Cost of war in Afghanistan will be major factor in troop-reduction talks - The Washington Post: "Of all the statistics that President Obama’s national security team will consider when it debates the size of forthcoming troop reductions in Afghanistan, the most influential number probably will not be how many insurgents have been killed or the amount of territory wrested from the Taliban, according to aides to those who will participate.
It will be the cost of the war.
The U.S. military is on track to spend $113 billion on its operations in Afghanistan this fiscal year, and it is seeking $107 billion for the next. To many of the president’s civilian advisers, that price is too high, given a wide federal budget gap that will require further cuts to domestic programs and increased deficit spending. Growing doubts about the need for such a broad nation-building mission there in the wake of Osama bin Laden’s death have only sharpened that view.
“Where we’re at right now is simply not sustainable,” said one senior administration official, who, like several others interviewed for this article, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal policy deliberations.
Civilian advisers, who do not want to be seen as unwilling to pay for the war, are expected to frame their cost concerns in questions about the breadth of U.S. operations — arguing that the troop surge Obama authorized in 2009 has achieved many of its goals — instead of directly tackling money matters. When the president’s war cabinet evaluates troop-withdrawal options in the next few weeks presented by Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top coalition commander, “it’s not like each of them will have price tags next to them,” the official said. But “it’s certainly going to shape how most of the civilians look at this.”
The question of cost will have a far greater impact on the eventual decision than it did during the White House debate about the Afghan surge in late 2009. The heightened fiscal pressures, coupled with bin Laden’s killing four weeks ago, could shift the balance of power in the Situation Room toward Vice President Biden and other civilians who had been skeptical of the surge and favor a faster troop drawdown than top commanders would prefer.
"
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Raytheon Deploys Miniature Air Launched Decoys From C-130 Cargo Aircraft
Raytheon Deploys Miniature Air Launched Decoys From C-130 Cargo Aircraft: "Raytheon launched two Miniature Air Launched Decoy instrumented shapes from the ramp of a C-130 Hercules equipped with the new Raytheon-funded MALD Cargo Air Launched System (MCALS). This test marked the first deployment of a MALD airframe from a cargo aircraft.
MALD is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles). The current MALD family includes both the baseline MALD and a stand-in jammer variant called the MALD-J.
'Dispensing the MALD family of weapons from cargo aircraft gives warfighters an important new capability they currently don't have in today's high-threat environment,' said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. 'MCALS opens the door for the non-traditional use of a high-capacity aircraft to deliver hundreds of MALDs during a single combat sortie.'"
MALD is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles). The current MALD family includes both the baseline MALD and a stand-in jammer variant called the MALD-J.
'Dispensing the MALD family of weapons from cargo aircraft gives warfighters an important new capability they currently don't have in today's high-threat environment,' said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. 'MCALS opens the door for the non-traditional use of a high-capacity aircraft to deliver hundreds of MALDs during a single combat sortie.'"
Poland to host US F-16 fighter jet rotations: US official
Poland to host US F-16 fighter jet rotations: US official: "US F-16 fighter jets and Hercules transport aircraft will be deployed in Poland on a rotating basis while a US aviation detachment will be permanently stationed there, a senior US advisor said Friday as President Barack Obama arrived in the country.
'We are going to announce tomorrow the conclusion of the agreement to establish an aviation detachment in Poland that will allow for our two air forces to cooperate in training the Poles to utilize the American aircraft that they purchased, F-16 and (Hercules) C130,' Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, a senior advisor for European affairs on the National Security Council told reporters.
'What we will be doing is rotating trainers and aircraft to Poland so that they can become more interoperable with NATO. This will be a small permanent presence on the ground and a permanent presence that will be rotational,' she said."
******************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
'We are going to announce tomorrow the conclusion of the agreement to establish an aviation detachment in Poland that will allow for our two air forces to cooperate in training the Poles to utilize the American aircraft that they purchased, F-16 and (Hercules) C130,' Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, a senior advisor for European affairs on the National Security Council told reporters.
'What we will be doing is rotating trainers and aircraft to Poland so that they can become more interoperable with NATO. This will be a small permanent presence on the ground and a permanent presence that will be rotational,' she said."
******************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
Russian submarine to join NATO exercise for first time
Russian submarine to join NATO exercise for first time: "A Russian submarine will take part in the world's biggest submarine rescue exercise with its former Cold War foe NATO next week, the Western military alliance said Friday.
The Russian submarine, the first to participate in any NATO exercise, will drop to the bottom of the Mediterranean along with Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish submarines and will await listless for a rescue mission off the coast of Cartagena, Spain.
Around 2,000 military and non-military personnel as well as ships and aircraft from more than 20 nations will take part in the exercise, dubbed Bold Monarch 11, that will run from May 30 to June 10.
Held every three years, it 'is the world's largest submarine rescue exercise,' said a statement from NATO's SHAPE allied military headquarters based in Mons, Belgium."
**************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
The Russian submarine, the first to participate in any NATO exercise, will drop to the bottom of the Mediterranean along with Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish submarines and will await listless for a rescue mission off the coast of Cartagena, Spain.
Around 2,000 military and non-military personnel as well as ships and aircraft from more than 20 nations will take part in the exercise, dubbed Bold Monarch 11, that will run from May 30 to June 10.
Held every three years, it 'is the world's largest submarine rescue exercise,' said a statement from NATO's SHAPE allied military headquarters based in Mons, Belgium."
**************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
Obama offers reassurance over anti-missile plans
Obama offers reassurance over anti-missile plans: "US President Barack Obama on Friday reassured east European allies that cooperation over missile defence with their Soviet-era master Moscow does not mean NATO will cede partial control to Russia.
'We believe that missile defence is something we should be cooperating in with the Russians because we share external threats,' Obama told reporters after meeting with Poland's President Bronislaw Komorowski, as he wrapped up a European tour.
'But we think it is very important that NATO remains in charge of NATO defence capabilities. That's one of the central principles of NATO,' he underlined.
NATO members in the ex-communist bloc are wary of moves to bring Russia on board in an anti-missile system.
Kremlin talk of a 'sectoral approach' -- jargon for different big players having their zones of responsibility -- chills some nations formerly under Moscow's thumb."
*************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
'We believe that missile defence is something we should be cooperating in with the Russians because we share external threats,' Obama told reporters after meeting with Poland's President Bronislaw Komorowski, as he wrapped up a European tour.
'But we think it is very important that NATO remains in charge of NATO defence capabilities. That's one of the central principles of NATO,' he underlined.
NATO members in the ex-communist bloc are wary of moves to bring Russia on board in an anti-missile system.
Kremlin talk of a 'sectoral approach' -- jargon for different big players having their zones of responsibility -- chills some nations formerly under Moscow's thumb."
*************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
Israel wants to fast-track F-35 training
Israel wants to fast-track F-35 training:
"The Israeli air force wants to send its top pilots to the United States to start training on Lockheed Martin's stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to speed up deployment of the 20 planes the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered in October 2010.
The Pentagon has already given the green light for Israel to purchase another 55 of the advanced, fifth-generation fighter.
All told, that's enough to equip three squadrons with the F-35, forming a new strategic spearhead for Israel's air power, which is largely equipped with Lockheed Martin F-16Is and Boeing F-15Is."
"The Israeli air force wants to send its top pilots to the United States to start training on Lockheed Martin's stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to speed up deployment of the 20 planes the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered in October 2010.
The Pentagon has already given the green light for Israel to purchase another 55 of the advanced, fifth-generation fighter.
All told, that's enough to equip three squadrons with the F-35, forming a new strategic spearhead for Israel's air power, which is largely equipped with Lockheed Martin F-16Is and Boeing F-15Is."
Taiwan welcomes US Senate push for F-16 sale
Taiwan welcomes US Senate push for F-16 sale: "Taiwan said Sunday it welcomed a push by nearly half the US Senate for the sale of dozens of F-16 fighters to the island in an arms deal Taipei said would help its dealings with China.
In a letter to President Barack Obama last week, 45 out of 100 US senators urged the administration to swiftly approve the sale of 66 F16-C/Ds to Taiwan as the fast-expanding Chinese forces tip the military balance in the region, the foreign ministry said.
"We're pleased to see the bipartisan move in the US Senate," foreign ministry spokesman James Chang told AFP.
"The arms sale will help Taiwan boost its self-defence capabilities, thus giving it more leverage while engaging the Chinese mainland," he said.
"
In a letter to President Barack Obama last week, 45 out of 100 US senators urged the administration to swiftly approve the sale of 66 F16-C/Ds to Taiwan as the fast-expanding Chinese forces tip the military balance in the region, the foreign ministry said.
"We're pleased to see the bipartisan move in the US Senate," foreign ministry spokesman James Chang told AFP.
"The arms sale will help Taiwan boost its self-defence capabilities, thus giving it more leverage while engaging the Chinese mainland," he said.
"
Friday, May 27, 2011
Army.mil Article: Army receives first THAAD missiles
Army.mil Article: Army receives first THAAD missiles: "Lockheed Martin delivered the first two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Missiles to the U.S. Army, capping off years of planning and development.
The two missiles arrived at Anniston Defense Munitions Center May 16 and were quickly taken to the ammunition bunker that will be their home until the need arises to ship them to the warfighter.
The THAAD missile is a U.S. Army missile system designed to intercept and destroy short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles. The THAAD missile uses kinetic energy to destroy its target, meaning it does not carry a warhead like traditional missiles, but makes a direct hit and destroys the enemy missile.
ADMC will be responsible for maintaining, shipping and escorting the missiles to their destination.
This has required extensive training and preparation by the employees of ADMC to ensure mission success.
Representatives from various DOD agencies, such as the Missile Defense Agency and Army Aviation and Missile Command, who had a part in the planning, testing and production of the THAAD missile, were on-hand to witness this historic moment.
“Our new mission to receive, store and ship THAADs is a great example of how the team here at ADMC can work with our customers to provide outstanding and unique munitions services to ensure ADMC remains a valuable asset to the warfighter,” said ADMC Commander Lt. Col. Randall DeLong."
*************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
The two missiles arrived at Anniston Defense Munitions Center May 16 and were quickly taken to the ammunition bunker that will be their home until the need arises to ship them to the warfighter.
The THAAD missile is a U.S. Army missile system designed to intercept and destroy short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles. The THAAD missile uses kinetic energy to destroy its target, meaning it does not carry a warhead like traditional missiles, but makes a direct hit and destroys the enemy missile.
ADMC will be responsible for maintaining, shipping and escorting the missiles to their destination.
This has required extensive training and preparation by the employees of ADMC to ensure mission success.
Representatives from various DOD agencies, such as the Missile Defense Agency and Army Aviation and Missile Command, who had a part in the planning, testing and production of the THAAD missile, were on-hand to witness this historic moment.
“Our new mission to receive, store and ship THAADs is a great example of how the team here at ADMC can work with our customers to provide outstanding and unique munitions services to ensure ADMC remains a valuable asset to the warfighter,” said ADMC Commander Lt. Col. Randall DeLong."
*************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
U.S. Has Met With Aide to Taliban Leader, Officials Say - NYTimes.com
U.S. Has Met With Aide to Taliban Leader, Officials Say - NYTimes.com: "American officials have met with a senior aide to the fugitive Taliban leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, at least three times in recent months in the first direct exploratory peace talks, officials in the region said.
The meetings have been facilitated by Germany and Qatar, but American officials have been present each time, meeting with Tayeb Agha, who is a close personal assistant to Mullah Omar, the officials said. The C.I.A. and the State Department have been involved in the meetings, one official said.
The meetings were first reported by The Washington Post last week and the German magazine Der Spiegel this week. A senior Afghan official and Western officials working in the region confirmed the reports on the condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to talk to the news media about the issue. "
***************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
5,400 words
The meetings have been facilitated by Germany and Qatar, but American officials have been present each time, meeting with Tayeb Agha, who is a close personal assistant to Mullah Omar, the officials said. The C.I.A. and the State Department have been involved in the meetings, one official said.
