NewzIntel.com

Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Meeting With Danish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

    Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Danish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen at the Pentagon yesterday.

    The Secretary thanked Minister Poulsen for Denmark’s significant assistance to develop Ukraine’s military capabilities and defense industry.  The two leaders exchanged views on the upcoming NATO Defense Ministerial Meeting and ensuring continued military assistance to Ukraine, both bilaterally and through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.  

    Minister Poulsen and the Secretary also discussed opportunities to deepen and broaden bilateral defense cooperation, in light of the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in December 2023.  Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Poulsen on Denmark’s Defence Agreement that includes an historic increase in defense spending and commended the announcement that Denmark will exceed two percent of Gross Domestic Product spending on defense this year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Surgent Knowledge Summit Offers Premium CPE Courses for Accounting and Tax Professionals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RADNOR, Pa., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, a division of KnowFully Learning Group, is excited to announce the inaugural Surgent Knowledge Summit, a series of exclusive, live events celebrating International Accounting Week. The Knowledge Summit will provide accounting and tax professionals with valuable, premium content designed to enhance their expertise and support their ongoing professional development.

    This event will feature a variety of insightful sessions aimed at helping attendees earn essential continuing professional education (CPE) credits while staying up to date with the latest industry trends and practices. 

    “At Surgent, we believe that continuous learning is the key to staying competitive in today’s fast-paced accounting and tax landscape,” said Liz Kolar, executive vice president of Surgent. “The Surgent Knowledge Summit is our commitment to helping professionals not only meet their CPE requirements but also stay informed on the latest industry trends and technologies.” 

    The Surgent Knowledge Summit features sessions led by industry experts and covers critical topics like the future of financial reporting, the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on accounting, post-election tax policy changes and much more. Below is the calendar of events, showcasing the diverse range of sessions that will be held during the summit. 

    “The Surgent Knowledge Summit offers unparalleled access to exclusive content delivered by top industry experts,” Kolar said. “From the latest AI developments to crucial tax updates following the 2024 elections, our courses are designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in this dynamic industry.”

    Surgent Knowledge Summit Events

    Thursday, Nov. 7

    AICPA and Surgent Panel on the CPA Exam and State of the Industry
    We kick off the summit with a free webinar at noon ET featuring a panel discussion on the CPA exam and the state of the accounting industry. Liz Kolar will join Mike Decker and Joe Maslott from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) to discuss the recent CPA exam overhaul, industry trends and what lies ahead for 2025 and beyond.

    Free Premium CPE: Weekly Expert Hour Webinar
    Later that afternoon, join Washington insider Ken Kies and Surgent instructor Mike Tucker for Surgent CPE’s exclusive free Weekly Expert Hour on how the 2024 election results may shape tax policies. They will explore potential changes to tax legislation and expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This premium CPE course will be held 2-3 p.m. ET and attendees will earn one CPE credit.

    Tuesday, Nov. 12

    Mark Your Calendars: Surgent’s Most Exciting Annual Event Is Coming! 
    In celebration of International Accounting Day Surgent will be offering its biggest sale of the year.

    Tax Preparation for Accountants
    Join Surgent Income Tax School at 3 p.m. ET for a free webinar: How Accounting Firms Can Increase Revenue with Tax Prep. Surgent’s team of industry experts will share strategies on using tax preparation services to boost revenue and client retention.

    Wednesday, Nov. 13 

    The Surgent Knowledge Summit will kick into high gear with a day dedicated to the future of accounting and auditing with cutting-edge webinars, including:

    • What A&A Pros Need to Know About Blockchain, Bitcoin, and Digital Assets (BBD2) with Jack Castonguay will explore the impact of blockchain, Bitcoin and digital assets on accounting practices. Attendees will learn about the regulatory challenges, reporting standards and key accounting complexities related to these emerging technologies. This course will be held 9-11 a.m. ET and attendees will earn two CPE credits.  
    • Innovating Accounting: The Impact of AI, Automation and Blockchain on Financial Reporting and Auditing (AAB1) with Eric Cohen, owner of Cohen Computer Consulting and co-founder of XBRL. This webinar will cover how AI, automation and blockchain are transforming financial reporting and audit. This course will be 11 a.m.-noon ET and attendees will earn one CPE credit. 
    • CFOs as Leaders of Organizational Change (CFO1) will feature a panel facilitated by Cory Ng, Surgent’s accounting and auditing content developer, and will include Avia Yudalevich and Landon Cortenbach, two leading CFOs from diverse industries. This program will discuss how CFOs are driving innovation and navigating economic challenges. This course will be held 1-2 p.m. ET and attendees will earn one CPE credit. 
    • The Threat and Opportunity to Accounting Posed by Generative AI and Other Emerging Technologies (GEN1) with Dr. Sean Stein Smith, associate professor at Lehman College; Jack Castonguay, Surgent vice president of learning and development; and James Madison University associate professor, Dr. Nicole Wright, will explore how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping audit functions by automating tasks like data analysis and fraud detection. It will also address challenges related to ethics, data security and the evolving role of auditors in the AI-driven landscape. This course will be held 2-3 p.m. ET and attendees will earn one CPE credit. 
    • Quarterly Update: The FASB, AICPA, SEC, and PCAOB (QFA2) with Jack Castonguay and Cory Ng will cover new FASB, SEC, and PCAOB standards. This session provides an overview of key updates from the FASB, SEC and PCAOB. Attendees will learn about recent changes to accounting standards and auditing regulations, including new standards and guidance, and their impact on financial reporting. This course will be held 3-5 p.m. ET and attendees will earn two CPE credits. 

    Thursday, Nov. 14

    The Knowledge Summit continues with a day dedicated to the tax industry and how the 2024 presidential and congressional elections will impact the profession. Here is a rundown of the CPE webinars that Surgent has planned for the day:

    • 2024 Tax Changes and Year-end Planning Opportunities (YT24) featuring Surgent instructor Mike Tucker; Shannon Retzke Smith, a partner in the international law firm Withers Bergman; and Lance Weiss, a CPA and member of SFW Partners, LLC in St. Louis; will cover the key 2024 tax law changes and their implications for year-end planning. Attendees will gain valuable insights into new tax strategies and opportunities to optimize their tax positions before the end of the year. This course will be held 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET and attendees will earn four CPE credits.
    • How Our Economy and Markets Perform in Election Years (ELY2) will feature David Peters, founder and owner of Peters Tax Preparation & Consulting in Richmond, Va., and financial advisor for Peters Financial, LLC. This course will look at the economic cycle and the effect of election years. It will examine how certain key investments have performed, examine why this year is unique and look at how major tax policy changes affect our economy. This course will be held 1-3 p.m. ET and attendees will earn two CPE credits. 
    • Post-election Coverage of Potential Tax Changes and Planning Strategies (PEL2) with Mike Tucker, Ken Kies, Lance Weiss and Ed Renn, of counsel at the international tax law firm Withers Bergman, will examine potential tax law changes following the recent election. This course will explore how shifts in tax policy may impact individuals and businesses, offering strategies to adapt and plan for potential legislative changes. Participants will learn to navigate the evolving tax landscape. This course will be held 3-5 p.m. ET and attendees will earn two CPE credits.

    Friday, Nov. 15

    Mock CPA Exam
    The Surgent Knowledge Summit concludes with a free virtual mock CPA exam facilitated by Michael Matthews, director of state society partnerships at Surgent. This online event will allow CPA candidates to practice CPA exam questions, pinpoint their strengths and identify areas that need extra attention before their exam day. By simulating the actual exam, candidates will gain the confidence and insights needed to improve their performance. Plus, they will receive detailed feedback to guide them through their final stages of preparation. The mock exam will be at 3 p.m. ET and is open to the public.

    About Surgent
    Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, a division of KnowFully Learning Group, is a provider of the high-impact education experiences that accounting, tax and financial professionals need throughout their careers. For most of the company’s 35-year history, Surgent has been a trusted provider of the continuing professional education (CPE), continuing education (CE) and skill-based training that professionals need to maintain their credentials and stay current on industry changes. More recently, Surgent became one of the fastest-growing certification exam review providers, offering adaptive learning-based courses that help learners pass accounting and finance credentialing exams faster. Learn more at Surgent.com. 

    About KnowFully  
    KnowFully Learning Group provides continuing professional education, exam preparation courses and education resources to the accounting, finance and healthcare sectors. KnowFully’s suite of learning solutions helps learners become credentialed, satisfy required credit hours to maintain credentials, and stay informed on the latest trends and critical changes in their industries over the course of their careers. The company provides exam preparation and continuing education for accounting, finance and tax professionals under the Surgent Accounting & Financial Education brand. KnowFully’s healthcare education brands include CME Outfitters, CE Concepts, PharmCon, The Rx Consultant, ChiroCredit, IA Med, EMT & Fire Training Inc., Psychotherapy.net and American Fitness Professionals & Associates. For more information, please visit KnowFully.com.

