NewzIntel.com

Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Video: Violence against humanitarian workers hits record – Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

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    Addressing the Security Council, Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator reported, “Humanitarian workers are being killed in unprecedented numbers. According to available data, 2024 was the worst year on record, with 377 aid workers killed across 20 countries. This was almost 100 more fatalities than in 2023, which already saw a 137 percent increase from 2022.”

    She continued, “And just three days ago, on 30 March in Rafah, teams from OCHA and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society recovered from a mass grave the bodies of fifteen emergency and aid workers—from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Civil Defense, and the United Nations—killed several days earlier by Israeli forces while trying to save lives. Their clearly marked vehicles were found destroyed and crushed.”

    She stressed, “These deaths bring the number of aid workers killed in the Strip since 7 October 2023 to more than 408. Gaza is the most dangerous place for humanitarians ever.”

    She stated, “There is no shortage of robust international legal frameworks to protect humanitarian and UN workers. Human rights law and standards, Conventions relating to the UN’s activities and personnel, and international humanitarian law together provide clear obligations to safeguard humanitarian personnel, assets, and operations. What is lacking is the political will to comply.”

    She also said, “Humanitarians also face the criminalization of their work. More and more are detained, interrogated, and accused of supporting terrorism simply for delivering aid to people in need.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQP_BvrF9DM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza: What’s happening defies decency, humanity, law – OCHA Presser | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Mr. Jonathan Whittall, OCHA’s Head of Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, on Gaza.

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    “What is happening here defies decency, it defies humanity, it defies the law,” a UN humanitarian official said Wednesday, describing mounting horrors in Gaza as a “war without limits.”

    Briefing reporters in New York via video call, Jonathan Whittall, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, recounted a recent mission to Rafah, where he and colleagues uncovered a mass grave containing the bodies of medics. “These were medical workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the Civil Defense, still in their uniforms, still wearing gloves, they were killed while trying to save lives,” he said. “The ambulances were hit one by one as they advanced, as they acted into Rafah.”

    Whittall said the site was marked by crushed emergency vehicles, including a fire truck and a UN car. The incident, he said, was only one in a “parade” of horrors. In the past two weeks alone “UN premises have been shelled with tank fire, killing one of our colleagues and seriously injuring others. We’ve had international aid compounds and hospitals that have been hit,” he said. “People have been bombed at food distribution points where aid workers have also been killed.”

    Since the collapse of a ceasefire two weeks ago, forced displacement has surged, Whittall said, with about 100,000 people fleeing Rafah in the past 48 hours alone – many under fire. “I saw some of them in the same mission that I described at the beginning… running towards us and being shot in their backs,” he said.

    According to OCHA, 64 percent of Gaza is now under forced evacuation. “Nowhere and no one is safe in Gaza,” Whittall said. “My colleagues tell me that they just want to die with their families. Their worst fear is to survive alone.”

    Whittall also spoke about a total aid blockade. “Today, unfortunately, marks one month without any supplies entering into Gaza,” he said. “That’s one month of no food, no fuel, no aid, nothing has entered. So, 2.5 million people are trapped, bombed, starved.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbYlCqAdv3A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: #wintersportsclinic Downhill Daily | Thurs 4/3

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Your Thursday #wintersportsclinic Downhill Daily includes a quick look at Veterans participating in fly fishing. Ron Haskell, comms guy, prompts Veterans with some fun questions about their military experience. Finally, get to know Army Veteran Wendy Clouser and her service dog Lilah.

    #sports4vets #DAV

    To learn how you can volunteer, or to learn more, visit www.wintersportsclinic.org

    This video was created by the NDVWSC Media Team.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Soyuz MS-27 Launch

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    NASA astronaut Jonny Kim is set to lift off on his first mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, April 8. Launch is scheduled for 1:47 a.m. EDT (0547 UTC) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

    Kim was selected to become a NASA astronaut in 2017; before joining NASA’s astronaut corps, Kim completed more than 100 combat operations as a Navy SEAL. A dual-designated naval aviator and flight surgeon, Kim received his doctorate in medicine from Harvard Medical School.

    Kim will launch aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, accompanied by cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, where they will spend approximately eight months on the International Space Station before returning to Earth in December. Kim will serve as a flight engineer and member of the Expedition 72/73 crew, supporting scientific research to help us learn how to live in space while making life better back on Earth.

    After liftoff, MS-27 is scheduled to dock with the station at 5:03 a.m. EST (0903 UTC), with hatch opening at approximately 7:20 a.m. EST (1120 UTC). Watch live rendezvous coverage on NASA: https://plus.nasa.gov

    Get the latest mission updates: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/

    Credit: NASA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC807gzD9l8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: #wintersportsclinic 88-year-old Veteran learns to ski again

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Vietnam era Army Veteran Robert Daehler actively skied until the age of 85. After facing an injury that left him paralyzed, Daehler dedicated years to regain his mobility and with the help from VA Palo Alto Occupational Therapists, is now walking. Now, at 88, he has returned to the Winter Sports Clinic for a second year, rekindling his beloved passion alongside fellow Veterans and family members.

    #sports4vets #DAV

    To learn how you can volunteer, or to learn more, visit www.wintersportsclinic.org

    This video was created by the NDVWSC Media Team.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024)

    Source: Government of India

    12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024)

    Legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively

    Legal Aid System

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

    National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society including beneficiaries covered under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. This Act ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. In addition, NALSA has also formulated various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes, which are implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at various levels i.e. State, District and Taluka level. During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services.

    Government is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026), at an outlay of Rs. 250 crores. The DISHA scheme aims to provide easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric delivery of legal services through the Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programme. Under the DISHA scheme, Tele- Law connects citizens with the lawyers through mobile app “Tele- Law” and Toll-Free number for rendering pre-litigation advice; Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono services) facilitates registered beneficiaries to avail pro bono legal representation in courts and under the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, citizens are empowered to know, understand and avail their legal rights, duties and entitlements. Till 28th February 2025, DISHA scheme through its various programmes has covered approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country.

    The Government of India is implementing another Central Sector Scheme namely; Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through NALSA. LADCS Scheme aims to provide legal aid with regard to criminal cases only to the beneficiaries eligible for legal aid under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. The approved financial outlay of LADCS scheme is Rs. 998.43 crore for 3 years (F.Y. 2023-24 to F.Y. 2025-26). As on 30th December 2024, LADC offices are functional in 654 districts across the country and has engaged 5251 staff including 3448 Defense Counsels. During the year 2024-25 (upto December, 2024), LADCS offices dealt more than 3.95 lakh criminal cases.

    Legal awareness programmes are held across the country by Legal Service Authorities on various laws and schemes relating to children, labourers, victims of disaster, SC and ST, persons suffering from disability, etc. Legal Services Authorities also prepare booklets and pamphlets in simple language on various laws and are distributed amongst the people. 12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024) which were attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively.

    This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram  Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    Samrat/Allen

    (Release ID: 2118245) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services

    Source: Government of India

    During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services

    Government implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026) for Rs. 250 crores

    Government of India is implementing Central Sector Scheme Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through National Legal Services Authority

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Legislative Department is mandated with drafting of laws on the basis of the policy decision taken by the concerned administrative Ministries/Department of the Government of India and as per the procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in the Manual of Parliamentary Procedure in the Government of India. The Legislative Department has been taking necessary steps to ensure that legislative drafting is simple, plain, precise and unambiguous. The Institute of Legislative Drafting and Research offers training in legislative drafting with the focus on drafting the legislations in simple/plain language to make it accessible for the general public.

    As part of the resolve of the Government of India to reduce such compliance burden, bring reforms in the legal system and make it more accessible to the common man, so far, a total number of 1562 obsolete and redundant laws have been repealed through various Repealing and Amending Acts.                        

