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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 31 Mar 2014 [PDF]

Defense Policy / Programs

• First ever 'Tonnerre Lightning' refining language of war AFNS 31 Mar 2014 -- British, French, and U.S. Airmen wrapped up the inaugural exercise Tonnerre Lightning 14-1 here and other operating locations March 28.
• Military Officials Testify on Sequestration, Readiness AFPS 31 Mar 2014 -- Sequestration would degrade military readiness, senior military officials recently told a Senate panel.
• Alaska Guard, Agencies Test Emergency Response Capabilities AFPS 31 Mar 2014 -- More than 1,100 Air and Army National Guard members from Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Minnesota, North Dakota and Utah are taking part in exercise Alaska Shield 2014 across the state.
• Hagel Orders Overhaul of POW/MIA Identification Agencies AFPS 31 Mar 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today that he's ordered an overhaul of the Pentagon agencies responsible for recovering and identifying the remains of America's war dead.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Hagel in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 31 Mar 2014 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Meeting with Portuguese Minister of Defense Pedro Aguiar-Branco DoD 31 Mar 2014
• Navy Adds Additional Screening Measures at Mid-Atlantic Installations NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic has directed additional screening of all delivery drivers presenting the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to gain entry to bases within its claimancy.
• USS Anchorage Completes AMW Certifications, Arrives in Pearl Harbor NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), along with the embarked Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force, ASEAN, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, arrived in Pearl Harbor March 28.
• USS Constitution Begins Final Summer Pierside Prior to Dry Docking NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- USS Constitution and her crew are scheduled to shift to summer hours of operation, April 1.
• Bonhomme Richard Hosts ROK Defense Minister NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- Republic of Korea (ROK) minister of national defense visited the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 31.
• Plans Finalized for USNS Spearhead's Deployment to 4th Fleet AOR NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- Service members and civilians involved in the scheduled deployment of the joint high speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) this summer to the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations met March 25 and March 26 here to finalize plans for the mission.
• 'Fighting Tigers' Help to Build Home for Salvadoran Family NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- Seven Sailors from Patrol Squadron 8 - the Fighting Tigers - at Cooperative Security Location Comalapa spent March 29 helping to build a home here for a Salvadoran family.
• Military Commissions Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Khalid Shaikh Mohammad et. al. DoD 31 Mar 2014 -- The Department of Defense and the Office of Military Commissions will allocate seats for news media aboard military chartered aircraft for travel from Andrews Air Force Base to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on April 12 to cover military commission proceedings scheduled for April 14 - 17 in the case of United States v. Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin 'Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abdul Aziz Ali and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. Return travel is planned for April 18.
• Dempsey, Gantz Look to Countering Mideast Threats AFPS 31 Mar 2014 -- Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Israel's chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz have met in Jerusalem to discuss countering long term threats to the region and ways to turn them into opportunities.
• Dempsey Sees Possibility of New Alliances in Mideast AFPS 31 Mar 2014 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says he sees the possibility of new alliances emerging in the Middle East, springing from the on-going instability across much of the region.
• Intelligence building workshop an indication of interoperability during African Lion 14 USMC News 31 Mar 2014 -- During African Lion 14, the Intelligence Capacity Building Workshop was a small but significant example of multilateral cooperation and international partnerships to bolster partner-military capability and intelligence capacity across broad, professional domains.
• 2nd Supply Bn. bonds with Norwegians, international forces during Cold Response 2014 USMC News 31 Mar 2014 -- Rain turned to snow as temperatures dropped below freezing and service members from different nations came together to train for arctic operations during Cold Response 2014.
• 11th MEU leaps another hurdle on predeployment track USMC News 31 Mar 2014 -- The Marines and sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed two weeks of land-based predeployment training at Fort Hunter Liggett and nearby Camp Roberts, Calif., March 28.
• US, Moroccan military personnel refine escalation-of-force tactics during African Lion 14 USMC News 31 Mar 2014 -- Royal Moroccan Armed Forces soldiers and a joint-contingent of U.S. military police personnel, including U.S. Marines from 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, U.S. soldiers and airmen, shared tactics and techniques for nonlethal weapons enforcement and escalation-of-force operations during African Lion 14 in Tifnit Training Area, Morocco.
• DESRON 26 Ships begin Joint Warrior 14-1 NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- Ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 participating in the multinational exercise Joint Warrior 14-1 departed Faslane, United Kingdom, March 30 after a scheduled port visit.
• P-8 Poseidon Aircraft Performs First Missions in Korea during Exercise Foal Eagle 2014 NNS 31 Mar 2014 -- The U.S. Navy's P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft conducted its first training missions in the Republic of Korea (ROK) March 27-31 in support of exercise Foal Eagle 2014.
• Ukraine crisis tops agenda at two-day NATO Foreign Ministers talks NATO 31 Mar 2014 -- NATO's support to Ukraine and the Alliance's review of its relations with Russia in the wake of the Ukraine crisis will top the agenda at a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers which starts on Tuesday (1 April 2014). Foreign ministers will also discuss NATO's relations with Georgia, the situation in Afghanistan, the Alliance's cooperation with its Gulf partners, and the preparations for NATO's Wales Summit in September.