The meetings were first reported by The Washington Post last week and the German magazine Der Spiegel this week. A senior Afghan official and Western officials working in the region confirmed the reports on the condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to talk to the news media about the issue. "
***************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
5,400 words
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Naval Special Warfare Welcomes Group 10 to Force
Naval Special Warfare Welcomes Group 10 to Force: "Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 10 joined the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community May 25, during a commissioning ceremony at the SEAL Heritage Center on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
NSWG 10 is an echelon III command that will organize, train, educate, equip, deploy and sustain specialized intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and preparation-of-the-environment capabilities through existing NSW commands including: NSW Support Activity One, NSW Support Activity Two and the Mission Support Center.
Capt. Braddock W. Treadway assumed command of NSWG 10 during the commissioning ceremony after spending the past seven months working to stand up the command.
"Having recently served as commanding officer of Support Activity, I would gladly back such an innovative and outstanding organization. I look forward to serving the men and women of both Support Activity One and Two and the Mission Support Center," said Treadway.
NSW commander, Rear Adm. Edward G. Winters III spoke at the commissioning and noted that NSWG 10 will continue to evolve and be ahead of the nation's enemies. "We will only be limited by our imaginations," said Winters.
**************************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
5,400 words
NSWG 10 is an echelon III command that will organize, train, educate, equip, deploy and sustain specialized intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and preparation-of-the-environment capabilities through existing NSW commands including: NSW Support Activity One, NSW Support Activity Two and the Mission Support Center.
Capt. Braddock W. Treadway assumed command of NSWG 10 during the commissioning ceremony after spending the past seven months working to stand up the command.
"Having recently served as commanding officer of Support Activity, I would gladly back such an innovative and outstanding organization. I look forward to serving the men and women of both Support Activity One and Two and the Mission Support Center," said Treadway.
NSW commander, Rear Adm. Edward G. Winters III spoke at the commissioning and noted that NSWG 10 will continue to evolve and be ahead of the nation's enemies. "We will only be limited by our imaginations," said Winters.
**************************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
5,400 words
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Defense Chief Warns on Military Pay - WSJ.com
Defense Chief Warns on Military Pay - WSJ.com: "The coming round of Pentagon budget cuts will force lawmakers to consider reducing military pay and benefits, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday, raising an issue that could prove politically sensitive in a time of war
In what was billed as Mr. Gates's last major policy speech, the outgoing Pentagon chief said the government would have to 're-examine military compensation,' consider altering the retirement system to bring down costs, and address spiraling health-care costs.
Trimming Pentagon spending, Mr. Gates said, 'will entail going places that have been avoided by politicians in the past.'"
**************
In what was billed as Mr. Gates's last major policy speech, the outgoing Pentagon chief said the government would have to 're-examine military compensation,' consider altering the retirement system to bring down costs, and address spiraling health-care costs.
Trimming Pentagon spending, Mr. Gates said, 'will entail going places that have been avoided by politicians in the past.'"
**************
NATO 3.0
At the Lisbon NATO Summit, the US-European alliance made an open ended commitment to Afghanistan. NATO 3.0 has the details.
Gates Sees Iran as a Consideration for U.S. Troops in Iraq - NYTimes.com
Gates Sees Iran as a Consideration for U.S. Troops in Iraq - NYTimes.com: "Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on Tuesday that if some American troops remained in Iraq beyond the scheduled withdrawal of all United States forces by the end of the year, it would be reassuring to Persian Gulf countries, but not to Iran. “And that’s a good thing,” Mr. Gates said.
The defense secretary said that while Iraqi politicians loyal to the anti-American cleric Moktada al-Sadr clearly wanted the Americans to leave, it was debatable “how much of that is the Sadrists and how much of that is the Iranians behind the Sadrists.”
The Sadrists, who the United States says are closely allied with Iran, have long insisted that all American forces must be out of Iraq by the end of December, the deadline agreed to by Iraq and the United States.
Mr. Gates, who is to retire at the end of next month, made his comments at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative research institution, in a question-and-answer session after delivering formal remarks on the defense budget. He described it as “my last major policy speech in Washington.”
The defense secretary said that while Iraqi politicians loyal to the anti-American cleric Moktada al-Sadr clearly wanted the Americans to leave, it was debatable “how much of that is the Sadrists and how much of that is the Iranians behind the Sadrists.”
The Sadrists, who the United States says are closely allied with Iran, have long insisted that all American forces must be out of Iraq by the end of December, the deadline agreed to by Iraq and the United States.
Mr. Gates, who is to retire at the end of next month, made his comments at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative research institution, in a question-and-answer session after delivering formal remarks on the defense budget. He described it as “my last major policy speech in Washington.”
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Russia plays down missile differences with US
Russia plays down missile differences with US: "Russia said Saturday it may be ready to drop its objections to the US-backed missile defence shield for Europe if it receives a formal security pledge from the United States.
The comments by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggest an easing of Moscow's position and precede a meeting between US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of G8 summit in France next week.
Lavrov said during talks with the German and Polish foreign ministers that missile defence negotiations with the United States and NATO were "progressing but slowly."
"We are proposing, and asking for it to be put in writing, that the missile defence system for Europe is not directed against any of the participating states -- not NATO, Russia or other European states," Lavrov said."
***************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
The comments by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggest an easing of Moscow's position and precede a meeting between US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of G8 summit in France next week.
Lavrov said during talks with the German and Polish foreign ministers that missile defence negotiations with the United States and NATO were "progressing but slowly."
"We are proposing, and asking for it to be put in writing, that the missile defence system for Europe is not directed against any of the participating states -- not NATO, Russia or other European states," Lavrov said."
***************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Stratospheric UAV Payloads Provide New Ways to Chase Al Qaeda
Stratospheric UAV Payloads Provide New Ways to Chase Al Qaeda: "The classic special operations success in killing Osama bin Laden was certainly supported by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). That was undoubtedly a difficult operation given the limited endurance by conventional UAVs compared to the months of observation necessary. It's quite likely that ground-based surveillance capabilities were both more relevant and far riskier to American intelligence operatives in Pakistan.
In the near future, payloads flying on Stratospheric UAVs will be far more relevant to such operations than will today's Conventional UAVs, even with similar payload capabilities.
This is one of the conclusions of a new 'Stratospheric UAV Payloads - Markets and Technologies Forecast 2012-2021', available on ASDReports.com.
The new report examines, analyses and predicts the evolution of technologies, markets and outlays for the payloads that will serve aboard extremely enduring or persistent UAVs flying above the Jet Stream. While flying in the atmosphere, they will behave much like stationary satellites."
In the near future, payloads flying on Stratospheric UAVs will be far more relevant to such operations than will today's Conventional UAVs, even with similar payload capabilities.
This is one of the conclusions of a new 'Stratospheric UAV Payloads - Markets and Technologies Forecast 2012-2021', available on ASDReports.com.
The new report examines, analyses and predicts the evolution of technologies, markets and outlays for the payloads that will serve aboard extremely enduring or persistent UAVs flying above the Jet Stream. While flying in the atmosphere, they will behave much like stationary satellites."
Gates warns against shrinking US military
Gates warns against shrinking US military: "Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Sunday called for maintaining a powerful US military and warned against slashing its budget as a response to the country's fiscal troubles.
In one of his last scheduled speeches before he steps down at the end of June, Gates told students at the University of Notre Dame that the country could not afford to shirk its global responsibilities or to scale back its armed forces.
'As we make the tough choices needed to put this country's finances in order and to secure our future prosperity -- including the sacrifices that will be required of all Americans -- there will undoubtedly be calls to shrink America's role in the world -- for us to sharply reduce our international commitments and the size and capabilities of our military,' Gates said.
He said after each war there was a tendency for Americans to favor reducing the size of the armed forces, reflecting a view 'that we will no longer have to confront foreign enemies with size, steel, and strength.'
'But make no mistake, the ultimate guarantee against the success of aggressors, dictators, and terrorists in the 21st century, as in the 20th, is hard power -- the size, strength, and global reach of the United States military,' Gates said in the commencement speech."
In one of his last scheduled speeches before he steps down at the end of June, Gates told students at the University of Notre Dame that the country could not afford to shirk its global responsibilities or to scale back its armed forces.
'As we make the tough choices needed to put this country's finances in order and to secure our future prosperity -- including the sacrifices that will be required of all Americans -- there will undoubtedly be calls to shrink America's role in the world -- for us to sharply reduce our international commitments and the size and capabilities of our military,' Gates said.
He said after each war there was a tendency for Americans to favor reducing the size of the armed forces, reflecting a view 'that we will no longer have to confront foreign enemies with size, steel, and strength.'
'But make no mistake, the ultimate guarantee against the success of aggressors, dictators, and terrorists in the 21st century, as in the 20th, is hard power -- the size, strength, and global reach of the United States military,' Gates said in the commencement speech."
US, Japan committed to Okinawa base move: Campbell
US, Japan committed to Okinawa base move: Campbell: "A top US diplomat on Sunday underlined Washington's commitment to relocating an unpopular military base within Japan's southern Okinawa island, brushing aside calls to freeze the plan.
A group of influential US senators urged the White House earlier this month to reconsider plans to relocate the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within Okinawa, saying Tokyo needed to focus on rebuilding from the March 11 quake and tsunami.
But Kurt Campbell, Washington's assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told a news conference the US planned to go ahead with the move.
'It's extraordinarily important for the United States and Japan to take steps to ease the burden on the people of Okinawa, both in terms of operations and in terms of bases, and I think we have done that and would like to do more,' Campbell said."
A group of influential US senators urged the White House earlier this month to reconsider plans to relocate the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within Okinawa, saying Tokyo needed to focus on rebuilding from the March 11 quake and tsunami.
But Kurt Campbell, Washington's assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told a news conference the US planned to go ahead with the move.
'It's extraordinarily important for the United States and Japan to take steps to ease the burden on the people of Okinawa, both in terms of operations and in terms of bases, and I think we have done that and would like to do more,' Campbell said."
Pakistan asks Beijing to help build naval base
Pakistan asks Beijing to help build naval base: "Pakistan wants China to build a naval base at a deep-sea port in southwestern Baluchistan province, its defence minister said Sunday, while also inferring that Washington was a fair weather friend.
Ahmad Mukhtar, who accompanied Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani during a recent visit to China, said the request was made during the trip, when Pakistan thanked Beijing for constructing Gwader Port, on the Arabian Sea.
"However, we would be more grateful to the Chinese government if a naval base was being constructed at the site of Gwader for Pakistan," Mukhtar said in a statement.
The deep-sea port was around 75 percent financed by China, which Pakistan has been trying to draw in as a strategic partner, especially since the discovery and US killing on May 2 of Osama bin Laden north of Islamabad.
"
Ahmad Mukhtar, who accompanied Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani during a recent visit to China, said the request was made during the trip, when Pakistan thanked Beijing for constructing Gwader Port, on the Arabian Sea.
"However, we would be more grateful to the Chinese government if a naval base was being constructed at the site of Gwader for Pakistan," Mukhtar said in a statement.
The deep-sea port was around 75 percent financed by China, which Pakistan has been trying to draw in as a strategic partner, especially since the discovery and US killing on May 2 of Osama bin Laden north of Islamabad.
"
Friday, May 20, 2011
To edge of space, back: West Point balloon satellite a success
To edge of space, back: West Point balloon satellite a success: "The pursuit of success and the thrill of a chase was enough to get a group of exam-weary cadets to conduct a second launch of the West Point Balloon Satellite May 13.
With most of the Corps of Cadets completing finals or enjoying leave prior to Graduation Week, six cadets and two officers invested their own time to explore the edge of space on the final day of the spring semester.
Comprised of cadets from the Astronomy Club and Amateur Radio club, a convoy traveled to Sam's Point Preserve, N.Y., about an hour outside West Point, and established a launch site at an elevation of 2,200 feet overlooking Minnewaska State Park. The location was predetermined by a mathematical model of current wind patterns to estimate a landing in the vicinity of West Point and away from water or mountainous terrain.
On first look at the rocky platform and magnificent vista, there was no argument to the "awesome" factor of choosing Sam's Point for a launch site.
The team included Class of 2013 Cadets Brett Darden, Justin Vonsik, Robert Glover, Phillip Weigand, Class of 2011 Cadet Anthony Gonzalez and Class of 2014 Cadet Mike Gotschall; with Maj. Stephen Hamilton and Maj. Diana Loucks as officers-in-charge.