    SOURCE: Surgent Accounting & Financial Education

    Contact:
    marketing@surgent.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/697a0e4f-d78c-414e-8545-08e12377070c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Fifth U.S. Navy DDG Homeport Shifts to Rota, Spain

    Source: United States Navy

    The arrival of Oscar Austin expands U.S. Navy capabilities in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility. Oscar Austin is now assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60 / Commander, Task Force (CTF) 65 and U.S. 6th Fleet.

    “USS Oscar Austin’s arrival to Naval Station Rota strengthens our commitment to maintaining a forward presence in Europe,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “The addition of this ship to our forces in the region provides our Allies with an added layer of security and assurance, and serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between the United States and Spain.”

    Modernized with the latest Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) upgrade, USS Oscar Austin offers a key capability for the U.S., directly contributing to extended deterrence by providing Allies and partners protection against the threat of ballistic missile attack. The second U.S. Navy destroyer to shift its homeport to Naval Station Rota, scheduled to arrive in 2026, also has the latest Aegis BMD upgrade.

    “Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are true multi-mission ships, capable of providing maritime security, conducting anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Capt. Alex Mamikonian, commodore, DESRON 60 and CTF 65. “Bringing USS Oscar Austin to Spain enhances our ability to maintain ready and postured forces to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.”

    Oscar Austin departed Norfolk, Va. Sept. 30 to transit to Spain and assist in providing full coverage and protection for all NATO European populations, territories and forces against the increasing threats posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles.

    The initial decision to base destroyers out of Spain is part of the U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach announced by President Obama in 2009. Since its announcement, the U.S. has broadened its Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capabilities in theater including increasing FDNF-E from four to six and the finalization of the second Aegis Ashore site in Poland.

    Oscar Austin is the first Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer and proudly bears the name of Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, United States Marine Corps. Oscar Austin was commissioned on August 19, 2000, in Norfolk, Va. Oscar Austin is ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare capable. The ship can embark two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to assist in anti-submarine and other warfare areas. Destroyers can work with Carrier Strike Groups, Surface Action Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups or independently.

    U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Agencies Working Together in Multimillion-Dollar Mission to Remove Debris in Virginia

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Federal Agencies Working Together in Multimillion-Dollar Mission to Remove Debris in Virginia

    Federal Agencies Working Together in Multimillion-Dollar Mission to Remove Debris in Virginia

    BRISTOL, Va.— Tropical Storm Helene devastated communities throughout southwestern Virginia. Since then, federal agencies have been working with Commonwealth and local partners to address communities’ needs and help individuals on their journey to recovery. At the request of the Commonwealth, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a multimillion-dollar commitment dedicated to removal of debris in and around Claytor Lake State Park and the South Holston Lake Area, which were impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

    Alongside rain, tornados, wind and flooding, Tropical Storm Helene left debris on land and in waterways. Lakes in Virginia are a source of drinking water, provide power through hydropower dams, serve as recreation sites for boating and fishing and support many species of wildlife. 

    A significant amount of debris, including woody debris, boats, propane and fuel tanks, and pieces of structures litter Claytor Lake State Park and the South Holston Lake Area, threatening critical functions of the parks and waterways. Boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing are not currently possible at Claytor Lake State Park because of debris in the water and on the park shoreline.

    Debris in Claytor Lake, Va., Oct. 9, 2024 Photo: FEMA. 

    Due to the extent of debris, the Commonwealth has requested support for debris removal. In support of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s request, as directed by and in coordination with FEMA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be removing debris from public property in the South Holston area and on Claytor Lake to reduce threats to public health and safety. 

    This is the largest debris mission in Virginia since 2003 and will last for over three months. “This debris mission shows the full federal family’s commitment to Virginia communities,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “Recovery cannot be achieved alone, with one program or one agency. I am grateful to the Commonwealth and to our federal partners for responding to the needs of the whole community.” 

    The Army Corps of Engineers will be taking on the multimillion-dollar mission, which includes waterway debris removal for Claytor Lake and South Holston River at South Fork. USACE crews began land and water debris assessment Oct. 4, and continue providing assistance to the Virginia debris task force. The USACE contractor will mobilize and begin removing debris next week. USACE estimates the work could take about 120 days to complete.   

    The waterway debris removal presents unique challenges for the USACE team. Crews will operate heavy equipment from land and afloat on barges to collect the debris, moving it to land for sorting and disposal. USACE debris specialists estimate up to 300 acres of debris in the two waterways. 

    “Debris removal on the water is inherently more complex,” said Col. Sonny Avichal, commander of USACE’s Norfolk District, “and our first priority is ensuring the safety of the public and our teams. We’re working together toward the same goal, so we also want to make sure we’re talking with the communities frequently to share information and listen to concerns.”

    EPA’s first responders have been at the site assisting federal and state agencies since Sept. 29, and received federal approval to begin oil and hazardous material cleanup on Oct. 6. The EPA’s mission in the debris removal efforts includes assessing and cleaning up hazardous material, white goods, and oil across the entire impacted area to ensure human health and the environment is protected. 

    “A person’s safety is always our top priority, especially following a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “We are incredibly proud of our first responders who are working tirelessly along with our local, state and federal partners to remove hazardous materials and protect drinking water that our communities depend on. We are committed to ensuring affected families in the Commonwealth have the support and resources they need to move forward.”

    EPA crews lay yellow horizontal boom which acts as a barrier that protects access to boat ramps and also collects debris and makes it more effective for crews to retrieve hazardous waste containers. Photo: EPA.
    FEMA and local officials surveying debris in Claytor Lake. Photo: FEMA. 

    The debris mission does not include private property. If residents have household hazardous materials or oil containers that were damaged by the storm, they can be brought to 919 S. Shady Avenue in Damascus, Va. seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find resources for residents and business owners, including tips for staying safe and information on agencies that can help here: 9 Ways to Stay Safe Cleaning Up Debris After a Disaster | FEMA.gov.

    For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA. 

    ###

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

    To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

              

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ held a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ held a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago

    October 16, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko during a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago

    October 16, 2024

    His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ during a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago

    October 16, 2024

    A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago was held

    October 16, 2024

    Marat Khusnullin at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago

    October 16, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ held a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago

    His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin also took part in the event.

    During the meeting, the most important issues of implementing measures to preserve and develop the Solovetsky Archipelago were discussed.

    In his speech, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Kirill noted that the Government of the Russian Federation has done a great deal of work to organize effective interaction between government agencies and the Church in order to preserve the spiritual, cultural and natural heritage of the Solovetsky Archipelago, as well as to develop its infrastructure.

    As part of the implementation of the decisions of the Board of Trustees, meetings of the headquarters on issues of preserving and developing the Solovetsky Archipelago are regularly held at the Government site under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. Representatives of federal and regional authorities, as well as representatives of the Church, participate in these meetings.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the meeting was held with a new composition: by decree of President Vladimir Putin, six new members were included in the board of trustees, and a new chairman of the foundation’s board, Andrei Guts, was appointed.

    “Let me remind you that President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on celebrating the 600th anniversary of the founding of the first monastic settlement on Solovki in 2029. Preparations for this date are of particular importance, because the Solovetsky Archipelago is simultaneously one of the most important religious sites, a point of attraction for pilgrims and tourists, it bears the imprint of the turning point in the history of our country and, in addition, is a unique natural landmark. In anticipation of the 600th anniversary, the Government is carrying out comprehensive work. The federal budget provides funds for the restoration of cultural heritage sites and the construction, reconstruction of transport, utilities and social infrastructure. I would like to note that research work is being carried out that will help determine the optimal annual flow of pilgrims to Solovki,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    In connection with preparations for the celebration in 2029 of the 600th anniversary of the founding of the first monastic settlement on the Solovetsky Archipelago, an organizing committee has been created, and plans have been prepared for the main and additional events to prepare for and conduct the celebration.

    Schedules for construction and restoration work until 2029 have been drawn up and approved by the co-chairs of the board of trustees. The implementation of activities on the Solovetsky Archipelago is carried out in accordance with the schedules.

    Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov said that in the summer of 2024, a set of educational and outreach events for children and youth related to the study of the heritage and history of the Solovetsky Archipelago was held for the first time on the Solovetsky Archipelago. Schoolchildren visited the day camp “Roads of Victory”, took part in thematic shifts and programs, including a student tour guide team.

    “Together with the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Rosmolodezh, the Ministry of Defense, the government of the Arkhangelsk region, the Directorate for the Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago and in cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church, we have prepared a draft plan of events for next year, which includes holding a shift of the “Movement of the First”, a regional youth sea expedition “Young Fleet of Pomorye”, educational programs of a patriotic nature, an interregional labor project of the Russian student teams “Solovki”, excursion and educational programs, volunteer shifts and schools, as well as other events,” noted Sergey Kravtsov.

    In conclusion, His Holiness the Patriarch thanked Dmitry Chernyshenko for the great work done to preserve the spiritual, cultural and natural heritage of the Solovetsky Archipelago and develop its infrastructure. He also expressed confidence that, through joint efforts, the tasks set will be accomplished by the 600th anniversary of monastic life on Solovki and the ancient monastery will shine in its former glory.