• NATO to hold military exercises in Lithuania VoR 31 Mar 2014 -- NATO Air Force maneuvres with the participation of warplanes of Lithuania, the United States, as well as the alliance's partner - Sweden, will be held in Lithuania over the next two days. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry reported on Monday that the air maneuvres would be launched on April 1.
• Warships of six states start exercise in South China Sea - Pacific Fleet VoR 31 Mar 2014 -- Warships of Russia, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Australia and the Philippines are engaged in the first stage of the Komodo 2014 multilateral exercises in the South China Sea, Russian Pacific Fleet spokesman Capt. 1st Rank Roman Martov said on Monday.
• Russia in S-400 talks with China, but early to say about concrete deal VoR 31 Mar 2014 -- Russia and China are negotiating possible delivery of air defense missile systems S-400 Triumf to China, but it is early to say about deadlines for launching delivery and its amount, Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Alexander Fomin said on Monday.
• Daily Press Briefing by the Press Secretary Jay Carney, 3/31/14 The White House 31 Mar 2014
• March 31, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 31, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 31 March 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Mar 2014
• North, South Korea Trade Fire Across Maritime Border VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- North Korea has fired artillery shells into South Korean waters, apparently in reaction to military exercises being conducted between the U.S. and South Korea.
• N Korea's new nuclear test will not be left without response — S Korean FM VoR 31 Mar 2014 -- North Korea's possible new nuclear test will not be left without response, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se warned on Monday. 'Whether North Korea will conduct a nuclear test ultimately depends on (the decision of) the North's leadership, but their choice will largely determine the future of North Korea,' the minister said. 'If North Korea carries out a nuclear test, (it) will certainly have to pay severe costs,' the South Korean foreign minister said.
• China Calls for Calm After Koreas Fire Artillery into Ocean VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- China is calling for calm in the Korean Peninsula after North Korea fired artillery near the South's maritime border, and Seoul responded by firing back.
• North, South Korea Trade Artillery Fire Across Maritime Border VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- North Korea has fired artillery shells into South Korean waters, apparently in reaction to military exercises being conducted between the U.S. and South Korea.
• Two Koreas trade fire across maritime border - military VoR 31 Mar 2014 -- North and South Korea traded fire across their disputed maritime border on Monday, with the South's military saying it had responded to shells landing in its waters from a North live-fire drill.
• N Korea to carry out live-fire drills: Seoul Iran Press TV 31 Mar 2014 -- North Korea has announced that it is ready to carry out live-fire drills near its disputed border with South Korea, Seoul says.
• US Considering Releasing Israeli Spy to Boost Mideast Peace Talks VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- The United States is talking with Israel about releasing a convicted Israeli spy as part of efforts to extend Mideast peace talks beyond the end of April. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry meets again with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday morning, as the Palestinians threaten to quit the peace process unless Israel releases more prisoners.
• Kerry in Israel for Talks on Prisoner Release, Extending Peace Talks VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has met in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid reports the U.S. may release Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard as part of a wider package to resuscitate Mideast peace talks.
• US urges China to avoid provocative actions in South China Sea Iran Press TV 31 Mar 2014 -- The United States has called on China to "refrain from provocative actions in the South China Sea" after two Chinese coastguard ships reportedly tried to block a Philippine vessel in the tense sea last week.
• Central African Republic: amid rising violence, Ban says perpetrators will be held accountable UN News Centre 31 Mar 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced concern at the latest upsurge in violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), and reminded all those involved that they will be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice.
• Feature: Drawing down – the end of UN Peace Operations in Sierra Leone UN News Centre 31 Mar 2014 -- Our two white UN vehicles are carefully moving down the dusty and bumpy road between Kenema and Koindu in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. We pass dozens of burnt, abandoned ruins of what were once sturdy brick and stone homes, some with hundreds of bullet holes in their walls – eerie remnants of Sierra Leone's brutal civil war that started in this very spot. About 1,200 of the former warlord Charles Taylor's rebels launched their devastating campaign here, leading to years of fighting that killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 2 million people (about a third of the population), disrupting nearly every national institution.
• In wake of attacks, Ban urges Myanmar to ensure safety of humanitarian workers, property UN News Centre 31 Mar 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Government of Myanmar to ensure the safety and security of all staff members and their property in the wake of recent attacks against the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Rakhine state.
• Saving more lives requires abandoning broken, reactive approach to aid – UN UN News Centre 31 Mar 2014 -- Relief aid should anticipate and prevent – not just react and treat, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) declares today in a new report that challenges humanitarian and development actors to change the way they operate, and aims to kick-start an urgent global dialogue on preventing crises through effective risk management.
• Syrian forces retake strategic position in Latakia Iran Press TV 31 Mar 2014 -- Syrian government forces have taken full control of a strategic position in Latakia Province, the latest of the army's recent achievements against the foreign-backed militants.
• Growing up in war - the DRC's child soldiers IRIN 31 Mar 2014 -- When he was seven Dikembe Muamba* became a soldier on the orders of his uncle, a chief in the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) North Kivu Province.
