| November 12, 2014 |
THE EARLY BIRD BRIEF |
Get the most comprehensive aggregation of defense news delivered by the world's largest independent newsroom covering military and defense.
|
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
|
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
TODAY'S TOP 5
1. USAF Discussing A-10 Compromise With Congress
(Defense News) The US Air Force is trying to work out a compromise with Congress to retire a percentage of the A-10 fleet in order to move maintainers to the F-35 joint strike fighter, according to two service officials.
2. US military plans for possible evacuation of embassy in Yemen
(CNN) The U.S. military is updating plans to potentially evacuate U.S. Embassy personnel from Yemen in the wake of rising violence and uncertainty about the security situation in that country, CNN has learned.
3. The Truth About the Wars
(Retired Army Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger in The New York Times) AS a senior commander in Iraq and Afghanistan, I lost 80 soldiers. Despite their sacrifices, and those of thousands more, all we have to show for it are two failed wars. This fact eats at me every day, and Veterans Day is tougher than most.
4. Why the US Sent a C-17 to a Chinese Air Show Despite Concerns Inside the Pentagon
(DefenseOne) The U.S. military sent a giant C-17 cargo plane to an air show in China this week as a way to strengthen its relationship with the People's Liberation Army there, despite fears among security and policy experts that doing so puts American technology secrets in jeopardy and also risks angering an important Asia ally.
5. Navy SEAL thought 'we're going to die' at bin Laden raid
(USA Today) A former Navy SEAL who contends he killed Osama bin Laden says he and other team members did not believe they would survive the raid on the terrorist's compound.
CONGRESS
White House Details New $5.6B War Request, Billions for OandM
(Defense News) The White House's new $5.6 billion request for additional funding to fight the military advances of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria contains specific provisions that begin to detail the scope of the missions launched so far and how expensive it will be to station US ground troops in Iraq in the coming months.
Republican senator questions Obama 'blank check' for ISIS fight
(The Hill) Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is questioning how the Obama administration would use $5.6 billion the White House is asking Congress to approve for the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Analysts: Bipartisan Accord Won't Happen Fast - 'If At All'
(Defense News) The Republican-controlled Congress and Democratic President Barack Obama have a shot at working together on defense issues, but experts caution against expecting quick results.
Group urges lawmakers to hire more veterans
(The Hill) A group representing congressional staffers who served in the military is urging lawmakers to hire more veterans.
ISLAMIC STATE
Islamic State could replace leader if necessary
(USA Today) The Pentagon has been unable to confirm reports that the leader of the Islamic State was injured or killed this weekend, but his loss wouldn't necessarily spell the end of the organization.
Back to Anbar: About 50 U.S. troops deploy to Al-Asad Air Base
(Military Times) U.S. troops are back in Iraq's Anbar province, once the deadliest battleground in Iraq, where the U.S. military teamed up with local Sunnis to crush al-Qaida during the last Iraq war.
Iraqi Shiite militias grow brutal in anti-IS fight
(Associated Press) The vengeance that Iraq's Shiite militias mete out as they fight the Islamic State group can be just as brutal as that of their sworn sectarian enemies.
Iraq forces and militants battle for control of Baiji
(Los Angeles Times) Iraqi officials said Tuesday that government forces had captured Baiji after fierce battles for the city, home to the nation's largest oil refinery, but anti-government militants insisted they remained in control.
Qatar emir: Airstrikes against IS group not enough
(Associated Press) Qatar's ruling emir said Tuesday that U.S.-led coalition airstrikes are not enough to defeat "terrorism and extremism" in Iraq and Syria as he urged the world to take action against factors fueling radicalism there - a suggestion that also took aim at the Syrian regime.
INDUSTRY
China Developing Holographic UAV Control Center
(Defense News) China's biggest aviation manufacturer, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is developing a holographic ground control system (GCS) for UAVs.
