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Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament Press Kit for the European Council of 20 March 2025

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 11.00 and hold a press conference after her speech.

    When: Press conference at around 11.45 on 20 March

    Where: European Council press room and via Parliament’s webstreaming or EbS.

    At their meeting in Brussels, the heads of state or government will focus on ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness. They will also discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression – with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the situation in the Middle East. Leaders will also have a first exchange of views on the EU’s next long-term budget (multiannual financial framework – MFF) and discuss migration.

    Competitiveness

    On 12 March, MEPs adopted two resolutions outlining their priorities for the next cycle of economic and social coordination between member states.

    On economic policy coordination, MEPs focus on the need to increase public and private investment, to address the investment gap, improve competitiveness and entrepreneurship, and continue fiscal consolidation. They say the EU should pursue these objectives while ensuring social cohesion and a high standard of living. MEPs are worried about slow growth and that more turbulent economic times are on the horizon. They call on member states to reduce excessive government deficits. They also warn about rising house prices.

    In the resolution on the EU’s employment and social priorities, MEPs emphasise the importance of reducing the administrative burden for companies, whilst safeguarding labour and social standards. They believe better support for small and medium-sized enterprises can foster innovation and better-quality jobs, and that stronger social economy enterprises can promote quality employment opportunities and the circular economy. The resolution states that fiscal policies under the European Semester must ensure investments align with sustainable growth and the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular on affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

    During the 10-13 March plenary session, MEPs held debates on three recent Commission proposals on the clean industrial deal, the action plan for affordable energy and the automotive industry action plan.

    The clean industrial deal, announced by the Commission on 26 February 2025, is about enhancing EU competitiveness and decarbonisation by addressing high energy costs and fostering global cooperation. It includes measures to boost demand for clean products, mobilise funding for clean manufacturing, secure critical raw materials, and strengthen global partnerships. It also focuses on developing skills for a low-carbon economy, creating quality jobs, cutting red tape, and improving EU policy coordination. You can watch the debate here.

    The recently proposed automotive industry action plan, announced on 5 March 2025, is intended to support the European automotive sector as it deals with high manufacturing costs, the low-carbon transition, and increased competition from China. A resolution will be put to a vote during the April plenary session. You can watch the debate here.

    The action plan for affordable energy, which addresses high energy costs experienced by EU citizens and businesses, seeks to make electricity bills more affordable by reducing network charges and taxes, promoting energy efficiency, and improving the functioning of gas markets. You can watch the debate here.

    On 10 March, MEPs reviewed the Commission’s recent proposals to cut red tape and simplify legislation for EU businesses and citizens. The Commission is proposing to ease the administrative burden for all EU businesses, in particular for small and medium-sized companies. The main focus of compliance with EU rules will shift to the EU’s largest companies – those more likely to have a disproportionate impact on the climate and environment – while all businesses will continue to have access to sustainable finance for their clean transition. Areas covered under these ‘omnibus’ proposals include sustainability reporting, due diligence rules, the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), and InvestEU. You can watch the debate here.

    Further reading

    MEPs call for a more competitive EU that respects social and labour standards

    Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

    In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament says the EU is now Ukraine’s primary strategic ally and must help the country uphold its right to self-defence.

    Following an “apparent shift” in the US position on Russia’s war of aggression, “which has included openly blaming Ukraine for the ongoing war”, the EU and its member states are now Ukraine’s primary strategic allies and must maintain their role as its largest donor, according to MEPs. To uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence, the EU and its member states must ramp up their much-needed assistance to the country.

    The resolution also states there can be no negotiations on European security without the presence of the EU, and MEPs welcome the launch of a ‘coalition of the willing’ for the potential Europe-led enforcement of an eventual peace agreement. MEPs are dismayed by the US administration’s appeasement of Russia and targeting of its allies.

    On 24 February 2025, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission issued a joint statement, saying “Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”

    The three presidents stressed that “Ukraine is part of our European family” and that “the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.” They emphasised “the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.”

    Further reading

    The EU must contribute to robust security guarantees for Ukraine

    Joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

    How the EU is supporting Ukraine

    EU stands with Ukraine

    European defence and security

    In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament calls on the EU to act urgently and ensure its own security. This will mean, MEPs say, strengthening relationships with like-minded partners, and strongly diminishing reliance on non-EU countries.

    The EU needs “truly ground-breaking efforts” and actions “close to those of wartime”, say MEPs, also welcoming the recently tabled ReArm plan.

    To achieve peace and stability in Europe, the EU must support Ukraine and become more resilient itself, MEPs argue. The resolution states, “Europe is today facing the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War”. It calls on member states, international partners, and NATO allies to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against military targets on Russian territory.

    The text says the EU must enable its administration to “move much faster through the procedures”, in the event of war or other large-scale security crises. While stressing the importance of EU-NATO cooperation, MEPs also call for the development of a fully capable European pillar in NATO that is able to act autonomously whenever necessary.

    At the special European Council meeting on 6 March, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reassured leaders that the EP can move quickly and efficiently to meet today’s unprecedented security challenges. She called on the EU to invest more in defence: “Our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action.” She reassured leaders that the European Parliament can adjust to demanding circumstances by moving quickly, efficiently and effectively. President Metsola highlighted that “our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action.”

    During the 31 March to 3 April plenary session, MEPs will discuss with High Representative Kaja Kallas the EU’s common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs are set to urge the EU to invest more in its defence sector, including an increase of military and political support for Ukraine. They are also expected to call on the EU to expand its presence in the Middle East, foster closer ties with like-minded partners, and support enlargement countries in their efforts to advance towards EU membership. The draft texts on the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and on EU Common Security and Defence Policy will be voted on by MEPs on 2 April.

    Further reading

    MEPs urge the EU to ensure its own security

    “We cannot afford to depend on others to keep us safe”, Metsola tells EU leaders

    “Europe must be responsible for its own security”, Metsola tells EU leaders

    MEPs call on Europe to strengthen its defence capacity

    Rutte to MEPs: “We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years”

    The EU’s long-term budget and new own resources

    Parliament is working on a draft report outlining its priorities for the next long-term EU budget post-2027, also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The Committee on Budgets is expected to vote on this draft report at a meeting on 23-24 April, and plenary is set to vote on it during the 5-8 May plenary session.

    Parliament’s consent is needed (with an absolute majority) for the adoption of the MFF. MEPs may approve or reject the Council’s position (which is adopted by unanimity) but they may not make amendments to it. Parliament’s two co-rapporteurs, Siegfried Mureşan (EPP, Romania) and Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal), expect MEPs to be involved from the start of the process, that during the negotiations, in its adoption, and in the implementation phase of the long-term EU budget.

    So-called EU own resources are the main sources of revenue for the EU budget. During the previous long-term budget negotiations, EU institutions agreed on a legally binding roadmap for the introduction of new sources of EU revenue. In 2023, the Commission proposed three new sources, linked to greenhouse gas emissions, company profits, and money generated by the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. However, their adoption has stalled due to the reluctance of EU governments – right when new revenue streams are more important than ever, as debts accrued through the Next Generation EU (NGEU) recovery instrument will have to be repaid by 2058. The total costs for capital and interest repayments of the NGEU are projected to reach around €20-30 billion a year from 2028. The co-rapporteurs have argued that their repayment should come at the expense of existing EU policies.

    The own resources decision also requires a unanimous decision in Council, an opinion of Parliament, and ratification by every member state before it enters into force.

    Further reading

    Parliament’s draft report on the long-term EU budget

    Recording of the presentation of the draft report in the Budgets Committee (19.02.2025.)

    Recording of a press conference by the MFF co-rapporteurs (18.12.2024.)

    EPRS Briefing: Future of EU long-term financing (February 2025)

    Press release: “Own Resources”: Parliament’s position on new EU revenue

    Migration

    On 11 March, MEPs and the Commission debated changes to EU rules on the return of people who have no legal right to remain in Europe. The proposal for a new legal framework on “returns”, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2024, was formally unveiled by the European Commission on 11 March.

    During the plenary debate, MEPs scrutinised the proposal, which is intended to increase the return rate of third-country nationals not entitled to stay in the EU. Parliament emphasised the importance of cooperation with third countries, including on the readmission of their own nationals, as well innovative measures such as the establishment of return hubs in third countries. You can watch the debate here.

    Middle East

    In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament urges the EU and members states to support Syria’s transitional forces and calls on Damascus to end historical alliances with Tehran and Moscow. Concerned about stability in Syria and in the Middle East, MEPs want the EU to “seize this historic opportunity to support a Syrian-led political transition in order to unite and rebuild the country”. They call on the EU and member states to help Syria’s authorities in the country’s reconstruction. MEPs also want the EU to explore the use of frozen assets of the Assad regime to fund reconstruction, rehabilitation, and the compensation of victims.

    MEPs want Syria’s new authorities in Damascus “to break free from its notorious long-standing alliances with Tehran and Moscow, which “have brought suffering to the Syrian people and destabilisation to the Middle East and beyond”. They appeal to the Syrian authorities to revoke Russia’s military presence in Syria and condemn Moscow for hosting Bashar al-Assad and his family, shielding them from justice.

    Further reading

    The EU must support the political transition and reconstruction of Syria

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Energy Transfer lawsuit verdict

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    © Stephanie Keith / Greenpeace

    The jury has officially reached a verdict in our trial against Big Oil company Energy Transfer’s meritless lawsuit.

    This verdict is not the end of this case. Although a jury of nine people in North Dakota has decided that Greenpeace entities are liable for over $660 million in damages, this isn’t over.

    We’re going to appeal. And we’re prepared to fight this all the way to victory. 

    We absolutely believe in our legal defense. We believe the law is fully on our side. We believe in what we did at Standing Rock, and that ultimately we will prevail against this meritless lawsuit.

    Before we discuss next steps, let’s acknowledge that this is a dark moment in United States history. And let’s talk about what “victory” actually means.

    We’ve fought Energy Transfer’s lawsuits for more than seven years. Every step of the way, we’ve emphasized that these types of lawsuits —  intended to silence and shut down critics — are part of a growing national attack on our First Amendment rights. 

    The truth is, “victory” doesn’t just mean defeating this specific lawsuit. It means that no other organization or individual has to defend themselves against this type of attack.

