Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember
From: no-reply@navytimes.com
To: rserge1@outlook.com
Subject: Navy Times Early Bird Brief
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 04:48:06 -0600
COMPILED BY THE EDITORS OF DEFENSE NEWS & MILITARY TIMES
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TODAY'S TOP 51. FORSCOM head nominated to be new Army vice chief(Army Times) The top general at Forces Command has been nominated to be the next Army Vice Chief of Staff, according to information on the Senate Armed Services Committee website. 2. US Navy to Congress: We Can't Guarantee a Safe Nuclear Fleet (Defense News) Fighting back at repeated budget cuts to its nuclear power budget requests, two of the US Navy's top leaders warned Congress on Monday that the cuts can't go on. 3. The Chemical Fingerprint of Assad's War Crimes (Dan Kaszeta in Cicero Magazine) On 21 August 2013, a chemical attack killed hundreds, possibly more than a thousand, in Ghouta, a district of Damascus. 4. Review aimed at framework for cyber stability plows familiar ground (Inside Cybersecurity) A yearlong State Department study effort to craft a "framework for international cyber stability" has produced a draft report endorsing ongoing work on international norms of behavior for cyberspace and urging industry involvement, though the document fails to break much new ground. 5. U.S. Counterterrorism Chief to Step Down (New York Times) Matthew G. Olsen, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, is resigning after three years, a time during which the threat from Al Qaeda shifted from its headquarters in Pakistan to its affiliates in places like Syria, Iraq and Yemen. MIDDLE EASTA Growing Arsenal of Homegrown Rockets Encounters Israel's Iron Dome(New York Times) For the moment at least, the hostilities between Israel and Gaza are partly a fight between rockets and interceptors - between the varied and improved arsenal of rockets possessed by Hamas and its allies, like Islamic Jihad, and the antimissile systems of Israel. Israel: Hamas firing rocket every 10 minutes (USA Today) Israel claimed Thursday that Hamas is firing a rocket into its territory at a rate of about every ten minutes. Gaza hospitals ill-equipped for Israeli onslaught (Al-Monitor) Gaza hospitals fear an expanded Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip, which would increase the burden on them in providing health services and relief to citizens, in light of the severe shortage of various categories of medicine, medical supplies and fuel. Israel vows to cripple Hamas' Gaza forces, possibly with ground troops (Los Angeles Times) Israel warned Wednesday that its offensive in the Gaza Strip would intensify in coming days as rockets launched by Hamas militants penetrated deeper than ever into the Jewish state and Israeli airstrikes killed more than two dozen people in the seaside Palestinian enclave. Obama Administration Defends Israeli Airstrikes but Cautions Against Ground War (New York Times) As the fighting between Hamas and Israel intensified, the Obama administration publicly defended Israel's right to carry out airstrikes to stop Hamas's rockets while privately cautioning it against ordering a ground attack into Gaza. Different attackers in Benghazi? (Associated Press) Newly revealed testimony from top military commanders involved in the U.S. response to the Benghazi attacks suggests that the perpetrators of a second, dawn assault on a CIA complex probably were different from those who penetrated the U.S. diplomatic mission the evening before and set it ablaze, killing Ambassador Chris Stevens and another American. IRAQWhat if Iraqi Military Can't Defeat ISIL?(Defense News) For the United States, it would be the worst-case scenario: Iraq's ethnic groups are unable - or unwilling - to form a unity government, and the country's military is deemed irreparable. Unprepared U.S. officials missed Baghdadi's likely al Qaida connection during 2004 detention (McClatchy) When the U.S. military detained Abu Bakr al Baghdadi in Iraq in 2004, it was too inexperienced at dealing with suspected terrorists to know what kind of threat he potentially posed when it released him just 10 months later, those who worked in the military detention system at that time now concede. Iraq's Kurds announce boycott of government (Associated Press) Iraq's Kurdish political bloc says it is pulling its ministers from the Cabinet and suspending its participation in the government of embattled Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Iraqi Premier Blames Kurds for Advances by Militants (New York Times) Iraq's prime minister made his harshest public criticism to date of Kurdistan on Wednesday, accusing the Kurds of aiding Sunni militants, even as sectarian tensions appeared to be rising with the discovery of 50 bodies, blindfolded, bound and shot about 50 miles south of Baghdad. Shahrestani: Southern oil exports not impacted by crisis (Al-Monitor) Hussein Shahrestani, Iraq's deputy prime minister for energy affairs, met with Al-Monitor in Baghdad's Green Zone and talked about the political crisis, the future of Iraq and the security of oil production and exports. Hagel: ISIS poses an 'imminent' threat to US (The Hill) Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Wednesday the Sunni fundamentalist group the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) poses a threat not just to the government in Baghdad, but to the United States as well. Fifty bodies found in Iraq, raising fears of sectarian war (Washington Post) At least 50 bodies turned up blindfolded and bound in a predominantly Shiite area south of Baghdad on Wednesday, raising the specter of sectarian war as Iraqi forces, aided by Shiite militias, battle Sunni insurgents across the country. On the Road to Samarra, Glimpses of Iraq's New Fractured Reality (New York Times) About 20 miles beyond the northern gates of Baghdad, on the way to the embattled city of Samarra, site of one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, the road empties out as if some invisible barrier has been passed. Saudis Urge Tribes to Reject Iraq Militants (Wall Street Journal) Saudi Arabia is privately encouraging its allied tribes in Iraq to turn against a Sunni extremist insurgency, a pivot that could help calm sectarian tensions that underpin the uprising, Western and Middle Eastern officials say. Exclusive - Iraq tells U.N. that 'terrorist groups' seized nuclear materials (Reuters) Insurgents in Iraq have seized nuclear materials used for scientific research at a university in the country's north, Iraq told the United Nations in a letter appealing for help to "stave off the threat of their use by terrorists in Iraq or abroad." INDUSTRYEyeing First Customer, Scorpion Comes to UK(Defense News) Roughly 10 months ago, Textron AirLand unveiled its Scorpion to US audiences. Now, it is showing it off to the international market. Hammond 'Optimistic' F-35 Will Fly at Farnborough (Defense News) Britain's Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is close to writing off the chances of the F-35B making an appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the UK, but said he is "optimistic" the aircraft would make it to the Farnborough International Air Show next week. Indian Prime Minister Backs $3.18 Billion Plan for Domestic Carrier (USNI News) India's freshly elected prime minister is backing $3.18 billion to complete the Indian Navy's domestically built aircraft carrier after seeing one in action, according to local press reports. Hammond: Focus on Maritime Capability, Not Platform (Defense News) Stop thinking about a maritime patrol aircraft and start thinking about a multirole capability, possibly including UAVs, to replace the Nimrod MRA4s axed in 2010, Britain's defense secretary told an air power conference here Wednesday. AeroVironment announces 2014 results (IHS Jane's 360) US unmanned systems manufacture AeroVironment had revenues of USD251.7 million and made a net profit of USD13.7 million in its 2014 financial year, according to year-end results released on 9 July. July's Philippine Defense Expo is First in Decades (Defense News) Defense contractors will gather this month in Manila to compete for a piece of the estimated $1.5 billion budgeted for phase one of a three phase modernization program for the Philippines armed forces. Fokker Deal Delayed as Judge Demands More Accord Data (Bloomberg) Fokker Services BV's $21 million settlement with the U.S. over violation of sanctions on Iran was delayed by a federal judge who questioned the terms of the deal and whether the aerospace company voluntarily disclosed its wrongdoing. VETERANSVA official 'sickened' by whistleblower retaliation(Military Times) The Veterans Affairs Department's second-ranking health official offered a blunt, harsh assessment of his department to Congress on Tuesday night: "We failed in the trust America placed in us." Oldest woman veteran, 108, wants one more trip (San Antonio Express-News) When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Lucy Coffey had left the farm in Martinsville, Ind., spent time in Chicago and finally settled in Dallas, where she worked at an AandP supermarket. CONGRESSOVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Senate to grill pick for Afghan war chief(The Hill) The Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday morning will hold a hearing on a number of crucial military nominations, chief among them Army Gen. John Campbell's selection to command U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Sanders backs VA pick (The Hill) Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) voiced his support Wednesday for the Obama administration's pick to lead the troubled Veterans Affairs Department, hinting at a smooth confirmation process. House VA chairman wants to meet nominee (The Hill) Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) is trying to arrange an in-person meeting with former Procter and Gamble executive Robert McDonald, according to a House aide. DEFENSE DEPARTMENTPentagon Takes New Actions to Boost Ukraine's Military, Defense Industry(National Defense) As fighting continues between Ukraine's government forces and pro-Russian separatists, the Pentagon is ramping up efforts to equip and train Ukrainian troops and bolster the country's rapidly deteriorating defense industry. Hagel urges Congress to reverse defense cuts (The Hill) Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said Wednesday that deep defense budget cuts keep him up at night. As end of Russia visa approaches, Edward Snowden seeks extension (Los Angeles Times) Fugitive national security contractor Edward Snowden has filed the paperwork to extend his refuge in Russia as the July 31 expiration of his asylum grant approaches, his lawyer told Russian media on Wednesday. Pentagon Takes New Actions to Boost Ukraine's Military, Defense Industry (National Defense) As fighting continues between Ukraine's government forces and pro-Russian separatists, the Pentagon is ramping up efforts to equip and train Ukrainian troops and bolster the country's rapidly deteriorating defense industry. Gen. Abizaid-led panel: Obama drone policy sends message it can 'kill any person' at 'any time' (Washington Times) A panel of national security experts, led by former commander of U.S. Central Command General John P. Abizaid and Georgetown Professor Rosa Brooks, former counselor to the undersecretary of defense for policy, condemned the president's drone policy in a new report released in June. Report: U.S. monitored e-mails of prominent Muslim Americans, including attorneys (Washington Post) An online news site reported Wednesday that U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies monitored the e-mails of several prominent Muslim American activists and attorneys, prompting cries of protest from civil liberties advocates and a strong rebuttal from the government. Hagel: Navy Nuclear Reviews Are Done, Reviewing Recommendations (Defense News) The Pentagon is finishing up a major review of its nuclear forces and US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will soon issue his recommendations. Robotics Explored For Disaster Response, Cockpits (Aviation Week) With its charter to look far into the future, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is not used to feeling the commercial world nipping at its heels. But the rate of progress in commercial robots is raising the bar. ARMYCWO promotion selections announced(Army Times) These active-component soldiers have been recommended for promotion to the senior chief warrant officer grades by a selection board that met in April and May, the Army announced Wednesday: Army Leaders Defend Flawed Intelligence System (Associated Press) Gen. John Campbell, the army's vice chief of staff and nominee to lead U.S. forces in Afghanistan, cited his son's experiences as a soldier there to answer a senator's tough questions last year about a troubled intelligence technology But after an inquiry from The Associated Press, the Army acknowledged this week that Campbell misspoke. He also omitted key facts as he sought to defend a $4 billion system that critics say has not worked as promised. Campbell will likely face more questions about the intelligence system at his confirmation hearing on Thursday. If confirmed, he heads to Afghanistan, where gathering and making sense of intelligence will remain a priority even as U.S. troops draw down.system. Army shifting thousands of soldiers to Fort Meade (Annapolis Capital) As the Army works on plans to downsize over the next five years, Fort George G. Meade is getting ready to add 4,000 servicemen and women. NAVYDOD tester questions Navy ship's survival in attack(Bloomberg) The Navy's $23 billion Littoral Combat Ship is less able to survive an attack than other U.S. warships, according to the Pentagon's top weapons tester. Active-duty O-4 promotions released (Navy Times) The following active-duty line officers have been selected for promotion to lieutenant commander, according to a fleetwide message, ALNAV 055/14, released Tuesday: Wanted: Armchair analysts during disasters (San Diego Union-Tribune) Navy officials from San Diego are experimenting with the power of social media when U.S. troops respond to the damage caused by killer weather, tsunamis and earthquakes. In a first, SEAL takes helm at Naval War College (Virginian-Pilot) Rear Adm. P. Garner Howe III relieved Rear Adm. Walter E. "Ted" Carter Jr. today in Rhode Island, according to a Navy news release. Carter has been promoted to vice admiral and will be superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. AIR FORCEAF fighting - with cash - to keep fighter pilots(Air Force Times) The Air Force is afraid the commercial airline industry's long-awaited hiring boom is right around the corner. And for the second year in a row, the service is planning to pay big to keep airlines from poaching their fighter pilots. At 27,000 Feet, an Air Force Plea to Preserve Its Bombers (New York Times) At 7:29 a.m., the B-1 bomber raced down the runway at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and within two stomach-churning minutes was at 10,000 feet and streaking toward Lake Michigan. Senate report blasts AF for $1.2B logistics system failure (Air Force Times) A Senate report lambastes the Air Force for poorly managing the acquisition of a logistics management system the service canceled after spending $1.2 million. US Air Force Clears Rolls-Royce for C-130H Engine Upgrade (Defense News) The US Air Force has certified engine maker Rolls-Royce and its Series 3.5 engine upgrade for use on the service's C-130H fleet, the company announced Wednesday. Uncovering the losses in a 1952 C-124 crash (Air Force Times) Almost 50 years after her husband's death in a military transport plane crash in the mountains of Alaska, Dorothy Anderson was finally ready to accept his flag. At 27,000 Feet, an Air Force Plea to Preserve Its Bombers (New York Times) At 7:29 a.m., the B-1 bomber raced down the runway at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and within two stomach-churning minutes was at 10,000 feet and streaking toward Lake Michigan. The Air Force May Have Already Developed Its New Long-Range Bomber (Nextgov) While the Air Force is expected to soon issue a request for proposals for its long-range strike bomber, a July 2 Congressional Research Service report made public Tuesday suggests that the service has already developed the aircraft through its classified budget. Geese blamed for U.S. helicopter crash in England (Virginian-Pilot) Geese penetrated the windscreen of an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter during evening training mission in January, disabling the pilot and co-pilot and leading to the crash that killed four U.S. Air Force crewmembers, a military investigation revealed Wednesday. MARINE CORPSMexican judge orders Marine sergeant to remain in custody on gun charges(FoxNews) A Mexican federal judge ordered Andrew Tahmooressi back to prison after the U.S. Marine sergeant made his first official courtroom appearance since being locked up March 31 for accidentally crossing the border with guns in his pickup truck. 2-star nominated to advise CMC (Marine Corps Times) A Marine two-star has been tapped to receive a third star and serve as the next top adviser to the commandant, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Wednesday. Marine friends mourned (San Diego Union-Tribune) An old friend reminded me this week of what a small and bereaved family the Marine Corps is, so often in mourning over these long years at war. AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTANCivilian casualties up sharply in Afghanistan as U.S. departure nears(Los Angeles Times) Through the end of June, the U.N. mission in Afghanistan documented 1,564 civilian deaths and 3,289 injured. The total represented a 24% increase over the same period last year and was particularly devastating for children, whose casualties as a result of ground operations more than doubled. 5 reasons the new Afghan civilian casualty report is awful (Washington Post) The U.S. military has less than five months before its formal combat role in Afghanistan comes to a close. That means many things, including the Taliban testing Afghan troops in a series of bloody battles across the countryside. But it also means this: Civilian casualties are up exponentially, and there is no signs of it letting up. Taliban seize district in central Afghanistan, launch suicide assault in Kandahar (Long War Journal) The Taliban launched two major attacks in central and southern Afghanistan today, overrunning a provincial center in Ghor province and launching a suicide assault on government buildings in the capital of Kandahar. Pakistani anti-terror offensive has forced 700,000 people to flee homes, U.N. says (Washington Post) More than 700,000 people are reported to have fled a Pakistani military operation against terrorists in North Waziristan, straining nearby towns and heightening concern about a long-term refugee crisis. EUROPEPutin's Moves on Ukraine Keep West Guessing(Wall Street Journal) By Sending Mixed Signals, Russian Leader Seeks to Blunt Push for Tougher Sanctions Russian Fighters Will Miss Farnborough Air Show (DoDBuzz) Russian officials will not feature their Sukhoi Su-27 twin-engine fighter jets on display this year at the Farnborough International Air Show - a move that marks a strategic departure from prior years for Russia, show officials said. German investigation of U.S. espionage widens (Washington Post) German authorities carried out raids in Berlin on Wednesday as part of an espionage investigation that placed new strain on U.S.-German relations and raised concern in the Obama administration of a broader crackdown on U.S. spying. Defence exports by the United Kingdom rose by 11.4% in 2013 to GBP9.8 billion (USD16.76 billion), the UK government announced on 8 July. (IHS Jane's 360) Defence exports by the United Kingdom rose by 11.4% in 2013 to GBP9.8 billion (USD16.76 billion), the UK government announced on 8 July. NATO Chief Calls For Higher European Defense Spending, Members 'Can Do More' (USNI News) An ambitious plan designed to prepare NATO for its post-Afghanistan future could stall out in the face of stiff resistance from alliance members at the group's upcoming summit this September. Russia accepts modernised Shturm-SM ATGM into service (IHS Jane's 360) The Russian government accepted the self-propelled 9K132 Shturm-SM anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system into its arms inventory on 30 June, according to a press release from the Kolomna-based Design Bureau of Machine-building (KBM). U.K. Gears Up For Typhoon Enhancements (Aviation Week) The reformation of II (Army Cooperation) Sqdn. at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland will not only round off the U.K.'s deployment plans but will also mark the moment that the RAF declares its Typhoon force a truly multirole asset. Poland starts 'Kruk' attack helicopter acquisition programme (IHS Jane's 360) The Polish Armament Inspectorate officially launched its 'Kruk' (Raven) attack helicopter acquisition programme on 8 July, which will eventually replace the country's ageing Mil Mi-24 'Hind' combat helicopters. DCNS set to launch fourth French FREMM (IHS Jane's 360) French shipbuilder DCNS is scheduled to launch the French Navy's fourth FREMM multi-mission frigate, Languedoc on 12 July, a company spokesperson told IHS Jane's on 3 July. EU pursues common maritime pictures (IHS Jane's 360) The 28 European Union (EU) nations will have a "rolling action plan" in place by the end of the year to start producing common civil-military situational awareness pictures around the union's maritime borders by around 2017, say EU officials. ASIA-PACIFICChinese Hackers Pursue Key Data on U.S. Workers(New York Times) Chinese hackers in March broke into the computer networks of the United States government agency that houses the personal information of all federal employees, according to senior American officials. They appeared to be targeting the files on tens of thousands of employees who have applied for top-secret security clearances. Japan Military Jets Scrambled Record 340 Times in April-June (Agence France-Presse) Japan said Wednesday that its military scrambled fighter jets a record 340 times in the three months to June in response to feared intrusions on its airspace, as tensions grow with China. Taiwan diplomat fears China-Japan 'explosive' incident (USA Today) China's territorial dispute with Japan over a chain of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea could lead to an "explosive" confrontation, Taiwan's top diplomat in the United States warned Wednesday. Indian Prime Minister Backs $3.18 Billion Plan for Domestic Carrier (USNI News) The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) could meet as early as Wednesday to approve the final glide path for India's first domestically built carrier, according to a Wednesday report in The Times of India. Onodera says Japan may buy more F-35s 'if price is right' (IHS Jane's 360) Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera on 8 July said Tokyo will consider buying additional Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters should the cost of the aircraft come down. Kerry Presses China to Abide by Maritime Laws to Ease Tensions (New York Times) In a closed-door session at a high-level gathering of Chinese and American officials here on Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry urged China to follow maritime law in nearby seas to reduce regional tensions, a senior American official said. Reagan-Era Weapons Hinder India Army as Modi Strives to Stem Decay (Bloomberg) Working off 1980s blueprints, India's biggest state-run weapons maker last year went to the deserts of Rajasthan to test a locally produced piece of artillery. When it fired, the barrel cracked. AFRICASouth Sudan takes delivery of Chinese ATGWs(IHS Jane's 360) South Sudan has taken delivery of a large shipment of Chinese infantry weapons that includes anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), according to shipping documents obtained by Bloomberg and passed on to IHS Jane's . U.S. Will Broaden Sanctions to Deter Violence in Congo (New York Times) The United States will expand sanctions on groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it easier to target those who are trying to instigate violence and disrupt peacekeeping efforts in that country, the White House announced on Tuesday. AMERICASBrazilian 4x4 programme proceeds with five competitors(IHS Jane's 360) The Brazilian Army's Evaluations Center (CAEx) is scheduled to finish its evaluation of five platforms competing for the 4x4 tactical vehicle element of the Guarani Strategic Project (PEE Guarani) at the end of this month, a source close to the programme told IHS Jane's on 8 July. COMMENTARY AND ANALYSISIraq was doomed when peace broke out: Column(Lionel Beehner in USA Today) A few decades ago, Iraq faced hostile neighbors. Israel bombed one of its nuclear reactors in 1981. Iraq spent the better part of the decade fighting Iran. Yet the country was united. Shiites fought alongside Sunnis against their Persian enemies. After the war ended, the United States invaded Iraq to reverse Saddam Hussein's takeover of Kuwait, providing Iraqis with another external enemy for another decade. @ISIS is #Winning (Kori Schake in Foreign Policy) Why is a barbaric medieval caliphate so much better at social media than Washington? Go Ahead, Forget Center of Gravity (Jeff Becker and Todd Zwolensky in War on the Rocks) ...but if you do, you had better understand joint maneuver. A Framework for NGO-Military Collaboration (Glenn Penner in Small Wars Journal) What do military professionals need to know about NGOs? The literature on NGOs includes very little about NGO-military relationships in troubled areas. Moreover, the U.S. military fails to convey or encourage an adequate understanding of them. | |||||
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