TODAY'S TOP 5
1. White House Cites Lack of Iron Dome Funding in Supplemental Veto Threat
(Defense News) The White House said Wednesday that it "strongly opposes" a Republican-crafted emergency spending bill, in part because it contains no funds for an Israeli missile defense system.
2. GAO: Littoral Combat Ship Too Fat
(Roll Call) Moving from the construction phase into testing, it turns out the littoral combat ship has gotten too heavy, and that has slowed it down, according to the Government Accountability Office.
3. The Future of America's All-Volunteer Force
(Army Lt. Col. Paul Darling in Cicero Magazine) For the sake of our military and the Republic it defends, we must cultivate a societal and organizational shift that sees military service not as the noble obligation of the few, but as an opportunity for the many
4. Chinese and Russian Radars On Track To See Through U.S. Stealth
(USNI News) A growing trend in Russian and Chinese radar could make U.S. stealth fighters easier to see and - more importantly - easier to target for potential adversaries, a former senior U.S. Navy official told USNI News.
5. Report: No chance for 8 airmen to respond in 2011 green-on-blue attack
(Air Force Times) Eight airmen and one U.S. contractor who were murdered by an Afghan colonel in 2011 never had a chance to fire back at their attacker, the final investigation into the incident concluded.
ISRAELI GROUND OPERATIONS IN GAZA
Israel calls up further 16,000 reserves for Gaza conflict
(USA Today) Israel's military is calling up a further 16,000 reserves, in a move that may signal a widening of its offensive in Gaza.
Gaza's Network Of Tunnels Is A Major Hole In Israel's Defenses
(National Public Radio) Israeli officials say the country's deadly ground offensive won't end until its soldiers destroy a vast network of Hamas tunnels the militants use to try to attack Jewish communities outside the Gaza Strip.
Obama takes tougher line against Gaza casualties
(Associated Press) The Obama administration condemned the deadly shelling of a United Nations school in Gaza Wednesday, using tough, yet carefully worded language that reflects growing White House irritation with Israel and the mounting civilian casualties stemming from its ground and air war against Hamas.
Despite concerns, US restocks Israel with ammunition
(Agence France-Presse) The United States confirmed it had restocked Israel's supplies of ammunition, hours after finally sharpening its tone to condemn an attack on a United Nations school in Gaza.
At Least 15 Killed in Israeli Strike on Gaza Market
(Voice of America) At least 15 Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military strike near a crowded market in Shejaia on Wednesday, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said. He said 160 people were also wounded.
Gaza: 5-Day-Old 'Miracle Baby' Shayma Born from Dead Mother Dies in Incubator
(International Business Times) "Miracle baby" Shayma, delivered from the womb of her dead mother, has died in an incubator in a hospital in Gaza.
Arab Leaders, Viewing Hamas as Worse Than Israel, Stay Silent
(New York Times) After the military ouster of the Islamist government in Cairo last year, Egypt has led a new coalition of Arab states - including Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - that has effectively lined up with Israel in its fight against Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip.
INDUSTRY
No Report Expected Just Yet on LCS Alternative
(Defense News) For those of you with July 31 marked on your calendars as a red-letter day in the US Navy's Small Surface Combatant (SSC) program - hold that thought.
Analyst: F-35C to Cost $337 Million Apiece in FY15
(DoDBuzz) A longtime defense analyst and critic of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program says taxpayers next year will pay between $148 million and $337 million per jet, depending on the model.
DARPA picks Rockwell Collins for optical fiber program
(C4ISR & Networks) Rockwell Collins has been selected for Phase III of DARPA's Mesodynamic Architectures program.
South Korean Joint Chiefs: Two Engines For KF-X
(Aviation Week) The South Korean armed forces have quashed an attempt by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to reduce the cost and technical challenge of the proposed KF-X fighter, with the joint chiefs of staff determining that the indigenous aircraft must have two engines.
Reapers to join UK's core equipment program
(C4ISR & Networks) The British Ministry of Defence has confirmed it is to take the Royal Air Force's fleet of 10 MQ-9 Reapers into its core equipment program following the end of combat operations in Afghanistan.
Iraq Seeks Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters
(Defense Industry Daily) The US DSCA announces an official export request from Iraq for a 5-year continuation of contractor logistics support for its Bell 407 (T-407 and IA-407), OH-58, and Huey II helicopters.
Tejas FOC delayed again, Indian defence minister admits
(IHS Jane's 360) The December 2014 deadline for India's long-delayed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk I to secure its final operational clearance (FOC) is being extended to March 2015, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told parliament on 18 July.
