• 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 22 May 2014 [PDF]
• Afghan Run-Off Campaigns Kick Off in Kabul VOA 22 May 2014 -- The two top vote-getters in the first round of Afghanistan's presidential election have begun campaigning for the June 14 runoff, which Taliban insurgents have again pledged to disrupt.
• Success of Elections Shows Taliban Losing the Afghan People AFPS 22 May 2014 -- The Afghan Taliban's ability to reach a peace agreement with the government in Kabul will continue to erode over time, especially after April's elections in which Afghans demonstrated they were not going to be intimidated by threats from the militants to boycott the vote, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
• Pakistan army launches another attack in N Waziristan Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- The Pakistani armed forces have launched a second day of military action against pro-Taliban militants in the country's tribal areas, officials say.
• Pakistan Military Denies Reports of New Offensive VOA 22 May 2014 -- The Pakistani military is denying reports it has begun a new ground offensive targeting militants in the country's northwest.
• DOD Sends UAV, 80 Airmen to Help Nigerian Search AFPS 22 May 2014 -- The Defense Department's addition of an unmanned aerial vehicle and 80 Air Force troops to U.S. efforts supporting Nigeria's search for over 200 missing schoolgirls has turned the mission into an air operation, Army Col. Steve Warren, director of Pentagon Press Operations, said today.
• US Drone Flying from Chad in Search for Missing Nigerian Girls VOA 22 May 2014 -- One day after being deployed, members of the U.S. Air Force are in Chad, flying a Predator drone to aid in the search for the more than 250 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Southcom Chief Meets With Brazilian Defense Officials AFPS 22 May 2014 -- Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, today concluded a three-day trip to Brazil after meeting with that nation's top defense officials.
• Transcript: Secretary Of Defense Chuck Hagel Is Interviewed On PBS's "Charlie Rose Show" DoD 22 May 2014 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
• Military Uses Remotely Piloted Aircraft Ethically AFPS 22 May 2014 -- Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey bristles when he hears someone use the word drone.
• VMAT-203 flies to Beaufort for training USMC News 22 May 2014 -- Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 detached from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. for training aboard MCAS Beaufort, May 9 through May 22.
• AAV splash: Marines return to amphibious roots USMC News 22 May 2014 -- Nine assault amphibious vehicles and their crews of Marines sped, one by one, down the ramp of a Maritime Prepositioning Force ship May 15 and into the Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island slipway adjacent to the St. John's River, Jacksonville, Florida, testing the operational capabilities of the AAVs.
• USS Vella Gulf to Enter Black Sea NNS 22 May 2014 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) will enter the Black Sea Friday, May 23, to promote peace and stability in the region.
• USecAF touts Air Force capabilities at 30th Space Symposium AFNS 22 May 2014 -- At an annual gathering of civil, military and industry professionals from across the globe, Under Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning emphasized Air Force contributions through space and cyberspace.
• Airmen showcase air drop skills over Baltics AFNS 22 May 2014 -- Over a four-day span, May 17 through 21, a five-man team from Ramstein assisted in air drops of more than 350 personnel into Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
• B-1B crews validate Ellsworth's long-range strike capability AFNS 22 May 2014 -- Two B-1B Lancer aircrews flew a 30-hour, non-stop, long-range precision strike training mission from Ellsworth to strike targets on a range near Guam before landing back on base as part of a Global Power training mission, May 13 and 14.
• Navy, Air Force Team Up in Asia-Pacific Region AFPS 22 May 2014 -- The Navy and the Air Force are collaborating as part of the Defense Department's rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert said here yesterday.
• VMAQT-1 returns from NAS Key West USMC News 22 May 2014 -- More than 140 Marines with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 returned to Cherry Point May 19 after supporting a training exercise in Key West, Fla.
• Black Daggers take to sky, jump over Cherry Point USMC News 22 May 2014 -- The Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, also known as the Black Daggers, came to show how they represent their stars and stripes during the 2014 MCAS Cherry Point Air Show May 16-18.
