Category: Military Intelligence

MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Recognizes 320 Employees at Secretary’s Award Ceremony in Washington D.C.

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Recognizes 320 Employees at Secretary’s Award Ceremony in Washington D.C.

“Every single day, with great determination, integrity, and skill, the 268,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security ensure the safety and security of the American people,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Thanks to these extraordinary public servants, our shores, harbors, skies, cyberspace, and borders are protected; fentanyl and other deadly drugs are prevented from entering our country; communities are able to recover and rebuild after a natural disaster; the scourges of human trafficking, forced labor, and online exploitation are mitigated; and so much more. The individuals we recognize today with our Department’s highest honor, the Secretary’s Award, reflect the very best of DHS – and in their selfless dedication to mission, the very best of public service.”

The DHS Secretary’s Awards are an annual program that recognizes the extraordinary individual and collective achievements of the workforce. The 320 awardees recognized in today’s ceremony represent the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD), the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), the Management Directorate (MGMT), the Office of Health Affairs (OHA), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA), the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

“In recognizing these outstanding DHS personnel with a Secretary’s Award, we recognize all our talented personnel; the achievements of one are not possible without the contributions of others,” added Secretary Mayorkas. “We also express our appreciation to their families and loved ones; when one serves, the family serves too.”

This year’s award recipients developed and issued policy and procedures associated with a whole-scale transition to a new pay system for TSA; launched a series of coordinated and collaborative initiatives, operations and investigations targeting Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and national security threats operating and transiting through the Darien Gap region; arrested over 8,000 human smugglers, produced over 5,000 intelligence reports, and seized over $38M USD in real property; ensured over 2,300 vital alerts and warnings were provided to owners and operators of critical infrastructure to protect against cyberattacks; among many other achievements.

This year, DHS is holding nine Secretary’s Awards ceremonies across the country, honoring over 1,700 employees, the most annual awardees ever.

Last year, Secretary Mayorkas unveiled 12 priorities for the Department, including a commitment to champion the workforce and transform the employee experience. DHS has the third largest workforce of any federal department, behind the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department is home to more than 92,000 sworn law enforcement officers, the greatest number of law enforcement officers of any department in the federal government. DHS has committed to increasing the representation of women in law enforcement or related occupations at DHS to 30% by 2030. Over 54,000 veterans, or nearly 21% of the workforce, continue serving their country by working at DHS.

DHS operational components interact more frequently on a daily basis with the American public than any other federal department, from travelers moving through air, land, and sea ports of entry, to businesses importing goods into the country, to immigrants applying for services. To learn more about the impact DHS makes every day, visit: DHS.gov/TodayDHSWill.

Last year, DHS improved the efficiency of processing noncitizens at the Southwest Border, deployed across the country to respond to natural disasters, investigated cybercrimes, created a new streamlined process for adjudicating asylum applications, safely and securely resettled nearly 90,000 evacuated Afghans in the United States, provided resources for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity resilience, established a process for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge, secured the 2022 midterm elections, and demonstrated heroism by acting quickly and courageously to save lives in harrowing circumstances.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Bergman Presses DoD on Forever Chemical Cleanup in Michigan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Last week, Representative Bergman joined his Michigan colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to the Department of Defense (DoD), requesting a comprehensive report demonstrating how the Department of Defense’s efforts to remediate harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have progressed, with a particular focus on military sites and surrounding communities in Michigan.

As the letter details, “PFAS chemicals remain a grave danger to the health of our constituents. Residents in Michigan communities with former and current military bases continue to suffer the consequences of their decades-long exposure to these toxic forever chemicals.”

The members continued, “While we are pleased that some Interim Remedial Actions (IRA) are underway at these sites, we remain concerned about the health and well-being of residents in these communities. In 2019, members of Michigan’s congressional delegation sent a letter to then DoD Acting Inspector General Glenn Fine, requesting a review of the DoD’s use of PFAS at military sites around the country and the exposure to both military personnel and civilians living near those sites.

“While we appreciate the resulting report from the DoD OIG, many questions remain unanswered. Therefore, we request an updated analysis of the DoD’s efforts to address PFAS contamination at former and current military bases that build on questions originally brought to your office’s attention in 2019.”

Read the full letter here.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Department of Defense Grants to Jackson State University Under HBCU/MI Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

October 4, 2024

BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is pleased to announce that the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded $50.1 million in grants to 98 university researchers under the Fiscal Year 2024 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program.

Jackson State University (JSU) in Mississippi has been awarded two grants, totaling $512,870, for research and educational advancements in critical scientific fields:

INSTITUTION	INSTRUMENTATION PROPOSAL	AMOUNT
Jackson State University	Acquisition of an Advanced Potentiostat for Research and Training in Jackson State University	$115,006
Jackson State University	Optical Laser Lithography Fabrication System and Local Multiferroelectric Properties of Van Der Waals Materials and their Heterostructure	$397,864

These funds will be used to support advanced research and education in fields important to national security and defense. The DoD HBCU/MI Program plays a pivotal role in strengthening the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pipeline while increasing the research and educational capacity of HBCUs and Minority-serving Institutions.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense to Travel to Brussels and NATO for Defense Ministerial Meetings Followed by G7 Defense Ministers Meeting in Italy and Other Engagements in Italy and Vatican City

Source: United States Department of Defense

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to Brussels, Belgium, from October 16-18, 2024, to participate in a series of multilateral meetings, including the NATO Defense Ministerial and the Ministerial of the force contributing members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS). These engagements and others will focus on strengthening NATO’s collective defense posture, adapting the D-ISIS Coalition to an evolving threat from ISIS in the Middle East and globally, and enhancing military support for Ukraine.

Secretary Austin will then attend the first-ever G7 Defense Ministers Meeting Oct. 19 in Naples, Italy, where he will also meet with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and the new Minister of Defense of Japan, Nakatani Gen. The discussions at the G7 will center on ensuring continued security assistance for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression, addressing the urgent need to deescalate tensions in the Middle East, exchanging views on the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, discussing support for partners in Africa, and fostering additional cooperation on defense industry issues among the world’s leading democratic economies.

Secretary Austin will also conclude his trip with official engagements in Vatican City.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Recognizes 320 Employees at Secretary’s Award Ceremony in Washington D.C.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – On October 15, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held an awards ceremony hosted at DHS headquarters located at St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast Washington, D.C. where 350 employees received a Secretary’s Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Department’s mission.

“Every single day, with great determination, integrity, and skill, the 268,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security ensure the safety and security of the American people,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Thanks to these extraordinary public servants, our shores, harbors, skies, cyberspace, and borders are protected; fentanyl and other deadly drugs are prevented from entering our country; communities are able to recover and rebuild after a natural disaster; the scourges of human trafficking, forced labor, and online exploitation are mitigated; and so much more. The individuals we recognize today with our Department’s highest honor, the Secretary’s Award, reflect the very best of DHS – and in their selfless dedication to mission, the very best of public service.”

The DHS Secretary’s Awards are an annual program that recognizes the extraordinary individual and collective achievements of the workforce. The 320 awardees recognized in today’s ceremony represent the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD), the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), the Management Directorate (MGMT), the Office of Health Affairs (OHA), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA), the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

“In recognizing these outstanding DHS personnel with a Secretary’s Award, we recognize all our talented personnel; the achievements of one are not possible without the contributions of others,” added Secretary Mayorkas. “We also express our appreciation to their families and loved ones; when one serves, the family serves too.”

This year’s award recipients developed and issued policy and procedures associated with a whole-scale transition to a new pay system for TSA; launched a series of coordinated and collaborative initiatives, operations and investigations targeting Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) and national security threats operating and transiting through the Darien Gap region; arrested over 8,000 human smugglers, produced over 5,000 intelligence reports, and seized over $38M USD in real property; ensured over 2,300 vital alerts and warnings were provided to owners and operators of critical infrastructure to protect against cyberattacks; among many other achievements.

This year, DHS is holding nine Secretary’s Awards ceremonies across the country, honoring over 1,700 employees, the most annual awardees ever.

Last year, Secretary Mayorkas unveiled 12 priorities for the Department, including a commitment to champion the workforce and transform the employee experience. DHS has the third largest workforce of any federal department, behind the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department is home to more than 92,000 sworn law enforcement officers, the greatest number of law enforcement officers of any department in the federal government. DHS has committed to increasing the representation of women in law enforcement or related occupations at DHS to 30% by 2030. Over 54,000 veterans, or nearly 21% of the workforce, continue serving their country by working at DHS.

DHS operational components interact more frequently on a daily basis with the American public than any other federal department, from travelers moving through air, land, and sea ports of entry, to businesses importing goods into the country, to immigrants applying for services. To learn more about the impact DHS makes every day, visit: DHS.gov/TodayDHSWill.

Last year, DHS improved the efficiency of processing noncitizens at the Southwest Border, deployed across the country to respond to natural disasters, investigated cybercrimes, created a new streamlined process for adjudicating asylum applications, safely and securely resettled nearly 90,000 evacuated Afghans in the United States, provided resources for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity resilience, established a process for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge, secured the 2022 midterm elections, and demonstrated heroism by acting quickly and courageously to save lives in harrowing circumstances.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: SAIC and Wind River Expand Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Development and Deployment of Mission-Critical Systems

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RESTON, Va., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Science Applications International Corp. (NASDAQ: SAIC) and Wind River ^® have announced an expanded strategic partnership to deliver industry-leading technologies to government customers by easing mission-oriented integration, speeding development and enhancing functionality in systems, for the U.S. Army and other government entities, including Cabinet-level departments and independent agencies.

As part of the partnership, SAIC and Wind River will collaborate on product integration and joint go-to-market plans across the Wind River software portfolio, including digital engineering and digital twin, DevSecOps, Linux, safety certifiable products and certification services and cloud-based command and control operations.

