Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 4, 2013

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel speaks with troops aboard the USS Stethem at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan in Tokyo, Oct. 4, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Pentagon Waits Out Shutdown While Sequestration Looms -- Defense One

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is traveling in Asia, far from the dysfunction of Washington where Congress has once again hijacked his ability to plan his budget. First there was sequestration, now there’s a government shutdown and, in a matter of months, another fight over sequestration and this year’s budget.

“The Pentagon … has no budget. We are still living under this dark cloud of uncertainty not knowing what's going to happen. This reflects on our missions around the world. It reflects our allies' questioning our commitments. It affects our planning as we are in the process, as you know, of preparing a 2015 budget as we are preparing for further significant cuts under the current law, Budget Control Act 2011, which means $52 billion in additional cuts,” Hagel said during a stop in Seoul, South Korea.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Report: Israel eyes anti-Iran security pact with gulf states -- Space Daily/UPI

Interview: Syria, Iran Main Buyers of North Korean Chemical Weapons -- Radio Free Asia

US Withholds Some Military Aid to Rwanda Over Child Soldiers -- Voice of America

British military honours list includes soldier who fought with broken back -- BBC

Putin: Russia to Expand Arctic Presence -- Real Clear Defense

Ukraine to end military conscription after autumn call-ups -- Space Daily/UPI

Turkey "highly likely" to sign Chinese missile deal -- Reuters

Controversy Deepens Over Chinese Air Defenses For Turkey -- Defense News

First Export of Korea’s Supersonic T-50i Aircraft to Indonesia -- Defence Talk/Korean Information

Global armada steams into Sydney for naval centenary -- Space War/UPI

US to Deploy Global Hawks, F-35s, New Radars to Japan -- Defense News

US, Japan and S. Korea to hold joint naval drills -- Space Daily /AFP

U.S.-Korean Airpower Team Defends ‘Freedom’s Frontier’ -- US Department of Defense

German Air Force leaves Texas Army post after 60 years -- Stars and Stripes/AP

Officials update Okinawa, Guam realignment plans -- Stars and Stripes

US Gen Dempsey: 'Decade of challenges' in Middle East -- BBC

In Pilot Program, The NSA Secretly Collected The Crown Jewel Of Metadata From Americans -- Business Insider

New Ship News – Sub launched, Carrier prepped, LCS delivered -- Defense News

154,000 Army Civilians Furloughed in Shutdown -- DoD Buzz

Pentagon: Shutdown affects F-35 test flights, deliveries -- Military Times

Military service academies feel shutdown's impact -- USA Today

D-Day cemetery among the victims of US shutdown -- AP

Shutdown undermines embassy protection, U.S. officials say -- Washington Post

US fighter pilot at centre of military sexual assault row forced to retire -- The Guardian

Marine Corps Declassifies Blistering Indictment Of Two Generals Held Responsible After Deadly Taliban Attack -- Business Insider

US Air Force Embraces Sequestration and Asia -- Robert Farley, Diplomat

Obama spy panel is loaded with insiders, critics charge -- Anita Kumar — McClatchy Washington Bureau

Italy: home of pizza, pasta, wine and the US military -- David Vine, The Guardian

The NSA debate is as much about journalism as surveillance -- Glenn Greenwald, The Guardian

Russia's Military Is Back -- Nikolas K. Gvosdev, National Interest

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 3, 2013

NSA Director Admits Agency Trawls Twitter And Facebook… But Insists They Are NOT Building Personal Files On Americans -- Daily Mail

* The head of the National Security Agency denied on Wednesday that the intelligence service compile's data on Americans' use of social networks
* National Security Agency chief Gen. Keith Alexander told Senate Judiciary Committee that his agency once tested whether it could track Americans' cellphone locations
* Claims the NSA does not use this technology

The director of the National Security Agency admitted today that the agency collects data from social networks and other private databases to hunt terror suspects but is not using the information to build dossiers, or personal files, on Americans.

NSA Director Gen. Keith Alexander testified during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday that not all social network searches are authorized by a secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance court, but the agency's actions are proper and audited internally.

Alexander called a recent New York Times report on the searches 'inaccurate and wrong.'

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

NSA reveals more about its spying efforts at home -- Seattle Times/AP

NSA Claims it Has No Program to Collect Cell Phone Metadata -- Voice of America

Government shutdown 'extremely damaging' to U.S. intelligence operations -- CNN

Asian superpowers jostle to join the aircraft carrier club -- CNN

Russia, US Neck and Neck in Hypersonic Research – Rogozin -- RIA Novosti

Tajik Lawmakers Ratify Russian Military Base Lease -- RIA Novosti

Poland Orders New Minesweepers, Patrol Vessel -- Defense News

France military eyes 2014 cuts, far-right seeks to benefit -- Reuters

Afghan Military Faces Surge in Roadside Bombs -- New York Times/AP

House votes to extend visa program for Iraqis who worked as interpreters for U.S. -- Washington Post

US Government Shutdown Will Delay Military Funding for Israel -- Voice of America

Kerry in Asia to Discuss Security, Trade -- Voice of America

US, Japan to Deploy New Radar, Drones in Next Year -- New York Times/AP

Japan and U.S. Agree to Broaden Military Alliance -- New York Times

U.S., Japan to Modernize Alliance to Counter 21st Century Threats -- New York Times/Reuters