The cadets kept the balloon covered as they filled it with helium to prevent heavy wind gusts from taking it too early. The payload, which included two cameras (one for video and another for still photography) was examined and tested to ensure it would remain operational after liftoff.
The telemetry package was also tested so that the balloon's voyage could be tracked in real time through the Automatic Packet Reporting System. The package transmitted signals to an ad hoc network of ham radio operators that run a nationwide communications utility as a community service.
"It's literally a hodgepodge of ham radio operators and clubs who set up their computers on the network and that's what we rely on to receive the transmission," said Hamilton, an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science assistant professor.
Once the payload was secured to a parachute attached to the balloon, the team, along with a family of hikers observing the action, launched the balloon and raced to the vehicles to begin the pursuit. Movement was easily traced by radio and smart phones through the APRS tracking device, providing accurate speed, altitude and location.
Excitement built as the team followed a course that sometimes seemed destined to touch down in a lake or airport, just to keep things interesting.
A previous launch in late March was not without its share of setbacks, which started in the early morning with the team fighting brutally cold temperatures. The radio antenna wasn't strong enough to keep a constant eye on the satellite, and one mathematical error found them searching a wider radius than anticipated during the recovery phase.
The satellite search took them to a private estate, which required a security escort to collect their payload.
Fortunately, this second high-altitude launch found the team well-rehearsed and ready for any eventuality. Considering the incalculable number of things that could have gone wrong, they tracked the satellite throughout its journey and quickly recovered the undamaged payload at a business complex in Newburgh, N.Y., about 15 miles from West Point.
The instruments were still cold from their journey to space, but within minutes, the team was marveling at the hundreds of stratospheric images and video taken more than 85,000 feet high.
"This launch went smoother, and we had a more manageable balloon and an improved payload," Vonsik, a physics major, said.
"The main factor that contributed to that was the fact that everyone knew what they were supposed to do and what to expect," Darden added. "Though we lost some time because of the technical difficulties we had, everything else was done quickly and efficiently."
Darden, an Arts, Philosophy and Literature major, had no idea what a balloon satellite was before joining the Astronomy Club. In fact, he joined for the pizza served every Monday.
"But seeing that balloon go up that first time was amazing," Darden said. "We spent hours working on that satellite."
Loucks, an instructor in the Physics and Nuclear Engineering Department, described it as a win-win for cadets and research development at West Point.
"The greatest benefit in my eyes is space education," Loucks said. "The balloon satellite program allows cadets from all majors to participate and learn about the many nuances of space technology and applications within the Army. The engineering process also occurs in the background and the cadets get instant feedback on their accomplishments."
"Secondary to this, we now have an inexpensive launch platform that ensures five to 10 minutes of space flight time for any payload that goes up. The Space and Missile Defense Command Research and Analysis Center was started to further the outreach of space education and research at the academy and this is complementary to its goals," he explained.
Loucks attributed much of the success to the cadets' ability to capitalize on lessons learned from the previous launch. This included allotting time for included rehearsals and pre-combat inspections, exploring new radio capabilities, creating a separate recovery and launch team, examining thermal control on the payloads and ensuring all components were engaged before launch.
Loucks also credits the Edge of Space Science organization for crucial support.
"I was first introduced to 'balloon-satting' during my time in Colorado. My graduate research was sponsored by Colorado Space Grant Consortium headed up by Christopher Koehler at the University of Colorado at Boulder," she said. "They conduct balloon-sat operations year-round through the help of EOSS, a non-profit organization. I must say that without the assistance of one of their technicians, Mike Manes, we never would have gotten this off the ground."
The balloon satellite made its debut during the 2010 Projects Day when the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science demonstrated its capabilities in the West Point Club ballroom.
"We had a tethered balloon with a live camera facing down," Hamilton said. "It was an interesting experiment that got us prepped and excited on how to manage a balloon, which is kind of an art form on its own."
Since then, two successful launches and recoveries have invigorated the team to further its exploration of space. However, they'll be minus a core group of senior cadets and their two officers, who'll be changing duty stations this summer.
The absence of the seniors during this launch was regrettable, Hamilton noted, but realistically, it's the remaining team that will be responsible for future launches after graduation Saturday. As a parting homage, the payload included a pair of lieutenant bars wedged inside the foam interior of the satellite.
"Almost everything we need to know to launch and recover the balloon has been learned by cadets," Darden said. "The only problem I foresee is that no one will know the APRS system quite like Major Hamilton. I do know that Cadet Weigand is very passionate about this project and with him around, these balloon launches will continue."
The team also has the support of the U.S. Air Force Academy Aeronautics Department and the Space Club, which has been tracking the progress on the West Point Balloon Satellite Facebook page.
Collaboration between the two academies was made earlier this year after the establishment of a ground station here to communicate with the Air Force Falcon III Satellite in space, involving cadets from the West Point Small Satellite Research Group and the Amateur Radio Club.
"
With most of the Corps of Cadets completing finals or enjoying leave prior to Graduation Week, six cadets and two officers invested their own time to explore the edge of space on the final day of the spring semester.
Comprised of cadets from the Astronomy Club and Amateur Radio club, a convoy traveled to Sam's Point Preserve, N.Y., about an hour outside West Point, and established a launch site at an elevation of 2,200 feet overlooking Minnewaska State Park. The location was predetermined by a mathematical model of current wind patterns to estimate a landing in the vicinity of West Point and away from water or mountainous terrain.
On first look at the rocky platform and magnificent vista, there was no argument to the "awesome" factor of choosing Sam's Point for a launch site.
The team included Class of 2013 Cadets Brett Darden, Justin Vonsik, Robert Glover, Phillip Weigand, Class of 2011 Cadet Anthony Gonzalez and Class of 2014 Cadet Mike Gotschall; with Maj. Stephen Hamilton and Maj. Diana Loucks as officers-in-charge.
The cadets kept the balloon covered as they filled it with helium to prevent heavy wind gusts from taking it too early. The payload, which included two cameras (one for video and another for still photography) was examined and tested to ensure it would remain operational after liftoff.
The telemetry package was also tested so that the balloon's voyage could be tracked in real time through the Automatic Packet Reporting System. The package transmitted signals to an ad hoc network of ham radio operators that run a nationwide communications utility as a community service.
"It's literally a hodgepodge of ham radio operators and clubs who set up their computers on the network and that's what we rely on to receive the transmission," said Hamilton, an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science assistant professor.
Once the payload was secured to a parachute attached to the balloon, the team, along with a family of hikers observing the action, launched the balloon and raced to the vehicles to begin the pursuit. Movement was easily traced by radio and smart phones through the APRS tracking device, providing accurate speed, altitude and location.
Excitement built as the team followed a course that sometimes seemed destined to touch down in a lake or airport, just to keep things interesting.
A previous launch in late March was not without its share of setbacks, which started in the early morning with the team fighting brutally cold temperatures. The radio antenna wasn't strong enough to keep a constant eye on the satellite, and one mathematical error found them searching a wider radius than anticipated during the recovery phase.
The satellite search took them to a private estate, which required a security escort to collect their payload.
Fortunately, this second high-altitude launch found the team well-rehearsed and ready for any eventuality. Considering the incalculable number of things that could have gone wrong, they tracked the satellite throughout its journey and quickly recovered the undamaged payload at a business complex in Newburgh, N.Y., about 15 miles from West Point.
The instruments were still cold from their journey to space, but within minutes, the team was marveling at the hundreds of stratospheric images and video taken more than 85,000 feet high.
"This launch went smoother, and we had a more manageable balloon and an improved payload," Vonsik, a physics major, said.
"The main factor that contributed to that was the fact that everyone knew what they were supposed to do and what to expect," Darden added. "Though we lost some time because of the technical difficulties we had, everything else was done quickly and efficiently."
Darden, an Arts, Philosophy and Literature major, had no idea what a balloon satellite was before joining the Astronomy Club. In fact, he joined for the pizza served every Monday.
"But seeing that balloon go up that first time was amazing," Darden said. "We spent hours working on that satellite."
Loucks, an instructor in the Physics and Nuclear Engineering Department, described it as a win-win for cadets and research development at West Point.
"The greatest benefit in my eyes is space education," Loucks said. "The balloon satellite program allows cadets from all majors to participate and learn about the many nuances of space technology and applications within the Army. The engineering process also occurs in the background and the cadets get instant feedback on their accomplishments."
"Secondary to this, we now have an inexpensive launch platform that ensures five to 10 minutes of space flight time for any payload that goes up. The Space and Missile Defense Command Research and Analysis Center was started to further the outreach of space education and research at the academy and this is complementary to its goals," he explained.
Loucks attributed much of the success to the cadets' ability to capitalize on lessons learned from the previous launch. This included allotting time for included rehearsals and pre-combat inspections, exploring new radio capabilities, creating a separate recovery and launch team, examining thermal control on the payloads and ensuring all components were engaged before launch.
Loucks also credits the Edge of Space Science organization for crucial support.
"I was first introduced to 'balloon-satting' during my time in Colorado. My graduate research was sponsored by Colorado Space Grant Consortium headed up by Christopher Koehler at the University of Colorado at Boulder," she said. "They conduct balloon-sat operations year-round through the help of EOSS, a non-profit organization. I must say that without the assistance of one of their technicians, Mike Manes, we never would have gotten this off the ground."
The balloon satellite made its debut during the 2010 Projects Day when the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science demonstrated its capabilities in the West Point Club ballroom.
"We had a tethered balloon with a live camera facing down," Hamilton said. "It was an interesting experiment that got us prepped and excited on how to manage a balloon, which is kind of an art form on its own."
Since then, two successful launches and recoveries have invigorated the team to further its exploration of space. However, they'll be minus a core group of senior cadets and their two officers, who'll be changing duty stations this summer.
The absence of the seniors during this launch was regrettable, Hamilton noted, but realistically, it's the remaining team that will be responsible for future launches after graduation Saturday. As a parting homage, the payload included a pair of lieutenant bars wedged inside the foam interior of the satellite.
"Almost everything we need to know to launch and recover the balloon has been learned by cadets," Darden said. "The only problem I foresee is that no one will know the APRS system quite like Major Hamilton. I do know that Cadet Weigand is very passionate about this project and with him around, these balloon launches will continue."
The team also has the support of the U.S. Air Force Academy Aeronautics Department and the Space Club, which has been tracking the progress on the West Point Balloon Satellite Facebook page.
Collaboration between the two academies was made earlier this year after the establishment of a ground station here to communicate with the Air Force Falcon III Satellite in space, involving cadets from the West Point Small Satellite Research Group and the Amateur Radio Club.
"
Britain spends $5 billion on Trident
Britain spends $5 billion on Trident:
"Britain will spend nearly $5 billion to prepare the development of a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines, which critics say are too expensive.
Defense Secretary Liam Fox Wednesday told Members of Parliament that a study of alternatives to the so-called Trident program was also being prepared. That's an obvious nod to the Liberal Democrats, the junior coalition partner, which has in the past said developing and maintaining the very costly nuclear deterrent is unnecessary.
Critics of the system argue it is a remnant of the Cold War, adding that decision to renew it was rushed through Parliament to help BAE Systems, the British company that builds the submarines.
Fox would disagree. The conservatives are in favor of renewing Trident.
'The nuclear deterrent provides the ultimate guarantee of our national security,' Fox said Wednesday. 'We cannot dismiss the possibility that a major direct nuclear threat to the United Kingdom might re-emerge.'"
"Britain will spend nearly $5 billion to prepare the development of a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines, which critics say are too expensive.
Defense Secretary Liam Fox Wednesday told Members of Parliament that a study of alternatives to the so-called Trident program was also being prepared. That's an obvious nod to the Liberal Democrats, the junior coalition partner, which has in the past said developing and maintaining the very costly nuclear deterrent is unnecessary.
Critics of the system argue it is a remnant of the Cold War, adding that decision to renew it was rushed through Parliament to help BAE Systems, the British company that builds the submarines.
Fox would disagree. The conservatives are in favor of renewing Trident.
'The nuclear deterrent provides the ultimate guarantee of our national security,' Fox said Wednesday. 'We cannot dismiss the possibility that a major direct nuclear threat to the United Kingdom might re-emerge.'"
