Category: Military Intelligence

MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, King Urge OPM to Process Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Civilian Hires to Address Shipyard Workforce Needs and Support U.S. National Security

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Angus King, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), are urging the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to process nearly 150 personnel that have received initial job offers from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for civilian positions that have been approved by U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan. In their letter to OPM Acting Director Charles Ezell, the Senators note that individuals who are needed to fill critical national security roles cannot be fully onboarded at the Shipyard until OPM processes their job offers. The letter follows the Senators’ recent visit to the Shipyard with Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.
“On April 17, we held a roundtable discussion at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard with the Secretary of the Navy and leaders from both the shipyard and the submarine industrial base,” the Senators wrote. “During that meeting, we were made aware that nearly 150 personnel have received initial job offers for civilian general schedule (GS) positions at the shipyard which have been approved by Secretary Phelan but have not been processed through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As a result, individuals who are needed to fill roles critical to our national security cannot been fully onboarded into their positions.”
“On March 18, 2025, Mr. Jules Hurst, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, issued guidance directing that “positions at depots, shipyards, arsenals, and maintenance facilities” would be exempt from the current civilian hiring freeze,” they continued. “In keeping with that directive and with Secretary Phelan’s approval for the hiring of these nearly 150 new shipyard workers, we request that you provide the following information no later than May 16, 2025: 1. What screening and/or processing of hiring decisions approved by Department of Defense leadership is conducted by OPM prior to final onboarding of new employees? 2. How long does OPM require to conduct its internal processing of new hires for the public shipyards? 3. How long does OPM anticipate that it will take to complete processing of the backlog of positions that have been approved by Secretary Phelan for employment at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?
The full text of the letter can be read here.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a key economic driver in the region, supporting thousands of jobs integral to America’s national security. After calls from Senators Collins and Shaheen, and Senators King and Shaheen, the U.S. Department of Defense exempted the shipyard workforce from the civilian hiring freeze. Last month, Collins, King, and Shaheen visited the Shipyard with Navy Secretary Phelan to highlight the Shipyard’s role in supporting U.S. national security and the need to bolster the Shipyard’s workforce to meet workload demand.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin Brings New Commitments to Strengthen Peacekeeping Operations
Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

The United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 Berlin concluded today. More than 130 Member States and international partners – over a thousand participants in total – came together to reaffirm their support for UN peacekeeping and to announce concrete pledges aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations in the face of evolving global challenges.

Hosted by the Government of Germany, the two-day high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Member State support and help shape the future of UN Peacekeeping. The Ministerial focused on the Future of Peacekeeping, reflecting the need for innovative approaches to address complex conflicts, leverage emerging technologies, and address threats such as mis- and disinformation.

“In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death. Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his opening remarks.

“We welcome Member States’ political statements of support for peacekeeping as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support. This meeting is also about something more fundamental: the future of peacekeeping itself,” he added.

“In an interconnected world, no nation can achieve peace and security for its citizens on its own. In the past two days, more than 130 UN member states have come together in Berlin, determined

to make progress towards this goal together. We all agree that setting up strong and effective peacekeeping missions is our joint responsibility. We want to tailor future missions to the exact needs of the host countries and increase their acceptance and effectiveness. This is the way forward in a world in which peacekeeping is more important now than ever before, but where the challenges are greater than at any time in the past. The participants have lived up to this challenge by making many very significant contributions. Germany’s support for the UN and its peacekeeping missions remains unwavering. We are committed to standing up for international peace and security,” said Johann Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Meanwhile, announcing his country’s pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros to UN Peacekeeping, Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, said: “I am grateful to all partners, who have come to Berlin to make significant pledges to ensure efficient global Peacekeeping Missions. Germany continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN Peacekeeping and has pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros. In addition, we will continue our support to missions and partners with training and equipment. Our goal was to focus on new and innovative pledges, ranging from renewable energy technologies to medical transport drones to the protection from improvised explosive devices. We remain committed to supporting the three UN Peacekeeping Missions that the German Armed Forces currently deploy to in South Sudan, Lebanon and Western Sahara.”

Key outcomes:

A total of 74 Member States made pledges including:
- Pledges of military and police units
  53 Member States pledged uniformed capabilities, including 88 military and police units, as well as various critical capabilities, airlift, individual experts, staff officers and individual police officers.
- Specialized training
  59 Member States pledged specialized trainings on critical issues such as peacekeeping-intelligence, protection of civilians, gender and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
- Women, Peace and Security
  38 Member States made pledges to further implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including gender-responsive peacekeeping and women in peacekeeping.
- Safety and Security
16 Member States pledged capabilities and projects to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers.

Eleven Member States made pledges related to the conduct and accountability of peacekeepers and UN Peacekeeping’s fight against sexual exploitation and abuse. This response includes targeted contributions to the Trust Fund for victims.

Background

Today, more than 61,000 military and police peacekeepers from 119 countries and more than seven thousand civilian personnel serve across 11 Peacekeeping Missions.

The Berlin Ministerial is part of a series of high-level meetings aimed at galvanizing political support and generating tangible commitments to improve UN Peacekeeping. It follows previous Ministerial meetings held in Accra (2023), Seoul (2021), New York (2019) Vancouver (2017) and London (2016). The 2025 Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping.

More information on the meeting, including statements and the list of pledges, please visit the UN Peacekeeping website and @UNPeacekeeping digital channels.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
- Federal Republic of Germany: Anna Laura Vitzinger, German Foreign Office: presse@diplo.de; and Sonja Momberg, German Ministry of Defence: sonjamomberg@bmvg.bund.de
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MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Schatz, Coons, Murphy Lead 27 Senators in Introducing Resolution to Condemn $400 Million Airplane Gift to Trump from Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in leading a group of 27 Senators to introduce a resolution condemning a luxury airplane gift, valued at $400 million, President Donald Trump announced he will receive from the government of Qatar. According to reports, Trump intends to designate the plane as Air Force One while in office and then transfer it to a foundation for personal use following the end of his term.
“While Republicans plot to gut vital services like Social Security and Medicaid and unleash economic uncertainty onto hardworking Americans, Donald Trump is planning to accept a luxury jet, valued at $400 million, from a foreign government,” said Senator Booker. “This not only creates a clear conflict of interest, raises serious national security concerns, and undermines public trust in our government, but is a slap in the face to the people across the country who are struggling to make ends meet. All Senators should be able to agree that no one should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts. I hope my Republican colleagues will support this resolution.”
“Air Force One is more than just a plane — it’s a symbol of the presidency and of the United States itself,” said Senator Schatz. “Any president who accepts this kind of gift, valued at $400 million, from a foreign government creates a clear conflict of interest, raises serious national security questions, invites foreign influence, and undermines public trust in our government. We are asking the Senate to vote to reiterate a basic principle: no president should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts.”
“We wouldn’t trust another country to decorate the Oval Office, to set up our Situation Room, or to wire the White House briefing room, so why would we let another country build Air Force One for us, which is an airborne version of all three? This isn’t just a massive act of corruption, it’s a national security risk of the highest order,” said Senator Coons, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “If President Trump is so willing to put his own administration in danger for the sake of a $400 million gift, imagine how much danger he’s willing to put the American people in.”
“The president doesn’t get to trade U.S. foreign policy and national security for a private jet,” said Senator Murphy. “This resolution sends the message Trump won’t: the Oval Office is not for sale.”
“President Trump’s penchant for corruption and grift has risen to a new level with the news his presidency is for sale – if you happen to have $400 million dollars,” said Leader Schumer. “This Qatari plane deal would be the largest Presidential bribe in modern history and it’s not just naked corruption, it’s a grave national security threat. Senate Republicans may bury their heads in the sand while Trump tries to enrich himself and his billionaire buddies, but Senate Democrats are going to stand up for the American people and say enough is enough – we condemn this attempt at corruption and gross violation of the Constitution.”
“No, Donald Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar. Not only is this farcically corrupt, it is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Senator Sanders. “Congress must not allow this over-the-top kleptocracy to proceed.”
“President Trump wants to accept a $400 million private jet from a foreign government, have American taxpayers pay to retrofit it as Air Force One, and then keep it for himself to jet around the world as soon as he leaves office. It’s hard to imagine more brazen corruption or a clearer violation of our Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, and there’s no question this outlandish proposal puts our country’s national security at risk,” said Senator Murray. “Every member of Congress should support this simple resolution condemning violations of the Emoluments Clause and making clear Trump cannot accept a $400 million private jet from Qatar without explicit consent from Congress.”
“If someone came to one of my town halls in Oregon and tried to argue that getting a $400 million jet from the government of Qatar wasn’t corruption, they would be laughed out of town,” said Senator Wyden. “Instead of securing new allies against adversaries like China or opening new markets for American products, Trump is using America’s clout to get a private jet. It’s corruption plain and simple that fritters away American influence and leaves us weaker.”
“While Republicans in Congress are working to gut Medicaid and Social Security, President Trump is brazenly accepting a luxury jumbo jet from Qatar — for his use during and after he leaves office,” said Senator Padilla. “Once again, Trump is showing us that he puts his own interests above those of the American people, benefiting himself and leaving working families behind. This foreign gift reeks of corruption, is blatantly against the law, threatens our national security, and will cost taxpayers tens of millions in retrofit costs and security upgrades.”
“Donald Trump is accepting a multimillion dollar plane from a foreign government as a personal gift, while clearly ignoring the Constitution,” said Senator Rosen. “Trump gets richer off of his position while hardworking families suffer from his reckless actions. This is corruption plain and simple, and I’m supporting this resolution to make our strong opposition clear.”
“This is corruption plain and simple. The President of the United States accepting a $400 million plane from a foreign government is unheard of, and would require direct consent from Congress,” said Senator Warner. “This is just the latest act by President Trump that shows his administration has no regard for the rule of law and is ripe to be exploited by foreign actors.”
“Trump’s brazen willingness to accept a luxury jet from Qatar raises the dangerous prospect that the president can be bought and paid for by foreign powers — putting their interests over Americans’ and our national security. Every Senator should join us in rejecting it and blocking the sale of the presidency to the highest bidder,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Our founding fathers knew that we must protect ourselves from corruption and foreign influence, which is exactly why we have a constitutional provision prohibiting presidents from accepting lavish gifts from foreign governments—a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, reportedly valued at $400 million, is no exception,” said Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Shaheen. “Congress and the American public have a right to know the details of any arrangement that calls into question whether the President is acting on behalf of American interests and American interests alone. Further, the security implications of taking a foreign-owned and managed plane and outfitting it with the most sensitive U.S. technology continues to demonstrate a lack of judgement in this administration when it comes to guarding U.S. intelligence.”
“There’s no such thing as a $400 million “no-strings-attached” gift,” said Senator Duckworth. “This is the mother of all bribes. It puts our national security in jeopardy and erodes public trust—all for the President’s own personal gain. Donald Trump wants to sell our foreign policy and sell out our people.”
“Donald Trump accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign country is corruption in plain sight,” said Senator Hirono. “Trump’s latest grift undermines our national security, flies in the face of the Constitution, and will cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions, if not billions, in retrofits.”
“The mere notion that the President would cravenly accept a $400 million attempt to win favor from a foreign power is beyond the pale and reeks of corruption. The White House and presidency are sacred trusts from the American people, not venues for Trump to enrich himself and his family with shady deals and influence buying,” said Senator Durbin. “Our resolution reaffirms what our Constitution makes clear – no President should receive gifts from a foreign power.”
“While President Trump claims to target fraud and abuse, his actions continue to prove that his priorities are his own interests and those of his wealthy friends,” said Senator Bennet. “His plan to accept a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari government for use as Air Force One is an act of blatant corruption and a violation of our Constitution that poses severe counterintelligence risks, needlessly undermining U.S. national security.”
“This is corruption in plain sight. Under no circumstance should a sitting president be accepting luxury gifts from a foreign government, especially while negotiating an arms sale,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “This is yet another example of President Trump focusing on enriching himself rather than improving the lives of everyday Americans. I’m joining with my colleagues on this resolution to protect national security, to stand up for our constituents, and to uphold the rule of law.”
“If an ordinary government official accepted a gift even a fraction as valuable as this, there would be a full investigation, and potential firings due to concerns of foreign influence,” said Senator Slotkin. “Now the President is taking a $400 million foreign gift. Beyond the perception of corruption, the idea that a foreign country would have access to Air Force One, as the buyer, during production, leaves it incredibly vulnerable to bugs, tracking devices, and whatever else they or other countries may attempt to manipulate.”
“This is corruption, plain and simple. The U.S. is not for sale, and we cannot allow the presidency to be bought by foreign interests,” said Senator Klobuchar.
“Just when you think the Trump Administration can’t sink to a new low of ethical misconduct, he accepts a luxury jet from a foreign nation. Corruption on full display,” said Senator Merkley.
“We’re beyond foreign interference at this point. We’re watching a President invite a foreign government to buy him off,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “American values are actively being flushed down the toiled by this corrupt President.”
In addition to Booker, Schatz, and Coons, the resolution is cosponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NN).
To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Peters and Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect U.S. Nuclear Facilities from Drone Threats