Hagel visit to South Korea focuses attention on large U.S. military presence, construction -- Washington Post

US Military Operations Continue Despite Shutdown -- Voice of America

Hagel: Pentagon lawyers hoping to minimize how many Defense workers are furloughed -- Washington Post

Odierno: Short-term budget fix might end furloughs, but hurts planning -- Stars and Stripes

154,000 Army Civilians Furloughed in Shutdown -- DoD Buzz

Pentagon report rips F-35 plant, 2 DOD offices overseeing project -- Stars and Stripes/McClatchy News

The sheer size of the F-35 program makes it an irresistible target for congressional cost-cutters. -- Air Force Magazine

Readiness declines in aging, overworked fleet -- Air Force Times

Four Companies Get US Army's Nod to Begin Critical Helicopter Designs -- Defense News

Dempsey Gives Hints on Priorities for Future -- US Department of Defense

X-47B Might Fly into 2015, Next Carrier Tests Could Start in November -- USNI News

Karem Unveils Variable-Speed Tiltrotor For U.S. Army JMR Demo -- Aviation Week

2nd high-ranking Navy officer relieved of duty as bribery probe expands -- Stars and Stripes

Cleanup in Arlington’s Section 60 upsets families of war dead -- Stars and Stripes

Sequester's cuts will endure because of budget war -- Michael Hiltzik, L.A. Times

America Has 20 B-2 Stealth Bombers—Guess How Many Can Fly Right Now? -- David Axe, War Is Boring

Is shortened Obama trip strike three for 'Pacific pivot'? -- Lesley Clark, Stars and Stripes/McClatchy Washington Bureau

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 2, 2013

US Military Operations Continue Despite Shutdown -- Voice of America

PENTAGON — Among the U.S. government agencies hardest hit by the shutdown is the Department of Defense, though officials say military operations around the world are not affected.

Roughly half of the 800,000 civilian workers the U.S. Defense Department employs are being furloughed. They are largely administrative employees - working behind the scenes to ensure that soldiers are supplied and paid.

U.S. officials say military operations and training exercises will go on uninterrupted.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Obama reassures military over shutdown -- USA Today

China Testing New Space Weapons -- Washington Free Beacon

No, China Is Not About to Overtake the US in Space -- Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan and Arvind K. John, The Diplomat

Turkey Defends Choice of Chinese Missiles -- Defense News/AFP

For China, Turkey missile deal a victory even if it doesn't happen -- Reuters

South Africa: The Politics of South Africa's Intelligence Priorities -- allAfrica.com

Argentina buys 16 Mirage F 1 from Spain; half have air-refuelling capacity -- Merco Press

China Perfects Its F-18 -- Strategy Page

France may pardon executed World War I 'cowards' -- France 24

India To Require BrahMos Missile for Next Subs -- Defense News

Afghan neighbor Tajikistan ratifies base deal with Russia -- Reuters

Afghan sergeant accused of killing Australian soldiers captured -- The Guardian

Efforts to teach Afghanistan troops to read may be NATO’s lasting legacy -- McClatchy News

Afghan pullout 'even more difficult' than Iraq, says top general -- The Hill

South Korea, U.S. sign new pact to deter North Korea nuclear threat -- Reuters

As Military Fighter Fleet Shrinks, National Guard Eyes Commercial Alternatives -- National Defense

ATVs Get Bullet Proof Wheels -- Strategy Page

U.S. Cities Unprepared to Deal with Large-Scale Nuclear, Radiological Attack -- Washington Free Beacon

Former NSA chief: western intelligence agencies must be more transparent -- The Guardian

Greenwald: ‘The objective of the NSA is literally the elimination of global privacy’ -- RT

Glenn Greenwald and Janine Gibson: 10 highlights from their Reddit AMA -- The Guardian

Marine Medal Of Honor Recipient Announces Intent To Run For Congress -- Business Insider

How to Avoid a $60 Billion Bailout for Navy Submarines -- Benjamin Loehrke, Roll Call

How Defense Wonks Stopped Worrying and Learned to Accept Sequester -- David Hawkings, Roll Call

Why America Needs Aircraft Carriers -- Scott C. Truver, Breaking Defense

A “S.E.A.-Change” in Military Contingency Planning -- Paul Rosenzweig, New Republic

If You Liked the First Round of Sequestration, You’ll Love Round Two -- Mackenzie Eaglen, US News and World Report

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 1, 2013

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks to the media about the U.S. government shutdown, at his hotel in Seoul October 1, 2013. REUTERS/Jacquelyn Martin/Pool

Pentagon Chief Says Shutdown Hurts U.S. Credibility With Allies -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The U.S. government shutdown will undermine American credibility abroad and lead allies to question its commitment to treaty obligations, the U.S. defense chief warned on Tuesday as he prepared to put 400,000 civilian workers on unpaid leave.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who was visiting South Korea to celebrate the two nations' 60-year-old mutual defense treaty, said Pentagon lawyers were analyzing a new law passed by Congress to see if additional civilian workers could be spared unpaid leave.