• GW Conducts a 'Booming' Replenishment NNS 22 May 2014 -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducted an at-sea ammunition on-load in preparation for its 2014 patrol, May 21-22.
• Blue Ridge Concludes Visit with Malaysian Allies NNS 22 May 2014 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) along with embarked 7th Fleet staff, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 and Marines from Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific departed West Port following a four-day visit, May 22.
• EODMU 8 Concludes Participation in Open Spirit 2014 NNS 22 May 2014 -- Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EODMU 8), Platoon 802 wrapped up their participation in exercise Open Spirit 2014, May 22.
• TR Launches Missiles During Combat System Ship Qualification Trial NNS 22 May 2014 -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) successfully engaged incoming aerial threats with its NATO Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) system during a Combat System Ship Qualification Trial (CSSQT), May 21.
• NATO Secretary General reaction to reports of Russian troop movements NATO 22 May 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made the following comment to the press in Montenegro on Thursday (22 May 2014) regarding reports on Russian troop movements:
• NATO Secretary General welcomes Montenegro's achievements, encourages further reforms NATO 22 May 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Thursday (22 May 2014) welcomed the achievements Montenegro has made in implementing key reforms to meet NATO standards. The Secretary General encouraged Montenegro to continue those reforms. "NATO is committed to the future of the Western Balkans as a natural part of the Euro-Atlantic family. So I look forward to seeing Montenegro join the Euro-Atlantic family as soon as you are ready," he said.
• No Plans to Export Russian Alligator Attack Helicopters Before 2016 – Arms Exporter RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- Talks with foreign partners to purchase Russia's Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters will begin in earnest in 2016 or 2017, a representative of Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Thursday.
• Russia Sees End to Cooperation With US on Helicopter Supplies RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- Russia sees no future prospects for cooperating with the United States in delivering additional Mi-17V-5 helicopters to Afghanistan, a representative of state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Thursday.
• Russian's Air Force to Receive New Generation Long-Range Bomber in 2023 RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The Russian Air Force will start receiving its first PAK DA next generation long-range bomber in 2023, Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said Thursday.
• Xi: Asian nations voice capacity of taking lead in solving Asian affairs People's Daily 22 May 2014 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that if Asian countries speak with a common voice, they have the capacity to solve Asian problems themselves.
• Iran defense system non-negotiable: Official Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- Iran will not allow six world powers to raise the issue of the Iranian defense systems during the course of nuclear negotiations, says a senior diplomat.
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney en route Cooperstown, NY, 5/22/2014 The White House 22 May 2014
• May 22, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 22 May 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 22, 2014
• Russia, China May Modernize Mi-26 Helicopter RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- Russia and China may develop a new modified version of the Mi-26 Halo heavy-lift helicopter, Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev told journalists at the HeliRussia exhibition in Moscow.

Other Conflicts

• 22 May 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 May 2014
• N Korea fires shells, misses S Korea warship in disputed waters VoR 22 May 2014 -- North Korea on Thursday fired shells into disputed waters near a South Korean warship on patrol south of the Yellow Sea border, South Korea's defense ministry said.
• North Korea fires shells near South Korea's warship: Seoul Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- South Korea says North Korea has fired shells near a warship that was patrolling south of the disputed Yellow Sea border, as tensions flare up on the Korean Peninsula.
• Russia, China block Security Council referral of Syria to International Criminal Court UN News Centre 22 May 2014 -- Despite repeated appeals by senior United Nations officials for accountability for crimes being committed in Syria, the Security Council was unable today to adopt a resolution that would have referred the situation in the war-torn nation to the International Criminal Court (ICC), due to vetoes by permanent members Russia and China.
• Russia, China Veto UN Resolution Referring Alleged Syria Abuses to ICC VOA 22 May 2014 -- Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Thursday that would have referred grave human rights abuses in Syria for investigation to the International Criminal Court at The Hague.
• Destruction of Syria's Chemical Weapons Almost Complete VOA 22 May 2014 -- Syria has destroyed the vast majority of its chemical weapons arsenal as mandated by an international agreement.