BAE Systems wins IAF ammunition contract
(IHS Jane's 360) The Indian Air Force (IAF) acquired 1.41 million rounds of 5.56 mm L15 NATO ammunition from BAE Systems for USD744, 400 in late June for the Israeli Tavor-21 assault rifles used by its Garud special forces.
VETERANS
VIDEO - The New Battleground: Veterans
(Defense One) It has been a landmark year for America's contentious relationship with its military veterans amid difficult revelations about how the country will care for its veterans in the years ahead. Record numbers of current and former troops are taking their own lives. The economy, too, has been particularly brutal on their prospects for work after the uniform. Their healthcare system, meanwhile, was revealed to be simultaneously corrupted and dangerously overburdened.
Groups sue VA over rules on PTSD claims for sexual trauma
(Military Times) Two advocacy groups are suing the Veterans Affairs Department for what they say are the department's discriminatory practices regarding compensation claims related to service-connected sexual assault.
VA proposes to punish 6 healthcare workers in Wyoming and Colorado
(Los Angeles Times) Hours after the Senate unanimously confirmed President Obama's choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday, the agency announced that it was proposing disciplinary action against six employees at VA healthcare facilities in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Fort Collins, Colo.
CONGRESS
House approves VA health care overhaul
(Stars & Stripes) The House overwhelmingly passed a $17 billion emergency bill Wednesday that brings comprehensive reform of the troubled Department of Veterans Affairs health care system one step closer to reality.
Inhofe pleads with GOP to file defense amendments now
(The Hill) Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member James Inhofe (R-Okla.) warned Republicans that if they don't file amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) now, they might not get a vote.
More senators seek military aid to Ukraine
(Associated Press) Democratic senators joined their Republican colleagues Wednesday in calling for some U.S. military aid to Ukraine after receiving a closed-door briefing from senior Obama administration officials.
Bill calls for Tricare to eliminate birth control co-pays
(Military Times) Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., introduced legislation on Wednesday that would require Tricare to provide birth control free-of-charge to beneficiaries at retail pharmacies and by mail.
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Pentagon: F-22 whistleblower inquiry to finish in Aug.
(Virginian-Pilot) More than two years after a Hampton-based F-22 pilot's career stalled when he and a colleague spoke out about life-threatening problems with the Air Force's newest fighter jet, Pentagon investigators say they'll complete their investigation of his treatment in August.
Three ways Middle East fighting threatens US national security
(Christian Science Monitor) Pentagon analysts are increasingly grappling with what this growing unrest means for US national security. Here are the top three ways the advance of the insurgent group the Islamic State in Iraq and violence in Gaza could endanger US national security.
Military Times honors 2014 Service Members of the Year
(Military Times) They've done extraordinary things in service to their country. But on Wednesday, a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman were recognized not just for their military exploits, but as "everyday heroes" who routinely go the extra mile for their fellow service members and their communities.
ARMY
Bergdahl to Meet Investigators on Why He Left Afghan Base
(ABC) Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl will be interviewed next week by military investigators about his 2009 disappearance from an Afghan army post that resulted in Bergdahl being captured by the Taliban.
Gray Eagle drone company unveiled at Fort Drum
(Watertown Daily Times) New drones will be making their way into the north country's skies, as a company flying MQ-1C Gray Eagle aircraft formally marked its launch.
New commander takes over Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg
(Fayetteville Observer) The U.S. military's most secretive command welcomed a new leader Tuesday.
NAVY
Report: Navy Yard response slowed by closed systems
(Navy Times) The man in the cubicle on the fourth floor of Building 197 at the Washington Navy Yard thought that someone had dropped a large safe on the floor.
Investigation into divers' deaths found series of failures
(Virginian-Pilot) An in-depth examination into the deaths of two Navy divers during a training accident last year could not pinpoint a singular cause for the drownings of Petty Officer 1st Class James Reyher and Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Harris.
Sailor's world-record attempt will benefit wounded warriors
(Navy Times) A sailor based in Washington state is looking to one-up a world record set by a Navy SEAL and raise money for wounded troops - all through the power of pullups.
Former Sealift Command official gets 8 years for bribes
(Virginian-Pilot) A former manager with the Navy's Military Sealift Command was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in federal prison for accepting bribes in exchange for steering government contracts to two Chesapeake companies.
Jesse Ventura vs. Chris Kyle: A case where no one won
(Washington Post) Jesse Ventura just walked away from a defamation lawsuit against late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle with $1.845 million. But the former Minnesota governor and WWE Hall of Famer is clearly walking away with some damage to his reputation as well.