For more than a decade, Wind River has been a trusted SAIC partner supporting U.S. Army embedded software development at Redstone Arsenal. The expanded strategic partnership will enable acceleration of mission solutions and provide secure, safe and reliable mission-critical systems across a range of applications. Those include lifecycle systems, engineering and computer resource engineering support to systems, and activities necessary to define concepts and requirements, while also plan, manage, develop, sustain, modify, improve, test, train, field and retire systems and system computer resources in a time frame necessary to meet customer needs.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Wind River, which enables us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that accelerate the design and mission-oriented integration of complex weapons systems,” said Josh Jackson, executive vice president and manager, Army Business Group. “Together, we are poised to leverage a suite of cloud based digital engineering tools purposely designed to address the requirements in building the Army of 2030.”

SAIC is uniquely focused on offering prebuilt, commercially integrated and configured products and services to customers, accelerating time to value for all parties. As a market leader, SAIC is helping accelerate Army modernization by empowering the Army with trusted services and cutting-edge technology-agnostic integrated solutions that provide accelerated Operational Outcomes for Multi-Domain Operations.

“Wind River’s strategic partnership with SAIC represents a pivotal moment for our government customers, driving a transformational shift toward delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that advance the software-defined future of mission-critical, AI-driven applications at the intelligent edge,” said Avijit Sinha, Wind River President. “Together, we will introduce innovative, highly capable joint solutions that provide transformative value across defense, space, civilian, and intelligence sectors, and beyond.”

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical systems. With technology proven in over 750 safety programs and in more than 120 civilian and military aircraft, Wind River has over three decades of experience helping to build safe, secure, and reliable computing systems for demanding commercial aircraft, space exploration, and military operations. It is a leading supplier of real-time operating systems, Linux offerings, hypervisors, and simulation technology to the aerospace, government, and defense industries with its portfolio of product, including VxWorks^®, Wind River Helix™ Virtualization Platform, Wind River Linux, Wind River Studio Developer, and the recently launched eLxr Pro.

About SAIC
SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

About Wind River
Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for the intelligent edge. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of devices and systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability. Wind River software and expertise are accelerating digital transformation across industries including automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio supported by world-class global professional services and support and a broad partner ecosystem. To learn more, visit Wind River at http://www.windriver.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release contain or are based on “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings, earnings per share, charges, total contract value, backlog, outstanding shares and cash flows, as well as statements about future dividends, share repurchases and other capital deployment plans. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from the guidance and other forward-looking statements made in this release as a result of various factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause or contribute to these material differences include those discussed in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Legal Proceedings” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which may be viewed or obtained through the Investor Relations section of our website at saic.com or on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SAIC expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement provided in this release to reflect subsequent events, actual results or changes in SAIC’s expectations. SAIC also disclaims any duty to comment upon or correct information that may be contained in reports published by investment analysts or others.

Media Contact:
Greg Hicks
619.961.0075 | gregory.l.hicks@saic.com

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Calls With Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo and Secretary of the Navy Admiral Raymundo Morales Ángeles

Source: United States Department of Defense

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

On October 11, in two separate calls, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with his Mexican counterparts, the Secretary of National Defense General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo and the Secretary of the Navy Admiral Raymundo Morales Ángeles. Secretary Austin relayed his congratulations to both counterparts on their recent appointments. The Secretary and his counterparts discussed the importance of the U.S.-Mexico defense relationship to security in the region along with the trilateral partnership with Canada.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: DOD Releases Report on Defense Spending by State in Fiscal Year 2023

Source: United States Department of Defense

Today, the Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation released its Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Spending by State report to help states and communities better understand how Defense procurement, personnel, and grant spending impact their economies.

The report’s graphs, maps, and tables present a range of findings, such as total spending figures, categories of contracted goods and services, major defense vendors, numbers and types of defense personnel, and grants awarded by the Department of Defense (DOD). This snapshot provides public and private leaders with a starting place to assess how defense investments across installations, communities, and the private sector can be optimized by supporting regional innovation, industrial capability and capacity, supply chain resilience, and cultivating a skilled workforce.

“Our National Defense Industrial Strategy makes clear that a robust and resilient industrial base provides the enduring foundation for military advantage,” said Dr. William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. “Businesses small and large across America are the heart of our industrial might, and this report is a tremendous resource that our state and local partners can use to better understand defense spending in their areas and strengthen supply chains.”

Defense spending – to include contract obligations, payroll spending, and grants in the 50 states and the District of Columbia – rose by $50.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 from the prior fiscal year. This is the result of an 8.9 percent increase in DoD contract obligations, a 5.0 percent increase in payroll spending, and a 7.5 percent increase in grant spending.

DoD contract obligations, payroll spending, and grant awards in the 50 states and the District of Columbia totaled $609.2 billion, which is 2.2 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). If the total spending were divided across every U.S. resident, it would amount to $1,819 per U.S. citizen. Of those funds, $431.4 billion (71 percent) were obligated through contracts for products and services, $167.4 billion (27 percent) paid the salaries of DoD personnel, and $10.4 billion (2 percent) were awarded as grants.

Texas, Virginia, and California remain as the top recipients for overall defense spending in Fiscal Year 2023, with Texas moving to the number one spot, seeing an $8.9 billion increase over Fiscal Year 2022. However, Virginia, Hawaii, and Connecticut ranked highest when considering defense spending impacts on their respective state GDPs.

The top ten states for total Defense spending in Fiscal Year 2023 were:

Rank	State	Defense Spending (billions)
1	Texas	$71.6
2	Virginia	$68.5
3	California	$60.8
4	Florida	$32.2
5	Maryland	$27.8
6	Connecticut	$25.3
7	Pennsylvania	$21.8
8	Arizona	$17.0
9	Massachusetts	$16.8
10	Washington	$15.5

The top ten recipients of Defense contracts in Fiscal Year 2023 were:

Rank	Company	Defense Spending (billions)
1	Lockheed Martin	$61.4
2	RTX Corporation	$24.1
3	General Dynamics	$22.9
4	Boeing	$20.1
5	Northrup Grumman	$16.3
6	Huntington Ingalls	$10.5
7	Humana	$7.8
8	L3Harris Technologies	$7.5
9	BAE Systems	$7
10	Cencora	$4.4

Nine of the ten companies were on this list in Fiscal Year 2022. RTX Corporation was previously Raytheon Technologies. Cencora was formerly known as AmerisourceBergen but was not previously on the top ten list.

According to Patrick O’Brien, the Director of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, “This report is an enabler for the Department’s state and local partners to better understand and develop civilian innovation and modernization initiatives for the continued responsiveness of the defense industrial base and supply chains to our national security needs while also ensuring local infrastructure and services can sustain our local installations and the communities that host them and our military families.”

This analysis primarily entailed an examination of DoD funded prime- and sub-award contract data, grant awards, and defense personnel and payroll figures drawn from an array of sources, including DoD’s Defense Manpower Data Center and USAspending.gov, which is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This spending includes support for the National Guard as well as Research, Development and Evaluation activities.

The FY23 report, as well as previous years’ reports, can be found on the OLDCC website at https://oldcc.gov/dsbs-fy2023

A supplemental analysis report of DoD contract, personnel, and grant spending in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands of the United States will be available later this year.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Yemen, Statelessness & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (15 Oct 2024) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
-Lebanon
-Lebanon/Humanitarian
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Yemen
-Ukraine
-Statelessness
-Women/Social protection
-International Day of Rural Women
-Briefings Tomorrow

LEBANON
The United Nations notes with concern the continued strikes across the Blue Line by Hizbullah and the Israel Defense Forces. Launches
In this regard, the airstrike on Aitou in North Lebanon which resulted in at least 23 fatalities, according to Lebanese authorities, is deeply concerning. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the civilian loss of lives.
The UN remains deeply concerned at the impact on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line but particularly in Lebanon. All actors must uphold obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, and to protect civilians.
The UN also notes that clashes continue in southern Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces has conducted ground operations since 1 October.
In recent days the UN underscored our alarm about UNIFIL peacekeepers coming under fire, with at least five peacekeepers injured, and UN premises being impacted on at least 20 occasions since 1 October. The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.
As the President of the Security Council stated on behalf of all 15 Council members yesterday, “all parties [are] to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises”.
The UN notes that the Council “… recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.”
The UN appreciates the stated support of the Council for the work of our brave peacekeepers who remain in position, in support of efforts to create space for a diplomatic solution to this crisis and support a return to a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
The UN reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire, noting this is the only way to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers as well as to protect the populations of Lebanon and Israel from further suffering.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
This crisis has a huge impact on civilians on both sides, in Lebanon and in Israel.
In Lebanon, today, a 12-truck convoy carrying vital aid arrived in the villages of Marjeyoun [Marji-yun] and Klayaa in the south of the country.
The inter-agency mission – supported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, the UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund – delivered bottled water, family hygiene kits, blankets, pillows and mattresses, among other essential items.
The UN and partners continue to support the tens of thousands of men, women and children impacted by the ongoing crisis across Lebanon.
WFP provides ready-to-eat food and cash to some 200,000 people on a daily basis, while UNICEF and UNHCR continue to support primary health care services and provide water, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and other basic items.
OCHA reports that ongoing hostilities continue to displace people. The national authorities in Lebanon report that 1.2 million people have been affected or displaced.
As of October 13th, the International Organization for Migration has identified more than 740,000 people displaced by the escalation of hostilities within the country.
Of these people, more than 188,000 are staying in about 1,000 government shelters.
UNHCR is working with the Lebanese authorities to upgrade the shelters with weatherproofing and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, as well as assessing more sites to host displaced people.
Together with their partners, UNHCR continues to support people in Syria who have fled Lebanon at five border crossings by providing water, food, blankets and mattresses.
The UN reiterates that all civilians, both in Lebanon, Israel and elsewhere, must be always protected whether they leave or stay. And aid must be allowed to reach civilians wherever they are, safely and without impediment.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20October%202024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHZtzOb6Qc

