US commanders defend S.Korea war control: "US military commanders are offering a strident defense of plans to give South Korea control of both nations' forces in two years, brushing aside concerns it could worsen the threat from North Korea.
As of April 17, 2012, South Korea is set to be in control of both its own and US forces in the event of war. South Korea has already had peacetime operational control since 1994, but with a US general taking over in wartime."
Monday, March 29, 2010
Interview: Taliban, spies and drugs
Interview: Taliban, spies and drugs: "Afghanistan is at a crucial juncture. U.S. President Barack Obama has announced a troop surge of 30,000 to win the war but in the United States and in Europe public support for the NATO mission is fading -- also because Taliban are killing an increasing number of Western soldiers.
Rolf Tophoven, the director of the Institute for Terrorism Research and Security Policy, a German security consultancy and Germany's most senior terrorism expert, spent a week in Afghanistan talking to NATO troops and intelligence officers to analyze the security situation on the ground. United Press International's Berlin Correspondent Stefan Nicola spoke to Tophoven about the mission's decreasing popularity, negotiations with the Taliban, the problems linked to the drug trade and the prospect of a U.S. troop withdrawal starting in July 2011. Second of two parts."
Rolf Tophoven, the director of the Institute for Terrorism Research and Security Policy, a German security consultancy and Germany's most senior terrorism expert, spent a week in Afghanistan talking to NATO troops and intelligence officers to analyze the security situation on the ground. United Press International's Berlin Correspondent Stefan Nicola spoke to Tophoven about the mission's decreasing popularity, negotiations with the Taliban, the problems linked to the drug trade and the prospect of a U.S. troop withdrawal starting in July 2011. Second of two parts."
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Allawi Victory in Iraq Sets Up Period of Uncertainty - NYTimes.com
Allawi Victory in Iraq Sets Up Period of Uncertainty - NYTimes.com: "The secular party of Ayad Allawi, a former interim prime minister once derided as an American puppet, won a wafer-thin victory in Iraq’s election, setting the stage for a protracted period of political uncertainty and possible violence that could threaten plans to withdraw American troops."
Friday, March 26, 2010
Independence Begins Maiden Voyage
Independence Begins Maiden Voyage: "The Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Independence (LCS 2), sailed away from Mobile, Ala. for the first time March 26.
The milestone marks the commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel.
'We are excited to set sail, and remain grateful for the incredible support offered by the city of Mobile in helping us reach this milestone,' said Cmdr. Curt Renshaw, Independence Blue Crew commanding officer. 'This transit will allow us to gain valuable operational experience and is another large step toward bringing our unique and versatile capabilities to the fleet.'
Independence's maiden voyage will include stops in Key West and Mayport, Fla., before pulling into Naval Station Norfolk, Va. for additional testing and specialized crew training."
The milestone marks the commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel.
'We are excited to set sail, and remain grateful for the incredible support offered by the city of Mobile in helping us reach this milestone,' said Cmdr. Curt Renshaw, Independence Blue Crew commanding officer. 'This transit will allow us to gain valuable operational experience and is another large step toward bringing our unique and versatile capabilities to the fleet.'
Independence's maiden voyage will include stops in Key West and Mayport, Fla., before pulling into Naval Station Norfolk, Va. for additional testing and specialized crew training."
Army extends deadline for bids to improve Humvee fleet
Army extends deadline for bids to improve Humvee fleet: "The U.S. Army is extending its Request for Information, or RFI, to industry as part of an effort to recapitalize its fleet of up-armored Humvees, improving survivability, mobility and payload capacity for the vehicles, service officials said.
Citing a strong industry response along with the need to collect and analyze more information as part of a move toward finding the best technologies, Army officials said they are encouraged by the possibilities being presented by industry.
The RFI and assessment of the results are part of a planned move toward competitive prototyping to achieve greater Soldier survivability through the Humvee reset program.
'We have received a strong response to the RFI that went out in January; there is a great deal of industry interest in improving this vehicle. There have been a number of companies that have looked at ways of improving the underbody protection of the HMMWV -- both through adding V-hulls and through other advanced designs. That speaks to why we want to do this competitively. We want to pull in the best designs from industry so we can provide the Army leadership with a solid recommendation to sustain this Army asset,' said Col. David Bassett, project manager for tactical vehicles."
Citing a strong industry response along with the need to collect and analyze more information as part of a move toward finding the best technologies, Army officials said they are encouraged by the possibilities being presented by industry.
The RFI and assessment of the results are part of a planned move toward competitive prototyping to achieve greater Soldier survivability through the Humvee reset program.
'We have received a strong response to the RFI that went out in January; there is a great deal of industry interest in improving this vehicle. There have been a number of companies that have looked at ways of improving the underbody protection of the HMMWV -- both through adding V-hulls and through other advanced designs. That speaks to why we want to do this competitively. We want to pull in the best designs from industry so we can provide the Army leadership with a solid recommendation to sustain this Army asset,' said Col. David Bassett, project manager for tactical vehicles."
Lawmakers: Is Army moving fast enough on GCV? - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times
Lawmakers: Is Army moving fast enough on GCV? - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times: "When the Army announced last year that its Ground Combat Vehicle would be ready in five to seven years, it was met with some skepticism that the service would be able to accomplish the task that quickly. But some lawmakers are asking whether the service is moving quickly enough.
“Given all the work done under the [Future Combat Systems] program, the lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan … and the experience of rapidly fielding the MRAP vehicles, isn’t seven years a long time?” Rep. Norman Dicks, D-Wash., asked senior Army officials Thursday.
The Ground Combat Vehicle is to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle beginning in 2017. A request for proposals was released Feb. 25, and companies have until April 26 to submit proposals for the 27-month technology development phase."
“Given all the work done under the [Future Combat Systems] program, the lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan … and the experience of rapidly fielding the MRAP vehicles, isn’t seven years a long time?” Rep. Norman Dicks, D-Wash., asked senior Army officials Thursday.
The Ground Combat Vehicle is to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle beginning in 2017. A request for proposals was released Feb. 25, and companies have until April 26 to submit proposals for the 27-month technology development phase."
Air Force officials take step toward cleaner fuel, energy independence
Air Force officials take step toward cleaner fuel, energy independence: "Air Force officials, embracing the national priorities of cleaner fuel and energy independence, took a step toward a greener, energy independent future when an A-10C Thunderbolt II here took to the air March 25 fueled with a blend of Hydrotreated Renewable Jet, or HRJ, and JP-8.
This first-ever feasibility flight demonstration was using HRJ, a hydrocarbon synthetic jet fuel, created from animal fats and plant oils. The flight was conducted by members of the 40th Flight Test Squadron, a developmental test squadron that is part of the Air Armament Center here.
'The Air Force is committed to reducing our reliance on foreign oil,' said Terry Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics. 'Our goal is to reduce demand, increase supply and change the culture and mindset of our fuel consumption.'
Although mission data has yet to be analyzed, just by leaving the ground the demonstration was considered a success. It proved an Air Force aircraft can be flown using a synthetic fuel blend."
This first-ever feasibility flight demonstration was using HRJ, a hydrocarbon synthetic jet fuel, created from animal fats and plant oils. The flight was conducted by members of the 40th Flight Test Squadron, a developmental test squadron that is part of the Air Armament Center here.
'The Air Force is committed to reducing our reliance on foreign oil,' said Terry Yonkers, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics. 'Our goal is to reduce demand, increase supply and change the culture and mindset of our fuel consumption.'
Although mission data has yet to be analyzed, just by leaving the ground the demonstration was considered a success. It proved an Air Force aircraft can be flown using a synthetic fuel blend."
Air Force officials continue plans to modernize GPS
Air Force officials continue plans to modernize GPS: "Today GPS is used in everything from farming and aviation to public safety, disaster relief and recreation, not to mention its military purpose of providing precision navigation and timing to combat forces.
This dependence requires a keen focus on maintaining and modernizing the system. Air Force officials took the next step in that process when they awarded a contract last month to Raytheon Company for the Next Generation GPS Control Segment, commonly referred to as OCX.
'OCX is the new ground system that will replace our current Architecture Evolution Plan ground system,' said Lt. Col. Deanna Burt, 2nd Space Operations Squadron commander. 'OCX is critical for us as we cannot fly GPS III satellites with our current ground system.'
The OCX development contract is set to last 73 months with option years for sustainment worth about $1.5 billion. The contract will include development and installation of hardware and software at GPS control stations here and at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., deployment of advanced monitor stations at remote sites and initial contractor support with sustainment options for five years.
'The new OCX ground system will bring more automation and combine AEP and our Launch Anomaly and Disposal Operations system into one ground system eliminating the need for dual certifications,' Colonel Burt said.
The new ground system also will allow for command and control of an additional number of satellites.
'OCX is also meant to fly up to 64 satellites where our current AEP system can only fly up to 32 satellites,' she said."
This dependence requires a keen focus on maintaining and modernizing the system. Air Force officials took the next step in that process when they awarded a contract last month to Raytheon Company for the Next Generation GPS Control Segment, commonly referred to as OCX.
'OCX is the new ground system that will replace our current Architecture Evolution Plan ground system,' said Lt. Col. Deanna Burt, 2nd Space Operations Squadron commander. 'OCX is critical for us as we cannot fly GPS III satellites with our current ground system.'
The OCX development contract is set to last 73 months with option years for sustainment worth about $1.5 billion. The contract will include development and installation of hardware and software at GPS control stations here and at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., deployment of advanced monitor stations at remote sites and initial contractor support with sustainment options for five years.
'The new OCX ground system will bring more automation and combine AEP and our Launch Anomaly and Disposal Operations system into one ground system eliminating the need for dual certifications,' Colonel Burt said.
The new ground system also will allow for command and control of an additional number of satellites.
'OCX is also meant to fly up to 64 satellites where our current AEP system can only fly up to 32 satellites,' she said."
Afghanistan troop level to eclipse Iraq by midyear
Afghanistan troop level to eclipse Iraq by midyear: "This summer will mark the first time since 2003 that the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan will overshadow the American presence in Iraq, the top U.S. military officer told Congress March 24 here.
Driving the eclipse is the 30,000-troop surge President Barack Obama announced for Afghanistan in December, roughly a third of which is in place, and with 18,000 of the additional forces expected to be in Afghanistan by late spring as troop levels in Iraq continue to drop.