    This lawsuit was designed to scare and divide our movement. Instead, the opposite has happened — in the last year alone, more than 350,000 individuals around the world and more than 430 organizations representing millions of people have spoken out against it.

    Thankfully, we’ve never been lonely in this fight. It’s entirely thanks to Greenpeace supporters that we’ve had the resources to fight back for more than seven years without ever slowing down our work campaigning for a green and peaceful future.

    Greenpeace USA was founded on nonviolent direct action and peaceful protest over 50 years ago, and we’ve exercised our right to peacefully expose environmental harm ever since. Energy Transfer chose to target three Greenpeace entities because of what our history represents.

    We are simply a community of people who share a set of values, and our community is part of a larger global movement. No courtroom or judgement can stop that movement.

    As we’ve long said: we will not be silenced, and our movement will endure.

    On Thursday, March 20th, you can join us on Zoom where we’ll be discussing this verdict and sharing more about the next steps — RSVP here.

    For now, we’ll leave you with this quote from Standing Rock Grassroots member Waniya Locke, published last month in The New York Times: 

    “When you look back at history, they always try to wipe us out.”

    Beyond just attempting to diminish every American’s free speech rights, this lawsuit attempts to erase Indigenous leadership. It’s an attack on Indigenous sovereignty, and a racist attempt to rewrite the actual history of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. 

    More than seven years later, we remain deeply proud of what we did to support that Indigenous-led resistance. We own everything we did, because what we did was simply living our values.

    With your support, we will continue living those values for many years to come.

    Energy Transfer is trying to silence our movement.

    Donate to the Warrior Defense Fund to help us fight back.

    Give now

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Staying READY

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    @usarmy troops from the @2DStryker conduct a Table XII field artillery certification at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany. Platoon-level certifications keep soldiers current and ready to dominate in unified land operations.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1unzANdPbrE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Zeroing In On The Win

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    Competitors from all components of the @usarmy and @ArmyROTC cadets participated in the 2025 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships hosted by the @USArmyMarksmanshipUnit at Fort Benning, Ga.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtV_kZMydS8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Old school gas chambers hit DIFFERENT!

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    by Defense Media Activity

    About the U.S. Army:

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

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #BeAllYouCanBe

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BNQS8u0F_E

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: European Defence Strategy: What to expect?

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    The European Union needs a surge in defence—and it needs it now. The ReArm Europe plan, followed by the White Paper on Defence, will outline the financial tools and industrial strategy that the European Commission is proposing, to build a European Defence Union that ensures peace through unity and strength.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwOMCQ4s9DQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: MBTs fire at mock targets

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      A main battle tank (MBT) attached to a combined-arms brigade of the Chinese PLA Army kicks up plumes of dust en route to the designated training field during a live-fire shooting training exercise in early March, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Zhenyu)

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Pentagon to cut up to 60,000 civilian jobs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The U.S. Defense Department plans to cut 50,000 to 60,000 civilian jobs through firings, resignations and a hiring freeze in the coming months, local media reported on Tuesday.

    Intending to cut 5 to 8 percent of the Defense Department’s civilian workforce of roughly 900,000, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aims to slash roughly 6,000 positions a month by not refilling roles as employees quit, ABC News reported, citing a senior defense official.

    The Pentagon is going about the cuts in three ways: voluntary resignations, firing probationary workers and weeding out positions by not replacing employees who routinely leave, said the report.

    The move is part of a larger effort by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to cut the federal workforce.

    The majority of the Pentagon’s workforce reduction effort is voluntary so far. However, the department sought to cut some 5,400 probationary civilian workers last month, which has been put on hold due to legal challenges, said the report, adding that Hegseth is confident the cuts can be done without harming military readiness.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia, Ukraine each swap 175 prisoners of conflict

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 175 prisoners captured in the Ukraine conflict on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

    Another 22 seriously wounded Ukrainian prisoners in need of urgent medical care were also transferred “as a gesture of goodwill,” the ministry said in a statement.

    It also said that the United Arab Emirates provided mediation efforts leading to the return of Russian service members. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC’S USMC CWO Antonio Milord Promotes to the rank of Captain, Feb. 3, 2025

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    SINGAPORE (Feb. 3, 2025) United States Marine Corps (USMC) Capt. Antonio J. Milord, ground ammunition officer assigned to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73), received his new collar devices reflecting his promotion from Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 3 to the rank of Capt. during his promotion ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, February 3, 2025.

    The Winchester, Virginia native operates as one of two marines stationed in COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73, where he works as the lead ammunition logistics officer for Marine forces in the Indo-Pacific region. He develops logistical plans by coordinating shipments of ammunition and explosives while managing inventory levels to ensure the USMC’s ordnance inventory in the region is properly maintained at all times.

    This promotion has been a long-term goal for the former CWO 3 since his first enlistment into the USMC as a Private First Class.

    “I was always inspired by Chief Warrant Officers in my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) when I worked with them,” said Milord. “They were very intelligent and very smart, so I always found that was the path that I wanted to go for, being a very technical specialist.”

    Following his selection into the CWO program, Milord wasted little time in further developing himself as a subject matter expert in his field. In 2023, he was named Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command’s Marine Corps Ammunition Officer of the Year for calendar year 2022.

    “I am only the second Marine officer to have accomplished this feat, as I originally won the Ammunition NCO of the Year award 10 years ago in 2012 as a Sergeant,” said Milord.

    The two-time award-winning Marine recalls the moment in his early career how he solidified his pursuit for the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program.

    “For LDO, I remember there was a Lt. Col. in my MOS, who was the top guy at the time, and I remember him talking to all of the Marines. He said, ‘Hey, I remember when I started as a Private First Class and then started coming up through the ranks.’” Milord recollected. “I thought that was a sort of a “rags to riches” story. I thought that was really motivating and a defining point for me wanting to get to that level.”

    After executing on the myriad of mission objectives he had set for himself as a junior NCO, Milord shares the next milestones he has now set his scope on as a junior commissioned officer in the USMC.

    “It means a lot to finally reach that goal that you’ve been working towards the entire time. The other goals along the way mean a lot but there are always goals on the horizon,” said Milord. “I’m doing Command and Staff College, which is a higher-level military P.M.E. (Professional Military Education), and Major (O-4) is the next promotion and the next higher billet, so that’s what I’m focused on right now.”

    When asked for what advice he would impart on a junior NCO seeking to emulate his journey, Milord shared the guidance which helped him stay on his path throughout the years.

    “If you really want it, you won’t allow anything to stop you or prevent you from achieving your goals,” said Milord. “It’s never an easy path but you have to want it and excel at it.”

    COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters.

    For more information on Sailors and Marines like Milord serving in Singapore, visit https://www.clwp.navy.mil/

    Date Taken: 02.03.2025
    Date Posted: 03.19.2025 21:10
    Story ID: 493266
    Location: SG
    Hometown: WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA, US
    Web Views: 3
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, COMLOG WESTPAC’S USMC CWO Antonio Milord Promotes to the rank of Captain, Feb. 3, 2025, by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel expresses ‘sorrow’ over UN staffer’s death in Gaza, denies responsibility

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Israel on Wednesday expressed “sorrow” over the death of a Bulgarian United Nations staff member in strikes on UN guesthouses in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah but said an initial investigation found no Israeli involvement in the incident.

    The United Nations said the staffer, employed by the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), was killed when two UN facilities were hit. Five other personnel sustained serious injuries.

    Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said a preliminary inquiry “found no connection” between Israeli military operations and the strike.

    “The circumstances of the incident are being investigated,” he said, adding that Israel facilitated the evacuation of the victim’s body and the wounded from the site.

    The injured would receive treatment in Israeli hospitals, he said in a post on social media platform X.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack as a violation of international law. “All UN premises’ locations are known to parties to the conflict, who are obligated to protect them,” a UN spokesperson said in a statement.

    Guterres extended condolences to the victim’s family, noting that the death brought the number of UN staff killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023 to at least 280.

    “These premises were well known by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and they were ‘deconflicted’,” UNOPS chief Jorge Moreira da Silva said, adding that it was clear UN personnel were inside at the time.

    “This was not an accident, this was an incident,” he told reporters, saying additional information was being gathered.

    Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military denied targeting the compounds. “Contrary to reports, the IDF did not target a UN facility in Deir al-Balah,” it said in a statement.

    The incident occurred as Israel renewed military operations in Gaza, which officials say are aimed at Hamas militants. Gaza health authorities reported more than 400 Palestinian deaths since Tuesday, including at least 170 children and 80 women, after Israel resumed strikes following a weeks-long ceasefire that began on Jan. 19.

    Israel’s military said the operations were intended to “eliminate Hamas threats” and would continue “until strategic objectives are achieved.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU unveils white paper on defense amid US uncertainty

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The European Commission on Wednesday introduced a comprehensive plan to enhance the European Union’s (EU) defense capabilities, aiming to bolster military readiness and reduce reliance on non-EU allies amid uncertainty over future U.S. support for NATO.

    “The security architecture that we relied on can no longer be taken for granted. Europe is ready to step up. We must invest in defense, strengthen our capabilities, and take a proactive approach to security,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

    At the core of the plan is the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, and a defense package providing financial levers to EU member states for boosting investment in defense capabilities. These are part of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, the Commission said.

    The white paper outlines key priorities, including addressing critical defense gaps identified by EU member states and strengthening Europe’s defense industry through increased joint procurement efforts.

    It also emphasizes the need to increase military support for Ukraine and expand the EU-wide defense market by streamlining regulations to improve efficiency and cooperation. Currently, EU nations operate a wide array of different weapons systems, limiting interoperability and efficiency.

    As part of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, the Commission has set limits on fiscal flexibility for defense spending, capping financial deviations by EU member states at a maximum of 1.5 percent of GDP per year during the activation of the national escape clause, for a period of up to four years.

    Earlier this month, von der Leyen introduced an 800-billion-euro (874.64 billion U.S. dollars) plan to significantly boost defense spending across the bloc. The plan established a 150-billion-euro loan program to help EU countries invest jointly in critical military assets, with the Commission committed to mobilizing an additional 650 billion euros.

    EU leaders had agreed to activate the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact in a coordinated manner, which allows increased defense spending and provides immediate budgetary flexibility across member states.

    The new blueprint was unveiled ahead of a summit of EU government leaders, where European defense remains a top agenda topic. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollars) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM: Barrow a blueprint for positive impact of defence spending across the country

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM: Barrow a blueprint for positive impact of defence spending across the country

    Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.