Airshow China 2014: land systems front and centre at Zhuhai
(IHS Jane's 360) Images posted on Chinese websites in the week leading up to Airshow China 2014, being held in Zhuhai from 11 to 16 November, show a range of new locally produced tactical and strategic land systems.
China Unveils New Short-Range SAM System
(Defense News) Aviation Industry Corporation of China unveiled its new PL-9C surface-to-air short-range missile system at Airshow China here.
New Chinese Airlifter Could Enter Service In 2020s
(Aviation Week) A Chinese airlifter revealed by Avic this week will go into service in the 2020s if the factory behind the project, Shaanxi Aircraft, is given a go-ahead.
China Shows Off New Sub-Launched Missile at Zhuhai
(Defense News) The new CM-708UNA submarine-launched cruise missile made its debut at Airshow China in Zhuhai, in the southern province of Guangdong near Hong Kong, on Tuesday.
VETERANS
Best for Vets: Colleges 2015
(Military Times) The students who walk into the veterans office at the University of Nebraska Omaha find several university staffers who can assist with school matters, a full-time Veterans Affairs Department employee who can help with benefits questions and other resources.
Tomas Young, Iraq War veteran and antiwar activist, dies at 34
(Los Angeles Times) Tomas Young, an Iraq War veteran-turned-activist who became one of the first veterans to publicly oppose the war, has died.
Unemployment Among Post-9/11 Vets Is Still High
(Government Executive) The unemployment rate among post-9/11 veterans remains higher than that of other vets and the country overall, despite large-scale efforts by the government and private sector to hire more former service members.
Why Veterans Make Good Cyberwarriors
(NexGov) It's no secret the ranks of the federal cybersecurity workforce are notably thin.
Is the New VA Secretary Already Losing His Luster?
(National Journal) Three months into McDonald's tenure, lawmakers and advocates aren't shying away from voicing their concerns.
Soldiers envision a new center to help the military's 'silent majority'
(Washington Post) When Thomas Willis attended a veterans' fundraiser earlier this year, images of soldiers recovering from severe injuries flashed on a big screen.
At the Vietnam wall, veterans remember those who didn't make it back
(Stars & Stripes) Some came to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial bearing flowers and wreaths to honor the dead. One man also came with years of survivor's guilt.
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
How the Defense Department's Procurement Problems Are Hurting National Security
(Defense One) Frank Kendall cringes when he hears the term "acquisition reform." The Pentagon's top weapons buyer instead prefers the term "acquisition improvement," which he says focuses more on the continued refinement of the entire process by which the Defense Department conceives, develops and purchases everything from ships and aircraft to trucks and ammunition.
Infographic: What Defense Personnel Really Think About the Acquisition Process
(Government Executive) While the mid-term elections have raised uncertainty about government operations under a Republican-controlled Congress, one area where observers expect to see some action is in an overhaul of the way the Pentagon buys weapons. The current system takes far too long and creates enormous uncertainty for both industry and the military services. Too often, programs cost more and take far longer to develop than planned, and by the time new weapons are actually fielded, the technology is outdated.
DISA plans three spectrum contracts
(C4ISR & Networks) The current single contract will become 3 as DISA expands spectrum services in 2016.
Fearing Bombs That Can Pick Whom to Kill
(New York Times) On a bright fall day last year off the coast of Southern California, an Air Force B-1 bomber launched an experimental missile that may herald the future of warfare.
Pentagon wants plane-based drones
(C4ISR & Networks) A DARPA solicitation outlines plans for UAVs that can launch from a larger 'mothership' plane.
ARMY
New education course to fill E-8 'knowledge gap'
(Army Times) The Army is designing a new course to prepare newly promoted master sergeants for the next step in their careers.
82nd Airborne soldier found dead in Fayetteville home
(Fayetteville Observer) Pfc. Kathijah Anis Badrulhaimi, 22, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, entered active duty service in April 2013 as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. She attended basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Court Opinion Says Ex-U.S. Soldier Could Claim EU Asylum
(Wall Street Journal) A U.S. citizen who enlisted and served in the Iraq war but later deserted because he believed the conflict was contrary to international law could have the right to claim asylum in the European Union, according to an opinion from the bloc's top court.