'Indeed, by the middle of this year, Afghanistan will surpass Iraq, for the first time since 2003, as the location with the most deployed American forces,' said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Admiral Mullen told members of the House Appropriations Committee the remainder of the 30,000 will arrive as rapidly as possible over the summer and early fall, making a major contribution to reversing Taliban momentum in 2010."
Driving the eclipse is the 30,000-troop surge President Barack Obama announced for Afghanistan in December, roughly a third of which is in place, and with 18,000 of the additional forces expected to be in Afghanistan by late spring as troop levels in Iraq continue to drop.
'Indeed, by the middle of this year, Afghanistan will surpass Iraq, for the first time since 2003, as the location with the most deployed American forces,' said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Admiral Mullen told members of the House Appropriations Committee the remainder of the 30,000 will arrive as rapidly as possible over the summer and early fall, making a major contribution to reversing Taliban momentum in 2010."
Interview: 'Guerilla war' in Afghanistan
Interview: 'Guerilla war' in Afghanistan: "Rolf Tophoven, the director of the Institute for Terrorism Research and Security Policy and Germany's most senior terrorism expert, spent a week in Afghanistan talking to NATO troops and intelligence officers to analyze the security situation on the ground. United Press International's Berlin Correspondent Stefan Nicola spoke to Tophoven about the situation of the roughly 4,000 German Bundeswehr troops in northern Afghanistan, where security has deteriorated drastically over the past year. First of two parts."
US Military Programs Run Up Against Technological Barrier
US Military Programs Run Up Against Technological Barrier: "Here is the problem: U.S. military programs are often over budget and behind schedule. For instance, the U.S. media is now engaged in a lively discussion of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Although projected F-35 costs have doubled, deadlines are constantly being pushed back.
The problem began 20-30 years ago when the United States and other industrial countries began developing new weapons and equipment to replace Cold War-era hardware. It was clear even then that these next generation weapons would cost far more than their predecessors."
The problem began 20-30 years ago when the United States and other industrial countries began developing new weapons and equipment to replace Cold War-era hardware. It was clear even then that these next generation weapons would cost far more than their predecessors."
Cold War defence alliance to wind down
Cold War defence alliance to wind down: "The Cold War-era Western European Union defence alliance, set up in the wake of World War II, is to cease functioning, its assembly's head Robert Walter said on Wednesday.
'The WEU as an organisation will be wound down within a year or so,' said British parliamentarian Walter, who presides over the Paris-based assembly of the international grouping.
The body was initiated by Belgium, Britain, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in 1948 and later expanded to include Germany, Italy, Spain and others."
'The WEU as an organisation will be wound down within a year or so,' said British parliamentarian Walter, who presides over the Paris-based assembly of the international grouping.
The body was initiated by Belgium, Britain, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in 1948 and later expanded to include Germany, Italy, Spain and others."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Pentagon officials look to 'phase in' missile defense
Pentagon officials look to 'phase in' missile defense: "military officials want to harness technology for a more flexible and adaptive defense architecture, the principal deputy Defense undersecretary for policy said.
James N. Miller spoke to an audience of more than 200 missile defense experts here March 22 at the 8th Annual U.S. Missile Defense Conference at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Mr. Miller said the United States needs to integrate its missile-defense technology with foreign partners based on various threats. Such an approach would be more cost effective and also help to reduce potential threats.
'This approach is adaptive in the sense that it relies heavily on other, more flexible capabilities that can be surged into troubled regions in times of crisis,' Mr. Miller said. 'We know that based on the current threat, our supply of missile defense interceptors is going to have to be moved around from region to region as we build more capacity over the coming five to 10 years.
'To date, there are thousands of ballistic missiles across the world, potential threat missiles, hundreds of launchers,' he added. 'Roughly 90 percent of those missiles today have less than a 1,000-kilometer range. We only have a few-hundred defense interceptors deployed in multiple regions.'"
James N. Miller spoke to an audience of more than 200 missile defense experts here March 22 at the 8th Annual U.S. Missile Defense Conference at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Mr. Miller said the United States needs to integrate its missile-defense technology with foreign partners based on various threats. Such an approach would be more cost effective and also help to reduce potential threats.
'This approach is adaptive in the sense that it relies heavily on other, more flexible capabilities that can be surged into troubled regions in times of crisis,' Mr. Miller said. 'We know that based on the current threat, our supply of missile defense interceptors is going to have to be moved around from region to region as we build more capacity over the coming five to 10 years.
'To date, there are thousands of ballistic missiles across the world, potential threat missiles, hundreds of launchers,' he added. 'Roughly 90 percent of those missiles today have less than a 1,000-kilometer range. We only have a few-hundred defense interceptors deployed in multiple regions.'"
First all-engine flight using biomass and conventional jet fuel blend set
First all-engine flight using biomass and conventional jet fuel blend set: "An Air Force test pilot is scheduled to fly an A-10 Thunderbolt II jet aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base March 25 on a blend of biomass-derived and conventional JP-8 jet fuel. This will be the first flight of an aircraft powered solely on a biomass-derived jet fuel blend.
The biomass-derived fuel used for this event is referred to as hydrotreated renewable jet, or HRJ, and is part of a class of fuels derived from either plant oil or animal fat feedstocks. The feedstock source of the biomass powering the A-10 demonstration is camelina oil, a flowering plant in the same family as mustard, cabbage and broccoli, but not used as a food-source.
Biomass-derived fuels offer the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While additional testing will be conducted to explore the full extent of their benefits, test data show that particulate emissions are reduced during combustion of biomass-derived fuels.
This event marks the next phase in the Air Force's alternative aviation fuel program and represents a milestone in worldwide development of alternative aviation fuels, paving the way for future Air Force HRJ certification flight tests of the F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor and C-17 Globemaster III to begin this summer.
The A-10 demonstration flight supports the Air Force's 2010 Energy Plan goal to be prepared to cost-competitively acquire 50% of domestic aviation fuel from an alternative fuel blend by 2016."
The biomass-derived fuel used for this event is referred to as hydrotreated renewable jet, or HRJ, and is part of a class of fuels derived from either plant oil or animal fat feedstocks. The feedstock source of the biomass powering the A-10 demonstration is camelina oil, a flowering plant in the same family as mustard, cabbage and broccoli, but not used as a food-source.
Biomass-derived fuels offer the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While additional testing will be conducted to explore the full extent of their benefits, test data show that particulate emissions are reduced during combustion of biomass-derived fuels.
This event marks the next phase in the Air Force's alternative aviation fuel program and represents a milestone in worldwide development of alternative aviation fuels, paving the way for future Air Force HRJ certification flight tests of the F-15 Eagle, F-22 Raptor and C-17 Globemaster III to begin this summer.
The A-10 demonstration flight supports the Air Force's 2010 Energy Plan goal to be prepared to cost-competitively acquire 50% of domestic aviation fuel from an alternative fuel blend by 2016."
MC-12 aircrews complete 2,000th combat sortie
MC-12 aircrews complete 2,000th combat sortie: "MC-12 Liberty aircrews assigned to the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron completed their 2,000th combat sortie recently from Joint Base Balad.
The MC-12 program took off in the fall as Airmen flew the first combat mission in the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft that supports coalition and joint ground troops in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
'A year ago the commander and I were learning how to start the new aircraft, and now the program just flew its 2,000th mission,' said Capt. Ryan Woodman, a 362nd ERS mission pilot. 'Given what this program accomplishes for the troops on the ground, it is a great feeling. We are the eyes in the sky for those guys. We are able to communicate and help them with their mission on the ground.'
The MC-12, which allows the crew to support the ground troops, is a tactical ISR aircraft. The plane is operated by two pilots in the front of the fixed-wing aircraft and two enlisted members who gather intelligence by operating a sensor, a camera, located on the bottom of the plane. Having people in the aircraft allow adjustments to be made quickly."
The MC-12 program took off in the fall as Airmen flew the first combat mission in the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft that supports coalition and joint ground troops in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
'A year ago the commander and I were learning how to start the new aircraft, and now the program just flew its 2,000th mission,' said Capt. Ryan Woodman, a 362nd ERS mission pilot. 'Given what this program accomplishes for the troops on the ground, it is a great feeling. We are the eyes in the sky for those guys. We are able to communicate and help them with their mission on the ground.'
The MC-12, which allows the crew to support the ground troops, is a tactical ISR aircraft. The plane is operated by two pilots in the front of the fixed-wing aircraft and two enlisted members who gather intelligence by operating a sensor, a camera, located on the bottom of the plane. Having people in the aircraft allow adjustments to be made quickly."
U.S. generals push for Arab-Israeli peace
U.S. generals push for Arab-Israeli peace: "Much of the pressure on U.S. President Barack Obama to get tough with Israel over West Bank settlements is coming from America's top generals who have been warning for months that the United States is in danger until it brokers a Middle East peace treaty.
'There are important powerful lobbies in America Â… But no lobby is as important, or as powerful, as the U.S. military,' wrote Middle East analyst Mark Perry in Foreign Policy.
Leading the charge on this is U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus,"
'There are important powerful lobbies in America Â… But no lobby is as important, or as powerful, as the U.S. military,' wrote Middle East analyst Mark Perry in Foreign Policy.
Leading the charge on this is U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus,"
New technology to aid military surveillance | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com
New technology to aid military surveillance | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com: "The military is about to launch a new technology that it says will dramatically improve the way troops in Afghanistan use massive stores of video surveillance footage collected around the clock in combat zones.
Dubbed 'Valiant Angel,' the new capability employs several advances already in use in the civilian world by TV broadcasters and Google. It's made up of a system of computer servers that will allow the military to store far more photographs and video footage than before, as well as software that will give intelligence analysts and troops in the field far greater access to the footage."
Dubbed 'Valiant Angel,' the new capability employs several advances already in use in the civilian world by TV broadcasters and Google. It's made up of a system of computer servers that will allow the military to store far more photographs and video footage than before, as well as software that will give intelligence analysts and troops in the field far greater access to the footage."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Marksmen issued better rifles in Afghanistan - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times
Marksmen issued better rifles in Afghanistan - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times: "The Army is doubling the number of 7.62mm weapons in the infantry squad, increasing soldiers’ long-range killing power in the wide-open expanses of Afghanistan.
Since the beginning of the war, a typical nine-man infantry squad has included a single squad-designated marksman, armed with a surplus M14 rifle for engaging the enemy beyond the 300-meter range of M4s and M16s.
Today, squads are deploying to Afghanistan with two SDMs, each armed with the M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle, a modernized version of the Vietnam War-era weapon that’s accurate out to 800 meters."
