Widening Sex Scandal Rocks Texas Air Force Base
(The Associated Press) A two-star general is now investigating alongside a separate criminal probe, which military prosecutors say could sweep up more airmen. Advocates for female service members and members of Congress have started taking notice.
Report: Ex-Va. Guard chief misused aircraft
NORFOLK, Va. undefined The former leader of the Virginia National Guard and his assistant misused government aircraft, according to a Pentagon investigation. [ Read More ]
New Measures Approved To Stem Intelligence Leaks
(Washington Post) The director of national intelligence on Monday instituted a series of new policies aimed at deterring leaks and detecting those who provide classified information to the news media without proper authorization.
FBI Tracking 100 Suspected Extremists In Military
(NPR.org) The FBI has conducted more than 100 investigations into suspected Islamic extremists within the military, NPR has learned. About a dozen of those cases are considered serious.
Defense Secretary's Order Provides Hope For Fort Worth's C-130s
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has ordered the Air Force to suspend all aircraft transfers and retirements scheduled for this fiscal year, bowing to fierce congressional opposition to significant changes in the Air National Guard and restoring hope that Texas may get to keep a squadron of C-130 aircraft.
New Admiral Takes Charge At Guantanamo Bay Camps
(MiamiHerald.com) A native New Yorker who came up in the military as a Navy helicopter pilot took charge of the prison camps on Monday with a warning to the troops: Everybodys watching us.
Military Firms Ponder Layoffs
(Los Angeles Times) The nation's military contractors say they are preparing to shut facilities, tear up supplier contracts and issue pink slips to thousands of aerospace employees to deal with proposed federal budget cuts threatening to hit Pentagon spending.
Defense Cuts Due To Hit Mass. Hard
(Boston Globe) The Bay State's economy has benefited from a decade-long surge in defense spending, but that sector's labor force is threatened by massive military budget cuts that are set for next year, the author of a new study warned Monday.
After An Israeli Strike On Iran
(Washington Times) How will the Iranians respond to an Israeli strike against their nuclear infrastructure? This matters greatly, affecting not just Jerusalem’s decision but also how hard other states work to impede such a strike.
Another Chance For Egypt
(New York Times) Now that Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood has been declared its first freely elected president, Egypt has another chance to steer onto a more democratic course. It will require a much greater willingness to work for the common good than the countrys polarized political groups have shown so far.
Law Of The Sea, Vetoes And The Constitution -- (Letter)
(Wall Street Journal) Richard Douglas's letter (June 21) questions the existence of a U.S. veto in the U.N. Convention on the Law of
Defense Department Plans For Tighter Small-Dollar Lending Rules
(Bloomberg.com) The U.S. Department of Defense plans to strengthen rules designed to curb abusive lending to servicemembers as Congress considers changes to a 2006 law that regulates small loans, according to a senior military officer.
Duty And Honor Aboard Old Ironsides
(Boston Globe) It's a long way from those futuristic, high-tech assignments the Navy celebrates in its recruiting advertisements on television, bristling with lasers, sonar, and mammoth battleships. The 214-year- old USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, is wind-powered. Its cannons haven't fired a wartime shot in nearly two centuries. The wooden ship no longer ventures outside Boston's outer harbor.
Fort Story Brings Home Combat Scenarios For SEALs
(Norfolk Virginian-Pilot) Anything is possible, which is why the Navy special warfare community is excited about the $11.5 million training range dedicated Monday at Fort Story. The facility features 52 rooms spread over 26,500 square feet, an area about the size of a grocery store. Groups of local SEALs will use it as a live-fire range - the ammunition in their guns will be real, even if their targets are life-sized cut-outs zipping across a built-in track.
Specially Modified C-130s Activated to Fight Wildfires: Four C-130s saddled up with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System to help battle wildfires in Colorado. Responding to a National Interagency Fire Center request on June 24, the Defense Department activated two aircraft each from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing in Cheyenne and from Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd AW at Peterson AFB, Colo. The airplanes will stage from Peterson and are expected to be available no later than June 26, according to the US Forest Service. "We have been monitoring the fires and have had our aircrews, aircraft, and the MAFFS systems in a state of readiness anticipating a possible tasking," said 302nd AW firefighting chief Lt. Col. Luke Thompson. The Forest Service, which owns the palletized MAFFS kits, wanted the firefighting C-130s "to ensure that we continue to have adequate air tanker capability as we experience very challenging wildfire conditions" in the Rocky Mountains region and southwestern United States, explained Forest Service chief Tom Tidwell in a June 24 agency release. These C-130s can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant over a large area in less than five seconds. (See also Peterson release and Tyndall release.)
Shoot First, Question Now: Turkey invoked its right as a NATO member to have the alliance convene an emergency meeting on June 26 to judge whether Syria's shootdown of a Turkish military jet is sufficient to trigger allied military response. Syrian forces downed a Turkish RF-4 Phantom in international waters on June 22, 13 miles off the Syrian coast, announced Turkey's foreign ministry June 24. (See also NATO release.)