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
Published: 05.14.2025

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect our nation’s nuclear facilities from the growing threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. The senators’ Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense (NEDD) Act would expand the Department of Energy’s (DOE) authority to counter drones presenting threats to U.S. nuclear facilities and assets, specifically to cover facilities that store and transport nuclear material as well as facilities used to research, design, or manufacture components for nuclear weapons. As drones become more advanced, this legislation would help to better secure America’s major nuclear sites as well as smaller facilities that are critical to national security.
“As drone technologies evolve and advance, we need to be taking every step necessary to protect our national security and keep America’s nuclear assets, and the communities near them, safe,” said Senator Peters. “This bill would give the Department of Energy the additional authority it needs to counter evolving drone threats and protect some of our nation’s most sensitive and critical infrastructure.”
“Unmanned aircraft systems are threatening our nuclear and national security,” said Senator Blackburn. “The NEDD Act would protect nuclear facilities from unauthorized drones, enhancing the Department of Energy’s ability to safeguard its assets, and counter threats to our national security.”
Between 2022 and 2024, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) reported six unauthorized drone sightings at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), one suspicious UAS overflight of the Pantex Plant (PTX), and five suspicious drone overflights of the Los Alamos National Labs (LANL) restricted airspace. These events have underscored the need for DOE to have expanded authorities and capabilities to combat evolving drone threats.
The NEDD Act would help address weaknesses in DOE’s current drone authorities to better counter nefariously operated drones. While current law focuses on protecting high-profile sites where special nuclear materials are stored, the U.S. is also home to other important facilities, such as those involved in research or production, that are not thoroughly covered. This bipartisan bill would help close those gaps and ensure that DOE can respond quickly to threats and implement comprehensive safeguards for all sites under its purview. Peters has been fighting to expand authorities to ensure our nation is prepared to address public safety threats from drones. Last year, he pressed his colleagues to pass long overdue, bipartisan legislation he authored that would provide state and law enforcement with tools to better detect and track drones so they can protect their communities. Peters’ legislation is supported by a wide range of stakeholders including the National Football League, airports and law enforcement organizations.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: USGS Coastal Landscape Change Products Help the U.S. Department of Defense Safeguard Military Infrastructure Along the Coast

Source: US Geological Survey

Our coasts are dynamic, continually changing in response to extreme weather events, high tide flooding, and coastal erosion. This landscape change can threaten important infrastructure along the coast, including structures important to our national security and public safety.

Each hurricane season, the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts generally endure a series of storms of varying intensities, where heavy rainfall, high winds, and increased water levels cause significant coastal change and pose risks to lives, military installations, defense communities, and the critical infrastructure assets and utilities on which U.S. Department of Defense missions rely. In the 2024 hurricane season alone, we saw a total of 18 named storms—resulting in $182.7 billion in damages¹.

To safeguard national security and public safety along our coastlines, preparedness is of paramount importance. USGS landscape change maps provide key answers to ‘where’ and ‘when’ questions regarding coastal change trends and environmental conditions necessary for effective decision making.

The Department of Defense partnered with the USGS to better understand future coastal landscape changes that are and will continue to impact military installations, defense access roads, and Sentinel Landscapes along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The Department of Defense requires this knowledge to meet statutory requirements in Title 10, U.S. Code. Understanding the location and timing of these changes and resulting impacts (e.g., inundation or erosion), enables the development of proactive strategies to protect assets, investments, and resources that ensure the prosperity of the Nation and its citizens.

The USGS Coastal Change Likelihood and Coastal Landscape Response assessments address the probability of our coasts to resist change or transform due to coastal hazards caused by extreme storms and/or long-term sea level change.

Assessment outcomes can be used in conjunction with other products or tools used in installation planning and design, such as the Department of Defense Extreme Conditions Assessment Tool (DECAT) and the Department of Defense Regional Sea Level (DRSL) Database. Together, these products can highlight vulnerable areas, where resources can be prioritized to ensure installation resilience, which mitigation measures are most effective for a given location, areas that may be naturally more resilient or resistant to coastal change, and what hazards are of highest concern.

This information will support both near- and long-term Department of Defense planning objectives, helping them determine whether to adapt in place, change a military mission, or relocate due to extreme weather and coastal changes.

USGS Coastal Change Likelihood (CCL) outcomes are displayed for Wallops Joint Expeditionary Base in Virginia. Warm colors indicate areas of high expected coastal change and cool colors indicate areas with lower expected change. Results are based on existing information on the composition of the landscape and the common coastal hazards at work in a given location.

Coastal Change Likelihood

The Coastal Change Likelihood assessment synthesizes over 20 existing datasets from federal, state, and private organizations to understand observed changes and evaluate the likelihood of coastal change over the next decade. The datasets describe the coastal landscape and six common coastal hazards: erosion, storm frequency, relative sea level change, tidal flooding, storm overwash probability, and wave power.

Understanding where landscape change is most likely to occur, and which types of hazards are more likely to adversely affect a specific location (e.g., storm-driven waves, shoreline erosion, and/or sea level change) is essential to planning.

Visit the Coastal Change Likelihood web page to learn more, download the data, and access the geonarrative and interactive maps.

Coastal Landscape Response

The Coastal Landscape Response assessment creates multidecadal predictions of where and when the coast is likely to adapt or inundate. Results are produced for four decades—the 2020s, 2030s, 2050s, and 2080s. This information helps users determine where land will be available in its current or changed form or become submerged in response to future sea level change.