Since the beginning of the war, a typical nine-man infantry squad has included a single squad-designated marksman, armed with a surplus M14 rifle for engaging the enemy beyond the 300-meter range of M4s and M16s.
Today, squads are deploying to Afghanistan with two SDMs, each armed with the M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle, a modernized version of the Vietnam War-era weapon that’s accurate out to 800 meters."
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nation's Largest Force Protection Exercise Begins
Nation's Largest Force Protection Exercise Begins: "U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) will begin their annual weeklong security training exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2010 (SC/CS-10) Mar. 22.
The training will be conducted on naval bases and installations throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam.
The nationwide exercise is the largest anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) exercise in the country. It is designed to enhance the training and readiness of naval security force personnel to respond to threats to installations and units, leveraging all processes security forces would implement in the event of an actual emergency."
The training will be conducted on naval bases and installations throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam.
The nationwide exercise is the largest anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) exercise in the country. It is designed to enhance the training and readiness of naval security force personnel to respond to threats to installations and units, leveraging all processes security forces would implement in the event of an actual emergency."
Successor Emerges to Lead U.S. Forces in Iraq - NYTimes.com
Successor Emerges to Lead U.S. Forces in Iraq - NYTimes.com: "The leading candidate to succeed Gen. Ray Odierno as the top American commander in Iraq is Lloyd J. Austin III, an Army lieutenant general who has done two tours in Iraq and currently serves as a senior aide to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, senior military and civilian officials say.
Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III served two tours in Iraq. Acting on the recommendation of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, President Obama has asked General Odierno to extend his tour in Baghdad until September. That means that General Odierno will be in charge when the United States reduces its troop level to 50,000 in August and officially proclaims the end to its combat mission in Iraq."
Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III served two tours in Iraq. Acting on the recommendation of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, President Obama has asked General Odierno to extend his tour in Baghdad until September. That means that General Odierno will be in charge when the United States reduces its troop level to 50,000 in August and officially proclaims the end to its combat mission in Iraq."
Army makes moves toward new carbine - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times
Army makes moves toward new carbine - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times: "The Army is now following not one but two paths to give soldiers a better weapon than the current M4 carbine.
The Army launched an effort to find a new weapon in November 2008, a year after the M4 finished last in an Army reliability test involving three other carbines.
Officials hoped to start a competition for a new carbine last fall.
Army weapons officials said March 2 that the service still intends to go after a new carbine.
The requirement, or blueprint, for the new weapon, however is still awaiting approval from the Defense Department, said Col. Doug Tamilio, the head of Project Manager for Soldier Weapons.
“People have asked me how long it will be in the joint staff,” Tamilio said. “I don’t know when this will go through.”
Tamilio added that it could be late summer before the Joint Requirement Oversight Council makes a decision.
In the meantime, the Army is making progress on an effort to make significant improvements to the 500,000 M4s in the inventory."
The Army launched an effort to find a new weapon in November 2008, a year after the M4 finished last in an Army reliability test involving three other carbines.
Officials hoped to start a competition for a new carbine last fall.
Army weapons officials said March 2 that the service still intends to go after a new carbine.
The requirement, or blueprint, for the new weapon, however is still awaiting approval from the Defense Department, said Col. Doug Tamilio, the head of Project Manager for Soldier Weapons.
“People have asked me how long it will be in the joint staff,” Tamilio said. “I don’t know when this will go through.”
Tamilio added that it could be late summer before the Joint Requirement Oversight Council makes a decision.
In the meantime, the Army is making progress on an effort to make significant improvements to the 500,000 M4s in the inventory."
US tanker bid war heats up with Airbus, Russia in wings
US tanker bid war heats up with Airbus, Russia in wings: "The US Air Force tanker bidding contest against Boeing heated up Friday, with Airbus parent EADS mulling a proposal and Russia's state firm UAC gearing up for one next week.
EADS opened the door to a bid against US arch-rival Boeing for the 35-billion-dollar aerial refueling tanker contract on signs of Pentagon willingness to extend the May deadline.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company's expressed interest in the competition, and the surprise emergence of a Russian competitor late Friday, marked new twists in the long-running saga to replace the aging Boeing fleet."
EADS opened the door to a bid against US arch-rival Boeing for the 35-billion-dollar aerial refueling tanker contract on signs of Pentagon willingness to extend the May deadline.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company's expressed interest in the competition, and the surprise emergence of a Russian competitor late Friday, marked new twists in the long-running saga to replace the aging Boeing fleet."
Saturday, March 20, 2010
New Attitudes about UAVs Shape Army’s Scout Helicopter Program
New Attitudes about UAVs Shape Army’s Scout Helicopter Program: "The Army has tried unsuccessfully for decades to build a new scout helicopter to replace the aging Kiowa Warrior. After canceling two multibillion-dollar helicopter programs, the Army has decided that a conventional rotorcraft is no longer the answer.
The latest plan to replace the Kiowa would involve a mix of new helicopters and unmanned air vehicles. Officials now believe that a manned-unmanned fleet can perform the scout mission more effectively than piloted aircraft alone."
The latest plan to replace the Kiowa would involve a mix of new helicopters and unmanned air vehicles. Officials now believe that a manned-unmanned fleet can perform the scout mission more effectively than piloted aircraft alone."
Future Remotely Piloted Aircraft Will Do More Than Surveillance
Future Remotely Piloted Aircraft Will Do More Than Surveillance: "The widespread introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles to the battlefield during the last decade has been called revolutionary. But their applications so far have mostly been in the reconnaissance and surveillance realm, with only a handful of aircraft able to fire weapons.
Military leaders are beginning think about concepts for the third-generation UAVs. In the future, they will want the drones to do a lot more than peer down on adversaries.
The Air Force sees a world in 15 to 20 years where all its aircraft have an unmanned element, said Col. Eric S. Mathewson, director of the unmanned aerial systems task force at Air Force headquarters."
Military leaders are beginning think about concepts for the third-generation UAVs. In the future, they will want the drones to do a lot more than peer down on adversaries.
The Air Force sees a world in 15 to 20 years where all its aircraft have an unmanned element, said Col. Eric S. Mathewson, director of the unmanned aerial systems task force at Air Force headquarters."
Army on a Fast Track to Build its Own High-Tech Air Force
Army on a Fast Track to Build its Own High-Tech Air Force: "The Army soon will begin deploying larger quantities of remotely piloted surveillance aircraft — the high-tech kind that so far only have been operated by the U.S. Air Force.
The scope and pace of the Army’s unmanned aircraft buildup has been described by one official as a “California gold rush.”
The centerpieces of the Army’s unmanned warplane fleet will be the Shadow and Sky Warrior aircraft. It plans to acquire more than 300 of these two variants during the next five years. Nearly a hundred aircraft already are in the inventory."
The scope and pace of the Army’s unmanned aircraft buildup has been described by one official as a “California gold rush.”
The centerpieces of the Army’s unmanned warplane fleet will be the Shadow and Sky Warrior aircraft. It plans to acquire more than 300 of these two variants during the next five years. Nearly a hundred aircraft already are in the inventory."
Friday, March 19, 2010
Preliminary Design Of Free Electron Laser Weapon Completed
Preliminary Design Of Free Electron Laser Weapon Completed: "has successfully completed the preliminary design of the U.S. Navy's Free Electron Laser (FEL) weapon system, a key step toward building a FEL prototype for realistic tests at sea.
During the preliminary design review held March 9 to March 11 at a Boeing facility in Arlington, Va., the company presented its design to more than 30 U.S. government and National Laboratory representatives. This electric laser will operate by passing a beam of high-energy electrons through a series of powerful magnetic fields, generating an intense emission of laser light that can disable or destroy targets.
'The Free Electron Laser will use a ship's electrical power to create, in effect, unlimited ammunition and provide the ultra-precise, speed-of-light capability required to defend U.S. naval forces against emerging threats, such as hyper-velocity cruise missiles,' said Gary Fitzmire, vice president and program director of Boeing Directed Energy Systems."
During the preliminary design review held March 9 to March 11 at a Boeing facility in Arlington, Va., the company presented its design to more than 30 U.S. government and National Laboratory representatives. This electric laser will operate by passing a beam of high-energy electrons through a series of powerful magnetic fields, generating an intense emission of laser light that can disable or destroy targets.
'The Free Electron Laser will use a ship's electrical power to create, in effect, unlimited ammunition and provide the ultra-precise, speed-of-light capability required to defend U.S. naval forces against emerging threats, such as hyper-velocity cruise missiles,' said Gary Fitzmire, vice president and program director of Boeing Directed Energy Systems."
Iran shakes up guards, U.S. 'ships bombs'
Iran shakes up guards, U.S. 'ships bombs': "Amid growing concerns of renewed conflict in the Middle East, the Tehran regime has shaken up the leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, putting a veteran general who operated in Lebanon with Hezbollah in command of its ground forces.
Meantime, in an indication that the Americans are also making preparatory moves, the Pentagon is reported to be shipping hundreds of 'bunker-buster' deep-penetration bombs to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia.
The British-owned island, about 1,000 miles south of India, was used by U.S. forces to launch airstrikes against Iraq during the 1991 and 2003 wars in the Gulf."
Meantime, in an indication that the Americans are also making preparatory moves, the Pentagon is reported to be shipping hundreds of 'bunker-buster' deep-penetration bombs to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia.
The British-owned island, about 1,000 miles south of India, was used by U.S. forces to launch airstrikes against Iraq during the 1991 and 2003 wars in the Gulf."
First EHF Satcom Hardware Installed On B-2s
First EHF Satcom Hardware Installed On B-2s: "Northrop Grumman technicians here have begun installing the first set of hardware for a B-2 stealth bomber upgrade that will eventually allow the jet to send and receive battlefield information up to 100 times faster than its current satellite communications system. The work is being done as part of Increment 1 of the U.S. Air Force's B-2 extremely high frequency (EHF) satellite communications program."
MultiPolymer Neutralizes BioChem Weapons
MultiPolymer Neutralizes BioChem Weapons: "In an ongoing effort to mirror the ability of biological tissues to respond rapidly and appropriately to changing environments, scientists from the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine have synthesized a single, multifunctional polymer material that can decontaminate both biological and chemical toxins. They described the findings recently in Biomaterials.
'Our lab applies biological principles to create materials that can do many things, just like our skin protects us from both rain and sun,' said senior investigator Alan Russell, Ph.D., University Professor of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director, McGowan Institute, a joint effort of the university and UPMC.
'Typically, labs engineer products that are designed to serve only one narrow function.'