But for the moment, when the department's 800,000 civilians report to work on Tuesday, approximately half will be told they are not exempted by law from the government shutdown and asked to go home, Hagel told reporters.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

In video message, Obama tells troops: 'You and your families deserve better' -- Stars and Stripes/AP

Hagel Issues Message to Workforce as Potential Shutdown Looms -- US Department of Defense

Obama Focuses on Military as Government Shuts Down -- ABC News/AP

Shutdown to Freeze DoD Contracting -- DoD Buzz

400,000 DOD Civilians to Get Shutdown Furloughs -- Defense One

Hagel: Pentagon lawyers hoping to minimize how many Defense workers are furloughed -- Washington Post

In Shutdown, Pentagon Would Remain Vigilant, Possibly Unpaid -- Wall Street Journal

Pentagon Wants More Workers Exempt From Furloughs -- New York Times/AP

Europe bases suspending work as shutdown begins -- Stars and Stripes

U.S. considering working with allies to develop moderate Syrian military, police forces -- Washington Times

Obama on Iran: We won't take military option off the table. -- RT

Iran Boasts UAV Self-Sufficiency -- Defense News

The Sorry State Of Russia's Defense Industry -- World Crunch

Norway's Former Defense Chief Blasts 'Dysfunctional' Conscript-based Military -- Defense News

S. Korea Parades Cruise Missiles, Military Hardware to Deter Pyongyang -- Voice of America

SKorea Displays New Missile at Military Ceremony -- ABC News/AP

US commander says he worries most about NKorea’s missiles, cyber threats -- Washington Post/AP

U.S. military commander says ‘close watch’ needed on N. Korea’s Kim Jong Un -- Washington Post

China-U.S. Military Ties Grow as They Eye Each Other at Sea -- Bloomberg

Indonesia, US Deepen Defense Ties Amid Exercises and Arms Deals -- Defense News

Carter: U.S.-India Defense Collaboration Moves to Next Level -- US Department of Defense

Senate passes bill to grant visas for Iraqis who helped the US military -- The Hill

Afghan pullout 'even more difficult' than Iraq, says top general -- The Hill

Pentagon Signs Off On Next Two Lots Of F-35 Buys -- Aviation Week

F-35 JPO Draws ‘Quality Assurance’ Critique from DoD IG -- Defense Tech

Two Marine generals lose their jobs over deadly Taliban attack -- CNN

Raytheon's Griffin missile demonstrates maritime protection capabilities -- Space Daily

US Navy dolphins help clean up seabed off of Croatia resort town -- Stars and Stripes

Sneaker makers want Pentagon to buy American -- Politico

Report done on Navy Academy sexual assault case -- Stars and Stripes/AP

Vietnam POWs say camaraderie helped them rebound -- USA Today

War on illegal drugs failing, medical researchers warn -- BBC

Obama to Military: Blame Congress -- Kevin Baron, Defense One

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 30, 2013

HQ for the British intelligence agency, GCHQ. Gizmodo

UK Becomes First Country To Disclose Plans For Cyber Attack Capability -- Information Age

Ministry of Defence announces plans for cyber "strike capability", making it the first nation state to do so

The UK has become the first country to publicly commit to the aggressive use of cyber attacks to protect national security.

Over the weekend, the Ministry of Defence announced that it is developing a "full-spectrum military cyber capability, including a strike capability, to enhance the UK’s range of military capabilities".

"For years, we have been building a defensive capability to protect ourselves against ... cyber attacks," defence secretary Philip Hammond said in an interview with the Daily Mail. "That is no longer enough."

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

UK seeks full cyber warfare capability, experts -- Reuters

How Britain’s new cyberarmy could reshape the laws of war -- Washington Post

UK military R&D is aggressive and counter-productive -- The Guardian

Air Defense For The Winter Olympics -- Strategy Page

Iran's Revolutionary Guard unveils attack drone -- SFGate/AP

Concerns Mount Over Turk-China Defense System -- Defense News

Lada submarines: Made to defend and win -- Russia & India Report

Swiss military simulates French attack -- France 24

Airbus A400M military transport plane launched at last -- Euronews

Afghanistan Wants Post-2014 Troops to Battle the Taliban, not al Qaeda -- Defense One

Japan, US to discuss strengthening cyber-security: reports -- Space Daily/AFP

Marine Corps assigns elite units to Pacific, Middle East, Africa -- Marine Times

The Pilotless F-16 -- Strategy Page

Air Force tanker makes emergency landing with suspected fuel leak -- Stars and Stripes

Pentagon in 'triage mode' in preparing for possible shutdown -- The Hill

Shutdown Looms at Midnight; US Military Pay Protection Uncertain -- Defense News

Hagel calls government shutdown threat 'shortsighted' -- AP

New FBI Director James B. Comey stunned by impact of sequestration on agents in the field -- Washington Post

Next scoop from Snowden on NSA assassination program, reporter says -- Stars and Stripes/AP

Sex Assault More Likely for Women in 'Combat' -- Military.com/Stars and Stripes

New Army tattoo policy faces opposition from Fort Drum area soldiers, businesses -- Stars and Stripes/Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.

