• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 23 May 2013 [PDF]
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Insurgents in Baghlan Province AFPS 23 May 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Baghlan province's Baghlan-e Jadid district arrested six insurgents today during a search for a Taliban facilitator, military officials reported.
• Kazakhstan Ratifies Afghan Transit Deal with UK RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- Kazakhstan's parliament ratified an agreement with Britain on Thursday on transit of military equipment and personnel across its territory from Afghanistan, where British troops are serving in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
• North Dakota Guard Wades in Against Flood Threat AFPS 23 May 2013 -- When heavy rain threatened a dam near Cavalier, North Dakota, the call went out from North Dakota National Guard units yesterday. Within 12 hours, Guardsmen from communities across eastern North Dakota were on duty in Cavalier beginning yesterday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks of President Barack Obama The White House 23 May 2013-
• Obama Delineates Counterterrorism Policy AFPS 23 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama spoke today on U.S. counterterrorism policy and looked at how the United States can defend itself from terrorism, yet remain true to core beliefs.
• Obama Vows to Close Guantanamo Detention Facility AFPS 23 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama today vowed to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, saying the prison has become a symbol of an America that flouts the law.
• Statement from Secretary Hagel on President Obama's Speech DoD 23 May 2013
• Obama Charts New Counterterrorism Course RFE/RL 23 May 2013 -- President Barack Obama has outlined a new course in U.S. counterterrorism efforts in a major national security speech in the capital in which he said America was at a 'crossroads' in its ongoing battle against terrorism.
• Obama Outlines Limits on Drone Use in Counterterrorism War VOA 23 May 2013 -- In a major address at the National Defense University in Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama has given a framework for ongoing counterterrorism efforts, including the use of drones in direct lethal action against terrorists.
• Obama To Speak On Counterterrorism, Drones RFE/RL 23 May 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is due to deliver a major speech on May 23 on counterterrorism and the U.S. administration's drone program.
• Navy Names Next Two Destroyers DoD 23 May 201 3-- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the next Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (DDG) will be named USS Paul Ignatius and USS Daniel Inouye.
• Department of Defense Announces Selected Acquisition Report DoD 23 May 2013 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) has released details on major defense acquisition program cost, schedule, and performance changes since the December 2011 reporting period. This information is based on the Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) submitted to the Congress for the December 2012 reporting period.
• Army Releases April 2013 Suicide Information DoD 23 May 2013 -- The Army released suicide data today for the month of April 2013. During April, among active-duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides: one has been confirmed as a suicide and 10 remain under investigation.
• Remarks by Deputy Secretary Carter at the Center for Strategic and International Studies DoD 23 May 2013 -- Presenter: Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter
• USS Carl Vinson Completes Mid-Cycle Material Assessment NNS 23 May 2013 -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) returned to its homeport, Naval Air Station North Island, after becoming the first aircraft carrier in the fleet to complete a Mid-Cycle Material Assessment (MCMA), May 21.
• SSC Pacific recovers Historic Howell Torpedo NNS 23 May 2013 -- Space and Naval warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) has discovered and recovered one of the first self-propelled torpedoes developed and used by the U.S. Navy, known as the Howell torpedo.
• Future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) Keel Authenticated NNS 23 May 2013 -- The keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future Zumwalt-class Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) was held at the General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard, May 23.
• HURREX/Citadel Gale Tests Region's Emergency Storm Training NNS 23 May 2013 -- The Naval District Washington (NDW) is participating in the HURREX/Citadel Gale annual exercise, May 13-24, in preparation for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season. This a commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and Fleet Forces Command (FFC) exercise.
• JPO MRAP, 4-401st AFSB install upgrades to increase Soldier survivability during IED attack Army News 23 May 2013 -- With every step and mile traveled, Soldiers in Afghanistan face the threat of improvised explosive devices. To combat the threat Joint Program Office Mine Resistant Ambush Protected -- Operation Enduring Freedom, JPO MRAP-OEF, is equipping more than 1000 MaxxPro Dash ISS equipped vehicles with MaxxPro Survivability Upgrade, MSU, kits to increase Warfighter survivability through an IED blast event.
• TF Rampant trains forward support company in recovery operations Army News 23 May 2013 -- As our nation continues to support the War on Terror, we continue to call the National Guard to fill the gap for the active component Soldiers in theater.
• Joint Munitions Command's General Discusses Mission at Small Business Symposium Army News 23 May 2013 -- An early morning audience on May 23, heard the importance of the Joint Munitions Command's mission and its relationship to small businesses.
• Paint simulator saves government thousands of dollars USMC News 23 May 2013 -- The Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., is responsible for not only repairing, maintaining, and ensuring the quality of thousands of military vehicles, but for painting them in a manner consistent with keeping service members in forward deployed environments safe.
• Navy Region Southeast Prepares for Hurricane Season NNS 23 May 2013 -- Navy Region Southeast participated in the annual hurricane preparedness exercise HURREX/Citadel Gale 2013 on May 23.
• Army closely monitors chemical agent disposal facility Army News 23 May 2013 -- Supporting a larger quest to establish a legacy of environmental responsibility, the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's chemical and biological center is making progress.
• F-35 ITF works toward certification AFNS 23 May 2013 -- The F-35 Integrated Test Force is wrapping up a series of night flights, which are testing the aircraft's capability when flying in instrument meteorological conditions.
• Hagel Pledges Partnership in Health Records Integration AFPS 23 May 2013 -- Defense leaders will work closely with Veterans Affairs Department counterparts to ensure full integration of health records, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said yesterday.
• IMCMEX Illustrates Global Problem with Global Consequence Requiring Global Response NNS 23 May 2013 -- Representatives from 41 nations concluded the at-sea portion of the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2013 (IMCMEX 13) May 23 in Bahrain.
• Missile Defense Obstructs Nuclear Forces Cuts - General RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- The United States' insistence on pursuing a missile defense system in Europe is standing in the way of further cuts to Russia's nuclear deterrent forces, Russia's top general said on Thursday at an international security conference in Moscow.
• US Lawmakers Try to Block Sharing Missile Defense Data with Russia RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- Republican US lawmakers are taking steps to bar the United States from sharing classified missile defense technology information with Russia, draft legislation that was amended in the US Congress Wednesday shows.
• Iran to unveil new home-made warship soon IRNA 23 May 2013 -- Iranian Navy Lieutenant Commander Rear Admiral Gholamreza Khadem Bigham announced that the country will unveil a new home-made warship in the near future.
• Iranian Army's Beit-ul-Muqaddas 25 drills enter tactical phase Iran Press TV 23 May 2013 -- Iranian military has launched the second phase of Beit-ul-Muqaddas 25 exercises in the central province of Isfahan, with the aim of testing new simulator systems.
• KPA's Rocket Launch Is Part of Regular Military Exercises: KCNA Commentary KCNA 23 May 2013 -- The U.S. and the south Korean puppet forces have portrayed the recent rocket launch by the Korean People's Army (KPA) as a 'provocation'.
• Defense minister apologizes for recent Air Force crashes CNA 23 May 2013 -- Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu apologized Thursday for crashes of two Air Force jet fighters in five days earlier this month, but added that Air Force pilots need public support to regain their confidence as soon as possible.
• Taiwan's Air Force stepping up southern patrols CNA 23 May 2013 -- The Air Force will increase its patrols over waters around the country's southern coast, Air Force Commander Gen. Liu Chen-wu said Thursday.
• May 23, 2013 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 23 May 2013