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Yemen, Statelessness & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (15 Oct 2024) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
-Lebanon
-Lebanon/Humanitarian
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Yemen
-Ukraine
-Statelessness
-Women/Social protection
-International Day of Rural Women
-Briefings Tomorrow

LEBANON
The United Nations notes with concern the continued strikes across the Blue Line by Hizbullah and the Israel Defense Forces. Launches
In this regard, the airstrike on Aitou in North Lebanon which resulted in at least 23 fatalities, according to Lebanese authorities, is deeply concerning. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the civilian loss of lives.
The UN remains deeply concerned at the impact on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line but particularly in Lebanon. All actors must uphold obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, and to protect civilians.
The UN also notes that clashes continue in southern Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces has conducted ground operations since 1 October.
In recent days the UN underscored our alarm about UNIFIL peacekeepers coming under fire, with at least five peacekeepers injured, and UN premises being impacted on at least 20 occasions since 1 October. The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.
As the President of the Security Council stated on behalf of all 15 Council members yesterday, “all parties [are] to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises”.
The UN notes that the Council “… recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.”
The UN appreciates the stated support of the Council for the work of our brave peacekeepers who remain in position, in support of efforts to create space for a diplomatic solution to this crisis and support a return to a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
The UN reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire, noting this is the only way to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers as well as to protect the populations of Lebanon and Israel from further suffering.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
This crisis has a huge impact on civilians on both sides, in Lebanon and in Israel.
In Lebanon, today, a 12-truck convoy carrying vital aid arrived in the villages of Marjeyoun [Marji-yun] and Klayaa in the south of the country.
The inter-agency mission – supported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, the UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund – delivered bottled water, family hygiene kits, blankets, pillows and mattresses, among other essential items.
The UN and partners continue to support the tens of thousands of men, women and children impacted by the ongoing crisis across Lebanon.
WFP provides ready-to-eat food and cash to some 200,000 people on a daily basis, while UNICEF and UNHCR continue to support primary health care services and provide water, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and other basic items.
OCHA reports that ongoing hostilities continue to displace people. The national authorities in Lebanon report that 1.2 million people have been affected or displaced.
As of October 13th, the International Organization for Migration has identified more than 740,000 people displaced by the escalation of hostilities within the country.
Of these people, more than 188,000 are staying in about 1,000 government shelters.
UNHCR is working with the Lebanese authorities to upgrade the shelters with weatherproofing and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, as well as assessing more sites to host displaced people.
Together with their partners, UNHCR continues to support people in Syria who have fled Lebanon at five border crossings by providing water, food, blankets and mattresses.
The UN reiterates that all civilians, both in Lebanon, Israel and elsewhere, must be always protected whether they leave or stay. And aid must be allowed to reach civilians wherever they are, safely and without impediment.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20October%202024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHZtzOb6Qc

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri lays foundation stone of Very Low Frequency Station in Vikarabad, Telangana to bolster Navy’s operational readiness

Source: Government of India

Raksha Mantri lays foundation stone of Very Low Frequency Station in Vikarabad, Telangana to bolster Navy’s operational readiness

The facility will ensure ‘secure & real-time communication’ between ships/submarines with command centres safeguarding maritime interests

State-of-the-art platforms & fool-proof communication system must for India to remain a strong deep sea force, says Shri Rajnath Singh

“Indian Navy is the biggest guarantee of peace in the Indian Ocean Region”

“Maritime security is a collective effort; All friendly countries must work together to maintain peace & order in IOR”

“India believes in uniting rather than dividing; Security wheel breaks if even one country is left out”

Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 4:38PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of a new Very Low Frequency (VLF) Station of the Indian Navy at the Damagundam Reserve Forest site, Pudur Mandal in Vikarabad, Telangana on October 15, 2024. The facility, built at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore, will be spread across 2,900 acres. It will bolster the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, ensuring effective command and control capabilities in challenging maritime environments. It will play a pivotal role in strengthening the Naval communication infrastructure, enabling reliable and secure transmission over long distances.

Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the VLF station would expand the military capabilities of the country, proving to be a boon to the Armed Forces. He asserted that the high-tech VLF station, once operational, would not just be a military establishment, but a strategic asset of national importance.

“Effective coordination between men and machines is becoming extremely important in view of the evolving methods of warfare. This VLF station is being built with the vision of securing our maritime interests. It will ensure secure and real-time communication between our ships & submarines with the command centres of the Armed Forces. A fool-proof communication proves to be a decisive factor between victory and defeat. Without real time communication, we cannot gain an edge despite having adequate equipment or manpower,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.

Further highlighting the significance of a strong communication system, Raksha Mantri termed it as pivotal for coordination in any complex operation. He emphasised that a clear and secure communication channel not only helps in timely & effective decision making, but also an important medium to convey the orders of the command to the field formations and obtain the feedback.

Shri Rajnath Singh added that if soldiers are fully informed in a battlefield or an operational environment, their morale & unity receive a major boost, enhancing both safety and strategy. “During crisis management, a clear communication channel is the key. It becomes even more necessary when the situation is dynamic and the response time is very less. These things are historically proven. We’re learning from the past and striving for future security and prosperity,” he added.

Raksha Mantri laid stress on the need to continuously empower the Indian Navy in view of the ever-growing global interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). “Our interest is spread across the Indo-Pacific region. We have also emerged as the first responder and a preferred security partner in the IOR. Today, many countries have shifted their focus towards marine resources in the region. If India has to secure its commercial & security interests and remain a strong deep sea force, it is necessary to possess state-of-the-art platforms/equipment and a strong communication system,” he added.

Citing a saying ‘A good Navy is not a provocation to war, but a surety of peace’. Shri Rajnath Singh termed the Indian Navy as the biggest guarantee of peace in the entire IOR, including the Bay of Bengal. “The countries with which India shares its maritime boundaries should understand that maritime security is a collective effort. Summoning external forces at your doorstep hurts this effort. Maintaining peace & order in the Bay of Bengal and IOR should be the top priority of all of us. The support of all friendly countries is necessary in this endeavour of India as even if one country is left out, the entire security wheel breaks. India believes in uniting rather than dividing. We are taking every possible step to move ahead with all the friendly neighbouring countries together,” he added.

Allaying concerns about the impact of the project on the environment, Raksha Mantri stated that all environmental conditions are being taken care of. It is being ensured that arrangements will be made for the rehabilitation of the affected people, if needed, at the time of construction, he added. He termed sustainable development as one of the priorities of the Government, stating that it is being ensured that the new technology in this VLF station does not have a negative impact on the environment.

Shri Rajnath Singh added that the VLF station will open new vistas of employment and economic development for the local population. “During its construction, skilled and unskilled workers of the surrounding area will get employment. Even after that, when the station starts functioning, there will be ample employment opportunities for the people. This station will not only increase employment, but also work as a growth pole, providing further impetus to the economic development in the surrounding areas,” he said.

Raksha Mantri expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders involved with the project, especially the local community, for their support. “When it comes to the security & sovereignty of the nation, all the people rise above ideologies, religions & sects and become one,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh also paid glowing tributes to the Missile Man of India, former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary. “Dr Kalam’s contribution in India’s defence sector will be remembered for a long time. He not only provided India with new military technology, but also inspired a generation of scientists and engineers,” he said.

In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi stated that the project is set to herald a new chapter in Indian Navy’s communication capabilities by ensuring a secure, robust, responsive, and reliable command, control and communication network across the oceans. He added that the facility, once completed, would complement the existing VLF station at INS Kattabomman, in Tirunelveli.

“This VLF station would play an important role in enabling the seamless secure worldwide communication, including most importantly, with our dived submarines, thus ensuring their stealth and enhanced effectiveness. May it stand tall, as a testament to the strength and standing of our nation today, and the unwavering commitment of our Navy to protect and promote our National Maritime Interests – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow,” the Chief of the Naval Staff said.

Telangana Chief Minister Shri A Revanth Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister for Forests & Environment, Telangana Government Smt Konda Surekha Garu, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence & state government were present on the occasion.

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VK/SR/VM/Savvy

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s new Humanitarian Policy
Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Australian Government has launched a landmark new Humanitarian Policy to set the long-term direction and focus for Australia’s humanitarian action to ensure it saves lives, alleviates human suffering, and builds resilient communities.

Right now, there is more conflict than any time since the Second World War and the worsening impacts of climate change mean Australia’s humanitarian action must be fit for our times and the future.

The Policy outlines the role Australia will play when need is outstripping the world’s capacity to respond, and disregard for international humanitarian law is increasing.

The new Humanitarian Policy focuses on three priorities:
- Building readiness and preparedness to anticipate shocks before they occur and working with our international partners to lessen their impact;
- Responding to crises and disasters by delivering support that meets the needs of crisis-affected populations and protects the most vulnerable immediately and in the long-term; and
- Reinforcing the international humanitarian system and taking principled and practical steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law.
The Policy maintains Australia’s focus on the Indo-Pacific, where Australia can make the greatest impact, drawing on our strengths and deep relationships.

Australia will also provide $5 million to support a newly-established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund to rapidly respond to escalation in humanitarian needs in complex crises and disasters in our region.

The launch of the Policy complements the Albanese Government’s global initiative to drive action to protect aid workers in conflict zones, announced at the United Nations last month.

Australia brought together ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom who agreed to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia has a proud history of supporting those in need during conflict and crises, but a changing world requires a new approach.

“The new Humanitarian Policy is not just about saving lives and meeting humanitarian needs. It is also about protecting the peace, stability and prosperity that we want for Australia, our region and the world.

“It is ultimately about shaping a world where humanitarian assistance is needed far less often.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“When Australia’s friends and neighbours need help, we respond – just as they have consistently helped Australia in our own times of need.

“Our new Humanitarian Policy builds on the relationships and partnerships we have forged over time, enabling even stronger support when disaster strikes.

“It continues our tradition of leadership and principled humanitarian action as a partner of choice, while better positioning us for the challenges of the future.”