    • Keir Starmer joins Vanguard Class submarine crew returning home from nuclear deterrent patrol to thank them for their silent service
    • Comes as he visits Barrow to lay the keel of the next generation Dreadnought submarine, the next generation of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
    • Prime Minister announces His Majesty The King will confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security
    • New £28 million funding package for T-Levels set to benefit Furness College in Barrow to support submarine builders of the future.

    Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.

    It comes as he announces the King has agreed to confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK.

    The visit follows the Prime Minister secretly joining submariners returning home to loved ones a few days ago, hearing firsthand the ‘hot’ debrief of their long operational tour keeping the UK and NATO Allies safe.

    The Prime Minister boarded the boat as it returned to UK waters, known as ‘a Day Zero’, to thank submariners for their months of silent service deep under water. He is the first Prime Minister to join a Day Zero since 2013.

    The Prime Minister also met families waiting for their relatives to return from sea, many of which had experienced significant life milestones while their loved ones were on deployment, including four submariners who returned home to newborn children.

    Since 1969, the nuclear deterrent has been the cornerstone of UK security and continuously delivered by the Royal Navy – with at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrolling the seas undetected at all times. 

    The keel for the first nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine was laid in Barrow in 1959, before its launch in 1960. Two years later, the UK declared its nuclear capability to NATO.

    And this afternoon, the Prime Minister will lay the keel to the first boat of the next generation nuclear armed submarines, knowns as the Dreadnought class. 

    Dreadnought will deliver the next generation of our nuclear deterrent, to protect our people and allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life for decades to come.

    It is also expected to support more than 30,000 jobs across the country, from the heart of BAE Systems in Barrow, to small and medium enterprises up and down the country. 

    Barrow will also play a vital role in delivering the AUKUS programme – a joint endeavour between Australia, the United States and the UK – with the first SSN-AUKUS attack submarines being built at the BAE Systems site.

    Last month, the Prime Minister announced that this government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.

    That will equate to an extra £13.4 billion on defence, allowing this government to go further than ever to make sure the benefit of that investment is felt in British people’s pockets. 

    The Barrow submarine workforce alone has grown by more than 1000 people in the past six months, with those working in the defence nuclear sector earning approximately 20% above the national average wage.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    When I say that our Plan for Change is delivering security for working people and renewal for our country, there is no better blueprint than Barrow.

    Defence spending here is supporting highly skilled jobs, driving opportunities for young people and delivering world class capabilities to keep us all safe, but it’s also crucially putting money in the pockets of hardworking people.

    This week, I saw firsthand the sacrifice our submariners are making every day to keep our country safe, but I know they are only able to do that because of the support of the town of Barrow.

    Each and every person living and working in Barrow is contributing to our nation’s defence, whether that is building our world-class submarine programme, or supporting the workforce here through vital public services or proud family businesses.

    The Prime Minister will also announce that His Majesty the King has agreed to confer the title ‘Royal’ to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s undue role in guaranteeing the nation’s security.

    The title is a recognition of the dedication and commitment of the people of Barrow in delivering the submarines that protect the nation, now and for decades to come. His Majesty hopes to visit the town in due course to mark the town’s proud heritage and prosperous future. 

    As part of recognising that contribution, and ensuring the community is able to continue delivering the nuclear deterrent for generations to come, new funding to support the wider community will be announced by the Prime Minister.

    That will include a new £28 million funding package for T-Levels, delivered by providers across England including Furness College in Barrow.

    The funding will help to equip and inspire students to be the next generation of submarine builders, with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, and leading to skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher education both in the defence sector and beyond.

    This is on top of the Barrow Transformation Fund, a £200 million government package to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable growth and boost opportunities for the people of Barrow.

    As part of that fund, a £5 million pot to invest in schools to boost aspiration and support the needs of the young people of Barrow will also be opened.

    The funding priorities will be co-designed with representative leaders from across Barrow’s schools, ensuring the money is spent by the people who know best about how to improve the future of young people in the town.

    The fund also delivers on the government’s commitment to ensure those on the frontline of public services are empowered in decision making.

    A further £5 million will be provided for grants to community and voluntary organisations to allow local people to improve their local area.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:

    Today’s keel laying is a demonstration of our government delivering for defence and fulfilling our first duty: to keep the British people safe.

    Our triple lock pledge for Britain’s nuclear deterrent will see all four Dreadnought-class submarines built in Royal Barrow – a generational commitment that is transforming this town. This is one of the most complex projects ever undertaken in this country, representing the very best of British engineering.

    Our commitment to the nuclear deterrent is unshakeable – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies. And this national endeavour is also an engine for jobs and growth in Barrow and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Enhanced urgent care service for Napier

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government will invest in an enhanced overnight urgent care service for the Napier community as part of our focus on ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown has today confirmed.

    “I am delighted that a solution has been found to ensure Napier residents will continue to receive afterhours care for urgent problems close to home,” says Mr Brown.

    “Not only will the existing service be retained, Health New Zealand has agreed to enhance the overnight service so that Napier residents can receive more comprehensive care such as access to nurse prescribers, plus overnight medical support from a doctor via telehealth.

    “This is a significant improvement on the status quo and means that the local community will have access to a better service, delivered from Napier Health at 76 Wellesley Road, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    “Work has been underway since the end of 2024 to develop a sustainable model of care for urgent care services in the area.

    “Significant feedback was gathered during consultation on how a better and safer patient experience could be delivered. The enhanced service will include:
     

    • The existing nurse-provided walk in service
    • An additional nurse with the ability to prescribe
    • An overnight telehealth medical service

    “Urgent care supports patients with non-life-threatening illnesses who need to see a medical professional quickly and who can’t wait until the following day for medical attention.

    “Nurses will also now be able to connect directly with a doctor overnight if required or schedule a later virtual appointment for the patient. This is a practical option to ensure the people of Napier have access to a doctor for urgent, but non-life threatening, care. This will further strengthen the ability of the overnight nurse led service to be able to support patients.

    “As has always been the case, anyone requiring emergency care should go to the Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital’s emergency department or call 111 for an ambulance.

    “My focus as Minister of Health is ensuring New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.

    “I am pleased that Health New Zealand has been able to provide certainty to the people of Napier that they will continue to have access to overnight urgent care, now and in the future.

    “I want to thank everyone who has advocated for this service being retained, including local MP Katie Nimon who has been a staunch advocate for the retention of this service, which was put in place following the closure of Napier Hospital in 1998,” Mr Brown says.

    In addition to the enhanced service announced today, Health New Zealand will consider future options to supplement the service such as an on-call clinical pharmacist to support medication dispensing. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – RNZAF flight delivers much-needed medical chairs to Samoa

    Source: New Zealand Defence Force

    A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130J Hercules has delivered specialised medical chairs to Samoa.

    The five bulky chairs are designed for patients receiving chemotherapy or dialysis treatment and were donated by Christchurch’s Forté Health Hospital. The delivery was facilitated by Rotary New Zealand.

    The Hercules left RNZAF Base Auckland on Wednesday on its way to the United States, with a scheduled stop in Apia.

    Forté has been donating medical equipment to the Pacific Islands since 2020, as part of a project organised by Rotary New Zealand World Community Service.

    Forté Hospital Manager Angela Ross says the chairs are high-quality equipment and they were grateful they could be given a second life.

    “We know the donation of these day-stay chairs, along with our many other donations over the years, make an enormous difference to healthcare staff, patients and communities across the Pacific. It’s pretty special,” Ms Ross said.

    Rotary New Zealand’s executive director Stuart Batty says he is delighted the RNZAF can fly the chairs to Samoa.

    “For the past 25 years Rotary has been sending shipping container-loads of mostly medical and educational equipment to the Pacific countries,” he said.

    “We got them in the container but we thought we might need to stack things on them and it could be a problem. So I thought I would see if the RNZAF could take them and lo and behold they were able to. It’s fantastic.”

    The chairs would likely be used at Apia’s main hospital, which had dialysis and cancer wards, Mr Batty said.

    “It’s so great the chairs were able to be flown over so quickly after my request. There aren’t too many aircraft which can move bulky equipment like the chairs. The Hercules is perfect for the job.”

    No. 40 Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Brad Scott, says he is pleased the squadron can lend a hand.

    “In situations where we have spare capacity it is a great way of helping our Pacific neighbours.

    “To be able to offer to move the chairs that will benefit people in need is a fantastic opportunity and we are happy to be able to support charities such as Rotary New Zealand and Forté Health Hospital with the flight.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting Alberta from unconstitutional federal overreach

    [. The Critical Infrastructure Defence Amendment Act, 2025, would make amendments to the CIDA to update the definition of essential infrastructure to include facilities where oil and gas production and emission data and records are held, as well as the two-kilometre-deep border zone north of the Alberta-United States border.

    “Our government will continue using every tool we can to defend the best interests of Albertans, our economy, and our industry. These amendments would further assert Alberta’s exclusive provincial jurisdiction to develop its natural resources and ensure our southern border remains secure. We will not tolerate the continuous and unconstitutional overreaches made by the federal government. Alberta will continue its pursuit of doubling our oil and gas production to meet the growing global demand for energy and we will not let Ottawa stand in the way of our province’s future prosperity.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “Whether securing our border or calling on the federal government to scrap its harmful, job-killing emissions cap, our government will always prioritize public safety and defend Alberta’s interests. These amendments will ensure we have the necessary tools to protect our economy, industry and economic prosperity right now and in the years to come.

    Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

    Updating the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act to include facilities where oil and gas production and emission data and records are held will help protect Alberta’s economy and the province’s ability to continue producing responsible energy to meet the world’s growing demands. These amendments are in line with the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act motion, passed in December 2024, which stated that all emissions data be exclusively owned by the province, and if the federal government’s proposed emissions cap is found to be unconstitutional, federal enforcement officers would have no reason to conduct emissions cap inspections or collect data.

    “This production cap will kill tens of thousands of jobs and devastate Alberta’s economy, all while global emissions rise. Protecting Alberta’s emissions data is part of our plan to defend our province if the proposed cap ever becomes law. We will never let the federal Liberal government sacrifice Alberta’s prosperity for their extreme ideological agenda.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    The Critical Infrastructure Defence Act protects essential infrastructure by creating offences under the act for trespassing, interfering with operations or causing damage. Proposed amendments would also explicitly state the act applies to the federal government.