Soldiers and their robots robots: Military bots get awards, nicknames ... funerals -- NBC

WWII airman missing since 1944 buried in Utah -- AP

The Widening Gulf Between Americans and Their Military -- Albert R. Hunt, Bloomberg

Defense Cuts Conundrum: Weighing the Hard Choices Ahead -- Foreign Affairs

Read More

Military And Intellgience News Briefs -- Spetember 29, 2013

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. © RIA Novosti. Sergei Guneev

Defense Minister Unveils Russia’s Wartime Plan -- RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, September 28 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian defense minister unveiled Russia’s wartime plan on Friday, saying that private and state companies should be ready to provide the Russian armed forces with everything they need in case of a military conflict.

He said that oil companies, such as Gazprom, LUKoil and Rosneft “should have such reserves, procurement plans and contracts concluded beforehand.”

“These companies should clearly know, what, when and at what time they should send to us,” he said.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Shipyard Chief to Be Sacked After Russian Submarine Fire -- RIA Novosti

Russian Priests to Get Military Training -- RIA Novosti

Britain Recruiting Cyber-warriors -- Defense News/AFP

Chinese Media Takes Aim at J-15 Fighter -- Defense News

Indonesia Reveals Plan to Boost Defense -- Jakarta Globe

Turkey to Renew Competition for $2.5 Billion Corvette Deal -- Defense News

U.S. concerned about Turkey's choice of Chinese missile system -- Reuters

For African Generals, Drones Are The Latest Thing -- Wall Street Journal

Iran mass-produces indigenous Shahed 129 UAV -- Press TV

Israel arrests alleged Iranian spy -- Al Jazeera

Chile: former spy chief commits suicide before transfer from luxury jail -- The Telegraph

Obama administration continues to ignore Beijing’s illegal transfer of ICBM launchers to N Korea -- Washington Free Beacon

Hagel in South Korea for Security Talks -- AP

Hagel: No Decision On Extending US Wartime Command Of South Koreans -- Defense News/AFP

US, Japan eye rewrite of military cooperation pact -- The Hill

Lockheed Inks Two More F-35 Contracts -- DoD Buzz

Ohio Replacement Subs to Shift to Electric Drive -- Defense Tech

N.S.A. Gathers Data on Social Connections of U.S. Citizens -- New York Times

NSA said to be studying some Americans’ social connections using e-mail, call data -- Washington Post

DOD Spells Out Closure Contingency Plan Guidance -- US Department of Defense

GIs could still get paid on 15th if budget drama ends by Oct. 7, or soon after -- Stars and Stripes

The Marine Corps' Corpse Urination Case Just Got Much Weirder -- Business Insider

Ex-soldier pleads not guilty in DEA killing plot -- AP

Sen. Casey eyes recovery of remains of MIAs in Asia -- Stars and Stripes/The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

A new sport for wounded veterans -- Stars and Stripes/Washington Post

Cuba's Spies Still Punch Above Their Weight -- William Rosenau and Ralph Espach, National Interest

Unorthodox and Chaotic: How America Should Fight Wars -- James R. Holmes, The Diplomat

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 27, 2013

Photo: A United States Marine stands by his post in front of the Pentagon in Washington February 29, 2012. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

US Marine Corps To Industry: Prepare For The Worst -- DoD Buzz

QUANTICO, Va. — One of the Marine Corps’ top acquisition officials had a stark message for defense contractors on the prospect of ongoing federal budget cuts.

“Industry is going to get punched in the face with reality over the next couple of years,” Bill Taylor, who oversees land weapons systems, said during a briefing to company officials during the third and final day of the Modern Day Marine conference.

“As much as we are concerned about the industrial base, industry has to consider the alternative of contraction,” he said. “I’m sorry to say that you have to be confronted with those same realities.”

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

After Kenya mall attack, CIA and FBI scramble to thwart the Shabab -- L.A. Times

Putin Compliments Troops After Russian-Belarusian Military Exercise -- RIA Novosti

Russian Admiral Faces Trial for $840,000 Scam -- RIA Novosti

Chinese Firm Wins Big Turkish Air-Defense Deal -- Defense News

Japan Defence Chief Wants More Surveillance in Key Areas East of Islands -- New York times/Reuters

Taiwan’s Navy Shoots Down a Simulated Chinese Drone -- The Diplomat

Scottish Independence Could Force Defense Industry to Relocate -- Defense News

UK's surveillance laws need overhaul, says former defence secretary -- The Guardian

Nuclear carrier protest outside Yokosuka draws large crowd -- Stars and Stripes

US Marines stationed in Australia to quintuple by 2014 -- China.org

Pentagon Extends Its Reach Throughout Northern Africa (Interview) -- NPR

Afghan foreign minister puts post-war force at 10,000 troops -- The Hill

Negotiations Continue To Chart Future US-Afghan Partnership -- Eurasia Review

U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan down nearly 20 percent -- Navy Times

Next round of Afghanistan deployments announced -- Military Times

More U.S. Marines fortify Nairobi embassy security -- CNN

Hagel Plans Trip to South Korea, Japan -- US Department of Defense

Army Set to Award Contracts in Next Generation Helicopter Development -- Defense Tech

Pentagon Kicks Off JTLV Testing -- DoD Buzz

Admiral: Navy Must Shrink Submarine Development Costs -- DoD Buzz

Watchdog faults U.S. Navy approach to building unmanned carrier planes -- Reuters