    The Law Commission of India has also been mandated to review and suggest reforms in the laws of the country. As per notification dated 02.09.2024 the   Twenty-third Law Commission of India was constituted with the mandate, inter-alia to identify laws which are no longer needed or relevant and can be immediately repealed, examine the existing laws for promoting gender equality and suggesting amendments thereto and revise the Central Acts of general importance so as to simplify them and to remove anomalies, ambiguities and inequities.

    The National Legal Services Authority was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society including beneficiaries covered under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This Act ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. In addition, National Legal Services Authority has also formulated various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes, which are implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at various levels i.e. State, District and Taluka level.  During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services.

    Government is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026), at an outlay of Rs. 250 crores.

    The DISHA scheme aims to provide easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric delivery of legal services through the Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programme. Under the DISHA scheme, Tele-Law connects citizens with the lawyers through mobile app “Tele-Law” and Toll-Free number for rendering pre-litigation advice; Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono services) facilitates registered beneficiaries to avail pro bono legal representation in courts and under the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, citizens are empowered to know, understand and avail their legal rights, duties and entitlements. Till 28th February 2025, DISHA scheme through its various programmes has covered approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country.

    The Government of India is implementing another Central Sector Scheme that is the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through National Legal Services Authority. LADCS Scheme aims to provide legal aid with regard to criminal cases only to the beneficiaries eligible for legal aid under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The approved financial outlay of LADCS scheme is Rs. 998.43 crore for 3 years (F.Y. 2023-24 to F.Y. 2025-26). As on 30th December 2024, LADC offices are functional in 654 districts across the country and has engaged 5251 staff including 3448 Defense Counsels. During the year 2024-25 (upto December, 2024), LADCS offices dealt more than 3.95 lakh criminal cases.

    Lok Adalats are organised by Legal Services Institutions at such intervals as it deems fit, in order to reduce the pendency of cases in courts and also to settle the disputes at pre-litigation stage. Lok Adalats are one of the effective modes of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism in reducing the burden on the courts, which have received positive response from the public.

    There are three types of Lok Adalats namely State Lok Adalats, National Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats.

    1.  State Lok Adalats are organized by the Legal Services Authorities/Committees as per the local conditions and needs, for settlement of both pre-litigation and post-litigation cases.
    2.  National Lok Adalats are conducted quarterly for settlement of cases (both pre-litigation and post-litigation) in all the courts from the Supreme Court of India to the Taluk Courts on a single day.  Every year, National Legal Services Authority issues calendar for organising National Lok Adalats. During the year 2025, National Lok Adalats are scheduled to be held on 8th March, 10th May, 13th September and 13th December.
    3.  Permanent Lok Adalats are permanent establishments set up in most of the districts to provide compulsory pre-litigative mechanism for settlement of disputes related to Public Utility Services.

    This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    Samrat/Allen

    (Release ID: 2118238) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESS COMMUNIQUE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The US President issued an Executive Order on Reciprocal Tariffs imposing additional ad-valorem duties ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from all trading partners. The baseline duty of 10% will be effective from April 05, 2025 and the remaining country specific additional ad-valorem duty will be effective from April 09, 2025. The additional duty on India as per the Annex I of the Executive Order is 27%.  

    The Department of Commerce is carefully examining the implications of the various measures / announcements made by the President of the USA. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy.

    The Hon Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Hon President of USA, Mr. Donald Trump have announced on 13 February 2025 ‘Mission 500’ – aiming to more than double the bilateral trade to US $500 Billion by 2030. Accordingly, discussions are ongoing between Indian and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement. These cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest including deepening supply chain integration. The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments and technology transfers. We remain in touch with the Trump Administration on these issues and expect to take them forward in the coming days.

    India values its Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the United States and is committed to working closely with the US to implement the India-US ‘Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology’ (COMPACT) for the 21st century to ensure that our trade ties remain a pillar of mutual prosperity and drive transformative change for the benefit of the people of India and the US.

     

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2118182) Visitor Counter : 128

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RAKSHA MANTRI ADDRESSES THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP OF INDIAN ARMY DURING ARMY COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, is being held in New Delhi from 01st Apr to 04th April 2025.  During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership comprehensively deliberated upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. In addition, the conference also focused on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of Niche technologies and assessment of impact of the various existing global situations. The main highlight of the third day of the conference was the address by the Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, to the senior leadership of the Indian Army, which was preceded by a brief on the “Year of Reforms”.

    The Raksha Mantri reaffirmed the faith of the billion-plus citizens in the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country. He highlighted the commendable role played by the Army in guarding our borders and fighting terrorism apart from providing assistance to the civil administration in every need of hour.  The Raksha Mantri also remarked “The Army is present in every domain from Security, HADR, Medical Assistance, to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country. The role of Indian Army is incomparable in Nation building as also in the overall national development”.  He reiterated his happiness to be present in the Army Commander’s conference and complimented the Army leadership for successfully taking ahead the ‘Defence and Security’ vision of the Nation to new heights.  He also complimented the Indian Army’s approach on the infusion and absorption of cutting edge technology. 

    The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stressed upon the present Geo Strategic uncertainties and the complex world situation which effects everyone  globally.  He stressed upon that the present world is an inter connected world and such incidents whether happening in our neighbourhood or far off countries will effect everyone. He stated that “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that Armed Forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies”.  Raksha Mantri stated that keeping in mind the present dynamic geo-strategic changes and the ongoing  global security scenarios with the uncertainities the armed forces should prepare a dynamic perspective planning addressing both the long term and short term challenges.  In the present global context the importance of Military Intelligence incoporating the modern technology cannot be stressed upon more.

    On the current situation along the Northern borders, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri expressed full confidence in the troops and complemented the Armed Forces for standing firm and vigil and the same should continue. The Raksha Mantri complimented the efforts of BRO, which has led to the quantum improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions.

    Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, however the proxy war by the adversary continues. The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri said “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should remain”.

    The Raksha Mantri complimented the forces for the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities which he has always been experiencing first hand during his visits to forward areas. He also paid tributes to all the brave hearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. He complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies and also emphasised upon the important role of Defence Attaches in achieving the same.  We must delibrate on the re-orintentation of role of the Defence Attaches in line with the organisational aim.

    The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stressed upon the technological advancement taking place in every sphere of our life and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them.  He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of ‘ Modernisation through Indigenisation’ or ‘Atamnirbharta’.  He emphasised that a regular interface of Armed Forces with the emerging technologies is a must. Raksha Mantri commended on the initiative of discussions being done with Niti Ayog on achieving the aim of ‘Viksit Bharat’ during this Army Commander Conference.  He also remarked that the government is committed in every manner towards the welfare of the Veterans and the Next of Kin of all categories of Battle Casualties and the nation remains indebted to the sacrifices made by vallant soldiers and their family.

    He concluded by saying that issues related to “Defence diplomacy, indigenisation, information warfare, defence infrastructure and force modernisation should always be deliberated upon in such a forum. Doctrinal changes whenever required should be made to make the Armed Forces future ready.  The recommendation and suggestions made by the senior leadership in such like forum as Commanders Conference should be deliberated upon and be taken to a logical conclusion with midcourse review and modification if required.  The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitate the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation”.

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    SC   

    (Release ID: 2118177) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HARBOUR AND SEA TRAINING PHASE OF INTERNATIONAL CREW OF IOS SAGAR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Navy’s maiden initiative of Indian Ocean Ship Sagar (IOS Sagar) concluded its harbour and sea training phase at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, and the ship with her crew, has left for Karwar.

    44 International trainees of 09 friendly foreign countries underwent a specially curated training capsule ranging from basic seamanship activities to state-of-the-art simulator training. Truly signifying the motto of ‘One Ocean One Mission’, the international crew was trained together on various facets of Communication skills, Firefighting and Damage Control drills, Visit Board Search & Seize (VBSS) procedures and finer aspects of Bridgemanship. Simulator based practical trainings were imparted to equip the crew with dynamic challenges of maritime domain. The training interactions also facilitated a forum for exchange of best training practices and procedures. Over the past decades, Indian Navy’s maritime training institutions have trained over 20,000 officers and sailors from over 50 FFC ranging from ab initio training to trade specific professional courses enhancing maritime expertise and capability.

    In addition, the international crew was also exposed to sea training along with the Indian Navy crew of INS Sunayna by the Indian Naval Work Up team. The sea training was aimed at acclimatising the international crew with Indian Navy’s systems and procedures enabling them to operate as a well-knit and cohesive unit during the forthcoming deployment.

    IOS Sagar is a unique example of fostering deeper maritime understanding and promoting regional stability and cooperation. Indian Navy’s collaboration with the regional Navies reaffirm commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests and capacity building with partner nations across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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    VM/SPS                                                                                                        75/25

    (Release ID: 2118199) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 – 03-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, presented in March 2024, proposes to leverage over €800 billion in defence spending through national fiscal flexibility, a new €150 billion loan instrument (SAFE) for joint procurement, potential redirection of cohesion funds, and expanded European Investment Bank support. It also aims to mobilise private capital through the savings and investments union. ReArm Europe has sparked debate. While many welcome its ambition and the EU’s growing role in defence, concerns remain about democratic oversight, defence market fragmentation, and economic sustainability. Alternative ideas, such as creating a new Rearmament Bank, or a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, have gained traction. These could offer low-interest loans and risk guarantees to support European and allied defence investment. Experts caution that, while the ReArm Europe Plan is an important political signal, it must be followed by practical measures to ensure impact. They stress the need to pool procurement, prioritise European-made equipment, and build a more integrated defence industrial base. Others argue the plan should go further, including options for grant-based financing and more robust governance structures. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether ReArm Europe can deliver a truly coordinated and resilient European defence effort. During a March 2025 debate, the majority of political groups in the European Parliament voiced strong support for boosting Europe’s defence, backing the ReArm Europe Plan while calling for a long-term strategy. Many urged enhanced strategic autonomy, secure access to resources, and continued aid to Ukraine. Concerns were raised over the sidelining of Parliament through use of Article 122 TFEU and the risk of over-reliance on emergency measures. Some warned that defence spending must not come at the expense of green, social, and R&D funding.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Australia launch new partnership in weapons development

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK and Australia launch new partnership in weapons development

    The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group Australia have announced a ground-breaking partnership.

    Early Concept for Testbed

    The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group Australia have announced a ground-breaking partnership to develop next-generation sub-systems for low-cost weapons systems, bringing together cutting-edge technologies from both nations.

    The partnership will combine the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed and Australia’s SHARKTOOTH programme, which features innovative ‘plug-and-launch’ modular technology, aimed at accelerating the employment of advanced, yet affordable weapons technologies. This integration represents a significant advancement in complex weapons development and will help accelerate and de-risk industry’s development of guided weapon sub-systems.

    Under this collaboration both nations will develop new approaches and new technologies enhancing future weapon systems capability, including low-cost seekers (sensors which are responsible for detecting and tracking targets), additively manufactured engines (created by 3D printing or similar), modular warheads and fuses, algorithms to improve guidance, navigation and control and other novel weapons technologies.

    The partnership will deliver several key advantages:

    • reduced development costs and risks through shared expertise
    • accelerated deployment of new capabilities
    • enhanced interoperability between UK and Australian forces
    • develop and demonstrate innovation ideas from both nations, helping to invest in sovereign defence ecosystems
    • flexible, modular design allowing rapid adaptation to emerging threats.

    The collaboration enables both nations to access a wider pool of innovative ideas, co-operate on technology development and deliver faster against a broader range of operational use cases. For both the UK and Australia this will strengthen defence primes, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academia in support of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the UK Ministry of Defence’s Complex Weapons Pipeline and Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.

    Each nation is developing a concept demonstrator equivalent to a concept car to enable us to prove future technologies before they go into sovereign industrial and military capabilities.

    SHARKTOOTH is Australia’s developmental weapon system, a small missile which will enable rapid integration of various components including sensors, warheads, guidance systems and propulsion units.

    A spokesperson for Dstl said:

    This collaboration represents a step-change in how we develop and deploy complex weapons systems.

    By combining Australia’s modular approach with the UK’s missiles know-how, we’re creating more versatile and capable systems for our armed forces.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ami Bera, House Intelligence Committee Democrats Demand Independent Intelligence Community Investigation into Signal Chat

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

    Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera (CA-06), Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, joined Ranking Member Jim Himes and all committee Democrats in a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, calling for the Intelligence Community to conduct an independent investigation into the Signal group chat in which participants discussed detailed plans for an impending U.S. military attack on Houthi terrorists in Yemen. 

    The letter follows the Committee’s Worldwide Threats hearing, during which DNI Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe answered questions about their participation in the chat. 

    “Since you and other intelligence community leaders testified about the group chat before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence last Wednesday, there have been new developments,” the 11 Members wrote. “First, the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee requested the Acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense conduct an inquiry into the facts and circumstances of the chat. Second, the Wall Street Journal, citing multiple U.S. officials, reported that a key American ally ‘provided sensitive intelligence from a human source in Yemen on a key Houthi military operative’ who was targeted in the U.S. military attack; that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz sent texts on the Signal chain following the attack—noting the U.S. had ‘positive ID’ that the building in which the operative was located had collapsed—that may have been linked to information from that source; and that the U.S. ally complained to the United States that Mr. Waltz’s texts had become public. The Wall Street Journal’s reporting, if accurate, is deeply concerning.”

    The Members continued: “These developments underscore the need for the intelligence community, under your leadership, to conduct a parallel inquiry into the chat, to complement the congressionally-requested inquiry by the DOD IG and the inquiry that is—according to your testimony—apparently being conducted by the National Security Council.”

    The full list of signers includes Representatives Ami Bera (CA-06), Jim Himes (CT-04), André Carson (IN-07), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jason Crow (CO-06), Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and Mike Quigley (IL-05).The full text of the letter is available here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi: “TIME NOW for the Secretary of Defense to Resign”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his decision to share classified U.S. military plans in a Signal group chat:

    “By disclosing classified U.S. military plans on an unofficial and unsecure messaging app, the Secretary of Defense demonstrated that his incompetence led to recklessness.  In my thirty years of experience working with the Intelligence Community, I have never before seen such horrifying incompetence in the securing of our nation’s intelligence.  How dare he put our Troops at risk with this cavalier behavior.  There must be accountability.

    “If any rank-and-file personnel in the Intelligence Community were to put our national security at risk in this way, they would be fired immediately and possibly prosecuted.  Secretary Hegseth cannot be held to a different standard.

    “Our work in Intelligence has always been about force protection.  Our brave men and women in uniform deserve better than a leader at the Pentagon who not only recklessly puts them in danger, but could cost us the cooperation of our Allies in sharing Intelligence — further jeopardizing our national security.

    “It is TIME NOW for the Secretary of Defense to resign.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK global leadership in maritime training to support safer, cleaner seas

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK global leadership in maritime training to support safer, cleaner seas

    A project led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to modernise seafarer training in the UK is on its way to being accepted as part of the gold standard for safer and greener shipping around the world.

    Red Ensign and IMO flags flying outside the MCA’s HQ

    UK submissions have been accepted by the Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) sub-committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to develop into a major amendment to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). 

    At the heart of the change is the UK’s Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme, an initiative in which the MCA is working with industry and seafarers to update skills and certification to match developing technology and practice. 