Army trauma expert quit after admitting PhD fraud
(Associated Press) An Army statistician obtained a security clearance and worked for years on sensitive battlefield trauma research while lying about holding advanced degrees, the Army has acknowledged.
Colonel's daughter to compete live tonight on "The Voice"
(Army Times) Army brat Bryana Salaz makes her live national television debut on tonight's episode of "The Voice."
NAVY
Navy SEAL vets create inspiring song to help veterans' charities
(Navy Times) A disabled Navy veteran and a former Navy SEAL have spearheaded the creation of a new song to honor veterans and benefit veterans charities.
Judge orders prison to stop using female guards to move prisoner to lawyer meeting
(Miami Herald) A Navy judge has ordered the Guantanamo prison to temporarily stop using female soldiers to move an Iraqi detainee to legal meetings - a new practice, according to his lawyer, that has resulted in the war-on-terror captive twice being forced from a cell for refusing to be handled by a woman.
Google signs 60-year, $1 billion NASA lease
(Associated Press) Google has signed a long-term lease for part of a historic Navy air base, where it plans to renovate three massive hangars and use them for projects involving aviation, space exploration and robotics.
With kamikaze bearing down, Toms River man stood strong
(Asbury Park Press; N.J.) The kamikaze bore down on the USS Caperton, and Angelo Recine stood his ground as still-green sailors, some little more than boys, scattered.
AIR FORCE
Air Force updates religious expression rules
(Air Force Times) The Air Force approved an update to its rules governing religious expression Nov. 7.
Fort Bragg airman to receive second Silver Star
(Fayetteville Observer) A Fort Bragg airman will become one of just three Air Force members to receive two Silver Stars during a ceremony this week.
Global Strike outlines latest improvements for missileers, security forces
(Air Force Times) Air Force Global Strike Command's program to improve the morale of its airmen has netted 350 recommendations and budgeted millions of dollars in improvements to missile wings.
USAF outlines divestiture plans for MC-12W Liberty aircraft
(IHS Jane's 360) The US Air Force (USAF) has set out its timetable for transferring control of its Beechcraft MC-12W Liberty special mission aircraft over to the US Army and Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
Academy cadets working toward more precise airdrops
(Air Force Times) Air Force Academy cadets are crunching numbers to outline mathematically how and where airdrop cargo lands.
Vietnam-era Air Force Cross recipient McInerney dies
(Air Force Times) James McInerney, a retired major general and pilot who helped pioneer the legendary "Wild Weasels" of the Vietnam War, died Oct. 14 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Airman-turned-activist arrested for 'civil disobedience'
(Air Force Times) Retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Collen Boland will mark Veteran's Day with a vigil outside Schuyler County Jail in New York tonight.
MARINE CORPS
Separating Marines could be discharged before the holidays
(Marine Corps Times) Christmas could come early for some Marines in the form of an early release from active duty.
A Marine's Parents' Story: Their Memories That You Should Hear
(National Public Radio) I never meant to play you this story. Let me tell you why I had to.
Unit energy managers will patrol barracks and monitor power usage
(Marine Corps Times) The Marine Corps is in the process of debuting the position of unit energy manager, which would be for one noncommissioned officer per battalion or squadron whose duties will range from patrolling barracks for lights left on and leaky faucets to meeting with unit leaders to strategize about savings
Marine gets unexpected $2,000 phone bill
(KPNX TV; Phoenix) A 26-year-old marine from Phoenix thought he had arranged his phone plan with ATandT to allow him to stay in touch with his family and girlfriend as he deployed with the U.S.S. America in July for 2 1/2 months. But it turned into a $2,000 mess while he was overseas.
