The Air Force announced Barksdale Air Force Base, La. as the permanent location of Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters June 18. The new major command will focus on the nuclear and global strike mission.
Barksdale was previously identified as the Air Force's preferred alternative for purposes of the environmental analysis process that is now complete. AFGSC will be activated on August 7.
"The environmental assessment, which included a 30-day public comment period, resulted in a finding of 'No Significant Impact' which allows for the SECAF to take the additional steps of making a final basing decision and formally standing up AFGSC," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary for Installations.
"The standup of this new command will provide clear lines of authority and responsibility dedicated to the nuclear and conventional global strike mission, a key component of strategic deterrence," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, designated commander for AFGSC.
(AFNS)
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Friday, June 19, 2009
US Moves Missile Defense Forces to Hawaii to Repel NK Threat
The U.S. is moving ground-to-air missile defenses to Hawaii as tensions escalate between Washington and Pyongyang over North Korea's recent moves to restart its nuclear-weapon program and resume test-firing long-range missiles, reports the Wall Street Journal.
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Army develops new modernization strategy after scaling back FCS
Battlefield communications networks will be a critical component of a modernization strategy the Army is developing after canceling the $160 billion ground vehicle portion of its Future Combat Systems program, an Army spokesman said.
The Brigade Combat Team Modernization Strategy aims to develop a new line of ground combat vehicles and deploy sensor systems and unmanned vehicles engineered under FCS, reports Nextgov.com
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The Brigade Combat Team Modernization Strategy aims to develop a new line of ground combat vehicles and deploy sensor systems and unmanned vehicles engineered under FCS, reports Nextgov.com
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
FCS Transitions into BCT Modernization Program
The Army's Future Combat Systems program is transitioning to a Brigade Combat Team Modernization Strategy according to officials testifying before a Senate Armed Services subcommittee Tuesday.
Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli told the Airland subcommittee that the BCT Modernization Strategy is expected to enhance network capabilities and use advancing technology to give Soldiers an advantage over the enemy.
Chiarelli said the Army is applying lessons learned from the past seven years of combat to improve tactics, training and equipment.
"In every aspect of the Army's modernization strategy, our purpose is to improve Soldiers' survivability and ensure they are able to maintain a decisive advantage over whatever enemy they may face," Chiarelli said. "We are adamant, and I know that the members of this esteemed committee are equally adamant that we never want to send our Soldiers into a fair fight."
The BCT Modernization Strategy will replace the Future Combat Systems. Portions of the FCS program were cut from the fiscal year 2010 budget, specifically the eight FCS manned ground vehicles, including the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon.
The budget accelerated the fielding of spin-outs to all 73 BCTs starting in FY2011. Other parts of FCS will transition to the BCT Modernization Strategy, most notably the network.
Lt. Gen. N. Ross Thompson III, military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology told the committee that the network is imperative because it connects leaders and soldiers to various systems.
"By growing the network in regular increments, we will provide our Soldiers and their leaders with a continually enhanced common-operating picture of the battle space, which is a significant advantage in combat," Thompson said.
Chiarelli said he disagreed with some opinions that money previously allocated to the FCS program should be reallocated elsewhere. Although the funding was cut for the MGV, the network component of the FCS program is still needed, he said.
"The network is the centerpiece of the Army's modernization efforts and any short fall in funding will put that effort at risk," Chiarelli said.
Since the MGV was halted, the Army will use information gathered under the FCS program to develop a new ground combat vehicle in the next five to seven years, according to Chiarelli.
An Acquisition Decision Memorandum will soon be issued by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, according to Chiarelli. He said it will halt the current FCS program and provide detailed guidance for how the Army's modernization program will move forward.
Holly Meyer (ANS)
# END
Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli told the Airland subcommittee that the BCT Modernization Strategy is expected to enhance network capabilities and use advancing technology to give Soldiers an advantage over the enemy.
Chiarelli said the Army is applying lessons learned from the past seven years of combat to improve tactics, training and equipment.
"In every aspect of the Army's modernization strategy, our purpose is to improve Soldiers' survivability and ensure they are able to maintain a decisive advantage over whatever enemy they may face," Chiarelli said. "We are adamant, and I know that the members of this esteemed committee are equally adamant that we never want to send our Soldiers into a fair fight."
The BCT Modernization Strategy will replace the Future Combat Systems. Portions of the FCS program were cut from the fiscal year 2010 budget, specifically the eight FCS manned ground vehicles, including the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon.
The budget accelerated the fielding of spin-outs to all 73 BCTs starting in FY2011. Other parts of FCS will transition to the BCT Modernization Strategy, most notably the network.
Lt. Gen. N. Ross Thompson III, military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology told the committee that the network is imperative because it connects leaders and soldiers to various systems.
"By growing the network in regular increments, we will provide our Soldiers and their leaders with a continually enhanced common-operating picture of the battle space, which is a significant advantage in combat," Thompson said.
Chiarelli said he disagreed with some opinions that money previously allocated to the FCS program should be reallocated elsewhere. Although the funding was cut for the MGV, the network component of the FCS program is still needed, he said.
"The network is the centerpiece of the Army's modernization efforts and any short fall in funding will put that effort at risk," Chiarelli said.
Since the MGV was halted, the Army will use information gathered under the FCS program to develop a new ground combat vehicle in the next five to seven years, according to Chiarelli.
An Acquisition Decision Memorandum will soon be issued by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, according to Chiarelli. He said it will halt the current FCS program and provide detailed guidance for how the Army's modernization program will move forward.
Holly Meyer (ANS)
# END
New Army Combat Vehicles Likely to Borrow from FCS Program
The Army is committed to providing Soldiers with a new ground combat vehicle, despite the recent cancellation of the eight manned ground vehicles from the Future Combat Systems program.
Army leaders hosted a symposium to develop requirements for a new vehicle, June 15, at the National Defense University on Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. Attendees at the forum included Army commanders, retired general officers, representatives from think tanks and enlisted Soldiers.
"It's a wide variety of diverse individuals with experiences in combat, experiences in combat development, experiences in strategic operations and operational concept development -- we've got a lot of people," said Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harrison Sr., director, joint and futures, Army G-8.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli requested the "blue-ribbon panel" event, Harrison said, to gather "thoughts, ideas and perspectives" on what the Army needed in a new ground combat vehicle.
Harrison said it was important to include a variety of people in the panels because diversity of insight would mean a more robust vehicle for Soldiers.
"We have the end user in mind here, and the end user is the Soldier," Harrison said. "That Soldier is represented here today by some of the platoon sergeants and command sergeants major that serve in combat formations throughout the Army. They have a perspective that is real and that is current."
The one-day meeting with Army and civilian participants featured breakout sessions in six areas related to a new ground combat vehicle, including operational environments, platform characteristics, platform threats, realistic future requirements, networking considerations, and differences between a commercial-off-the-shelf vehicle verses an entirely researched and developed vehicle.
Information and ideas gathered at the blue-ribbon panel may eventually be used in Army Training and Doctrine Command's recommended requirements document for the ground combat vehicle. TRADOC is expected to deliver that recommended requirements document by Labor Day, and if approved, the document will kick off the acquisition process that will eventually put a new ground combat vehicle into the hands of Soldiers.
"Ideally, as we look at requirements documentation, it is reasonable to assume we may have this available to the force within a five-to-seven-year time frame," Harrison said. "We think it is doable, and we have support of the senior Army leadership and the secretary of Defense."
Just what the new ground combat vehicle might look like remains to be seen, though Chiarelli told members of the Senate, June 16, that technology in the new vehicle would likely borrow from technology the Army has developed for the cancelled FCS MGVs.
"We are working very hard to pull all those things we learned in the FCS MGV program -- that is not money that has been wasted," Chiarelli said. "All things we will use and look at for integration into the ground combat vehicle."
Chiarelli also said the GCV could be more than just one vehicle.
"I would not be surprised if we didn't see a family of vehicles that may include an indirect-fire capability," Chiarelli said. "We are very pleased with the (Secretary of Defense's) commitment to an Army modernization plan and to a GCV. And the chief of staff of the Army and the secretary of the Army have charged us with moving ahead and fielding something to our forces within five to seven years, and we are well into the planning to do that right now."
C.T. Lopez
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Army leaders hosted a symposium to develop requirements for a new vehicle, June 15, at the National Defense University on Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. Attendees at the forum included Army commanders, retired general officers, representatives from think tanks and enlisted Soldiers.
"It's a wide variety of diverse individuals with experiences in combat, experiences in combat development, experiences in strategic operations and operational concept development -- we've got a lot of people," said Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harrison Sr., director, joint and futures, Army G-8.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli requested the "blue-ribbon panel" event, Harrison said, to gather "thoughts, ideas and perspectives" on what the Army needed in a new ground combat vehicle.
Harrison said it was important to include a variety of people in the panels because diversity of insight would mean a more robust vehicle for Soldiers.
"We have the end user in mind here, and the end user is the Soldier," Harrison said. "That Soldier is represented here today by some of the platoon sergeants and command sergeants major that serve in combat formations throughout the Army. They have a perspective that is real and that is current."
The one-day meeting with Army and civilian participants featured breakout sessions in six areas related to a new ground combat vehicle, including operational environments, platform characteristics, platform threats, realistic future requirements, networking considerations, and differences between a commercial-off-the-shelf vehicle verses an entirely researched and developed vehicle.
Information and ideas gathered at the blue-ribbon panel may eventually be used in Army Training and Doctrine Command's recommended requirements document for the ground combat vehicle. TRADOC is expected to deliver that recommended requirements document by Labor Day, and if approved, the document will kick off the acquisition process that will eventually put a new ground combat vehicle into the hands of Soldiers.
"Ideally, as we look at requirements documentation, it is reasonable to assume we may have this available to the force within a five-to-seven-year time frame," Harrison said. "We think it is doable, and we have support of the senior Army leadership and the secretary of Defense."
Just what the new ground combat vehicle might look like remains to be seen, though Chiarelli told members of the Senate, June 16, that technology in the new vehicle would likely borrow from technology the Army has developed for the cancelled FCS MGVs.
"We are working very hard to pull all those things we learned in the FCS MGV program -- that is not money that has been wasted," Chiarelli said. "All things we will use and look at for integration into the ground combat vehicle."
Chiarelli also said the GCV could be more than just one vehicle.
"I would not be surprised if we didn't see a family of vehicles that may include an indirect-fire capability," Chiarelli said. "We are very pleased with the (Secretary of Defense's) commitment to an Army modernization plan and to a GCV. And the chief of staff of the Army and the secretary of the Army have charged us with moving ahead and fielding something to our forces within five to seven years, and we are well into the planning to do that right now."
C.T. Lopez
# END
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
US Troop Withdrawal from Iraq on Schedule
The withdrawal of American troops from Iraq cities is on track, Iraqi and coalition officials said this week.
Iraqi security forces are set to assume responsibility for the areas, Iraqi spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said at a June 15 news conference.
"The step of withdrawal of American forces from the city will be a main step in this effort," he said. "And the Iraqi government is committed to receive all the security responsibility and protect security, protect its citizens and all foreigners who are working and living in Iraq."
The security forces also will provide protection for embassies, foreign missions and the commercial and cultural missions working in Iraq, he added.
The spokesman also noted the longer-range goal of withdrawal of all American combat forces from Iraq by December 2011.
"The Iraqi government affirms that the American forces will complete ... the withdrawal of the combat forces at the specific time, and will leave limited numbers from the technicians with our security forces for the purpose of training, and will operate some equipment based on the request of the Iraqi government," he said.
The United States remains firmly committed to fulfilling the terms of the security agreement, said Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq.
"In accordance with this security agreement, U.S. combat forces will leave the cities on June 30, and it will be a great day for the Iraqi people," the general said. "The improvements in security and the professionalism of the Iraqi army and police have enabled this step."
The withdrawal includes the city of Mosul and the province of Ninevah. A few months ago, General Odierno acknowledged he had reservations about pulling out of Mosul. But, Iraqi security forces have increased their presence in the city.
"We have had very successful operations in Mosul over the last 45 days," General Odierno said. "We have been able to detain several key leaders. I feel much more comfortable now where we're at in Mosul."
The flow of foreign fighters into Iraq has decreased significantly, General Odierno said.
"In fact, for the most part, it's been just a trickle," he said, crediting border enforcement inside Iraq and Syrian cooperation.
Al-Qaida in Iraq has been degraded significantly, and though the terror group still can launch attacks, it is becoming more difficult, the general said.
"The dark days of previous years are behind us," he added. "Today, Iraqis are able to lead more normal lives, more children are in schools, restaurants are beginning to open, shops are doing business and parliament is meeting."
The numbers of attacks in Iraq has dropped significantly. Military officials said the number of attacks in May was at the lowest level since August 2003. Attacks against civilians, attacks against Iraqi security forces and attacks against coalition forces all are down.
"Across Iraq, attacks remain low as a result of the strong partnership between Iraqi and U.S. security forces, forged in tough fighting during the surge of operations that began in January of 2007," General Odierno said.
Since the U.S.-Iraq security agreement took effect in January, coalition forces have closed or returned 142 bases to Iraq control.
"And since last September, we have reduced over 30,000 Multinational Force Iraq troops in all of Iraq," the general said.
Coalition forces had operated from about 460 bases, and now operate from about 320.
"We will continue to reduce those this year," General Odierno said. "And we will continue to reduce both our forces and the number of bases in 2010 and through December of 2011, when we will be completely withdrawn from Iraq."
"Enablers" such as logistics and aircraft are on track, said Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul Qader Mohammad Jassim al-Mafrji.
"We will have capabilities for helicopter support starting in the middle of 2010," Minister al-Mafrji said. "This will grow gradually, but [we] plan to be able at the end of 2011 to have complete support. The support also needs logistical support, and logistical support is focused greatly on medevac."
Jim Garamone (AFNS)
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Navy Revises Intelligence Manpower Distribution
As the demand for Navy's intelligence expertise has continued to grow, Navy intelligence professionals have been working hard to keep pace. In April 2009, the chief of naval operations approved and directed implementation of revised naval intelligence manpower alignment and distribution plan.
The plan is an all-inclusive review and alignment of the Navy's intelligence manpower and will entail the establishment of fleet intelligence detachments and the Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force, reporting to Commander Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM).
As the fleet intelligence type Commander, NETWARCOM is tasked with executing the plan which will begin this October to be fully implemented by October 2010.
"This plan is necessary to meet current and projected fleet operational requirements with improved intelligence capability while remaining within existing naval intelligence manpower constraints," said Rear Adm. Samuel Cox, director of Fleet Intelligence, based at NETWARCOM.
According to the plan, aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious ships will retain a reduced permanent intelligence force but will be augmented by the fleet intelligence detachments for underway training, deployment and surge requirements. Fleet and operational requirements will be met with rapidly adaptive intelligence capability, within current overall naval intelligence manning. Manpower freed up by the realignment will be realigned to the fleet intelligence detachments (direct support) and Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force to provide intelligence capability to meet increased fleet demands including maritime interception operations intelligence exploitation teams, Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations, SSGN missions and similar requirements or other priorities identified by operational commanders.
These detachments and the Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force, which integrates Sailors from different intelligence teams into one group, will be administratively aligned under the authority of NETWARCOM, but when embarked, deployed or operationally employed, they will report directly to the appropriate operational commander.
The Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force will also provide enhanced intelligence capability to maritime operations centers and serve as the primary source for meeting fleet obligations for individual augmentees.
Chris Koons (NNS)
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The plan is an all-inclusive review and alignment of the Navy's intelligence manpower and will entail the establishment of fleet intelligence detachments and the Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force, reporting to Commander Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM).
As the fleet intelligence type Commander, NETWARCOM is tasked with executing the plan which will begin this October to be fully implemented by October 2010.
"This plan is necessary to meet current and projected fleet operational requirements with improved intelligence capability while remaining within existing naval intelligence manpower constraints," said Rear Adm. Samuel Cox, director of Fleet Intelligence, based at NETWARCOM.
According to the plan, aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious ships will retain a reduced permanent intelligence force but will be augmented by the fleet intelligence detachments for underway training, deployment and surge requirements. Fleet and operational requirements will be met with rapidly adaptive intelligence capability, within current overall naval intelligence manning. Manpower freed up by the realignment will be realigned to the fleet intelligence detachments (direct support) and Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force to provide intelligence capability to meet increased fleet demands including maritime interception operations intelligence exploitation teams, Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations, SSGN missions and similar requirements or other priorities identified by operational commanders.
These detachments and the Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force, which integrates Sailors from different intelligence teams into one group, will be administratively aligned under the authority of NETWARCOM, but when embarked, deployed or operationally employed, they will report directly to the appropriate operational commander.
The Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force will also provide enhanced intelligence capability to maritime operations centers and serve as the primary source for meeting fleet obligations for individual augmentees.
Chris Koons (NNS)
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