By informing people of where coastal land will likely be available—or not—for future use, land use managers can make long-term plans concerning important infrastructure and valuable resources.

Visit the Coastal Science Navigator product summary page for the Coastal Landscape Response assessment to learn more and access the data for download.

Both products were originally developed for the U.S. Northeast coast. The U.S. Department of Defense is supporting the geographic expansion of these products to the U.S. Southeast and Gulf Coasts.

Products that forecast coastal change likelihood are critical to support informed and proactive planning ensuring national security. By understanding where and when change is expected, decision makers help ensure lives and critical infrastructure are safe and secure, and taxpayer dollars are not wasted on preventable damages and lost revenue.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hageman Joins Wyoming Law Enforcement Officers to Honor Officer Nevada Krinkee of Sheridan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

Washington, D.C. – This week Congresswoman Hageman joined Law Enforcement Officers from across Wyoming in the nation’s capital to honor the life of Seargent Nevada Krinkee from Sheridan, WY.

“I am humbled to take a moment to recognize Seargent Nevada Krinkee. His death shook our state and law enforcement community to the core and left his family without a father and a husband. Seargent Krinkee is an example of someone who selflessly served his country, both in the U.S. Army and as a Sheridan police officer. His life will be remembered in Wyoming for generations.” Hageman stated, “He was a man of honor and integrity and serves as an example to all of us of living a life for the betterment of others. This week was a particularly special opportunity to join with some of Seargent Krinkee’s colleagues and to ensure his name is ever etched in our hearts and on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. I encourage all of Wyoming to take a moment to visit the memorial when you have the opportunity and, when you do, to pray for the perseverance and peace of mind for his wife and young daughter.”

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community and is taking place May 11-17th, 2025.

Pictured above: The Wyoming Delegation with the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police Executive Board.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Continuing Promise 2025 Set to Begin

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

The U.S. Navy Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy this June-August to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2025 mission. After several months of detailed planning, USNS Comfort is scheduled to visit Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic during the nearly three month-long mission.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Somerset Man Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

TRENTON N.J. – A Somerset man was charged with receipt and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Elliott Souder, 51, was charged by complaint and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court on May 6, 2025.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From at least September 20, 2021 through November 16, 2021, Souder, via his home computer, connected to an Internet-based peer-to-peer network and requested three videos depicting child sexual abuse. When members of law enforcement executed a search warrant at Souder’s Somerset residence in March 2022, they found over 1,000 images and videos of child pornography on Souder’s computer’s hard drive, including two of the aforementioned videos previously requested over the peer-to-peer network. Some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent children, toddlers and infants, and sadomasochism on children.

The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, specifically the Violent Crimes Against Children Unit, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation. This investigation was conducted under FBI’s Operation Restore Justice.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Steven D. Altman, Esq., New Brunswick, NJ

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Consider McMaster, Busterud, Telle Nominations

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led ahearing on the nominations of Sean McMaster to be Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), John Busterud to be Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Adam Telle to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
“This morning, we will hear from three of President Trump’s important nominees. I want to first welcome Mr. Sean McMaster, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration or better known as FHWA.
“FHWA is an operating administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation, responsible for providing technical support, we lean on them a lot, and funding to states and local entities. The funding provided by FHWA is critical to facilitating the design and construction of improvements to our surface transportation network.
“These improvements enable the safe and reliable movement of people and goods, which enhances our quality of life and supports economic growth. Mr. McMaster’s relevant professional experience makes him well-qualified to serve as Administrator. He brings more than 10 years of government service, working in the U.S. House of Representatives and at federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“Since mid-2020, Mr. McMaster has worked for two private sector transportation companies. First, he served as a National Practice Consultant and Vice President at HNTB and most recently, he served as the Vice President for Commercial Aviation and Transportation at The Boeing Company.
“One challenge that the FHWA Administrator must quickly tackle is the significant backlog of announced grants that do not have signed grant agreements in place. This inherited workload will require diligence and collaboration to resolve. I am hopeful that Mr. McMaster is confirmed, his experience and leadership at FHWA will accelerate this process. This Committee also looks forward to working with FHWA and others on the long-term, bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill.
“Next, I want to welcome Mr. John Busterud, President Trump’s nominee to lead the EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management, better known as OLEM. Mr. Busterud’s exceptional experience has prepared him to lead OLEM and tackle some of our nation’s most pressing environmental challenges.
“Following a 31-year environmental legal career, he served as Regional Administrator of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Mr. Busterud also served our country with distinction as an officer in the U.S. Army, deploying many times, and retiring as a decorated Colonel after 23 years of service.
“OLEM’s statutory responsibilities place it at the center of EPA’s core mission: protecting our air, land, and water. If confirmed, Mr. Busterud will oversee programs that directly impact Americans’ health and the environment, such as remediating PFAS contamination, cleaning up Superfund sites, and revitalizing brownfields.
“Addressing PFAS contamination, which affects communities in my state of West Virginia and across this country, is a priority of mine. The EPA recently announced an agency-wide PFAS strategy and OLEM will play a major role in ensuring its success. OLEM is also responsible for cleaning up Superfund sites, which are some of our nation’s most contaminated sites.
“This Committee recently heard about the challenges with cleaning up Superfund sites and there is bipartisan support to improve the program’s efficiency. I look forward to working with Mr. Busterud to implement key reforms to ensure faster, and more cost-effective Superfund cleanups.
“Finally, I want to welcome Mr. Adam Telle, President Trump’s nominee to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Mr. Telle is well-suited to lead the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program based on his two decades of public service in the United States Senate, including as my clerk for the Homeland Security Subcommittee and as a Special Assistant to the President in the first Trump Administration.
“Mr. Telle has seen firsthand how the Army Corps’ response to natural disasters can help communities withstand significant weather events and then recover from them. The Army Corps does critical work across the nation through its navigation, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration missions.
“This work protects the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans and facilitates commerce throughout our country and internationally. If confirmed, Mr. Telle will also play an integral role in implementing biennial water resources development legislation, better known to all of us on committee as WRDA.
“WRDA authorizes numerous feasibility studies and projects, and directs the Army Corps to carry out various activities to address our nation’s water resources needs. I look forward to working with Mr. Telle to ensure the timely implementation of these laws consistent with congressional intent.
“And I look forward to hearing from our nominees about their experiences and the issues they will prioritize if confirmed to lead these agencies.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why are Turkey and the PKK turning to peace – and can it last?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Pinar Dinc, Associate Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science and Researcher, Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University

Negotiations to end more than 40 years of conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK) have taken on a concrete dimension. On May 12, two months after the PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, wrote a letter in which he called on the group to lay down its arms, it has announced it will disband.

The PKK, which has been fighting for greater Kurdish rights and autonomy, has outlined several conditions it views as essential for it to dissolve. It insists that Öcalan lead and direct the peace process, that the right to democratic politics in Turkey is recognised, and that the group is given solid legal guarantees.

On the one hand, there seems to be great longing for peace between Turkey and the PKK. This has been evidenced by the positive reactions to the PKK’s statement both nationally and internationally.

Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said the PKK’s disengagement with terror had opened “the doors of a new era in every area, namely strengthening politics and democratic capacity”.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

However, there is also scepticism. Turkey views the peace process very differently from the Kurds, referring to it as part of the government’s “terror-free Turkey” initiative. The Kurdish movement has instead adopted the title of Öcalan’s February letter, “Call for Peace and Democratic Society”.

Many also see Erdoğan’s willingness to resolve the Kurdish issue as a political maneuver by the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP). Positioning itself as the party that ended decades of “terror” at the hands of the PKK would allow the AKP to consolidate its hold on power.

But, notwithstanding this, there are clear reasons for both the Turkish state and the PKK to come to the negotiating table now. One of the leading reasons is the changing geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

In late 2024, Bashar al-Assad’s regime was toppled in Syria and the country was subsequently taken over by Islamist militants. Iran’s influence has also been weakened following the collapse of parts of its regional proxy network, notably Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and, most recently, the Houthis in Yemen.

Israel, meanwhile, is continuing its war in Gaza. And it has intensified its military operations in Syria, particularly near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, alongside open expressions of support for Syria’s Druze religous communities.

At the same time, Donald Trump has returned to the White House and reopened the door to dialogue with Iran over its nuclear programme. The region’s politics are being reshaped, and leaders across the Middle East are repositioning themselves accordingly.

For the PKK and its broader political base, a peace process with Turkey offers a pathway to equal citizenship, democratic participation and long-term legitimacy for Kurds in the Middle East after nearly a century of struggle.

This was signalled by the Kurdish National Conference in April 2025. The conference, which was attended by different Kurdish parties and organisations, highlighted the importance of strategic coordination among Kurds in the region.

For Turkey, peace with the PKK now would further reduce a weakened Iran’s ability to project power westward. Some groups suspected of being affiliated with the PKK, such as the Sinjar Resistance Units in northern Iraq, have been indirectly supported by Iran.

Turkey’s handling of the PKK conflict and the broader Kurdish issue has also often complicated its engagement with the west. For example, human rights groups have accused Turkey of allowing the Syrian National Army (a coalition of armed groups in northern Syria) to act with impunity against Kurdish civilians in areas outside its control.

This has created friction in Turkey’s diplomatic outreach to the US and Europe. By addressing the longstanding Kurdish issue, Ankara could lay the groundwork for more stable relations with the west. These relations are particularly important now as Turkey is looking to take an increasingly key role in European security.

It is serving as a mediator in negotiations to end the Ukraine war. And Erdoğan has even offered to host direct talks between the Ukrainian president, Volodymr Zelensky, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Istanbul.

Bumpy road ahead

The PKK’s dissolution will not guarantee peace in Turkey. The Kurdish people expect equal citizenship and the end the government’s practice of removing elected mayors and replacing them with state-appointed trustees.

They also demand the release of political prisoners and reforms to Turkey’s anti-terrorism laws, which critics say are frequently used to suppress dissent. These issues will be discussed in parliament over the coming days, with talks on a new constitution expected to take place in the autumn.

The negotiations will not be simple. The Kurds have been persistently labelled as rebels, traitors and terrorists since the beginning of the Turkish republic in 1923. It will not be easy to change entrenched opinions overnight.

Özgür Özel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s party (CHP), has emphasised the importance of resolving the Kurdish issue peacefully and democratically. But it is not clear whether his views reflect those of his supporter base and Turkish society more broadly.

Turkey must be further democratised to give the peace process a greater chance of success. The nation’s vibrant civil society currently operates under intense pressure from the state. Giving it more of a voice will help bring Turkey’s deeply divided society together.

It is always difficult – if not impossible – to make predictions about the future when it comes to Middle Eastern politics. However, a new balance is being established in the Middle East, and in this new balance very different players have to sit at the same table.

Pinar Dinc is the principal investigator of the ECO-Syria project, which receives funding from the Strategic Research Area: The Middle East in the Contemporary World (MECW) at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University, Sweden.

– ref. Why are Turkey and the PKK turning to peace – and can it last? – https://theconversation.com/why-are-turkey-and-the-pkk-turning-to-peace-and-can-it-last-256527

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Arizona National Guard Soldiers support drug interdiction at the southern border

Source: US National Guard (video statements)

Arizona National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Arizona Counterdrug Task Force inspect railcars at the Rio Rico train station near Nogales, Ariz., April 30, 2025. The rail teams work alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection under Task Force Stopping Arizona Fentanyl Epidemic (Task Force SAFE) to help detect and deter the smuggling of narcotics at the southern border. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. 1st Class Christy Sherman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqCpK0EVvwY

MIL OSI Video –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed, Senators Request Independent DoD Inquiry Into Trump’s Plan to Accept ‘Palace in the Sky’ Plane from Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC — Following news reports that President Donald Trump plans to accept a $400 million luxury jumbo jet as a gift from the Qatari government in violation of the Constitution, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined with several colleagues in urging the acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense to open an inquiry into the Department of Defense’s (DOD) involvement in facilitating the transfer of this unprecedented foreign gift for President Trump’s ultimate personal use.

“DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Congress has granted consent in only a narrow set of circumstances under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, and none of these circumstances are applicable here,” the nine U.S. Senators wrote.

“Securing the plane against counterintelligence and surveillance risks, moreover, would be costly. Initial reporting suggests that the plane would need to be substantially retrofitted by a military contractor to ensure it meets necessary security and counterintelligence standards, which could take years to complete. DOD, and by extension U.S. taxpayers, would thereby bear the ultimate cost, which could be significant. This timeline, moreover, reinforces that such a gift is not, in fact, intended for official use. By the time the plane would be ready for President Trump’s use as part of the Air Force One fleet, we would likely be approaching the final stretch of President Trump’s final term in office, at which point the Department would likely be directed to transfer it to President Trump’s presidential library for his ultimate personal use,” the Senators continued.

Reed signed the letter along with U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

Full text of the letter follows:

Dear Mr. Stebbins,

We write to request that you conduct an inquiry into the Department of Defense’s (DOD) role in facilitating and serving as a pass-through for President Trump to receive a luxury plane worth an estimated $400 million from Qatar.

Following initial public reports, President Trump confirmed on May 12, 2025, that he intends to accept this unprecedented gift from the Qatari royal family, which would constitute one of the largest foreign gifts ever accepted by a President or the U.S. government. According to public reporting, the Qatari government initially considered donating the plane directly to President Trump through his presidential library, but the Administration sought legal advice to restructure the transfer to circumvent constitutional and statutory prohibitions, including federal bribery and ethics laws.

Public reports raise the troubling prospect that the Administration involved DOD to (1) launder this impermissible gift, so that the Department could provide cover to give the transfer of the plane the appearance of an official gift; (2) place the onus on DOD to retrofit the plane at considerable cost to U.S. taxpayers; and (3) ultimately transfer it to President Trump’s library prior to the end of his term for his continued use in a personal capacity.

DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Congress has granted consent in only a narrow set of circumstances under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, and none of these circumstances are applicable here.

In addition to these serious constitutional and legal concerns, this foreign emolument – and DOD’s possible involvement in facilitating it – could present severe foreign influence and counterintelligence risks. It could entangle DOD in President Trump’s personal financial interests and conflicts of interest, warp DOD’s military recommendations and advice moving forward, and undermine public confidence in the Department.

Securing the plane against counterintelligence and surveillance risks, moreover, would be costly. Initial reporting suggests that the plane would need to be substantially retrofitted by a military contractor to ensure it meets necessary security and counterintelligence standards, which could take years to complete. DOD, and by extension U.S. taxpayers, would thereby bear the ultimate cost, which could be significant. This timeline, moreover, reinforces that such a gift is not, in fact, intended for official use. By the time the plane would be ready for President Trump’s use as part of the Air Force One fleet, we would likely be approaching the final stretch of President Trump’s final term in office, at which point the Department would likely be directed to transfer it to President Trump’s presidential library for his ultimate personal use.

Accordingly, we request that you initiate an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding DOD’s involvement to date in seeking to facilitate this foreign gift transfer and pursue a comprehensive audit and investigation to assess fraud, waste, and abuse if and when such a transfer occurs.

In doing so, we ask that you consider and provide an assessment of the following, including in classified form if needed:

•           the cost estimate and assessed timeline for retrofitting such an aircraft and installing communications and other equipment necessary to meet security and counterintelligence requirements for the Air Force One fleet;

•           the timeline, if any, that the White House has directed for this aircraft to be ready for the President’s use, whether necessary modifications can be made within such a timeframe to meet Air Force One standards, and what risks such a timeline could entail;

•           whether the existing contract for other Air Force One aircraft will continue or be terminated, including the cost of termination; and

•           the counterintelligence and security risks of incorporating this aircraft, provided by a foreign government, into the Air Force One fleet.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and to this request.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
India’s Operation Sindoor draws global support as new front against cross-border terrorism

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, India has mounted a decisive and strategic response aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorism. The attack, which drew widespread condemnation and grief across the country, prompted immediate and firm action by the Government of India, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving a range of diplomatic and military measures targeting Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.

Among the key diplomatic actions taken, India placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan verifiably ceases its support for cross-border terror activities. The Integrated Check Post at Attari was closed, and Pakistani nationals were barred from entering India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata, while the strength of both High Commissions was halved from 55 to 30 personnel.

As part of a precise military strategy, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a calibrated campaign designed to neutralize key terror camps across the border. Based on multi-agency intelligence, nine significant terror infrastructure sites, including those in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were identified and targeted through coordinated air and ground strikes. The operation was executed with high operational ethics, focusing exclusively on terrorist camps while taking all precautions to prevent civilian casualties.

Indian strikes successfully eliminated more than 100 terrorists and destroyed 11 air bases within Pakistan. Among those neutralized were high-value individuals linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad.

The strikes marked a shift in India’s strategy by targeting deep into Pakistani territory, including critical radar installations in Lahore and Gurjanwala. Additionally, coordinated missile attacks were carried out on terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Muzaffarabad and Kotli. Military bases housing Pakistan’s F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets at Sargodha and Bholari were hit, leading to the destruction of nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure.

India’s retaliatory operations were launched in response to not only the Pahalgam attack but also subsequent Pakistani provocations, including drone and missile attacks on Indian civilian and religious areas on the nights of May 7, 8, and 9. Indian forces successfully intercepted and neutralized these threats, reinforcing the country’s operational readiness and commitment to defending its sovereignty.

In a televised address on May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the resolve behind Operation Sindoor, calling it not just a military campaign but a reflection of the collective sentiment of the Indian people. He reiterated that terrorism would be met with decisive force, rejecting any possibility of dialogue or trade with Pakistan until terrorism is addressed. He stated unequivocally that water and blood cannot flow together and emphasized that the only issue India is willing to discuss is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

As Pakistani forces continued mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), India responded forcefully, targeting terrorist bunkers and Pakistani army positions. Unable to withstand the Indian response, Pakistan sought a ceasefire, with its Director General of Military Operations contacting his Indian counterpart. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, but Pakistan violated it soon after, sending drones into Indian territory, which were swiftly countered by Indian forces.

Despite the ceasefire at the borders, Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert to counter any future threats, with field commanders granted operational freedom to respond to provocations.