Watertown Daily Times | McHugh: troop cuts manageable
Watertown Daily Times | McHugh: troop cuts manageable: "Army Secretary John M. McHugh tried to reassure senators Wednesday that the Army's plan to cut as many as 40,000 troops from current levels by 2015 will not scuttle his plans to give soldiers more time at home between deployments.
'We can take that force reduction in stride,' Mr. McHugh told the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense, which called the secretary and the new Army chief of staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, for a hearing on the Army's proposed fiscal 2012 budget.
The Army actually proposes two reductions: the first will erase the temporary increase of 22,000 that the Obama administration put into place for the Afghanistan 'surge,' and an additional 27,000 will come out of Army end strength following the Afghanistan drawdown, expected to be completed in 2014.
'We feel very confident that the 27,000 is a very reasonable target,' Mr. McHugh told the panel's chairman, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii."
*******************
'We can take that force reduction in stride,' Mr. McHugh told the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense, which called the secretary and the new Army chief of staff, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, for a hearing on the Army's proposed fiscal 2012 budget.
The Army actually proposes two reductions: the first will erase the temporary increase of 22,000 that the Obama administration put into place for the Afghanistan 'surge,' and an additional 27,000 will come out of Army end strength following the Afghanistan drawdown, expected to be completed in 2014.
'We feel very confident that the 27,000 is a very reasonable target,' Mr. McHugh told the panel's chairman, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii."
*******************
NATO 3.0
At the Lisbon NATO Summit, the US-European alliance made an open ended commitment to Afghanistan. NATO 3.0 has the details.
A new test for Taliban and al-Qaeda ties - The Washington Post
A new test for Taliban and al-Qaeda ties - The Washington Post: "“I’m hard-pressed to think that [al-Qaeda] carries much credibility with the Taliban now unless they are able to give the Taliban something that they don’t have, which probably is money, weapons, material or perhaps expertise,” said one U.S. official in Kabul, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter. “If they’re not doing that, then it’s not clear what they bring.”
Within the Taliban’s leadership council, known as the Quetta Shura, there has been an ongoing debate about whether to renounce al-Qaeda, causing significant divides. Detainees in Afghanistan have told interrogators that they resent al-Qaeda for provoking the U.S. invasion that helped to overthrow the Taliban.
“I’m of the opinion that [al-Qaeda] has become more of a burden on [the Taliban] and the other networks,” Matt Sherman, a former adviser to Petraeus, said in an e-mail. “I question how much [al-Qaeda] really brings / brought to the fight, in terms of quality fighters, resources and money.”
A former head of Pakistan’s intelligence service, Gen. Ziauddin Butt, told a Pakistani newspaper last week that Omar had once told him that bin Laden had “become a bone in the throat that can neither be swallowed nor thrown out.” Omar claimed that he was unable to break ties with bin Laden, Butt said, because “he is considered a heroic figure by some people within Taliban.”
**************
Within the Taliban’s leadership council, known as the Quetta Shura, there has been an ongoing debate about whether to renounce al-Qaeda, causing significant divides. Detainees in Afghanistan have told interrogators that they resent al-Qaeda for provoking the U.S. invasion that helped to overthrow the Taliban.
“I’m of the opinion that [al-Qaeda] has become more of a burden on [the Taliban] and the other networks,” Matt Sherman, a former adviser to Petraeus, said in an e-mail. “I question how much [al-Qaeda] really brings / brought to the fight, in terms of quality fighters, resources and money.”
A former head of Pakistan’s intelligence service, Gen. Ziauddin Butt, told a Pakistani newspaper last week that Omar had once told him that bin Laden had “become a bone in the throat that can neither be swallowed nor thrown out.” Omar claimed that he was unable to break ties with bin Laden, Butt said, because “he is considered a heroic figure by some people within Taliban.”
**************
NATO 3.0
At the Lisbon NATO Summit, the US-European alliance made an open ended commitment to Afghanistan. NATO 3.0 has the details.
F-35 now 'unaffordable': Defense official
F-35 now 'unaffordable': Defense official: "The cost of building the F-35 fighter jet, set to replace a large part of the US warplane fleet, is "unaffordable" in its current version and must be reviewed, the Pentagon's top acquisition official said Thursday.
"Over the lifetime of this program, the decade or so, the per-aircraft cost of the 2,443 aircraft we want has doubled in real terms," said Ashton Carter, the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.
"That's our forecast for how much the aircraft's going to cost.
"Said differently, that's what it's going to cost if we keep doing what we're doing. And that's unacceptable. It's unaffordable at that rate."
**********************
"Over the lifetime of this program, the decade or so, the per-aircraft cost of the 2,443 aircraft we want has doubled in real terms," said Ashton Carter, the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.
"That's our forecast for how much the aircraft's going to cost.
"Said differently, that's what it's going to cost if we keep doing what we're doing. And that's unacceptable. It's unaffordable at that rate."
**********************
NATO 3.0
At the Lisbon NATO Summit, the US-European alliance made an open ended commitment to Afghanistan. NATO 3.0 has the details.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Ukraine seeks talks with Romania, US on missile shield
Ukraine seeks talks with Romania, US on missile shield: "Ukraine is seeking consultations with Bucharest and Washington on the proposed deployment of US missile interceptors in Romania, Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko said Wednesday.
'In the context of the steps taken to consolidate security, we think that the aim should be to reinforce security of Europe as a whole and to take into account all political aspects of this issue,' Gryshchenko told a press conference in Bucharest."
*************
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
'In the context of the steps taken to consolidate security, we think that the aim should be to reinforce security of Europe as a whole and to take into account all political aspects of this issue,' Gryshchenko told a press conference in Bucharest."
*************
NATO Missile Defense for Europe
NATO has agreed to provide ballistic missile defense or BMD for all of Europe. This NATO BMD will protect NATO (European and American) military forces in Europe. It will also – for the very first time – protect the civilian population throughout Europe from ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction launched from the Middle East.
Much of this NATO missile defense for Europe – known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach – will actually be provided by the United States armed forces. This will include seaborne AEGIS missile defense on board US Navy ships in the Mediterranean, as well as land based radars and interceptor missiles.
This e-book describes how NATO missile defense for Europe will be organized and implemented.
Britain approves design of new nuclear submarines
Britain approves design of new nuclear submarines: "Britain has agreed the design of new nuclear submarines, even if the politically-sensitive decision on whether to build them will not be taken until 2016, Defence Secretary Liam Fox said Wednesday.
The first preparations have begun on replacing the ageing submarines in the Trident system when they expire in the 2020s, to ensure there is no gap in Britain's nuclear deterrent if it is approved, Fox said.
'We have approved the 'initial gate' investment and selected a submarine design... that will allow our submarines to deliver our nuclear deterrent capability well into the 2060s if required,' Fox told parliament."
****
The first preparations have begun on replacing the ageing submarines in the Trident system when they expire in the 2020s, to ensure there is no gap in Britain's nuclear deterrent if it is approved, Fox said.
'We have approved the 'initial gate' investment and selected a submarine design... that will allow our submarines to deliver our nuclear deterrent capability well into the 2060s if required,' Fox told parliament."
****
Militaries make headway during visit
Militaries make headway during visit: "Chinese and American navies will engage in a series of joint exercises to counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden and better their communication and cooperation in times of emergencies to cut risk and improve maritime safety and security.
The two militaries will also conduct a joint exercise next year in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while there will be exchange visits between the two navies’ hospital ships, plus a joint medical aid exercise.
These were among the several agreements that came out of 'frank, in-depth and fruitful' talks between visiting China's Chief of Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chen Bingde and his American counterpart, Admiral Michael G. Mullen, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Chen told the media in the joint press conference at Pentagon on Wednesday.
'We agree that enhancing military-to-military relations between China and the US serve interests of not only the Chinese and American people, but also the people in the world,' said Chen, the first PLA Chief of Staff to visit the US in seven years.
Chen headed a Chinese military delegation that included senior military officers from the army, the navy, the air force and the missile troops. The members of the delegation also met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and several members of the US congress."
******************
The two militaries will also conduct a joint exercise next year in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while there will be exchange visits between the two navies’ hospital ships, plus a joint medical aid exercise.
These were among the several agreements that came out of 'frank, in-depth and fruitful' talks between visiting China's Chief of Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chen Bingde and his American counterpart, Admiral Michael G. Mullen, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Chen told the media in the joint press conference at Pentagon on Wednesday.
'We agree that enhancing military-to-military relations between China and the US serve interests of not only the Chinese and American people, but also the people in the world,' said Chen, the first PLA Chief of Staff to visit the US in seven years.
Chen headed a Chinese military delegation that included senior military officers from the army, the navy, the air force and the missile troops. The members of the delegation also met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and several members of the US congress."
******************
NATO 3.0
At the Lisbon NATO Summit, the US-European alliance made an open ended commitment to Afghanistan. NATO 3.0 has the details.
Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan
Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan: "The United States turned to nation-building in Afghanistan, complete with a dissimulating narrative of liberating women, and importing human rights and democracy, when it failed to get Osama bin Laden 'dead or alive'. Now Bin Laden is dead, and there are strong indications that his killing will lead to a shift in American strategy in Afghanistan.
The US occupation of Afghanistan faces two distinct military challenges. The first is managing an essentially nationalist Taliban insurgency with Islamist overtones. The second is destroying al-Qaeda, a transnational terrorist organization, and its like-minded allies. Under the operational cover of the former, it is the latter that has informed core American interests in Afghanistan.
Leaving Afghanistan on the basis of intelligence estimates, however, lacks both the psychological satisfaction and narrative power of exiting on the back of a job well done. The problem, from the American perspective, in acting on such assessments has been pulling off an American withdrawal that is not seen by the American public and the wider world as a strategic defeat. Such a perception would undoubtedly diminish American power.
In this context, Bin Laden's killing has provided Washington an opportune "mission accomplished" moment. The US can now begin a shift back to the old script about Bin Laden being the effective marker for success in Afghanistan, and sever its counter-terrorism objectives from the quagmire of counter-insurgency.
For it is clear that the ramped up counter-insurgency effort has, despite some tactical successes in Afghanistan's south, been a strategic failure. Far from imposing a new military reality on the ground, it has been unable even to alter the Taliban's perception that they are winning the war (simply because they are not losing it). "
*******************
The US occupation of Afghanistan faces two distinct military challenges. The first is managing an essentially nationalist Taliban insurgency with Islamist overtones. The second is destroying al-Qaeda, a transnational terrorist organization, and its like-minded allies. Under the operational cover of the former, it is the latter that has informed core American interests in Afghanistan.
Leaving Afghanistan on the basis of intelligence estimates, however, lacks both the psychological satisfaction and narrative power of exiting on the back of a job well done. The problem, from the American perspective, in acting on such assessments has been pulling off an American withdrawal that is not seen by the American public and the wider world as a strategic defeat. Such a perception would undoubtedly diminish American power.
In this context, Bin Laden's killing has provided Washington an opportune "mission accomplished" moment. The US can now begin a shift back to the old script about Bin Laden being the effective marker for success in Afghanistan, and sever its counter-terrorism objectives from the quagmire of counter-insurgency.
For it is clear that the ramped up counter-insurgency effort has, despite some tactical successes in Afghanistan's south, been a strategic failure. Far from imposing a new military reality on the ground, it has been unable even to alter the Taliban's perception that they are winning the war (simply because they are not losing it). "
*******************
NATO 3.0
At the Lisbon NATO Summit, the US-European alliance made an open ended commitment to Afghanistan. NATO 3.0 has the details.
U.S. Explores Pakistan Supply Route Alternatives - Defense News
U.S. Explores Pakistan Supply Route Alternatives - Defense News: "A shutdown of the supply routes that run through Pakistan would pose problems for the U.S. military but would not halt Afghan operations, according to the Army's chief logistics officer.
'We would overcome it,' Army Lt. Gen. Mitchell Stevenson, deputy chief of staff for logistics, told the Senate Armed Services readiness subcommittee during a May 18 hearing. 'It would not stop Afghanistan operations, but it would be a challenge.'
Several lawmakers have voiced concern about the U.S. relationship with Pakistan following the capture of Osama bin Laden. A key part of that relationship is Pakistan's permission for the U.S. to move supplies for Afghanistan through the country. If those supply routes were shut down for any reason, lawmakers wanted to know what would happen.