    As part of government’s efforts to strengthen security in the area near the international border, a two-kilometre-deep border zone north of the entire Alberta-United States border was designated as essential infrastructure in the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation in January 2025. These legislative changes would further enshrine this in legislation.

    “The proposed amendments are vital to increasing border security along Alberta’s southern USA border. Let this be a message to all potential traffickers, especially those who traffic deadly fentanyl, that Alberta’s southern border is secure. Anyone caught trespassing in the red zone, interfering with, or damaging essential infrastructure, and those who do not have a lawful right to be on the essential infrastructure will be arrested.”

    Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    The Critical Infrastructure Amendment Act will combine the definition of essential infrastructure in one place by including the two-kilometre border zone, as designated in the regulation, into the act. These changes would help protect Alberta’s economy, industry and prosperity and ensure peace officers have the tools needed to strengthen security in the area near the international border.

    Related information

    • Bill 45: Critical Infrastructure Defence Amendment Act, 2025

    Related news

    • Protecting Alberta’s economic future from Ottawa (Nov. 26, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Terrorism remains an evolving challenge, use of advanced tech necessitates collaborative & action-oriented approach, says Defence Secretary at 14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Terrorism remains an evolving challenge, use of advanced tech necessitates collaborative & action-oriented approach, says Defence Secretary at 14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism

    Calls for developing a ‘whole of government and whole of society’ approach to counter radicalisation & violent extremism and enhancing legal & financial frameworks to disrupt terror financing networks

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

    “India remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and believes in an approach that combines robust domestic mechanisms, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and strong regional cooperation,” said Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh during the keynote address at the 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi on March 19, 2025. 

    The Defence Secretary stated that terrorism remains a dynamic & evolving challenge, with threats increasingly transcending borders, and the use of advanced technology, cyber tools & unmanned systems by terrorist groups necessitates a cohesive, forward looking and action-oriented approach. He added that the Indo-Pacific region, given its geopolitical and economic significance, is particularly vulnerable to transitional terrorism and violent extremism, which calls for a comprehensive, adaptive, and deeply collaborative response. 

    Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasised that, through the ADMM-Plus platform, India seeks to build synergy among the defence forces, security agencies, and policy frameworks to address emerging threat effectively. “In the complex, hyper-connected & fast-paced world, social and ecological systems are fragile. It is important to assess this risk to empower the Governments in priority setting and decision making. Terrorism can destabilise governments, undermine civil society, and threaten social & economic development. We have a collective obligation to provide the decision-makers guidance to understand uncertainty and better weigh the impact on decision making,” he said. 

    The event witnessed the handing over of ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter-Terrorism chairmanship to India and Malaysia from Russia and Myanmar for a three-year cycle. The Defence Secretary voiced the commitment of the new co-chairs towards ensuring that the efforts over this cycle yield practical and meaningful results. “By leveraging our collective expertise, enhancing capacity-building, and fostering deeper trust and cooperation, we can significantly strengthen regional security and counter-terrorism preparedness,” he said. 

    Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that in the present cycle of EWG on Counter-Terrorism, the focus will be on strengthening regional cooperation and improving interoperability among the Armed Forces through structured joint initiatives. He added that the aim will be to counter the misuse of emerging technologies and addressing threats posed by terrorists through use of AI-driven propaganda, encrypted communications, drone technologies. Strengthening cyber resilience against online radicalisation and recruitment efforts will also be a focus area, he said. 

    Towards the latter half of the cycle, the Defence Secretary said, work will be carried out together towards capacity building through practical exercises wherein Malaysia will conduct a Table-Top Exercise in 2026, facilitating strategic-level decision making simulations to improve Counter-Terrorism planning and preparedness. In 2027, India will host a Field Training Exercise, aimed at stimulating real-world Counter-Terrorism scenarios, enhancing operational coordination, and testing rapid response mechanisms. He called for developing a whole of government and whole of society approach to counter radicalisation & violent extremism and enhancing legal & financial frameworks to disrupt terror financing networks. 

    Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated Malaysia for assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN for the year 2025, extending India’s full support. He acknowledged Malaysia’s effort in effectively steering ASEAN under the current geopolitical scenario with the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. He added that India is privileged to co-chair this crucial initiative alongside Malaysia, and appreciates the participation of representatives from the ASEAN member states, the Plus nations, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Timor-Leste. “Your presence reaffirms our shared commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms,” he said. 

    The Defence Secretary termed India’s relationship with ASEAN as a key pillar of its foreign policy, which is at the heart of Act East Policy. He reiterated India’s strong support to a stable and unified ASEAN which serves as an institutional anchor of an important region. 

    Delegations from 10 ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand) and eight dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, RoK, Japan, China, USA and Russia) along with Timor Leste and ASEAN Secretariat are participating in the meeting. India is co-chairing the EWG on Counter-Terrorism for the first time.

     ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ESA Previews Euclid Mission’s Deep View of ‘Dark Universe’

    Source: NASA

    With contributions from NASA, the mission is looking back into the universe’s history to understand how the universe’s expansion has changed. 
    The Euclid mission — led by ESA (European Space Agency) with contributions from NASA — aims to find out why our universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. Astronomers use the term “dark energy” to refer to the unknown cause of this phenomenon, and Euclid will take images of billions of galaxies to learn more about it. A portion of the mission’s data was released to the public by ESA released on Wednesday, March 19.
    This new data has been analyzed by mission scientists and provides a glimpse of Euclid’s progress. Deemed a “quick” data release, this batch focuses on select areas of the sky to demonstrate what can be expected in the larger data releases to come and to allow scientists to sharpen their data analysis tools in preparation.
    The data release contains observations of Euclid’s three “deep fields,” or areas of the sky where the space telescope will eventually make its farthest observations of the universe. Featuring one week’s worth of viewing, the Euclid images contain 26 million galaxies, the most distant being over 10.5 billion light-years away. Launched in July 2023, the space telescope is expected to observe more than 1.5 billion galaxies during its six-year prime mission.

    By the end of that prime mission, Euclid will have observed the deep fields for a total of about 40 weeks in order to gradually collect more light, revealing fainter and more distant galaxies. This approach is akin to keeping a camera shutter open to photograph a subject in low light.
    The first deep field observations, taken by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope in 1995, famously revealed the existence of many more galaxies in the universe than expected. Euclid’s ultimate goal is not to discover new galaxies but to use observations of them to investigate how dark energy’s influence has changed over the course of the universe’s history.
    In particular, scientists want to know how much the rate of expansion has increased or slowed down over time. Whatever the answer, that information would provide new clues about the fundamental nature of this phenomenon. NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch by 2027, will also observe large sections of the sky in order to study dark energy, complementing Euclid’s observations.

    Looking Back in Time
    To study dark energy’s effect throughout cosmic history, astronomers will use Euclid to create detailed, 3D maps of all the stuff in the universe. With those maps, they want to measure how quickly dark energy is causing galaxies and big clumps of matter to move away from one another. They also want to measure that rate of expansion at different points in the past. This is possible because light from distant objects takes time to travel across space. When astronomers look at distant galaxies, they see what those objects looked like in the past.
    For example, an object 100 light-years away looks the way it did 100 years ago. It’s like receiving a letter that took 100 years to be delivered and thus contains information from when it was written. By creating a map of objects at a range of distances, scientists can see how the universe has changed over time, including how dark energy’s influence may have varied.
    But stars, galaxies, and all the “normal” matter that emits and reflects light is only about one-fifth of all the matter in the universe. The rest is called “dark matter” — a material that neither emits nor reflects light. To measure dark energy’s influence on the universe, astronomers need to include dark matter in their maps.  
    Bending and Warping
    Although dark matter is invisible, its influence can be measured through something called gravitational lensing. The mass of both normal and dark matter creates curves in space, and light traveling toward Earth bends or warps as it encounters those curves. In fact, the light from a distant galaxy can bend so much that it forms an arc, a full circle (called an Einstein ring), or even multiple images of the same galaxy, almost as though the light has passed through a glass lens.
    In most cases, gravitational lensing warps the apparent shape of a galaxy so subtly that researchers need special tools and computer software to see it. Spotting those subtle changes across billions of galaxies enables scientists to do two things: create a detailed map of the presence of dark matter and observe how dark energy influenced it over cosmic history.
    It is only with a very large sample of galaxies that researchers can be confident they are seeing the effects of dark matter. The newly released Euclid data covers 63 square degrees of the sky, an area equivalent to an array of 300 full Moons. To date, Euclid has observed about 2,000 square degrees, which is approximately 14% of its total survey area of 14,000 square degrees. By the end of its mission, Euclid will have observed a third of the entire sky.
    The dataset released this month is described in several preprint papers available today. The mission’s first cosmology data will be released in October 2026. Data accumulated over additional, multiple passes of the deep field locations will also be included in the 2026 release.
    More About Euclid
    Euclid is a European mission, built and operated by ESA, with contributions from NASA. The Euclid Consortium — consisting of more than 2,000 scientists from 300 institutes in 15 European countries, the United States, Canada, and Japan — is responsible for providing the scientific instruments and scientific data analysis. ESA selected Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor for the construction of the satellite and its service module, with Airbus Defence and Space chosen to develop the payload module, including the telescope. Euclid is a medium-class mission in ESA’s Cosmic Vision Programme.
    Three NASA-supported science teams contribute to the Euclid mission. In addition to designing and fabricating the sensor-chip electronics for Euclid’s Near Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP) instrument, JPL led the procurement and delivery of the NISP detectors as well. Those detectors, along with the sensor chip electronics, were tested at NASA’s Detector Characterization Lab at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The Euclid NASA Science Center at IPAC (ENSCI), at Caltech in Pasadena, California, supports U.S.-based science investigations, and science data is archived at the NASA / IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA). JPL is a division of Caltech.
    For more information about Euclid go to:
    science.nasa.gov/mission/euclid/
    News Media Contact
    ESA Media Relationsmedia@esa.int
    Calla CofieldJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-808-2469calla.e.cofield@jpl.nasa.gov
    2025-039

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California seizes over 650,000 fentanyl pills so far in 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 19, 2025

    What you need to know: In the first two months of 2025, California National Guard’s Counter Drug Task Force has seized 1,045 pounds of illicit fentanyl with a street valuation of $6.8 million.