India’s robust and restrained response has garnered wide support from the international community. World powers have condemned the Pahalgam attack and endorsed India’s right to self-defense. The United Kingdom, Russia, Israel, the United States, France, Japan, and key Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar expressed solidarity with India. European Union member states, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Panama, and even Palestine joined the chorus of condemnation.

Each expressed their support for India’s fight against terrorism, with many recognizing Operation Sindoor as a legitimate and proportionate response. Iran’s President personally conveyed condolences to Prime Minister Modi, and global leaders have emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism.

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, McClain, Delaney, Moylan Introduce Legislation to Expand Leave Benefits for Military Families

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
May 12, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC)—and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) introduced legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. The Making it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Act would expand FMLA leave benefits for military family members who aren’t currently covered under the FMLA.
“It’s long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care for their servicemember or Veteran loved ones—who often have complex and unique medical needs as a result of their service,” said Senator Duckworth. “No servicemember should ever have to worry whether they and their loved ones will have the benefits needed to care for them after their service—it hurts our military readiness and recruiting. Supporting caregivers isn’t just about doing something humanitarian. It’s about the safety and security of our nation.”
“Over 14 million Americans care for injured servicemembers and veterans, yet current law leaves too many behind,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “The bipartisan MIL FMLA Act, which I’m proud to lead with Congressman Moylan, ensures all military caregivers—including domestic partners and extended family—can access the leave they deserve, without arbitrary restrictions. This bill is a step toward truly honoring the service and sacrifice of those who care for our nation’s heroes.”
“I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan MIL FMLA Act with Rep. McClain Delaney, which will address inequities that our veterans, servicemembers, and their families face every day,” said Congressman Moylan. “As the representative of the district with the highest level of enlistments per capita, and as a veteran myself, this bill addresses the countless underlying issues that affect our ability and willingness to serve. I look forward to working with Rep. McClain Delaney to deliver for those in our country who have served and currently serve our country.”
The MIL FMLA Act would address the gaps in FMLA that have left many military caregivers without adequate leave access by:
Adding reserve components and domestic deployments as covered active duty for family members;
Eliminating the requirement that military caregiver protections only apply to Veterans who served within the last five years;
Allowing military caregivers to utilize special military caregiver FMLA leave more than once;
Expanding military caregiver provisions to cover domestic partners and other close family members like aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandparents, grandchildren and other loved ones; and
Creating a new form of leave, specifically for Veterans who need extended time to address serious injuries or illnesses related to their service.
Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
Along with McClain Delaney and Moylan, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Johnny Olszewksi (D-MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) and Rasihda Tlaib (D-MI-12).
The legislation is endorsed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, National Military Family Association, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Center for American Progress (CAP), Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), Caregiver Action Network, National Partnership for Women & Families, VoteVets, Caring Across Generations, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), MomsRising, Family Values @ Work, Common Defense, A Better Balance, Truman National Security Project, Secure Families Initiative and Agency for Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA.
“The Making It Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access Act is a crucial step forward in helping those who make countless sacrifices for their country,” said Molly Weston Williamson, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. “Service members, veterans, and their loved ones deserve the time they need to respond to the effects of service. No one should have to risk their job in order to ensure they or their family can get the care they need or to address the impacts of deployment.”
Full text of the legislation is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
Duckworth has long been a leader in pushing for better benefits and support for members of the armed and uniformed services and their family members. In April, she introduced legislation that would help expand leave benefits for the millions of devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. Last year, she helped secure $2.9 billion to support family caregivers of disabled Veterans and $2.4 billion to expand benefits and services for military and Veteran caregivers to include health care and mental health services, among other things. Last month, she renewed her push to ensure IVF treatment costs are covered on servicemembers’ and military families’ health care plans. Last December, Duckworth helped pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that gave servicemembers a pay raise and included a Duckworth-led provision to improve access to high-quality medical care for servicemembers and their families in the Indo-Pacific region, among other wins for military families.
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MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Support U.S. Manufacturing, Bar Taxpayer Funds on Chinese-Made Buses and Rail Cars

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in introducing the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act to support American manufacturing and workers and stop the U.S. government from buying Chinese buses and rail cars. The bill will protect domestic transit supply chains from malign Chinese influence by preventing any U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds from being awarded for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars.

“When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers, not opening our checkbook to adversaries like China,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our workers and companies, keep the United States safe, and close a loophole that Chinese companies are exploiting to win government contracts and undercut American workers.”

“It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems, and we cannot let them succeed,” said Senator Cornyn. “By preventing American tax dollars from being used to purchase Chinese government transit buses or rail cars, our legislation would help protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from the CCP.”

“Companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party have no business receiving a penny of American federal taxpayer dollars,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The STOP China Act strengthens federal law meant to ensure that our transportation programs don’t fund these corporations and will help protect the jobs of hardworking Teamsters who manufacture buses against unfair state-sponsored competition.”

Congress passed the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (TIVSA), which prohibits companies with ties to China’s government from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to build U.S. rail cars and buses, as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

However, China has taken advantage of other government funds in the law to continue competing for transit business in the U.S. The STOP China Act would prevent any appropriated funds to the DOT from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses. It would also require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China.

In addition to Senator Baldwin, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The legislation is endorsed by Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.

Full text of the bill is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
Akash Missile, IACCS and Drones drive India’s defence success in Operation SINDOOR

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Operation SINDOOR has emerged as a major milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in national security, demonstrating the country’s growing technological and operational capabilities in countering asymmetric warfare. In the wake of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April, the Indian Armed Forces responded with precision and strategic restraint, targeting terrorist infrastructure without crossing the Line of Control or international boundaries.

On the night of 7–8 May 2025, multiple attempts were made by Pakistan to target military installations across Northern and Western India—including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj—using drones and missiles. These threats were effectively neutralised by India’s Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Grid and Air Defence mechanisms. The network of radars, control centres, low-level air defence guns, and both ground- and aircraft-launched missiles provided a coordinated and impenetrable shield, ensuring minimal damage.

In retaliation, on the morning of May 8, Indian forces targeted and disabled several Pakistani air defence systems, including a radar site in Lahore. This marked a significant operational success, achieved without loss of Indian assets. Indigenous systems, particularly the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile system, played a crucial role in neutralising threats. Designed to protect strategic locations from aerial attacks, the Akash system operated effectively in both autonomous and group modes, with the ability to simultaneously engage multiple targets. The system, fully mounted on mobile platforms, includes advanced electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities.

The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force provided the backbone for real-time coordination, enabling synchronized responses across multiple units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Offensive operations also saw the effective deployment of loitering munitions, also known as “suicide drones,” to target high-value Pakistani assets, including airbases at Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan. These precision strikes were completed within 23 minutes, highlighting the efficacy of India’s surveillance, planning, and jamming technologies, which successfully bypassed Chinese-origin Pakistani air defence systems.

Following the operation, Indian forces recovered debris from neutralised threats, including Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles, Turkish-origin UAVs, long-range rockets, quadcopters, and commercial drones, showcasing India’s ability to counter advanced foreign-supplied weaponry with indigenous air defence and electronic warfare systems.

In a press briefing on May 12, Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, outlined the layered defence architecture deployed during the operation. He noted that while strikes were carried out within Indian territory, Pakistan’s retaliatory response was anticipated. A combination of counter-UAS systems, shoulder-fired weapons, legacy air defence systems, and modern platforms was used to protect strategic and logistic assets. This multi-tiered approach ensured civilian and military infrastructure remained secure during attempted air incursions by Pakistan on the night of May 9–10.

India’s satellite capabilities also played a key role in the operation. On May 11, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that at least ten satellites were deployed round-the-clock to support strategic operations and national security. These systems provided constant monitoring of India’s 7,000-km coastline and its northern borders.

The success of Operation SINDOOR also reflects the growing strength of India’s drone ecosystem. The Drone Federation of India (DFI), representing over 550 companies and 5,500 drone pilots, has played a key role in promoting indigenous development, manufacturing, and deployment of drone and counter-drone technologies. Indian companies such as Alpha Design Technologies, Tata Advanced Systems, Paras Defence & Space Technologies, and IG Drones are at the forefront of defence-focused drone innovation.

The Indian drone market is expected to grow to $11 billion by 2030, representing over 12 percent of the global share. This growth has been supported by policy reforms, including the 2021 ban on imported drones and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drone and component manufacturing. The PLI scheme, with an outlay of ₹120 crore across three financial years, has accelerated domestic R&D and industrial output.

India’s broader defence manufacturing sector continues to expand under the Make in India initiative. In financial year 2023–24, indigenous defence production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore, while exports soared to ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25—a 34-fold increase since 2013–14. Strategic reforms and robust private-sector participation have led to the development of advanced platforms such as the Dhanush and ATAGS artillery systems, Arjun tanks, Light Specialist Vehicles, LCA Tejas, ALH, LUH, Akash missile systems, and various naval assets including indigenous aircraft carriers and submarines.

The government has also implemented initiatives such as iDEX, SRIJAN, and established Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to encourage innovation and facilitate production. Major acquisitions including the Prachand Light Combat Helicopters and the ATAGS artillery system reflect India’s commitment to indigenisation.

With defence exports surpassing ₹24,000 crore in FY 2024–25, the government now aims to reach ₹50,000 crore by 2029. India continues to work towards becoming a global defence export leader by 2047, supported by record procurement contracts and ongoing investment in innovation.