Those conventional approaches might not provide the best responses for weapons of mass destruction, which could be biological, such as smallpox virus, or chemical, such as the nerve agent sarin, he noted. Terrorists aren't going to announce what kind of threat they unleash in an attack."
'Our lab applies biological principles to create materials that can do many things, just like our skin protects us from both rain and sun,' said senior investigator Alan Russell, Ph.D., University Professor of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director, McGowan Institute, a joint effort of the university and UPMC.
'Typically, labs engineer products that are designed to serve only one narrow function.'
Those conventional approaches might not provide the best responses for weapons of mass destruction, which could be biological, such as smallpox virus, or chemical, such as the nerve agent sarin, he noted. Terrorists aren't going to announce what kind of threat they unleash in an attack."
For A400M, Airbus targets U.S. market
For A400M, Airbus targets U.S. market: "European plane maker Airbus is eyeing the United States as a key market for its A400M military transport plane.
The head of Airbus Military, Domingo Urena, told reporters in Paris of the company's target to export around 210 of the four-engine turboprop freighter to the United States, the BBC reports. Airbus wants to sell at least 500 planes on top of the 184 ordered by the program's seven European partner nations."
The head of Airbus Military, Domingo Urena, told reporters in Paris of the company's target to export around 210 of the four-engine turboprop freighter to the United States, the BBC reports. Airbus wants to sell at least 500 planes on top of the 184 ordered by the program's seven European partner nations."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Army unit recruiting ‘innovative thinkers’ | Stars and Stripes
Army unit recruiting ‘innovative thinkers’ Stars and Stripes: "The Asymmetric Warfare Group must have the most arcane motto of any Army unit: 'Normal is the cycle on a washing machine.'
To complicate matters, the motto on the group’s logo is not in English, but in the Blackfoot Indian language.
The motto, 'Otatsiihtaissiiststakio piksi makamo ta psswia,' came from a book about the Vietnam War, in which asymmetric warfare — where one side is far more powerful but the other side compensates with its own deadly tactics — was the norm, just like in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It was translated in honor of an AWG member who was a member of the Blackfoot Nation.
The group, which began its missions in 2004 and was formally stood up as a command two years later, grew out of a task force set up to counter makeshift bombs, and is looking for 'innovative thinkers' to join its ranks."
To complicate matters, the motto on the group’s logo is not in English, but in the Blackfoot Indian language.
The motto, 'Otatsiihtaissiiststakio piksi makamo ta psswia,' came from a book about the Vietnam War, in which asymmetric warfare — where one side is far more powerful but the other side compensates with its own deadly tactics — was the norm, just like in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It was translated in honor of an AWG member who was a member of the Blackfoot Nation.
The group, which began its missions in 2004 and was formally stood up as a command two years later, grew out of a task force set up to counter makeshift bombs, and is looking for 'innovative thinkers' to join its ranks."
Maritime - Counter Piracy Mission Handover
Maritime - Counter Piracy Mission Handover: "After busy months on patrol in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin, a task force of NATO warships on March 12 handed over their counter-piracy mission, (Operation Ocean Shield) to the new task force of NATO ships which had sailed to the area to take up the mission. NATO warships have been conducting counter piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa, an area of strategic importance, since October 2008. On March 12 it was the turn of the five warships from the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two, who currently come from the UK (flagship), Greece, Italy, Turkey and the U.S. to pick up the baton of this ongoing mission."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Gen. Petraeus Teaches a Lesson -- 'With Respect' -- to Sen. Scott Brown -- Politics Daily
Gen. Petraeus Teaches a Lesson -- 'With Respect' -- to Sen. Scott Brown -- Politics Daily: "Perhaps Brown, the newly elected conservative GOP senator from Massachusetts and a brand-new member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, shouldn't have chosen to take on Petraeus, the smoothly articulate four-star commander of all U.S. forces in the Middle East."
Gen. Petraeus Teaches a Lesson -- 'With Respect' -- to Sen. Scott Brown -- Politics Daily
Gen. Petraeus Teaches a Lesson -- 'With Respect' -- to Sen. Scott Brown -- Politics Daily: "Perhaps Brown, the newly elected conservative GOP senator from Massachusetts and a brand-new member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, shouldn't have chosen to take on Petraeus, the smoothly articulate four-star commander of all U.S. forces in the Middle East."
U.S. Army Vice Chief Worried About Modernization - Defense News
U.S. Army Vice Chief Worried About Modernization - Defense News: "Citing diminishing budgets and the difficult fiscal climate in the country, the U.S. Army vice chief of staff said he is concerned about preparing the service for the future.
'I'm worried about our ability to modernize the force,' Gen. Peter Chiarelli told members of the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee March 16.
Related Topics
Americas
Land Warfare
He said he's worried the Army's current acquisition process may not be able to take advantage of emerging technology the way the IT industry does."
'I'm worried about our ability to modernize the force,' Gen. Peter Chiarelli told members of the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee March 16.
Related Topics
Americas
Land Warfare
He said he's worried the Army's current acquisition process may not be able to take advantage of emerging technology the way the IT industry does."
Army developing new Ground Combat Vehicle
Army developing new Ground Combat Vehicle: "The U.S. Army's Feb. 25 release of a formal Request for Proposal, or RFP, to industry marks a significant step forward in the effort to build a first-of-its-kind, highly versatile Ground Combat Vehicle, more commonly referred to as the GCV, - a nine-man squad Infantry Carrier that can protect against IEDs and other threats, move in urban and off-road terrain and accommodate emerging technologies such as lightweight armor composites and electronics as they become available, service leaders said.
The Army -- in close cooperation with its industry partners who have 60 days to respond to the RFP -- aims to produce competitive prototypes by 2015 and production vehicles within seven years by 2017."
The Army -- in close cooperation with its industry partners who have 60 days to respond to the RFP -- aims to produce competitive prototypes by 2015 and production vehicles within seven years by 2017."
U.S. getting snared again in Somalia
U.S. getting snared again in Somalia: "Despite U.S. reluctance to get entangled again in the free-for-all conflict in Somalia, Washington is slowly being caught up in fighting Islamist militants in the lawless Horn of Africa state.
The United States is has been arming the beleaguered Transitional Federal Government penned up in war-ravaged Mogadishu on Somalia's Indian Ocean coast since it was set up, with Ethiopian military support, in December 2006.
Now, as the TFG gets ready for a long-delayed offensive against the Islamists, the United States is getting ready to provide air support and says the fledgling Africa Command is training government troops as well.
The Americans view Somalia -- along with increasingly lawless Yemen across the Gulf of Aden -- as a haven for al-Qaida and its fellow travelers that could threaten both the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa."
The United States is has been arming the beleaguered Transitional Federal Government penned up in war-ravaged Mogadishu on Somalia's Indian Ocean coast since it was set up, with Ethiopian military support, in December 2006.
Now, as the TFG gets ready for a long-delayed offensive against the Islamists, the United States is getting ready to provide air support and says the fledgling Africa Command is training government troops as well.
The Americans view Somalia -- along with increasingly lawless Yemen across the Gulf of Aden -- as a haven for al-Qaida and its fellow travelers that could threaten both the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa."
Hummingbird Completes Cargo Delivery Demonstration
Hummingbird Completes Cargo Delivery Demonstration: "The Boeing A160T Hummingbird has successfully completed a cargo delivery demonstration under a U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory contract, proving the unmanned rotorcraft's ability to resupply frontline troops in rough terrain. The Hummingbird met or exceeded all of the demonstration requirements during the tests, conducted March 9 - March 11 at the U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Ground in Utah.
Boeing showed that the A160T can deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another 75 nautical miles away in well under the required six hours. The simulated mission carried 1,250-pound sling loads over two 150-nautical-mile round trips, with the A160T operating autonomously on a preprogrammed mission"
Boeing showed that the A160T can deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another 75 nautical miles away in well under the required six hours. The simulated mission carried 1,250-pound sling loads over two 150-nautical-mile round trips, with the A160T operating autonomously on a preprogrammed mission"
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Walker's World: Obama is losing India
Walker's World: Obama is losing India: "The Obama administration is trying to play catch-up in its relations with the country that could become its most important long-term ally. But it may be leaving it too late, after India last week agreed a $7 billion deal in arms, nuclear reactors and space technology with Russia.
India's strategic importance can hardly be exaggerated. More than just the other Asian economic giant after China, India is a democracy where English is an official language. It shares with Washington the same love-hate attitude toward China, hopeful but deeply suspicious at the same time. And with a much healthier demographic profile than China, most extrapolations of long-term trend suggest that India's economy will outgrow China's by the second half of this century.
U.S. President Barack Obama himself seems to have understood this."
India's strategic importance can hardly be exaggerated. More than just the other Asian economic giant after China, India is a democracy where English is an official language. It shares with Washington the same love-hate attitude toward China, hopeful but deeply suspicious at the same time. And with a much healthier demographic profile than China, most extrapolations of long-term trend suggest that India's economy will outgrow China's by the second half of this century.
U.S. President Barack Obama himself seems to have understood this."
F-35B STOVL-Mode Flight
F-35B STOVL-Mode Flight: "The first Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter passes overhead at 40 knots (46 mph) prior to a slow landing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., on Wednesday, March 10.
The flight was one of the last missions before the aircraft's first vertical landing, and confirmed the jet's power and controllability at very low speeds."
The flight was one of the last missions before the aircraft's first vertical landing, and confirmed the jet's power and controllability at very low speeds."
Joint Strike Fighter cost may top 100 million dollars: US
Joint Strike Fighter cost may top 100 million dollars: US: "The Joint Strike Fighter next generation warplane for US and allied forces may end up costing more than 100 million dollars per plane, a Pentagon official told Congress Thursday. This would mean the final cost would be double the initial estimate when the contract was awarded in 2001 for the JSF, the costliest weapons program to date for the Pentagon."
As Iraq war enters final act, US readies for exodus of men and machines | World news | guardian.co.uk
As Iraq war enters final act, US readies for exodus of men and machines World news guardian.co.uk: "Each night, in a giant base north of Baghdad, a team that moves armies for a living prepares for a mission that will define America's time in Iraq, more than any other act since the invasion seven years ago.
Leading them is the senior American officer who will orchestrate the military withdrawal, a man who claims he has one of the highest job satisfaction levels in the country.
'I have the best job in Iraq right now,' says Brigadier General Paul Wentz, of the US military's 13th Sustainment Command. 'There is no question about it.'
Whether that assessment is a reflection of the fraught earlier years of the occupation, or the imminent end of an increasingly unpopular war, or the fact that his staff have prepared so well that they can't fail, is open to conjecture. Either way, the men and women of the 13th Sustainment Command are raring to begin the biggest movement of troops and machines anywhere in the world since Vietnam, more than 40 years ago."
Leading them is the senior American officer who will orchestrate the military withdrawal, a man who claims he has one of the highest job satisfaction levels in the country.
'I have the best job in Iraq right now,' says Brigadier General Paul Wentz, of the US military's 13th Sustainment Command. 'There is no question about it.'
Whether that assessment is a reflection of the fraught earlier years of the occupation, or the imminent end of an increasingly unpopular war, or the fact that his staff have prepared so well that they can't fail, is open to conjecture. Either way, the men and women of the 13th Sustainment Command are raring to begin the biggest movement of troops and machines anywhere in the world since Vietnam, more than 40 years ago."
As Iraq war enters final act, US readies for exodus of men and machines | World news | guardian.co.uk
As Iraq war enters final act, US readies for exodus of men and machines World news guardian.co.uk: "Each night, in a giant base north of Baghdad, a team that moves armies for a living prepares for a mission that will define America's time in Iraq, more than any other act since the invasion seven years ago.
Leading them is the senior American officer who will orchestrate the military withdrawal, a man who claims he has one of the highest job satisfaction levels in the country.
'I have the best job in Iraq right now,' says Brigadier General Paul Wentz, of the US military's 13th Sustainment Command. 'There is no question about it.'
Whether that assessment is a reflection of the fraught earlier years of the occupation, or the imminent end of an increasingly unpopular war, or the fact that his staff have prepared so well that they can't fail, is open to conjecture. Either way, the men and women of the 13th Sustainment Command are raring to begin the biggest movement of troops and machines anywhere in the world since Vietnam, more than 40 years ago."
Leading them is the senior American officer who will orchestrate the military withdrawal, a man who claims he has one of the highest job satisfaction levels in the country.
'I have the best job in Iraq right now,' says Brigadier General Paul Wentz, of the US military's 13th Sustainment Command. 'There is no question about it.'
Whether that assessment is a reflection of the fraught earlier years of the occupation, or the imminent end of an increasingly unpopular war, or the fact that his staff have prepared so well that they can't fail, is open to conjecture. Either way, the men and women of the 13th Sustainment Command are raring to begin the biggest movement of troops and machines anywhere in the world since Vietnam, more than 40 years ago."
Red tape complicates SF mission in Pakistan - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times
Red tape complicates SF mission in Pakistan - Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times: "An ongoing Pakistani effort to delay the issuance of visas to U.S. diplomatic and military personnel is impeding the U.S. special operations mission to train Pakistan’s Frontier Corps, according to several U.S. sources.
The difficulty obtaining visas led to some special ops troops having their deployments to Pakistan extended and others being sent back to the country early simply because their visas were still valid, U.S. sources said. For the Special Forces troops at the heart of the mission, the visa issue has become critical. “It’s huge,” said a special operations source. “It’s everything. They can’t do their mission without the visa.”"
The difficulty obtaining visas led to some special ops troops having their deployments to Pakistan extended and others being sent back to the country early simply because their visas were still valid, U.S. sources said. For the Special Forces troops at the heart of the mission, the visa issue has become critical. “It’s huge,” said a special operations source. “It’s everything. They can’t do their mission without the visa.”"
McChrystal Brings Most Special Operations Under His Control - NYTimes.com
McChrystal Brings Most Special Operations Under His Control - NYTimes.com: "Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top American commander in Afghanistan, has brought most American Special Operations forces under his direct control for the first time, out of concern over continued civilian casualties and disorganization among units in the field."
Monday, March 15, 2010
Official announces plans to curb fighter program's cost
Official announces plans to curb fighter program's cost: "Defense Department officials will require a shift to a fixed-price contract in their negotiations with Lockheed Martin for the initial production phase of the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, a defense official said here March 15 in a briefing at the Pentagon.
Department officials also will conduct an internal analysis of what the full production cost should be to better negotiate with the contractor, said Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics.
Taken together, Mr. Carter said, these measures will reduce costs of a program that has met with significant production delays and cost overruns since its inception in October 2001.
'It did not seem reasonable that the taxpayer should bear the entire cost of this failure of the program to meet expectations,' Mr. Carter said.
The joint strike fighter, the most expensive acquisition in U.S. military history, will replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and eight international partners."
Department officials also will conduct an internal analysis of what the full production cost should be to better negotiate with the contractor, said Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics.
Taken together, Mr. Carter said, these measures will reduce costs of a program that has met with significant production delays and cost overruns since its inception in October 2001.
'It did not seem reasonable that the taxpayer should bear the entire cost of this failure of the program to meet expectations,' Mr. Carter said.
The joint strike fighter, the most expensive acquisition in U.S. military history, will replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and eight international partners."
Breaking News, Kenya, Africa, Politics, Business, Sports, Blogs, Photos, Videos - Navy officers seek end to piracy
Breaking News, Kenya, Africa, Politics, Business, Sports, Blogs, Photos, Videos - Navy officers seek end to piracy: "With piracy along the coast of Somalia spiralling out of control, a group of navy commanders say the solution lies in restoring law and order in the war-torn country. Lawlessness in the country has made piracy a lucrative venture for many men without any source of income, the commanders say.
Further, it would take more than just the big guns of an international naval force currently scouring the Indian Ocean waters to rein in the pirates, the commanders added. Lately, the pirates have made millions of dollars in ransom for seized cargo ships in the Indian Ocean waters.
The comments were made at a press conference aboard a US Navy ship, HSV-2 Swift. Another warship, the USS Nicholas, is also in Mombasa, where navy commanders from Kenya, the US, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Comoros, and Namibia met.
The meeting was part of an international security cooperation initiative known as the Africa Partnership Station which brings together American, European, and African naval forces."
Further, it would take more than just the big guns of an international naval force currently scouring the Indian Ocean waters to rein in the pirates, the commanders added. Lately, the pirates have made millions of dollars in ransom for seized cargo ships in the Indian Ocean waters.
The comments were made at a press conference aboard a US Navy ship, HSV-2 Swift. Another warship, the USS Nicholas, is also in Mombasa, where navy commanders from Kenya, the US, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Comoros, and Namibia met.
The meeting was part of an international security cooperation initiative known as the Africa Partnership Station which brings together American, European, and African naval forces."
News From USJFCOM: Command releases report examining the future
News From USJFCOM: Command releases report examining the future: "U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) released a report today outlining a strategic framework that forecasts possible threats and opportunities that will challenge the joint force in the future.
USJFCOM released the Joint Operating Environment 2010 (JOE 2010) to describe the future operational environment and its implications on the structure and function of the joint force.
JOE 2010 continues and improves on work first outlined in the 2008 version of the document which was downloaded over a million times from the command Web site.
'The JOE is a living document; routine revisions ensure it remains relevant by reflecting current and emerging trends,' said Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, USJFCOM deputy commander. 'The purpose of the JOE is to encourage strategic dialogue - we put out JOE 2008, people responded, we listened and made changes and improvements based on that feedback.'
While feedback from JOE 2008 helped inform the new edition, current events and the analysis of those trends and challenges also yielded new areas of discussion."
USJFCOM released the Joint Operating Environment 2010 (JOE 2010) to describe the future operational environment and its implications on the structure and function of the joint force.
JOE 2010 continues and improves on work first outlined in the 2008 version of the document which was downloaded over a million times from the command Web site.
'The JOE is a living document; routine revisions ensure it remains relevant by reflecting current and emerging trends,' said Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, USJFCOM deputy commander. 'The purpose of the JOE is to encourage strategic dialogue - we put out JOE 2008, people responded, we listened and made changes and improvements based on that feedback.'
While feedback from JOE 2008 helped inform the new edition, current events and the analysis of those trends and challenges also yielded new areas of discussion."
Singapore, U.S. Navies Celebrate Cooperative Milestone
Singapore, U.S. Navies Celebrate Cooperative Milestone: "Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F) hosted high level officials from the Republic of Singapore to mark a major security cooperation milestone among the two nations March 12.
Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, hosted an official visit with Republic of Singapore deputy prime minister for policy, minister of Defence Mr. Teo Chee Hean and Chief of the Navy Rear Adm. Chew Men Leong.
The milestone visit was in conjunction with the final battle problem for the Republic of Singapore Navy PEACE TRITON, a joint training venture began more than a year ago. At that time, U.S. Navy mentors began training Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Navy (RSN) personnel in maritime helicopter operations and missions with their newly acquired S-70 helicopters, and ultimately how to integrate the capabilities these helicopter bring into the RSN Fleet.
Early integration began when RSAF pilots made a historic first-ever underway landing of an S-70 aboard San Diego-based USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) last November as part of the final training steps."
Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, hosted an official visit with Republic of Singapore deputy prime minister for policy, minister of Defence Mr. Teo Chee Hean and Chief of the Navy Rear Adm. Chew Men Leong.
The milestone visit was in conjunction with the final battle problem for the Republic of Singapore Navy PEACE TRITON, a joint training venture began more than a year ago. At that time, U.S. Navy mentors began training Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Navy (RSN) personnel in maritime helicopter operations and missions with their newly acquired S-70 helicopters, and ultimately how to integrate the capabilities these helicopter bring into the RSN Fleet.
Early integration began when RSAF pilots made a historic first-ever underway landing of an S-70 aboard San Diego-based USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) last November as part of the final training steps."
Singapore, U.S. Navies Celebrate Cooperative Milestone
Singapore, U.S. Navies Celebrate Cooperative Milestone: "Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F) hosted high level officials from the Republic of Singapore to mark a major security cooperation milestone among the two nations March 12.
Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, hosted an official visit with Republic of Singapore deputy prime minister for policy, minister of Defence Mr. Teo Chee Hean and Chief of the Navy Rear Adm. Chew Men Leong.
The milestone visit was in conjunction with the final battle problem for the Republic of Singapore Navy PEACE TRITON, a joint training venture began more than a year ago. At that time, U.S. Navy mentors began training Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Navy (RSN) personnel in maritime helicopter operations and missions with their newly acquired S-70 helicopters, and ultimately how to integrate the capabilities these helicopter bring into the RSN Fleet.
Early integration began when RSAF pilots made a historic first-ever underway landing of an S-70 aboard San Diego-based USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) last November as part of the final training steps."
Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, hosted an official visit with Republic of Singapore deputy prime minister for policy, minister of Defence Mr. Teo Chee Hean and Chief of the Navy Rear Adm. Chew Men Leong.
The milestone visit was in conjunction with the final battle problem for the Republic of Singapore Navy PEACE TRITON, a joint training venture began more than a year ago. At that time, U.S. Navy mentors began training Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Navy (RSN) personnel in maritime helicopter operations and missions with their newly acquired S-70 helicopters, and ultimately how to integrate the capabilities these helicopter bring into the RSN Fleet.
Early integration began when RSAF pilots made a historic first-ever underway landing of an S-70 aboard San Diego-based USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) last November as part of the final training steps."
Freedom Achieves Third Caribbean Drug Seizure
Freedom Achieves Third Caribbean Drug Seizure: "The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) achieved its third drug seizure March 11, disrupting a high-speed 'go-fast' vessel and recovering 2 1/4 tons of cocaine during counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in U.S. 4th Fleet's Area of Responsibility.
While patrolling with embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, the Litorral Combat Ship Surface Warfare Mission Package and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, Freedom detected a suspected drug vessel and began pursuit at high speed.
Freedom deployed a response team of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to intercept the vessel, which jettisoned its illicit cargo in the southern Caribbean Sea.
An MH-60S Sea Hawk from Freedom forced the go-fast to beach itself. Local officials later confiscated the vessel."
While patrolling with embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, the Litorral Combat Ship Surface Warfare Mission Package and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, Freedom detected a suspected drug vessel and began pursuit at high speed.
Freedom deployed a response team of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to intercept the vessel, which jettisoned its illicit cargo in the southern Caribbean Sea.
An MH-60S Sea Hawk from Freedom forced the go-fast to beach itself. Local officials later confiscated the vessel."
Next-gen Burkes may push limit of DDG frame - Navy News, news from Iraq - Navy Times
Next-gen Burkes may push limit of DDG frame - Navy News, news from Iraq - Navy Times: "The Navy’s next batch of workhorse destroyers will likely be larger, sport a different-looking superstructure and could carry a new set of weapons, according to a Navy official and congressional reports.
Service officials committed the Navy to a new variety of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in appearances around Washington over February and March, even rolling out the term “Flight III” for a ship that will combine much of what sailors already know in today’s Flight I, II and IIA ships with advanced refinements that designers hope are ready in the next few years."
Service officials committed the Navy to a new variety of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in appearances around Washington over February and March, even rolling out the term “Flight III” for a ship that will combine much of what sailors already know in today’s Flight I, II and IIA ships with advanced refinements that designers hope are ready in the next few years."
Hollywood's New Battle Tactic: Make War Personal : NPR
Hollywood's New Battle Tactic: Make War Personal : NPR: "Today's premiere of the $100 million action flick Green Zone will test how far that strategy can take a film commercially. Named after the American enclave in Baghdad, it stars Matt Damon as an increasingly skeptical Army investigator racing through the city's environs in 2003 looking for the weapons of mass destruction that were the Bush administration's chief argument for going to war. When he wonders aloud why their intelligence is always wrong and they keep coming up empty, a subordinate tells him they're there 'to do a job and get home safe — the reasons don't matter.' Clenching his jaw, Damon replies, 'They matter to me.'"
Thursday, March 11, 2010
CIWS Upgrades Keep Lincoln Combat Ready
CIWS Upgrades Keep Lincoln Combat Ready: "USS Abraham Lincoln successfully completed a test firing of its Close In Weapons System (CIWS) March 9, after receiving an upgrade during the ship's 2009 maintenance period.
Upgrades to the close-in self-defense weapon system included transition from block 1 baseline 0, to block 1 baseline 2, allowing the gun to fire 4,500 rounds per minute instead of 3,000 as previously capable by using compressed high pressure air instead of hydraulics to release the rounds faster.
The test fire, called a Pre-action Aim Calibration Fire or PACFIRE, lasted about an hour and resulted in the successful firing of approximately 900 rounds from the ship's three CIWS mounts. The purpose of the PACFIRE is to calibrate the aim of the system, ensuring the rounds reach exactly where the radar sees the target."
Upgrades to the close-in self-defense weapon system included transition from block 1 baseline 0, to block 1 baseline 2, allowing the gun to fire 4,500 rounds per minute instead of 3,000 as previously capable by using compressed high pressure air instead of hydraulics to release the rounds faster.
The test fire, called a Pre-action Aim Calibration Fire or PACFIRE, lasted about an hour and resulted in the successful firing of approximately 900 rounds from the ship's three CIWS mounts. The purpose of the PACFIRE is to calibrate the aim of the system, ensuring the rounds reach exactly where the radar sees the target."
Review drops two-war force size paradigm
Review drops two-war force size paradigm: "The model used to determine the appropriate size of the United States military is being replaced following the Quadrennial Defense Review process, a senior defense official said here today.
Speaking on background at a two-day seminar on the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review hosted by the National Defense University, the official said the theory that U.S. forces should be sized based on the need to fight two major wars simultaneously no longer is appropriate.
'We're looking for the broadest range of capabilities to deal with the broadest range of scenarios,' he stated. 'It's not as easy to talk about ... as the two major theater war paradigm, but it's important, and it's essential to our preparation for future conflict.'"
Speaking on background at a two-day seminar on the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review hosted by the National Defense University, the official said the theory that U.S. forces should be sized based on the need to fight two major wars simultaneously no longer is appropriate.
'We're looking for the broadest range of capabilities to deal with the broadest range of scenarios,' he stated. 'It's not as easy to talk about ... as the two major theater war paradigm, but it's important, and it's essential to our preparation for future conflict.'"
Army fast-tracking precision mortar to Afghanistan
Army fast-tracking precision mortar to Afghanistan: "The U.S. Army is poised to deliver precision mortar rounds to soldiers in Afghanistan by the end of this year as part of an accelerated effort to give commanders there an improved ability to destroy targets in the mountainous terrain, service officials said.
'You can drop one on a target to execute the mission and stay on target,' said Brig. Gen. John Maddux, Program Executive Officer, Ammunition. 'Also, this will decrease the footprint of conventional ammo in theater because you only need one to make first kill.'
The program -- called Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) -- emerged as a result of an urgent request from commanders in Afghanistan who seek the ability to pinpoint targets using precision or GPS -guided mortar rounds.
APMI improves upon the 136-meter Circular Error Probable (CEP) of conventional mortars by reducing it to about 10-meters,"
'You can drop one on a target to execute the mission and stay on target,' said Brig. Gen. John Maddux, Program Executive Officer, Ammunition. 'Also, this will decrease the footprint of conventional ammo in theater because you only need one to make first kill.'
The program -- called Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) -- emerged as a result of an urgent request from commanders in Afghanistan who seek the ability to pinpoint targets using precision or GPS -guided mortar rounds.
APMI improves upon the 136-meter Circular Error Probable (CEP) of conventional mortars by reducing it to about 10-meters,"
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Pentagon resists Army's desire to stop development of MEADS missile system - washingtonpost.com
Pentagon resists Army's desire to stop development of MEADS missile system - washingtonpost.com: "After several failed attempts, the Army is trying again to cancel a $19 billion missile defense system that the United States is developing in partnership with Italy and Germany. Known as the Medium Extended Air Defense System, or MEADS, it has been in the works for more than a decade and is designed to replace, in part, the Army's aging Patriot system.
But the Army says MEADS has become too expensive, is taking too long to produce and is difficult to manage because any changes in the program require German and Italian approval. 'The system will not meet U.S. requirements or address the current and emerging threat without extensive and costly modifications,' an internal Army staff memo concluded last month in recommending the cancellation of MEADS.
Despite the Army's concerns, however, the Pentagon is pushing ahead with MEADS and has requested $467 million from Congress to develop the system next year."
But the Army says MEADS has become too expensive, is taking too long to produce and is difficult to manage because any changes in the program require German and Italian approval. 'The system will not meet U.S. requirements or address the current and emerging threat without extensive and costly modifications,' an internal Army staff memo concluded last month in recommending the cancellation of MEADS.
Despite the Army's concerns, however, the Pentagon is pushing ahead with MEADS and has requested $467 million from Congress to develop the system next year."
Foreign employers joining Reserve partner program | Stars and Stripes
Foreign employers joining Reserve partner program Stars and Stripes: "Army Reserve is bringing two German-run companies into the Employer Partnership Initiative, the first foreign employers to join the program.
Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve and commander of U.S. Army Reserve Command, signed an agreement Sunday in Wiesbaden with representatives of Aerotech and TEKsystems, German subsidiaries of the U.S. company Allegis Group, Army officials said.
While the U.S. law aims to protect reservists who are called to active duty — voluntarily or involuntarily — from losing their civilian jobs, no such legal protections exist for Americans who work overseas, military officials say.
Stultz said he has been told by reservists employed with foreign companies that they 'couldn’t get their job back' after their deployment. 'That’s why it’s even more critical to have these partnerships with overseas employers,' he said.
There are about 1,000 reservists assigned to 22 units in Germany and Italy. They fall under the 7th Civil Support Command based at Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern. While there are no reservists currently employed with the partnering German companies, two soldiers were previously, but have since moved to the States, said Maj. Frank Suyak, a 7th Civil Support Command spokesman.
However, some of the command’s reservists are employed by other private companies in Europe, including BMW and Shell Oil, Suyak said. The Army hopes to continue to expand the Partnership Initiative overseas, Stultz said."
Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve and commander of U.S. Army Reserve Command, signed an agreement Sunday in Wiesbaden with representatives of Aerotech and TEKsystems, German subsidiaries of the U.S. company Allegis Group, Army officials said.
While the U.S. law aims to protect reservists who are called to active duty — voluntarily or involuntarily — from losing their civilian jobs, no such legal protections exist for Americans who work overseas, military officials say.
Stultz said he has been told by reservists employed with foreign companies that they 'couldn’t get their job back' after their deployment. 'That’s why it’s even more critical to have these partnerships with overseas employers,' he said.
There are about 1,000 reservists assigned to 22 units in Germany and Italy. They fall under the 7th Civil Support Command based at Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern. While there are no reservists currently employed with the partnering German companies, two soldiers were previously, but have since moved to the States, said Maj. Frank Suyak, a 7th Civil Support Command spokesman.
However, some of the command’s reservists are employed by other private companies in Europe, including BMW and Shell Oil, Suyak said. The Army hopes to continue to expand the Partnership Initiative overseas, Stultz said."