MIL OSI News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro’s As-Written Remarks Following the Navy Demonstrates First At-sea Reloading of Vertical Launching System

Source: United States Navy

Introduction

Thank you, everyone for joining us today for this truly seminal moment in the history of our Navy. Rearm at sea is one of my top priorities that I’ve been urgently pursuing over the past two years to make our current fleet more formidable.

Without the ability to rearm at sea, our surface combatants must return to port—sometimes thousands of miles away—to replenish their magazines.

The ability to rearm at sea will be critical to any future conflict in the Pacific or elsewhere. Our surface combatants’ exemplary performance in the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean over the past year only further reinforces the tremendous value TRAM will bring the Fleet.

But since the advent of the vertical launch system for our guided missile surface combatants, a true at-sea rearming capability for the main batteries of our cruisers and destroyers has eluded us.

Until now.

Today, I was proud to bear witness to the first at-sea use of the Transportable Re-Arming Mechanism (TRAM), which leverages our Navy’s time-proven Connected Underway Replenishment system to provide our surface combatants with a game-changing capability to reload their Vertical Launch Systems while underway in open ocean.

Testing this week at sea aboard USS CHOSIN and USNS WASHINGTON CHAMBERS was a complete success, including successful TRAM Connected Underway Replenishment operations in Sea State 4.

I am incredibly proud of the team for their efforts to meet the aggressive timeline that I set to field TRAM across the fleet—beginning with the shore based demonstration earlier this year, and continuing with the at-sea test this week.

Once TRAM is fully fielded, our surface combatants will be able to keep the sea continuously while pounding any adversary with an overwhelming tempo and volume of long range strikes.

By enabling our combatants to refill their magazines underway, TRAM offers us a powerful near-term deterrent that will disrupt the strategic calculus of those who would do us harm.

By investing in innovations like TRAM, we are ensuring that the United States remains the world’s preeminent maritime power.

The challenges we face in the world today are significant, but so too are our capabilities and our resolve.

Thank you to the engineers at NAVSEA and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab who made today happen, the crews of CHOSIN and WASHINGTON CHAMBERS who just conducted the first at-sea test of a truly game-changing capability, and to everyone else who had a part in the test today.

And thanks to all of you, again, for joining us today.

Now, we’ll open it up for questions. What questions do you have for me?

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: 15/10/2024 Estimated execution of the state budget in the period January – September 2024

MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

The estimated execution of the state budget in the period January – September 2024 in relation to the Budget Act for 2024 amounted to:

I earn

460.2

PLN billion,

i.e.

67.4

%

expenses

567.5

PLN billion,

i.e.

65.5

%

deficit

107.3

PLN billion,

i.e.

58.3

%

State budget revenues in the period January – September 2024 In the period January – September 2024, state budget revenues amounted to approx. PLN 460.2 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 42.2 billion (i.e. 10.1%) compared to the same period of the previous year (PLN 418.0 billion, i.e. 69.5% of the plan). Tax revenues of the state budget amounted to PLN 411.5 billion and were higher compared to the implementation in the period January – September 2023. Está bien. PLN 44.7 million (i.e. 12.2%), including: IVA tax revenues amounted to PLN 217.2 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 36.0 billion (i.e. 19.9%) compared to the implementation in the period January – September 2023, excise tax revenues amounted to PLN 65.8 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 4.2 billion (i.e. 6.8%) compared to the results in the period January – September 2023. , PIT tax revenues amounted to PLN 68.4 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 12.3 billion (i.e. 22.0%) compared to the performance in the period January – September 2023, CIT tax revenues amounted to PLN 45, PLN 2 billion and were lower by approximately PLN 9.0 billion (i.e. 16.6%) compared to the implementation in the period January – September 2023. In the period January – September 2024, the implementation of non-tax revenues amounted to PLN 47.5 billion and was lower by approximately PLN 2.2 billion (i.e. 4.3%) compared to the performance in the period January – September 2023. Income from IVA in September this year. were higher by PLN 2.7 billion, i.e. 13.3% y/y and amounted to bien. PLN 22.9 million. Execution of income from The IVA in September concerned economic transactions completed in August. Retail sales had a positive impact on the dynamics of VAT revenues, which increased nominally by 3.2% y/y in August.CIT revenues in September this year. turned out to be significantly higher than those obtained in September 2023. This is mainly due to different deadlines for the annual CIT settlement in 2023 and 2024. In particular, September 2023 was the month in which last year’s refunds of overpaid tax were concentrated. In turn, returns in 2024 have already taken place in previous months. Additionally, due to the system of equal shares in CIT revenues for local government units throughout the year, all refunds are visible on the budget side. September 2024 was also the first month in which taxpayers affected by the flood could benefit from state aid in the form of, among others, deferment of payment deadlines for PIT and CIT advances and IVA payments. State budget expenditure in the period January – September 2024. The execution of state budget expenditure in the period January – September 2024 amounted to bien. PLN 567.5 million, i.e. 65.5% of the plan, at the same time it was higher by approximately PLN 114.8 million (i.e. 25.4%) compared to the same period in 2023 (PLN 452.7 million, i.e. 65.3% of the plan). In the period January – September 2024, the highest expenses were recorded in the following parts of the state budget: Social Insurance Institution – in the amount of PLN 124.7 billion, i.e. 69.5% of the plan, General subsidies for local government units territorial – in the amount of PLN 96.1 billion, i.e. 81.5% of the plan, National Defense – in the amount of PLN 66.2 billion, i.e. 56.2% of the plan, State Treasury debt servicing – in the amount of PLN 39.6 billion, i.e. 59 .5% of the plan, Voivodes’ budgets – in the amount of PLN 39.1 billion, i.e. 77.2% of the plan, Internal affairs – in the amount of PLN 31.4 billion, i.e. 70.1% of the plan, EU’s own funds – in the amount of PLN 23.9 PLN billion, i.e. 69.2% of the plan, Higher education and science – in the amount of PLN 22.8 billion, i.e. 72.5% of the plan. Comparing the implementation of expenditure in the period January – September 2024 with the period January – September 2023, a higher implementation was recorded in part 73 – Social Insurance Institution (more by approximately PLN 52.2 billion), which was related to the implementation of the “Family 800+” program – from January 1, 2024, the amount of the childcare benefit increased from PLN 500 to PLN 800. However, in terms of the subsidy transferred to the Social Insurance Fund for the payment of benefits guaranteed by the state, the implementation amounted to PLN 39.2 billion and was higher than the implementation after nine months of 2023 by PLN 7.8 billion, i.e. Está bien. 24.7%. In April and September, an additional annual cash benefit, the so-called thirteenth and fourteenth pensions, which last year were financed from the Solidarity Fund. Under part 82 – General subsidies for local government units, the implementation was higher by PLN 17.5 billion, due to an increase in expenditure in the educational part of the general subsidy as a result of an increase in the Day for teachers by 30%. Moreover, in 2024, for the first time, funds were transferred for the development part of the general subsidy for local government units. In part 85 – Voivodes’ budgets, the implementation was higher by approximately PLN 8.0 billion, mainly in the field of family benefits, benefits from the maintenance fund, permanent benefits and funds provided for kindergartens, as well as district headquarters of the State Fire Service and Sanitary Service, as well as funds for internships and medical specializations. More funds were also provided to ensure students have the right to free access to textbooks and educational materials. Additionally, due to the flood situation in southern Poland, a new special-purpose reserve was created in the state budget in September (supplementing the existing funds for this purpose) to prevent natural disasters and remove their effects. The first tranches of funds for the payment of targeted benefits to families or persons affected by the flood were transferred to voivodes in September. Further funds are gradually released in line with the inflow of applications. In part 29 – National defense, the implementation was higher by PLN 6.5 billion, including: in connection with the purchase of military equipment and armament and the transfer of funds to the Armed Forces Support Fund. In part 79 – Service of the State Treasury debt, more funds were transferred for expenses by PLN 1.7 billion compared to the same period of the previous year, which is the result of an increase in the level serviced debt and the distribution of its service. In part 84 – EU own funds, PLN 1.6 billion more was transferred, which was mainly due to the settlement in March this year. underpayments to the EU budget due to VAT and GNI adjustments for previous years by increasing the contribution installment for this month. More information on the implementation of the state budget.

MILES AXIS

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Burgum signs MOU with Korean UAS association, expanding North Dakota’s collaboration opportunities

Source: US State of North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum and Korea Research Association for Unmanned Vehicles (KRAUV) Chairman Choi Myungjin today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the state of North Dakota and KRAUV to establish a partnership and promote collaboration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) research and development.

KRAUV is focused on the advancement of UAS technology in Korea and the continued development of the country’s UAS ecosystem. Much like the state of North Dakota, the South Korean government is a strong proponent of UAS development, investing well over $1 billion to grow the industry and establishing policies supportive of UAS research, development and commercialization. The nation has also invested millions of dollars in its own UAS military fleet to protect its borders.

“Working together with KRAUV to advance UAS research and development will help North Dakota further cement our status as a global leader in this industry while also strengthening our relationship with the Republic of Korea, one of our state’s top trading partners and a key U.S. ally,” Burgum said. “From monitoring crops and assessing risks to energy infrastructure, to emergency response and defense capabilities, the list of UAS applications continues to grow, and we’re grateful for KRAUV’s partnership in exploring and developing those possibilities into jobs and economic growth.”

Myungjin highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, “North Dakota is recognized for its world-class UAS infrastructure, particularly in testing capabilities. Through this partnership, we are confident that Korean companies will build a strong foothold in the international market, beginning with North Dakota. Today’s agreement will stimulate greater investment between Korea and North Dakota, supporting sustainable growth and serving as a crucial step towards creating a vibrant global unmanned vehicle ecosystem. KRAUV remains committed to fostering the growth and progress of the global unmanned vehicle industry.”

The signing ceremony in Seoul was attended by Burgum, Myungjin, Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen and North Dakota Trade Office Executive Director Drew Combs, among others.