Woodward to Lead BMT Investigation: Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward, acting director of operational planning, policy, and strategy on the Air Staff, will oversee a command-directed investigation into "sexual and other abuse-of-power misconduct" at Basic Military Training and all other Air Education and Training Command initial and technical training units, announced service officials. AETC boss Gen. Edward Rice appointed Woodward after a string of misdeeds by trainers, including sexual misconduct,came to light earlier this month that led to the Air Force firing some eight percent of the BMT instructor corps in the past year. "The vast majority of our military training team abides by the standards of conduct set forth for the men and women charged with the responsibility of training our force," stated Rice in a June 22 AETC release. However, he said identifying and correcting such misconduct is a top priority. "Misconduct, particularly when committed by faculty or staff with trainees or students, undermines an entire team, damages good order and discipline, and threatens the trust the American people have in us as professionals and as an institution. It will not be tolerated," said Rice. (San Antonio-Randolph report by SSgt. Clinton Atkins)
GOP Lawmakers to Air Force: Respect Religious Freedom: Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.), Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.), and Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) urged Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to investigate what they call a "pattern of hostility towards faith" in the Air Force. A total of 66 GOP House members signed their June 19 letter to Panetta, which called on the Secretary to "issue clear guidance" that will "assure Active Duty service members and those considering future service that they need not leave their faith at home when they volunteer to serve." The missive cites several examples where the lawmakers claim the Air Force went too far in censoring religious expression, including removing Bibles from Air Force Inn checklists and suspending an ethics briefing for nuclear missile officers because it included Bible references. "Censorship is not required for compliance with the Constitution, and should not be required for compliance with military directives," states the letter. In a June 21 release discussing the letter, Black called the Air Force's actions "unprecedented and without merit." Forbes said they represent "an alarming pattern" not seen in the other services.
Advisor Schoolhouse Stands Up: The Air Force earlier this month elevated its foreign air advisory course to a full-up school, christening it the Air Force Air Advisor Academy during an activation ceremony at JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Begun to train US advisors to train Afghan and Iraqi airmen, now "the skill set air advisors bring to the fight is highly sought after in all areas of responsibility," said 37th Training Wing Commander Col. Eric Axelbank. Assigned to Air Education and Training Command since forming in 2008, the course cadre was previously an unofficial tenant of Air Mobility Command's expeditionary center at McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The new academy now reports directly to AETC's 37th TRW at JBSA-Lackland, Tex., wing spokeswoman Collen McGee confirmed to the Daily Report. Roughly 1,500 airmen in a variety of specialties will graduate the academy per year. They will help to develop nascent air forces in every geographic command area. The activation ceremony was on June 12. (Includes McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst report by Bill Addison)
Poised to Reconcile: Some 3,600 striking union workers may soon return to their jobs building fighter jets for Lockheed Martin in California, Maryland, and Texas. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have been on strike for nine weeks, having rejected a company contract offer on April 22. However, last week, representatives from the two sides met with federal mediators and subsequently reached a tentative agreement, announced the company June 23.
undefinedSeth Miller
Missing World War II Airman's Remains Identified: Defense Department forensic scientists have identified the remains of Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Emil T. Wasilewski, who had been missing in action since World War II, announced the Pentagon June 25. Wasilewski will be buried with full military honors on June 26 at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., according to DOD's release. The Chicago native was one of nine crew members aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress bomber that crashed near Neustaedt-on-the-Werra, Germany, on Sept. 13, 1944.
Canada Ramps Up Arctic Arsenal
OTTAWA undefined The Canadian Forces' push to boost its presence in the Arctic is fueling the need for new equipment, ranging from stealthy snowmobiles to UAVs that can operate in the remote region. ... more
Justices Decline Fight Over Cross
(Los Angeles Times) The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear an appeal from the federal government over whether a highly visible, 43-foot cross can remain atop Mt. Soledad in San Diego.
Executive's Military Claims Challenged
(San Antonio Express-News) As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to announce its ruling Thursday on the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act, questions have arisen about an oil company executive's claims about his military record.
U.S. Expanding Military Aid, Intelligence In Africa
(The Associated Press) The U.S. is carefully expanding efforts to provide intelligence, training and at times small numbers of forces to African nations to help counter terrorist activities in the region, the top American military commander for Africa said Monday.
Pentagon Tests New Way Of Estimating Program Costs
The Pentagon is putting its new weapons cost-cutting strategy to its first big test as it negotiates with Lockheed Martin over the price of the next batch of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF). ... more
Missteps Plague South Korean Fighter Jet Contest
SEOUL, South Korea undefined South Korea's multi-billion-dollar project to acquire 60 new combat aircraft is facing delays following controversies over the fighter jet evaluation methods and mistakes in how the bids were submitted. ... more
Turkish Border Is Crucial Link In Syrian Conflict
(New York Times) The onetime ragtag militias of the Syrian opposition are developing into a more effective fighting force with the help of an increasingly sophisticated network of activists here in southern Turkey that is smuggling crucial supplies across the border, including weapons, communications gear, field hospitals and even salaries for soldiers who defect.