    The meeting of the board of trustees took place in the Patriarchal Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. It was also attended by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin, First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Utilities Alexander Lomakin, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago Andrei Guts, Abbot of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Solovetsky Monastery Bishop Porfiry of Ozersk, Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Alexander Tsybulsky and others.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/53009/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army to pilot secure, cloud environment for small businesses in the defense industrial base

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo announced a new pilot called Next-Gen Commercial Operations in Defended Enclaves that will help small businesses improve cybersecurity. Worked in association with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, N-CODE will combine commercial cloud technology with enhanced security features to provide a secure environment for small businesses to process, store and communicate sensitive data. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army on Oct. 15, 2024.

    Protecting both acquisition data and intellectual property is a shared responsibility between the Army and industry. Small businesses are the hub of innovation, and they are a critical component of Army modernization. Over time, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification will help drive improvements across the defense industrial base to protect against determined competitors and adversaries. However, small businesses may find that individually implementing these controls and then demonstrating CMMC compliance is cost-prohibitive. As such, small businesses that opt into the N-CODE pilot can leverage an initial set of productivity tools within a secure environment that will meet a majority of the CMMC controls. This will provide an affordable path to secure data while maximizing participation in the defense industrial base.

    This pilot was built on an initial proof of concept demonstrated in fiscal 2024, with support from across the Army. In the coming months, N-CODE will be available for small businesses that have, or are a part of, DoD contracts. During this initial phase, the Army intends to provide low- to no-cost options for participation. The initial capability set will grow from office productivity to development, digital engineering and other tools as the pilot progresses.

    For more information about N-CODE, please visit https://www.army.mil/dasades#org-work-with-us.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dinner for Defence Chiefs 2024

    Source: New Zealand Governor General

    E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei I tenei po, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai, piki mai, tauti mai.

    Thank you for accepting the invitation to join Richard and myself here for dinner at Government House. I especially wanted the chance to meet the most senior leaders of the NZDF, with a new CDF and new Heads of Armed Services. You take up these roles at a critical time in the country and world history.

    This is an opportunity to thank you and your loved ones, for the support you give me in undertaking my role as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief.

    I have had the opportunity over the past three years to meet the men and women serving our nation and I couldn’t be prouder of the calibre of people that we have defending our interests – whether it be in peace-keeping or Treaty monitoring, surveillance and intelligence, or information gathering to inform our national and international obligations, we do a sterling job with far fewer resources than other five-eye nations.

    Current conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and Syria, highlights the sometimes life-threatening circumstances our United Nations peace-keepers can encounter in our nation’s commitment to contribute to a wider international rules based order and stability.

    Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent extreme weather events, remind New Zealanders of how much we and our Pacific neighbours depend on the courage and expertise of Defence personnel to assist people in coping with the aftermath of extreme weather events. Climate change is a huge challenge for us all.

    I have been proud to act as reviewing officer at graduation ceremonies and Beat Retreat in Waitangi and look forward to ‘push the colour’ at the upcoming Kings Colour ceremony in Christchurch which reinstates a crucial part of our military legacy, recognising as it does the Māori Battalion and Pioneer Battalion battles. We will be the first Commonwealth country to issue the new Kings Colours under King Charles III.

    Tonight’s dinner is our way of saying, on behalf of fellow New Zealanders, how much we appreciate your leadership in the delivery of Defence services on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand.

    I fully intended this to be a celebration of recent leadership appointments. At the same time, I acknowledge HMNZS Manawanui and the aftermath of its loss may be top of mind for us all.

    My thoughts have been with you all, especially Rear Admiral Golding, the crew of Manawanui and Defence personnel involved in the response to this sinking.

    The progress of Defence Chiefs through to the highest levels of command is testament to the wealth of experience, training, and expertise you bring to those challenges, and which will serve you in good stead in inspiring those you lead with hope and confidence into the future.

    Every time I visit other countries, be it the Republic of Korea such as the DMZ, Malaysia or Australia, they sing the praises of the New Zealand members of the Armed Forces and their contribution to their efforts. This goes beyond doing one’s duty, to being the best person to fulfil a wider brief of leadership and collaboration. Thank you for this.

    I wish you all the very best with your duties and look forward to working with you all. Please enjoy the hospitality of Government House tonight.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10.16.2024 Sen. Cruz Celebrates Announcement of Direct Flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced their intent to award an additional, beyond perimeter slot for a nonstop flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
    In May, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which Sen. Cruz co-authored as the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, was signed into law allocating five new, round-trip flights between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and previously excluded beyond-perimeter locations. In July, Sen. Cruz and Reps. Roy and Castro led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in urging the DOT to award a direct flight for the proposed SAT-DCA route.
    Upon the announcement, Sen. Cruz said, “I’m proud to have led Republicans and Democrats in delivering a landmark victory not just for the City of San Antonio but the entire Lone Star State. The new American Airlines SAT-DCA flight is the culmination of a years-long effort to connect our nation’s capital with the fastest-growing city in the country. My bipartisan provision adding five long-haul slots in this year’s FAA reauthorization bill overcame fierce, well-funded opposition. I am thankful to the many city leaders, partners, and stakeholders across the greater San Antonio region who entrusted me with this responsibility and united behind our effort to deliver for Military City USA. I am looking forward to soon celebrating with my friends in San Antonio as we step foot onto the very first direct flight from SAT to DCA.”
    Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System said, “The City of San Antonio has been fighting for a direct flight to Washington, D.C. for decades. Today’s announcement from the Department of Transportation is tremendous news for San Antonians and Texans and would not have been possible without the strong leadership of Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Chip Roy and Joaquin Castro. San Antonio is excited for American Airlines to begin flying from Military City USA to Washington, D.C. very soon.”
    Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President and CEO, greater:SATX said, “Today is monumental for San Antonio with the approval of a new nonstop route from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to Senator Ted Cruz who championed this effort and to the Texas congressional delegation. San Antonio—previously the largest U.S. city without nonstop DCA service—now gains critical access to D.C. and Northern Virginia. This route will boost corporate retention, expansion, and recruitment, supporting San Antonio’s rapid growth and future development.”
    Lamar Smith, Former U.S. Representative, 21st Congressional District of Texas said, “Today’s announcement that the Department of Transportation will award a direct flight from Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport to San Antonio is a tremendous win for Texans, and especially for the people of San Antonio. This victory is the result of years of hard work and a united effort from countless stakeholders, including the City of San Antonio and organizations across South Texas. I was proud to play a part in that effort during the years I represented Texas’s 21st congressional district, and I am delighted to see it finally come to a positive resolution. The strong, bipartisan leadership from Senator Ted Cruz, who authored the provision and fought to include it in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, deserves special recognition as well. His relentless advocacy for San Antonio ensured this got over the finish line, even in the face of stiff opposition. This new, direct flight will help provide lower prices for consumers, bolster Military City USA’s connection to D.C., and grow the region’s leadership in healthcare, science, and defense sectors, and that is something we can all be proud of.”
    Wayne Peacock, CEO, USAA said, “Nonstop air service connecting Military City, USA to DCA in our nation’s capital has been a top priority for our region for decades. Securing direct-service flights will have a significant impact on the military community and their families serving here, as well as our fast-growing business community. This is a phenomenal milestone and the culmination of decades of persistent effort by local and statewide leaders working on behalf of our San Antonio region. Business leaders stand ready to support this new nonstop route and continue to build San Antonio’s presence as one of America’s leading cities for economic growth and development.”
    Joe Straus, Former Speaker, Texas House of Representatives said, “San Antonians have long sought nonstop air service to the heart of our nation’s capital and today is a victory in that effort. Nonstop air service to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is critical to San Antonio’s economic strength — especially in the sectors of cybersecurity, defense contracting, aerospace and financial services. Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of our elected leaders in Washington and key voices here in our community, our region is now positioned for continued opportunity and economic activity.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Update: Search Continues for VAQ-130 Aviators

    Source: United States Navy

    The status of the two crew members is unknown while the search effort continues.  

    An Emergency Operations Center has been established on NAS Whidbey Island to coordinate response efforts, and the U.S. Navy is making preparations to deploy personnel to secure the remote area that is not accessible by motorized vehicles.  

    “I am thankful for the tremendous teamwork displayed by the NAS Whidbey Island squadrons — VAQ, VP, VQ, TOCRON 10 and SAR — as Team Whidbey continues to respond to our tragic mishap,” said Capt. David Ganci, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.  “I am also grateful to local law enforcement, responders, and tribal communities whose partnership has been essential in planning our critical next steps for access to the site.”   

    The cause of the crash is under investigation.  

    More information will be released as it becomes available.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Anzac Day commemorations will honour more veterans

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is making changes so that more veterans who have served New Zealand will be formally recognised as part of official Anzac Day commemorations, Veterans Minister Chris Penk and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith say.