North Dakota is a UAS leader in the United States. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks constitutes the hub of the state’s UAS ecosystem. A designated FAA partner, the Test Site boasts the nation’s first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) system in Vantis. Additionally, the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences offers the first UAS degree program in the nation, and Grand Sky Business Park is the first of its kind, offering commercial UAS business and aviation services adjacent to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

The MOU signing was part of a weeklong trade and investment mission to the Republic of Korea for Burgum and fellow members of the North Dakota delegation from the North Dakota Department of Commerce, North Dakota Trade Office, Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota, and North Dakota companies representing agriculture, energy, manufacturing, aerospace and technology.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Concludes Visit to Cambodia for Defense Policy Dialogue

Source: United States Department of Defense

Department of Defense spokesperson John Supple provided the following readout:

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for South and Southeast Asia Laura Updegrove concluded her visit to Cambodia today for the first U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue since 2019 and for meetings with Cambodian defense and foreign policy officials. DASD Updegrove’s trip follows Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to Cambodia on June 4, 2024.

DASD Updegrove co-chaired the U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue, marking the third time the Dialogue has been held since its inception in 2011. The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Cambodia bilateral defense relationship, including through the resumption of military training exchanges on disaster assistance, United Nations Peacekeeping and de-mining and unexploded ordnance clearance, as well as Cambodia’s participation in U.S. professional military education (PME). The two sides also exchanged views on the regional security environment and reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue.

On the margins of the dialogue, DASD Updegrove met with Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha and Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Foreign Policy Advisor Eat Sophea to discuss advancing bilateral defense cooperation in support of regional peace and security.

During her visit DASD Updegrove also met with Cambodian graduates of U.S. PME programs, where she highlighted the longstanding defense training ties between the United States and Cambodia.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: Solitron Devices, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solitron Devices, Inc. (OTC Pink: SODI) (“Solitron” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce fiscal 2025 second quarter results.

FISCAL 2025 SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Net sales increased 39% to approximately $3.58 million versus $2.58 million in the prior year period.
Net bookings decreased 21% to $1.75 million versus $2.23 million in the prior year period.
Backlog decreased 14% to $7.57 million at the end of the fiscal 2025 second quarter as compared to $8.79 million at the end of the fiscal 2024 second quarter.
Net income decreased to $0.02 million, or $0.01 per share, in the fiscal 2025 second quarter versus net income of $0.20 million, or $0.10 per share, in the fiscal 2024 second quarter.

This is our fourth quarter since we closed the acquisition of Micro Engineering (MEI). Thus far we are pleased with the results. We continue the process of integration of systems and are excited about the potential to expand our relationship with existing customers. MEI contributed $1.58 million in revenue in the fiscal 2025 second quarter.

While revenue increased from the prior year, it declined sequentially from $3.97 million in the fiscal first quarter to $3.58 million in the fiscal second quarter. Net income declined significantly due to the decreased revenue and increase in cost of sales. We had a number of issues negatively impact the quarter. The most significant was an issue with a plating supplier that resulted in fully reserving over 2,000 parts. To put that in some perspective we shipped approximately 9,200 units from Solitron’s WPB facility in the quarter. Scrapping the parts caused a loss of revenue while incurring the cost to reserve all raw material and work in process up until the time of scrapping. We are still in discussions with the supplier about recovering costs. We are withholding payment on existing payables while the matter is resolved. Also included in costs for the fiscal 2025 second quarter are $53,000 of intangible amortization; and $26,000 of non-cash interest costs related to the accrued contingent consideration.

While reported operating income was $50,000 in the fiscal 2025 second quarter, if we adjust for the intangible amortization, it was $103,000. That number excludes the $26,000 of non-cash interest costs, which are non-operating. We believe the adjusted number more accurately reflects the performance of the business during the quarter. Regardless, it was a significant decline from the previous quarter due mainly to the scrapping of parts noted above.

Bookings in the quarter were down compared to the prior year quarter. We once again want to reiterate that our bookings have historically been lumpy. Based on conversations, it is our expectation that the two largest programs Solitron generates revenue from will place orders in the coming months. At present, we expect the orders to be similar in size to the past year, thus we do not expect the orders to include any additional demand related to the stockpile program. We also recently quoted a large end-of-life order with expected deliveries over a three-year period. Our current expectation is to receive between $7 million and $12 million of bookings between today and calendar year end. The $12 million amount would include being awarded the end-of-life order near the maximum quantities quoted.

We continue to see increased interest in new product development, including silicon carbide. We have developed various prototypes for testing by potential customers and continue to be optimistic about creating additional revenue sources.


SOLITRON DEVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2024 AND AUGUST 31, 2023
(in thousands except for share and per share amounts)

	For The Three Months ended			For The Three Months ended			For The Six Months ended			For The Six Months ended
	August 31, 2024			August 31, 2023			August 31, 2024			August 31, 2023
	unaudited			unaudited			unaudited			unaudited
Net sales	$	3,581		$	2,579		$	7,548		$	4,617
Cost of sales		2,843			1,682			5,135			3,113

Gross profit		738			897			2,413			1,504

Selling, general and administrative expenses		688			614			1,571			1,156

Operating income		50			283			842			348

Other income (loss)
Interest income		1			6			6			20
Interest expense		(77	)		(26	)		(127	)		(53	)
Dividend income		6			18			22			19
Realized gain on investments		22			210			33			332
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments		21			(291	)		48			(637	)
Total other (loss)		(27	)		(83	)		(18	)		(319	)

Net income (loss) before tax	$	23		$	200		$	824		$	29
Income taxes		(6	)		–			(218	)		–
Net income (loss)	$	17		$	200		$	606		$	29

Net income (loss) per common share – basic and diluted	$	0.01		$	0.10		$	0.29		$	0.01

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		2,083,436			2,083,436			2,083,436			2,083,436

For more information see our 10-Q filing at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=91668&owner=exclude

The unaudited financial information disclosed in this press release for the three months ended August 31, 2024, is based on management’s review of operations for that period and the information available to the Company as of the date of this press release. The Company’s results included herein have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, the Company’s management. The Company’s independent auditors have audited the Company’s results for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2024. The financial results presented herein should not be considered a substitute for the information filed or to be filed with the SEC in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the respective periods once such reports become available.

About Solitron Devices, Inc.

Solitron Devices, Inc., a Delaware corporation, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets solid state semiconductor components and related devices primarily for the military and aerospace markets. The Company manufactures a large variety of bipolar and metal oxide semiconductor (“MOS”) power transistors, power and control hybrids, junction and power MOS field effect transistors (“Power MOSFETS”), and other related products. Most of the Company’s products are custom made pursuant to contracts with customers whose end products are sold to the United States government. Other products, such as Joint Army/Navy (“JAN”) transistors, diodes, and Standard Military Drawings voltage regulators, are sold as standard or catalog items.

Effective September 1, 2023, Solitron closed its acquisition of Micro Engineering Inc. (MEI) based in Apopka, Florida. MEI specializes in solving design layout and manufacturing challenges while maximizing efficiency and keeping flexibility to meet unique customer needs. Since 1980 the MEI team has been dedicated to overcoming obstacles to provide cost efficient and rapid results. MEI specializes in low to mid volume projects that require engineering dedication, quality systems and efficient manufacturing.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future performance of Solitron Devices, Inc. that involve risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results, including statements regarding the Company’s expectations regarding future performance and trends, including production levels, government spending, backlog and delivery timelines, new product development, our efforts and performance following our acquisition of MEI, and potential future revenue and trends with respect thereto from each of the foregoing. Factors that could cause actual results to vary from current expectations and forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties arising from potential adverse developments or changes in government budgetary spending and policy including with respect to the war in Ukraine, which may among other factors be affected by the upcoming presidential election and the possibility of reduced government spending on programs in which we participate depending on the outcome thereof and the policy interests of elected officials, inflation, elevated interest rates, adverse trends in the economy and the possibility of a recession the likelihood of which appears to have increased based on recent economic data, the possibility that management’s estimates and assumptions regarding bookings, sales and other metrics prove to be incorrect; the timing and size of orders from our clients, our delivery schedules and our liquidity and cash position; our ability to make the appropriate adjustments to our cost structure; our ability to properly account for inventory in the future; the demand for our products and potential loss of, or reduction of business from, substantial clients our dependence on government contracts, which are subject to termination, price renegotiations and regulatory compliance and which may among other factors be adversely affected by the factors described elsewhere herein, our ability to continue to integrate MEI in an efficient and effective manner, and the possibility that such acquisition or any other acquisition or strategic transaction we may pursue does not yield the results or benefits desired or anticipated. Descriptions of other risk factors and uncertainties are contained in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024.

Tim Eriksen
Chief Executive Officer
(561) 848-4311
Corporate@solitrondevices.com

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

Source: US State of Vermont

A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian soldier dies while off-duty in Riga, Latvia

Source: Government of Canada News

News release

It is with a heavy heart that Task Force Latvia confirms that a member of the Latvian Allied Augmentation Team, Captain Aaron Wideman, a Canadian Armed Forces member posted within the Latvian National Armed Forces, has died while off duty in Riga, Latvia.

October 15, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

It is with a heavy heart that Task Force Latvia confirms that a member of the Latvian Allied Augmentation Team, Captain Aaron Wideman, a Canadian Armed Forces member posted within the Latvian National Armed Forces, has died while off duty in Riga, Latvia. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation by the Latvian State Police. The Canadian Military Police are supporting the authorities on the matter. As the investigation is ongoing, no further information can be released.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

Quotes

“We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Captain Aaron Wideman, who passed away on October 13, 2024. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene

Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Buncombe County as Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina During Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene
mseets
Tue, 10/15/2024 – 17:42

North Carolina’s unprecedented response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina remains in full force as responders at the state, federal and local levels continue efforts to surge resources and bring assistance into affected areas. This morning, Governor Cooper was joined by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and other state officials for a press briefing regarding storm recovery efforts. This afternoon, Governor Cooper traveled to Buncombe County to survey storm damage, see relief efforts, thank volunteers and speak with people impacted by the storm.