Former sailor admits to pimping underage girl
(Virginian-Pilot) A former Navy sailor who kept an underage runaway HIV-positive girl in his barracks admitted in court today that he prostituted her here and in other states.
AIR FORCE
Top USAF Officials Defend F-35
(Defense News) Despite ongoing restrictions on the fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, the US Air Force's top general warned against being "alarmist" when discussing the fifth-generation jet's engine.
Air Force stands by A-10 retirement
(The Hill) The Secretary of the Air Force on Wednesday stood by her department's proposal to retire the A-10 fleet, arguing the United States has plenty of replacements available should the nation land in an armed conflict.
New US Air Force Strategy Emphasizes Closer Ties With Industry, Congress
(Defense News) The US Air Force is calling for closer ties to industry, better relations with Congress, and increased flexibility for both airmen and acquisitions - all part of a 30-year strategy document unveiled Wednesday.
Air Force chief: Stowaway on military plane raises security concerns
(McClatchy) U.S. military officials and German authorities are investigating a possible security breach after the body of a young man was found inside the right rear wheel well of a C-130 transport plane at Ramstein Air Base.
MARINE CORPS
Gold Star family blasts Marines' communication on insider attack case
(Marine Corps Times) An outraged Gold Star family has levied new accusations which contest information the Marine Corps released concerning events following a 2012 insider attack in Afghanistan.
Erin Corwin case featured on People Magazine cover
(Desert Sun; Palm Beach, Calif.) The story of missing Marine wife Erin Corwin made the cover of this week's People Magazine, set to hit newsstands Friday.
Paralyzed Marine thrown out of wheelchair, customized surfboards stolen
(KUSI-TV; San Diego) The following story is generating an outpouring of compassion and support across San Diego and around the world. It's the story of a paralyzed Marine, assaulted and thrown out of his wheelchair by two suspects who stole his customized surfboards in Oceanside.
IRAQ
Losing Iraq
(PBS Frontline) FRONTLINE examines the unfolding chaos in Iraq: What went wrong? How did we get here? And what happens now?
Islamic State video wages psychological war on Iraqi soldiers
(Reuters) Islamic State, the al Qaeda spin-off that seized wide swathes of Iraq almost unopposed last month, has released a video warning Iraqi soldiers who may still have some fight in them that they risk being rounded up en masse and executed.
Iraq focuses on swift delivery of Russian weaponry
(IHS Jane's 360) A TOR-1A Solntsepek multiple rocket launcher (MRL) has been observed being unloaded in Baghdad: a revelation that appears to reflect a wider effort by Iraq to rapidly acquire inexpensive, but comparatively indiscriminate weaponry to fight the Sunni militants who have taken control of much of the north and west of the country.
Dubai, European airlines divert flights over Iraq
(Associated Press) European airlines and a Dubai-based carrier are rerouting flights over Iraqi airspace as a security precaution amid fears that militants with the Islamic State group have weapons capable of shooting down planes, despite Iraq saying its skies are safe.
Shi'ite militia hangs up 15 executed Sunnis in Iraqi square
(Reuters) Iraqi Shi'ite militia forces executed 15 Sunni Muslims and then hung them from electricity poles in a public square in the town of Baquba, northeast of Baghdad, on Wednesday, police said.
After ISIS advance, Kurds win back important control over northern Iraq's oil
(Public Radio International) The border between Iraq and Iran is a dramatic landscape of cedars and parched grass. It looks and feels very isolated - but these days it's a bustling commercial route.
Razing of Mosul's shrines sparks first signs of resistance against Islamic State
(Washington Post) As al-Qaeda-inspired militants have reduced Mosul's ancient religious shrines to rubble in recent weeks, their support has also crumbled, with popular outrage producing the first signs of resistance in the Iraqi city.
AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN
Afghanistan to cost more than Marshall Plan, watchdog says
(Stars & Stripes) By the time its combat troops depart at the end of 2014, the United States will have appropriated more money trying to fix Afghanistan than it did on the Marshall Plan that helped Europe recover economically after World War II, according to an analysis by a government watchdog.
Afghanistan presidential vote audit to resume on Saturday
(Khaama Press) The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) said Wednesday that the vote audit for the presidential election will resume on Saturday.
Kerry urges Afghan presidential candidates to put power-sharing agreement to work
(Washington Post) Secretary of State John F. Kerry appealed to both candidates in Afghanistan's disputed presidential election to translate the broad power-sharing agreement they reached with him early this month into a working relationship they can carry into a new government, "whoever wins."
Burying the Taliban
(Foreign Policy) In a hillside cemetery in southern Kabul, gravediggers lay unknown militants to rest.