    On 14 February, the UK’s proposed revisions in a report for the STCW Comprehensive Review Working Group were supported by a plenary meeting of the HTW sub-committee. They will now be taken forward by the international working group. 

    The submissions will ultimately become part of the STCW convention and the associated mandatory code, updating and futureproofing the delivery of skills to raise standards, safety and environmental protection around the world. 

    Highlights include: 

    • essential skills for decarbonisation and increased digitisation at sea 
    • benefits to seafarers and operators from bridge simulator training   
    • development of officer roles in response to technological advances in navigation, propulsion and automation

    Shajan Lukose, MCA Head of Nautical Examiners, said:

    This is the first step in a long process that will involve further development and work with international partners, perhaps over a decade until they are implemented.

    It puts the UK at the forefront of global training practices that will help keep vessels safe, our seas clean, and ensure skills keep pace with technology. We’re very proud to share our success with the world.

    Background 

    For more information about the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, visit https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/humanelement/pages/stcw-conv-link.aspx   

    The CT&M Programme, led by the MCA, is based on recommendations made by the Seafarer and Cadet Training Review, which brought together key stakeholders, including the Merchant Navy Training Board, focused on improving cadet training. It is believed to be the first time a maritime regulator has joined forces with industry experts to shape cadet training in this way. 

    The Seafarer and Cadet Training Review was launched by the Maritime Skills Commission on the instruction of the Maritime Minister in 2021. 

    While the MCA does not deliver training, it is responsible for overseeing that standards are maintained by providers through regular audits.

    Press office

    Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk

    Press enquiries (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 0203 817 2222

    Outside these hours or on bank holidays and weekends, for media enquiries ONLY, please send an email outlining your query and putting #Urgent in the subject title.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Carbajal Statement Following New Reporting on National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s Extensive Use of Signal for Official Work Purposes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the heels of new reporting revealing National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s extensive use of Signal to communicate highly sensitive national security information. 

    “This new reporting confirms my concern that the Trump Administration’s previous mishandling of sensitive information was not a one-time error but a troubling pattern of negligence,” said Rep. Carbajal. “These sloppy and careless actions are irresponsible and undermine the safety of our servicemembers. The Administration must be held accountable for its consistent disregard for protecting sensitive and classified information. We cannot allow this reckless conduct to continue.” 

    On March 27, 2025, Rep. Carbajal led a group of 69 House Democrats in a letter to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the incredible incompetence displayed by their use of Signal to communicate highly sensitive national security information.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Honors César E. Chávez Legacy With Congressional Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Today, Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24), a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, authored a resolution to honor civil rights and labor leader César E. Chávez.

    “César Chávez was a champion for justice, dignity, and the rights of workers everywhere,” said Rep. Carbajal. “His legacy of resilience and unity continues to inspire us as we reject the divisive policies of the Trump Administration. Today, we honor his legacy by reaffirming our commitment to fairness, equality, and the belief that ‘Sí, se puede’—yes, we can—create a more just future for all.”

    “César Chávez fought for the dignity of workers and immigrants and reminded us that their contributions to our country are just as valuable as anyone else’s,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “We will reject the Trump Administration’s attempts to erase the history and contributions from our communities that have made this country stronger. I’m honored to join Representative Salud Carbajal and my colleagues on César Chávez’s birthday to stand with our communities, continue his fight for justice, and build a country that upholds its values of fairness and equality for all.”

    “César Chávez’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief in justice. His fight for fair wages, dignity, and respect for farmworkers transformed the labor movement and inspired generations to stand up for their rights,” said Rep. Barragán. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the values Chávez championed – ensuring every worker is treated with dignity, protected under the law, and given a fair shot at the American Dream.”

    “As a fellow US Navy veteran, I’ve always admired Cesar Chavez’s service in the Western Pacific in addition to his legacy of championing civil rights. As a union leader and labor organizer, Chavez dedicated his life to improving treatment, pay, and working conditions for our farm workers, a cause that is more important than ever in the face of Trump Administration attacks on workers and unions.  Cesar Chavez showed us what the power of organizing can accomplish and his legacy continues to live on,” said Rep. Cisneros.

    “I’m glad to join a resolution honoring labor rights hero César Chávez,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “As a former labor organizer, I carry on his fight for better wages and benefits every day. With workers’ rights under attack by the Trump administration, defending the right to organize is more important than ever.”

    “As the son of a Bracero and a proud Mexican American, I have long been inspired by César Chávez’s tireless work. I had the privilege of working with him when he brought his fight for labor rights to Chicago, and I remain deeply motivated by his belief in the power of organizing and putting workers first,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “At a time when labor and civil rights are under unprecedented attack by the Trump administration, this César Chávez Day is not only a recognition but a call to action—to fight for justice and stand with workers everywhere.”

    César E. Chávez was born in 1927, and as a child, he worked alongside his family laboring in the fields and vineyards of America’s Southwest. After serving with distinction in the U.S. Navy, he returned to California and began advocating for safer working conditions and reasonable wages for farm workers and for outlawing child labor. 

    He became National Director of the Community Service Organization, a Latino civil rights group, and later established the National Farm Workers Association, which would become the United Farm Workers of America.

    Through non-violent protests, Chávez successfully fought for pension benefits, health care coverage, and fair wages for workers and became an inspiration for human rights causes globally.

    A copy of the resolution can be found here.

    Reps. Luz Rivas, Nanette Díaz Barragán, Gil Cisneros, Jimmy Gomez, and Jesús “Chuy” García joined as original cosponsors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castor, Hudson Reintroduce MISSION ZERO Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Richard Hudson (NC-09) reintroduced the MISSION ZERO Reauthorization Act to allow the Department of Defense (DoD) to continue assigning trauma surgeons to civilian trauma centers to assist in filling gaps in emergency care.

    “The MacDill Air Medical Group and Tampa General Hospital have led the way in ‘full team’ training—bringing together military and civilian nurses, surgeons and specialists to hone their trauma care skills. Their innovative approach inspired me to introduce the bipartisan MISSION ZERO Act in 2018 to expand these vital partnerships nationwide,” said Rep. Castor. “The law provides ongoing support for military and civilian medical teams to train side-by-side in high-pressure environments, ensuring they are always ready to assist our service members and communities. This is a win-win for improving our nation’s civilian emergency response capacity and keeping military provider’s skills sharp off the battlefield. I take pride that Tampa General was among the first in the nation to receive a MISSION ZERO grant, and I am committed to promoting this initiative that fosters these life-saving collaborations.”

    “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I know how important it is for our military trauma teams to retain their unique medical skills off the battlefield,” said Rep. Hudson. “This commonsense legislation will continue to support partnerships between our military and civilian trauma providers to ensure critical, life-saving care is always readily available for patients.”

    “I applaud Representatives Castor and Hudson for introducing legislation to reauthorize the MISSION ZERO Act,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, Executive Director and CEO of the American College of Surgeons. “The military-civilian trauma care partnerships allow military trauma care teams to gain exposure to treating critically injured patients and increase readiness for when these units are deployed, providing greater patient access and further advancing high quality trauma care.”

    “In times of war, America’s trauma centers will play a pivotal role in saving the lives of those wounded on the front lines,” said Jennifer Ward, president of the Trauma Center Association of America.  “Through MISSION ZERO, military healthcare providers refine their skills in real-world trauma settings, while civilian trauma teams benefit by learning best practices from their military counterparts. We are deeply grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Kathy Castor and Richard Hudson for introducing legislation that would reauthorize this essential public-private partnership, which ensures that stateside military personnel maintain peak readiness before deployment.”

    “The MISSION ZERO Act is a vital investment in trauma readiness that strengthens emergency care on both the battlefield and at home,” said Dr. Alison Haddock, MD, FACEP president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “By embedding military trauma teams in civilian trauma centers, we can enhance the care for severely injured patients, share knowledge and hands-on experience, and foster invaluable collaboration between military and civilian clinicians, ensuring military trauma teams can maintain their skills and team cohesion between deployments. We thank Representatives Castor and Hudson for their leadership in reintroducing this lifesaving legislation.”