Law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of responders amid reports of threats and misinformation. FEMA officials remain in communities and have resumed door-to-door operations to help people impacted by these storms recover as quickly as possible following reports of threats on the ground. Governor Roy Cooper has directed the Department of Public Safety to work with local law enforcement to identify specific threats and rumors and coordinate with FEMA and other partners to ensure the safety and security of all involved as this recovery effort continues.

“Today I traveled to Asheville, Fairview and Swannanoa to see the critical work being done to get people federal assistance, hot meals and other resources they need as they deal with the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Cooper. “I’m thankful for our law enforcement officers, first responders, volunteers and many others who are helping people in need.”

The Governor visited a Disaster Recovery Center operating at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville where those affected by the storm can get assistance from FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The Governor also visited the Fairview Fire Department, which sustained major flooding and damage from the storm. Lastly, the Governor visited a Community Care Station in Swannanoa providing resources and hot meals to community members and emergency responders.

Governor Cooper also issued an executive order today focused on addressing urgent needs related to drinking water and wastewater treatment in those counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Council of State concurred in a provision of the Order which allows the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to accelerate the timelines for repair to numerous facilities and other infrastructure damaged by Helene to ensure that impacted North Carolinians are able to obtain access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment as soon as possible.

The Order also directs NCDEQ to address the impacts of Helene on utility systems in the impacted areas. Specifically, the Order directs NCDEQ to assess the impacts of Helene across the impacted region, provide technical and financial support for drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and other infrastructure sites, and also to help expedite clean-up processes.

In the immediate aftermath of this storm, because of massive communication outages in Western North Carolina, many people called 2-1-1 to report friends or family they couldn’t get in touch with. When phone service began to return, many people located their loved ones but that information doesn’t usually make it back to 2-1-1.

The Department of Public Safety formed a task force to find who is still unaccounted for and focus efforts where needed. This is not a definitive count because the task force is continuing its work. This number will continue to fluctuate as more reports come in and others are resolved. As of today, the task force number of unaccounted for people is 92.

North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

Approximately 3,400 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

National Guard and military personnel are operating 11 aviation assets and approximately 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

FEMA Assistance

More than $99 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and more than 174,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. More than 1,900 households are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance.

1,200+ FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

Help from Other States

More than 1,500 responders from 38 state and local agencies have performed 140 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

Beware of Misinformation

North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

Storm Damage Cleanup

If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

Power Outages

Across Western North Carolina, approximately 12,500 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

Road Closures

Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

NCDOT currently has approximately 2,100 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on approximately 6,700 damaged road sites.

Fatalities

Ninety-five storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

Volunteers and Donations

If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc

Additional Assistance

There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

###

Oct 15, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi urges developing system of modern military theory

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Oct. 15 — President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to comprehensively strengthen work related to military theory on the new journey in the new era, and develop a system of modern military theory with Chinese characteristics.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction to a meeting on work related to military theory, which was held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: New total defence resolution for a stronger Sweden
Source: Government of Sweden

The Government has now presented a Total Defence Bill for the period 2025–2030. It includes substantial reinforcements of the total defence. Additional funding totalling SEK 170 billion will be allocated to the military defence and SEK 35.7 to the civil defence through 2030. These are historically large investments. Defence expenditures will therefore already reach 2.6 per cent of GDP in 2028.
Substantial reinforcement of capabilities within the total defence

Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine illustrates the destruction and strains that Sweden and its Allies could face. Russia is levelling cities, attacking civilian infrastructure and treating the civilian population like legitimate targets. The Swedish Government is now building up total defence capabilities to meet these threats.

The Government also intends to increase funding to the military defence and the civil defence to increase total defence capabilities so that Sweden can meet various threats such as cyberattacks and hybrid attacks. This involves working systematically to break down barriers to growth within the total defence. The Government’s aim and approach is to accelerate the pace of rearmament. Where the defence resolutions of 2015 and 2020 provided a skeletal framework, the Government’s aim with the 2024 Defence Resolution is to lend the total defence some muscles.

Military defence

“This is a powerful Defence Resolution that will give the total defence more strength and better balance. Now the efforts to step up the pace of the defence’s growth continue,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

The Government’s strategic approach for the military defence is to rapidly build up military capability and establish military units with the necessary materiel, personnel and coordinated training to meet the demands of the current geopolitical situation. This is in line with Sweden’s ambition of being a credible, reliable and loyal Ally. Four new brigades will be in place by 2030. The number of conscripts will increase to 10 000 by 2030, and then reach approximately 12 000 between 2032 and 2035. The number of refresher training sessions will be increased to maintain skills.

The war organisation’s capability will be enhanced during this defence resolution period. Greater resources will be invested in renovating, modifying and extending the service life of existing materiel and filling stockpiles of ammunition, anti-aircraft munitions and supplies. New capabilities are also being introduced, including long-range capability in the form of cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and rocket artillery.

NATO Capability Targets

Fighting units are the basis of Sweden’s contribution to NATO deterrence and collective defence. The NATO Capability Targets already apportioned and those expected in 2025 serve as an important starting point for shaping the Swedish war organisation. The war organisation under this Defence Resolution is line with the requirements that we are expected to meet.

Reinforcements for the Army

Supplementary purchases (updates) of combat vehicles and tanks are being made.

An increase of anti-aircraft capability is in progress.

Development of rocket artillery capability will begin.

More drones are being procured.

Continued additions of the previously ordered 72 Archer artillery systems.

Reinforcements for the Navy

An investment in the Navy is taking place in the form of increased funding to increase personnel volume. Visby-class corvettes are undergoing a mid-term modification during this defence resolution period and, in conjunction with this modification, the five surface combat vessels will be armed with anti-aircraft missile systems.

In addition, the coastal missile capability will be expanded and organised into two units to increase both availability and durability. The units armed with anti-ship missiles are an important complement for protection of the Baltic Sea.

Procurement of new Luleå-class surface combat vessels will begin in the period 2025–2030. Once delivered, those vessels will give the Navy increased capability and capacity, and make a significant contribution to anti-aircraft capabilities.

Reinforcements for the Air Force

Three qualified S106 Globaleye reconnaissance planes will be procured for the Air Force during this defence resolution period.

Introduction of JAS Gripen 39E fighter aircraft begins in late 2024 and continues to be introduced in the armed forces during the period 2025-2030.

Additional Black Hawk HK16 utility helicopters will be procured.

Additional SK 50 (Grob) basic trainer aircraft will be procured.

The Defence Resolution accelerates Sweden’s incorporation into NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), which consists of necessary measures for deterrence or to nullify or reduce threats from the air domain. This will be achieved in part by incorporating Sweden into a system of integrated NATO and national sensor, command and control assets.

Reinforcement of digitalisation, innovation and research

The Government’s proposals also include a specific focus on materiel, defence innovation and research and development aimed at producing new capabilities and ensuring self-supply.

By 2027, the appropriation for technological development, research innovation and defence research (appropriation 1:4) will increase by more than 50 per cent to just over SEK 1.6 billion.

NATO membership also entails requirements of greater interoperability with Allies within NATO. The Government therefore proposes that the war organisation be expanded in certain parts of command and logistics and that a new category of units designated for territorial duties be introduced.

The Government is also enhancing Sweden’s role as a credible space actor. This will be made possible through participation in various initiatives such as space-based reconnaissance and surveillance, responsive launching and satellite communications in the Arctic region.

Digitalisation will be carried out within command and intelligence functions and a reinforcement of defensive and offensive cyberoperations capabilities.

Civil defence

Enhanced capabilities and an accelerated pace are priorities for developing the civil defence. The Total Defence Bill outlines a historically large investment in the civil defence through an allocation of SEK 37.5 billion through 2030.

“With the Defence Resolution in place, the course has now been set for a to build a powerful total defence. The civil defence will be built up based on the demands of war, and we aim to swiftly build up capabilities that strengthen Sweden and make our country more secure,” says Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin.

The introduction of the economic planning framework will serve as an important foundation for funding of the civil defence. The aim is to bring predictability, endurance and transparency to the strategic approach of the civil defence, and an ability to better prioritise and follow up results of the measures taken.

Priority preparedness sectors

All preparedness sectors in the civil defence will receive additional funding during the period 2025–2030. Society’s functionality is vital for the Swedish Armed Forces to be able to carry out its duties. Some preparedness sectors have therefore been given special priority. These include electronic communications and postal services, food supply and drinking water, health and social care, transport, energy supply, rescue services and protection of the civilian population.

Coordination and command of the civil defence

The Total Defence Bill highlights the need to strengthen command and coordination of the civil defence.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency currently has far-ranging tasks and responsibilities, which is why the Government sees a need to enable it to better provide support for the coordination of the civil defence at national level. The Government therefore intends to review responsibilities for rescue services and protection of the civilian population. The name of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency will also be reviewed.

Command of the civil defence during heightened alert and ultimately war should be exercised by actors with geographical areas of responsibility. This requires a clear allocation of responsibilities and mandates at the relevant levels. The Bill stresses that the county administrative boards with responsibility for civil areas and government agencies with responsibility for sectors need clearer roles and stronger mandates.

Economic defence and cooperation with the business sector

Sweden’s economic defence needs to be strengthened and central government needs to be clear about what requirements will be placed on the business sector and what its role is in the total defence. In war or under threat of war, it is critical that production and supply chains are durable, the business sector has the capacity to adapt its production, and stockpiles of essential goods – including input goods – are available. The Government intends to clarify government agencies’ responsibilities concerning the supply of critical goods and services for the needs of the total defence and for foreign trade.