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Delivers Opening Statement at East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Hearing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40), chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, delivered an opening statement at today’s hearing titled, “National Economic Security: Advancing U.S. Interests Abroad.” 

Watch her remarks HERE or read her opening statement below.

Good morning and welcome to the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee’s hearing on “National Economic Security: Advancing U.S. Interests Abroad.” 

In 2019, Ambassador William Burns, one of our most decorated diplomats and the former CIA Director, described the Department of State as “adrift.” 

Over the years, the Department has had trouble finding its purpose as functions and authorities have been stripped away or absorbed by the National Security Council, Department of Defense, and even agencies traditionally focused on domestic issues. 

For more than 170 years, economic statecraft was led by the Department of State. This changed in 1961 when President Kennedy sought to expand the administrative state, pulling functions and authorities out of the Department to create new agencies and organizations, including the United States Trade Representative which would be responsible for conducting all U.S. trade and investment diplomacy.  

The justification for pulling these trade and investment functions out of the Department was to improve the Government’s capacity to prioritize and support U.S. businesses, strengthen the export performance of U.S. industry, and assure fair international trade practices. 

However, it has effectively split our economic interests from our diplomatic priorities, which has resulted in several challenges: 

First, it has not helped increase the ability of U.S. businesses to access foreign markets.  

In practice, the Foreign Commercial Service (F-C-S) and Foreign Agricultural Service (F-A-S) officers are few in number and often positioned at U.S. embassies without alignment to our foreign policy priorities.   

When I travel abroad, I routinely meet with FCS personnel who explain that they spend most of their time engaged in trade shows and organizing events with minimal direct work on increasing and securing market access for American businesses.  

Because they are siloed off from our diplomatic efforts of the Department of State, they’re restricted in leveraging the other tools in our diplomatic toolkit to assist American companies.  

Second, the American market has been left susceptible to predatory foreign competition.  

Our ability to protect American businesses and workers has been severely hampered, leading to calls from across the country for the Executive to act and repatriate entire industries and sectors. 

 

President Trump, like his predecessors, has repeatedly said that “economic policy IS foreign policy.”   Unfortunately, we have not implemented the structural reforms needed to mobilize that sentiment.   

Even President Obama asked Congress for the authority to consolidate six agencies with trade and investment functions in 2012; this request was not supported by Congress. 

Bipartisan administrations have independently come to the same conclusion: the current alignment of functions and agencies charged with leading our economic statecraft effort is in need of structural reform. 

I agree that “economic security is national security”, and the key question we will be asking today is: what structural reforms are necessary to reflect this prioritization?  

We intend to answer that question in the Committee’s first comprehensive State Authorization legislation in more than 20 years.  

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Willingness to Accept Lavish $400M Jet From Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
05.14.25
Cantwell, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Willingness to Accept Lavish $400M Jet From Qatar
Amid administration’s claims of rooting out fraud and mismanagement, Trump indicates intent to accept 747 jet as a gift
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 26 of her colleagues in formally condemning President Donald Trump’s willingness to accept a $400 million 747 jet from Qatar – to be used as a new Air Force One plane in the meantime, and then gifted to the Trump Presidential Library after he leaves office.
“The Senate condemns violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress,” the resolution states.
The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and was cosponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).
The full text of the resolution is HERE and below.
Condemning violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress
Whereas the aircraft commonly referred to as Air Force One is a symbol of the United States;
Whereas Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Office of the President of the United States;
Whereas Air Force One is equipped with some of the most sensitive technologies designed to transmit some of the most highly classified national security information of the nation;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government constitutes a substantial gift;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government poses counter-intelligence and other national security concerns;
Whereas the acceptance of a substantial gift from a foreign government could unduly influence the foreign policies of the United States;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government would establish a concerning precedent for the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments without the consent of Congress;
Whereas the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution states that no present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind, may be accepted by the President of the United States from a King, Prince, or foreign State without the consent of Congress;
Whereas the President of the United States has a constitutional and statutory obligation to uphold the public trust;
Whereas the violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution undermines public trust and the integrity of public office in the United States.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Senate condemns violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Naval Special Warfare Commander Testifies Before Texas Legislature, Highlighting Heroism of Fallen Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram

Source: United States Navy

AUSTIN, Texas – Rear Adm. Jamie Sands, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, testified before the Texas State Legislature today at the Texas State Capitol, advocating for the posthumous award of the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Nathan Gage Ingram.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Institute for Nanoscience Hosts Annual Proposal Planning Meeting

Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Institute for Nanoscience at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) hosted its annual proposal planning meeting April 15, bringing together researchers from across the Lab to share ideas and build collaborations in support of future research initiatives.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Continuing Promise 2025 Set to Begin

Source: United States Navy

MAYPORT, Florida – The U.S. Navy Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy this June-August to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2025 mission. After several months of detailed planning, USNS Comfort is scheduled to visit Grenada, Panama, Colombia,
Ecuador, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic during the nearly three month-long mission.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $1.2 Trillion Economic Commitment in Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
MAKING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION GREAT AGAIN: Today in Qatar, President Donald J. Trump signed an agreement with Qatar to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion. President Trump also announced economic deals totaling more than $243.5 billion between the United States and Qatar, including an historic sale of Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways.
The landmark deals celebrated today will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age.
Since President Trump took office, his commitment to American manufacturing and innovation has attracted trillions of dollars in investments and global commercial deals. Allies like Qatar are partnering in the United States’ success.
The following represent just a few of the many groundbreaking deals secured in Qatar:
Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a landmark order from Qatar Airways, a $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. This is Boeing’s largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order. This historic agreement will support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, totaling over 1 million jobs in the United States during the course of production and delivery of this deal.
McDermott has a strong partnership with Qatar Energy in advancing critical energy infrastructure, with seven active projects worth $8.5 billion. As the sole provider of offshore components for Qatar’s major LNG expansion, McDermott’s work directly supports thousands of U.S. energy sector jobs.
Parsons has successfully won 30 projects worth up to $97 billion. These high-value engagements have fueled significant company growth, supporting thousands of jobs across the United States and reinforcing American leadership in cutting-edge engineering and innovation.
Quantinuum finalized a Joint Venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, a prominent Qatari company, to invest up to $1 billion in state-of-the-art quantum technologies and workforce development in the United States, supporting U.S. jobs and leadership in this critical emerging technology.

Today’s signings mark President Trump’s intent to accelerate Qatar’s defense investment in the U.S.-Qatar security partnership—enhancing regional deterrence and benefitting the U.S. industrial base.
The defense deals secured today lock in Qatar’s procurement of state-of-the-art military equipment from two leading U.S. defense companies.
Raytheon, an RTX business, secured a $1 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of counter-drone capabilities, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal establishes Qatar as the first international customer for Raytheon’s Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) designed to counter unmanned aircraft. The deal directly supports high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in the United States and reinforces America’s leadership in innovative defense technologies.
General Atomics secured a nearly $2 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal will strengthen the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship and provide the Qatari Armed Forces with the most advanced multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft in the world, powered by U.S. products made in America.
The United States and Qatar also signed a statement of intent to further strengthen our security partnership, outlining over $38 billion in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base and future defense capabilities related to air defense and maritime security.

These new agreements and instruments aim to drive the growth of the U.S.-Qatar bilateral commercial relationship, create thousands of well-paying jobs, and open new trade and investment opportunities for both countries over the coming decade and beyond.
CATALYZING PROSPERITY THROUGH GREATER TRADE AND INVESTMENT: The United States and Qatar have a long history of trade and a strong commercial relationship, including significant long-term aviation, critical infrastructure, information technology, and consulting deals.
Qatar’s strategic goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030 create opportunities for U.S. businesses in multiple sectors.
The United States had a $2 billion trade surplus with Qatar in 2024 and has had a positive trade balance with Qatar since 2003.
In 2024, U.S.-Qatar trade totaled $5.64 billion, with $3.8 billion in U.S. exports and $1.8 billion in Qatari imports.
Qatar’s greenfield investment in the United States totaled $3.3 billion in 2023, focused on hotels and tourism, information technology, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and oil and gas.