    “Veterans often tell me that recognition is the most meaningful form of thanks. Serving your country comes with great personal sacrifice which can never be fully repaid, but recognising the bravery, honour and dedication of service personnel through official commemorations like Anzac Day goes a long way,” Mr Penk says.

    “Anzac Day commemorations were originally designed to remember those who fell at Gallipoli. But increasingly New Zealanders are using the occasion to remember and honour all who have served New Zealand.

    “What many people don’t realise is that as a matter of law Anzac Day doesn’t commemorate the contribution New Zealand forces have made in conflicts after 1966, when the Anzac Day Act was last updated. The final conflict mentioned in the Act is the Vietnam War.

    “The Government is doing something about this by progressing a Bill to amend the Anzac Day Act so that the day will officially recognise those who have taken part in more recent war-like conflicts, including our peacekeeping forces, as well as those from previous wars.

    “We know that there is more we can ­– and should – do to better recognise service personnel’s sacrifices. Even the question of who is officially recognised as a ‘veteran’ is more complicated than most would realise, with not all people who have operationally served in the New Zealand Defence Force recognised as a veteran.

    “However, today’s announcement, made by the Prime Minister at the RSA’s 108th National Council meeting in Wellington, is an important step in the right direction.”

    Mr Goldsmith emphasised that it is time for the Act to catch up with public sentiment.

    “Kiwis are grateful for the courage, commitment and sacrifice of servicemen and women not only in the past, but also in the present, and Anzac Day is one of the ways they want to show it,” Mr Goldsmith says.

    “The service personnel of today are part of a long and proud tradition. A change is well overdue, and we need to acknowledge that all those who have served New Zealand in time of war and war-like conflicts deserve to be officially recognised and honoured. It’s appropriate to do that on Anzac Day.”

    The Anzac Day Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in the House before Anzac Day 2025 and passed in time for Anzac Day 2026

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK confirms complete block of road, railway connections to S. Korea

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said on Thursday that the roads and railways connecting South Korea in the eastern and western parts of the DPRK southern border have been completely blocked, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

    “Under an order of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) on Oct. 15th took a measure to physically cut off the DPRK’s roads and railways which lead to the ROK through the east and west sections of the southern border of the DPRK as part of the phased complete separation of its territory, where its sovereignty is exercised, from the ROK’s territory,” the KCNA said, referring to South Korea by using the acronym of its official name, the Republic of Korea.

    “In the daytime of October 15th, the 60-metre-long sections of the roads and railways in Kamho-ri, Kosong County, Kangwon Province and the 60-metre-long sections of the roads and railways in Tongnae-ri, Panmun District, Kaesong Municipality have been completely blocked through blasting,” a spokesman for the DPRK Ministry of National Defence was quoted by the KCNA as saying.

    “This is an inevitable and legitimate measure taken in keeping with the requirement of the DPRK Constitution which clearly defines the ROK as a hostile state, and due to the serious security circumstances running to the unpredictable brink of war owing to the grave political and military provocations of the hostile forces,” according to the KCNA report.

    A spokesman for the DPRK Ministry of Land and Environment Protection confirmed that the blasting had no negative effect on the surrounding ecological environment and that the routes linking the DPRK to the ROK have been completely separated, the KCNA said.

    The Ministry of National Defence said that the DPRK will continue to take measures to “permanently fortify the closed southern border”, the KCNA added.

    The KPA General Staff said on Oct. 9 that the DPRK will completely cut off roads and railways connecting South Korea amid the precarious situation on the Korean Peninsula, according to a previous KCNA report. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Del Toro Travels to Argentina for the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    MENDOZA, Argentina – From October 13-16, 2024, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro led the United States delegation to the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) in Mendoza, Argentina. The delegation included senior officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy. U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command were also represented.

    CDMA is the premier defense forum in the Western Hemisphere, convening the senior most national security and defense officials biennially to address hemisphere-wide challenges while forging strong partnerships throughout the region. This year’s event featured discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and climate and environmental challenges from a defense perspective.

    Secretary Del Toro held bilateral meetings with Ministry of Defense leaders from the following countries:

    Argentina

    Secretary Del Toro and Minister of Defense Petri reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.- Argentina defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in Women, Peace, and Security, and peacekeeping operations. Secretary Del Toro thanked Minister Petri for hosting the XVI CDMA and for Argentina’s contributions to global security.

    Brazil

    Secretary Del Toro and Minister Múcio discussed cooperating on emerging defense areas, including cyber, space, and special operations; military-to-military activities in the South Atlantic; and expanding defense industrial base cooperation. The two sides recognized the progress made towards finalization of the U.S.-Brazil Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement.

    Colombia

    Secretary Del Toro and Vice Minister Suárez discussed the strong bilateral U.S.-Colombia defense relationship, and tackling emerging challenges such as counter-unmanned aircraft system, climate change, and support to special operations. The delegations discussed countering transnational criminal organizations, and regional security.

    Peru

    Secretary Del Toro and Minister Astudillo discussed the strength of the U.S.-Peru bilateral defense relationship, especially in areas of security cooperation and countering transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The U.S. commended Peru’s recent progress toward the lifting of aerial interdiction restrictions.

    The Ministers endorsed the United States’ proposal to host the XVIII CDMA in 2028.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese agricultural scientists win FAO Achievement Award

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Qu Dongyu (R), director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presents the FAO Achievement Award to the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS) at a ceremony to mark the World Food Day in Rome, Italy, on Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS) was awarded the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Achievement Award Wednesday at a ceremony held by the FAO to mark the 44th World Food Day in Rome, Italy.

    FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu presented the prestigious FAO Achievement Award to the IPPCAAS and described their groundbreaking work in combating the Fall Armyworm as having a profound impact in China, across Asia, and globally, making significant strides in protecting crops and securing food supplies.

    This year’s World Food Day, with the theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future,” aims to raise global awareness about the right to foods and advocates for transforming agrifood systems to support peaceful, resilient, and inclusive livelihoods for all.

    According to the FAO, around 730 million people are currently facing hunger, and over 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. This means that even if their calorie intake is sufficient, they may not be receiving the necessary nutrients and dietary diversity to maintain good health.

    In his address, Qu called for renewed “commitment to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that can nourish the world,” saying, “There is no time to lose; we must take immediate action.”

    In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that a zero-hunger world was possible, but “food systems need a massive transformation,” to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

    As part of the World Food Day celebrations, a World Food Forum event is being held at FAO headquarters from Oct. 14 to 18.

    The FAO Award for Achievement is awarded every two years to honor an entity or individual for outstanding technical cooperation or humanitarian work in the fields of sustainable agriculture, rural development, or food security at the country level.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU nations in UNIFIL agree to exert ‘utmost’ pressure on Israel

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo shows the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) during their patrol in Marjeyoun, Lebanon, on May 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Sixteen countries of the European Union (EU) contributing troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have agreed to increase political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to avoid further incidents involving the mission.

    This decision was reached after a videoconference led by Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu on Wednesday, amidst escalating clashes between the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

    The videoconference involved key EU nations, including Ireland, Germany, Spain, Austria, and Greece, among others.

    These countries collectively condemned attacks on UNIFIL bases, which have endangered the safety of the mission’s over 10,000 personnel coming from 48 countries, and urged Israel to take preventive measures to ensure no more such incidents occur.

    The Italian defense ministry said in a statement that a key conclusion of the meeting was “the shared will to exert utmost political and diplomatic pressure on Israel, so that no further incidents occur.” Meanwhile, the statement also stressed that Hezbollah cannot use UNIFIL personnel as a shield in the context of the conflict.

    The call followed a series of IDF strikes on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon since Oct. 9, which resulted in injuries to several peacekeepers.

    Although Israel had asked UNIFIL to withdraw its troops within 5 km of the Israeli-Lebanese border, which would mean leaving all UNIFIL positions in south Lebanon, all countries contributing to the mission declined.

    On Wednesday, the EU countries reiterated their commitment to maintaining a stable UNIFIL presence in the region and asserted that any changes to the mission’s future should be decided collectively by the UN.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on U.S. Airstrikes in Houthi-Controlled Areas of Yemen

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Today, U.S. military forces, including U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers, conducted precision strikes against five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. U.S. forces targeted several of the Houthis’ underground facilities housing various weapons components of types that the Houthis have used to target civilian and military vessels throughout the region. This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified. The employment of U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers demonstrate U.S. global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere. 

    For over a year, the Iran-backed Houthis, Specially Designated Global Terrorists, have recklessly and unlawfully attacked U.S. and international vessels transiting the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis’ illegal attacks continue to disrupt the free flow of international commerce, threaten environmental catastrophe, and put innocent civilian lives and U.S. and partner forces’ lives at risk. At the direction of President Biden, I authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability to continue their destabilizing behavior and to protect and defend U.S. forces and personnel in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

    Again, the United States will not hesitate to take action to defend American lives and assets; to deter attacks against civilians and our regional partners; and to protect freedom of navigation and increase the safety and security in these waterways for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks. I am grateful for the professionalism and skill of the brave American troops who took part in today’s actions and who continue to stand guard in defense of our Nation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Central Command Conducts Multiple Strikes on Underground Iran-Backed Houthi Weapons Facilities

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    Oct. 16, 2024
    Release Number 20241016 – 01
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted multiple, precision airstrikes on numerous Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that contained various advanced conventional weapons used to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

    These actions were taken to degrade the Houthi’s capability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping and on U.S., coalition, and merchant personnel and vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and to degrade their ability to threaten regional partners.