    SACRAMENTO – Continuing an enhanced focus in 2025 to combat the scourge of illegal fentanyl trafficking, in January and February, the California National Guard (CalGuard) has seized 1,045 pounds and more than 650,000 pills containing fentanyl, with a street valuation of more than $6.8 million. 

    Through their Counter Drug Task Force operations, the Cal Guard Task Force members have been strategically deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and trafficking illegal narcotics like fentanyl, in support of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.

    “By disrupting the trafficking of the 1,045 pounds of fentanyl so far this year, Cal Guard’s Counter Drug Task Force continues to save countless lives across our state. I cannot thank them enough for their support in keeping deadly fentanyl out of our communities.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Service members helped confiscate 488 pounds of powder-laced fentanyl and 331,069 pills of this dangerous drug in February, adding to the efforts in January. 

    In addition, Cal Guard service members continue to transform drug prevention in elementary, middle, and high schools statewide through the Task Force’s Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program. Since October 2024, servicemembers visited 112 schools across the state and engaged with 57,442 students. By conducting in-person outreach and understanding students’ beliefs about their own health using a Health Belief Model, Cal Guard is implementing an impactful initiative in the fight against opioid abuse.

    Latest laboratory testing from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency indicates five out of 10 pills tested in 2024 contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl, which is down from seven of 10 pills in 2023.

    How we got here

    In 2024, Governor Newsom doubled down on the deployment of the Cal Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force by more than doubling the number of service members supporting fentanyl interdiction, and seizing other drugs, at California ports of entry to nearly 400. Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through ports of entry. 

    Cal Guard’s coordinated drug interdiction efforts in the state are funded in part by California’s $60 million investment over four years to expand Cal Guard’s work to prevent drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations. This adds to the Governor’s efforts to address fentanyl within California, including by cracking down on fentanyl in communities across the state, including San Francisco.
     

    Addressing the opioid crisis

    The state has launched various initiatives in recent years to combat illicit opioids through the Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, which provides a comprehensive framework to support overdose prevention efforts, hold the opioid pharmaceutical industry accountable, crack down on drug trafficking, and raise awareness about the dangers of opioids like fentanyl.

    Recently, through funding designated by the Governor in the 2022-23 budget to develop the Fentanyl Enforcement Program, the Department of Justice recently announced a significant fentanyl bust worth $55 million and leading to the arrest of three major fentanyl traffickers. 

    The Campus Opioid Act, signed by Governor Newsom in 2022, requires that every public college campus in California distribute a federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication like naloxone, and include information about opioid overdoses in their orientation process. Building on this effort, the Governor last year signed AB 2429, requiring that fentanyl education be included in high school health classes starting in the 2026-27 school year.

    Serving as a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment, the website opioids.ca.gov provides information on how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis.

    The public education campaign Facts Fight Fentanyl informs Californians about the dangers of fentanyl and how to prevent overdoses and deaths. This effort will provide critical information about fentanyl and life-saving tools such as naloxone. 

    Through the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP), over-the-counter CalRx®-branded naloxone is now available across the state. The CalRx®-branded over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone HCL nasal spray, 4 mg, is available for free to eligible organizations through the state and for sale for $24 per twin-pack through Amneal. Since 2018, there have been over 334,000 reversals reported from NDP naloxone since 2018.

    Recent news

    Mar 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: 51 projects — including 46 independent features — will generate nearly $580 million in economic activity and employ over 6,490 cast and crew thanks to California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program. HOLLYWOOD — Governor Newsom today…

    Mar 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom streamlined a solar and battery storage project in the Fresno area that would provide clean energy to power up to 300,000 homes. SACRAMENTO –  Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he is taking action to streamline a clean…

    Mar 18, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as Women’s Military History Week. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATION From the Revolutionary War to…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: While other states chase Hollywood, California locks in record-breaking film slate

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 19, 2025

    What you need to know: 51 projects — including 46 independent features — will generate nearly $580 million in economic activity and employ over 6,490 cast and crew thanks to California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program.

    HOLLYWOOD — Governor Newsom today announced the California Film Commission selected 51 film projects for the latest round of awards under the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program. This batch represents the most projects ever approved in one application window.

    While other states try to chase California’s on-screen success, everyone knows the Golden State is the entertainment capital of the world – built through decades of innovation and hard work. Today’s awards are vital to keeping production where it belongs – generating thousands of good-paying jobs ‘below the line,’ and supporting the local businesses that rely on a thriving film and television industry.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    Collectively, these productions are estimated to spend $346.9 million in wages, generate approximately $577.8 million in qualified expenditures statewide, and are expected to hire 6,490 cast and crew members, with 37,000 background performers hired (measured in days worked).

    This latest allocation round includes an impressive slate of 46 independent and 5 non-independent films, reflecting an unprecedented regional diversity and offering significant economic benefits across the state with 31 projects planning to film in various areas beyond Los Angeles. These projects plan to film more than 360 days in Contra Costa, Oakland, Ojai, Merced, and San Diego Counties, among others.

    “The devastating wildfires in Southern California have presented unprecedented challenges for our film and television community, disrupting more than a dozen productions within our Film & Television Tax Credit Program alone and impacting countless more,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission. “These disruptions have impacted employment for thousands of cast and crew members, affecting everything from production schedules and financing to housing and location access. Now more than ever, this program is a critical tool to help productions recover, keeping jobs and investment here in our state, all while ensuring that California remains the heart of the entertainment industry.”

    Highlights from this round of awards include:
    • Untitled Daniels/Wang Project (NBCUniversal), expected to receive $20.8 million in tax credits, generating estimated wages of $61.9 million and total qualified spending of $106.8 million.
    • Business Women (Twentieth Century Studios), securing $5.7 million in tax credits, estimated wages of $27.6 million, and total qualified spending of $49.4 million.
    • Behemoth! (Dialogue Industries Inc.), projected to bring $36.1 million in total qualified spending and generate $28.9 million in wages, securing $7.4 million in tax credits.
    • Cut Off (Warner Bros. Pictures), receiving $10 million in tax credits, with estimated wages of $28.3 million and total qualified spending of $49.4 million.
    • Untitled Drag Queen Movie (World of Wonder Productions), securing $1.7 million in tax credits, estimated wages of $4.4 million, and total qualified spending of $6.6 million.

    “We are LA filmmakers, with very dear LA friends, who happen to be some of the greatest creative talents we’ve worked with,” said The Daniels and Wang in a joint statement. “On ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ we received the California tax credit, and had we not, it would have been utterly impossible to make that film. We were also deeply moved by the CFC’s commitment to supporting local filmmakers and the broader community. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to film our next project in Los Angeles, creating jobs and opportunities for countless Californians.”

    “Category is: there’s no place like home!” said producer RuPaul Charles. “As someone who’s produced a TV series in Los Angeles for 17 years, I’m thrilled that our feature film, ‘Untitled Drag Queen Movie,’ is receiving tax credits from the California Film Commission. These incentives have been instrumental in supporting our financing. And best of all, we’re getting people back to work in Hollywood.”

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom streamlined a solar and battery storage project in the Fresno area that would provide clean energy to power up to 300,000 homes. SACRAMENTO –  Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he is taking action to streamline a clean…

    Mar 18, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as Women’s Military History Week. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATION From the Revolutionary War to…

    Mar 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in utility bill credits this year thanks to the state’s Cap-and-Trade program that funds critical climate action. SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced millions of Californians…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom cuts red tape to accelerate Fresno clean energy project

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 19, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom streamlined a solar and battery storage project in the Fresno area that would provide clean energy to power up to 300,000 homes.

    SACRAMENTO –  Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he is taking action to streamline a clean energy project in Fresno that would power up to 300,000 homes.

    The Governor certified the Cornucopia Hybrid Project in Fresno County utilizing a law to build more, faster that was extended in the historic infrastructure package passed in 2023 with the support of the Legislature. The certification means a streamlined process for legal challenges that can otherwise cause long delays.

    “In California, we’re in the ‘how’ business – we’re moving fast to achieve our world-leading clean energy goals. By fast-tracking critical projects like this one in Fresno, we’re creating good-paying jobs, cutting pollution, and building a cleaner, more reliable energy grid to serve Californians for generations.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why it matters

    • Cleaner, more reliable energy. The Cornucopia Hybrid Project is poised to deliver 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable solar energy and 300 MW of battery storage. This combination will enable the facility to dispatch carbon-free electricity to the grid during peak demand times, including evening and nighttime hours when renewable generation is limited. 
    • Advancing clean energy goals. The project would help California achieve its world-leading climate and clean energy goals, including powering the state with 90% clean electricity by 2035 and 100% by 2045.
    • Spurring economic growth and creating jobs. The project will generate essential tax revenues for local schools, infrastructure, and emergency services, while boosting the economy with construction and long-term operational jobs.
    • Prioritizing safety. The project aligns with California efforts focused on proactively addressing safety for battery storage systems through comprehensive state-level collaborations and regulatory updates. Governor Newsom recently convened a state-level collaborative to find opportunities to improve safety as the technology continues to evolve. Key initiatives include an update to the California Fire Code happening this year, expected to include enhanced BESS safety standards. 

    A swift path to clean energy

    • SB 7 (2021) allows the Governor to certify eligible clean energy and green housing projects for judicial streamlining under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This key tool to cut red tape was extended in 2023’s SB 149.
    • Courts must decide CEQA challenges to certified projects within 270 days to the extent feasible – saving months or even years of litigation delays after a project has already passed environmental review, while still allowing legal challenges to be heard.

