FW: Early Bird Brief

  

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible;

 and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

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From: no-reply@militarytimes.com

Subject: Early Bird Brief
Date: Wed, 6 May 2015 04:24:17 -0600

Having trouble viewing this email? | View it in your browser May 6, 2015 May 6, 2015     FOLLOW US Good morning and welcome to the Early Bird Brief. Please send news tips and suggestions to Early Bird Editor Oriana Pawlyk: opawlyk@militarytimes.com. Today's Top 5 1. Obama Joint Chiefs pick's tough task: Cut pay (Politico) It is a bond with the rank and file that will be sorely tested if the 59-year-old Dunford is confirmed by the Senate to be the nation's top military officer: The Obama administration is counting on Dunford to take the lead in pushing a series of proposals designed to shrink the pay and benefits of troops as the Pentagon wrestles with the need to rein in its personnel costs. 2. Obama expected to push for Gulf missile defense at U.S. summit (Reuters) President Barack Obama is expected to make a renewed U.S. push next week to help Gulf allies create a region-wide defense system to guard against Iranian missiles as he seeks to allay their anxieties over any nuclear deal with Tehran. 3. US Allies Cleared to Buy Arms Worth $3.5 Billion (DefenseOne) The State Department has approved two key missile deals for Pacific Rim nations, a million-plus mortar rounds for Iraqis fighting ISIS, and more. 4. Gen. Martin Dempsey Leaves a Legacy of Caution (Wall Street Journal) This caution about the use of force mirrors and reinforces Mr. Obama's, with the result that Gen. Dempsey has emerged as the most consistent voice inside the administration arguing for a limited role for the U.S. military. Gen. Dempsey often tells policy makers the use of force rarely turns out as predicted. 5. What the First Battle of the 21st Century Tells Us About the Next Ones (Charles Sennott in The Atlantic) One battle from late 2001 offered Americans an early glimpse of the complexity, contradictions and shifting allegiances that characterize the war in Afghanistan. Advertisement Yemen Once Iran's ally, Sudan sends advisers for Yemeni offensive that Tehran opposes (McClatchy) Special operations advisers from Sudan - previously Iran's key ally on the Red Sea - have been deployed in support of a Saudi-backed militia offensive launched over the weekend in Yemen to seize control of Aden's airport, according to analysts focused on the Middle East. Despite Saudi strikes, Yemen rebels remain dug in (Associated Press) More than a month of relentless airstrikes by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia has inflicted painful damage on Shiite rebels in Yemen, but they show little sign of collapse. Yemen rebels fire into Saudi Arabia, killing at least 2 (Associated Press) Yemen's Shiite rebels fired rockets and mortars into Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, killing at least two civilians and reportedly capturing five soldiers in an attack showing the insurgents' ability to launch assaults despite weeks of airstrikes targeting them. Islamic State Did ISIS Really Mastermind Texas Shooting? Experts Doubtful (Time) The Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria claimed that the gunmen at a Texas cartoon exhibition were "soldiers of the caliphate," but experts say that it's still unclear if and what ties really existed. US targets IS leaders with multi-million-dollar bounties (Agence France-Presse) The United States ratcheted up pressure on the leaders of the Islamic State jihadist group on Tuesday, adding four names to those targeted by multi-million-dollar bounties. Iraq sends troops to key refinery amid heavy clashes with IS (Associated Press) Iraq's military spokesman says reinforcements are being rushed to the key Beiji refinery north of Baghdad amid heavy fighting there with Islamic State militants. Islamic State details rout of Brigade 26 headquarters in Anbar (Long War Journal) A video released over the past several days by the Islamic State details the scale of last month's rout of the Iraqi Army's 26 Brigade headquarters in the Thar Thar area of Anbar province. Bombings and Islamic State don't define life for most in Baghdad (Stars & Stripes) Suicide bombings are a near-daily occurrence, and fears of sectarian violence encroaching on Iraq's capital are palpable. But for the city's roughly 4 million residents, life goes on. Massacre Site in Iraq Becomes Monument to Suffering for Shiites (New York Times) The riverbank has become a memorial of the massacre and a site of Shiite pilgrimage, already taking a prominent place in Iraq's ledger of sectarian atrocities. From Israel To ISIS: How A Search For A Safe Haven Took A Wrong Turn (National Public Radio) The next news Fisahaie heard was terrible: Friends had recognized Kidane in a video of "Ethiopian Christians" killed in Libya by an affiliate of the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Russia-Ukraine NATO to briefly move HQ to Romania from Naples (Associated Press) A top NATO commander