GAO cites concerns on Navy unmanned aircraft program -- Daily Press

Carrier Theodore Roosevelt needs more repairs -- Virginia Pilot

Navy Chief: Sequester Threatens to Undo Four Years of Progress -- Government Executive

Dem senator hints that NSA tracked locations for millions of cellphones -- The Hill

NSA leaks ‘extremely damaging,’ national intelligence director tells Senate hearing -- Washington Post

'Loveint': NSA letter discloses employee eavesdropping on girlfriends, spouses -- NBC

US government shutdown unlikely to stop NSA spying -- The Hill

Females begin infantry training at all-male school -- Stars and Stripes/The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

Female Marine vets say sexist culture put them at risk -- Stars and Stripes

In the Tank: Kenya Can’t Fight Al-Shabab by Itself -- Kedar Pavgi, Defense One

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 26, 2013

US State Department Issues Global Threat Warning -- BBC

he US state department has issued a worldwide warning of "terrorist actions and violence" against Americans by al-Qaeda and other militant groups.

The department cautioned US citizens around the world to "maintain a high level of vigilance".

It warned al-Qaeda and other groups could be planning attacks against US interests.

The broad warning cautions militants could strike at sporting events, offices, hotels, and many other places.

These attacks may include suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings, the state department warned.

Regions specifically mentioned by the department include Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Arms Treaty Now Signed by Majority of U.N. Members -- New York Times

Back to the future in defense spending for Germany -- Deutsche Welle

Hacker 'mercenaries' linked to Japan, South Korea spying: researchers -- Reuters

Chinese military officials to be audited before promotion -- Xinhuanet

Russia, China Hold Large-Scale War Games -- Washington Free Beacon

Russia’s Prime Minister Gets Sneak Preview of Top Secret Tank -- RIA Novosti

Russia Unveils ‘Terminator-2’ Tank Support Vehicle -- RIA Novosti

Russia offers one-year guarantee for Indian aircraft-carrier -- The Hindu

Russia, France Develop New Infantry Fighting Vehicle -- RIA Novosti

BAE submits UAE Typhoon bid -- The Telegraph

Negotiations Continue to Chart Future U.S.-Afghan Partnership -- US Department of Defense

The U.S. Should Cut Its Nuclear Arsenal Before Sequester Does -- Rachel Oswald, Defense One/Global Security Newswire

Pentagon aims to finalize Lockheed F-35 contract within days -- Reuters

Marines Work to Extend K-MAX in Afghanistan Through 2014 -- Defense Tech

Look, no pilot! F-16 takes its first flight WITHOUT a human as Boeing converts aging fighters into drones -- Daily Mail

Marines Set to Test Big Dog Ground Robot -- Defense Tech

The US Is Developing A New Rapidly Deployable Combat Buggie -- Business Insider

U.S. Navy Successfully Test Launches Trident Missiles -- Global Security Newswire

A Judge Will Soon Decide If Amazon Gets To Build The CIA A $600 Million Cloud -- Business Insider

The Precision Sniper Rifle Is The One -- Strategy Page

Ayotte Blocks Air Force Secretary Nominee Over Possible A-10 Cuts -- Defense News

Give the Marines a Kabar, Not a FUBAR -- Heritage Foundation

Why the Military Needs Commercial Satellite Technology -- Rick Lober, Defense One

Mental health leading cause of military hospital stays -- USA Today

Army Chief Ray Odierno Warns Military Suicides 'Not Going To End' After War Is Over -- Huffington Post

Fort Bragg colonel killed in accident was using different parachute, spokesman says -- Stars and Stripes/The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer

Generals Seen Trying to Impede Afghan Hospital Probe -- Bloomberg

Sinclair sexual assault trial postponed -- Stars and Stripes

Department of Defense to workers: Show up Oct. 1 and we'll let you know if you're furloughed -- al.com

A Government Shutdown Would Be Worse for DoD Than It Was in 1995 -- Sophie Novack and Clara Ritger, Defense One/National Journal

The Danger of Neutral Warships Entering a Combat Zones -- Capt. A. Jay Cristol, USN (Retired), USNI News

Can the U.S. Fight the Wars of the Future? -- Michael P. Noonan, US News and World Report

Why The Army Wants To Ban Tattoos -- Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., Breaking Defense

At least 2,138 US military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001 -- FOX News/AP

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 25, 2013

U.S. soldiers carry equipment into the U.S. Consulate in Herat city in Afghanistan’s Herat province, Sept. 14, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan D. Green

U.S. Command In Afghanistan Gives Army 60 Days To Fix Or Replace Intel Network -- Washington Times

The Pentagon’s main battlefield intelligence network in Afghanistan is vulnerable to hackers — both the enemy or a leaker — and the U.S. command in Kabul will cut it off from the military’s classified data files unless the Army fixes the defects within 60 days, according to an official memo obtained by The Washington Times.