Gates Visits Afghanistan to Meet With Karzai and NATO Commanders - NYTimes.com
Gates Visits Afghanistan to Meet With Karzai and NATO Commanders - NYTimes.com: "Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met here on Monday with President Hamid Karzai and Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal to review plans for a major American-led offensive in the city of Kandahar, the spiritual heart and birthplace of the Taliban, an operation General McChrystal indicated could get under way this summer.
General McChrystal, the top NATO and American commander in Afghanistan, declined to be more specific, but told reporters at a briefing in Kabul that it would be several more months before American, coalition and Afghan forces were at full strength around Kandahar."
General McChrystal, the top NATO and American commander in Afghanistan, declined to be more specific, but told reporters at a briefing in Kabul that it would be several more months before American, coalition and Afghan forces were at full strength around Kandahar."
Monday, March 8, 2010
Poland to host U.S. missiles in April
Poland to host U.S. missiles in April: "Confirming a move speculated for months, Poland announced plans to host controversial U.S. Patriot missiles and a contingent of U.S. troops that will operate them, by April.
'The Defense Ministry expects the first stage of the stationing of a Patriot battery and a 100-man service team to get under way in the (northern) town of Morag at the turn of April,' Poland's PAP news agency reported."
'The Defense Ministry expects the first stage of the stationing of a Patriot battery and a 100-man service team to get under way in the (northern) town of Morag at the turn of April,' Poland's PAP news agency reported."
New Helicopter Design Would Investigate Nuclear Disasters
New Helicopter Design Would Investigate Nuclear Disasters: "Students at Virginia Tech's Unmanned Systems Laboratory are perfecting an autonomous helicopter they hope will never be used for its intended purpose. Roughly six feet long and weighing 200 pounds, the re-engineered aircraft is designed to fly into American cities blasted by a nuclear weapon or dirty bomb.
The helicopter's main mission would be to assist military investigators in the unthinkable: Enter an American city after a nuclear attack in order to detect radiation levels, map and photograph damage.
'It's for a worst-case scenario,'"
The helicopter's main mission would be to assist military investigators in the unthinkable: Enter an American city after a nuclear attack in order to detect radiation levels, map and photograph damage.
'It's for a worst-case scenario,'"
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Education & Opinion
Education & Opinion: "It is sometimes said that if a decision has a nearly equal number of proponents and critics, it must have been a pretty good decision. Such is not the case with President Obama’s decision to cancel NASA’s Constellation program. [The Constellation program is a human spaceflight program which involves the development of spacecraft and booster vehicles to replace the Space Shuttle, with the Ares I vehicle for sending astronauts to the International Space Station and other low earth orbit missions, and the Ares V vehicle to send astronauts to the Moon and possibly to Mars as well.] The proponents say that Constellation’s demise is a good thing, because it will allow NASA to focus more of its efforts and resources on science…something that should have been at the core of its direction all along. Critics of the decision say that the cancellation is another sign of United States abrogation of its role as technological and exploration leader of the world. Both sides of the argument in this case have valid points to make, but there is far more at stake in this decision than merely the focus of NASA’s direction for the future."
U.S. Aiding Somalia in Its Plan to Retake Its Capital - NYTimes.com
U.S. Aiding Somalia in Its Plan to Retake Its Capital - NYTimes.com: "The Somali government is preparing a major offensive to take back this capital block by crumbling block, and it takes just a listen to the low growl of a small surveillance plane circling in the night sky overhead to know who is surreptitiously backing that effort.
Jehad Nga for The New York Times
Forces of the transitional government in Somalia control only a part of the capital, Mogadishu. “It’s the Americans,” said Gen. Mohamed Gelle Kahiye, the new chief of Somalia’s military, who said he recently shared plans about coming military operations with American advisers. “They’re helping us.”"
Jehad Nga for The New York Times
Forces of the transitional government in Somalia control only a part of the capital, Mogadishu. “It’s the Americans,” said Gen. Mohamed Gelle Kahiye, the new chief of Somalia’s military, who said he recently shared plans about coming military operations with American advisers. “They’re helping us.”"
Friday, March 5, 2010
Defense News in Brief - 5 March 2010
New Army Black Hawk succeeds in combat
The Army's new high-tech UH-60 Black Hawk M-model helicopter -- equipped with a stronger engine, a digital cockpit and composite rotor blades -- performed exceptionally well in Afghanistan during its first major combat deployment, according to a recently completed After Action Review at Fort Campbell, Ky., service officials said.
"The M-model Black Hawks were in Afghanistan for 12 months. The aircraft performed exceptionally well," said Lt. Col. Jerry Davis, product manager for UH-60 Modernization. "We got great reaction from pilots. They experienced a higher than average operational readiness rate with those aircraft in theater and they loved the technologies on-board."
The year-long deployment was the first for the M-model Black Hawks, which entered full-rate production in June, 2007. So far, 154 M-models have been delivered, Davis said.
C-130 low-cost, low-altitude combat airdrops now operational
A C-130 Hercules aircrew conducted a new method of airdrop that makes deliveries more accurate and flexible for resupply of small, mobile forces Feb. 6, in Afghanistan. The C-130 aircrew from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, performed the first-ever low-cost, low-altitude combat airdrop to re-supply soldiers at a forward operating base in Afghanistan. The airdrop concept became operational March 1.
A C-130 low-cost, low-altitude combat airdrop is accomplished by dropping bundles weighing 80 to 500 pounds, with pre-packed expendable parachutes, in groups of up to four bundles per pass. The drops are termed "low-cost" to reflect the relative expense of the expendable parachutes compared to their more durable, but pricier, nylon counterparts. "Low-altitude" alludes to the relative height from which bundles are released from the aircraft.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dam Neck Hosts Anti-Piracy Conference
An international group of 50 leading scientists, engineers and technologists convened at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dam Neck Feb. 23 to explore new technological concepts and collaboration initiatives to defeat piracy.
Participants from U.S. and international navies, U.S. Naval Warfare Centers, industry and academia shared their insight and expertise to gain a better understanding of the issue and develop improved ways to combat piracy.
"We are thankful that all of the participants brought us their perspectives, especially the coalition viewpoint," said Ray Campfield, workshop organizer. "Anti-piracy solutions are neither nation nor Navy specific. We must continue to work together and include our commercial shipping partners to achieve interoperable, integrated solutions for Navy, coalition and joint forces worldwide."
# END
New Army Black Hawk succeeds in combat
New Army Black Hawk succeeds in combat: "The Army's new high-tech UH-60 Black Hawk M-model helicopter -- equipped with a stronger engine, a digital cockpit and composite rotor blades -- performed exceptionally well in Afghanistan during its first major combat deployment, according to a recently completed After Action Review at Fort Campbell, Ky., service officials said.
'The M-model Black Hawks were in Afghanistan for 12 months. The aircraft performed exceptionally well,' said Lt. Col. Jerry Davis, product manager for UH-60 Modernization. 'We got great reaction from pilots. They experienced a higher than average operational readiness rate with those aircraft in theater and they loved the technologies on-board.'
The year-long deployment was the first for the M-model Black Hawks, which entered full-rate production in June, 2007. So far, 154 M-models have been delivered, Davis said.
The M-model Black Hawk's digital cockpit display made a large difference with pilots, the AAR found.
'We went from analogue type displays on the dash to multifunction digital displays. Now, the aircraft has a moving map capability with digital situational awareness on the dash integrated with the flight plan. It gave pilots a greater awareness of where their units were, where their supportive units were and where the enemy locations were,' Davis said. 'It has an integrated Blue Force Tracker which automatically displays situational awareness on the moving map display, giving greater awareness to the pilot conducting the missions.'"
'The M-model Black Hawks were in Afghanistan for 12 months. The aircraft performed exceptionally well,' said Lt. Col. Jerry Davis, product manager for UH-60 Modernization. 'We got great reaction from pilots. They experienced a higher than average operational readiness rate with those aircraft in theater and they loved the technologies on-board.'
The year-long deployment was the first for the M-model Black Hawks, which entered full-rate production in June, 2007. So far, 154 M-models have been delivered, Davis said.
The M-model Black Hawk's digital cockpit display made a large difference with pilots, the AAR found.
'We went from analogue type displays on the dash to multifunction digital displays. Now, the aircraft has a moving map capability with digital situational awareness on the dash integrated with the flight plan. It gave pilots a greater awareness of where their units were, where their supportive units were and where the enemy locations were,' Davis said. 'It has an integrated Blue Force Tracker which automatically displays situational awareness on the moving map display, giving greater awareness to the pilot conducting the missions.'"
Sniper rifle improvements to see testing this spring
Sniper rifle improvements to see testing this spring: "Candidates for an improved version of the Army's sniper rifle -- the M-24 -- are expected to go into testing this spring after industry reveals their efforts this month.
Industry was challenged to improve the M-24 sniper rifle, a weapon that has been in service since the 1980s, to make it more accurate and to make it more adjustable to the Soldier's needs, said Col. Douglas A. Tamilio, project manager, Soldier Weapons.
'So the Soldier, the sniper, can conform it to his body -- we'll have an adjustable stock, adjustable cheek welds,' Tamilio said. 'This weapons system has a five-round internal magazine. We're asking industry to do something better -- five-to-ten round external magazines.'
The Army has also asked industry to improve the scope for the M-24, and that means zoom from 3x to 25x magnification, with a reticle that adjusts when the user changes magnification. Also, he said, add Picatinny rails for mounting sensors and optics.
The M-24 now is chambered for a 7.62mm round with a range to about 800 meters, Tamilio said. But he added that when the Army designed the weapon, it also accommodated a larger round, the .300 Win Mag."
Industry was challenged to improve the M-24 sniper rifle, a weapon that has been in service since the 1980s, to make it more accurate and to make it more adjustable to the Soldier's needs, said Col. Douglas A. Tamilio, project manager, Soldier Weapons.
'So the Soldier, the sniper, can conform it to his body -- we'll have an adjustable stock, adjustable cheek welds,' Tamilio said. 'This weapons system has a five-round internal magazine. We're asking industry to do something better -- five-to-ten round external magazines.'
The Army has also asked industry to improve the scope for the M-24, and that means zoom from 3x to 25x magnification, with a reticle that adjusts when the user changes magnification. Also, he said, add Picatinny rails for mounting sensors and optics.
The M-24 now is chambered for a 7.62mm round with a range to about 800 meters, Tamilio said. But he added that when the Army designed the weapon, it also accommodated a larger round, the .300 Win Mag."