    “MISSION ZERO is mutually beneficial for emergency departments (EDs) and military trauma teams across the country – military members are able to keep their skills sharp and EDs can have additional staff available while learning battlefield techniques from the trauma team members,” said Emergency Nurses Association President Ryan Oglesby, PhD, MHA, RN, CEN, CFRN, NEA-BC. “The Emergency Nurses Association has been a supporter of MISSION ZERO since its inception and thanks Reps. Kathy Castor and Richard Hudson for their work getting this bill reintroduced.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Castor and Hudson led the original MISSION ZERO Act, signed into law in 2019, which established grant programs for eligible trauma systems and centers to incorporate full military trauma teams or individual military trauma providers into their hospitals. This mutually beneficial partnership has afforded civilians the chance to learn more about military best practices and gives military trauma care providers the opportunity to utilize their cutting-edge expertise without leaving the military. 

    The MISSION ZERO Reauthorization Act would continue funding for this vital initiative for an additional five years. 

    Tampa General Hospital, one of the nation’s leading trauma centers, received an $80,000 federal grant in 2022 to fund military doctors to provide trauma care at their hospital. 

    View the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Europe – The Hague is hosting the 101st International Session of European Youth Parliament

    Source: The Hague

    The Hague, the Netherlands, 3 April 2025 – From 5 till 13 April 2025 The Hague is hosting the 101st international session of the European Youth Parliament. This event will bring around 300 young Europeans from the network together in the international city of peace and justice for a week of intercultural exchange and political dialogue. The program consists 8 days of core activities, with the help of 15 committees, 60 volunteers and 35 European countries represented.

    Four thematic pillars will be discussed:

    • Peace and Remembrance 
    • Defence and Conflict 
    • Democracy and Participation 
    • Economic and Internal Security.

    With a focus on one of the thematic pillars and an exploration of a related subject, participants will investigate how institutions, the media, and education contribute to enabling, preserving, and advocating peace.

    About the European Youth Parliament

    The European Youth Parliament is one of Europe’s largest youth platforms for civic education, intercultural encounters, and the exchange of ideas – run by young people, for young people. Their mission is to inspire and empower a young generation of informed, open-minded, responsible, and active citizens that shape society and drive impact. The are one of the projects of the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe.

    EYP flagships events take place three or two times a year in different countries. Since 1988, over 100 International Sessions have been organised in more than 29 countries and 70 different cities, allowing over 20,000 young people to experience the #EYP spirit and learn how to collaborate across borders.

    Read more about this and other events in The Hague: https://storiesofpurpose.thehague.com/humanity/101st-session-european-youth-parliament-hague

    About The Hague & Partners

    The Hague & Partners is the official marketing & acquisition organisation for the promotion of The Hague, focused on residents, visitors, conferences, businesses and institutions. https://thehague.com/en

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Luis de Guindos: Financial stability in uncertain times

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, at the International Federation of Accountants’ Chief Executives Forum

    Amsterdam, 3 April 2025

    Introduction

    It is a pleasure to be taking part in the International Federation of Accountants’ Chief Executives Forum today.[1] In line with the topic of the event, I will reflect on the risks and uncertainty that threaten financial stability and their implications for policymakers. I will be brief to allow enough time to take your questions.

    Conceptually, risk is associated with situations where the exact outcome is unknown but the possible outcomes can be identified and their probabilities can be estimated reasonably well.[2] For the ECB, financial stability is defined as a condition in which the financial system is capable of withstanding shocks and the unravelling of financial imbalances. So, when assessing financial stability, we evaluate the likelihood of shocks materialising and their potential impact. Uncertainty, by contrast, refers to scenarios where it is impossible to define and measure outcomes and probabilities, often owing to a lack of information. While risk is quantifiable, uncertainty can be proxied at best.

    The current environment

    Uncertainty in the macro-financial and credit environment is currently exceptionally high, in a world being reshaped by significant shifts in geopolitics, international cooperation, global trade policy, financial regulation and the role of crypto-assets. At the same time, the scale of the defence investment foreseen in the EU is unprecedented and adds another significant layer of uncertainty to the current environment.

    According to a news-based index[3], economic policy uncertainty in the euro area is currently more than three times the historical average.[4] Similarly, an index of trade policy uncertainty is more than eight times the historical average.[5] These levels are well above those seen during the pandemic.

    Amid all of this uncertainty, the ECB’s Governing Council decided to lower interest rates by another 25 basis points in March. The deposit facility rate is now at 2.5%, 150 basis points below its recent peak.

    The disinflation process is well on track, with inflation developing broadly as expected. Headline inflation decreased further from 2.3% in February to 2.2% in March. According to recent data and in line with our projections, wage growth is moderating, which is helping services inflation to gradually decline. Most measures of underlying inflation suggest that inflation will settle at around our 2% inflation target, on a sustained basis.

    But uncertainty surrounding the inflation outlook remains high, mainly on account of increasing friction in global trade. An escalation in trade tensions could see the euro depreciate and import costs rise, while much needed defence and infrastructure spending could raise inflation via aggregate demand. Geopolitical tensions could also lead to higher inflation owing to trade disruptions, rising commodity prices and energy costs. At the same time, lower demand for euro area exports and lower growth resulting from the impact of higher tariffs or geopolitical tensions could pose a threat to the economy, depress demand and push inflation down.

    Weak economic growth remains a challenge for the euro area, even without any further shocks. ECB staff have again revised down their growth projections – to 0.9% for 2025, 1.2% for 2026 and 1.3% for 2026. The downward revisions reflect lower exports and ongoing weakness in investment. High uncertainty, both at home and abroad, is holding back investment, while competitiveness challenges are weighing on exports. Addressing these challenges in order to improve growth prospects is clearly more demanding in the current context of exceptionally high uncertainty about trade and economic policy.

    Challenges when analysing financial stability

    Our macroeconomic projections are not the only area where we face great difficulties navigating this environment of heightened uncertainty. Analysing financial stability also requires us to adjust our frameworks and use state-of-the-art tools to assess the financial system’s capacity to withstand shocks under these conditions.

    Analysing multiple scenarios is a powerful way to deal with situations of high uncertainty. It allows us to test the resilience of the financial system against various possible manifestations of financial stress. Shocks cannot be predicted, but drawing on a diverse array of indicators and a range of sensitivity analyses is essential for us to understand the nuances of the current uncertainty. It is also crucial that our various approaches include ways to measure sources of risk amplification and non-linearities. By combining hard data indicators with survey results and analyses based on micro data, we can achieve a more granular, diverse and timely understanding of the economic landscape. Such a comprehensive approach can enhance our ability to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges.

    The main risks to financial stability in the euro area

    In the current economic environment, we are observing marked vulnerabilities in financial stability. While banks remain in good shape, with sound solvency and liquidity indicators that are well above regulatory minimums, there are weaknesses in several other areas. First, elevated valuations and concentrated risks make financial markets susceptible to adverse corrections. Non-bank financial intermediaries have remained resilient to recent bouts of market volatility, but they are still quite heavily exposed to risky assets. Broader market shocks could cause sudden investment fund outflows or trigger margin calls on derivative exposures, unsettling markets and leading to abrupt price corrections. Second, sovereign indebtedness is a cause for concern at a time when defence spending is emerging as a priority in Europe, with different countries having very different amounts of fiscal space to respond. Despite the likely increase in debt servicing costs, public finances need to be managed in a growth-friendly way and ultimately be sustainable. Third, the corporate sector has demonstrated resilience but faces competitiveness challenges and is subject to emerging credit risk concerns, especially in the case of firms that are more exposed to the export sector and geopolitical risks.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, an extraordinarily high level of uncertainty around economic and trade policy has been acting as a drag on markets and the economy alike. Financial intermediaries need to adapt their risk management tools in the face of new vulnerabilities and scenarios at a time when it is no longer possible to measure likely outcomes and probabilities. This environment calls for heightened vigilance, which is why we are exploring unconventional sources of risk and vulnerability and using a broader range of tools, such as sensitivity and scenario analyses, to assess the resilience of the financial system.