Just Passing Through, Putin Consults With Israeli Leaders On Syria And Iran
(New York Times) President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia conferred with Israeli leaders on Monday during a 24-hour visit that juxtaposed the much improved ties between the countries with their sharp differences, chief among them the Iranian nuclear program.
U.S. Defense Chief Commends Egyptian Military For Supporting Election
(Xinhua News Agency) U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta praised Egyptian military for its support for a secure, free and fair election in Egypt, which was won by Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohamed Morsi, the Pentagon said Monday.
Egypt's New Leader Is U.S. Critic -- But Could Be Ally
(Washington Post) At first glance, Egyptian president-elect Mohamed Morsi might appear like a nightmare for Washingtons interests in the region. The low-key Islamist has spoken vitriolically about American policy in the Middle East, refers to Israelis as tyrants and has expressed doubts that the Sept. 11 attacks were carried out by terrorists.
As NATO Draws Down, Afghans Fear A Brain Drain
(NPR.org) As NATO troops leave Afghanistan, there will also be a decline in aid money that has flooded the country over the last decade and created hundreds of thousands of jobs funded by donor money.
Japan To Boost Defense In Pacific, Minister Says
(Wall Street Journal) Japan's new defense minister said the government is preparing to enhance its air and sea defense capabilities to protect islands and waters in the nation's southwest, part of the broad swath of the western Pacific where China has increased its maritime activities in recent years.
Okinawa Assembly Adopts Resolution Against Osprey Deployment
(Kyodo News) The prefectural assembly of Okinawa adopted a resolution Tuesday in opposition to the planned deployment of the MV-22 Osprey at the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station amid safety concerns over the military transport aircraft.
WikiLeaks Prosecutors Must Detail Evidence Search
(The Associated Press) A military judge on Monday ordered Army prosecutors to account for their actions amid accusations they withheld evidence from lawyers for an Army private charged in the biggest leak of classified information in U.S. history.
African Extremist Groups Linking Up: U.S. General
(Reuters.com) Three of Africa's largest extremist groups are sharing funds and swapping explosives in what could signal a dangerous escalation of security threats on the continent, the commander of the U.S. military's Africa Command said on Monday.
List Of Unexploded Arms In Libya Is Seen As Limited
(New York Times) The release by NATO of a list of unexploded munitions from the alliances military action in Libya has been both welcomed as a step toward postconflict accountability and criticized as a half-measure that falls short of protecting civilians and specialists trying to rid the country of its hazards.
UK Hackers Admit Plotting Attacks On CIA, Firms
(Reuters.com) Two British hackers pleaded guilty in a London court on Monday to plotting attacks against computers of international firms, law enforcement bodies and government agencies including the CIA, in a cyber crime spree that gained global attention.
Pentagon To Withhold 5% From Certain Lockheed Contracts
(Bloomberg.com) The Pentagons contracts management agency has increased to 5 percent from 2 percent the funding it is temporarily withholding from Lockheed Martin Corp.s aircraft unit, according to a Defense Department document.
Rating Obama's Foreign Policy
(USA Today) With only four months to go until Election Day, silly season is upon us. In this hyperpartisan age, Democrats will feel pressure to describe President Obama as the great slayer of dragons abroad, whereas Republicans will argue that the incumbent has presided over America's decline.
Corker's Grilling Overlooks Nuclear Treaty's Successes
(Washington Post) Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, notification from the Russian government comes into the U.S. Nuclear Risk Reduction Center located at the State Department. Word arrives of any change for each of Moscows nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles, each land- and sub-based launcher, or each strategic bomber.
Canada Under Fire For Washington?s Strategic Mess
(Ottawa Citizen) Canadas military effort in Kandahar has been heavily criticized and seriously misrepresented in a new book by a reporter and associate editor from the Washington Post who also wrote the highly regarded Imperial Life in the Emerald City about the U.S. war in Iraq.
The Missing Facts On The Law Of The Sea Treaty -- (Letter)
(Washington Post) George F. Will's June 24 op-ed column on the Law of the Sea Treaty, "The LOST sinkhole," was long on rather startling opinions (Donald Rumsfeld is more persuasive than George Shultz on international issues, and the United States needs to revert to the era of gunboat diplomacy) and short on facts about the treaty, which established rights and limits of maritime nations.
Dempsey Lauds New Generation at Gold Star Mothers Gala
06/25/2012 06:47 AM CDT
Allies Conduct Exercise to Mark Korean War Anniversary
06/25/2012 07:17 AM CDT
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