    How we got here

    • Governor Newsom signed into law a package of bills to accelerate critical infrastructure projects across California that will help build our 100% clean electric grid, ensure safe drinking water and boost the state’s water supply, and modernize our transportation system.
    • By streamlining permitting, cutting red tape, and allowing state agencies to use new project delivery methods, these new laws will maximize taxpayer dollars and accelerate timelines of projects throughout the state, while ensuring appropriate environmental review and community engagement.
    • Over the next ten years, the package will take full advantage of an unprecedented $180 billion in state, local, and federal infrastructure funds and create an estimated 400,000 good-paying jobs. Already, California has put $109 billion to work, creating over 200,000 jobs.
    • Find projects building your community at build.ca.gov. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 18, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as Women’s Military History Week. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATION From the Revolutionary War to…

    Mar 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in utility bill credits this year thanks to the state’s Cap-and-Trade program that funds critical climate action. SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced millions of Californians…

    Mar 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom and Los Angeles community-based organizations (CBOs) today announced $25 million to advance educational outreach to workers and businesses about vital health, safety, and workplace protections. LOS ANGELES — As rebuilding in…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Idaho Congressional Delegation to Host Service Academy Days

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    IDAHO – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher (all R-Idaho) announced three events for young Idahoans and their families to learn about U.S. service academies. 
    Students, parents, and counselors are invited to attend and speak with service academy representatives and learn how to receive a nomination from a member of the Idaho Congressional Delegation.   
    Four service academies in attendance:
    U.S. Military Academy at West Point 
    U.S. Naval Academy
    U.S. Air Force Academy
    U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
    Details:
    Central Idaho 
    March 26, 6 – 8 p.m. PST
    Lewiston High School Library
    3201 Cecil Andrus Way in Lewiston
    North Idaho 
    April 3, 6 – 8 p.m. PST
    North Idaho College Student Union Building
    495 N. College Drive in Coeur d’Alene
    South Idaho  
    In-person and Zoom options are available. RSVP is required. Please contact Amy Sorensen with Congressman Mike Simpson’s Office at (208) 523-6701 for more information.
    April 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
    Gowen Field Readiness Building #440
    4087 W. Harvard St in Boise
    For more information on service academy nominations, click HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Breaking Barriers: L-83 woman’s journey into project management

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    The MOST Project Management course was developed in 2003, with the first class held in 2004, and nearly all the participants have been men. Over the past 20 years, Jess Mendenhall of Local 83 (Kansas City, Missouri) is only the second woman to take the course since its inception.

    Gerry Klimo, a retired member out of L-154 (Pittsburgh) who teaches the MOST Project Management course, was impressed with Mendenhall. 

    “I saw in her a very strong desire to progress and be great as a Boilermaker. It was evident watching her in the group. She’s outgoing and knowledgeable,” he said. “I’ve taught 30 or more of the classes. Sometimes there are people who really stand out, and to be a female in a male world personifies her as a strong person.”

    Mendenhall’s journey into the Boilermakers began when her eyes popped at the cost of college.

    “When I was 18, I did a semester in college. Then I got the bill for the next semester,” Mendenhall recalled. “I told my parents I’d join the Navy instead, but my dad suggested I try [the Boilermakers], so I did—and I’ve never looked back.”

    In 2012, Mendenhall indentured into Local 83.

    “I didn’t know anything,” she admitted. “I’m thankful and grateful I was taken under a couple of wings, and they showed me the ropes. I’ve never struggled with any brothers.”

    One of her most memorable jobs was an emergency rebuild after an explosion in Toledo, Ohio.

    “It was a complete rebuild on the fly—no planning,” she said. “It took about a month to six weeks to get it online. We rebuilt a fin fan at a refinery. I was over the towers. When the explosion happened, the I-beams were damaged, and we had to rebuild them. Normally, something like this takes six months to plan, but we had no plan. We were there on Christmas.”

    She joined Local 92 (Los Angeles) briefly, working in California for a few years before returning to the Midwest and Local 83. In California, she rose to become a foreman, leading teams of up to 20 men.

    Mendenhall took the Project Management course to further her education and expand her knowledge.

    “What we’re learning in the course pertains to our line of work, but college is more general.”

    She’s also a Certified Associate Welding Inspector, a credential that allows her to inspect welds and perform quality assurance in the welding industry. In addition, she’s studying business management and is close to completing her associates degree, with an end goal of earning a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

    “I’m able to pay for school in cash and do something I love,” she said. “I’m not in a losing situation whatsoever.”

    Mendenhall has primarily worked in refineries, but she’s also worked as a project coordinator for a subcontractor and the opportunity to be an instructor at the L-83 hall. She credits L-83 for being very supportive of women in the trade.

    Over the past three years, she has received strong support from IVP-GL Dan Sulivan; Tom Burgess, apprenticeship instructor at Local 83; Kayla Vander Molen at Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta), pre-apprenticeship instructor and many brothers and sisters she has met locally and across the country. However, she acknowledges that challenges she’s faced have required perseverance.

    Her biggest struggle has been the lack of career progression and access to training opportunities.

    “While I’m passionate about this work, I believe mentorship for women should be a greater priority,” Mendenhall said. “Too often, my inquiries about educational opportunities go unanswered or are met with dismissal, while promised opportunities either never materialized or went to someone’s friend or relative.”

    She takes pride in seeing others succeed but finds it frustrating when advancement is based on connections rather than experience or commitment.

    “It’s even more disheartening when those who do move forward fail to support or uplift others in return.”

    Despite these challenges, Mendenhall continues to push forward, break barriers and advocate for greater opportunities within her trade. She believes that learning never stops in this craft.

    “There’s always something new or different to explore, whether it’s on the job or a type of work I haven’t done before.”

    Watch Jess’s video on Boilermaker Brotherhood

    watch video

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Joins Bipartisan Push to Deliver Combat-Injured Veterans Full Military Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Major Richard Star Act would provide combat-injured veterans with full earned disability compensation and retirement pay

    Española, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Rick Scott (R-FL) to introduce S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act—bipartisan legislation to provide combat-injured veteran retirees their full benefits.

    Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments—leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees. The Senators’ Major Richard Star Act will fix this unjust policy for retired combat veterans—providing them their full VA disability and DOD retirement payments.

    “The men and women who risked their lives for our country and were injured in combat deserve the full benefits they have earned. Too many veterans have been left behind, and it’s far past time we correct this grave injustice,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I am proud to stand with my colleagues working to fix the unjust veterans’ disability system.”

    “This measure corrects one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system,” said Senator Blumenthal. “It is unacceptable that tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans are denied the full military benefits they earned. Our bipartisan bill will right this longstanding injustice and finally provide these military retirees who have already sacrificed so much their full VA disability and Defense Department retirement payments.”

    “The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans,” said Senator Crapo. “The support for this correction is clear.  Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, I continue to press for its passage on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.”  

    “Our veterans put their lives on the line for this country and it’s time our government gives them the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Warren. “The Major Richard Star Act will ensure the federal government keeps its promise to our veterans by allowing them to collect both disability and retirement benefits they earned, even if combat injuries forced them to retire early.”

    “I am a proud veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, and I have immense respect for anyone who puts on the uniform to defend our nation,” said Senator Scott. “Our veterans are American heroes who have made countless sacrifices. The Major Richard Star Act ensures our veterans receive the full benefits they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice protecting our nation regardless of length of service. This legislation makes a critical change to treat our veterans fairly and support our nation’s heroes. I urge my colleagues to support its quick passage.”

    This bipartisan legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated war veteran who was forced to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries. Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021. The legislation has 43 bipartisan cosponsors.

    The House companion version of this bill was introduced by Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), with 185 bipartisan cosponsors.

    The Senators’ bipartisan effort to provide combat-injured veterans their due benefits is supported by the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), American GI Forum, The American Legion,American Military Society,American Veterans (AMVETS), Armed Forces Retiree Association, Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Burn Pits 360, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA), Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Inc. (COA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Heroes Athletic Association, Gold Star Wives of America (GSW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), K9s for Warriors, Marine Corps League (MCL), Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA), Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mission Roll Call, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association (NMFA), Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA), Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Operation First Response, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA),Quality of Life Foundation, Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Stronghold Freedom Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), The Independence Fund (TIF), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA), USCG Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA), VetsFirst/United Spinal Association, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Paw Project, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Shaheen Stress Important Role of Military Firefighters at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), are expressing their concerns about the potential loss of Department of Defense (DoD) firefighters on probationary status at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In a letter to Acting Secretary of the Navy Terrence Emmert, the Senators make clear the importance of having a highly trained firefighting force, and urged the Secretary to provide clear and consistent guidance regarding the seemingly arbitrary hiring freezes and terminations requested by the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    The effects of inadequate firefighter staffing are profound; insufficient fire protection has the potential to halt shipyard operations, threatening safety for military personnel and undermining national security. ‘Hot work’ — like welding — on submarines in the shipyard will stop if there are not enough firefighters. 
    “We are writing to express deep concern regarding manning challenges faced by Department of Defense firefighters, particularly those responsible for protecting critical naval installations at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). Recent administration actions create a significant degree of uncertainty and operational risk, which demand urgent attention. We urge you to bring clarity to your most valuable asset—the people who serve the Department of the Navy,” began the Senators.
    One of the most pressing concerns is the uncertain job environment for these essential personnel. Probationary firefighters face an alarming risk of termination due to haphazard workforce reductions and unclear guidance on exceptions. While federal police personnel appear to be granted certain protections, there is no specific indication that firefighters are similarly excepted. This lack of clarity has led to unnecessary distress and instability within the workforce,” wrote the Senators.
    Firefighting is an arduous profession requiring specialized training and expertise. At Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Cutler, it took two years to reach full manning levels, underscoring the challenge of adequately staffing these critical roles. The firefighters at such remote bases are indispensable, as they provide emergency response capabilities in areas without local fire department support. Their work directly supports sensitive national security missions, making their continued employment a matter of national security, not just workforce planning,” the Senators continued.
    As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator King is a steadfast supporter of the Navy and Coast Guard. He recently secured key provisions in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support the maritime forces and ensure that America’s military can continue providing best in class services to protect the ‘territory of the brave.’ In 2023, he was honored with the Congressional Sea Services Award by the Navy League Capital Council and accepted it on behalf of the men and women of the sea services and the shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Additionally, at the personal invitation of Senator King, former Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Maine shipyards, like Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, regularly during his service. Most recently, he expressed gratitude that the Coast Guard funding bill passed the Senate unanimously.
    The full letter sent to Acting Secretary Emmert can be found here and below.
    +++
    We are writing to express deep concern regarding manning challenges faced by Department of Defense firefighters, particularly those responsible for protecting critical naval installations at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). Recent administration actions create a significant degree of uncertainty and operational risk, which demand urgent attention. We urge you to bring clarity to your most valuable asset—the people who serve the Department of the Navy.
    One of the most pressing concerns is the uncertain job environment for these essential personnel. Probationary firefighters face an alarming risk of termination due to haphazard workforce reductions and unclear guidance on exceptions. While federal police personnel appear to be granted certain protections, there is no specific indication that firefighters are similarly excepted. This lack of clarity has led to unnecessary distress and instability within the workforce.
    The potential loss of probationary employees at PNSY would be particularly devastating. If these individuals are terminated, the shipyard would lose an entire shift—amounting to a 22% reduction in its firefighting workforce. This level of loss in staffing would severely compromise emergency response capabilities and overall operational safety.
    Compounding this issue is the seemingly arbitrary hiring freeze, which has abruptly halted employment commitments. Some prospective hires, who had already made significant life changes, including relocating hundreds of miles to accept these positions, were suddenly told to stop and that their hiring would not proceed. This approach not only disrupts lives but also undermines the Department’s ability to attract and retain top-tier firefighting talent in an already competitive job market.
    Firefighting is an arduous profession requiring specialized training and expertise. At Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Cutler, it took two years to reach full manning levels, underscoring the challenge of adequately staffing these critical roles. The firefighters at such remote bases are indispensable, as they provide emergency response capabilities in areas without local fire department support. Their work directly supports sensitive national security missions, making their continued employment a matter of national security, not just workforce planning.
    Furthermore, the national shortage of firefighters extends beyond the Department, which means that arbitrarily cutting positions and telling personnel to reapply later is not a viable option. Unlike other fields outside of the Department of the Navy, where hiring and layoffs can be more flexible, firefighting requires continuous training and preparedness. A break in service could result in skill degradation and loss of qualified personnel to other sectors that provide greater stability.
    The importance of base fire departments cannot be overstated. Fires do not stop at the gates of a base, and present hazards to the surrounding population. Shipyards are especially vulnerable due to the inherently hazardous nature of their operations. History has demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of shipyard fires, making it imperative that we maintain adequate firefighting staffing levels. Without sufficient personnel, shipyard operations may come to a halt, delaying essential maintenance and production work vital to fleet readiness.
    Ultimately, this is not just a matter of workforce numbers—it is a matter of safety for our military personnel, our local communities, and the security of our nation. The firefighters protecting our bases and shipyards are essential to ensuring operational continuity and emergency preparedness. We urge you to address these concerns and provide clear, consistent guidance to stabilize this critical workforce.
    We appreciate your time and consideration in addressing these urgent matters and look forward to your timely response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How King Charles is sending Canada subtle signals of support amid Trump’s threats