    In terms of monetary policy, this uncertainty means we need to be extremely prudent when determining the appropriate stance. While most indicators point to inflation moving in the right direction, the environment of exceptional uncertainty requires us to stick even more closely to our data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach.

    The European Union is at a crossroads. Defence policy requires a significant overhaul and challenges relating to trade and economic competitiveness need to be addressed. In addition to ramping up defence spending, we need to deepen and strengthen our Economic and Monetary Union with a true single market for goods and services that shores up our structural economic growth prospects, supported by a complete banking union and capital markets union.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, Senators Jon Ossoff, and Rev. Warnock Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), alongside U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, reintroduced the bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve.

    “Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”

    “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

    “We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park,” Senator Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”

    “Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

    The House bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Brian Jack (GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

    The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

    “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

    “I cannot overstate the importance of this legislation to our region, state, and country. Tens of millions of private dollars have been leveraged to conserve the precious cultural and ecological resources of the Ocmulgee Corridor and this bipartisan legislation allows us to continue to grow the middle Georgia economy, protect our national security interests at Robin Air Force Base, expand hunting and fishing access, and authentically preserve some of the most culturally significant sites in the country,” said Seth Clark, Macon Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. “We’re grateful for the continued bipartisan dedication of the Georgia delegation. And call for the swift passage of this legislation this year so that we can continue our stewardship of this landscape and our economy.” 


     “Preserving the undeveloped lands within the Ocmulgee River Corridor is critical to safeguarding Robins Air Force Base from incompatible land use, ensuring we can sustain our national security missions,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Kubinec, USAF (ret), President/CEO of 21st Century Partnership. “This park and preserve will also provide our military members and their families with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure, enhancing their quality of life while strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia.”

    “Establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve at Ocmulgee Mounds will serve as a robust form of economic development for Middle Georgia while conserving the site’s important series of ecological and cultural assets. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop with their bipartisan leadership and admirable partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have assembled a broad statewide coalition including chambers of commerce, hunters and anglers, and conservation organizations working to pass this legislation. The formal process of creating a National Monument out of the Ocmulgee Old Fields formally began in 1933, when the Macon Junior Chamber of Commerce purchased the sites and requested their protection. Today, through the leadership of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders, we are one step closer to making that a reality. The Georgia Chamber is proud to support Representatives Scott and Bishop’s legislation to create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, after almost a century of civic advocacy,” said Chris Clark, CCE, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.
      
    “The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has long seen the national and park and preserve designation as a top congressional priority. Getting this done this year is vital to the economic viability and stability of middle Georgia. Being home to Georgia’s first and only national park and preserve will create a better business climate, allow for lower taxes, and create thousands of good paying, sustainable jobs. Our members have marshaled tens of millions of dollars in preparing middle Georgia for the passage of this legislation and as we have for almost a century, we and the greater middle Georgia business community fully support and call for getting it done this year,”     said Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Hank Johnson Celebrates Students of Georgia’s Fourth District at “Future of the Fourth” Event

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    LITHONIA, GA – On February 22, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) hosted his “Future of the Fourth” reception at the Lou Walker Senior Center to honor outstanding young leaders from Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. The event recognized students who have excelled in technology, service, and leadership including winners of the district’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge and nominees for U.S. Service Academies. 

    “This event was about celebrating the bright future of our district,” said Congressman Johnson. “These young leaders are innovators, scholars, and dedicated individuals who will shape our community and our nation in the years to come.” 

    During the ceremony, students from Chamblee High School, Arabia Mountain High School, and Rockdale Magnet School were honored as winners of the Congressional App Challenge, highlighting their achievements in technology. The event also recognized students nominated by Congressman Johnson to our nation’s military academies including – the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.  

    The program featured a performance, special guests, and local leaders, creating a memorable event that underscored the importance of investing in the next generation.  

    Watch the event livestream HERE.  

    View event photos HERE. Photos available upon request.  

    About Congressman Hank Johnson: 
    Hank Johnson represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, where he is a staunch advocate for civil rights, public safety, and economic justice. Learn more at https://hankjohnson.house.gov/  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Foster Statement on Continuing Resolution Vote

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

    Washington, DC – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement: 

    “Today, I voted against Republicans’ plan to reduce access to Social Security, reduce funding for veterans’ health care, slash infrastructure investments, and cut nutrition and rent assistance for families who need it most. Republicans had months to negotiate with Democrats to craft a bipartisan funding bill. Instead, they chose to set the stage for massive new tax cuts for Trump, Elon, and their billionaire buddies. 

    “As Congress’ only PhD physicist, I’m also deeply concerned about the $185 million in cuts to our Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation programs in this bill. A funding gap of this size would substantially affect our national security, paving the way for countries like Iran, terrorist groups, and other adversaries to more easily get their hands on nuclear material. 

    “At the end of the day, Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. If they can’t put an end to their infighting, and still refuse to negotiate a compromise with Democrats, they alone will be responsible for a shutdown.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Slams Trump Administration Officials For Endangering U.S. Security And Service Members By Mishandling Classified Information in Interview with Chris Hayes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – During an interview tonight on MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, sharply criticized the Trump Administration’s exposure of highly sensitive, imminent military plans through senior officials carelessly including a journalist on a group chat in violation of security standards for such discussions. Congressman Krishnamoorthi was the first Member of Congress to call for the investigation when the news broke on Tuesday, when Atlantic Editor in Chief Jeffrey Goldberg published an article revealing he had been mistakenly added to the Signal chat on which Secretary of Defense Hegseth disclosed secret war plans.

    The interview comes ahead of tomorrow’s 2025 Annual Worldwide Threats Assessment hearing, during which the Director of National Intelligence, CIA Director, and other top American intelligence officials are set to testify before the House Intelligence Committee.

    Calling the use of unsecured messaging platforms for sensitive national security discussions “dangerous” and “unconscionable,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that the failure of the officials to take responsibility “means that this is going to happen,” in the absence of forceful oversight.

    “The spinning and the refusal to acknowledge gross negligence here means this could happen again — at senior levels or by younger personnel who take cues from their superiors,” he said. “This endangers America because our adversaries will get a hold of this information, and our sons and daughters in uniform will be at risk.”

    Congressman Krishnamoorthi also drew parallels between the mishandling of national secrets and the casual treatment of Americans’ personal data by Elon Musk, DOGE, and others in the Trump Administration. “It’s part of a pattern — of kind of careless treatment of people’s information and the nation’s information, and its secrets. And it’s going to come back to bite us.”

    Footage of the full interview is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At House Intel Committee Hearing, Rep. Krishnamoorthi Pushes for Answers, Accountability on Trump Admin Signal Chat Krishnamoorthi, a senior Intel Committee Member calls for Secretary Hegseth’s immediate resignation for lying to Congress and a full invest

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON — At today’s annual Worldwide Threats Assessment hearing before the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi confronted top U.S. intelligence officials over the exposure of classified military information in their Signal chat, highlighting that the senior Trump Administration officials on the chat lied to the public and withheld key information in claiming no classified information was shared in the unauthorized, insecure setting. During his question line, Congressman Krishnamoorthi repeated his call for a full investigation into potential ongoing security breaches by senior officials and demanded the immediate resignation of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

    During his line of questioning, Rep. Krishnamoorthi cited Executive Order 13526 and the Department of Defense’s classification manual, both of which clearly define military operations, weapon systems, and strike planning as classified information. Despite repeated assertions by Trump Administration officials—including Secretary Hegseth and President Trump—that no classified information was shared, the text of the Signal chat unequivocally met the threshold for classification through Secretary Hegseth’s sharing of strike timings, F-18 and MQ-9 drone deployments, and known terrorist target details.

