke out into dance Thursday.
• Sudan: UN expands aid to conflict-ravaged Blue Nile state after first delivery in 19 months UN News Centre 11 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations has been able to reach 51,000 people with food aid in Sudan's Blue Nile state in the week since it managed to start its first deliveries in the conflict-wracked region in 19 months, but it needs more funds to feed all those in need there.
• Humanitarian situation in Central African Republic deteriorates further, UN warns UN News Centre 11 Apr 2013 -- The humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) continues to deteriorate, with massive unrest and large-scale displacement across the country nearly three weeks after armed rebels seized power, the United Nations reported today.
• Can Niger offer Mali lessons on the Tuareg? IRIN 11 Apr 2013 -- The conflict that erupted in Mali in early 2012 brought to the surface a long history of rebellions and autonomy demands by the Tuareg. But the Tuareg in neighbouring Niger appear to have more stable ties with the government there. Does Niger's experience hold any lessons for Bamako?
• UN expert calls on African countries to protect hundreds of minority groups UN News Centre 11 Apr 2013 -- Hundreds of minority groups in Africa are in dire need of strengthened protections, a United Nations independent expert said today, calling on governments to act urgently to safeguard these vulnerable populations.
• Japan Gives Taiwan Rare Concession in East China Sea Dispute VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- Japan gave Taiwan an unusual break this week in a stubborn ocean territorial dispute that also involves China. The first-ever concession met with applause in Taipei and a word of warning from Beijing. Japan controls the waters, but China and Taiwan both make unwavering claims.
• Nigeria's Boko Haram Rejects Amnesty Deal VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- The leader of Nigeria's militant Islamist sect Boko Haram has rejected the idea of any potential amnesty offered by the government.

News Reports

• North Korean Dissident: Kim Jong Un is Inexperienced VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- As tensions escalate on the Korean Peninsula with Pyongyang warning foreigners to leave and closing an industrial complex on the border with South Korea, many around the world are wondering what prompted the communist country to provoke its neighbors and the rest of the world.
• West to be obliged to recognize Iran's nuclear right, MP IRNA 11 Apr 2013 -- Chairman of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission said here that the West will be compelled to recognize Iran's nuclear right one day.
• Another radioactive water leak spotted at Fukushima plant Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2013 -- Another radioactive water leak has been confirmed at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant following a similar incident at the site a few days ago.
• New Radioactive Water Leak Found at Japan's Fukushima Plant RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2013 -- A fresh leak of radioactive water has been detected at the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant in northeast Japan, the plant's operator said on Thursday.
• China H7N9 strain bird flu toll reaches 10 Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2013 -- The death toll from the H7N9 strain of bird flu has climbed to ten as another patient infected with the virus loses life in China.
• Ivory Coast Soldiers On Trial at Military Court VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- Ivory Coast's military tribunal has begun trying more than 30 soldiers for crimes including assault and murder. Critics have been accusing the government of President Alassane Ouattara of shielding his military backers from the law.
• G8 Threatens Action if North Korea Launches Missile VOA 11 Apr 2013 -- Foreign ministers of the Group of Eight industrialized countries, which includes Russia, have threatened "further significant measures" if North Korea conducts another missile launch or nuclear test in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. North Korea is expected to launch a new medium-range missile sometime soon.