The confidential memo says the Army’s Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) flunked a readiness test and does not confirm the sources of outside Internet addresses entering the classified database.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

US troops trying to turn Afghan soldiers into medics -- Stars and Stripes

Kerry to sign UN arms treaty, despite senators' opposition -- FOX News

Iran Mass Producing Light Submarines -- Hispanic Business

India to Get Refitted Russian Ship in November – Official -- RIA Novosti

Turkey, Russia conduct joint air military exercise -- Hurriyet Daily News

Pilot Found Dead After Su-25 Attack Aircraft Crashes in Russia -- RIA Novosti

Russian Army to Accept Armored Vehicles Rejected in 2010 -- RIA Novosti

Russia’s Assault Drone Makers Urged to Work Faster – Official -- RIA Novosti

Taiwan Receives First US Anti-Submarine Aircraft -- Defense News/AFP

China rebukes US military drone reports -- People's Daily

J-31 stealth fighter designed for export, says PLA admiral -- China Times

South Korea Rejects Boeing’s F-15SE Fighter, Will Restart FX-III -- The Diplomat

Osprey vs. Bison in the East China Sea -- The Diplomat

F-15 SE's weak stealth function serves biggest hurdle in S. Korean deal -- Yonhap News Agency

Analysis: South Korea setback shows pressure on Boeing warplane orders -- Reuters

Philippines Gets US Patrol Boats To Fight Militants -- Defense News/AFP

U.S. drones cease flying from Djibouti’s Camp Lemonnier -- Washington Post

Lockheed Tests New Anti-Ship Missile -- Defense Tech

Lockheed eyes dozens of orders for F-35 jets in coming months -- Reuters

Sikorsky S-97 Raider nears final assembly -- UPI

Raytheon quietly developing new cruise missile technology -- Boston Business Journal

Patriot and Sentinel Capabilities Incorporated Into Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System -- Space Daily

Senator calls for end to NSA bulk phone records collection -- Washington Post

Navy braces for second set of automatic budget cuts -- Virginia Pilot

Panel: Pentagon able to shed thousands of jobs without hurting fighting power -- AP

Defense Advisers: Overhead Costs Sinking the Military -- Sandra I. Erwin, National Defense

Coast Guard, Navy tighten security after shootings -- Stars and Stripes/The Day, New London, Conn.

Exclusive: Hundreds of U.S. security clearance records falsified, federal cases show -- Reuters

Navy releases names of 2 crew members killed in helicopter crash -- McClatchy news/LA Times

Families express frustration with JPAC's efforts to recover war missing -- Stars and Stripes

Soldier sets record for mile run, with a twist! -- CNN

Air Force faces flak over handling of artworks, artifacts -- Washington Times

Africa’s Coming Drone Wars -- Peter Dorrie, War Is Boring

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 24, 2013

Nairobi Attack: Israel Takes Lead Role In Advising Kenyan Forces -- The Guardian

Countries including Britain have offered help, and CIA also has officers in Kenya

Israel has taken the leading role among foreign countries in aiding and advising Kenyan forces after al-Shabaab Islamist extremists attacked the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, according to security and intelligence sources.

A host of other countries have also offered help, including Britain, which has resident MI6 officers in Kenya and special forces training their counterparts in the country.

Metropolitan police anti-terrorist officers are in Kenya to try to monitor the activities of suspects including Samantha Lewthwaite, the widow of the 7/7 London suicide bomber Germaine Lindsay.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Nairobi Westgate Mall Siege: Israel and Kenya Have 'Secret Security Pact' -- International Business Times

Russia Sells Stake in Maker of AK-47s to Investors -- New York Times

US RQ-170 Drone Reverse Engineered by Iran -- FARS News Agency

Why Qassem Suleimani Is The Most Powerful Operative In The Middle East -- Business Insider

China criticizes Japan for military radar plans -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP

Chinese query on INS Vikrant raises many an eyebrow -- New Indian Express

Development of China's fourth-generation nuclear submarine completed -- People`s Daily

Foot-draggers: U.S. and Russia slow to destroy own chemical weapons amid Syria smackdown -- Washington Times

Boeing to learn fate of South Korean F-15 deal on Tuesday -- St. Louis Dispatch

Centcom asked to revise plan for how U.S., Iraqi military will interact -- TBO

Pentagon Bracing for US Government Shutdown -- Defense News

Military would work through shutdown; paychecks could be delayed -- Stars and Stripes

Budget cuts haven't slowed Marine Corps' Pacific shift -- Marine Times

Budget cuts affect the pace of marine training program innovations -- Marine Times

Navy identifies 80 problems with the service - and the plan for fixing them -- Navy Times

Future of A-10s uncertain -- Air Force Times

The Military May Treat Its Most Recognizable Fighter Like A Cancerous Lump -- Business Insider

Upgrade gives B-52 more teeth -- Air Force Global Strike Command

Air Force Test Fires Minuteman 3, Plans Follow-on Thursday Trial -- Global Security Newswire

AirSea Battle Starts to Add Substance to Concept -- DoD Buzz

After Shooting Rampage, Navy Seeks New Policy in Reviews of Security -- New York Times

Fort Bragg soldier dies in training exercise -- Army Times

Identifying The Big Dogs Of Cyber War -- Strategy Page

Ex-FBI agent faces prison for leaking to reporter -- Reuters

Army leaders warned about issues with social scientists -- Stars and Stripes/USA Today

Vietnam-era fliers buried side-by-side at Arlington -- FOX News

Former Special Forces Commander: Now It’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell For Christians -- FOX News/CNS

Five Reasons Defense Companies Need To Start Getting Out Of Defense -- Loren Thompson, Forbes

The Quiet Professionals: The Future of U.S. Special Forces -- Diplomatic Courier

Get Real on Military Readiness -- Admiral John C. Harvey Jr., War On the Rocks

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- Sepetmber 23, 2013

Kenya Mall Carnage Shows Shabab Resilience -- New York Times

NAIROBI, Kenya — The ferocious armed political movement known as the Shabab is on the ropes in Somalia, losing territory and influence in its home country.

Yet this weekend the Shabab showed that they are as dangerous as ever as a terrorist force, keeping Kenyan forces at bay through two days at the Westgate mall in Nairobi even as the militants mounted a coordinated attack against African Union forces in Mogadishu, according to senior American counterterrorism and diplomatic officials.

Some officials warned that the Shabab could be signaling a wider offensive, particularly within Kenya, despite their losses in recent years at the hands of the African Union and Kenyan troops in its home country.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Factbox: Al Shabaab retaliates in Kenya for army offensives in Somalia -- Reuters

Assad: No Problem With Chemical Inspectors in Syria, But Security a Concern -- Voice of America

Russian offers troops to help remove Syria chemical arms -- BBC

China Says Willing to Help in Syria Chemical Weapons Process -- Reuters

Obama’s Plan B for Securing Assad’s Chemical Weapons -- Eli Lake, The Daily Beast

Revealed: 12 most deadly weapons of Assad's arsenal -- The Telegraph

Private donations give edge to Islamists in Syria, officials say -- Washington Post

Iran Parades 30 Missiles With Range of 2,000km -- Defense News/AFP

Iran's elite military warns of dangers of dealing with U.S. -- Reuters

Turkey Could Face Huge Fighter Bill -- Defense News

Purchase of Osprey fleet for SDF will boost defense, maneuverability -- Japan News

North Korea rocket engine test 'probable' - report -- BBC

Taiwan develops 'anti-invasion' munitions against China -- FOX News/AFP

Swiss Reject Plan To Scrap Military Draft -- Defense news/AFP

Russian war games with 12,000 troops trigger Baltic concern -- Stars and Stripes/Bloomberg

Industry Exec Gives Glimpse of Russia’s New ‘Secret’ Tank -- RIA Novosti

Russian Navy to Get New Missile Systems Next Year -- RIA Novosti

Various Obstacles Confront Russia’s T-50 Project -- AIN Online

Dutch coalition party threatens to oppose F-35 fighter purchase -- Reuters

US ready to begin major drawdown of troops, equipment from Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes/McClatchy news

U.S. military to shake up command structure in Afghanistan -- Marine Times

Military Lags in Push for Robotic Ground Vehicles -- New York Times

Sikorsky S-97 Raider Begins Final Assembly -- Defense News

USAF Eyes T-X, New JStars Projects -- Aviation Week

C-17 Swap Could Extend Production -- Defense News

At AFA, Last Year's Warnings Are This Year's Reality -- Defense News

Official says headquarters move from Lejeune 'probable' -- Stars and Stripes/The (Jacksonville, N.C.) Daily News

Army Looks to Mount 30mm Cannons on Strykers -- Military Times

Close ties between White House, NSA spying review -- AP

Workers at USIS, which vetted Alexis and Snowden, felt pressure to do more, faster -- Washington Post

Soldiers told new rules governing tattoos, grooming standards on the way -- Stars and Stripes

Veterans dying from overmedication -- CBS

Two Marines decorated for actions during Khe Sanh battle in Vietnam -- Stars and Stripes

Leaders Honor Missing, Captured Service Members, Families -- US Department of Defense

Honoring Navy Yard Victims, Obama Asks: ‘Do We Care Enough’ to Change? -- New York Times

’Small Wars, Faraway Places’ by Michael Burleigh -- Lawrence Freedman, Washington Post (Book Review)

Cyber War: Why More May Be Better -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 21, 2013

Edward Snowden. Reuters

Edward Snowden Has Raised 'Real Issues', Says Head Of UK Spy Watchdog -- The Guardian

Sir Malcolm Rifkind defends UK intelligence agencies' techniques but appears to concede laws may need review

The head of the watchdog responsible for scrutinising Britain's intelligence agencies has defended their spying techniques but admitted that the whistleblower Edward Snowden has raised "real issues" about safeguarding privacy in the 21st century.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind argued that the UK had an "effective and extensive system of independent oversight" of the three services – GCHQ, MI5 and MI6.

He also claimed people were "well aware British intelligence agencies have neither the time nor the remotest interest in the emails or telephone conversations of well over 99% of the population".