    CENTCOM forces targeted the Houthi’s hardened underground facilities housing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels throughout the region.

    U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers, were part of the operation. The employment of the B-2 bomber demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to reach these targets, when necessary, anytime, anywhere.

    Our battle damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. We will provide updates as information is confirmed.

    -30-

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarines to enhance India’s maritime security in IOR, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarines to enhance India’s maritime security in IOR, says GlobalData

    Posted in Aerospace, Defense & Security

    In a significant move towards bolstering maritime security, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has recently approved the indigenous construction of two Project 75-Alpha nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). The procurement of indigenous nuclear-powered submarines capable of undertaking hunter-killer operations positions the Indian Navy as a formidable force capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s report, “Global Submarine Market Analysis and Forecast to 2033”, reveals that India will be spending about $31.6 billion on procuring various types of submarines over the next 10 years. Out of which, 30.5% will be directed towards the procurement of Project 75-Alpha SSNs during the same period. India is expected to procure a total of six SSNs under this program at an estimated value of $17 billion.

    Udayini Aakunoor, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The acquisition of SSNs is a strategic move by India to modernize its Navy and tackle regional security challenges. To be built at the Ship Building Centre located in Vishakhapatnam with participation from the domestic private sector, they are expected to boost the country’s autonomy in complex naval shipbuilding.

    “Designed to operate at greater depths and for longer durations than conventional submarines, the SSNs will enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to perform multiple roles, ranging from offensive operations to intelligence gathering, while also enabling it to maintain a continuous and discreet presence in strategically important maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Malacca, the Gulf of Aden, and the Persian Gulf.”

    With their unlimited underwater endurance and offensive power, the SSNs will enable India to project power in the Indo-Pacific region while supporting self-reliant advancements in critical defense technologies. These advanced SSNs, coupled with the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, would enhance the service’s ability to detect and track Chinese submarines operating in the IOR.

    Aakunoor concludes: “India will also likely use these Project 75-Alpha SSNs to protect its in-service Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which serves as the sea-based leg of the country’s nuclear triad. This, in turn, will enhance India’s second-strike capability as the survivability of its fleet of Arihant-class SSBNs will increase significantly owing to the protection provided by the Project 75-Alpha SSNs.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi encourages students to actively engage in sci-tech innovation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese President Xi Jinping has encouraged representatives of students participating in China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 to promote the spirit of science and actively engage in technological innovation.
    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a reply letter to them.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dad is Near: How to Celebrate Father’s Day at VDNKh

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the third Sunday of October, our country celebrates Father’s Day. In honor of the holiday, VDNKh has prepared a special promotion, within the framework of which on October 20, fathers with children will be able to receive a 30 percent discount when visiting several exhibition spaces. Guests will also enjoy thematic excursions at the sites of the VDNKh Museum City, events at the robot exhibition “Robostation”, in the robotics and innovation center “Kulibin Pro” and at the “City Farm”. And in the pavilion “House of Russian Cuisine”, fathers who are cooks with many children will hold master classes on preparing various dishes from the cuisines of the peoples of Russia.

    On October 20, a 30 percent discount can be received when visiting two facilities of the Orion family amusement park: the Aerial Tram cable car and the House of Fears attraction. And also the City Farm, the Museum of the Special Purpose Garage of the Federal Protective Service of Russia, the exhibitions In the Galaxy Far, Far Away, Terracotta Army. Immortal Warriors of China and Find Banksy, the SkyTown rope park, the Robostation and the Kulibin Pro center. To receive a discount at the box office, fathers with children must say the code phrase “it’s not scary with dad” and present identification documents, as well as proof of relationship. You can read the terms of the promotion on the VDNKh website.

    Interesting excursions

    On October 20 at 10:30, 13:00, 15:30 and 18:00 you can visit thematic excursions around the territory of the country’s main exhibition “Male images of VDNKh”. Guests will learn little-known facts about the people who left their mark on the history of VDNKh: for example, who was its first director or in whose honor the first chestnut tree was planted on the Cosmonauts’ Alley. Guests will gather at the VDNKh Museum.

    At 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center invites you to thematic excursions “Space Fathers”. Tour guides will tell you about the children of famous cosmonauts who followed in their fathers’ footsteps, about the founders of cosmonautics itself and the difficulties of orbital flight.

    And at 17:00, 18:00 and 19:00 in the pavilion “Worker and Kolkhoz Woman” thematic excursions will take place “Father’s Day at VDNKh: Inspiration and Traditions”. We will talk about who became the architect of this pavilion, who was the inventor in the field of cinema technology for the unique cinema at the main exhibition of the country, thanks to whom the revival of VDNKh took place.

    At 19:00, guests of the Museum of Slavic Literature “Slovo” are invited to a thematic excursion “Where there is a good father, there is a good son”. The father always served as an unconditional example for the younger generation, which was reflected in numerous Russian epics, fairy tales, sayings, proverbs and chronicles. You can learn about this and much more on the excursion.

    Celebration at the “Robostation” and in the “Kulibin Pro” center

    In honor of Father’s Day, the largest robotics exhibition “Robostation” (Pavilion No. 2) printed more than five thousand festive keychains on a 3D printer, which all guests will receive. On October 20 at 13:00, there will be a master class where children will make a gift for dad with their own hands and learn the basics of robotics and soldering. At the same time, there will be a master class “Constructor from Childhood”, where dads will be able to reminisce and assemble a Soviet metal constructor. At 14:00, as part of the karaoke guessing game, guests will be divided into two teams and will sing the famous song “Papa Can”, but they must remember the correct words and sing them instead of the gaps. The winners will be determined by the least number of mistakes, and everyone will receive gifts for participation.

    Throughout the day, there will be sparring sessions between dads and kids, where they will control robot boxers. The winners will receive gifts printed on a 3D printer. To participate in the activities, you must purchase entrance ticket to the exhibition.

    The Kulibin Pro Robotics and Innovation Center, which is located in the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center at VDNKh, has also prepared a festive program for Father’s Day. On October 20 at 1:00 p.m., a master class on construction for fathers and children will be held, during which guests will be able to assemble a suspension bridge from construction set parts. At 2:00 p.m., you can listen to a lecture entitled “Calling – Inventor.” Throughout the day, all fathers will be congratulated by Boris the Robot. To participate, you must purchase an entrance ticket to the center. “Cosmonautics and Aviation”.

    Walking with animals

    The “City Farm” at VDNKh has prepared its own festive program. The main characters will be not only human dads, but also animal fathers: alpaca Pedro, goat Ivan and goose Vasily. On October 19 and 20, guests will enjoy master classes and farm games. Walks with animals will also be organized. Over the course of two days, from 11:00 to 18:00, there will be master classes “Postcard for Dad”, “Autumn Craft”, “Toy for Animals”, “Animal Portraits”. At the same time, you can take part in the sports relay race “My Dad and Me”. At 13:00 and 16:00, there will be an interactive lecture “The Best Fathers in the Animal World”, and at the end of the event – a quiz.

    In addition, on October 19 and 20, guests of the City Farm will be able to walk with animals: a donkey (from 11:00 to 11:30), a sheep (from 12:00 to 12:30), goats (from 12:00 to 12:30, from 14:00 to 14:30 and from 16:00 to 16:30), an alpaca (from 15:00 to 15:30), and a reindeer (from 17:00 to 17:30).

    During the holiday weekend, you can also watch the feeding of nutria (at 11:00), poultry (at 16:00), goats, sheep, reindeer, alpacas and donkeys (from 17:30). Participation in all events is subject to an entrance ticket to the “City Farm”. The cost can be found out on the website.

    Master classes by fathers-chefs

    On October 20, the House of Russian Cuisine pavilion at VDNKh invites you to International Chef’s Day and Father’s Day. In 2024, these dates coincided, and in honor of this, regional entrepreneurs and chefs of the House of Russian Cuisine, and part-time fathers of many children, will hold free master classes from 12:00. They will dedicate them to preparing dishes from the cuisines of the peoples of Russia. Among the presenters are Mikhail Gavrilov (chef of the V Karelia Yest corner and father of three children), Alexander Volkov-Medvedev (chef of the Ruski restaurant and father of three children), Danila Kozlov (founder of a chain of northern delicacies stores, brand chef of the Azbuka Severa corner of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), father of three children), Alexey Votintsev (founder of the Perepechkin Udmurt cuisine chain, author and inventor of the mobile Russian stove, father of five children), Damdin Dashiev (founder of the Orda Buryat cuisine restaurants, father of four children).