says the alliance will briefly move an allied joint force command headquarters to Romania as NATO continues to hone its ability to react to Russia's moves in Ukraine and other security challenges. Advertisement As Ukraine Murders Multiply, Who's The Lead Suspect? (Daily Beast) In the muddle of insurgency, assassinations, false flags, and military confusion, the right-wing Pravy Sektor's Dmitry Yarosh is a key player. Russia: EU Does Not Want Ukraine Truce To Hold (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused "someone in the European Union" of trying to ensure that a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine fails. As Ukraine erects defenses, critics fear expensive failure (Associated Press) A little more than a year and-a-half ago, the very idea of creating such fortifications - reminiscent of World War I trench warfare - would have struck many as perverse. But the project was announced with fanfare in summer as fighting against Moscow-backed separatists reached peak intensity. U.S. Concerned Over 'Callous' Treatment Of Savchenko (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) The United States said it is concerned over the "callous and outrageous" treatment by Russia of detained Ukrainian pilot and parliament member Nadia Savchenko. Industry U.S. Air Force says may revisit rocket plan if firms do not respond (Reuters) The U.S. Air Force may have to revisit its strategy to develop a new U.S.-fueled launch vehicle aimed at ending American reliance on Russian rocket engines if U.S. companies fail to bid to build prototypes for the government. Israel Signs Heavy APC Deal With GDLS (Defense News) Israel's Defense Ministry announced Tuesday that it signed a US $310 million contract with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) to produce kits for its Namer (Leopard), a heavy troop carrier based on the indigenous Merkava Mk4 main battle tank. Australia commissions first two CH-47Fs (IHS Jane's 360) The first two of seven Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters for the 5th Aviation Regiment of the Australian Army were commissioned in a ceremony at RAAF Townsville on 5 May. Here's What the New Tesla Battery Means for the Military (DefenseOne) Elon Musk's big announcement could revolutionize energy use for U.S. consumers-and that could be its biggest effect on national security Danes Pick Piranha 5, Suspend Artillery Duel (Defense News) Denmark has selected the Piranha 5 as its future armored personnel carrier, Defense Minister Nicolai Wammen announced. Harris reports third quarter earnings, revenue down (IHS Jane's 360) US contractor Harris reported its third quarter earnings on 5 May, with revenue down across the company as well as for each individual business segment, and income declining as well. Boeing Auction Marks End of Southern California's Jet Age (Wall Street Journal) Boeing winds down production of military transport in region once known for aircraft manufacturing. Swedish navy leadership reaffirms case for Visby air-defence missile fit (IHS Jane's 360) The Royal Swedish Navy's (RSwN's) most senior officer is continuing to make the case for the retrofit of an anti-air guided-weapon capability for its Visby-class corvettes, despite an absence of funding in the government's latest five-year defence bill. French Army Is Buying Fleet of Ford Pickup Trucks (New York Times) In what might be construed as a blow to Gallic pride, the French Army will soon be patrolling La Belle France, the land of Renaults and Peugeots, in Ford Ranger pickups. Marine One, Take 2: Requirements Creep Won't Kill New Presidential Helo (Breaking Defense) The new presidential helicopter made its first flight in December, the Marine Corps colonel in charge of the program revealed this morning. That was only seven months after contract award, a stark contrast to the multi-year delays that killed the previous program, the VH-71. Embry-Riddle offers undergrad UAS program (C4ISR & Networks) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has launched a new online undergraduate degree program to prepare students for UAS careers. Google Executive: Relations with FAA and Drone Industry Improving (National Defense) Dialogue between the Federal Aviation Administration and the unmanned aerial system industry, which may lead to integrating the aircraft into national airspace, is improving, a Google executive said May 5. Navy Needs New Servers for Aegis Cruisers and Destroyers After Chinese Purchase of IBM Line (USNI News) The Navy needs new servers for its upgraded Aegis Combat System after the current IBM line was sold to Chinese computer maker Lenovo. Surface-to-air short range Akash missile system to be inducted into Indian Army (IBN) After a long wait of 32 years, the Akash missile system will be inducted into the Indian Army on Tuesday. Brazil set to procure BAE Systems Bofors 40 mm weapons (IHS Jane's 360) The Brazilian Navy's Weapon Systems Directorate (DSAM) is finalising negotiations with BAE Systems Bofors to procure five of the company's 40 mm Mk 4 naval weapon systems, a source told IHS Jane's . Congress Senate leaders vow to block A-10 cuts (Air Force Times) Leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee vowed to follow the House committee's lead and block the Air Force's move to retire the A-10 Warthog fleet. Senators seek independent review of mishandled VA claims (Associated Press) Troubled by delays in handling of veterans claims, a bipartisan group of senators is seeking a wide-scale independent review of the Department of Veterans Affairs for mismanagement and changes to improve budgeting and speed up applications. Left-Right Alliance to Continue OCO Fight (Defense News) An alliance of right- and left-leaning House members is expected to continue its attacks on the Pentagon's war account when the chamber takes up the annual defense policy bill next week. John McCain Actually Applauds A White House National-Security Move (DefenseOne) Nobody is happier than the Senate Armed Services chairman that President Obama has picked Gen. Joseph Dunford to replace Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey. Official: DoD plan might deny troops loan alternatives (Military Times) A Defense Department proposal to strengthen lending protections for troops could end up denying them access to some affordable alternatives to predatory loans, a top credit union regulatory official said Tuesday. Democrats Turn Up Heat on Spending Caps (Defense News) Democrats are turning up the heat on Republicans to agree on a fiscal package that would raise defense and domestic spending caps. GOP lawmaker plots to strip immigration from defense bill (The Hill) Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), one of the most ardent GOP opponents of illegal immigration, plans to strip out provisions in the defense authorization slated for the House floor next week that edge toward allowing illegal immigrants to serve in the military. In Senate GOP's Iran Standoff, the Rebels Are Losing (National Journal) Most Republicans are siding against Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton in their quest for tough amendment votes. Issue Tracker: HASC's Report-Palooza (Defense News) The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) in the wee hours of April 30 approved its 2016 Pentagon policy bill. Veterans Veterans Affairs nominee: 'The VA needs change' (Military Times) Dr. David Shulkin, the Obama administration's nominee for undersecretary of health at Veterans Affairs, told lawmakers Tuesday he would work to create a VA medical system that would provide veterans superior care while attracting top talent to its ranks. VA to offer one-stop website for all veterans benefits (Federal Times) Veterans will soon be able to log in to just one website to manage their benefits, apply for doctors' appointments, and determine their eligibility for programs. New initiative pairs small veteran-owned businesses with larger companies (Stars & Stripes) A new business initiative that features some of the biggest companies in the country aims to connect veteran-owned small businesses with larger corporations. Ex-VA cardiologist blasts agency watchdog on Chicago probe (USA Today) A former cardiologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs is accusing the agency's chief watchdog of conducting only a limited probe of allegations that care at a VA hospital outside Chicago is grossly mismanaged, leaving veterans at continued risk of harm or death. Five paintings missing since WWII returning to Germany (Associated Press) Five paintings missing since World War II are being returned to collections in Germany at the behest of the heirs of their American acquirers. Former medics find themselves on bottom rung in civilian field (Stars & Stripes) In four deployments as an Army combat medic to some of the most dangerous corners of Iraq and Afghanistan, Joe Carney had seen the worst of war - bullet wounds, severed limbs, shrapnel. He saved lives amid bombs and gunfire, his emergency room often a patch of dirt in the desert or a rocky mountainside. None of that mattered when he left the Army three years ago. Team Rubicon earthquake relief effort has international flair (Stars & Stripes) U.S. and British veterans are teaming up with ex-Gurkhas to bring aid to Nepal earthquake victims. Maryland vets program pairs job services with mental health treatment (Baltimore Sun) Clayton was one of 675 military veterans referred last year to a Veterans Affairs program in Maryland with a dual focus: helping veterans diagnosed with mental health disorders continue treatment while getting them trained for and placed in jobs. World War II vet fights off robber by smacking him with his cane (The Week) A would-be robber in Manchester, New Hampshire, picked the wrong man to mess with over the weekend when he tried to take the wallet of a 95-year-old World War II vet, who ended up whacking the criminal repeatedly with his cane, forcing him to flee. Veterans ready to rejoin fight in Iraq, take on ISIS (Florida Times-Union) In weeks, Sean Rowe and eight other veterans of the U.S. military will be flying into the murky world of opposition forces confronting ISIS. Editorial: National disgrace (Philadelphia Inquirer) The VA probe is continuing, and so are the frustrations of veterans and their families. The Inquirer recently reported on the case of an 84-year-old widow who exhausted her savings while waiting almost two years for survivor benefits. And even after U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) secured benefits for another widow, she kept receiving form letters as if nothing had happened, suggesting that the office remains in disarray. Defense Department & National Security Dunford tapped for Joint Chiefs chairman, Selva for vice (Military Times) President Obama on Tuesday nominated Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. How Joint Chiefs nominee's advice will be shaped by fight against the Taliban (Washington Post) Dunford has expressed some discomfort in the past with Obama's decision to announce an end date for the military mission in Afghanistan. But David Sedney, a former senior Pentagon expert on the country, said the general would put his time in Kabul into a larger context as he grapples with challenges from the Islamic State to cyberattacks to China. Selva's rise to vice chairman of the joint chiefs (Air Force Times) Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, nominated Tuesday to serve as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs, wins praise from military colleagues, lawmakers and the president. BENS: Tweak Executive Appointment Process (Defense News) A few relatively modest tweaks to the vetting and confirmation process would make public service more appealing to experienced private sector professionals and help attract top talent, a new report concludes. SecDef Carter: Do Missile Defense Review Urged By Greenert, Odierno (Breaking Defense) Greenert and Odierno told Hagel that "a ballistic missile defense strategy assessment is warranted" due to "the long-term budgetary horizon and the attendant financial pressures." (It should be noted they made this statement without the signature of Gen. Mark Welsh, the Air Force Chief of Staff.) Debate is renewed on control of lethal drones operations (Washington Post) The military-intelligence divide on Capitol Hill - reflecting similar differences between the Defense Department and the CIA - has allowed the president to avoid taking action either way. AUVSI: Are unmanned systems ready for battle? (C4ISR & Networks) The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in defense operations is in the early stages. Operations to date have mostly been in uncontested environments. But that's expected to change in the near future, and preparing for that reality will require a comprehensive approach to UAV defense. Faster than an Abrams: Meet Russia's new tank (Army Times) Russia's new tank reportedly will be faster than America's Abrams, may have a larger main gun and could be part of a 13-vehicle system that will put everything from personnel carriers to self-propelled artillery onto the same chassis. New military chief is 'strategist,' not cyber expert (The Hill) President Obama's pick to become the nation's next top military officer, Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., bucks a recent trend of cyber-focused appointments. DISA grants provisional authorization for 23 cloud offerings (C4ISR & Networks) Defense agencies have 23 more commercial cloud offerings to choose from in the moderate baseline security category. The Defense Information Systems Agency has granted a Department of Defense Provisional Authorization to the 23 offerings, approving them to host mission data up to Impact Level 2. Military Eyeing Former Cold War Bunker as 'Shield' Against EMP Attack? (Fox News) North American Aerospace Defense Command is looking for ways to protect itself in the event of a massive electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, attack -- a deliberate burst of energy that could disrupt the electrical grid and cripple NORAD's ability to defend the nation. Army Source: Army sets dates for new camo rollout (Army Times) The Army expects combat uniforms made of the new Operational Camouflage Pattern to start hitting store shelves on July 1, an Army official has confirmed. Army Training Network now accessible on phones, tablets (Army Times) Soldiers can now use smartphones and tablets to access the Army Training Network, the service's primary website for training information and resources. Waiter's anti-military rant sparks outrage, apology (Army Times) A Ruby Tuesday's server in Hawaii profanely lashed out at the entire military over an alleged stingy tip from a service member over the weekend, and the Facebook post created an Internet uproar. 159th Combat Aviation Brigade being inactivated Thursday (Associated Press) A Fort Campbell brigade formed from several units that date back to the Vietnam era is being inactivated during a ceremony this week. Retirement regulation updates take effect May 28 (Army Times) Army regulations dealing with certain aspects of military retirements, including those for non-regular service with the reserve components, have been updated, and will take effect May 28. Alaska squadron to be inactivated under Aviation Restructure Initiative (Stars & Stripes) U.S. Army Alaska's Aviation Task Force is inactivating the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, this week as part of the Army's Aviation Restructure Initiative. June promotion forecast: 861 officers to move up (Army Times) The Army plans 861 promotions in June to the ranks of chief warrant officer three through colonel for the Regular Army. Watch Jon Stewart rip reaction to Jade Helm 15, the military exercise spawning conspiracy theories (Washington Post) Stewart cut to a clip of Lt. Col. Mark Lastoria, a spokesman for U.S. Army Special Operations Command, appearing at a recent forum in Bastrop County, Tex., where his motives were questioned. Stewart noted that "crazy people" are common at local government meetings across the country, but expressed disbelief that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas State Guard to monitor Jade Helm 15. Navy MIT fellow named as next Blue Angels boss (Navy Times) There's a new flight leader coming to the Blue Angels next year, a 2003 Top Gun grad and former instructor Navy aims to boost sex assault reporting, stop reprisals (Navy Times) Instances of sexual assault are down and reporting is up in the Navy, but there are still some trouble spots on officials' minds, especially male victims and retaliation against those who report abuse. The Mighty X-47B: Is It Really Time for Retirement? (The National Interest) Methinks the U.S. Navy has contracted some weird allergy to fleet experimentation. Why else would service potentates retire a promising experimental aircraft like the X-47B unmanned combat air system demonstrator, or UCAS-D, in its infancy? Top 5 Weapons the U.S. Navy Needs Now (Real Clear Defense) These prospective game-changers will doubtless qualify-once they stop hovering along the frontiers of science fiction and start fulfilling their promise at fleet air and missile defense. Air Force These U.S. airmen refused to be taken hostage in Afghanistan. Now they'll get valor awards. (Washington Post) On Sept. 27, 2014, a team of U.S. Special Operations troops were dropped into a volatile village in Afghanistan's Helmand province. The U.S. military had withdrawn thousands of troops from the country in the previous year, and the mission called for 14 Americans and about 24 Afghan commando counterparts to clear a bazaar of weapons and insurgents, and then get out. One airman's story: Certified in cybersecurity (Air Force Times) In his 16 years in the Air Force, cyber systems operator Tech. Sgt. Kanakaokekai Namauu has enjoyed working in a rapidly changing career field that's pushed him to keep on top of the latest changes in cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Examples of the many certifications available (Air Force Times) Enlisted airmen in 190 different jobs have the chance of getting one of 642 professional certifications and licenses through the new Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program. Here are some examples of the many certifications airmen can get in their career fields. No witnesses or arguments at Air Force Academy sexual assault hearing (Colorado Springs Gazette) Instead, prosecutors relied on investigative paperwork and a pair of video recordings to show why sophomore cadet Zachary L. Chubb should be tried. The Air Force Wants You To Build Their Next Drone Engine (DefenseOne) The Pentagon hopes that the next Predator is in someone's garage. Air Force Academy ceremony honors Tuskegee Airmen (Colorado Springs Gazette) Lt. Col. James Harvey III represents a dying breed of World War II veterans and a special group within that aging bunch - airmen who overcame bigotry and hate to fly for their nation. Marine Corps 5 generals who could be named your next CMC (Marine Corps Times) With Gen. Joseph Dunford nominated to succeed Army Gen. Martin Dempsey as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff after only seven months as commandant, the Marine Corps once again is in need of a new top officer.that could be considered. Quantico rifle championship will crown top DoD shooters (Marine Corps Times) Marine officials have released details of this year's inter-service rifle competition to be held this summer in Virginia. Sister of Marine Veteran Imprisoned in Iran Asks Red Cross to Visit Him (New York Times) The sister of Amir Hekmati, the Marine veteran from Michigan who has been imprisoned in Iran more than three and a half years, asked the International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday to visit him in Evin Prison in Tehran, one day after she said that Mr. Hekmati had resumed a suspended hunger strike out of despair over the apparent paralysis in his appeal. National Guard Vet attacks family riding bikes; kills self, 3 others (Associated Press) Valencia del Toro had served in the Air Force. It's unclear whether he ever served overseas, according to Air Force officials. A U.S. Army spokesman said he joined the Michigan National Guard after he left the Air Force in March 2014. He joined the Wisconsin National Guard in March 2015. Afghanistan/Pakistan US due to stop managing Afghan airspace by end of June (Associated Press) The United States is to stop managing Afghan airspace by the end of June after its air-traffic control contract with the government in Kabul expires, a development that could see international airlines forced to cancel flights both into the country and over its territory. Afghanistan Reconstruction: Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics (The Diplomat) Speaking at Cornell's College of Medicine, SIGAR likens Afghan reconstruction to diagnosing an intractable disease. 3 jihadists groups merge with Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan (Long War Journal) Three jihadist groups, including one led by a key commander who has served as a senior leader in al Qaeda and the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, have united with the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan. Pakistan's Military Accuses India Of 'Whipping Up Terrorism' (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) Pakistan's military has accused India's main intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), of "whipping up terrorism in Pakistan." Afghan Judge Sentences 4 to Death in Mob Killing of Woman (Associated Press) Afghanistan sentenced to death four men for the death of a woman who was beaten, run over with a car and burned before her bloodied body was thrown into the river. Middle East Selva Steeped in Israel-Palestinian Politics (Defense News) US President Barack Obama's choice for vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is well versed in the challenges that have thus far prevented Israel and the Palestinian Authority from realizing US and international goals of a two-state peace deal. Hezbollah captures Syrian village from Islamic militants (Associated Press) Hezbollah fighters captured a Syrian village Tuesday near the border with Lebanon after intense fighting with Islamic militants, the group's television station said, while an activist said battles are concentrating near a strategic Syrian hill. Iran deal must include Gulf security guarantees, France agrees (McClatchy) French President Francois Hollande threw his weight Tuesday behind demands by Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf Arab monarchies that a prospective deal with Iran over its nuclear program come with guarantees of their security. Analyst: Middle East Countries Moving Toward Integrated Missile Defense System (National Defense) The Arab nations of the Persian Gulf are moving toward creating an integrated regional missile defense system, an analyst with ties to officials in the Middle East said May 4. U.N.'s latest effort to find peace in Syria gets underway (McClatchy) The U.N. special envoy on Syria, Staffan de Mistura, on Tuesday launched a new effort to find a solution to that country's four-year-old civil war, meeting with Syria's U.N. ambassador in the first of what is expected to be weeks of one-on-one conversations that may include commanders from the armed opposition. Exposed: Iran Faked Sinking Mock US Aircraft Carrier (The National Interest) Iran faked destroying a mock-up U.S. aircraft carrier, new satellite images reveal. According to Bellingcat, new satellite images show that the mock-up of the USS Nimitz nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that Iran claimed to destroy back in February was actually towed back to port. Europe French lawmakers pass sweeping surveillance law following terror attacks (The Week) Four months after terror attacks rocked France, the lower house of the nation's parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would broaden the government's spy powers. The bill, which passed by a 438 to 86 vote, heads to the Senate where it is expected to easily pass as well. First Turkish-Made Helos To Battle Kurds (Defense News) Two T129 Turkish-made attack helicopters were deployed at a southeastern military base in Turkey to support anti-terror operations against Kurdish rebels fighting for autonomy, the Turkish military headquarters said in a statement. Finnish military informs 900,000 reservists about war duty (Associated Press) Finland's defense forces have begun informing 900,000 reservists about their duties during war, as military activity mounts in the Baltic Sea region. Mediterranean Shipwreck Kills 40 Before a Rescue (New York Times) A rubber boat crowded with migrants deflated and foundered in the Mediterranean, and as many as 40 people apparently drowned before an approaching merchant ship could reach them, witnesses told the humanitarian group Save the Children on Tuesday. In German town Allies helped, no love of new war refugees (McClatchy) Seventy years before neo-Nazis chased the mayor from office and torched a renovated shelter for foreign war refugees in Troeglitz, Germany, Allied bombers reduced much of the 1,000-year-old village to rubble. Austria Files Criminal Complaint Over Alleged NSA Snooping (Associated Press) Austria is asking for a legal investigation of allegations that the German intelligence service helped the U.S. National Security Agency eavesdrop on the country's political leaders. OCCAR takes over management of Italian shipbuilding project (UPI) The European Union agency that manages multinational armament procurement has added two Italian maritime programs to its portfolio. Asia-Pacific Two Chinese Warships Enter Black Sea, Reports Link Visit to Possible Chinese Frigate Sale to Russia (USNI News) Two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) guided missile frigates entered the Black Sea on Monday in a first for the PLAN, according to photos of the ships crossing the Bosporus Strait obtained by USNI News. Sea Trials of Indian Navy's Deadliest Sub Going 'Very Well' (The Diplomat) Sea trials of India's first indigenously developed ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) are going "very well", Indian Navy chief of staff Admiral RK Dhowan observed last week on the sidelines of a naval aviation conference, according to local media reports. Save Our Seoul: South Korea Needs THAAD ASAP For Missile Defense (Breaking Defense) North Korea can't nuke the US, not yet. But boy dictator Kim Jong-un already has about a thousand ballistic missiles capable of hitting South Korea and, in some cases, Japan - potentially with a nuclear warhead. Against a large-scale launch, former Pentagon strategist Van Jackson said this morning, the missile defenses on the peninsula are "woefully outgunned." In that scenario, the current combination of Army Patriot launchers and Navy Aegis ships couldn't defend our own bases, let alone our allies' cities. Can China and the EU Boost Defense Cooperation? (The Diplomat) While in Beijing, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini pledges more security and defense cooperation with China. Indago Drone Used for Disaster Relief Mission in Vanuatu (National Defense) After Cyclone Pam devastated the small Pacific nation of Vanuatu, Lockheed Martin's Indago quad roto unmanned aerial vehicle was used to survey damage for two weeks. Pentagon Notifies Congress of Potential $3 Billion V-22 Osprey Sale to Japan (USNI News) Congress has received notification of a potential $3 billon sale of 17 Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and support equipment to Japan, according to a Tuesday announcement from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Africa Military responds to air safety issues in Djibouti (Stars & Stripes) A series of measures have been implemented in response to air safety concerns in Djibouti, where numerous errors in recent years by local air traffic controllers have put both military and civilian aircraft at risk, U.S. military and diplomatic officials said. UN: Peacekeepers Ambushed in Congo; 2 Dead, 10 Injured (Associated Press) A U.N. statement says peacekeepers have been ambushed by unidentified attackers in eastern Congo, and a U.N. official says it appears that two peacekeepers were killed and 10 injured in the attack. Tracing the Ebola Outbreak, Scientists Hunt a Silent Epidemic (New York Times) Scientists are using blood samples collected throughout the Ebola outbreak to map the virus's spread from country to country by tracking tiny mutations in its gene sequences. Nigerian troops who fled Boko Haram now have them on the run (Associated Press) In the last three months, military forces from neighboring Chad, Niger and Cameroon have joined the battle. In addition, Nigerian troops are finally receiving better arms and weapons, as well as hazard pay that they had not received until this year. Armed groups in C. African Republic agree to free children (Associated Press) Armed groups in Central African Republic have agreed to release any children they are holding and not to recruit child soldiers, the United Nations Children's Agency said Tuesday. Burundi court validates president's controversial third term bid (Al Jazeera America) Burundi's constitutional court has validated the president's controversial bid for a third term, but the deputy president of the court, who fled to Rwanda ahead of the ruling, called it unconstitutional. The Americas Obama Administration Approves First Ferry Service to Cuba in Decades (Associated Press) Baja Ferries, which operates the passenger service, has yet to request approval from Cuba. Mike Huckabee Joins Republican Presidential Race (New York Times) Mike Huckabee, who excited evangelical voters in his first presidential race in 2008 and retains much of their good will, announced on Tuesday that he would again seek the Republican nomination despite a crowded field of rivals for his natural base in the party. Commentary and Analysis Letter to the editor: Insubordination on A-10 (Air Force Times) The arguments for retirement or retention of the Air Force's A-10 close air support platform are well known. The Air Force needs budget space for new, more survivable capabilities. Self-Defeating Brutality (Aki Peritz in Slate) Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was in the U.S. last month, begging for arms and cash in order to fight ISIS. His requests come none too soon; the Iraqi military is reportedly gearing up for a summer offensive against ISIS in Anbar Province. But the impending series of battles will result in little intelligence gathered for the conflict-to-come in Mosul, Syria, and elsewhere. This spells bad news for Baghdad, Washington-and Tehran. U.S. military personnel have been convicted of $50 million worth of crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan (Julia Harte, Center for Public Integrity) Many of these crimes grew out of shortcomings in the military's management of the deployments that experts say are still present: A heavy dependence on cash transactions, a hasty award process for high-value contracts, loose and harried oversight within the ranks, and a regional culture of corruption that proved seductive How No-Fly Zones Work (Clint Hinote in Council on Foreign Relations ) When conflict rears its ugly head around the world, there is usually a call for the United States to "do something." One option that is frequently mentioned is the no-fly zone. The United States and its allies enjoy a significant advantage over most potential adversaries in the air. No-fly zones, therefore, are attractive due to the perceived lower cost and risk when compared to other options. Despite this, setting up a no-fly zone is anything but a "no brainer." Terminal Lance "Fightin' Joe" (Terminal Lance) I can't imagine the heartache that Marines are feeling at the moment, as General Dunford has been nominated to become the next Joint Chiefs Chairman and relinquish his position as Commandant of the Marine Corps after only 6 months. Nepal earthquake: how one US aircraft could make a big difference (Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor) The Ospreys, which have tilting rotors to allow the high-capacity transport aircraft to complete vertical landings and takeoffs, will be crucial to the effort to deliver materials to Nepal's remote villages, many of which have been cut off from the rest of the world by massive landslides. Improving Medical Intelligence to Protect the Force (James Need in Cicero Magazine) Exploring the history of military preventive medicine, one thing becomes certain: Science and humankind have made significant progress in preventing casualties due to disease and injury. One outcome of this "progress" is that as warfare continues (and it will), fighters will be more disproportionately affected by battle injuries from the weapons of war and less so by the sequelae of war. Pakistan Will Disappoint Saudi Arabia (Marvin G. Weinbaum, Foreign Policy ) The rejection last month by a unanimous vote in Pakistan's parliament of a Saudi request to join in military action in Yemen, and a hurried visit to the Kingdom by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief Raheel Sharif, have given fresh perspective on the nature of Pakistan's security ties with the Kingdom. The Full Glare of European Hypocrisy on Surveillance (Benjamin Wittes in Lawfare) It turns out that Europeans are not really outraged by surveillance, or even what they call mass surveillance. They don't, in fact, demand expansive judicial review either. And that whole check and balances thing that we ring our hands about in this country: Meh, it's not that important. We Need an Independent Review of Drone Strikes (Larry Lewis in War On The Rocks) The U.S. government has not released data concerning these operations to validate that these criteria are being met. However, other organizations, such as the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and the New America Foundation, compile open source information to create estimates of strikes and casualties. The data suggest that while there have been improvements over time, operations still fall short of these goals. Why Assad Is Losing (Charles Lister, Foreign Policy ) While much of the subsequent commentary proclaimed this as the beginning of the end for President Bashar al-Assad's regime, we are still a long way from that. In fact, the regime reacted to its dramatic losses in the north by carrying out hundreds of air strikes, barrel bombings, and chlorine attacks in rural Idlib, Hama, and Aleppo. The Nuclear Deal Could Transform Iran's Revolution (Jeremy Friedman, National Interest) "A nuclear deal with Iran could be an important step in pushing the regime back to concentrating on its revolutionary tasks at home." Sixteen Foreign Policy Books '16 Contenders Must Read, Part I (Stanton S. Coerr, The Federalist) View the sweep and span of American foreign policy and military intervention. These books are critical lessons in overreach, optimism, misuse of power, and misreading of reality. The West Should Not Boycott Russia's Victory Day (Jeremy Friedman, The Diplomat) The celebrations are about more than just Putin. A Plan To Fix The Navy's Broken Ship Naming System (Carl Forsling, Task & Purpose) There are so many exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming system, it's no longer a system. To forward this e-mail to a friend, click here Click to Unsubscribe from this Newsletter or Customer Service: 1-800-368-5718 or cust-svc@gannettgov.com © 2015 Military Times, a division of Gannett Government Media 6883 Commercial Drive, Springfield, VA 22159