This visit advances opportunities for U.S. companies to expand long-standing partnerships and for Qatari entities to embrace U.S. technologies, adopt best practices, and finalize new agreements for significant sales and investments.
Qatar has made significant investments in the United States across hotels and tourism, financial services, technology, healthcare, and energy, with plans to invest even more over the next five years. These investments strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting good-paying jobs for millions of American workers, expanding U.S. exports, and funding research and development.
Qatar has the third largest proven reserves of natural gas in the world, and has invested in American energy infrastructure, directly contributing to U.S. energy security and industrial resilience.
Starting in 2019, QatarEnergy initiated $18 billion in investments in the U.S. energy sector with ExxonMobil’s Golden Pass LNG Terminal ($10 billion) and Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Golden Triangle Polymers Plant ($8 billion), both located on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Qatar is our 12th largest Foreign Military Sales partner with active cases valued at more than $26 billion.
Qatar’s expansive investment in and trade with the United States contribute to U.S. and Qatari economic growth and prosperity, and Qatar’s choice of U.S. industry’s best-fit solutions supports the U.S. strategic goal of growing our industrial presence throughout the Gulf and the region as a whole.
THE ART OF THE DEAL: President Trump is securing billions in investments to revitalize American manufacturing, delivering on his promise to bring back “Made in America” and usher in a new Golden Age of prosperity.
Today’s announcement builds on yesterday’s $600 billion investment commitment secured in Saudi Arabia.
It also follows the announcement of an historic trade agreement with the United Kingdom and a joint agreement with China to reduce reciprocal tariffs.
By securing these investments, President Trump is spurring a manufacturing renaissance, driving economic growth, and creating high-paying jobs across the nation.
Prior to this historic deal, President Trump had already attracted trillions in U.S.-based investments, laying the foundation for an era of unprecedented American prosperity.
President Trump is building on his record of success with Qatar, exemplified by his leadership in the 2019 GE Aerospace GEnx engine sale to power Qatar Airways’ then-newly acquired Boeing 787-9 aircraft—a monumental purchase in the history of both companies.
As the dealmaker in chief, President Trump’s latest achievement in Qatar is another win for America.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $1.2 Trillion Economic Commitment in Qatar
Source: The White House
MAKING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION GREAT AGAIN: Today in Qatar, President Donald J. Trump signed an agreement with Qatar to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion. President Trump also announced economic deals totaling more than $243.5 billion between the United States and Qatar, including an historic sale of Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways.
- The landmark deals celebrated today will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age.
- Since President Trump took office, his commitment to American manufacturing and innovation has attracted trillions of dollars in investments and global commercial deals. Allies like Qatar are partnering in the United States’ success.
- The following represent just a few of the many groundbreaking deals secured in Qatar:
  
  Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a landmark order from Qatar Airways, a $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. This is Boeing’s largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order. This historic agreement will support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, totaling over 1 million jobs in the United States during the course of production and delivery of this deal.
  
  McDermott has a strong partnership with Qatar Energy in advancing critical energy infrastructure, with seven active projects worth $8.5 billion. As the sole provider of offshore components for Qatar’s major LNG expansion, McDermott’s work directly supports thousands of U.S. energy sector jobs.
  
  Parsons has successfully won 30 projects worth up to $97 billion. These high-value engagements have fueled significant company growth, supporting thousands of jobs across the United States and reinforcing American leadership in cutting-edge engineering and innovation.
  
  Quantinuum finalized a Joint Venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, a prominent Qatari company, to invest up to $1 billion in state-of-the-art quantum technologies and workforce development in the United States, supporting U.S. jobs and leadership in this critical emerging technology.
- Today’s signings mark President Trump’s intent to accelerate Qatar’s defense investment in the U.S.-Qatar security partnership—enhancing regional deterrence and benefitting the U.S. industrial base.
  
  The defense deals secured today lock in Qatar’s procurement of state-of-the-art military equipment from two leading U.S. defense companies.
  
  Raytheon, an RTX business, secured a $1 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of counter-drone capabilities, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal establishes Qatar as the first international customer for Raytheon’s Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) designed to counter unmanned aircraft. The deal directly supports high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in the United States and reinforces America’s leadership in innovative defense technologies.
  
  General Atomics secured a nearly $2 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal will strengthen the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship and provide the Qatari Armed Forces with the most advanced multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft in the world, powered by U.S. products made in America.
  
  The United States and Qatar also signed a statement of intent to further strengthen our security partnership, outlining over $38 billion in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base and future defense capabilities related to air defense and maritime security.
- These new agreements and instruments aim to drive the growth of the U.S.-Qatar bilateral commercial relationship, create thousands of well-paying jobs, and open new trade and investment opportunities for both countries over the coming decade and beyond.
CATALYZING PROSPERITY THROUGH GREATER TRADE AND INVESTMENT: The United States and Qatar have a long history of trade and a strong commercial relationship, including significant long-term aviation, critical infrastructure, information technology, and consulting deals.
- Qatar’s strategic goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030 create opportunities for U.S. businesses in multiple sectors.
- The United States had a $2 billion trade surplus with Qatar in 2024 and has had a positive trade balance with Qatar since 2003.
  
  In 2024, U.S.-Qatar trade totaled $5.64 billion, with $3.8 billion in U.S. exports and $1.8 billion in Qatari imports.
  
  Qatar’s greenfield investment in the United States totaled $3.3 billion in 2023, focused on hotels and tourism, information technology, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and oil and gas.
- This visit advances opportunities for U.S. companies to expand long-standing partnerships and for Qatari entities to embrace U.S. technologies, adopt best practices, and finalize new agreements for significant sales and investments.
  
  Qatar has made significant investments in the United States across hotels and tourism, financial services, technology, healthcare, and energy, with plans to invest even more over the next five years. These investments strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting good-paying jobs for millions of American workers, expanding U.S. exports, and funding research and development.
  
  Qatar has the third largest proven reserves of natural gas in the world, and has invested in American energy infrastructure, directly contributing to U.S. energy security and industrial resilience.
  
  Starting in 2019, QatarEnergy initiated $18 billion in investments in the U.S. energy sector with ExxonMobil’s Golden Pass LNG Terminal ($10 billion) and Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Golden Triangle Polymers Plant ($8 billion), both located on the Texas Gulf Coast.
- Qatar is our 12th largest Foreign Military Sales partner with active cases valued at more than $26 billion.
- Qatar’s expansive investment in and trade with the United States contribute to U.S. and Qatari economic growth and prosperity, and Qatar’s choice of U.S. industry’s best-fit solutions supports the U.S. strategic goal of growing our industrial presence throughout the Gulf and the region as a whole.
THE ART OF THE DEAL: President Trump is securing billions in investments to revitalize American manufacturing, delivering on his promise to bring back “Made in America” and usher in a new Golden Age of prosperity.
- Today’s announcement builds on yesterday’s $600 billion investment commitment secured in Saudi Arabia.
- It also follows the announcement of an historic trade agreement with the United Kingdom and a joint agreement with China to reduce reciprocal tariffs.
- By securing these investments, President Trump is spurring a manufacturing renaissance, driving economic growth, and creating high-paying jobs across the nation.
- Prior to this historic deal, President Trump had already attracted trillions in U.S.-based investments, laying the foundation for an era of unprecedented American prosperity.
- President Trump is building on his record of success with Qatar, exemplified by his leadership in the 2019 GE Aerospace GEnx engine sale to power Qatar Airways’ then-newly acquired Boeing 787-9 aircraft—a monumental purchase in the history of both companies.
- As the dealmaker in chief, President Trump’s latest achievement in Qatar is another win for America.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dstl’s pivotal role in StormShroud uncrewed aircraft capability
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Dstl’s pivotal role in StormShroud uncrewed aircraft capability

New autonomous platform set to boost UK defence capability, economic growth and job creation.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has played a crucial role in developing StormShroud, a new uncrewed aircraft system recently announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to Leonardo UK’s Luton site.

StormShroud is the first of a new family of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) designed to make RAF combat aircraft more survivable and more lethal in contested battlespaces.

The system consists of the TEKEVER AR3 uncrewed air platform integrated with Leonardo’s BriteStorm Electronic Warfare payload. It offers increased survivability to RAF jets and crew through disruption and deception of enemy radars.

Dr Paul Hollinshead, Chief Executive of Dstl, said:

“This achievement demonstrates how Dstl’s world-class research directly contributes to operational advantage for our Armed Forces.

“StormShroud represents our commitment to delivering mission-winning science and technology at pace, supporting both mission success and economic growth through close collaboration with industry partners.”

StormShroud has been a collaborative effort involving the following:

Dstl

RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)

UK defence industry partners

RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton called the announcement:

“This is a seminal moment for the RAF to maintain our advantage in Air Combat and national security. Autonomous Collaborative Platforms will revolutionise how we conduct a range of missions, from intelligence gathering to strike and logistical support.”

Dstl’s contribution

Dstl has delivered significant impact at all levels of the project through:

world-class research, technical expertise and advice on electronic warfare capabilities

embedded technical leadership within the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office and Air and Space Warfare Centre

operational analysis informing RAF requirements

trials event design, participation and analysis

Creating jobs and boosting the economy

The StormShroud project is creating significant economic benefits across the UK, which include:

supporting over 300 high-skilled jobs in the British defence technology sector

creating a supply chain involving more than 45 UK small and medium-sized enterprises

generating an estimated £175 million in economic activity over the next 5 years

establishing the UK as a global leader in autonomous defence technology, opening export opportunities

developing transferable skills and technologies with applications in civilian sectors

The announcement reinforces defence’s commitment to integrating autonomous systems in future forces, aligning with the Defence Drone Strategy, RAF Autonomous Collaborative Platforms Strategy, and across the Front Line Commands.

Dstl continues to support StormShroud development and future Air Domain ACP capabilities through various projects that aim to enhance coherence and drive exploitation of technology in this field.

Find out more about how Dstl delivers mission success through science and technology advantage.

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Published 14 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Kim Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on National Economic Security

Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Media Contact 202-321-9747

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “National Economic Security, Advancing US Interests Abroad.”

Watch Here

-Remarks-

Good morning and welcome to the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittees, national security, national economic security advancing U.S. interests abroad. In 2019, William Burns, one of our most decorated diplomats and former CIA director described the Department of State as adrift. Over the years, the department has had trouble finding its purpose as functions and authorities have been stripped away or absorbed by the National Security Council, Department of Defense, and even agencies traditionally focused on domestic issues.