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145398073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Expeditionary Medical Forces provide care for partner nation, raises health security and capabilities

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras –Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Kilo personnel partnered with Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF) for a Global Health Engagement (GHE) at Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Sept. 14-28, 2024.

    Bringing with them an array of medicine and equipment, EMF Kilo’s 11-person team worked alongside Hospital Escuela medical staff treating and performing surgical procedures on patients with oncologic or orthopedic traumatic injuries.

    “During our time there we were able to complete 50 surgical cases, with 13 of those cases utilizing consumables donated from Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune or from Joint Task Force-Bravo, which is the local military organization that we are working in conjunction with here,” said Cmdr. Louis Lewandowski, EMF Kilo team lead and orthopedic surgeon.

    JTF-Bravo has supported operations in Honduras for more than 20 years; this is the first Global Health Engagement that EMF Kilo has provided support for in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

    “The entirety of the surgical procedures has been performed working very much shoulder-to-shoulder with the residents from the partner nation hospital, hospital Escuela, and that integration has been a key component in the ability to execute these cases,” said Lewandowski. “Many times, with some of the more complex cases, their hospital staff attending and facilitating both the exchanging of ideas and concepts was very much a two-way street in execution.”

    Hospital Corpsman Third Class Marylyn Masmela, EMF Kilo’s surgical technologist, said the team planned for the lack of resources and worked closely with the local hospital to identify the caseload and the supplies required to meet that mission, but some challenges arose.

    “From a tech standpoint it was a little tough getting used to their sets because they were very different from ours,” Masmela said. “But everyone was very helpful with getting everything that we needed and were able to coordinate as best as they could.”

    As JTF-Bravo and EMF Kilo worked alongside Honduran medical professionals, providing orthopedic trauma capabilities to an underserviced population, the teams were able to build upon shared knowledge for future joint operations while raising Honduras’ overall health security and capability.

    “The benefit [to the host nation] came from having our surgical technologist, our anesthesiologists, our nurses come to support evolutions that their surgical teams were already doing. It provided the hospital a little bit more opportunity to expand the number of rooms they were running in order to facilitate the cases,” said Lewandowski. “We’ve been able to both help them provide care, but also learned a lot from their experiences and how they are able to provide the best care they can with the tools that they have in a resource constrained environment.”

    EMF Kilo donated the remaining consumables brought along for the mission back to Hospital Escuela.

    Dr. Ery Martinez with Hospital Escuela shared his heartfelt appreciation, thanking HM3 and the group in general upon their departure. “Thank you for sharing your knowledge, time, and unconditional support for our hospital. [You] have strengthened ties between our counties and have shown the true meaning of solidarity and commitment.”

    EMF Kilo was formally established in 2023 with U.S. Navy Captain Darryl Arfsten taking command. EMF Kilo is the readiness platform of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Camp Lejeune and is comprised of approximately 400 personnel ready to deploy field hospital capabilities during humanitarian or combat missions.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS San Diego Holds Change of Command Ceremony in Sasebo, Japan

    Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

    by Lt. Bridget Wiseman

    03 October 2024

    Capt. Timothy R. Carter relieved Capt. David W. Walton as commanding officer of amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during a change of command ceremony held in the ship’s well deck, Oct. 03.

    RDML. Christopher Stone, served as the guest speaker and presiding officer for the event, during which he presented Walton with a Legion of Merit for his time aboard San Diego.

    “Captain Walton, while serving as commanding officer of San Diego, imbued in his team the concepts of how we fight. He tirelessly fostered a culture of excellence that built capable warfighters, warfighters who are ready and will make a significant impact in Seventh Fleet, operating alongside our Allies and partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. D.J., as we wish you fair winds and following seas, I want to congratulate you on a job well done”.

    Walton led San Diego through a challenging Maintenance, Basic, and Advanced Phase. After finishing an extended dry-docking selected restricted availability (SRA), Walton led the ship and her crew through a 47-week Basic Phase while managing four major scheduled and emergent repair availabilities – testing, managing and training many significant modernizations to the ship’s propulsion and electrical plant and combat system suite.
    Most notably, Walton led the ship in the historical NASA URT-11 mission where, for the first time, the Department of Defense and NASA completed a full recovery simulation with the Artemis II Flight Crew. This was in preparation for the Artemis II crewed mission that will send four astronauts in Orion beyond the Moon for the first time. He continued his tour accomplishing the successful homeport shift of San Diego from her namesake city of San Diego, Calf. to Sasebo Japan. He spoke of the crew’s greatest achievements and his proudest memories while on San Diego.

    “Leading the men and women of USS San Diego has been the highest honor of my naval career. Over the past couple of years we have faced challenges and celebrated victories. Whether it was completing the SRA, excelling throughout the Basic Phase, working NASA, or most recently conducting a flawless home port change, I have always been proud to witness the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and resilience displayed by every Sailor aboard this ship.”

    Walton concluded his remarks by reading his orders, followed by Carter reading his own orders and addressing the crew for the first time as San Diego’s commanding officer.

    “Captain Walton, your leadership and dedication have set a high standard, and it’s an honor to follow in your footsteps. To the crew of USS San Diego (LPD 22), I assume command today with great pride and humility. I understand the responsibility of this role, and I am committed to leading with integrity, respect, and a relentless focus on our mission.”

    Captain Carter served as Battle Watch Captain and Maritime Homeland Defense Planner (N35) on the staff of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Current Operations Director and Future Operations Director at Commander Fifth Fleet. He served as Military Deputy for Deputy Assistance Secretary of Defense for Platform Weapon Portfolio Management at the Pentagon. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he obtained a Master of Science in Information System Technology and completed his Joint Professional Military Education Phase I. He is a graduate of the National War College in Washington, D.C. where he obtained a Master of Science in National Security Strategy.

    Walton will report to OPNAV N95 as the Expeditionary Warfare Readiness Director at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

    For more news from USS San Diego, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/lpd22/
    On Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/LPD22

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation led by Reporters Without Borders Director General Thibaut Bruttin

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation led by Reporters Without Borders Director General Thibaut Bruttin
    President Lai meets delegation led by Reporters Without Borders Director General Thibaut Bruttin
    2024-10-16

    On the afternoon of October 16, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Thibaut Bruttin, director general of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In remarks, President Lai mentioned that today, Taiwan is not just a center for press freedom in Asia, but also a hub for international press throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The president said that Taiwan stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy, determined to do all we can to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. He also said that Taiwan hopes to pursue an even more active role in the international community as we work alongside RSF and global democratic partners to champion press freedom and sustainable democracy.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I warmly welcome RSF Director General Bruttin, who is visiting for the first time since taking on the role in July. Seven years ago, RSF established its first Asia bureau in Taipei. We have been honored to work with you all and contribute even more toward press freedom in Asia.
    Taiwan is a freedom-loving democratic country. The spirit of freedom and democracy is in our DNA. And in recent years, our efforts have been recognized by the international community. We have received top rankings for Asia in various democracy indexes and evaluations of freedom. This year, Taiwan ranked first in Asia and rose to 27th in the world in the RSF World Press Freedom Index. This was our best performance ever.
    Thanks to our liberal press environment, more and more international media outlets have been stationing personnel here in Taiwan each year. Today, Taiwan is not just a center for press freedom in Asia, but also a hub for international press throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy, determined to do all we can to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy.
    Of all the world’s nations, Taiwan is the most seriously targeted by foreign disinformation. Over the past few years, our government has striven to develop a more robust cybersecurity network. Taiwanese NGOs have also worked on policies designed to combat disinformation. And now we have established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee directly under the Office of the President. By combining the strengths of the government and civil society, we aim to bolster our nation’s resilience in response to such challenges as disinformation and cyberattacks.
    Facing a torrent of disinformation and the expansion of authoritarianism, Taiwan needs the world and the world needs Taiwan. We hope to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with other countries. Together, we can support the democratic umbrella and jointly safeguard our free and democratic way of life. Moving forward, Taiwan hopes to pursue an even more active role in the international community as we work alongside RSF and global democratic partners to champion press freedom and sustainable democracy.
    Director General Bruttin then delivered remarks, indicating that it has been seven years since RSF chose Taiwan as the place to build a presence in Asia, and saying that they were right to do so in that the information provided by media in Taiwan is among the freest and more pluralistic, and that RSF stands with the media communities that are free, independent, and pluralistic.
    Director General Bruttin noted that Taiwan is number one in terms of press freedom in Asia and 27th globally, saying this is an achievement that proves how important it is to sustain the efforts of civil society and encourage it through public policies that are in line with international principles.
    The director general went on to say that there are several dimensions we could underline as a way forward for collaboration. First, he said, it is important to continue sustaining and leading the effort to have an end to the digital chaos, as the information that is spread on social media and on tech platforms is not always trustworthy or reliable, and we need to engage strongly to have policies that protect the public. Director General Bruttin said this is not just for journalism, but also for the general public, because it’s their right to know. The second point, he said, is that we need to encourage self-regulation and also protect the public through regulations that enable the media to thrive and develop. He emphasized that they believe there are ways to reform the media landscape in order to strengthen its accuracy and its ability to report with the ethical and deontological guidelines we need. Therefore, he said, we also need to strengthen the public service media in order to have a media landscape that restores the trust of the public.
    The final point, Director General Bruttin stated, is about the need to expose propaganda and foreign interference in the media sphere, saying we need to not only chase and expose the disinformation campaigns that might be going on, but also understand the strategy and geopolitics of propaganda to understand the actors, budgets, and people behind it. It’s a phenomenon that can affect Taiwan, he indicated, but also a global phenomenon, and collectively, we need to do more altogether. Director General Bruttin closed his remarks by saying Taiwanese people can be really bold in fostering democracy, so he and the delegation are very confident about the seven years ahead.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charges unveiled in ongoing effort to de-anonymise DDoS group Anonymous Sudan