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 23, 2013

Other Conflicts

• 23 May 2013 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 May 2013
• Syrians seeking refuge in Libya IRIN 23 May 2013 -- Two years ago Syrians in the relative security of their own country watched the unfolding crisis in Libya descend into a devastating civil war.
• Syria friends meeting in Tehran aims to settle crisis peacefully, envoy IRNA 23 May 2013 -- Iranian envoy said the welcoming attitudes of world countries and international organizations towards the upcoming meeting of Syria's friends in Tehran indicates the growing tendency of the International community towards the peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis and Iran's role in promoting the objective.
• Syria ends 1st phase of Qusayr operation Iran Press TV 23 May 2013 -- The Syrian army has successfully concluded the first phase of its operation in the strategic western city of Qusayr.
• Syrian Opposition Holding Key Talks In Istanbul RFE/RL 23 May 2013 -- Syria's main opposition group is meeting in Istanbul to consider possible negotiations with President Bashar al-Assad's regime to end the two-year conflict.
• Russian S-300 Deliveries to Syria 'Destabilizing' - Kerry RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- The sale by Russia of S-300 air defense systems to Syria would be "destabilizing" for the region, US Secretary State John Kerry said on Thursday.
• Syrian Opposition Figure Offers Transition Plan VOA 23 May 2013 -- A prominent Syrian opposition figure has proposed a transition plan for the war-torn country, requiring President Bashar al-Assad to hand power to a senior aide and leave the country with 500 supporters.
• What's Behind the Drop in Syrian Refugees to Jordan? VOA 23 May 2013 -- The constant flow of refugees from Syria into Jordan has slowed to a near halt in recent days, raising concerns of a yet another humanitarian crisis in the two-year conflict.
• DR Congo: In Goma, Secretary-General hails regional accord as 'best chance for peace in years' UN News Centre 23 May 2013 -- Arriving today in restive eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all the leaders of Africa's Great Lakes region to throw their support behind a recently-signed peace accord which aims to ensure security, as well as development, for the long-troubled country.
• Sudan: UN humanitarian chief urges stronger bridges between humanitarian, development work UN News Centre 23 May 2013 -- Civilians in Sudan are paying the biggest price in the war between the Government and rebels, the United Nations humanitarian chief reiterated today as she wrapped up a visit to the country urging more sustainable support for displaced populations, many of whom have been living in camps for a decade.
• UN official encourages Kyrgyzstan to tackle causes of 2010 inter-communal violence UN News Centre 23 May 2013 -- A senior United Nations official has encouraged Kyrgyzstan's efforts to address the causes of the inter-communal violence that erupted in 2010, while stressing that they must be fully in line with human rights standards.
• Helping displaced children in rebel-held parts of Kachin IRIN 23 May 2013 -- Children's laughter rings out from bamboo huts along the perimeter of the Lana Zup Ja camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in a part of Myanmar's Kachin State controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA): A group of pre-schoolers are playing in a plywood hut, seemingly oblivious to the squalid conditions surrounding them.
• In Mideast, Kerry Looks to Jump-Start Peace Talks VOA 23 May 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met separately Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as part of Obama administration efforts to jump-start peace talks.
• UN, World Bank Say Development is Key to Congo Peace VOA 23 May 2013 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been visiting the war-weary city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accompanied by the president of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim. Both men stressed they see investing in development as the way out of Congo's conflicts.