    “This is classified information – it’s a weapon system as well as sequence of strikes as well as details about the operations,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “And so, I think that just piggybacking off of what some other members have said, using the DoD’s manual as well as the executive order in operation today with the Trump Administration, this text message is clearly classified information. Secretary Hegseth has disclosed military plans as well as classified information. He needs to resign immediately. He needs to resign immediately, and a full investigation needs to be undertaken with regard to whether other similar Signal chats are occurring in this administration.”

    WATCH HERE

    Congressman Krishnamoorthi questions senior Trump Administration intelligence community officials

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Allies to build on momentum in efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security, uphold international law and protect human rights: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UK and Allies to build on momentum in efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security, uphold international law and protect human rights: UK Statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be provided if we step up and offer real and credible security assurances to deter Russia from further threatening European Security.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK strongly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine. We are committed to providing extensive economic, humanitarian, and defensive military assistance to Ukraine. The UK remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, ensuring that Russia faces consequences for its actions. Ukraine has shown it is ready and willing to work towards peace. The ball is now in Russia’s court, and President Putin must prove he is serious about peace and sign up to a ceasefire with immediate effect. The Kremlin’s procrastination and game-playing with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, despite good faith participation from all sides, show Russian promises to be hollow.

    We welcome President Trump’s readiness to increase the pressure on Russia if President Putin does not agree to a ceasefire soon. The Institute for the Study of War and others assess that Russia is using the temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea as leverage to stall efforts toward a general ceasefire and extract additional concessions from the West. This is unacceptable.

    We must remain committed to the US and Ukraine’s proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. British, French, and Ukrainian military leaders are set to meet in the coming days to build on recent momentum in efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the meeting aims to drive forward the next stage of detailed planning, following a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Last week in the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters, Britain and France led over 200 planners from ‘a group of nations politically aligned to the defence, security and sovereignty of Ukraine’. These military planning meetings have focused on how we keep the skies, the seas and the border of Ukraine safe. To be clear, a lasting peace in Ukraine can only be provided if we step up and offer real and credible security assurances to deter Russia from further threatening European Security.

    And what is Russia’s contribution to peace and negotiations? We have seen no sign of Putin abandoning his war of aggression and his disregard of international law is being realised on the ground in Ukraine. Russian forces shelled a frontline settlement in Ukraine’s south-east Zaporizhzhia region, resulting in the death of a 66-year-old woman and injuries to five others. In the early hours of today, Russian attacks left 45,000 in Kherson without power, and this is despite Russia’s alleged agreement to a partial ceasefire on strikes against energy facilities following technical discussions in Riyadh in March.

    The Report of the independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine published on 11 March, highlighted a sharp increase in criminal cases concerning Russian troops executing wounded, captured or surrendering Ukrainian soldiers. In most situations, soldiers targeted ‘were in a vulnerable situation: unarmed, lying on the ground, kneeling, and some were partly naked’.

    On 26 March, Russia convicted 23 captured Ukrainians on terrorism charges in a trial widely denounced by the international community as a sham and a gross violation of international law. The defendants received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years in maximum security forced labour camps. The trial’s proceedings were marred by numerous irregularities and violations of fair representation. Defendants were reportedly denied access to independent legal counsel and subjected to coerced confessions obtained under duress.

    Our position has not changed. We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. President Putin must stop playing games and agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions. Only through a concerted and sustained effort can we hope to bring an end to this egregious campaign of violence and pave the way for a just and lasting peace. Efforts to support Ukraine and its pursuit of justice must be intensified to ensure our commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, Blumenthal, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Push to Support Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) are teaming up to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) more easily access care and benefits—as well as boost MST claims processing. 

    The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act would expand the evidentiary standard for survivors applying for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ensuring MST survivors are provided equal access to the benefits and care they have earned. Given how many instances of MST go unreported during service, the bill would require VA to consider non-Department of Defense evidence sources when reviewing MST claims, and would expand this standard to all mental health conditions related to MST. The bill would also ensure all National Guardsmen, Reservists, and service academy students can receive MST-related care and counseling from VA. 

    “Survivors of military sexual trauma have endured unimaginable pain and deserve the highest quality care and services,” said Ranking Member Blumenthal. “They should have clear access to every tool needed to heal from their trauma. Our bipartisan bill will afford survivors a stronger voice in filing claims and expand VA treatment.”

    “I’ve heard from countless veterans whose profound harm is compounded by a system that repeatedly fails them. Their stories reveal a dual injustice—first from experiencing devastating abuse, and then again when navigating a claims process ill-equipped to support survivors. This goes far beyond administrative shortcomings at the VA; it’s a fundamental breach of our moral and constitutional duty to those who served,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Our bipartisan, bicameral Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act directly confronts these systemic failures. It modernizes outdated evidentiary standards to recognize all trauma responses, expands critical access to MST-related health care regardless of discharge status, and establishes rigorous oversight to ensure genuine accountability. When our institutions fail and re-traumatize those who sacrificed in service to our country, we violate a sacred commitment. Veterans deserve better, and it’s our responsibility to deliver.”

    Staunch advocates for strengthening benefits and care for MST survivors, the lawmakers introduced the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act in the 118th, 117th, 116th, and 115th Congresses. Building on the Ruth Moore Act from previous Congresses, the legislation addresses issues uncovered by the VA Office of Inspector General in 2021 by requiring VA to process all MST claims via specially trained teams, conduct annual accuracy reviews for MST claims processing, and study the quality of Veterans Benefits Administration training on MST claims processing.

    The lawmakers’ efforts to improve MST survivors’ care and benefits has strong backing from the nation’s leading Veterans Service Organizations.

    “MOAA is grateful to Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski for reintroducing the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act,” said Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret), “This important legislation aims to strengthen the coordination of benefits and health care services, benefiting not only those impacted by military sexual trauma (MST) but all veterans seeking VA support. MOAA remains committed to working with Congress and the VA to ensure passage and effective implementation of this bill.”

    “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act makes critical and overdue changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability compensation and claims process for survivors of military sexual trauma, a cause Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) has championed for years. By broadening access for military sexual trauma survivors in the veterans’ healthcare system, this act acknowledges and addresses that MST survivors often feel vulnerable and forgotten; it is our nation’s responsibility to support these victims and provide the highest level of care during and after their service to our country. Service Women’s Action Network wholeheartedly endorses this legislation.” – Elisa Cardnell, Chief Executive Officer, Service Women’s Action Network

    “VA offers benefits and health care to veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), but survivors often encounter barriers in accessing these necessary services. The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act would improve the claims process, codify evidentiary support, and increase access to mental health care for MST survivors. PVA strongly supports the SAVES Act and thanks Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murkowski for reintroducing this legislation.” – Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer, Paralyzed Veterans of America 

    “The VFW supports the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025, that would assess gaps in health care and compensation eligibility related to military sexual trauma (MST). The adverse effects of MST can remain with service members well after their time in service. This comprehensive bill would ensure they receive dignified care and appropriate compensation as they rejoin the civilian world. We thank Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership on this issue and look forward to the passage of this bill into law.” – Nancy Springer, Associate Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

    “The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act is about doing right by the men and women who’ve sacrificed for this country,” said Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) CEO Allison Jaslow. “For too long, survivors of military sexual trauma have faced a VA system that fails them—after the military has already failed them. IAVA is grateful for the leadership of Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Murkowski (R-AK) in standing up for these veterans. Now, it’s time for Congress to step up, do the right thing, and pass this bill—because our veterans have waited long enough.”