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Justin Vovk, Royal Historian, McMaster University

    It started as a joke. In December 2024, Donald Trump glibly told Justin Trudeau that Canada should become the 51st state. Three months later, the “joke” seems to have become an American foreign policy goal for the second Trump administration.



    Read more:
    How Donald Trump’s attacks on Canada are stoking a new Canadian nationalism

    Canadian Parliament has been unanimous in its response: “Canada is not for sale.” But Canada’s head of state, King Charles, has remained largely silent on the matter — until recently.

    Over the last several weeks, observers have started to pick up on subtle signs of support for Canadians from the King. But many people have no doubt been wondering why there’s not been a direct statement of support from King Charles.

    The answer to that question isn’t as simple as many people might think.

    King of Canada

    Since 1689, Britain has been a constitutional monarchy. The sovereign is the head of state, but the prime minister leads the government. As such, the King can’t interfere with politics. He is supposed to remain neutral and be the embodiment of the nation.

    This crucial separation between palace and Parliament was solidified in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth in 1931 with the Statute of Westminster. In 1954, the Royal Styles and Titles Act separated the British Crown from the other Commonwealth realms. Queen Elizabeth became the first sovereign to ever be called Queen of Canada.

    As a constitutional monarch, King Charles is bound by parliamentary limitations on his authority. He cannot act without taking advice from the prime ministers in his various realms.

    This means King Charles can’t make a political statement about the ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S. without the green light from Ottawa. When asked about the situation in January, a palace official said simply that this is “not something we would comment on.”

    As former Alberta premier Jason Kenney later explained on social media:

    “For Canadians disappointed that King Charles has not commented on President Trump’s threats to annex Canada: in his capacity as King of Canada, he can only act on the advice of his Canadian first minister, i.e. Justin Trudeau.”

    Or, at this moment, Mark Carney.

    Signs of support

    The King met with Trudeau at Sandringham, the royal family’s private estate in Norfolk, England, on March 3. This meeting seems to have prompted a series of symbolic gestures demonstrating the monarchy’s solidarity with Canadians.

    The next day, the King conducted an inspection of the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in his capacity as head of the Armed Forces. Canadian medals and honours adorned his naval dress uniform during the inspection.

    A week later, the King planted a red maple tree at Buckingham Palace to honour Queen Elizabeth’s commitment to the preservation of forests and the bonds among Commonwealth nations.

    On March 12, the King met with representatives from the Canadian Senate.

    He presented a ceremonial sword to Gregory Peters, the Usher of the Black Rod (one of the Senate’s chief protocol officers). Raymonde Gagné, the speaker of the Senate, was also present for that meeting.

    And on March 17, the King met with Carney as part of new prime minister’s whirlwind diplomatic tour of western Europe.

    Some observers even pointed to the Princess of Wales’s red dress at the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration on March 10 as yet another nod of recognition for Canada.

    Soft power and the Royal Family

    These sorts of gestures are examples of what is known as “soft power.” Unlike the hard power of military and economic force used by governments, soft power describes any number of ways that people or groups can influence others through culture, personal diplomacy and even fashion.

    As one Buckingham Palace source remarked: “The King knows that seemingly small gestures can send a reassuring sign of recognition about what is going on around the world.”

    One of the best known forms of the monarchy wielding soft power is through the use of state visits. At the British prime minister’s request, world leaders are invited to London by the sovereign. The red carpet is rolled out for them, they’re wined and dined in lavish dinners at Buckingham Palace and they often make a speech to Parliament.

    These state visits are a way for the Royal Family to use their soft power to positively influence diplomatic relations.

    In February, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Trump with an invitation from the King for a second state visit to the U.K.. So far, no date for the trip has been announced, but the King’s meetings with Trudeau and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly irritated Trump.

    It remains to be seen how King Charles navigates his constitutional role as both king of the United Kingdom and of Canada. Will Trump’s state visit only be about British interests? Or will Charles use it as a chance to address the concerns of his Canadian subjects?

    Justin Vovk received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Justin Vovk is an advisory board member for the Institute of the Study of the Crown in Canada.

    – ref. How King Charles is sending Canada subtle signals of support amid Trump’s threats – https://theconversation.com/how-king-charles-is-sending-canada-subtle-signals-of-support-amid-trumps-threats-252142

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 Army Community Partnership Award winners announced

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – The Department of the Army has announced the seven winners of the 2024 Army Community Partnership Awards.

    “The installations honored this year highlight the excellent commitment to partnering with communities and strengthening those relationships that allow us to provide the best possible resources for Soldiers and their families,” said Lt. Gen. David Wilson, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9.

    The Army Community Partnership Awards Program seeks to highlight examples of exceptional cooperation and diligence that will encourage continued collaboration to achieve the full potential of community partnerships. The awardees represent partnerships that have improved quality of life for Soldiers and their families, enhanced readiness, driven modernization and contributed to reform initiatives throughout the Army.

    “These partnerships exemplify the collaboration required to enhance our resilience, improve quality of life for our Soldiers and their families, and bolster our operational readiness to meet the needs of our Army today and tomorrow,” said Daniel M. Klippstein, senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment.

    The Army selected seven winners and their neighboring communities that formed innovative partnerships that improve quality of life for Soldiers and families, enhance readiness, modernize services, provide efficiencies, expand capabilities and strengthen community relations.

    • Fort Leonard Wood and the cities of Saint Robert and Waynesville: Fort Leonard Wood’s new airfield lease project supports the construction of a new non-Army funded terminal critical to the long-term viability of commercial jet service to and from the installation. The new 25-year lease, new terminal, and past investments in planning, improvements, and repairs reiterates long-term commitments from the cities, the FAA and the state of Missouri to maintain accessibility to Fort Leonard Wood. The new terminal will modernize and increase the efficiency of all terminal operational and security services, systems and processes as compared to existing legacy facilities.
    • U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, Pōhakuloa Training Area and the Hawaii County Fire & Emergency Services: The Mutual Aid Agreement between USAG-HI (PTA) and the Hawaii County Fire & Emergency Services seamlessly integrates resources and joint training exercises. This collaboration is a robust mutual support system enhancing the regional emergency response capabilities. Collaboration between PTA and Hawaii County Fire & Emergency Services maximizes shared resource utilization and operational efficiency.
    • Picatinny Arsenal and the Morris County Municipalities & Fire Districts: The MAA between Picatinny Arsenal and the Morris County Municipalities & Fire Districts provides 24-hour emergency dispatching service at no cost to the Army. The partnership enhances Picatinny’s emergency response capabilities and fills a gap in service availability. By partnering with Morris County, Picatinny Arsenal improved their firefighting capabilities through real-world responses and joint training exercises. The MAA enabled Picatinny to access 24/7 emergency response while also realizing significant cost savings.
    • Fort Carson and the Colorado Springs Utilities: The intergovernmental support agreement between Fort Carson and the Colorado Springs Utilities provides Fort Carson with superior operations and maintenance of electric and gas systems beyond pre-IGSA capabilities. Partnering with CSU enhances Fort Carson’s energy resilience by creating the capability to operate independently in the event of an off-post electrical grid failure. The IGSA created the on-post generation and microgrid capabilities necessary to operate during an off-post blackouts.
    • Fort Bliss and the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board: This IGSA between USAG-Fort Bliss and the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board provides engineering, technical, project design, consultant services, minor construction, repair, maintenance, geotechnical services, land surveying, soil borings, water quality testing, and water resource planning services associated with and incidental to stormwater management, water quality, water conservation, and those types of capital improvement projects.
    • U.S. Army Garrison Poland and the Republic of Poland: The Polish Provided Logistics Support provides in-kind logistical support to the U.S. Army. The PPLS provides infrastructure, logistical support and munitions storage to facilitate joint military exercises as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The availability of pre-positioned equipment and supplies improves the readiness of U.S. forces in the region, enabling a stronger alliance and faster response times.
    • U.S. Army War College and the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety: The MAA between U.S. Army War College and the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety expands operational and mission capabilities by sharing capacity, resources and capabilities. Cooperating with CCDPS has enhanced the War College’s emergency response capabilities. The partnership utilizes joint training and planning, shared emergency response resources, and shared expertise to enhance shared public safety and emergency response capabilities.