After Marja, 'Kandahar will be next,' Mullen says
After Marja, 'Kandahar will be next,' Mullen says: "The nation's top military officer today said the focus of American troops and their allies in southern Afghanistan would shift to Kandahar following an ongoing offensive in the former Taliban stronghold of Marja.
The comment by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marks the first time the senior-most military leader confirmed what many believed would be the next phase in a series of operations that have been characterized thus far as an early test of the new U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.
'I think General McChrystal's been pretty clear that the focus will turn to Kandahar,' he told reporters at the Naval Air Station North Island here, referring to Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. Mullen added: 'His main effort is really in the south, and Kandahar will be next.'"
The comment by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marks the first time the senior-most military leader confirmed what many believed would be the next phase in a series of operations that have been characterized thus far as an early test of the new U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.
'I think General McChrystal's been pretty clear that the focus will turn to Kandahar,' he told reporters at the Naval Air Station North Island here, referring to Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. Mullen added: 'His main effort is really in the south, and Kandahar will be next.'"
U.S. commander in Afghanistan gets more authority | Reuters
U.S. commander in Afghanistan gets more authority Reuters: "U.S. General David Petraeus said on Thursday he had expanded the authority of his top commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, to give him operational control over virtually all American forces in the country.
Officials in Washington said the move was part of an effort to further streamline the military hierarchy in Afghanistan."
Officials in Washington said the move was part of an effort to further streamline the military hierarchy in Afghanistan."
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Fort Worth has quietly become a hub for military intelligence | Local News | News from F...
Fort Worth has quietly become a hub for military intelligence Local News News from F...: "It is an unremarkable beige-brick building known by its military acronym, the JRIC.
Behind several secure doors requiring top-secret clearance sit analysts who conduct counterterrorism investigations in the Philippines, analyze military buildups in Venezuela, and dissect confrontations between China and Taiwan in the strait that separates them.
Hard to believe, perhaps, but beyond the rows of tactical aircraft and acres of runway at Naval Air Station Fort Worth is a rather small and publicity-shy unit of intelligence analysts overseen by the Navy Intelligence Reserve Command. 'We've tended to like it that way,' said Lt. Dan Eckles, who oversees the computers on-site for the Defense Intelligence Agency based at the Pentagon.
In fact, the Navy Reserve's entire world of intelligence is commanded by a one-star admiral, who has maintained the headquarters at NAS Fort Worth since the mid-1990s.
In addition to deploying people worldwide and year-round, the intelligence command has reservists in the JRIC conducting strategic and operational intelligence in the world's hot spots, all while never leaving Fort Worth. And none of it is done merely for training purposes.
Several years ago, the primary justification in establishing the Joint Reserve Intelligence Centers was to tap the expertise of reservists for immediate and consistent help, not just when they were mobilized on active duty."
Behind several secure doors requiring top-secret clearance sit analysts who conduct counterterrorism investigations in the Philippines, analyze military buildups in Venezuela, and dissect confrontations between China and Taiwan in the strait that separates them.
Hard to believe, perhaps, but beyond the rows of tactical aircraft and acres of runway at Naval Air Station Fort Worth is a rather small and publicity-shy unit of intelligence analysts overseen by the Navy Intelligence Reserve Command. 'We've tended to like it that way,' said Lt. Dan Eckles, who oversees the computers on-site for the Defense Intelligence Agency based at the Pentagon.
In fact, the Navy Reserve's entire world of intelligence is commanded by a one-star admiral, who has maintained the headquarters at NAS Fort Worth since the mid-1990s.
In addition to deploying people worldwide and year-round, the intelligence command has reservists in the JRIC conducting strategic and operational intelligence in the world's hot spots, all while never leaving Fort Worth. And none of it is done merely for training purposes.
Several years ago, the primary justification in establishing the Joint Reserve Intelligence Centers was to tap the expertise of reservists for immediate and consistent help, not just when they were mobilized on active duty."
Momentum shifts in Helmand, Pentagon spokesman says
Momentum shifts in Helmand, Pentagon spokesman says: "Operation Moshtarak, now in its 18th day in Afghanistan's Helmand province, is 'progressing extraordinarily well' and is moving from the clearing phase to the holding phase, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said March 3.
'There are still pockets where we believe there to be some Taliban hiding out, perhaps lying in wait,' he said. 'We are determined to clear out those pockets, as well.'
Pockets of fighting probably will continue for weeks, he added, even as signs of normalcy emerge there.
Because of the operation, the Afghan government now is in control of the Helmand cities of Marja and Nad Ali, Morrell said.
'The Afghan flag is flying over Marja for the first time in Lord knows how long,' he said. 'Markets are open; they're well-stocked. Commerce is flowing. Displaced persons are returning to their homes. There is a greater sense of security. There is widespread participation in [community meetings]. So things are trending in the right direction there.'
Morrell emphasized that even as progress continues, the job isn't finished. 'I don't want to sound overly confident,' he said. 'There is still more fighting to be done, still more areas to be cleared. Undoubtedly, there are still more losses to suffer.'"
'There are still pockets where we believe there to be some Taliban hiding out, perhaps lying in wait,' he said. 'We are determined to clear out those pockets, as well.'
Pockets of fighting probably will continue for weeks, he added, even as signs of normalcy emerge there.
Because of the operation, the Afghan government now is in control of the Helmand cities of Marja and Nad Ali, Morrell said.
'The Afghan flag is flying over Marja for the first time in Lord knows how long,' he said. 'Markets are open; they're well-stocked. Commerce is flowing. Displaced persons are returning to their homes. There is a greater sense of security. There is widespread participation in [community meetings]. So things are trending in the right direction there.'
Morrell emphasized that even as progress continues, the job isn't finished. 'I don't want to sound overly confident,' he said. 'There is still more fighting to be done, still more areas to be cleared. Undoubtedly, there are still more losses to suffer.'"
U.S. Army 'Moving Rapidly' To Add V-Hull to Strykers - Defense News
U.S. Army 'Moving Rapidly' To Add V-Hull to Strykers - Defense News: "In January, Stryker manufacturer General Dynamics presented the Army a plan to accelerate the introduction of a double V-shaped hull to the flat-bottomed Stryker, increasing the vehicle's protection against improvised explosive devices.
One source said the Army currently plans to reduce monthly Stryker production from 35 to 20 by January, which could delay the improvements. The source said that if the vehicle's production rate is held steady, the company could deliver 130 vehicles in the infantry carrier configuration in time for the next Stryker brigade's deployment to Afghanistan in July 2011."
One source said the Army currently plans to reduce monthly Stryker production from 35 to 20 by January, which could delay the improvements. The source said that if the vehicle's production rate is held steady, the company could deliver 130 vehicles in the infantry carrier configuration in time for the next Stryker brigade's deployment to Afghanistan in July 2011."
General sounds alarm on U.S. Army training | McClatchy
General sounds alarm on U.S. Army training McClatchy: "The Army's ability to train its forces is 'increasingly at risk' because of the nation's protracted commitments to Iraq and Afghanistan, the general in charge of training has told the Army's chief of staff.
In a Feb. 16 memo to Gen. George W. Casey, Gen. Martin Dempsey, the commander of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, says that the Army has lost thousands of uniformed trainers because of troop demands in Iraq and Afghanistan, has had to put junior officers in charge of some key training functions and has delayed initial instruction for nearly 500 pilots because it doesn't have enough trainers.
Only 30 percent of the instructors at Army training schools are in the military, Dempsey says, with the Army increasingly dependent on outside contractors."
In a Feb. 16 memo to Gen. George W. Casey, Gen. Martin Dempsey, the commander of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, says that the Army has lost thousands of uniformed trainers because of troop demands in Iraq and Afghanistan, has had to put junior officers in charge of some key training functions and has delayed initial instruction for nearly 500 pilots because it doesn't have enough trainers.
Only 30 percent of the instructors at Army training schools are in the military, Dempsey says, with the Army increasingly dependent on outside contractors."
Top US officer says military too dominant in foreign policy
Top US officer says military too dominant in foreign policy: "The US military still plays too dominant a role in American foreign policy and Washington needs to place a higher priority on diplomacy and 'soft power,' the top American officer said on Wednesday.
The military is a vital tool of national power but 'should never be the only tool,' Admiral Mike Mullen said in a speech at Kansas State University.
'US foreign policy is still too dominated by the military -- too dependent upon the generals and admirals who lead our major overseas commands and not enough on the State Department,' Mullen said."
The military is a vital tool of national power but 'should never be the only tool,' Admiral Mike Mullen said in a speech at Kansas State University.
'US foreign policy is still too dominated by the military -- too dependent upon the generals and admirals who lead our major overseas commands and not enough on the State Department,' Mullen said."
Boeing Receives Contract For US Navy Direct Attack Moving Target Capability
Boeing Receives Contract For US Navy Direct Attack Moving Target Capability: "Boeing has announced that it has been awarded an $11.4 million contract to supply Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions (Laser JDAM) to meet the U.S. Navy's Direct Attack Moving Target Capability (DAMTC) requirement.
The initial contract, which calls for the delivery of 23 munitions for testing and evaluation, is expected to lead to a production contract in 2011. With follow-on options, total DAMTC deliveries could reach 11,000 units and the total contract value could exceed $91 million."
The initial contract, which calls for the delivery of 23 munitions for testing and evaluation, is expected to lead to a production contract in 2011. With follow-on options, total DAMTC deliveries could reach 11,000 units and the total contract value could exceed $91 million."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Defense.gov News Article: Military Must Better Prepare Against Internal Threats, General Says
Defense.gov News Article: Military Must Better Prepare Against Internal Threats, General Says: "The Defense Department must “plan more diligently” and “seek to envision” internal threats to prevent tragedies like the mass shooting at Fort Hood last year from happening again, an independent military panel told Congress members today.
Gen. Carter Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe, told the House Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee the panel “was very impressed with the military and civilian response” to the Nov. 5 shootings. Ham is an advisor to the DoD Independent Review Related to Fort Hood, co-chaired by retired Navy Adm. Vernon E. Clark, a former chief of naval operations, and former Army Secretary Togo D. West Jr. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates created the panel and received its report Jan. 15."
Gen. Carter Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe, told the House Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee the panel “was very impressed with the military and civilian response” to the Nov. 5 shootings. Ham is an advisor to the DoD Independent Review Related to Fort Hood, co-chaired by retired Navy Adm. Vernon E. Clark, a former chief of naval operations, and former Army Secretary Togo D. West Jr. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates created the panel and received its report Jan. 15."
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