• UN Blacklists Nigerian Militant Group Boko Haram VOA 22 May 2014 -- The U.N. Security Council, acting at the request of Nigeria, on Thursday imposed sanctions on Boko Haram in a bid to cut off funding and weapons to the extremist group.
• Cameroon, Chad Team Up to Combat Boko Haram VOA 22 May 2014 -- The presidents of Cameroon and Chad met Thursday to map out ways to combat the Islamist group Boko Haram, which has extended its violence from Nigeria to its neighbors. Presidents Paul Biya and Idriss Deby were also to examine security reports that some weapons used by Boko Haram came from Libya through Chad.
• Despite progress, Somalia nearing 'danger zone' in critical areas, warns UN envoy UN News Centre 22 May 2014 -- While Somalia has made political, economic and security progress in the last 12 months, the country is approaching a "danger zone" in a number of areas, the top United Nations official warned today.
• Biden Offers Help To Reunify Cyprus, Lauds Energy Potential RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden says Washington is willing to help the ethnically divided island of Cyprus unify, while also praising the country's energy possibilities.

News Reports

• Ukraine: amid fresh violence in country's east, Ban appeals for calm ahead of elections UN News Centre 22 May 2014 -- As violence continues to roil eastern Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated today his appeals to all parties ahead of Sunday's scheduled presidential elections to redouble their efforts to help create the conditions that will allow voters across the crisis-torn country to safely cast their ballots.
• At Least 14 Soldiers Killed In Attacks In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Acting Ukrainian President OIeksandr Turchynov says 13 soldiers were killed in an overnight attack by separatists forces in the Donetsk region.
• Pro-Russia protesters seize four mines in Ukraine Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian protesters have seized four coal mines in the east Ukrainian region of Lugansk.
• Amid Chaos: How Will Eastern Ukrainians Manage To Vote? RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Kidnappings, gunfights, and separatist unrest in the industrial east. So how will Ukraine be able to pull off a landmark presidential election in these conditions?
• Kyiv Calls For UN Security Council Meeting Amid Deadly Violence RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after at least nine members of Ukraine's security forces were killed in clashes with pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
• Russia Says Kiev Ignoring Geneva Agreements, OSCE Roadmap RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- Kiev is not abiding by the Geneva agreement and continues to step up its security operation against peaceful citizens in eastern Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Thursday.
• Moscow Concerned About Lack of OSCE Response on Odessa Tragedy Inquiry RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has not yet reacted to Moscow's call for the Kiev authorities to ensure an impartial investigation into the Odessa tragedy of May 2, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Thursday.
• Thousands of Ukrainian Soldiers Stationed Near Luhansk – LNR Official RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- Over 6,000 troops under the control of the Kiev authorities are stationed near the country's eastern city of Luhansk, though they are demoralized and calling for negotiations, the Head of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) Valery Bolotov said Thursday.
• Ukrainian Army Still Gathering Forces Near Slaviansk, Assault Imminent – Self-Defense Forces RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian army continues to gather forces near Slaviansk and is evidently planning to storm the city, leader of the Slaviansk self-defense forces Igor Strelkov told RIA Novosti Thursday.
• Luhansk People's Republic to Announce Full Mobilization RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic will declare a general mobilization of men aged 18 to 45, Head of the Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) Valery Bolotov said Thursday.
• New Armed Clashes Erupt in Luhansk People's Republic RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The self-defense forces said Thursday armed clashes have occurred with Ukrainian troops in the outskirts of the Luhansk.
• Pro-Russia Rebels Kill 14 Ukraine Troops as Crucial Poll Nears VOA 22 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting president says 13 service members were killed when pro-Russian separatists attacked a military checkpoint in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.
• Donetsk lawmakers decide against holding presidential poll on May 25 VoR 22 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic will not take part in Ukraine's snap presidential election scheduled for May 25, Vladimir Makovich, a deputy chairman of the presidium of the Donetsk republic's Supreme Council said on Thursday, according to Itar-Tass.
• Lugansk regional council chief calls for end to punitive operation VoR 22 May 2014 -- Chairman of the Lugansk regional council Valeriy Holenko has asked the country's government to stop the punitive operation in the eastern regions.
• Russia vows vengeance against US sanctions Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- Russia has vowed to retaliate against "unfounded" US sanctions slapped on 12 Russians for alleged human rights abuses, amid growing tensions between Washington and Moscow over Ukraine.
• The Costs Of Russia's Ukraine 'Victory' RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Russia's aggressive policies in Ukraine since the fall of 2013 have resulted in some remarkable gains for Moscow.
• Russian Capital Flight Increases As East-West Crisis Deepens RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Nobody knows for sure how much capital is leaving Russia amid Moscow's crisis with the West over Ukraine. But by any measure, it is large enough to set off alarms that if it continues it could seriously slow the country's economic growth..
• What You Need To Know About Russia And China's Gas Deal RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Russia and China have agreed to a 30-year natural-gas deal that will supply 38 billion cubic meters of gas annually to the world's most populous country, according to Gazprom. Here is what is known about the deal.
• Western CEOs Quit Russian Business Forum Over Ukraine Crisis RFE/RL 22 May 2014 --In a demonstration against Russia?s annexation of Crimea and Moscow?s role in the Ukrainian crisis, the leaders of dozens of major international companies have cancelled their attendance at a three-day international business forum that opens in St. Petersburg on May 22.
• Army Stages Coup in Thailand, Suspends Constitution VOA 22 May 2014 -- Thailand's military coup leaders suspended the nation's constitution and ordered the country's acting prime minister and cabinet to report to the army on Thursday, two days after the army chief imposed martial law.
• Thai army suspends constitution, issues curfew: Coup leaders Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- Thailand's military coup leaders say the national constitution has been suspended and a night-time curfew is now in place across the country.
• Thailand military seizes power: Army chief Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- Thailand's army chief says the armed forces have seized power, saying the act was necessary to restore stability after six months of political deadlock and turmoil.
• US, World Leaders Voice Concerns Over Human Rights in Thai Coup VOA 22 May 2014 -- World leaders expressed concerns about human rights and basic freedoms of the Thai people after the country's military seized power in a coup on Thursday.
• Thai military tells radio, TV to suspend normal programs VoR 22 May 2014 -- Thailand's army told all television and radio stations in the country to halt normal programs on Thursday and only broadcast army material.
• Ban calls for return to civilian order in Thailand after military seizes government UN News Centre 22 May 2014 -- Appealing for "a prompt return to civilian order" in Thailand, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed serious concern about the military takeover in the country today and urged all parties to respect human rights and refrain from violence.
• US House Passes Bill to Curb NSA's Collection of Phone Records VOA 22 May 2014 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to curb the National Security Agency's bulk collection of Americans' phone records. Supporters say the USA Freedom Act strikes a balance between protecting privacy and safeguarding national security. Critics say the legislation's reforms have been "watered down."
• U.S. spying, including on Chinese telco, seeks economic edge: NYT People's Daily 22 May 2014 -- U.S. media revealed Wednesday the U.S. government routinely spies on foreign companies to seek economic advantage.
• White House Authorized NSA Spying on OSCE – Report RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The US National Security Agency has been spying on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) by authority of the White House, Austrian newspaper Die Presse reported Thursday, citing a German journalist acquainted with documents released by Edward Snowden.
• US House passes bill curbing NSA bulk collection of phone data VoR 22 May 2014 -- The US House of Representatives passed landmark reforms Thursday curbing bulk collection of Americans' telephone records, the first step toward restricting NSA intelligence-gathering since Edward Snowden divulged the secret program last year.
• Russia, India sign deal to build two units of Kudankulam NPP VoR 22 May 2014 -- Russia and India have signed a general framework agreement to build the third and fourth units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, Rosatom director-general has said, according to Itar-Tass.
• Russian engines a costly loss for US: Study Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- A new Pentagon study indicates that losing access to Russian-manufactured rocket engines could cost the US military's space program up to $5 billion.