    Awardees included partnerships signed in fiscal years 2021-2024 by garrisons, reserve centers and armories. Submissions were evaluated using the following criteria:

    • Improves Soldier/family quality of life
    • Improves or enhances readiness
    • Modernizes a service, system or process
    • Provides cost or other efficiencies
    • Expands capability
    • Improves community relations

    The awards ceremony will be held in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on April 10, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

    For additional information, please contact the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9, usarmy.pentagon.hqda-dcs-g-9.list.sig@mail.mil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of lost Scottish soldier of World War One identified in France

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Grave of lost Scottish soldier of World War One identified in France

    The previously unmarked grave of an Edinburgh man of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons has now been identified and marked more than a century after his death.

    Musician Benjamin Kinch of the Household Cavalry (Crown Copyright)

    A rededication service for Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) George Rankeillor was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, France, this morning (19 March 2025). 

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    I am grateful to the researcher who submitted this case. Their work has led us to recognise the final resting place of L/Cpl Rankeillor, to restore his name to him and to allow his family to honour his sacrifice. It has been a privilege for me to have contributed to this case and to have organised the service for the rededication of this grave today. 

    L/Cpl George Rankeillor 17 January 1897 – 11 April 1917 

    George Rankeillor was born in Edinburgh in 1897 to George senior, a rubber worker, and his wife Julia McDonald. He was the second eldest of 10 children. Unfortunately, very little survives to tell us about his young life, or his army service, but we know that he arrived in France as a Private serving with the Royal Dragoons on 5 October 1915. 

    By 1917 George had been promoted to Lance Corporal, and at the beginning of April he was with his unit on the outskirts of Arras. It was bitterly cold, snowing and the war diary records blizzard conditions. During this time, the area came under very heavy shell fire, the Royal Dragoons were relatively lightly affected losing 68 horses and just two men. George was one of the two men killed. 

    In October 1919 two casualties of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons were recovered from unmarked field graves just north of Feuchy Chapel. One was identified as Private (Pte) J. Jordan who had died on 11 April 1917 whilst the other could only be identified as a member of the Royal Dragoons. 

    Recently, following a submission to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, all the records were drawn together for the first time and interrogated as one. This showed that Pte Jordan and the unknown soldier were buried in the same field grave, and therefore most likely died together. With only one man of the Royal Dragoons still missing from this area on this day, it has finally been possible to prove that the unknown soldier is L/Cpl George Rankeillor of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons. 

    The service was supported by the British Embassy and serving soldiers from the Household Cavalry.

    The military party, including a representative of the British Embassy, stand in the cemetery (Crown Copyright)

    Reverend Thomas Sander, Chaplain to the Household Cavalry, who led the service said: 

    It is an honour to officiate at these services of rededication for fallen servicemen who gave their lives in the service of our country. In these services we unite their final resting place with their earthly name and, what was once known only to God, is now known in the sign of all. May their names be held in everlasting remembrance, and may they rest in peace and rise in glory.

    The headstone was replaced by CWGC. Director for the France Area at the CWGC, Jeremy Prince, said: 

    We are honoured to mark the final resting place of Lance Corporal George Rankeillor at our Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery. We are grateful to all those involved in helping to confirm the final resting place of this brave soldier. This rededication ensures his sacrifice is duly recognised, and we will care for his grave, in perpetuity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: European defence spending: three technical reasons for political cooperation

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Francesco Grillo, Academic Fellow, Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University

    How much would it really cost the European Union to defend itself against aggression? In the immediate term, that question, of course makes us think of Russia, but we can no longer exclude multiple other possibilities, including the potential need to defend territory – say, Greenland – from a former ally.

    How much would it cost to defend Europe if we added in the need to defend the UK, Norway, Turkey or even Canada – and any other Nato country willing to pool resources to fill the void left by US disengagement? Is there an intelligent way to avoid painful trade-offs between this and, say, spending on healthcare or education?

    It looks like EU institutions are finally “doing something” (as former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi recently asked them to do). They may even break the taboo of raising common debt in order to increase spending on joint defence procurements.

    Yet, it also seems they are about to launch a plan that could change the very nature of the European Union without even tackling the question of its financial feasibility. The answer to how joint defence can be paid for certainly doesn’t come from the plan that the European Commission has unveiled on “rearming Europe”. At the very last line of that statement, a figure of €800 billion is posited, but it is not clear how the sum was calculated and quite a few critical qualifications are missing.

    The debate over how much it costs to prevent a war (which is a very different notion from fighting one), has been dominated by what I would call “the fallacy of the percentage of GDP”.

    In 2014 (at the time of Russia’s annexation of Crimea), the leaders of Nato countries agreed to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence (specifying that retirement benefits to veterans should be included). Yet by 2022, the overall ratio for Nato defence spending had, in fact, shrunk from 2.58% of GDP to 2.51% (thanks to the sharp reduction in the percentage of GDP contributed by the US). And, according to the European Defence Agency, the EU is spending around €279 billion, which is 1.6% of its GDP. Most likely, the €800 billion figure that European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was citing in her communique is simply an estimate of how much it would yield to increase that spending up to 2% of GDP for each of the next ten years.

    Politicians sometimes need to make back-of-the-envelope calculations, but I would argue that here it points to a much broader problem. Europe hasn’t yet bothered to try to develop a strategy for how this additional money would be spent. A proper strategy should, in fact, start from three key technical considerations. To which I would add a no-less important political one.

    1. Spending smart is better than spending big

    Technologies (including AI) are radically changing the equation. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza demonstrate that cheap drones are now the key to modern warfare – not super expensive F35 strike fighters. Why spend billions designing, building and maintaining 2,500 F35s when a drone the size of a mobile phone can cross enemy lines unnoticed?

    In a world in which data is a weapon, and a large-scale attack can be mounted by taking remote control of pagers, what generals call “supremacy” doesn’t necessarily belong to the biggest spender.

    Israel’s military budget is one-third that of Saudi Arabia, yet it dominates the Middle East because its perpetual state of conflict forces innovation. Russia spends less than half of the 27 EU member states, but it has much more experience in hacking other countries’ infrastructures. The EU spends as much as China, but China invests more than twice in research and development and is the world’s largest exporter of drones as a result.

    2. Spending together is better value

    The European parliament estimates that merging the 27 member states’ defence budgets would free up €56 billion (which is a third of what the defence bonds proposed by the Commission would raise).

    Yet the trend is to spend more alone than together. According to the European Defence Agency, the bloc has more than doubled its expenditure on new digital technologies; yet the percentage of that going into joint projects between member states fell from 11% before Ukraine’s invasion to 6.5% in 2023.

    Joint tech spending in Europe.
    Vision, CC BY-ND

    3. Homegrown suddenly looks safer

    Any common defence would also have to rely on “buying European” as much as possible. The F35 fighter jet is another good example here. Denmark agreed to buy 27 of them (to the tune of around €3 billion) with an idea to station four of them in Greenland. The problem is that, according to the former president of the Munich security conference Wolfgang Ischinger, they cannot even take off if remotely disabled by the US. Again, Europe is not walking the walk. The share of equipment that European nations import from the US has massively increased in the last five years.

    A new era for the union

    Defence is probably the most important issue when talking about the Europe of the future. It provides a concrete opportunity to fill a technological gap out of the necessity to do so. Spending on defence in the interests of self-protection may have longer-term benefits beyond the military arena. It has been often the case that military research leads to major breakthroughs that can applied in public services. Who knows. Military innovations with drone or AI technology on today’s battlefields could lead to beneficial uses in peace time.

    The historic opportunity to transform the way we protect ourselves may even force a radical rethinking of not just the EU treaties but of the nature of the EU. The idea of the “coalition of the willing” may, indeed, push Europe towards an alliance which does not include some of its members (such as Hungary) but does include non-members like the UK, Norway and even Turkey. New arrangements will need to be pragmatically flexible.

    Europeans need much more strategy, whereas we now largely have rhetorical announcements with little substance. And we need much more democracy. After all, defence is one of the defining dimensions of the state. Having a common defence policy in Europe could make people feel more like European citizens. But that cannot happen without engaging citizens in an intelligent debate.

    Francesco Grillo is affiliated with the think tank Vision.

    – ref. European defence spending: three technical reasons for political cooperation – https://theconversation.com/european-defence-spending-three-technical-reasons-for-political-cooperation-252410

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States and Australia ink historic defense manufacturing agreements

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – The United States and Australia marked a new chapter in their enduring partnership by signing two landmark memoranda of understanding on collaborative defense manufacturing on March 11, 2025. The historic completion of these documents, signed by Patrick Mason, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and Rear Adm. Ian Murray, head of the Australian Defence Staff-Washington, paves the way for enhanced interoperability and strengthens the security of the Indo-Pacific region.

    “This is not just about putting pen to paper – we are launching a new era of collaborative defense manufacturing,” said Mason. “This effort builds upon our nations’ shared values, deep history of cooperation and unwavering commitment to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.”

    The first MOU solidifies a commitment to co-producing 155 mm ammunition by directly bolstering Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities and ensuring a reliable supply of critical ordnance. This initiative represents a significant investment in Australia’s ability to meet evolving security challenges and contributing to the global munitions supply chain.

    The second MOU breaks new ground with a co-assembly initiative for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, laying the foundation for an Australian missile industry capable of producing advanced long-range strike capabilities. This partnership will enhance Australia’s defense posture and will increase interoperability with U.S. forces, allowing for greater coordination and effectiveness.

    These MOUs are a testament to the trust and shared values that underpin the U.S.-Australia alliance. We are not just allies, but partners who innovate and build together, bound by a strong and abiding “mateship” between our militaries.

    These MOUs represent a significant step toward developing advanced capabilities that deter aggression and safeguard the shared interests of both nations by fostering close collaboration between industries, engineers and military personnel, reinforcing the storied partnership between the United States and Australia for years to come.

    In 2024, the United States and Australia committed, through the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation Joint Statement, to pursue a multi-service roadmap for expanded production and sustainment activities under Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise, and these MOUs are the first munitions manufacturing arrangements to conclude in fulfillment of the GWEO roadmap.

    In February 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and reiterated the department’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Australia through the GWEO enterprise.

    MIL OSI USA News –