Review: 'Basetrack Live' portrays one Marine's journey to war and back
(Marine Corps Times) If a common narrative about military service in the post-9/11 wars is emerging, it's this: A service member joins the military for patriotic reasons, deploys to combat and experiences some form of life-changing trauma - a physical wound, a moral injury, or some manifestation of post-traumatic stress.
Parris Island chef appears in Rachael Ray Veterans Day cook-off
(Island Packet) A Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island chef who appeared on the "Rachael Ray Show" for a Veterans Day themed cook-off left a Lowcountry mark on the national daytime show.
AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN
Marine pullout offers preview of what U.S. leaves behind for Afghan troops
(Washington Post) When U.S. Marines withdrew from Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan's Helmand province last month, they faced a task that was something like cleaning out a stuffy attic covering 10 square miles. In a series of multibillion-dollar decisions, the Marines and Pentagon planners decided what stayed, what went and what got tossed into the trash or burned.
Afghan Elections Cited as Factor in Record Levels of Opium Production
(New York Times) Opium cultivation and production in Afghanistan reached record levels this year, United Nations officials said Wednesday, blaming at least part of the increase on politicians' need for campaign cash during the country's protracted election season.
Afghanistan's Way Forward: A Talk With Gen. John Campbell, Decoded
(National Public Radio) As the U.S. military winds down its role in Afghanistan, the U.S. commander there, Gen. John Campbell, says Afghan forces have improved enough to handle the Taliban forces that are still waging war.
At Afghan Border, Graft Is Part of the Bargain
(New York Times) Some call them "the men who sit on golden chairs" - Afghan customs officials who preside over a vast ecosystem of bribery that stretches from dusty border crossings to the capital.
Foreign militants' reported killed in latest US drone strike in Pakistan
(Long War Journal) The US reportedly killed six jihadists today in an airstrike in an area of Pakistan's tribal agency of North Waziristan that has in the past served as an al Qaeda command and control center.
MIDDLE EAST
Jailed Palestinian Leader Calls for Uprising Against Israel
(Wall Street Journal) Tensions rose Tuesday as an influential Palestinian leader issued a call to arms, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of launching a "religious war" at Jerusalem's Temple Mount and Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian during clashes in the West Bank.
Russia to build Iran atomic reactors at Bushehr
(BBC) Russia has agreed to build up to eight nuclear reactors in Iran, 12 days before a deadline for a deal to curb Iran's nuclear activity.
Houthis clash with police at Yemen's airport
(Al Jazeera) Clashes at capital Sanaa airport between Yemeni police and Shia Houthi fighters have left three dead, in a rare confrontation since the rebels overran the capital in September.
ASIA-PACIFIC
China promotes 'Asia-Pacific dream' to counter U.S. 'pivot'
(Washington Post) Chinese President Xi Jinping backs vision with tens of billions of dollars of investment, but may find money can't buy love.
Xi's Rapid Rise in China Presents Challenges to the U.S.
(New York Times) President Obama will sit down Wednesday with the kind of Chinese leader no American president has ever encountered: a strongman with bold ambitions at home and abroad who sees China as a great power peer of the United States.
Hong Kong protesters' dilemma: The longer they stay, the harder it is to keep support
(Washington Post) When law professor Benny Tai first came up with the idea of a sit-down protest in Hong Kong to press for democracy, he never dreamed it would snowball into a mass movement that would dominate global headlines.
AFRICA
Boko Haram crisis: Nigeria fury over US arms refusal
(BBC) Nigeria's ambassador to the US has criticised Washington for refusing to sell his government "lethal" weapons to fight militant Islamists.
Tunisia, France to cooperate on stopping jihadis
(Associated Press) France's interior minister says his country will work with Tunisia to stop their nationals from traveling to fight in Syria and Iraq.