The Army keeps 45 days worth of fuel on the ground in Afghanistan so that operations can withstand severe disruptions to its supply lines, Stevenson said.
If the southern routes were shut down, the U.S. would increase its use of airdrops and flow more in from the north. However, that route takes much longer and is more expensive, Stevenson said.
"
'We would overcome it,' Army Lt. Gen. Mitchell Stevenson, deputy chief of staff for logistics, told the Senate Armed Services readiness subcommittee during a May 18 hearing. 'It would not stop Afghanistan operations, but it would be a challenge.'
Several lawmakers have voiced concern about the U.S. relationship with Pakistan following the capture of Osama bin Laden. A key part of that relationship is Pakistan's permission for the U.S. to move supplies for Afghanistan through the country. If those supply routes were shut down for any reason, lawmakers wanted to know what would happen.
The Army keeps 45 days worth of fuel on the ground in Afghanistan so that operations can withstand severe disruptions to its supply lines, Stevenson said.
If the southern routes were shut down, the U.S. would increase its use of airdrops and flow more in from the north. However, that route takes much longer and is more expensive, Stevenson said.
"
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
US calls on its Nato partners to help resist cyber-attacks | Technology | The Guardian
US calls on its Nato partners to help resist cyber-attacks | Technology | The Guardian: "The US has given the broadest hint yet that a cyber-attack on one Nato country will be regarded as an attack on all.
It is a potentially dangerous development, as cyber-attacks are increasingly common, with the Pentagon reporting millions of probes a day and actions by more than 100 foreign intelligence agencies.
In 2007, Estonia was almost crippled by a cyber-attack thought to originate in Russia. At the time, Estonia, a member of Nato, said it did not know if the alliance covered cyber-attacks, and the US, Britain and others danced round the issue.
The development is contained in a report by the Obama administration, International Strategy for Cyberspace, in which the US for the first time sets out a strategy for dealing with the expansion of the internet and what it describes as "arbitrary and malicious disruption". It notes the growing threats by individual hackers, companies and hostile states, and offers broad proposals on how to tackle these.
It suggests that existing US treaties such as the one that set up Nato, which requires an attack on one member state to be treated as an attack on all, also cover cyber-attacks. But it stops short of saying so categorically. "All states possess an inherent right to self-defence, and we recognise that certain hostile acts conducted through cyberspace could compel actions under the commitments we have with our military treaty partners," it says.
"
******************
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
It is a potentially dangerous development, as cyber-attacks are increasingly common, with the Pentagon reporting millions of probes a day and actions by more than 100 foreign intelligence agencies.
In 2007, Estonia was almost crippled by a cyber-attack thought to originate in Russia. At the time, Estonia, a member of Nato, said it did not know if the alliance covered cyber-attacks, and the US, Britain and others danced round the issue.
The development is contained in a report by the Obama administration, International Strategy for Cyberspace, in which the US for the first time sets out a strategy for dealing with the expansion of the internet and what it describes as "arbitrary and malicious disruption". It notes the growing threats by individual hackers, companies and hostile states, and offers broad proposals on how to tackle these.
It suggests that existing US treaties such as the one that set up Nato, which requires an attack on one member state to be treated as an attack on all, also cover cyber-attacks. But it stops short of saying so categorically. "All states possess an inherent right to self-defence, and we recognise that certain hostile acts conducted through cyberspace could compel actions under the commitments we have with our military treaty partners," it says.
"
******************
Cyber Defense
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
Friday, May 13, 2011
White House proposes new cybersecurity bill
White House proposes new cybersecurity bill: "The White House proposed draft legislation on Thursday aimed at toughening the defenses of government and private industry against the growing danger from cyberattack.
"Our nation is at risk," the White House said in a statement. "Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in our government and critical infrastructure are a risk to national security, public safety, and economic prosperity."
"It has become clear that our nation cannot fully defend against these threats unless certain parts of cybersecurity law are updated," it said.
US President Barack Obama has identified cybersecurity as a top priority of his administration and the White House legislation joins some 50 cyber-related bills introduced during the last session of Congress.
The White House bill would require critical infrastructure such as the power, financial and transportation sectors to come up with plans to better protect their increasingly Internet-connected computer networks.
"
**********************
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
"Our nation is at risk," the White House said in a statement. "Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in our government and critical infrastructure are a risk to national security, public safety, and economic prosperity."
"It has become clear that our nation cannot fully defend against these threats unless certain parts of cybersecurity law are updated," it said.
US President Barack Obama has identified cybersecurity as a top priority of his administration and the White House legislation joins some 50 cyber-related bills introduced during the last session of Congress.
The White House bill would require critical infrastructure such as the power, financial and transportation sectors to come up with plans to better protect their increasingly Internet-connected computer networks.
"
**********************
Cyber Defense
The US military is preparing for 21st Century electronic warfare and cyber terrorism. A joint US Cyber Command and four service cyber commands have been set up.
Their mission is to defend American military networks and civilian American infrastructure from cyber terrorism and from foreign government hackers.
The officers leading these cyber commands explain how they are organized, how they operate, and how they will protect the United States from foreign military hackers, intelligence agencies, and cyber terrorists.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
ONR Propels Cutting-edge Technologies at Naval Helicopter Association Symposium
ONR Propels Cutting-edge Technologies at Naval Helicopter Association Symposium: "The Office of Naval Research (ONR) revealed the the Low-Cost Imaging Terminal Seeker (LCITS), during the 63rd annual Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) Symposium being held in San Diego, May 9-12.
According to Lt. Col. Raymond Schreiner, a developmental test pilot assigned to China Lake's Naval Air Warfare Center's Weapons Division in California, the technology will give helicopters such as the MH-60 and the AH-1 Cobra that protect fleet ships a newfound tactical advantage, allowing helicopter aircraft commanders to "take the fight away from the boat."
The LCITS system essentially offers a "fire and forget" capability, enabling pilots to designate a target, fire a rocket and move on to the next threat. That ability relieves the pilot of the responsibility of guiding the weapon to the target during the time of flight, as is the case with laser-designated weapons. For pilots, that means a faster response when countering threats.
Schreiner fired a prototype LCITS weapon and witnessed the LCITS' capability firsthand.
"Putting this on a helicopter gives us the ability to take the fight away from the boat," he said. "The LCITS technology appears to be well suited for engaging multiple, high-speed seaborne targets in a very short period of time."
The LCITS system comprises three main components: the algorithms that calculate targeting and transfer alignment data; a digital smart launcher; and the prototype LCITS weapon.
The system is a collaborative effort among several partners, including South Korea; the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and the Navy International Program Office, all of which helped advance its optical sensors and infrared-seeker technologies.
"The LCITS program is a wonderful example of how investments in multiple technologies can come together and produce a new capability for the naval warfighter," said Michael Deitchman, director of ONR's Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department.
Deitchman also praised the LCITS system's ability to accomplish the mission with little to no support.
"The LCITs program is considered "low cost" because it is an augmentation or upgrade to a pre-existing 2.75-inch rocket system," Deitchman said. "Instead of relying on costly parts, sensors and guidance systems, it relies on the aircraft systems to provide the targeting information."
LCITS is undergoing further testing as part of the Medusa Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD). Medusa JCTD's goal is to integrate the rocket onto the MH-60 aircraft platform. It will also demonstrate the LCITS' capability to defend against multiple fast-attack craft threats from various directions and ranges. Demonstrations will show the rocket system's potential to defeat these targets.
ONR's participation in the NHA event underscores the Navy's commitment to develop technology for the helicopter community. With more than 3,000 active-duty, Reserve, retired and corporate members, the association says its mission is to enhance the professionalism of military personnel working in the rotary wing aviation field.
The NHA's annual symposium is a platform for collaboration, discussion and a chance to address challenges facing the entire naval rotary wing community, including the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
"
According to Lt. Col. Raymond Schreiner, a developmental test pilot assigned to China Lake's Naval Air Warfare Center's Weapons Division in California, the technology will give helicopters such as the MH-60 and the AH-1 Cobra that protect fleet ships a newfound tactical advantage, allowing helicopter aircraft commanders to "take the fight away from the boat."
The LCITS system essentially offers a "fire and forget" capability, enabling pilots to designate a target, fire a rocket and move on to the next threat. That ability relieves the pilot of the responsibility of guiding the weapon to the target during the time of flight, as is the case with laser-designated weapons. For pilots, that means a faster response when countering threats.
Schreiner fired a prototype LCITS weapon and witnessed the LCITS' capability firsthand.
"Putting this on a helicopter gives us the ability to take the fight away from the boat," he said. "The LCITS technology appears to be well suited for engaging multiple, high-speed seaborne targets in a very short period of time."
The LCITS system comprises three main components: the algorithms that calculate targeting and transfer alignment data; a digital smart launcher; and the prototype LCITS weapon.
The system is a collaborative effort among several partners, including South Korea; the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and the Navy International Program Office, all of which helped advance its optical sensors and infrared-seeker technologies.
"The LCITS program is a wonderful example of how investments in multiple technologies can come together and produce a new capability for the naval warfighter," said Michael Deitchman, director of ONR's Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department.
Deitchman also praised the LCITS system's ability to accomplish the mission with little to no support.
"The LCITs program is considered "low cost" because it is an augmentation or upgrade to a pre-existing 2.75-inch rocket system," Deitchman said. "Instead of relying on costly parts, sensors and guidance systems, it relies on the aircraft systems to provide the targeting information."
LCITS is undergoing further testing as part of the Medusa Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD). Medusa JCTD's goal is to integrate the rocket onto the MH-60 aircraft platform. It will also demonstrate the LCITS' capability to defend against multiple fast-attack craft threats from various directions and ranges. Demonstrations will show the rocket system's potential to defeat these targets.
ONR's participation in the NHA event underscores the Navy's commitment to develop technology for the helicopter community. With more than 3,000 active-duty, Reserve, retired and corporate members, the association says its mission is to enhance the professionalism of military personnel working in the rotary wing aviation field.
The NHA's annual symposium is a platform for collaboration, discussion and a chance to address challenges facing the entire naval rotary wing community, including the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
"
Senators urge Obama to freeze Asian base overhaul
Senators urge Obama to freeze Asian base overhaul: "Influential senators called Wednesday on the United States to freeze plans to relocate military bases in Japan and South Korea, describing the moves as politically unfeasible and too costly.
The three senators -- John McCain, Carl Levin and Jim Webb -- also suggested that Japan needed to focus on rebuilding from its massive earthquake and tsunami disaster rather than wade into a political quagmire.
The base realignment plans "are unrealistic, unworkable and unaffordable," the senators said in a joint statement.
The appeal undercuts an effort by President Barack Obama's administration to press Japan to honor a 2006 plan under which the Futenma base -- a long source of tension as it lies in a crowded part of Okinawa -- would move to a quiet patch on the same island."
The three senators -- John McCain, Carl Levin and Jim Webb -- also suggested that Japan needed to focus on rebuilding from its massive earthquake and tsunami disaster rather than wade into a political quagmire.
The base realignment plans "are unrealistic, unworkable and unaffordable," the senators said in a joint statement.
The appeal undercuts an effort by President Barack Obama's administration to press Japan to honor a 2006 plan under which the Futenma base -- a long source of tension as it lies in a crowded part of Okinawa -- would move to a quiet patch on the same island."
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Don't abandon Afghanistan after 2014 handover, plead generals | World news | The Guardian
Don't abandon Afghanistan after 2014 handover, plead generals | World news | The Guardian: "The west must state clearly that it will not abandon Afghanistan after the handover of security to local forces in 2014 or risk further fighting in the region from an emboldened Taliban, the commander of British forces in the country has warned.
In his first interview since becoming second in command of the International Security and Assistance Force (Isaf), General James Bucknall told the Guardian "now is not the time to blink", and pleaded for more patience in the decade-long campaign because progress was being made.
Bucknall spoke amid growing unease in Kabul about what will happen once Nato troops start to be drawn down later this year – an anxiety that has become acute since the death of Osama bin Laden – and the potential effect this may have on US policy. The US has been bankrolling the effort with up to $100bn (£61bn) a year and is negotiating a new strategic partnership with President Hamid Karzai.
One diplomatic source, who asked not to be named, said: "Afghanistan has been the centre of the world for the past 10 years. It isn't anymore and the purse strings from donors will soon tighten. The international military drawdown will begin. There will then be a limited period where there is some money available for non-military efforts.
'After this, many Afghans fear they will then be abandoned again. The international community will say 'job done' and it will be case of presenting it as 'Afghan-good enough.'"
In his first interview since becoming second in command of the International Security and Assistance Force (Isaf), General James Bucknall told the Guardian "now is not the time to blink", and pleaded for more patience in the decade-long campaign because progress was being made.
Bucknall spoke amid growing unease in Kabul about what will happen once Nato troops start to be drawn down later this year – an anxiety that has become acute since the death of Osama bin Laden – and the potential effect this may have on US policy. The US has been bankrolling the effort with up to $100bn (£61bn) a year and is negotiating a new strategic partnership with President Hamid Karzai.
One diplomatic source, who asked not to be named, said: "Afghanistan has been the centre of the world for the past 10 years. It isn't anymore and the purse strings from donors will soon tighten. The international military drawdown will begin. There will then be a limited period where there is some money available for non-military efforts.
'After this, many Afghans fear they will then be abandoned again. The international community will say 'job done' and it will be case of presenting it as 'Afghan-good enough.'"
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
First Female Submariners Report to Submarine School
First Female Submariners Report to Submarine School:
"Eight female officers selected for assignment to submarines will report May 9 to the Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) in Groton, Conn., for initial submarine training.
These female officers will join 74 male counterparts to make up SOBC Class 10040.
The officers are among 18 women from the U.S. Naval Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Candidate School commissioning programs who were selected last year to enter the submarine service.
Female SOBC graduates will be assigned to eight different crews of guided-missile and ballistic-missile submarines once they have completed their training program, including six months of Nuclear Power School, six months of Naval Nuclear Prototype Training and 10 weeks of SOBC."
******************
"Eight female officers selected for assignment to submarines will report May 9 to the Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) in Groton, Conn., for initial submarine training.
These female officers will join 74 male counterparts to make up SOBC Class 10040.
The officers are among 18 women from the U.S. Naval Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Candidate School commissioning programs who were selected last year to enter the submarine service.
Female SOBC graduates will be assigned to eight different crews of guided-missile and ballistic-missile submarines once they have completed their training program, including six months of Nuclear Power School, six months of Naval Nuclear Prototype Training and 10 weeks of SOBC."
******************
Successfully launched satellite ushers in new era of overhead surveillance
Successfully launched satellite ushers in new era of overhead surveillance: "An Air Force team successfully launched the first Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle May 7. The GEO-1 satellite will provide missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness and technical intelligence products to deployed warfighters, national leaders and U.S. allies.
Spacecraft separation from the booster occurred approximately 43 minutes after launch. Following separation, the spacecraft began a series of orbit maneuvers to propel it to geosynchronous orbit. Once on-orbit, engineers will deploy the satellite's solar arrays and antennas, then complete checkout and tests in preparation for operational use.
"The SBIRS team stands tall today," said Col. Roger Teague, the director of SMC's Infrared Space Systems Directorate. "This launch success represents years of dedication and hard work by a broad team of government and industry professionals. We look forward to GEO-1 soon joining our constellation of overhead persistent infrared satellites and providing critical national security space capabilities."
The launch of SBIRS GEO-1 ushers in a new era in overhead surveillance, and GEO-1 will deliver unprecedented global, persistent and taskable infrared surveillance protecting the nation and allies for years to come, said Col. Scott Larrimore, the chief of the SBIRS Space Systems Division.
"This day is a proud moment for our team," he said. "Our mission is just beginning, and we look forward to developing new capabilities that will expand the overhead persistent infrared missions to meet global emerging threats."
The launch featured an Atlas V 401-configured rocket, which was the 26th launch of the Atlas V. The 401 configuration consists of a 4-meter payload fairing and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. The Atlas V is one of the two rockets developed as part of the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, or EELV, program.
"The successful launch of the SBIRS mission today was a significant accomplishment for our nation," said Col. Ron Fortson, the mission director and chief of EELV Generation and Operations Division. "I am extremely proud of the integrated government and contractor team for the hard work and dedication put forth in achieving this success."
Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's vice president and SBIRS program director, reinforced the value of the integrated effort of the Air Force and contractor team.
"We understand the importance of the SBIRS mission and are proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force on this critical program," he said. "Throughout the development of this first-of-its-kind satellite, the SBIRS team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to operational excellence.""
Spacecraft separation from the booster occurred approximately 43 minutes after launch. Following separation, the spacecraft began a series of orbit maneuvers to propel it to geosynchronous orbit. Once on-orbit, engineers will deploy the satellite's solar arrays and antennas, then complete checkout and tests in preparation for operational use.
"The SBIRS team stands tall today," said Col. Roger Teague, the director of SMC's Infrared Space Systems Directorate. "This launch success represents years of dedication and hard work by a broad team of government and industry professionals. We look forward to GEO-1 soon joining our constellation of overhead persistent infrared satellites and providing critical national security space capabilities."
The launch of SBIRS GEO-1 ushers in a new era in overhead surveillance, and GEO-1 will deliver unprecedented global, persistent and taskable infrared surveillance protecting the nation and allies for years to come, said Col. Scott Larrimore, the chief of the SBIRS Space Systems Division.
"This day is a proud moment for our team," he said. "Our mission is just beginning, and we look forward to developing new capabilities that will expand the overhead persistent infrared missions to meet global emerging threats."
The launch featured an Atlas V 401-configured rocket, which was the 26th launch of the Atlas V. The 401 configuration consists of a 4-meter payload fairing and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. The Atlas V is one of the two rockets developed as part of the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, or EELV, program.
"The successful launch of the SBIRS mission today was a significant accomplishment for our nation," said Col. Ron Fortson, the mission director and chief of EELV Generation and Operations Division. "I am extremely proud of the integrated government and contractor team for the hard work and dedication put forth in achieving this success."
Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's vice president and SBIRS program director, reinforced the value of the integrated effort of the Air Force and contractor team.
"We understand the importance of the SBIRS mission and are proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force on this critical program," he said. "Throughout the development of this first-of-its-kind satellite, the SBIRS team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to operational excellence.""
Operational uncertainties require flexibility, Gates says
Operational uncertainties require flexibility, Gates says: "The lesson Americans should take from recent military operations is that we cannot predict where or how U.S. forces will be engaged, and having flexible capabilities is the best defense for the nation, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (NC) May 6.
Since the Vietnam War, U.S. leaders have a "perfect" record in forecasting where America is going to use military power next: "We have never once gotten it right," Secretary Gates said to about 450 Airmen in a hangar at this F-15 Strike Eagle base.
"We just don't know, and that's why we have to be prepared," he said.
Given that record, Secretary Gates said, the equipment the military buys and the capabilities it develops must be broad-based.
Especially in a time of budget constraints, he said, "we need to buy capabilities that have the maximum possible flexibility for the broadest possible range of conflict."
Americans should be cautious about significant cuts in the defense budget, Secretary Gates said. Four times in the last century America has significantly reduced its military capabilities after a war: World War I, World War II, Vietnam and the Cold War. Each time it was because people thought the world had changed, that challenges had gone away.
"Human nature hasn't changed," he said. "There will always be despots out there, there will always be aggressors and tyrants.
"The United States must keep its military capabilities strong as it look to the future, because we can't tell what the future will hold," he said.
The federal debt crisis is dire, but that seems to be the only time a democracy will confront a problem, the secretary said. "All through our history, people will try and put off dealing with a crisis for as long as they can, until it cannot be put off any longer," he said. "If there is a consensus in Washington on one thing, it is that we cannot put off dealing with this crisis any longer."
A strong defense needs a strong economy, and the Defense Department has a role to play in cutting the deficit, Secretary Gates said.
There are more savings to be made, particularly in infrastructure and medical coverage, which is eating away at the defense budget, he said.
"What I have been trying to do - in dealing with the Congress and the White House - is say, 'Let's not do this as math, as opposed to strategy," he said. "Let's take a look at our capabilities; let's take a look at scenario-based force planning and see where we can take additional risk."
The country needs a process that provides the president and Congress options that make sense, the secretary said.
The options would be realistic and convey, "if you want to reduce Defense by this much, these are the changes in assumptions you have to make, and here is the added risk you face if you head in that direction," he said.
If the country has the time to adopt this budget strategy, and plans for reductions, "and do it intelligently, we can do our part without weakening our national security," he said.
"
Since the Vietnam War, U.S. leaders have a "perfect" record in forecasting where America is going to use military power next: "We have never once gotten it right," Secretary Gates said to about 450 Airmen in a hangar at this F-15 Strike Eagle base.
"We just don't know, and that's why we have to be prepared," he said.
Given that record, Secretary Gates said, the equipment the military buys and the capabilities it develops must be broad-based.
Especially in a time of budget constraints, he said, "we need to buy capabilities that have the maximum possible flexibility for the broadest possible range of conflict."
Americans should be cautious about significant cuts in the defense budget, Secretary Gates said. Four times in the last century America has significantly reduced its military capabilities after a war: World War I, World War II, Vietnam and the Cold War. Each time it was because people thought the world had changed, that challenges had gone away.
"Human nature hasn't changed," he said. "There will always be despots out there, there will always be aggressors and tyrants.
"The United States must keep its military capabilities strong as it look to the future, because we can't tell what the future will hold," he said.
The federal debt crisis is dire, but that seems to be the only time a democracy will confront a problem, the secretary said. "All through our history, people will try and put off dealing with a crisis for as long as they can, until it cannot be put off any longer," he said. "If there is a consensus in Washington on one thing, it is that we cannot put off dealing with this crisis any longer."
A strong defense needs a strong economy, and the Defense Department has a role to play in cutting the deficit, Secretary Gates said.
There are more savings to be made, particularly in infrastructure and medical coverage, which is eating away at the defense budget, he said.
"What I have been trying to do - in dealing with the Congress and the White House - is say, 'Let's not do this as math, as opposed to strategy," he said. "Let's take a look at our capabilities; let's take a look at scenario-based force planning and see where we can take additional risk."
The country needs a process that provides the president and Congress options that make sense, the secretary said.
The options would be realistic and convey, "if you want to reduce Defense by this much, these are the changes in assumptions you have to make, and here is the added risk you face if you head in that direction," he said.
If the country has the time to adopt this budget strategy, and plans for reductions, "and do it intelligently, we can do our part without weakening our national security," he said.
"
U.S. Was Braced for Fight With Pakistanis in Bin Laden Raid - NYTimes.com
U.S. Was Braced for Fight With Pakistanis in Bin Laden Raid - NYTimes.com: "President Obama insisted that the assault force hunting down Osama bin Laden last week be large enough to fight its way out of Pakistan if confronted by hostile local police officers and troops, senior administration and military officials said Monday.
In revealing additional details about planning for the mission, senior officials also said that two teams of specialists were on standby: One to bury Bin Laden if he was killed, and a second composed of lawyers, interrogators and translators in case he was captured alive. That team was set to meet aboard a Navy ship, most likely the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson in the North Arabian Sea.
Mr. Obama’s decision to increase the size of the force sent into Pakistan shows that he was willing to risk a military confrontation with a close ally in order to capture or kill the leader of Al Qaeda.
Such a fight would have set off an even larger breach with the Pakistanis than has taken place since officials in Islamabad learned that helicopters filled with members of a Navy Seals team had flown undetected into one of their cities, and burst into a compound where Bin Laden was hiding."
************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
In revealing additional details about planning for the mission, senior officials also said that two teams of specialists were on standby: One to bury Bin Laden if he was killed, and a second composed of lawyers, interrogators and translators in case he was captured alive. That team was set to meet aboard a Navy ship, most likely the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson in the North Arabian Sea.
Mr. Obama’s decision to increase the size of the force sent into Pakistan shows that he was willing to risk a military confrontation with a close ally in order to capture or kill the leader of Al Qaeda.
Such a fight would have set off an even larger breach with the Pakistanis than has taken place since officials in Islamabad learned that helicopters filled with members of a Navy Seals team had flown undetected into one of their cities, and burst into a compound where Bin Laden was hiding."