For more than 170 years, economic statecraft was led by the Department of State. This changed in 1961 when President Kennedy sought to expand the administrative state, pulling functions and authorities out of the department to create new agencies and organizations, including the United States Trade Representative, which would be responsible for conducting all US trade and investment diplomacy. The justification for pulling these trade and investment functions out of the department was to improve the government’s capacity to prioritize and support US businesses, strengthen the export performance of U.S. industry and assure fair international trade practices. However, it has effectively split our economic interests from our diplomatic priorities, which has resulted in several challenges.

First challenge is that it has not helped to increase the ability of U.S. businesses to access foreign markets. In practice, the foreign commercial service and foreign agriculture service officers are few in number and often positioned at U.S. embassies without alignment to our foreign policy priorities. When I travel abroad, I routinely meet with FCS personnel who explain that they spend most of their time engaged in trade shows and organizing events with minimal direct work on increasing and securing market access for American businesses. Because they are siloed off from our diplomatic efforts of the Department of State, they are restricted in leveraging the other tools in our diplomatic toolkit to assist American companies.

Second challenge is that the American market has been left susceptible to predatory foreign competition. Our ability to protect American businesses and workers has been severely hampered, leading to calls from across the country for the executive to act and repatriate entire industries and sectors. President Trump, like his predecessors, has repeatedly said that economic security, economic policy is foreign policy. Unfortunately, we have not implemented the structural reforms needed to mobilize that sentiment.

Even President Obama asked Congress for the authority to consolidate six agencies with trade and investment functions in 2012. This request was not supported by Congress. Bipartisan administrations have independently come to the same conclusion. The current alignment of functions and agencies charged with leading our economic statecraft effort is in need of structural reform. I agree that economic security is national security, and the key question we’ll be asking today is what structural reforms are necessary to reflect this prioritization. So we intend to answer that question in our committee’s first comprehensive state authorization legislation that we will be doing in more than 20 years.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Michigan Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Attack Military Base on Behalf of ISIS

Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

Headline: Michigan Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Attack Military Base on Behalf of ISIS

A Melvindale man – and former member of the Michigan Army National Guard – was arrested today after he attempted to carry out a plan to conduct a mass-shooting at a U.S. military base in Warren, Michigan, on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Engineering Team Assesses Colón, Panama’s Infrastructure Challenges, Strengthening Bilateral Partnership

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

A team from the U.S. Army’s 553rd Forward Engineer Support Team-Advance (FEST-A) drove around important parts of the city of Colón, Panama, surveying the stormwater and wastewater systems on May 13, 2025. The survey was designed to find ways to bolster the ongoing partnership between the United States and Panama while addressing one of Panama’s largest city’s long-standing infrastructure issues.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: XenDex Prepares to Reveal Full Platform Mockup Design as $XDX Presale Nears Final Countdown
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SYDNEY, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XenDex, the first all-in-one decentralized exchange on the XRP Ledger, is proud to announce that its full platform is actively in development, and a first-look mockup design is set to be revealed in a few hours.

With all core features being built into a sleek, user-friendly interface, XenDex is delivering what no other XRPL-based project has offered to date: a unified DeFi experience that combines AI-powered copy trading, non-custodial lending and borrowing, staking, cross-chain trading, and DAO governance, all within a single platform.

Purchase $XDX At A low Price

XenDex Platform Preview Coming Soon

To demonstrate the depth of development underway, XenDex will release visual mockups of the upcoming platform, giving investors and community members an exclusive preview of how the platform will look, feel, and function.

From live trading interfaces to lending dashboards, staking portals, and AI copy trading modules, this upcoming design reveal will provide a clear glimpse into the future of decentralized finance on XRP.

Buy $XDX Now & Earn Rewards

Why You Should Join the $XDX Presale Before It’s Too Late

As development accelerates, the $XDX token presale is rapidly approaching sellout, and the current entry price will not last much longer.
- Current Rate: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
- Minimum Buy: 150 XRP
- Soft Cap: Reached
Buy Now Before Presale Ends: https://xendex.net/presale

Once sold out, the next chance to acquire $XDX will be on major centralized exchanges, at a significantly higher price.

$XDX: The Utility Token Powering XenDex

The $XDX token unlocks full access to all features on the XenDex platform, including:
- Governance voting
- Reduced trading & borrowing fees
- Staking rewards & liquidity incentives
- Copy trading integration
- Collateral for lending protocols
- Priority access to new features and airdrops
Buy XDX Before Listing On Exchange

XenDex Platform Key Features
- AI-Powered Copy Trading – Mirror professional traders to maximize gains
- Lending & Borrowing – Borrow and lend XRP and $XDX with smart contract security
- Cross-Chain Trading – Swap XRP with tokens across BNB Chain, Solana, and more
- Staking & Yield Farming – Earn while supporting platform liquidity
- DAO Governance – $XDX holders vote on upgrades, proposals, and token listings
With its clean, mobile-friendly design, XenDex is being built to onboard everyone, from DeFi beginners to institutional traders.

Join the XenDex Movement

Website: https://xendex.net
Presale: https://xendex.net/presale
Telegram: https://t.me/xendexcommunity
Twitter/X: https://x.com/xendex_xrp
Docs: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

Contact:
Frank Richards
Frank@xendex.net

Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aefbc255-de35-4f03-a6ec-b8786296bf8d

The MIL Network –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Mullin Applauds President Trump’s Trip to the Middle East, Slams Democrat Senator Chris Murphy for his Hypocrisy on Fox Business

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

ICYMI: Senator Mullin Applauds President Trump’s Trip to the Middle East, Slams Democrat Senator Chris Murphy for his Hypocrisy on Fox Business

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Fox Business’ “Varney & Company” to discuss President Trump’s visit to the Middle East and Democrat Senator Chris Murphy’s (D-CT) blatant hypocrisy. Highlights below.

Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
On President Trump possibly attending the upcoming meeting between Russia and Ukraine:
“The President is being recognized around the world as the chief dealmaker, and Zelensky is very smart by saying he wants him at the table. However, there’s some real differences in what the proposal for a peace deal that Zelensky has put on the table and what Putin has put on the table, and unless there’s actually a path forward to possibly getting a peace deal, I don’t see President Trump getting there. However, if President Trump showed up, I would say that there’s probably a 90% chance that a peace deal would be part of the deal before he left.”
On Senator Chris Murphy’s hypocrisy:
“First of all, I have to address Chris Murphy here, because Chris Murphy is a man that lacks integrity at this point. I could understand if Chris was willing to call out the Bidens when they set up 20 plus shell companies to funnel millions, literally over $25 million through, which had no assets coming from foreign entities, just simply to have access to then, at that time, the Vice President Biden and President Biden when he was in office.”
“If Chris Murphy wants to actually show that he has integrity, then call it for what it is. The fact is, he’s willing to do and say whatever it takes to actually get the nod from the Democrats to run for President in 2028. That’s all Chris Murphy is doing. He’s auditioning right now. And what can he talk about, right? He can’t talk about the successes of President Trump. He can’t talk the fact that President Trump is actually restructuring the tariff deals that’s going to put our economy and our future workers in the driver’s seat again, which we’ve been neglecting for the last 30 years. He can’t talk about the rally of the stock market. He can’t talk about the foreign affairs that President Trump is taking by peace through strength instead of Biden’s, peace through appeasement.”
On American leadership returning to the Middle East:
“And what is happening right now with President Trump going to the Middle East, is the Middle East is begging for a leader. We saw a lackluster leader in Biden when he was president, and after the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, we left a lot of our partners in the Middle East holding a bag saying, ‘Where is the United States?’ Remember, UAE was the only country in the Middle East that actually fought along with us in Afghanistan… And what did the Biden administration do when they got in office? They pulled out of the F-35 bill that President Trump put in place. What did we do to Saudi Arabia? Instead of negotiating with Saudi Arabia with arms deals, we started negotiating with Iran and gave them billions of dollars on a, literally, pallet that we flew there in an Air Force plane. It is absurd.”
“President Trump, right now is restructuring that order, saying our friends and allies in the Middle East, we’re here for you, and we want to show our gratitude and appreciation for what you’ve done for us and hopefully normalize relationships inside the Middle East, with Israel and Saudi Arabia.”
On the 747 jet from Qatar:
“The way the Left is blowing this up is just to distract from the success that President Trump has had in his 120 days in office. This is an absolute nothing burger, as we would say, and the fact that they’re making a big deal out of this is absurd. I want to point out something too that a lot of people isn’t talking about the negotiation on the 747 was actually started underneath the Biden administration, but they couldn’t close the deal. There’s a whole lot more to the story that we can get to at a different point but the fact that they’re wanting to gift it to the United States, we would be absolutely absurd not to take the gift.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: What is a Army Reserve Readiness Division? | Army Legacy

Source: US Army (video statements)

As we celebrate 250 years of the U.S. Army, we can’t forget our Soldiers in the Reserve! Take a look at one of its Readiness Divisions, who are responsible for keeping our Reserve forces in warfighting shape.

Video by Sgt. Nataja Ford

About the U.S. Army:

The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

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MIL OSI Video –

May 15, 2025