U.N. Seeks a More Nimble Response to Ebola in Africa
(New York Times) A shortage of international health workers and delays in building Ebola treatment clinics in West Africa are forcing the United Nations to change course in fighting the virus, and to call for smaller and more mobile treatment units that make greater use of local staff - and in turn require more money.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
The Pentagon's 'nine-brigade gamble' on Iraq
(Retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert Scales in The Washington Post) Last Friday, on a dead news night and three days after the election, the White House announced another surge of U.S. troops to Iraq. Why now? Why so many? And are these enough to defeat the Islamic State?
Why's Al Qaeda So Strong? Washington Has (Literally) No idea
(Bruce Reidel in The Daily Beast) In the years since Bin Laden declared war on the West, we've learned how to kill his followers, but not how to defeat his ideology.
In the war against ISIL, Iran is not-and will not be-a friend to the US
(Bobby Ghosh in Quartz) Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of US president Barack Obama's latest letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Iran's Supreme Leader is the suggestion that a nuclear deal between Washington and Tehran could open the way to greater cooperation in the fight against ISIL. The Wall Street Journal reports that Obama invoked the two countries' "shared interest" in fighting the terrorist organization, also known as ISIS or the Islamic State.
American Power and the Culmination of Unconventional Warfare
(Steve Thomas in War on the Rocks) America soon will be conducting unconventional warfare (UW) again, if it is not already. Despite the numerous times it has conducted such operations in the past, the perils remain the same. The internal tensions among U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), CIA, State Department and other government agencies still exist. These tensions ultimately come to a head when the culminating event of unconventional warfare occurs: The overthrow of the current regime and transition to power of those we have aided.
Why 'Military Readiness' is so Vital
(Retired Air Force Col. Eric Jorgensen in Cicero Magazine) Military types like me have been bemoaning the risks to U.S. military readiness imposed by current and unabating federal fiscal constraints. The concept of military readiness nevertheless probably does not adequately resonate with the average American to put those risks in context. Readiness, after all, is not a common term, and even some in the national security business do not seem to appreciate its perishability and significance, if only because the U.S. military always seems to answer the call, whenever and wherever it comes. But even if readiness is conceptually squishy, what's at stake is real and substantial. Readiness does not guarantee victory; but, at best, an un-ready force takes longer to win, assuming the enemy allows for that. At worst, an un-ready force loses.
It's Time for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to Get a Parade of Their Own
(Michael Daly in The Daily Beast) Until they realized that some of the cascading papers were on fire, people who chanced to gaze out of office windows on Lower Broadway thought there was another ticker-tape parade going up the famed Canyon of Heroes.
If you want to help veterans, get attention by shaming the VA
(Aaron Glantz in the Center for Investigative Reporting) Want the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to do a better job serving America's 22 million veterans? Try shaming it. Big time.
Improve the VA by Keeping It Simple
(Alex Nicholson in Defense One) The Department of Veterans Affairs has become the nation's second largest bureaucracy, and with that massive growth has come an even more massive over-complication of systems and processes within the organization. As the VA undergoes a transformative cultural change to help it make up for and prevent recurrences of the scandals that have rocked the veterans community this year, the department desperately needs to pursue another type of transformation too - simplification.
Five Things You Can Buy for an F-35
(Patrick Tucker in Government Executive) The F-35 as an aircraft and defense program has been widely criticized for its cost overruns and growing price tag. But as a unit of speculative currency, it's more interesting. Consider it this way: What other technologies could the military buy for the cost of a single F-35, using GAO's March estimate?
U.S. Stealth Drone Helped Test Huge Bomb
(Joe Trevithick in Real Clear Defense) Two years ago, the U.S. Air Force brought the stealthy RQ-170 Sentinel drone and the Massive Ordnance Penetrator-two of America's most secretive weapons-together for a single test.
Is the Pacific pivot a dead letter?
(John Deni in Defense One) Is the Pacific pivot a dead letter? Despite President Obama's Asia tour this week, that's certainly the impression, as senior administration officials have delayed or cancelled visits to Asia and the United States becomes increasingly involved in security crises in Europe and the Middle East.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment