U.S. Forces-Iraq stands up in Baghdad

U.S. Forces-Iraq stands up in Baghdad: "A New Year's Day ceremony here marked another evolution of Operation Iraqi Freedom, as several major command groups merged into a single headquarters command, U.S. Forces-Iraq.

'This ceremony marks another significant transition here in Iraq,' said Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command. 'It represents another important milestone in the continued drawdown of American forces.'"

Brigade Combat Team Modernization To Enter Production

Brigade Combat Team Modernization To Enter Production: "Boeing reports that Increment 1 of the U.S. Army's Brigade Combat Team Modernization program was approved to begin Low-Rate Initial Production early in 2010 as a result of the Milestone C production review by the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) on Dec. 22.
As the prime contractor, Boeing, along with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI], is responsible for the development and production of Increment 1. The capabilities are planned to be fielded to Infantry Brigade Combat Teams beginning in 2011."

In bio attack, US Post Office could distribute aid

In bio attack, US Post Office could distribute aid: "The US Post Office could play a key role in distributing medical aid in the event of a biological attack, according to an executive order released by the White House on Wednesday.
The order signed by President Barack Obama directs government agencies, local law enforcement and the US Post Office to work on a model for distribution of medical countermeasures in the wake of a biological attack.
'This policy would seek to: (1) mitigate illness and prevent death; (2) sustain critical infrastructure; and (3) complement and supplement State, local, territorial, and tribal government medical countermeasure distribution capacity,' the order said."

Upgraded Aegis Tracks Sophisticated Missile Targets

Upgraded Aegis Tracks Sophisticated Missile Targets: "The second generation of Lockheed Martin's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, BMD 4.0.1, successfully detected, tracked and conducted simulated engagements against a variety of different ballistic missile targets during a series of tracking exercises in the Pacific.
The key feature of the new system is a new integrated signal processor designed to improve the system's discrimination capability to defeat sophisticated ballistic missiles and their countermeasures."

C.I.A. Takes On Bigger and Riskier Role on Front Lines - NYTimes.com

C.I.A. Takes On Bigger and Riskier Role on Front Lines - NYTimes.com: "The deaths of seven Central Intelligence Agency operatives at a remote base in the mountains of Afghanistan are a pointed example of the civilian spy agency’s transformation in recent years into a paramilitary organization at the vanguard of America’s far-flung wars."

86th AW expands U.S. Air Forces Africa support with first Super Hercules flight

86th AW expands U.S. Air Forces Africa support with first Super Hercules flight: "The C-130J is the latest addition to the C-130 fleet, replacing C-130Es. The 86th AW is the first wing outside the U.S. to have the C-130J assigned. The unit began receiving the Super Hercules in April 2009, and in late December took delivery of the 10th and 11th aircraft in the fleet of 14 to be assigned to the 37th AS and 86th AW."

Lynn says fight against IEDs remains priority

Lynn says fight against IEDs remains priority: "Defeating the terrorists' weapon of choice is and will remain a priority for the Defense Department, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here Dec. 30.

Mr. Lynn spoke during a Pentagon ceremony where Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz stepped down as director of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization and Army Lt. Gen. Michael Oates took up the charge.

The organization looks for ways to defeat terrorists using car bombs, roadside bombs, as well as suicide vests, all examples of improvised explosive devices. The bombs are the biggest killers of American servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan."