TODAY’S TOP 5
1. PACOM Chief: US Not Worried About Chinese Intel Ship off Hawaiian Coast
(Defense News) The head of the Pentagon's Pacific Command said Tuesday that it's "a little odd" the Chinese government has sent a spy ship to trail the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise currently taking place off the coast of Hawaii - an exercise in which China has four ships and 1,100 personnel participating.
2. Software to Power F-35 Running as Much as 14 Months Late
(Bloomberg) Software needed to operate Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT)'s F-35 jet, the Pentagon's costliest weapons system, may be as much as 14 months late for required flight testing, according to a Pentagon review.
3. How to Lose the Robotics Revolution
(Paul Scharre in War on the Rocks) The U.S. military is at the leading edge of the robotics revolution, with some of the most advanced systems on the globe like the autonomous X-47B carrier-based aircraft. But that lead is fragile and other nations are racing to catch up. Scholars warn of a "looming robotics gap," driven in part by the explosion in widely accessible commercial robotics, some of which will have dual-use military purposes.
4. 17,000 troops' debt relieved in settlement with loan company
(Military Times) About 17,000 service members tricked into predatory loans could see their debts erased under a settlement announced by federal and state regulators Tuesday.
5. A-10 Warthog No Longer Suitable for Middle East Combat, Air Force Leader Says
(National Defense) The possibility of sequestration returning in 2016 leaves the Air Force with hard decisions to make on budget cuts and how to maintain fighting capability, Gen. Michael Hostage, Air Combat Command commander, said July 29.
ISRAELI GROUND OPERATIONS IN GAZA
Protective Edge Vs. Cast Lead at Day 22
(Defense News) As Israel closes out the 22nd day of Operation Protective Edge, here's some preliminary data measured against its 23-day, 2008-2009 Cast Lead campaign.
Israelis support Netanyahu and Gaza war, despite rising deaths on both sides
(Washington Post) Domestic support for the Israeli leader's prosecution of the war in Gaza, which has left more than 1,200 Palestinians dead, has only grown over the past three weeks, as the Israeli public and political class rally behind an aggressive, definitive campaign against Hamas and its rockets and tunnels.
Iran leader calls Israel 'rabid dog', urges arms for Palestinians
(Reuters) Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday called Israel a "rabid dog" for its attacks on Gaza, and urged Muslims to arm Palestinians to enable them to counter what he termed genocide.
Gaza's only power plant destroyed in Israel's most intense air strike yet
(The Guardian) Flames and clouds of black smoke billowed over Gaza's only power plant on Tuesday after it was destroyed during the most relentless and widespread Israeli bombardment of the current conflict. At least 100 people were killed, according to Gaza health officials.
Israeli Firm Provides Power-by-The-Hour Intel in Gaza
(Defense News) An Israeli aerostat provider whose power-by-the-hour surveillance services have been used to protect targets as varied as Vladimir Putin to Madonna is working under fire along the Gaza border in support of Israeli forces.
Shells strike U.N. school in Gaza
(USA Today) Israeli tank shells on Wednesday were said to have struck a crowded United Nations school used by Gazans seeking refuge from a bloody conflict that has left at least 1,200 Palestinians dead, the majority of them civilians.
Palestinians in West Bank watch, worry and check their phones as Gaza conflict rages
(Washington Post) The cellphone bill will be astronomical this month, but Sami Shaath remains glued to his device. Every two hours, or sooner if he sees a breaking-news alert on television, he calls his brothers and sisters in Gaza to see if they are alive.
INDUSTRY
Lockheed Will Turn On JLTV Production Line In August; 6-D Truck Design
(Breaking Defense) "We're in a really tough competition...a knife fight in [a] phone booth," said Tom Kelly, who runs Lockheed Martin's government relations for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program.
US cluster munition replacement heads towards final testing
(IHS Jane's 360) The US military's cluster munition replacement, the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead, is set to begin its Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTandE) later this year.
Competition Works for Pentagon, Taxpayers - Sometimes
(Breaking Defense) As the Defense Department's budget goes down, the number of contracts awarded without competitive bids is going up. The share of contracts awarded without competition has risen from 39 percent in 2009 to 42 percent in 2012, according to a report I co-authored with Jesse Ellman and Rhys McCormick on DoD Contracting Trends.
Finmeccanica Kickback Probe Dropped Amid Executives' Corruption Trial
(Defense News) In a statement released Tuesday, Finmeccanica said investigators shelved a probe into the company over alleged kickbacks paid to secure the 2010 sale of 12 AW101 helicopters to India.
Hackers Plundered Israeli Defense Firms that Built 'Iron Dome' Missile Defense System
(krebsonsecurity) Three Israeli defense contractors responsible for building the "Iron Dome" missile shield currently protecting Israel from a barrage of rocket attacks were compromised by hackers and robbed of huge quantities of sensitive documents pertaining to the shield technology, KrebsOnSecurity has learned.
IAI denies cyber attack claims
(IHS Jane's 360) Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) released a statement on 29 July refuting a report claiming that the company lost sensitive information in a 2012 cyber attack.
CACI releases portable RF detector
(C4ISR & Networks) CACI has released a portable radio frequency detection device.
GKN reports earnings rise
(IHS Jane's 360) UK engineering group GKN has reported pre-tax profits of GBP224 million (USD380 million) for the first half of 2014, a 76% increase over the same period in 2013.
Argentina to develop new UAVs
(IHS Jane's 360) The Argentine government, through its Ministry of Defence, has confirmed its intention to develop a new line of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for surveillance of the national sea and territory.
VETERANS
McDonald confirmed as new VA secretary
(Military Times) It's been a quick courtship for Bob McDonald - and there will be no honeymoon.
VA manipulated vets' appointment data, audit finds
(USA Today) Internal VA documents show the depth of fraudulent scheduling, manipulation of data and in some cases intimidation of staff to hide delays in medical care to veterans in the 6-million patient national system.
Veterans Health Care Overhaul
(C-SPAN) Military Times congressional reporter Leo Shane talked by phone about the bicameral $15 billion deal to overhaul health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also discussed Robert McDonald's confirmation to be the new Veterans Affairs Department secretary.
Last surviving Enola Gay crewman dies in Stone Mountain
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Theodore "Dutch" Van Kirk, 93, was the navigator on the Aug. 6, 1945 flight that dropped the "Little Boy" atomic bomb.
Pot-for-PTSD researcher denied reinstatement
(Military Times) The University of Arizona has rejected a marijuana researcher's plea to keep her job after her contract was terminated in June.
VA seeks to improve services, care for female vets
(Military Times) The rising ranks of servicewomen returning from Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade has changed the nature of care needed at the Veterans Affairs Department - but the system has yet to fully adapt, advocates say.
VA bill makes firing execs easier
(Federal Times) The House and Senate have agreed on legislation that would make it easier to fire senior executives at the Veterans Affairs Department, according an announcement by lawmakers July 28.
CONGRESS
Bill aims to strengthen forensic training in sexual assault cases
(Military Times) Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, will introduce legislation Wednesday designed to strengthen the Pentagon's sex assault forensic examiner cadre by improving training and certification, and requiring more personnel be trained in taking DNA samples and other physical evidence following an attack.
Republicans Trying To Force Democrats Into Stand-Alone Iron Dome Funding Bill
(Defense News) Congressional Republicans want to force Democrats into voting on a stand-alone measure to send $225 million in emergency funds to Israel for its Iron Dome missile defense system
Sen. Warner presses case for Langley F-22 pilot
(Daily Press; Newport News, Va.) A frustrated Sen. Mark R. Warner is pushing the Defense Department to resolve the case of a whistle-blowing F-22 Raptor pilot from Langley Air Force Base - and to do it soon.
House committee rebukes Obama over Bergdahl deal
(Military Times) House Armed Services Committee members voted Tuesday to condemn President Obama for failing to consult with congressional leaders before swapping five Taliban prisoners for prisoner of war Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
Levin: Senate-House NDAA 'Fallback' Talks Will Continue During August Recess
(Defense News) US House and Senate staffers will meet throughout August to hammer out a compromise Pentagon policy bill as a fallback plan should the latter chamber fail to pass its version.
House Wants Private Sector To Help Bolster U.S. Cyber Defense
(Defense One) Two bills to strengthen cybersecurity in the systems that underlie the nation's energy, water and food supplies passed the House on Monday evening, along with a measure to improve the federal government's cyber workforce.
Lawmakers Not Happy With Iran Talks-but Aren't Meddling
(National Journal) Senators question administration's tactics, but stop short of threatening to dictate them.
US House Supplemental Won't Include Funds for Israel's Iron Dome
(Defense News) The House this week could take up an emergency spending bill to address the US-Mexico border crisis, but it will not include funds for an Israeli missile defense program.
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Some F-35 Flight Restrictions Lifted
(Defense News) The Pentagon has lifted some flight restrictions on F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, while inspections will continue for the foreseeable future, according to a Defense Department official.
Defense to oversee plagiarism probe
(Associated Press) The Department of Defense has taken the unusual step of overseeing a plagiarism investigation being conducted by the U.S. Army War College against Sen. John Walsh because the Montana Democrat is a member of Congress, the college's provost said Tuesday.
DARPA's wireless defense project moves ahead
(C4ISR & Networks) DARPA is seeking companies to continue the next phases of its Wireless Network Defense (WND) project.
On Third Anniversary of Budget Control Act, Fallout Still Unclear
(National Defense) No sooner had President Obama signed the Budget Control Act than Washington began speculating on when Congress would repeal it.
ARMY
Sources: Officer, enlisted force-outs to increase
(Army Times) The officer corps may not have seen the last of the involuntary separation and early retirement boards that so far have cut short the careers of some 1,700 Regular Army captains and majors.
Retired Sgt. Maj. Jon R. Cavaiani, former prisoner of war and Medal of Honor recipient, dies in California
(Fayetteville Observer) Retired Sgt. Maj. Jon R. Cavaiani, a former prisoner of war and recipient of the nation's highest military award, died Tuesday in Stanford, California.
UFC releases Colton Smith after third-straight loss
(Army Times) One month after a third-straight defeat, the only active-duty service member in the world's top mixed martial arts circuit has been released from his contract.
Pedestrian killed over the weekend on Morganton Road was a Fort Bragg military police officer
(Fayetteville Observer) A 23-year-old man killed this weekend after he was struck by a vehicle on Morganton Road was a Fort Bragg military police officer, Army officials confirmed Tuesday.
Clay soldier, 20, killed in Louisiana training accident
(Florida Times Union) The Army was where Tyler Adam Zody was headed after his Fleming Island High School graduation.
Army putting boat up for auction - starting at $25
(Army Times) A landing craft tied up at Fort Eustis, Virginia, is going up for auction Tuesday night, with bidding starting at $25.
Lists due out soon for Reserve medical officer promotions, special-branch ILE
(Army Times) Selection lists containing the names of health services officers recommended for promotion to captain, and special branch officers slated for resident Intermediate Level Education will be released within the next few days.
NAVY
Jesse Ventura wins $1.84M in defamation suit; jurors vote 8-2
(Minneapolis Star-Tribune) Jesse Ventura won his defamation case against the estate of author Chris Kyle, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who said he punched out the former Minnesota governor for criticizing the SEALs' role in the Iraq war.
War roles ending, Navy's 'greensiders' adjust to quieter service back at sea
(Stars & Stripes) As a line medic for a Marine platoon in Iraq 10 years ago, Petty Officer 1st Class Randall McClain treated the wounds of war, from blunt trauma to lacerations and an amputation.
McRaven named only finalist for University of Texas chancellor
(Tampa Tribune) If everything goes as planned, Adm. William McRaven, the outgoing commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, will be setting aside his gold Navy SEAL trident next year for the orange longhorn emblem of the University of Texas System.
Congrats, O-4! Active-duty staff corps selections announced
(Navy Times) The following active-duty staff corps officers have been selected for promotion to lieutenant commander, according to a fleetwide message, ALNAV 057/14, released Monday:
US Navy rescues mariners in Gulf of Oman
(Stars & Stripes) The cargo ship USNS Richard E. Byrd rescued nine crewmembers from a Yemeni-flagged cargo vessel adrift in the Gulf of Oman Monday, the U.S. 5th Fleet said.
Military Times returning to Navy exchanges overseas in August
(Navy Times) Sailors stationed overseas will soon see copies of Military Times newspapers for sale in Navy exchanges again.
AIR FORCE
Body of young 'stowaway' found in wheel well of C-130 after Africa missions
(Military Times) The body of an unidentified male between 15 and 20 years old was found in the wheel well of an 86th Airlift Wing C-130 on Sunday after the plane returned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from missions in Africa, officials said.
Former Hill AFB general's funeral held at Aerospace Museum
(Standard-Examiner; Ogden, Utah) It seemed pretty fitting that friends and family said goodbye to Lt. Gen. (ret.) Marc C. Reynolds in the company of a large collection of vintage war planes.
USAF Successfully Launches GSSAP
(Defense News) The US Air Force's new geosynchronous spy satellite is on its way into orbit.
General: Air Force already looking ahead to 6th-generation fighter plane
(Stars & Stripes) Even before the Air Force's new F-35 "fifth-generation" fighter jet is combat-ready, the service is looking ahead to what comes next.
MARINE CORPS
Dunford fielded tough questions on military justice before his confirmation
(Marine Corps Times) Before Gen. Joseph Dunford appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing July 17, he answered a long list of the committee's questions on topics ranging from acquisition challenges to suicide prevention.
Lawyer: Marine's first attorneys 'missed' chance to get him out of Mexican jail
(CNN) A U.S. Marine Corps reservist held in a Mexican prison for more than three months on a weapons charge could have been released within days of his detention if not for "missed opportunities" by his original legal counsel, his attorney told CNN.
Former Iran hostage demands compensation from Iranians
(Military Times) Paul Lewis arrived as a Marine Corps security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 3, 1979.
Actor James Shigeta dies
(Fox News Latino) Shigeta was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and studied at New York University before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps to fight in Korea.
IRAQ
Gen. Hostage: Manned, unmanned mix needed in Iraq
(Air Force Times) The Pentagon is using a mix of manned and unmanned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets to monitor the ongoing situation in Iraq, a top Air Force general said today.
US State Department Approves New Hellfire Sale to Iraq
(Defense News) The US State Department has approved two new lots of weapon sales to Iraq at a time when that government is desperately trying to fight off the encroachment of the militant Sunni Islamic State.
Iraq Struggles to Halt Militants' March on Baghdad
(Wall Street Journal) Last week, the Iraqi army said it had retaken a town the government said was a base for Sunni jihadists.
AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN
Afghan Quick Reaction Force Slowed by Logistics Failures
(Defense News) A specially trained and equipped Afghan Army quick reaction force is in danger of having its vehicles fall into disrepair, and its soldiers miss out on training due to an inability to supply much-need spare parts and training, a Congressionally-mandated watchdog organization has found.
Pakistani troops kill 6 militants at Afghan border
(Associated Press) Pakistani military officials say security forces have foiled a cross-border attack from Afghanistan, killing six militants.
Taliban In Pakistan Derail World Polio Eradication
(National Public Radio) Last January Salma Jaffar was shot while she was going door to door in Karachi, giving children drops of the polio vaccine.
EUROPE
U.S. and EU pledge new sanctions against Russia
(Military Times) The U.S. message has been clear that if Russia would not deescalate its movements and hostility in Ukraine, more sanctions would be imposed.
Pentagon: Defense system supplied to Ukraine similar to one that downed airliner
(The Hill) The Pentagon said Tuesday that Russia was supplying Ukraine air defense systems similar to the one that brought down Malaysian Airlines Flight 17.
Reapers To Join UK's Core Equipment Program
(Defense News) The British Ministry of Defence has confirmed it is to take the Royal Air Force's fleet of 10 MQ-9 Reapers into its core equipment program following the end of combat operations in Afghanistan.
Belarus To Host Ukraine-Russia Talks
(Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) Belarus says it will host talks between Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE on the crisis in eastern Ukraine.
UK Sending Troops, Vehicles to Polish Exercise
(Defense News) Britain is committing nearly 1,500 troops to a major exercise in Poland later this year as part of wider measures to reassure nations in Eastern Europe and the Baltic of NATO's commitment to the region in the face of Russian aggression in the Ukraine.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Institute: NKorea upgrading rocket launch site
(Associated Press) North Korea is upgrading its main rocket launch site and has conducted a series of engine tests as it develops a mobile, intercontinental missile that could increase the threat it poses to the United States, a U.S. research institute said Tuesday.
Fourth known J-20 prototype makes first flight
(IHS Jane's 360) The fourth known prototype of the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) J-20 fifth-generation fighter made its first flight on the morning of 26 July, according to Chinese aviation websites.
China to investigate once-powerful Zhou Yongkang, former domestic security chief
(Washington Post) The ruling Communist Party on Tuesday announced an investigation of the country's former domestic security chief, Zhou Yongkang, sending tremors through China's political world and signaling that an anti-corruption drive is now reaching previously untouchable levels of the leadership.
Raw: Japanese soldiers storm beach in exercises
(Associated Press) Japan has been practicing storming beaches with the U.S. and other countries as part of the Rim of the Pacific exercises in Hawaii this month.
AFRICA
Libyan militants overrun Benghazi special forces base as chaos deepens
(Reuters) Militant fighters overran a Libyan special forces base in the eastern city of Benghazi on Tuesday after a battle involving rockets and warplanes that killed at least 30 people.
Italy Denies Sending Aircraft to Fight Blaze Near Tripoli
(Wall Street Journal) Italy's foreign ministry denied Tuesday having sent aircraft to fight a huge blaze near Tripoli, although Rome is still considering how to help the local population affected by the fire.
Ebola only a plane ride away from USA
(USA Today) The growing Ebola outbreak in West Africa serves as a grim reminder that deadly viruses are only a plane ride away from the USA, health experts say.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
End the Gaza blockade to achieve peace
(Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.) It seems as though each day brings new horrors and heartbreaks in the Holy Land. More than 1,000 dead. Gazan children blown up on the beach. A U.N. shelter hit. Two-thirds of Israelis living in fear from indiscriminate rocket fire launched by Hamas. But as the calls for a cease-fire gain momentum, it is important to understand that many Gazans who have no association with Hamas view the return to the way things were as unacceptable.
No War Is an Island
(David Brooks in The New York Times) It's amazing how much of the discussion of the Gaza war is based on the supposition that it is still 1979. It's based on the supposition that the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is a self-contained struggle being run by the two parties most directly involved. It's based on the supposition that the horror could be ended if only deft negotiators could achieve a "breakthrough" and a path toward a two-state agreement.
When Russia Violates Nuclear Treaties, Let's Act Like Reagan
(Joe Cirincione and Lauren Mladenka in Defense One) Russia has violated an arms control treaty. It is not the first time they - or we - have done so. The key now is to get them back in line and prevent them from fielding any new nuclear missiles that would threaten our closest allies.
Did Libya Prove War Hawks Right or Wrong?
(Conor Friedersdorf in The Atlantic) The unintended consequences of military intervention are nearly impossible to predict.
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