Psychological defence and will to defend

Psychological defence is an important component of a strong total defence. Strengthening and maintaining the population’s will to defend itself is a core task of the psychological defence. Proactive and continuous work is needed throughout the defence resolution period to preserve and reinforce the population’s will to defend itself, resilience and personal preparedness. As an Ally, Sweden will also contribute to NATO’s capability to defend against cognitive warfare.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is another important pillar of the modern civil defence. Essential public services need to have the capacity to withstand cyberattacks, and information security and cybersecurity must therefore be prioritised. With a new national cybersecurity centre and extensive investments, the Government is enhancing protection against increasingly pervasive cyberthreats.

Sweden’s resilience as part of NATO deterrence

The resilience being built up by reinforcing the civil defence is vital not only to Sweden’s security, but also to that of our Allies in NATO. Society’s resilience thus becomes part of NATO’s collective deterrence and defence.
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government backs veterans by approving Veteran Card as voter ID for first time
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections, while a wider review of the Voter ID policy takes place to understand its impact on citizens.
The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections, while a wider review of the Voter ID policy takes place to understand its impact on citizens.

The government has laid a statutory instrument in Parliament to put the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card on the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as voter ID, in addition to the already accepted MOD 90 ID card.

A thorough review of the Voter ID rules is currently underway with firm proposals on the policy set to be brought forward in due course. However, while this takes place the government has taken immediate steps to address gaps in the current provision by including the Veteran Card on the list of acceptable IDs.

The Veteran Card is a tangible symbol of veterans’ service and its addition to the list will help around two million veterans to engage in the elections process and exercise their democratic rights, with these changes set to be made in time for the 2025 local elections in May.

Alex Norris, minister for elections, said:

No veteran should be turned away from the polling station while trying to use their Veteran Card as voter ID. They are an incredible community who have dedicated their lives to this country, and it is wrong that the exclusion of this Card has been a barrier to their ability to vote.

That’s why we’re supporting our incredible veterans by expanding the list of voter identifications to include it so they can participate in democracy without the fear of being turned away on election day.

We stand behind our veterans and today’s announcement demonstrates that we will meet our manifesto commitment to strengthen support for our armed forces communities.

This government is committed to helping veterans to thrive in civilian society, and we are continuing to support our armed forces:

Within the last month, the government announced that all UK Armed Forces veterans will be exempt from rules which require a connection to a local area before accessing social housing in England.

In 2021, NHS England launched Op COURAGE – a dedicated mental health service for veterans, and over 35,000 veterans have used this service to date.

Op FORTITUDE, a housing hotline for veterans, has supported hundreds of veterans into supported housing with wraparound care.

Veterans are represented by the Secretary of State for Defence in Cabinet, and cross-government support is coordinated by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the MOD.

Minister for People and Veterans, Alistair Carns, OBE MC MP said:

Veterans Cards are a tangible symbol of the extraordinary sacrifices our veterans have made to defend our nation and it is only right that the Government gives these cards the recognition they deserve.

We are committed to renewing the nation’s contract with all those who serve and have served, and this is an important step to making this important community feel supported when voting.

Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

This is good news. Veterans have found it frustrating that they were unable to use their Armed Forces Veteran Card as voter identification.

It is vital that the voice of the Armed Forces community is heard at every election, now that voter ID is required to vote in elections in the UK, this change will make it easier for those who have served to cast their vote.

This change follows a veteran of the armed forces being turned away from the local elections earlier this year because they attempted to use this card at their polling station and were turned away. This government committed to making sure that this important community is better supported to participate in our vibrant democracy.

This government is also making our democracy stronger than it has ever been and the addition of the Veteran Card is only the first step in delivering on our commitments to encourage participation in our elections, and we are taking further action:

Work has begun to extend the franchise for all UK elections to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote so that we can empower young people to take part in our democracy.

We know there remains a significant number of people missing from our registers, so we will tackle this unacceptable participation gap by taking action to improve rates of electoral registration.

We will act to protect our democracy from malign actors by strengthening the rules around donations to political parties.

Today marks a significant step forward on our progress towards reforming our elections, and we will set out details on these further measures to widen participation in due course.

Notes to editors:

The Veteran Card provides recognition of service and ensures that when needed, public and charitable sector services and support can be provided to veterans as efficiently as possible.

The government has also published ‘Using a veteran card as a service leaver’ guidance page on GOV.UK, detailing how veterans can use the card to access specialist support and services: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-a-veteran-card-as-a-service-leaver

We will continue to explore additional uses and benefits of the card.

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Updates to this page

Published 15 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Update on the Deployment of the THAAD Battery to Israel

Source: United States Department of Defense

“Yesterday, October 14, an advance team of U.S. military personnel and initial components necessary to operate the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery arrived in Israel.

Over the coming days, additional U.S. military personnel and THAAD battery components will continue to arrive in Israel. The battery will be fully operational capable in the near future, but for operations security reasons we will not discuss timelines.

The deployment of the THAAD battery to Israel underscores the United States’ commitment to the defense of Israel and to defend Americans in Israel from any ballistic missile attacks by Iran.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: HOTA: Agustín Ramos Calero

Source: US Army (video statements)

:DMD

About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/ X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #HeroesOfTheArmy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su9Uzowo_Vw

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: RTI Awarded Elite Supplier Status by Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) Division

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Real-Time Innovations (RTI), the infrastructure software company for smart-world systems, has earned Elite Supplier status from Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) division. This prestigious designation was awarded to only 37 of over 10,300 of Lockheed Martin’s suppliers. The recognition highlights RTI’s role in delivering innovative, data-centric software that powers mission-critical applications, enabling industry leaders like Lockheed Martin to integrate next-generation defense technologies and advance modular system design.

Built on the industry-leading Data Distribution Service (DDS™) Standard, RTI Connext^® enables Lockheed to seamlessly incorporate newer and advanced sensors into critical defense systems. Connext ensures that platforms such as Aegis remain adaptable to evolving global threats, supporting Lockheed Martin’s current and future battlefield requirements.

As a long-term supplier, RTI also plays a pivotal role in facilitating Lockheed’s open architecture approach, ensuring that Aegis integrates radar, weapons, and command management systems efficiently. This framework is crucial for Navy programs and prevents vendor lock-in while adhering to Navy Open Architecture standards.

Aegis is designed for interoperability among onboard and offboard sensors and weapon systems, including surface-to-air missiles and naval guns, and relies on a real-time command and control framework. Central to this rapid response is Connext, which ensures fast, secure, and reliable data transmission within sensor-to-shooter networks, as each engagement—from detection to interception—must occur in real time.

As defense systems continue to evolve, leveraging AI and machine learning will become more essential for identifying and processing the vast amounts of data generated by additional sensors designed to spot increasing threats. While humans currently play a role, AI is needed to make faster, more informed decisions; this is where Connext comes in– ensuring the critical data flow that powers future combat systems.

“We are proud to support Lockheed Martin and Aegis, the world’s most capable multi-mission combat system, which integrates a wide array of sensors and weapons to deliver unmatched Integrated Air and Missile Defense capabilities,” said John Breitenbach, Director of A&D at RTI. “Connext serves as the nervous system of these architectures, connecting all components to ensure real-time performance. Connext not only supports today’s missions but also lays the groundwork for the future of AI-enhanced defense systems.”

Lockheed Martin works with over 10,300 suppliers across 46 countries. RTI is proud to be among less than 0.004% of suppliers who achieve Lockheed’s Elite Supplier designation, underscoring RTI’s dedication to performance, quality, and innovation in defense systems, further enabling 21st Century Security.

For more information on RTI in Aerospace & Defense, please visit the RTI website.

About RTI

Real-Time Innovations (RTI) is the infrastructure software company for smart-world systems. RTI Connext^® is the world’s leading software framework for intelligent distributed systems. Uniquely, Connext users can build systems that combine advanced sensing, fast control, and AI algorithms.

With 2,000 customer designs, RTI excels at getting customers to production. RTI software runs over 250 autonomous vehicle programs, supports dozens of automotive ADAS and software-defined architectures, controls the largest power plants in North America, integrates over 400 major defense programs, drives a new generation of MedTech systems and robotics, and underlies Canada’s air traffic control and NASA’s launch control systems.

RTI runs a smarter world.

RTI is the market leader in products compliant with the Data Distribution Service (DDS™) standard. RTI is privately held and headquartered in Silicon Valley with regional offices in Colorado, Spain, and Singapore.

Download a free trial of the latest, fully-functional Connext software today: http://www.rti.com/downloads

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nametag Unveils Deepfake Defense™ to Combat AI-Powered Impersonation Threats, Expands Integration Partnership with Okta
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — More than 50% of executives expect deepfake attacks to increase over the next 12 months, but only 7% report using new technologies to detect deepfakes*. Meanwhile, researchers are repeatedly demonstrating how AI-generated ID documents, selfie photos, and videos can successfully fool antiquated Know Your Customer (KYC) verification checks. To address this gaping security hole, Nametag Inc., the leading provider of integrated identity verification and account protection solutions, today announced Deepfake Defense™ at Okta’s annual Identity Conference, Oktane. This next-generation identity verification (IDV) engine is an industry-first, finally addressing the escalating global threats posed by modern AI-powered impersonation.

“Nametag’s Deepfake Defense engine is the first scalable solution for remote identity verification that’s capable of blocking the AI deepfake attacks plaguing enterprises,” said Bruce Schneier, internationally renowned security technologist and cryptography expert. “This will make it much harder for bad actors to profit from deepfakes.”

Deepfake Defense for Okta

As a longtime working partner of Okta, Nametag also officially announced its membership in the Okta Elevate Partner Program. Nametag and Okta’s combined solution, powered by Deepfake Defense, helps enterprises protect their entire Okta user account lifecycle via self-service and agent assisted workflows, delivering on the two companies’ shared vision of deploying deepfake-protected identity security across every workforce and customer account.

“We’re thrilled to join Okta in creating the future of identity security. Our membership in the Okta Elevate partner program highlights our advanced identity verification technology and commitment to protecting workforce and customer identities,” said Leonard Navarro, VP Business Development at Nametag. “This partnership strengthens the Okta identity security ecosystem and gives our joint customers even easier access to proven tools and ready-to-use solutions for robust identity assurance.”