• Putin Demands Measures To Lift Transdniester 'Blockade' RFE/RL 31 Mar 2014 -- The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a telephone conversation on March 31 that measures were needed to remove the 'blockade' on Moldova's breakaway Transdniester region.
• UN relief officials arrive in South Sudan amid 'alarming' spread of hunger, displacement UN News Centre 31 Mar 2014 -- Senior United Nations relief officials began a visit to South Sudan today to meet conflict-affected people and to review the ongoing response and needs amid a spiralling humanitarian crisis in the world's youngest nation.

News Reports

• Russia premier promises to pour funds into Crimea Iran Press TV 31 Mar 2014 -- The Russian prime minister has vowed to rapidly pour funds into the newly-joined Crimea region in order to improve the social and economic situation of its people.
• Russia withdraws battalion from near Ukraine border Iran Press TV 31 Mar 2014 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has announced that it is withdrawing a battalion from a region on the border with Ukraine.
• Russia withdrawing from Ukraine border: Defense Min. Iran Press TV 31 Mar 2014 -- Ukrainian Defense Ministry says Russian forces have begun their gradual withdrawal from Ukraine's border.
• Russia Announces Partial Troop Withdrawal From Near Ukraine Border RFE/RL 31 Mar 2014 -- Russia has announced it is withdrawing some troops from along Ukraine's eastern border. The German government said Russian President Vladimir Putin told Chancellor Angela Merkel about the partial withdrawal in a telephone call.
• Russia Appears to Pull Some Troops from Ukraine Border VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- Russia is withdrawing a motorized infantry battalion from a region near Ukraine's eastern border, the Russian Defense Ministry was quoted as saying by state news agencies on Monday.
• On EU Visit, Chinese President Caught in Ukraine Dilemma VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- China's President Xi Jinping is wrapping up a week-long tour of Europe aimed at fostering better economic ties with its number one trading partner.
• Kyiv Denounces Medvedev's Crimea Visit As 'Crude Violation' RFE/RL 31 Mar 2014 -- Ukraine has denounced a visit by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to Crimea, describing it as a 'crude violation of the rules of international behavior.'
• Medvedev Announces Sweeping Crimea Development Plan RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2014 -- Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Crimea on Monday to announce an ambitious plan aimed at meeting the needs of the peninsula's citizens, just 10 days after its reunification with Russia.
• Russia Developing Security Plan for Crimea – Defense Minister RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2014 -- The Russian military is drafting a security plan for Crimea through 2020 in an effort to ensure the work of Russian servicemen in the former Ukrainian region, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.
• No Plans for Russia-Ukraine Diplomatic Meeting – Moscow RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2014 -- No meetings are currently scheduled between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministries, a senior Russian diplomat said Monday.
• Russia Ready to Resolve Crimea Property Issues With Ukraine RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2014 -- Moscow is prepared to resolve property disputes with Ukraine surrounding the termination of bilateral agreements on the basing of the Black Sea Fleet, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said on Monday.
• Ukraine's recruiting foreigners to restore order may be attempt to suppress civil protest - Moscow VoR 31 Mar 2014 -- Media reports claiming that the Ukrainian leadership wants to recruit personnel from private foreign military companies 'in order to maintain law and order' may suggest that the Kiev regime wants to suppress civil protest and discontent, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. 'Anyway, one can state that in the absence of support from the Ukrainian population, the Maidan government has only one option if it wants to remain in power - to mobilize any support possible from foreign sponsors, including foreign mercenaries,' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary.
• Council of Europe Initiative to Exclude Russia 'Provocation' – Duma RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2014 -- A proposal to withdraw Russia's voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is a provocation, a spokesman for the Russian parliament said Monday.
• Kerry, Lavrov Hold 'Frank' Talks On Ukraine RFE/RL 31 Mar 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has held four hours of what he described as frank talks in Paris with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the crisis in Ukraine.
• Musharraf Pleads Not Guilty on Treason Charges VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- A special court in Pakistan on Monday indicted former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on five counts of high treason.
• Turkey's Main Opposition to Reject Election Result VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- Turkey's main opposition CHP party said on Monday it would appeal against municipal election results in the capital Ankara where it suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party (AKP) on Sunday.
• Smartcard plan to attack Egypt's fuel crisis IRIN 31 Mar 2014 -- Fuel subsidies in Egypt account for 22 percent of the state's annual budget, taking funds away from other sectors like health and education. The government believes an ambitious five-year scheme, starting with a fuel smartcard roll-out, will reduce and rationalize fuel consumption, circumvent widespread corruption and phase out fuel subsidies.
• Deadly Ebola Virus Sparks Fears in West Africa VOA 31 Mar 2014 -- West Africans are growing more apprehensive as the region's first-ever Ebola outbreak spreads. Guinea's president and other leaders are urging people to remain calm, but people across the region say they are scared.
• Russian Resupply Vehicle to Blast Off for Space Station Voyage RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2014 -- A Russian unmanned Progress resupply spacecraft is readying for an April 9 launch from the Baikonur space center to deliver essential cargo to the International Space Station, the Russian space agency Roscosmos has said.