Pakistan offensive disrupting militant attacks, U.S. says
(Los Angeles Times) A six-week Pakistani army offensive has succeeded in disrupting the militant groups that have long enjoyed free rein in the rugged North Waziristan tribal region along the border with Afghanistan, Obama administration officials say.
Splintering of Taliban Fuels Spate of Kidnapping in Pakistan
(Wall Street Journal) Growing factionalization within the Pakistani Taliban has spurred a rise in kidnappings of wealthy businessmen and influential figures, security officials say, as separate strands of the militant network seek funds for their terrorist activities.
EUROPE
UK sets out post-2030 combat aviation force structure
(IHS Jane's 360) The UK has set out a future combat aviation force structure to meet the country's post-2030 combat air requirement.
UK Lawmakers Urge Gov't To Lead Charge for NATO Changes
(Defense News) NATO is ill-prepared to face the threat posed by Russia, and the British government should take the lead in fixing the problems at the Sept. 4-5 alliance summit in Wales, according to a parliamentary defense committee report set to be published July 31.
Czech, Slovak MoD's aligning radar requirements
(IHS Jane's 360) The ministries of defence (MoDs) of the Czech Republic and Slovakia are currently negotiating to harmonise procedures to enable the joint procurement of military approach radars.
Russia: Officials Deny Violating Treaty
(New York Times) Russia denied on Wednesday accusations by the United States that it had violated a significant arms control treaty by testing cruise missiles.
Insitu to support Lithuanian ScanEagles
(IHS Jane's 360) Under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement, Boeing-subsidiary Insitu is set to deliver a range of equipment to support the Lithuanian Armed Forces' ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
ASIA-PACIFIC
Indonesia gets first three F-16s from US
(IHS Jane's 360) The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU) received the first three of 24 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D aircraft on 25 July.
After Deadly Clash, China and Uighurs Disagree on Events That Led to Violence
(New York Times) More details emerged Wednesday about a bloody clash between Chinese security forces and ethnic Uighurs in the country's far west two days ago, suggesting that dozens of people died when a protest against government policies turned violent.
China lets 1st foreigners into army news briefing
(Associated Press) Not many years ago, foreign reporters in China trying to call the country's secretive military couldn't even get a connection because phone numbers assigned to the journalists were barred from reaching the Defense Ministry.
AFRICA
Libya's Descent Into Hell (Again)
(Politico Magazine) Just about anywhere you go around the Middle East and North Africa these days, cease-fires are hard to achieve. The latest resistance comes from Libya, where for two weeks America's ambassador, Deborah Jones, prodded and cajoled the militias battling for control of Tripoli's international airport to agree to one, briefly. In the early morning hours of July 26 Jones finally got her wish - but only for the time it took her embassy staff to be evacuated
Islamists declare 'Islamic emirate' in east Libya
(Al Arabiya) Libya's Islamist militant group Ansar al-Sharia has said that it seized complete control of Benghazi late on Wednesday, declaring the city an "Islamic emirate," the group's representative said.
Fighting in Libya threatens efforts to bolster democracy
(Washington Post) Three years after Western powers helped Libyan rebels overthrow dictator Moammar Gaddafi, they have at least temporarily abandoned efforts on the ground to bolster Libya's foundering democracy.
Libya: Benghazi March Protests Militias
(New York Times) Residents of the eastern city of Benghazi marched Wednesday in protest against Islamist militias, the city's dominant force for years, in a burst of public fury a day after the Islamist fighters seized a local special forces base.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
Op-Ed Obama needs to work on his foreign policy, not his golf game
(Max Boot in The Los Angeles Times) Nero fiddled while Rome burned. On Saturday, President Obama played golf while his foreign policy, and that of the nation he leads, was going up in smoke. Literally.
What Does Four Decades of Terrorism in the U.S. Look Like?
(Michael Jensen and John Amble in war on the Rocks) This week, we turn our attention toward home and visualize the shape of terrorist activity in the United States since 1970.* Click each graphic to enlarge it.
Digging Our Own Grave? The Results of CT, COIN and Regime Change
(Greg Simons in Small wars Journal) War is being increasingly used as an instrument of foreign policy, which has been assisted been political level appreciation of the potential of the West's superior tangible military strength.
Putin Appears to Be Angling for Invasion, Not De-Escalation
(Janine Davidson in the Council on Foreign Relations) Europe's announcement of sectorial sanctions against Russia is welcome news. Russian President Vladimir Putin's continued aggression in Ukraine should not go unanswered by the international community.
(Via 