Introducing Nametag Deepfake Defense: A New Standard for Identity Verification

Nametag Deepfake Defense connects the company’s proprietary technologies and patented innovations together into a unified IDV engine that unlocks greater outcomes across fraud prevention and user experience. Deepfake Defense blocks emerging, AI-powered impersonation threats while verifying legitimate users quickly and more securely. It’s the first and only IDV engine that:
- Prevents injection attacks via Cryptographic Attestation™ which ensures data integrity using hardware-backed keystore assurance and secure enclave technology from Apple and Google.
- Detects digital manipulation and forgery with Adaptive Document Verification™, preventing the use of even the most sophisticated digitally-altered or counterfeit identity documents.
- Confirms human likeness, liveness, and presence using Spatial Selfie™ technology to map a person’s 3-dimensional selfie to their 2-dimensional ID photo with biometrics and sensor data.
IDV with Deepfake Defense takes just a few seconds using a photo ID and a smartphone. It’s available today through Nametag’s solutions for self-service account recovery and helpdesk verification.

“Make no mistake: we’re facing a global deepfake pandemic that’s spreading ransomware and disinformation. Identity fraud runs rampant and enterprises are defenseless against AI-powered fraudsters. That’s why we’re introducing Deepfake Defense, the only identity verification engine that prevents, not just detects, the use of deepfakes,” said Aaron Painter, CEO of Nametag. “As part of our partnership with Okta, we chose to launch Deepfake Defense for Okta customers here at Oktane 2024. Today, this new technology is generally available and easily accessible to all organizations interested in protecting their users from the growing threat of deepfakes.”

For more information and a demo of Nametag and Okta’s combined solution, visit getnametag.com.

About Nametag
Nametag provides integrated identity verification and account protection solutions that prevent modern impersonation threats and streamline user experiences. Powered by Deepfake Defense™, Nametag detects and blocks sophisticated attacks which bypass other, outdated approaches to user verification, delivering the highest possible level of identity assurance. Nametag’s out-of-the-box solutions help enterprises secure their entire user account lifecycle, from onboarding through recovery, while ensuring compliance with the latest privacy standards. Security-conscious enterprises trust Nametag to protect their businesses and reduce IT and support costs. For more information, visit getnametag.com.

*Deloitte. (May 2024). Generative AI and the fight for trust.

Nametag Media Contact:
Jennifer Schenberg
PenVine for Nametag
917-445-4454
jennifer@penvine.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6853673-cdd8-4c5f-ba2f-f1972d5c694a

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: This Week in NJ – October 11th, 2024

Source: US State of New Jersey

Biden-Harris Administration Issues Final Rule Requiring Replacement of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years, Announces $44M in Funding to New Jersey to Provide Clean Water to Schools and Homes

The Biden-Harris Administration issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them. This final rule is part of the President’s commitment to replace every lead pipe in the country within a decade, making sure that all communities can turn on the tap and drink clean water.

Alongside the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, the EPA announced $44,199,000 in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding for New Jersey through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will flow through the drinking water state revolving funds (DWSRFs) and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. The EPA also announced the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. Additional federal funding is available to support lead pipe replacement projects and EPA has developed a website identifying available funding sources.

“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their continued support in helping us build a cleaner and healthier Garden State through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Governor Murphy. “This newly announced funding will help New Jersey communities with the vital task of replacing all lead pipes within the next ten years as we work to ensure that everyone in New Jersey has access to clean, safe drinking water. These critical investments in our drinking water infrastructure will help protect our children from lead exposure, create good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans, and ensure a stronger drinking water system for generations to come.”

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First Lady Tammy Murphy Hosts 21st Successful Family Festival in Vineland

First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted her 21st Nurture NJ Family Festival in Vineland on Saturday, October 5, creating a one-stop-shop for 1,500 attendees to access crucial resources to aid them in growing their families and raising children in the Garden State. The event connected families with information on accessing state, county and local resources spanning from health and child care to housing support and food assistance, among many more supports to help new parents.

“Our Family Festivals have proven to be a powerful tool in connecting New Jerseyans with the resources necessary to help support their growing families,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “We know that raising children comes with a whole host of challenges and rewards, and we are committed to being there every step of the way through our innovative initiatives to uplift mothers and babies. In a rural county like Cumberland, accessing care can be burdensome. That’s why I am thankful to our dedicated partners for helping to make today a success and for their constant partnership as we all work to make Cumberland County – and all of New Jersey – the safest and most equitable place in the nation to have a baby and raise a family.”

Vineland has a 43 percent Hispanic and Latino population. New Jersey’s Maternal Mortality Report for the years 2016-2018 showed that Hispanic mothers were three and a half times more likely to die of maternity-related complications than white mothers. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mortality rate for Hispanic babies is nearly one and a half times that of white babies. Among all demographics, Cumberland County has the highest infant mortality rate and teen pregnancy rate in the state.

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New Jersey Army National Guard Prepares for Hurricane Milton Support to Florida Division of Emergency Management

The New Jersey Army National Guard announced the deployment of approximately 80 Soldiers and 30 military vehicles to support Hurricane Milton response operations in Camp Blanding, Florida. A convoy from the 143d Transportation Company and 253d Transportation Company, 42d Regional Support Group arrived in Florida following the landfall of Hurricane Milton.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida as a second massive storm in as many weeks bears down on our nation’s Gulf Coast,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “New Jersey is committed to doing everything possible to assist Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton—including sending a convoy to support the Florida Division of Emergency Management.”

Upon arrival to Camp Blanding, the unit coordinated with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida National Guard. Tasks include transportation of Florida National Guard personnel into weather-impacted areas and delivery of commodities to or from points of distribution.

“Floridians are family, and we know from personal experience what hurricane recovery means for our communities,” said Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Our Soldiers are trained and ready to support our neighbors in need.”

New Jersey responded to Florida’s request for support through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s state-to-state mutual aid agreement. EMAC matches personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist response and recovery efforts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories.

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AG Platkin Sues TikTok for Unlawful Practices That Harm NJ Youth

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that after a multiyear investigation, they are suing social media giant TikTok for deceptive, unconscionable, and abusive business practices that harm the health and safety of New Jersey’s youth.

The complaint, which was filed temporarily under seal in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Essex County, alleges multiple violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA). Other Attorneys General are filing similar lawsuits across the country.

“Our investigation shows that TikTok knows about the dangerous effects of its platform on young users, and can mitigate these harms, but has deliberately chosen not to do so,” said Attorney General Platkin. “As a parent and as the chief law enforcement officer for New Jersey, I’m here to tell TikTok, as I have told other social media companies in the past, that our kids are more than just data points to be monetized to advertisers to the detriment of their mental and physical health.”

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New Jersey’s Minimum Wage to Increase to $15.49/Hour for Most Employees on Jan. 1

New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $0.36 to $15.49 per hour for most employees, effective January 1, 2025.

Pursuant to Article 1, Paragraph 23, of the New Jersey Constitution, and N.J.A.C. 12: 56-3.1(c), the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) sets the minimum wage for the coming year based on any increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Aligning the state minimum wage with any increases in the cost of living is a critical step towards economic fairness and security for all New Jersey workers,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This adjustment fosters a more equitable economy and ensures our workforce can continue to thrive.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Department’s Proactive Review of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Records

Source: United States Department of Defense

America’s greatest national-security asset is the brave and qualified patriots who step up to form our all-volunteer force. Brave LGBTQ+ Americans have long volunteered to serve the country that they love. Some of these troops were administratively separated from military service under the now-repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Under President Biden’s leadership, the Department of Defense has taken extraordinary steps to redress the harms done by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and other policies on these former Service members.

Just over a year ago, I announced that the Department would, for the first time, begin to proactively review the military records of former Service members discharged during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” because of their sexual orientation who might have been eligible for upgrades to the characterization of their discharge or changes to their reason for separation but had not yet applied.

After a year of exceptional work, the Military Department Review Boards directed relief in 96.8% of the 851 cases that they proactively reviewed. What this means is that of the nearly 13,500 individuals who were administratively separated under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, and served long enough to receive a merit-based characterization of service, 96% now have an honorable discharge.

We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops—including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love. We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

Category: Military Intelligence

Raksha Mantri lays foundation stone of Very Low Frequency Station in Vikarabad, Telangana to bolster Navy’s operational readinessThe facility will ensure ‘secure & real-time communication’ between ships/submarines with command centres safeguarding maritime interests

News release

Quotes

Contacts

Substantial reinforcement of capabilities within the total defence

Military defence

NATO Capability Targets

Reinforcements for the Army

Reinforcements for the Navy

Reinforcements for the Air Force

Reinforcement of digitalisation, innovation and research

Civil defence

Priority preparedness sectors

Coordination and command of the civil defence

Economic defence and cooperation with the business sector

Psychological defence and will to defend

Cybersecurity

Sweden’s resilience as part of NATO deterrence

Alex Norris, minister for elections, said:

Minister for People and Veterans, Alistair Carns, OBE MC MP said:

Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

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Updates to this page

Biden-Harris Administration Issues Final Rule Requiring Replacement of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years, Announces $44M in Funding to New Jersey to Provide Clean Water to Schools and Homes

First Lady Tammy Murphy Hosts 21st Successful Family Festival in Vineland

New Jersey Army National Guard Prepares for Hurricane Milton Support to Florida Division of Emergency Management

AG Platkin Sues TikTok for Unlawful Practices That Harm NJ Youth

New Jersey’s Minimum Wage to Increase to $15.49/Hour for Most Employees on Jan. 1

Raksha Mantri lays foundation stone of Very Low Frequency Station in Vikarabad, Telangana to bolster Navy’s operational readiness

The facility will ensure ‘secure & real-time communication’ between ships/submarines with command centres safeguarding maritime interests