************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
U.S. Military Draws Up Potential Afghan Exit Plan - FoxNews.com
U.S. Military Draws Up Potential Afghan Exit Plan - FoxNews.com: "U.S. military officers in Afghanistan have drawn up preliminary proposals to withdraw as many as 5,000 troops from the country in July and as many as 5,000 more by the year's end, the first phase of a U.S. pullout promised by President Obama, officials say.
The proposals, prepared by staff officers in Kabul, are likely to be the subject of fierce internal debate in the White House, State Department and Pentagon-a discussion influenced by calculations about how Usama bin Laden's death will affect the Afghan battlefield.
The plans were drafted before the U.S. killed the Al Qaeda leader, and could be revised. They have yet to be formally presented to Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, who must then seek White House approval for a withdrawal.
If approved by top military officers and the president, an initial withdrawal of 5,000 would represent a modest reduction from the current 100,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, allowing the military to preserve combat power through this summer's fighting season. Some of the troops that leave in July will be combat troops but commanders hope to minimize the impact by culling support staff as well."
************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
The proposals, prepared by staff officers in Kabul, are likely to be the subject of fierce internal debate in the White House, State Department and Pentagon-a discussion influenced by calculations about how Usama bin Laden's death will affect the Afghan battlefield.
The plans were drafted before the U.S. killed the Al Qaeda leader, and could be revised. They have yet to be formally presented to Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, who must then seek White House approval for a withdrawal.
If approved by top military officers and the president, an initial withdrawal of 5,000 would represent a modest reduction from the current 100,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, allowing the military to preserve combat power through this summer's fighting season. Some of the troops that leave in July will be combat troops but commanders hope to minimize the impact by culling support staff as well."
************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Technology in US helicopter not so secret: expert
Technology in US helicopter not so secret: expert: "Pakistan or other countries may not have much to learn from the wreckage of a 'stealth' US helicopter used in the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, a defense analyst said Monday.
"The helicopter is a modified Blackhawk that is designed to maximize the chance for surprise in conducting special operations," said Loren Thompson, an aerospace analyst and head of the Lexington Institute.
But he said that the technology and design features to enable an aircraft to reduce noise and evade radar are not shrouded in secrecy.
Countries that examine the wreckage "will not learn much from the remnants of the exploded helicopter that were not already readily available in open literature," Thompson told AFP.
"
*********************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
"The helicopter is a modified Blackhawk that is designed to maximize the chance for surprise in conducting special operations," said Loren Thompson, an aerospace analyst and head of the Lexington Institute.
But he said that the technology and design features to enable an aircraft to reduce noise and evade radar are not shrouded in secrecy.
Countries that examine the wreckage "will not learn much from the remnants of the exploded helicopter that were not already readily available in open literature," Thompson told AFP.
"
*********************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Dog of war in bin Laden mission is breed apart
Dog of war in bin Laden mission is breed apart: "The raid that took down Osama bin Laden is thought to have involved one special operative - a highly-trained military dog, part of an elite corps not to be confused with a family pet.
The US military has refused to confirm if a dog was involved in Monday's helicopter-borne mission deep inside Pakistan, but those familiar with military dogs said only an animal with special breeding and training could have taken part.
"Those dogs are trained to move with the teams. They can identify the friendlies from the non-friendlies at a high rate of speed," said Mike McConnery, owner of Baden K9, a Canadian-based breeding and training firm that provides dogs for elite military units in the United States and elsewhere.
"
The US military has refused to confirm if a dog was involved in Monday's helicopter-borne mission deep inside Pakistan, but those familiar with military dogs said only an animal with special breeding and training could have taken part.
"Those dogs are trained to move with the teams. They can identify the friendlies from the non-friendlies at a high rate of speed," said Mike McConnery, owner of Baden K9, a Canadian-based breeding and training firm that provides dogs for elite military units in the United States and elsewhere.
"
Friday, May 6, 2011
Elite among elite: US Navy SEAL's 'Team Six'
Elite among elite: US Navy SEAL's 'Team Six': "The US Navy commandos who swooped on Osama bin Laden's compound reportedly came from a renowned squad known as 'Team Six,' an elite unit drawn from the already elite ranks of the SEALs.
The unit is so secret that the military does not openly acknowledge its existence, but its reputation has taken on near mythic proportions and features in numerous books, films and video games.
The White House and the Central Intelligence Agency have declined to openly confirm that 'Team Six' led Monday's assault on Bin Laden's residence in Pakistan, though Vice President Joe Biden and the spy agency's chief Leon Panetta hailed the Navy SEALs for carrying out the operation."
****************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
The unit is so secret that the military does not openly acknowledge its existence, but its reputation has taken on near mythic proportions and features in numerous books, films and video games.
The White House and the Central Intelligence Agency have declined to openly confirm that 'Team Six' led Monday's assault on Bin Laden's residence in Pakistan, though Vice President Joe Biden and the spy agency's chief Leon Panetta hailed the Navy SEALs for carrying out the operation."
****************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Key US senators say wait for facts on Pakistan
Key US senators say wait for facts on Pakistan: "
Key US senators appealed Thursday for a calm reaction after Osama bin Laden was found in Pakistan, saying it was vital to preserve cooperation with the nuclear-armed Islamic nation.
John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Richard Lugar, the committee's top Republican, voiced deep concern at the possibility that Pakistan protected bin Laden but said they would wait for a probe.
'Nothing obviously would excuse the harboring of the number one criminal in the world, but we need to explore carefully what exactly the facts are,' Kerry, a close ally of President Barack Obama, said at a Senate hearing."
***************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Key US senators appealed Thursday for a calm reaction after Osama bin Laden was found in Pakistan, saying it was vital to preserve cooperation with the nuclear-armed Islamic nation.
John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Richard Lugar, the committee's top Republican, voiced deep concern at the possibility that Pakistan protected bin Laden but said they would wait for a probe.
'Nothing obviously would excuse the harboring of the number one criminal in the world, but we need to explore carefully what exactly the facts are,' Kerry, a close ally of President Barack Obama, said at a Senate hearing."
***************
GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
CIA spied on bin Laden from safe house - The Washington Post
CIA spied on bin Laden from safe house - The Washington Post: "The CIA maintained a safe house in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad for a small team of spies who conducted extensive surveillance over a period of months on the compound where Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. Special Operations forces this week, U.S. officials said.
The secret CIA facility was used as a base of operations for one of the most delicate human intelligence gathering missions in recent CIA history, one that relied on Pakistani informants and other sources to help assemble a “pattern of life” portrait of the occupants and daily activities at the fortified compound where bin Laden was found, the officials said.
The on-the-ground surveillance work was part of an intelligence-gathering push mobilized after the discovery of the suspicious complex last August that involved virtually every category of collection in the U.S. arsenal, ranging from satellite imagery to eavesdropping efforts aimed at recording voices inside the compound.
The effort was so extensive and costly that the CIA went to Congress in December to secure authority to reallocate tens of millions of dollars within assorted agency budgets to fund it, U.S. officials said.
Most of that surveillance capability remained in place until the execution of the raid by U.S. Navy SEALs shortly after 1 a.m. in Pakistan.
"
*****************
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
The secret CIA facility was used as a base of operations for one of the most delicate human intelligence gathering missions in recent CIA history, one that relied on Pakistani informants and other sources to help assemble a “pattern of life” portrait of the occupants and daily activities at the fortified compound where bin Laden was found, the officials said.
The on-the-ground surveillance work was part of an intelligence-gathering push mobilized after the discovery of the suspicious complex last August that involved virtually every category of collection in the U.S. arsenal, ranging from satellite imagery to eavesdropping efforts aimed at recording voices inside the compound.
The effort was so extensive and costly that the CIA went to Congress in December to secure authority to reallocate tens of millions of dollars within assorted agency budgets to fund it, U.S. officials said.
Most of that surveillance capability remained in place until the execution of the raid by U.S. Navy SEALs shortly after 1 a.m. in Pakistan.
"
*****************
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
Proposal would save $3.2 billion in health care costs
Proposal would save $3.2 billion in health care costs: "The Defense Department's proposal to reform the TRICARE health plan and the military health system would save at least $3.2 billion between 2012 and 2016, the Pentagon's chief financial officer told Congress yesterday.
In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee, Robert F. Hale said the initiatives would support President Barack Obama's debt-reduction plan, which calls for a $4 trillion reduction in the federal budget by 2023.
President Obama's plan includes a reduction of $78 billion in DOD's fiscal 2012 budget and an additional $400 billion in national security cuts through 2023.
Mr. Hale said that although $3.2 billion is only modest savings toward the president's overall goal, the savings are "substantial" within DOD.
"The federal government as a whole would save money under this plan -- not a lot, but there are modest savings," he explained. "The department savings from this proposal would be very substantial. We're looking out over the whole career of an individual and setting aside money to pay for it, so you immediately see major effects."
The fiscal 2012 budget request calls for $52.5 billion to support the military health system's 9.6 million beneficiaries, which include retirees, active-duty members and their families. The department's health care bill has more than tripled from $19 billion in 2001.
"We've got to find ways to maintain the quality of health care but slow the growth in cost," Mr. Hale said.
Meeting that challenge begins with streamlining operations at the health affairs headquarters, he said, which means cutting more than 700 civilian contractors from the TRICARE staff.
The proposal also calls for reforms for beneficiaries, including a maximum $5 per month increase for working-age military retirees under 65, raising the co-payment for prescription drugs, and regulatory changes that would eliminate special subsidies for community hospitals that serve beneficiaries, Mr. Hale said.
Mr. Hale noted that TRICARE enrollment fees have not increased since Congress appropriated funds for the program in 1994.
Families pay an estimated $460 annually for TRICARE Prime coverage, but had the fees been indexed today to meet the growth in per capita national health expenditure, those fees would now be more than $1,000 per family each year, he said.
Beginning in 2013, future enrollees would pay fees based on the national health expenditure if the proposal is enacted, Mr. Hale said, and that, he added, still would be significantly less than what beneficiaries would pay in the private sector for health insurance.
The proposals would save an estimated $430 million over the next five years and would stabilize cost sharing in TRICARE at a level much more favorable than what Congress envisioned in the 1990s, Mr. Hale said.
Reform proposals in pharmaceuticals include incentives for allowing the department to prescribe generic drugs and deliver prescriptions by mail, saving $2.5 billion by 2016, he added.
Mr. Hale told the panel that the rates DOD pays to "sole community hospitals" that serve military beneficiaries are substantially higher than the rates it pays to other hospitals. Sole community hospitals are determined by Medicare rules that factor in distance from other hospitals, capacity and other criteria.
Federal law requires that the department adopt Medicare rates when practical, and combined with lower rates paid to sole community hospitals, the proposal would save the department $395 million through 2016, Mr. Hale said.
"We will phase in this change slowly, at least over a four-year period, in order to avoid adverse effects on care provided at these hospitals," he added.
Mr. Hale also discussed the department's proposal for equitable treatment for all Medicare-eligible military retirees.
Under current law, he said, some Medicare-eligible enrollees are allowed to remain in the U.S. Family Health Plan, a TRICARE Prime option that provides care to active-duty family members and all military retirees regardless of whether they participate in Medicare Part B, which covers doctor services, outpatient care and home health services that Part A does not.
DOD officials, Mr. Hale added, seek legislation that requires those who are part of the U.S. Family Health Plan to join Medicare, as all other retirees must.
This, he added, will ensure that TRICARE does not pay claims that exceed Medicare rates when military retirees qualify for both programs.
"We will make these fee changes very gradually, very slowly, and 'grandfathering' all those who are currently over age 65 and in the Family Health Plan, so it will take place over a number of years," Mr. Hale said. "I particularly ask the committee's support for the provisions affecting the sole community hospitals and for legislation to permit changes to the U.S. Family Health Plan."
The proposals are more than reasonable, Mr. Hale said, and strike a solid balance between bringing savings and maintaining quality health care for veterans and their families.
None of the proposals would affect active- duty troops, he emphasized.
"These proposals generate savings that will help us pay for needed training and equipping of the armed forces," Mr. Hale said. "If we don't get authority to do this, we'll face major holes in the military budget, and it will be very hard to handle in difficult budgetary times. But most importantly, these proposals will lay the groundwork for a sustainable future of the military health care system."