    “For too long, military sexual trauma (MST) survivors have faced significant hurdles in accessing the VA care and benefits they have rightfully earned. The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 offers a pathway to justice by ensuring their claims are handled with the care, sensitivity and expertise required to address this issue accurately and appropriately. DAV proudly supports this crucial legislation and the dignity it restores to those who have served, and we appreciate Sens. Blumenthal and Murkowski for incorporating the voices of MST survivors in crafting this important legislation.” – Joy Ilem, National Legislative Service Director, Disabled American Veterans

    “Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is an experience that can have a complex and long-lasting impact on a veteran’s life,” said Wounded Warrior Project Chief Program Officer Jennifer Silva. “As our community continues to find ways to support MST survivors, the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act recognizes that more can be done to expand access to care, improve the benefits claims process, and ultimately make the system work better for them. Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support this effort and we are grateful to Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Murkowski (R-AK) for their leadership on this issue.”

    The legislation is also supported by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Protect Our Defenders, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huizenga Slams Whitmer’s Harbor-Killing EGLE Mandate

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement regarding the Whitmer Administration’s ill-defined EGLE requirements for PFAS testing as a condition for harbor dredging. There has been a critical lack of communication with communities as well as on the specifics regarding PFAS standards. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently informed Congressman Huizenga’s Office that USACE Headquarters will not authorize PFAS testing until the State of Michigan defines the threshold for acceptable levels. Without this clarification from the State of Michigan, new dredging cannot occur. The inability to remove material from inner harbors – where freighters deliver aggregate material – threatens imminent shoaling, harbor closures, and further delivery of critical construction materials.

    “Governor Whitmer’s ‘act first, define later’ approach to dredging will hurt families, communities, small businesses, and job creation across Michigan,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This is the equivalent of writing a speeding a ticket when there is no posted speed limit. For this reason, I have written to encourage EGLE to halt its implementation until the impacts can be further discussed and defined, and so that dredging activities can resume as needed.  As Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force and a founding member of the PFAS Task Force, I understand the threat of PFAS in our communities. Our efforts to combat PFAS contamination, however, are undermined by vague regulatory requirements, like this one, which would impact harbors at 14 locations across Michigan. These inner harbors, including Holland, Grand Haven, St. Joseph and South Haven, may not be dredged. As a result, shoaling could block cargo ships and cripple our local economies up and down the lakeshore. Additionally, if aggregate is not able to be shipped in, it will dramatically raise the taxpayer cost of infrastructure improvements.”

    Last week, Congressman Huizenga sent a letter to Governor Whitmer sharing his concerns. You can read his letter to the governor here.

    Background:

    Here is the list of the 14 federal harbors identified by EGLE that are likely to be impacted:

     

    Alpena

    Black River, MI (Port Huron)

    Clinton River

    Detroit River

    Grand Haven (inner)

    Holland (Inner)

    Manistee (inner)

    Menominee

    Monroe

    Rouge

    Saginaw

    South Haven (inner)

    St. Clair

    St. Joe (inner)

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar Presents Military Honors to Muskegon Navy Veteran Karl Smith

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Moolenaar Presents Military Honors to Muskegon Navy Veteran Karl Smith

    Today, Congressman John Moolenaar presented military honors to Karl Smith at VFW Post 7729 in Muskegon. Smith enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old, while still attending Muskegon High School. During his service, he was assigned to serve on the USS Halsey, and was deployed to the West Pacific during the Vietnam War. In recognition of Karl’s service, Moolenaar presented the medals he earned, but never received. 

    “It is a pleasure to honor Karl Smith and celebrate his service to our nation in the U.S. Navy. Karl was an exemplary sailor who, after his service, dedicated his life to keeping his community safe as a firefighter and police officer in Muskegon County. Brave service members like Karl deserve to be recognized, and it is an honor to present him with the awards he earned in service to our country 50 years ago.” said Moolenaar.

    Congressman Moolenaar with Karl and Mary Beth Smith.

    Moolenaar presented Karl with the following awards: The Navy “E” Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), the Vietnam Service Medal (with one bronze campaign star), and the Honorable Reserve Discharge Button.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Introduces Legislation to Block Offensive Weapons Sales to Israel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) are introducing Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) to block the sale of specific offensive weapons to Israel. U.S. weapons have been used to wage this war, which in addition to killing thousands and displacing millions, has razed entire communities, destroying hospitals, schools, and homes.

    “Continuing to provide the Israeli government with offensive weapons, even as they violate both international and U.S. laws, is unacceptable and makes us complicit in this violence and destruction,” said Jayapal. “We must return to a negotiated ceasefire that allows for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, the release of the remaining hostages, and lasting security in the region.”

    These weapons sales are especially concerning given that the Trump Administration bypassed years of standing practice and immediately noticed the sales without oversight from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

    If passed, these four JRDs would prohibit the sale of:

    • 35,529 2,000-pound bombs (MK-84 or BLU-117) ($2.04 billion – Sale 1);
      • Due to the size of the blast radius of these bombs, their delivery of these bombs was paused by President Biden. The large radius makes them unsafe to use in densely populated areas, like Gaza, without inflicting mass civilian casualties.
    • Various bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits, and fuses ($893 million – Sale 2);
    • 5,000 1-000-pound bombs (MK-83 or BLU-110A/B) and 5,000 JDAMs guidance kits ($675.7 million – Sale 3);
    • D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers, including spare and repair parts, which have been used for demolitions of homes and other civilian infrastructure ($295 million – Sale 4).

    Jayapal and Tlaib have already introduced JRDs for the following sales:

    • H.J.Res. 68: 10,000 155mm High Explosive artillery shells ($312.5 million);
    • H.J.Res. 69: 2,166 Small Diameter Bombs (GBU-39), 2,800 500-pound bombs (MK-82) and tens of thousands of fuses and JDAM guidance kits for use on bombs (6.75 billion);
    • H.J.Res. 70: 15,500 additional JDAM guidance kits for use on bombs and an additional 615 Small Diameter Bombs (GBU-39) ($688 million); 
    • H.J.Res. 71: 3,000 Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missiles ($660 million). 

    Since the introduction of the first tranche of JRDs, the Israeli government has broken the negotiated ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Since the start of the war, at least 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 113,000 have been injured. 

    These resolutions are sponsored by the following Members: 

    Sale 1: Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Summer Lee (PA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02),  Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    Sale 2: Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Summer Lee (PA-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02),  Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    Sale 3: Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Summer Lee (PA-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02),  Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    Sale 4: Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Summer Lee (PA-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02),  Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    They are also endorsed by A New Policy, About Face: Veterans Against the War, Action Center on Race & the Economy, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action, Arms Control Association, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Center for International Policy Advocacy, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Community Alliance for Peace and Justice, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), DAWN, Defense for Children International – Palestine, Demand Progress, Democratic Socialists of America, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), Gen-Z for Change, Hindus for Human Rights, IMEU Policy Project, Institute for Policy Studies, New internationalism Project, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, MADRE, Maine Coalition for Palestine, Malaya Kansas, MARUF CT, McKean County Green Party, Migrant Roots Media, Minnesota Peace Project, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Public Affairs Council, National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, North Carolina Peace Action, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Pax Christi New York State, Pax Christi USA, Peace Action, Peace, Justice, Sustainability, NOW!, Popular Democracy, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Office of Public Witness, Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, ReThinking Foreign Policy, Sunrise Movement, United We Dream, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, UU College of Social Justice, Women for Weapons Trade Transparency, The Peace and Justice Coalition of Prince Georges County MD, and Center for Constitutional Rights.

    Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

    MIL OSI USA News –