    Source: Europol

    Europol coordinated the European dimension of the investigation, working closely with law enforcement agencies across Europe to identify victims and suspects, ensuring swift action in multiple jurisdictions.Victims of the attacks include sensitive government and critical infrastructure targets around the world, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. State Department…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – Containers to be removed from reef after HMNZS Manawanui sinking

    Source: New Zealand Defence Force
     
    Three shipping containers that came off the sunken Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui will be removed from the reef, with work starting on Friday.
     
    The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is working with a local contractor, ARK Marine, to remove the three shipping containers from the reef off the south-west coast of Upolu.
     
    The three 10ft containers will be floated and then towed to shore. Weather permitting, it is expected to take at least three days to remove all three containers. Preparation by the contractor is underway including getting rigging gear ready for the removal.
     
    Two of the three containers are empty. The third container is carrying 3000kg of food.
     
    The containers are not watertight and have sustained some structural damage, and are being moved by tides and swell.
     
    Samoan Government officials have been involved throughout the process and have approved the removal plan.
     
    NZDF Senior National Representative Commodore Andrew Brown says this is still a complex operation.
     
    “We have carefully considered a number of options for removing the containers. Especially, we are working hard to minimise the impact on the marine environment,” he says.
     
    “Other considerations include the prevailing weather, weight of the containers, and potential biosecurity risks.
     
    “While it is expected it will take three days for the removal of the containers, it may be that weather and sea conditions, or other considerations, mean that the timetable is not met. However, we are hopeful that the conditions will be such that all containers will be removed from the reef over coming days.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of lost World War Two soldier located in Italy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The grave of a Royal Tank Regiment soldier who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified 81 years after his death.

    Padre David Anderson leads the service for Tpr Stobart (Crown Copyright)

    The rededication service for Trooper (Tpr) Frederick Stobart 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) Bolsena War Cemetery in Italy this afternoon (16 October). 

    Frederick Stobart was born in Sunderland in 1916. He lived with his maternal grandparents for some of his childhood, but no records exist to tell us about his young life or schooling.  

    He joined the Army in 1935, listing his previous occupation as a steel grinder. He served at home, and in India during the years immediately before war broke out in 1939, and then joined the British Expeditionary Force in May 1940. By August 1940 he was in the Middle East, and he remained there until June 1943, when he was sent to take part in the invasion of Italy. He appears to have been captured around Tobruk in North Africa in late June 1943 and to have become a prisoner of the Italians at Camp 54 at Fara in Sabina, in the Lazio region of Italy.   

    In September 1943 when Italy capitulated, many prisoners found themselves without guards and took the opportunity to escape, Stobart was one of these. He travelled north, with fellow escapee, Pte Robert Quinn of the Durham Light Infantry, into the hills where they relied on local people for help. Unfortunately, their freedom was short-lived, and they were recaptured by the Germans within a few days.  According to contemporary reports, both men were shot whilst trying to escape from a transport taking them to a new camp. Quinn was hospitalised but Stobart died.  

    Stobart was buried in a civilian cemetery at Monte Libretto by two German soldiers, a local policeman and four other prisoners. The notes recorded on the grave register show that there were no documents or means of identifying the body, and that the other prisoners burying him did not seem to know him. After the war Stobart’s remains were recovered and moved to the war cemetery at Bolsena where he was buried as an unknown casualty of the 1939 – 45 war, with a date of death in September 1943. 

    Recently an independent researcher submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Tpr Stobart. The research included excerpts from a Red Cross interview with Stobart’s fellow escapee Pte Quinn which was conducted whilst he was a POW in hospital. Quinn had described the escape and what had happened to his Stobart, without naming him. It was his testimony along with other supporting documents which were crucial in proving this case. The researcher’s evidence was reviewed and extra work conducted by the National Army Museum and  JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it is possible to clearly identify where Tpr Stobart is buried. 

    The military party, representatives of the CWGC, and the researcher who submitted the original identification case for Tpr Stobart, stand behind his headstone (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    It has been a privilege for me to have been involved in restoring Tpr Stobart’s name to him,  and to have organised the service of rededication for him today. I am grateful to the researcher who submitted the original evidence and thus started this process off, and to Tpr Stobart’s military family for attending today to honour his sacrifice. 

    Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:  

    We are honoured to now be able to commemorate, by name, Trooper Stobart. It is a privilege to care for his grave and all those that lie here at Bolsena War Cemetery, in perpetuity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of missing World War Two soldier identified in Italy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The grave of a Scottish soldier who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified and rededicated 80 years after his death.

    A bugler and piper from the Royal Regiment of Scotland at Bolsena War Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

    Today’s service for Private (Pte) George Alister Walker Ewan 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) Bolsena War Cemetery in Italy. 

    George Alister Walker Ewan was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1915 to Scottish parents Thomas Ewan, a farmer, and his wife Christina Walker Alister. George was their second, and youngest child – having a sister called Catherine, who was five years older than him.  

    The family returned to Scotland in the summer of 1916, living initially in Dollar with Thomas’ mother. Sadly, Christina died in 1919 and following this the family were separated for a time with George and Catherine living away from their father.

    George Ewan joined the army in June 1940 and spent two years on home defence duties with a Territorial battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In late 1941 he was transferred to the 8th Battalion and embarked with them for North Africa in October 1942. He was posted as missing in November 1942 during the second battle of El Alamein but was able to rejoin his battalion a few weeks later.   

    Padre David Anderson leads the service for Pte George Ewan at Bolsena War Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

    Pte Ewan was wounded in an action in the Vaiano area in late June 1944, he was initially posted as missing, but this was later revised to record that he was presumed to have died of his wounds on or soon after 21 June 1944.  He was buried at the civilian cemetery at Castiglione del Largo, possibly by the German army or by local civilians though the records are not clear. Either way, his name was not recorded, and he was listed in the cemetery records as an unknown British soldier.  

    Following the war, his remains were recovered from Castiglione del Largo and moved to the war cemetery at Bolsena, his cap badge showed that he had been a member of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, but no other identifying artefacts were found. 

    Recently an independent researcher submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Pte Ewan. This research was reviewed, and extra work was conducted by the National Army Museum and the JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it was possible to clearly identify where Pte Ewan was buried and notify his family that he had been found. Pte Ewan’s cousins were in attendance at the service. 

    Pte Ewan’s cousins stand at his graveside with members of the military party (Crown Copyright)

    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 Pte Ewan, 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 Pte Ewan’s grave today. 

     Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:  

    We are grateful to everyone involved in identifying the grave of this brave soldier, who died 80 years ago today. It is our duty – and privilege – to care for the grave of Private Ewan, in perpetuity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Pål Jonson attends NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Pål Jonson attends NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Defence

    Published

    On 17–18 October, Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will meet with his colleagues from other NATO member countries in Brussels. Part of the meeting will also be attended for the first time by the defence ministers of Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand – NATO’s partners known as the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4).

    The agenda includes discussions on continuing and deepening NATO’s cooperation with the IP4.

    At the meeting in Brussels, the NATO defence ministers will also discuss deeper cooperation between NATO and the EU, and reinforcements of NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities.

    They will also discuss continued support to Ukraine and the support being provided to Russia by Iran, China and North Korea.

    This is the first NATO ministerial meeting led by new Secretary General Mark Rutte. 

    Press contact

    More about the Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers on 17–18 October

    More information about the Meeting of Defence Ministers on 17–18 October is available on the NATO website. Images and video material from the meeting will also be published on the website as they become available.

    About the North Atlantic Council (NAC)

    The North Atlantic Council (NAC) is the principal political decision-making body within NATO. For the NAC’s day-to-day work, member countries are represented by their NATO Ambassadors.

    The NAC meets a number of times a year at the levels of defence ministers, foreign ministers and heads of state and government. Normally, one NATO summit, two meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and three meetings of NATO Defence Ministers are held each year. The NATO Secretary General chairs the NAC.

    About Sweden in NATO

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Opening address by President Viola Amherd at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    Bern, 17.10.2024 – Opening address by President Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024, Lausanne, Thursday, 17 October 2024.