News Reports

• Banned Rafsanjani Blasts Iran's Leadership RFE/RL 23 May 2013 -- Iran's former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, has taken a parting shot at the country's leadership days after he was disqualified from running in the upcoming presidential election.
• Terror Suspects Were Known to British Police VOA 23 May 2013 -- Senior British officials say the two men detained for the gruesome murder of an off-duty British soldier on a London street had been identified earlier by security teams investigating suspected Islamist extremists.
• British soldier beheaded in machete attack in London Iran Press TV 23 May 2013 -- British police have been investigating a murderous attack near a London barracks on Wednesday as a possible act of terror, local media reported.
• Cameron Says U.K. Remains 'Resolute' Following Street Murder RFE/RL 23 May 2013 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron says his country will remain 'resolute' in its stand against extremism and terrorism after the horrific killing of a British soldier in London.
• 'Britons of African Origin' Kill Soldier in London VOA 23 May 2013 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron has described the killing of a British soldier in broad daylight on a London street as an 'attack on Britain' and a 'betrayal of Islam'. The attackers - who said they were taking revenge for the killing of Muslims - are thought to be British citizens of African origin.
• FBI arrests man in ricin letter case in Washington Iran Press TV 23 May 2013 -- The FBI has arrested a man charged with mailing a letter containing the deadly toxin ricin to a judge in Washington, authorities say.
• Russian Intelligence Agency Warns of Rise in Terror Threat RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, expects the Taliban influence in Afghanistan to grow after international coalition forces are pulled out, while rising radicalism in Syria could lead to the country's disintegration, the GRU chief said on Thursday.
• Suicide Bombers Attack Niger Military Barracks, Uranium Mine VOA 23 May 2013 -- Niger's government said at least 20 soldiers and five suicide bombers were killed Thursday in attacks on a military base in the north-central town of Agadez and a French-owned uranium mine further north in Arlit.
• Saudi Arabia detains Shia cleric for espionage: Report Iran Press TV 23 May 2013 -- Saudi security forces have arrested another Shia Muslim cleric in the country on charges of espionage for Iran.
• Iranian Foreign Ministry dismisses Bahraini spy drone allegations Iran Press TV 23 May 2013 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry has dismissed a claim by the Bahraini officials about spotting an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the country's airspace.
• King Edward VIII calls tapped by MI5 in abdication crisis Iran Press TV 23 May 2013 -- Secret documents have revealed Britain's intelligence service MI5 has tapped King Edward VIII's phone calls at the height of 1936 abdication crisis, indicating an extraordinary breakdown of trust between the monarch and his ministers.
• Russia to Launch South Korean Satellite in August RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- A Russian rocket will launch South Korea's latest multipurpose Arirang-5 satellite on August 22, Seoul's science ministry said on Thursday.
• Russian Spacecraft Manufacturer to Make 4 Launches in 2014 RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- Russia's Energia Rocket and Space Corporation will make four launches next year from the Pacific Ocean-based Odyssey platform under the Sea Launch program, corporation president Vitaly Lopota said on Thursday.
• Space Telescopes Capture Rare Birth of Mega-Galaxy RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- US researchers have captured rare images of the creation of a massive galaxy about 10 times the size of the Milky Way that was formed when two young galaxies collided 11 billion years ago, a study published this week says.
• Lithuania Detains Alleged Russian Arms Dealer on US Request RIA Novosti 23 May 2013 -- The Lithuanian security services have arrested a Russian national at the request of the US Justice Department, which suspects him of smuggling export-restricted military equipment, the Delfi news portal reported on Thursday.