In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee, Robert F. Hale said the initiatives would support President Barack Obama's debt-reduction plan, which calls for a $4 trillion reduction in the federal budget by 2023.
President Obama's plan includes a reduction of $78 billion in DOD's fiscal 2012 budget and an additional $400 billion in national security cuts through 2023.
Mr. Hale said that although $3.2 billion is only modest savings toward the president's overall goal, the savings are "substantial" within DOD.
"The federal government as a whole would save money under this plan -- not a lot, but there are modest savings," he explained. "The department savings from this proposal would be very substantial. We're looking out over the whole career of an individual and setting aside money to pay for it, so you immediately see major effects."
The fiscal 2012 budget request calls for $52.5 billion to support the military health system's 9.6 million beneficiaries, which include retirees, active-duty members and their families. The department's health care bill has more than tripled from $19 billion in 2001.
"We've got to find ways to maintain the quality of health care but slow the growth in cost," Mr. Hale said.
Meeting that challenge begins with streamlining operations at the health affairs headquarters, he said, which means cutting more than 700 civilian contractors from the TRICARE staff.
The proposal also calls for reforms for beneficiaries, including a maximum $5 per month increase for working-age military retirees under 65, raising the co-payment for prescription drugs, and regulatory changes that would eliminate special subsidies for community hospitals that serve beneficiaries, Mr. Hale said.
Mr. Hale noted that TRICARE enrollment fees have not increased since Congress appropriated funds for the program in 1994.
Families pay an estimated $460 annually for TRICARE Prime coverage, but had the fees been indexed today to meet the growth in per capita national health expenditure, those fees would now be more than $1,000 per family each year, he said.
Beginning in 2013, future enrollees would pay fees based on the national health expenditure if the proposal is enacted, Mr. Hale said, and that, he added, still would be significantly less than what beneficiaries would pay in the private sector for health insurance.
The proposals would save an estimated $430 million over the next five years and would stabilize cost sharing in TRICARE at a level much more favorable than what Congress envisioned in the 1990s, Mr. Hale said.
Reform proposals in pharmaceuticals include incentives for allowing the department to prescribe generic drugs and deliver prescriptions by mail, saving $2.5 billion by 2016, he added.
Mr. Hale told the panel that the rates DOD pays to "sole community hospitals" that serve military beneficiaries are substantially higher than the rates it pays to other hospitals. Sole community hospitals are determined by Medicare rules that factor in distance from other hospitals, capacity and other criteria.
Federal law requires that the department adopt Medicare rates when practical, and combined with lower rates paid to sole community hospitals, the proposal would save the department $395 million through 2016, Mr. Hale said.
"We will phase in this change slowly, at least over a four-year period, in order to avoid adverse effects on care provided at these hospitals," he added.
Mr. Hale also discussed the department's proposal for equitable treatment for all Medicare-eligible military retirees.
Under current law, he said, some Medicare-eligible enrollees are allowed to remain in the U.S. Family Health Plan, a TRICARE Prime option that provides care to active-duty family members and all military retirees regardless of whether they participate in Medicare Part B, which covers doctor services, outpatient care and home health services that Part A does not.
DOD officials, Mr. Hale added, seek legislation that requires those who are part of the U.S. Family Health Plan to join Medicare, as all other retirees must.
This, he added, will ensure that TRICARE does not pay claims that exceed Medicare rates when military retirees qualify for both programs.
"We will make these fee changes very gradually, very slowly, and 'grandfathering' all those who are currently over age 65 and in the Family Health Plan, so it will take place over a number of years," Mr. Hale said. "I particularly ask the committee's support for the provisions affecting the sole community hospitals and for legislation to permit changes to the U.S. Family Health Plan."
The proposals are more than reasonable, Mr. Hale said, and strike a solid balance between bringing savings and maintaining quality health care for veterans and their families.
None of the proposals would affect active- duty troops, he emphasized.
"These proposals generate savings that will help us pay for needed training and equipping of the armed forces," Mr. Hale said. "If we don't get authority to do this, we'll face major holes in the military budget, and it will be very hard to handle in difficult budgetary times. But most importantly, these proposals will lay the groundwork for a sustainable future of the military health care system."
DoD Cites Progress in Afghanistan
Report outlines progress in Afghanistan: "Last year's surge of U.S. and coalition forces into Afghanistan, with the simultaneous growth of Afghan forces, is leading to tangible progress for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan, according to a biannual Defense Department report recently released.
The final component of 30,000 U.S. surge forces reached Afghanistan last fall, complemented by an additional 10,000 coalition forces and more than 1,100 U.S. civilian personnel, allowing for significant improvements in security, governance and the economy of Afghanistan, according to the Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan and the United States Plan for Sustaining the Afghanistan National Security Forces.
Known as the "1230 Report" for its citation in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, the report assesses the situation in Afghanistan from Oct. 1 through March 31.
Among its conclusions:
-- Additional forces have allowed the coalition to expand into 34 districts that now have Afghan local police, compared to just eight districts with local police presence in September.
-- Security has improved in each of International Security Assistance Force's six regional commands. Afghan forces have improved such that they are in the lead for most operations in the capital of Kabul. As expected, violence has increased in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, as coalition and Afghan forces took away long-held insurgent safe havens.
-- Surveys show Taliban influence decreasing in key areas across the country, with 75 percent of Afghans believing it would be bad for the country if the extremist group returned to power. That compares to 68 percent who felt that way at the end of the last reporting period in September.
-- Reports suggest increased friction between rank-and-file insurgents in Afghanistan and their leaders in Pakistan. The national government's Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program has allowed more than 700 former Taliban to reintegrate into Afghan society, and another 2,000 insurgents are in the process of reintegration since the office was created in July.
-- The Afghan national security forces are key to Afghan self-sufficiency, and the forces are growing in numbers and competency. The army has added 21,200 new recruits since the end of September, and the national police have 15,030 new recruits since then. Also, 30,000 members of the security forces have completed literacy training, and about 60,000 others are in literacy training on any given day.
-- The Afghan defense and interior ministries have freed up leadership billets for security forces, encouraged merit-based promotions, and recently opened armor and signals schools.
-- By the end of March, 74 percent of battalion-sized army units were rated "effective with advisors" or "effective with assistance," compared to 51 percent at the end of September. In the national police, 75 percent of units received that rating.
-- Effectiveness has improved to the point that 95 percent of all Afghan army units and 89 percent of national police are partnered with coalition units.
-- A shortage of coalition trainers and high Afghan attrition remain challenging. Incentive programs are being created to mitigate attrition.
-- Afghanistan is showing improvements in governance and development, with about half of the population living in areas of "emerging" governance, compared to 38 percent at the end of September. The national government's Afghan Civil Service Institute has graduated 16,000 civil servants since Oct. 1 and has placed 3,000 college graduates in its internship program.
-- Allegations of voter fraud from the September national elections continue to reverberate, but have not deterred local elections, such as one in March in which 75 percent of registered voters in Helmand's Marja district voted.
-- A lack of infrastructure remains a challenge, but improvements are happening with public projects such as a new railway link from the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif to Uzbekistan, a new power transmission line into the Afghan capital of Kabul, a runway extension at Herat Airport, and extensive road renovations.
-- Significant political challenges remain in Afghanistan, and corruption and criminal networks are a problem, but economic development, including from foreign investors, has potential for promising gains. The demand for energy far exceeds its current supply, and the U.S. Agency for International Development oversees several projects for improvement.
-- The national government continues to develop the mining industry, which has grown by 30 percent in two years since the U.S. Geological Survey estimated Afghanistan's untapped mineral resources to be valued at as much as $3 trillion.
The report also found significant progress in the distribution of telecommunications service, health care, and education.
"The 2010 surge of ISAF forces and civilian personnel, and the ongoing surge of (Afghan forces), has allowed ISAF to get the inputs right in Afghanistan for the first time," the report says.
The next report is due at the end of October.
"
*******************
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
The final component of 30,000 U.S. surge forces reached Afghanistan last fall, complemented by an additional 10,000 coalition forces and more than 1,100 U.S. civilian personnel, allowing for significant improvements in security, governance and the economy of Afghanistan, according to the Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan and the United States Plan for Sustaining the Afghanistan National Security Forces.
Known as the "1230 Report" for its citation in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, the report assesses the situation in Afghanistan from Oct. 1 through March 31.
Among its conclusions:
-- Additional forces have allowed the coalition to expand into 34 districts that now have Afghan local police, compared to just eight districts with local police presence in September.
-- Security has improved in each of International Security Assistance Force's six regional commands. Afghan forces have improved such that they are in the lead for most operations in the capital of Kabul. As expected, violence has increased in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, as coalition and Afghan forces took away long-held insurgent safe havens.
-- Surveys show Taliban influence decreasing in key areas across the country, with 75 percent of Afghans believing it would be bad for the country if the extremist group returned to power. That compares to 68 percent who felt that way at the end of the last reporting period in September.
-- Reports suggest increased friction between rank-and-file insurgents in Afghanistan and their leaders in Pakistan. The national government's Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program has allowed more than 700 former Taliban to reintegrate into Afghan society, and another 2,000 insurgents are in the process of reintegration since the office was created in July.
-- The Afghan national security forces are key to Afghan self-sufficiency, and the forces are growing in numbers and competency. The army has added 21,200 new recruits since the end of September, and the national police have 15,030 new recruits since then. Also, 30,000 members of the security forces have completed literacy training, and about 60,000 others are in literacy training on any given day.
-- The Afghan defense and interior ministries have freed up leadership billets for security forces, encouraged merit-based promotions, and recently opened armor and signals schools.
-- By the end of March, 74 percent of battalion-sized army units were rated "effective with advisors" or "effective with assistance," compared to 51 percent at the end of September. In the national police, 75 percent of units received that rating.
-- Effectiveness has improved to the point that 95 percent of all Afghan army units and 89 percent of national police are partnered with coalition units.
-- A shortage of coalition trainers and high Afghan attrition remain challenging. Incentive programs are being created to mitigate attrition.
-- Afghanistan is showing improvements in governance and development, with about half of the population living in areas of "emerging" governance, compared to 38 percent at the end of September. The national government's Afghan Civil Service Institute has graduated 16,000 civil servants since Oct. 1 and has placed 3,000 college graduates in its internship program.
-- Allegations of voter fraud from the September national elections continue to reverberate, but have not deterred local elections, such as one in March in which 75 percent of registered voters in Helmand's Marja district voted.
-- A lack of infrastructure remains a challenge, but improvements are happening with public projects such as a new railway link from the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif to Uzbekistan, a new power transmission line into the Afghan capital of Kabul, a runway extension at Herat Airport, and extensive road renovations.
-- Significant political challenges remain in Afghanistan, and corruption and criminal networks are a problem, but economic development, including from foreign investors, has potential for promising gains. The demand for energy far exceeds its current supply, and the U.S. Agency for International Development oversees several projects for improvement.
-- The national government continues to develop the mining industry, which has grown by 30 percent in two years since the U.S. Geological Survey estimated Afghanistan's untapped mineral resources to be valued at as much as $3 trillion.
The report also found significant progress in the distribution of telecommunications service, health care, and education.
"The 2010 surge of ISAF forces and civilian personnel, and the ongoing surge of (Afghan forces), has allowed ISAF to get the inputs right in Afghanistan for the first time," the report says.
The next report is due at the end of October.
"
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German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
House Panel OKs More Money For Special Forces | wusa9.com
House Panel OKs More Money For Special Forces | wusa9.com: "A House panel on Wednesday approved $10.5 billion for Special Operations Command and its Navy SEALs unit widely praised for the bold mission to take out terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.
By voice vote, the House Armed Services subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities agreed to the amount, an increase of about 7 percent from the current level, with lawmakers marveling at the success of the Navy SEALs. The elite unit infiltrated bin Laden's Pakistan compound on Monday and killed the mastermind of the Sept. 11 terror attacks."
*****************
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
By voice vote, the House Armed Services subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities agreed to the amount, an increase of about 7 percent from the current level, with lawmakers marveling at the success of the Navy SEALs. The elite unit infiltrated bin Laden's Pakistan compound on Monday and killed the mastermind of the Sept. 11 terror attacks."
*****************
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
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