    Check against delivery

    Prime Minister,
    Excellencies,
    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is an honour to welcome you, Mr Prime Minister, to Lausanne today, and to open this conference with you.

    The next two days will be dedicated to one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time: humanitarian demining.

    Mines, cluster munitions and explosive remnants of war have a devastating impact: they claim thousands of lives every year, make land impassable, resources inaccessible and hamper economic development.

    Every improvised explosive device that we defuse is a step towards security, progress and a better life – this is the conviction that lies at the heart of our efforts.

    Today, humanitarian mine action is faced with major challenges.

    The Ottawa Convention bans anti-personnel mines, because they kill and maim indiscriminately. While the initial success of the Convention inspired optimism, in recent years this has given way to a certain disillusionment.

    Since 2014, the number of victims has started to rise again. Ongoing armed conflicts, such as Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine, bring new contamination from mines and other weapons. The effects of urban warfare and the use of improvised explosive devices are particularly severe.

    These developments reflect the global situation, which is marked by growing geopolitical tensions.

    This makes it all the more important, especially in view of the rising number of victims, to continue our efforts to improve the protection of the civilian population from the dangers of mines and other remnants of war.

    Humanitarian demining is not only a matter of safety, but also a precondition for recovery, in particular for the resumption of agricultural production and the education of children.

    I call on all states to join the Ottawa Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and to support them to the best of their abilities.
     
    Excellencies,
    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Four months ago, the international community met on the Bürgenstock for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. At the opening, I spoke of our goal to set in motion a process that will lead to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

    The current conference follows on from this, because living in peace also means being free from the fear of mines and remnants of war.
    Switzerland has been committed to humanitarian demining for over 30 years. We support projects in affected countries and deploy specialist military personnel.

    We are also committed to the diplomatic, legal and practical implementation of the relevant conventions around the world.

    We are determined to continue to do our part in Ukraine as well.

    Almost a quarter of Ukraine’s territory is contaminated with explosive ordnance.
    Last year we decided to make one hundred million francs available for humanitarian mine action in Ukraine (from 2024 to 2027).

    The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD) are primarily responsible for implementing this programme.

    Projects will be developed in close cooperation with Ukraine’s civilian authorities. They will include mine and explosive ordnance clearance, the promotion of standards and quality in mine clearance, training, and operational and material support.

    Last year, provided the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) with a remote-controlled demining machine from the Digger Foundation.

    This year, we will deliver three more machines from Global Clearance Solutions and provide local training and support.

    This will enable Ukraine to carry out effective and safe demining operations independently in the future.

    Excellencies,
    Ladies and gentlemen,

    For today’s Ukraine Mine Action Conference here in Lausanne, we have set ourselves the following goals:

    –    We aim to raise awareness of the importance of humanitarian mine action in Ukraine and worldwide.
    –    Stimulate further support going forward, based on the Ukrainian Mine Action Strategy, which provides guidance for current and future partnerships.
    –    And showcase innovative solutions that will make mine clearance safer and more effective worldwide.

    Three thematic areas were defined in the run-up to the Ukraine Mine Action Conference: people, partners and progress.

    First, the people: In the face of the immense suffering and lasting damage caused by mines, cluster munitions and explosive remnants of war, we must act decisively.

    Contamination in conflict areas also affects many countries not involved in the conflict. For example, food prices are rising in many countries because Ukrainian land cannot be used safely and productively.

    Then, the partners: Our aim is for other countries that are also affected by mines or that are providing aid to share their experiences with Ukraine and its partners.
     
    For mine action to be effective, governments, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector and the scientific community must work closely together – and they are all gathered here in Lausanne today.

    And finally, progress: We must work continuously to make humanitarian mine action safer and more effective.

    We need to find innovative solutions, for example by combining the use of artificial intelligence, powerful drones and robots.
     
    The resources we use to clear mines in Ukraine today are also an investment to improve humanitarian demining globally in the future.

    Excellences,
    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Humanitarian demining is part of Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition. We want to help alleviate suffering and enable sustainable development.

    That is also the aim of this conference, which we have organised together with Ukraine.

    In closing, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of you for your dedication and commitment.

    Your presence here underscores the crucial support that is so urgently needed and that the people living in mine-affected countries deserve.

    Thank you very much.

    Address for enquiries

    DDPS Communication
    Federal Palace East
    CH-3003 Bern

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
    http://www.vbs.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Humanitarian mine clearance: Confederation establishes comprehensive partnership with Ukraine’s civil protection service and Swiss mine clearance company

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    Bern, 17.10.2024 – In order to reduce the danger posed by mines and other explosive ordnance in Ukraine, the Swiss government is supporting Ukraine’s civil protection service through a partnership with the Swiss company Global Clearance Solutions (GCS). The partnership involves supplying three mine clearance systems to Ukraine alongside a comprehensive training, mentoring and logistics package. The package, which amounts to CHF 4.6 million, is being funded by the federal government and underlines the importance of humanitarian mine clearance for the country’s recovery.

    Mines and other explosive ordnance in the ground pose a danger to the civilian population, restrict agricultural work and hinder the reconstruction of a country. In Ukraine, around 139,000 square kilometres of land are estimated to be contaminated by mines and other explosive ordnance. That is equivalent to about three and a half times the surface area of Switzerland. Humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine is therefore a priority for Switzerland. For that reason, the federal government has signed a contract with the Swiss company Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) for the delivery of three mine clearance systems to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). The package, which includes a training and mentoring programme, is worth CHF 4.6 million.

    The project aims to strengthen the capacities of the Ukrainian civil authorities so that humanitarian demining operations can be carried out more safely, efficiently and effectively. In addition to the delivery of the three demining systems, the contract includes an extensive training, mentoring and logistics package. GCS has its own maintenance centre and operations team in Ukraine, enabling the company to provide extensive training and deploy the demining systems sustainably and efficiently.

    The partnership and the demining systems are being financed out of the CHF 100 million that the Federal Council made available on 29 September 2023 to support humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine. The total amount will be funded equally by the DDPS and the FDFA. Through this support package, Switzerland is providing its expertise to help overcome an immense humanitarian challenge. In addition, Switzerland, under the lead of President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, is jointly hosting the Ukraine Mine Action Conference with Ukraine in Lausanne on 17 and 18 October. The importance of mine clearance for Ukraine’s recovery will be discussed at the conference.

    The federal government is working closely with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) on humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine. The GICHD is supporting the Ukrainian authorities in developing a national demining programme. In addition, the federal government is supporting the demining work of the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) on the ground in Ukraine. A year ago, the DDPS presented Ukraine with a remote-controlled demining machine from the Swiss DIGGER Foundation.

    Address for enquiries

    DDPS Communications
    +41 58 464 50 58
    kommunikation@gs-vbs.admin.ch

    FDFA Communications
    +41 58 460 55 55

    Global Clearance Solutions
    +41 55 511 15 00
    media@gcs.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
    http://www.vbs.admin.ch

    Defence
    http://www.vtg.admin.ch

    State Secretariat for Security Policy
    https://www.sepos.admin.ch/de

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ohio Man Who Concealed Croatian War Crime Charge Sentenced to Prison for Immigration Fraud

    Source: US State of California

    An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to immigrating to the United States.

    According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989, when, in fact, he fought with the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent resident status and received a green card.

    “Jugoslav Vidic lied about war crimes charged against him in an attempt to escape his past and live in the United States unlawfully,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time in the United States followed by his removal. His sentence demonstrates that human rights violators will not be allowed to hide from their crimes in the United States.”

    “Vidic committed serious human rights violations and was convicted of war crimes in Croatia as a result. Yet, he lied to U.S. immigration officials about his conviction and participation in a violent military force to claim refugee status and obtain a green card — becoming a permanent legal resident of our country — when he was not eligible to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Those who run away from violent crimes they commit elsewhere in the world and then enter our country by brazenly lying about their past will be held to account, as yesterday’s sentence demonstrates. Vidic’s deceitful actions are detestable, and unfairly hurt people in need who legitimately seek refuge to flee real harms in their home countries.”

    “Our communities here in Ohio and across the United States are not safe havens for war criminals to escape accountability in their home countries,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It is my hope that this sentencing provides some measure of solace to the victims’ families with the knowledge that despite the passage of time, the United States will seek justice.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic intentionally circumvented the laws of the United States by lying on his green card application about his war crimes conviction in Croatia,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This case should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Vidic who seek to violate U.S. law by fraud of any kind.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic knowingly avoided the truth of his past to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of the United States for over two and a half decades,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “Yesterday’s sentence underscores the work of the FBI and its local, state, federal, and international partners and sends a clear message that people in the United States who take part in war crimes, regardless of when or where they occurred, or by masking their involvement, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.”

    Vidic admitted in his plea agreement that he was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic further admitted that he knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.

    Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.

    HSI and the FBI investigated the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

    Members of the public who have information about human rights violators or immigration fraud in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI USA News –