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Syria details part of chemical arsenal, more to come -- Reuters

Moskva Missile Cruiser Leads Russia’s Mediterranean Force -- RIA Novosti

2nd Missile Cruiser May Join Russia’s Mediterranean Force -- RIA Novosti

Russian Aircraft Carrier to Take Part in Barents Sea Drills -- RIA Novosti

Consequences for Russian Missile Crash Will Be Harsh – Official -- RIA Novosti

Libyans demand professional army -- Magharebia

India's Navy probe into submarine INS Sindhurakshak tragedy nowhere near completion -- Times of India

Dutch Labour members rebel on JSF, audit office says figures don't add up -- Dutch news

Tab for bringing gear home from Afghanistan: $3 billion -- Stars and Stripes/USA Today

Multi-nation military base offers Afghans a lesson on getting along -- Stars and Stripes/McClatchy news

Afghan Air Force Flourishing, ISAF Official Says -- US Department of Defense

U.S. general sees problems, progress in developing Afghan air force -- Reuters

Pentagon Pushes More Foreign Sales Of U.S. Goods -- Aviation Week

Lockheed Martin clinches $4 billion Pentagon missile defense deal -- Reuters

Contractors Commit to Cutting F-35 Costs -- Wall Street Journal

Nuclear, Weapons Programs Could Take Hit in Congressional Budget Battle -- Global Security Newswire

Navy asks Hydroid to build large and small unmanned submersibles in $36.3 million contract -- Military & Aerospace

Lawmakers Seek Broader Roles for UCLASS -- Defense Tech

DoD to Shrink JIEDDO, Realign ISR Task Force -- Defense News

Clean Energy Gets an Unlikely Ally: Military Veterans -- Defense One

Wanted: Cheap drones -- USA Today

The Air Force Still Has No Idea How Vulnerable It Is to Cyber Attack -- John Reed, Killer Apps/Foreign Policy

Top military leaders: Stop continuing sequestration before capabilities are jeopardized -- Stars and Stripes

NSA chiefs defend agency's conduct in letter to families of employees -- The Guardian

After damaging leaks, NSA begins search for civil liberties and privacy officer -- The Verge

New FBI director defends Obama's surveillance program -- AFP

Contractor that vetted Snowden says it also ran background check for Navy Yard shooter -- Washington Post

War hero 'groupies' follow trail to Gettysburg to meet Medal of Honor recipients -- AP

Pentagon ceremony honors POWs, MIAs -- Stars and Stripes

Shedding light on NSA's snooping -- L.A. Times editorial

Read More

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 20, 2013

US Navy Yard Shooting Highlights Military's Treatment of Mental Issues -- Voice of America

The emotional state of the gunman in the Navy Yard shooting has emerged as a central element of the investigation, with questions being raised about why Navy contractor Aaron Alexis retained a security clearance despite a background of psychiatric problems.

The more investigators learn about Aaron Alexis from police, military, and medical records, the more questions come up about why he retained his security clearance and the badge that allowed him to enter a Naval building in the U.S. Capital and kill 12 people.

Rear Admiral John Kirby, a spokesman for the Navy, said this is among the matters being looked into.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Capitol Hill police probe Navy Yard ‘stand-down’ charge -- Washington Times

Contractor that screened Snowden also vetted alleged Navy Yard shooter -- McClatchy News

Pentagon Orders Review of Security at Military Facilities Worldwide -- PBS News Hour

Why Navy Yard shooting raises tough questions for Pentagon -- Anna Mulrine, Christian Science Monitor

Military option on Syria must remain open: NATO chief -- Reuters

Syria moves chemical weapons again, motive unclear -- CNN

NATO Head Calls for Greater European Defense Effort -- Defense News/AFP

Israel's booming arms exports under scrutiny -- UPI

New practise flights from Liaoning for J-15 fighter -- South China Morning Post

A glance at INS Vikramaditya – India’s largest aircraft carrier -- Zee News

Brazilian hackers confuse Nasa with NSA in revenge attack -- The Telegraph

China On Pace to Challenge U.S. Airpower Edge: General -- Defense Tech

US Budget Woes Could Affect Taiwan F-16 Upgrades -- Defense News

U.S. eyes co-development of anti-tank missile with India -- Reuters

Airmen test skills in first 'Arctic Challenge' -- US Air Force

Pentagon begins 'prudent' prep for possible shutdown -- Stars and Stripes

McCain: F-35 among the ‘Great, National Scandals’ -- DoD Buzz

5th-Generation Fighter, 1st-Generation Tires? -- Defense Tech

Elite Army units told to stop taking controversial anti-malarial drug -- Stars and Stripes/AP

SSBN(X) as Great White Whale -- Information Dissemination

Is the Price Right for Navy's Sub Replacement Program? -- Frank Oliveri, Roll Call

Gen. Amos: 174,000 force would mean 11 fewer battalions, 14 fewer squadrons -- Marine Times

Soldier smartphones: Army presses ahead with ambitious technology push -- Washington Times

U.S. Military begins rolling on airless tires -- FOX News

Spaceplane -- DARPA's Reusable Idea -- Ares/Aviation Week

Boeing unmanned plane “Phantom Eye” makes fifth flight -- My Broad Band

Reps. Forbes, McIntyre Urge SecNav To ‘Examine’ UCLASS Approach -- Breaking Defense

Terrorism, cyber crime and budget woes face new FBI director -- McClatchy News

US, Britain must rethink nuclear strategy -- Jeremy Greenstock and Thomas R. Pickering, Christian Science Monitor

India's Nuclear Weapons Folly -- Zachary Keck, National Interest

The U.S. military, mythology, and Abu Ghraib: An intelligence officer's view -- Thomas E. Ricks, Best Defense/Foreign Policy

Tackling the military's insider threat -- Peter Bergen, CNN National Security Analyst

USAF Should Be Open To Low-Cost Aircraft -- Aviation Week editorial

Shall we play a game?: The rise of the military-entertainment complex -- Corey Mead, Salon

Read More