NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation  Ministerial

    Source: The White House

    Today, the members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, – or the Atlantic Partnership – came together and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region and a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic Ocean that is a resource for future generations.
     
    Since its launch, the Atlantic Partnership has grown to forty-two members, representing more than 75 percent of the Atlantic coastline. Countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean come together to address shared challenges, promote common solutions, and advance collective principles. In addition to the 32 original founding members, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago have joined the Atlantic Partnership over the past year.

    Members have endorsed a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation promising engagement on the basis of international law, existing national and international legal frameworks, mutual collaboration, and respect for differences in capacity and political perspective, and acknowledging the special role and primary interest of Atlantic states in the Atlantic. 
     
    At today’s ministerial, the Partnership’s members reaffirmed their commitment to work together to uphold the guiding principles for Atlantic cooperation as outlined in the Declaration. These include:

    • A commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter, to promote an open Atlantic in which Atlantic states are free from interference, coercion, or aggressive action;
    • A commitment to uphold the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and political independence of states;
    • Recognition of the special interest and primary role that Atlantic states have in the Atlantic.

    The Atlantic Partnership has focused on three lines of effort: 1)Sustainable Blue Economy, 2) Science Capacity Building and Exchange, and 3) Ocean-based Food Security.

    Sustainable Blue Economy

    The blue economy is the sustainable use of Atlantic Ocean resources for economic growth. The increase in the use of the ocean space, resources, and services, and their impact on marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems, can put the ocean’s benefits at risk. The Declaration and its accompanying Plan of Action established the objective of advancing sustainable blue economic development as an overarching Atlantic Partnership goal. The United States is contributing to the Sustainable Blue Economy line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:   

    • Marine Spatial Planning Technical Assistance – The Atlantic Partnership has established a working group on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which is co-chaired by Spain, Morocco, and Angola. MSP is a process that helps coordinate multiple ocean-related industries to use marine resources sustainably. MSP can provide an integrated, ecosystem-based framework to allow for sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment, maintain biodiversity, and ensure alignment of government policies, community needs, and economic drivers. The United States is sponsoring MSP capacity building via directed technical assistance, local case studies, and global best practices.         
    • Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions Public Diplomacy:  The United States is sponsoring a series of Atlantic Partnership Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions events.  The events will bring the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and technical government offices together with U.S. counterparts to develop and deploy solutions to environment- and ocean-related challenges with the United States as a model.      
    • Partnering Across the Atlantic on the Blue Economy – The United States is sponsoring technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen Atlantic Partnership members’ efforts to grow the blue economy. The Atlantic Partnership is strengthening the blue economy via support for work on aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal planning, coastal resilience, science-based decision making, technology and data management, and early career development for scientists.     
    • Support for Ghost Gear Reduction in the Atlantic – Ghost gear is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear that can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. The United States is working with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and technical experts and local partners in West Africa and Central America to identify factors contributing to ghost gear in the Atlantic Ocean and potential solutions. In April 2024, The United States and Canada convened Atlantic Partnership members to focus on the problem of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) or “ghost gear,” a form of marine plastic debris.  Canada, Costa Rica, and Ghana shared response experiences, best practices, and challenges, creating a new network of pan-Atlantic practitioners addressing the issue.    
    • Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Marine and Blue Economy “4TheAtlantic” Incubator – To bolster cooperation among Atlantic Cooperation countries in the Gulf of Guinea to address emerging oceanic environmental issues, the United States is funding a three-day capacity building program designed to help entrepreneurs across Atlantic Partnership members to tackle emerging oceanic environmental issues such as food security, rising sea levels, deteriorating marine life, increased oceanic and surface temperatures, unregulated fishing, and marine pollution. 
    • Ocean-related or “Blue” Technology – In August 2024, the Atlantic Partnership convened technology leaders to introduce new and innovative technology solutions to improve the blue economy, enhance environmental stewardship, and address challenges posed by climate change. These included technologies for ocean mapping, hydrography, GIS, ocean observation, robotics and telepresence, and vessel monitoring.
    • Innovative Financing: In April 2024, the United States convened members and external partners to focus on innovative financing solutions for marine conservation. Co-hosted by Pew and the Nature Conservancy, the event highlighted opportunities and processes associated with debt-for-nature programming and the Belize and Gabon’s experiences of with innovative finance to protect their marine areas.    

    Science Capacity Building and Exchange  
      
    The Atlantic Ocean is at the heart of the Atlantic Partnership.  Under the leadership of Brazil, Portugal, and the United States, the Partnership has created a platform to advance Atlantic Ocean observation and understanding. The Platform creates a mechanism to bring in world-class science, connect with ongoing scientific endeavors, strengthen member participation, and deliver benefits to members. The United States is contributing to the Science Capacity Building and Exchange line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:   

    • Building Ocean Observation and Modeling Capacity – The United States is sponsoring a targeted effort to support diverse, equitable, and inclusive all-Atlantic research collaborations with facilitated trainings and workshops that respond to Atlantic Partnership members’ needs, including building the technical capacity and increasing global access to Atlantic Ocean research data through increased access to and training on ocean observing equipment for under-resourced countries and communities, and will collaborate with All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Partners. 
    • Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA Ocean Observation and Modeling Workshop – The United States hosted a joint Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA workshop on ocean observation and modeling capacities in Washington, DC. Collaboration with AAORIA brings access to the broader Atlantic Ocean science community, strengthens the potential for internal interagency coordination in member governments, and further demonstrates the power of the Atlantic community.     

    Ocean-Based Food Security  

    Food security and food system resilience affect all countries, and some of the coastal Atlantic states face acute pressures. Over half the world’s population depends on ocean-derived foods as a vital food source, underscoring the immense importance of ocean-based food security. In addition to conflict and political challenges, Atlantic States face increasing pressures from changing precipitation patterns, shifting fisheries stocks, and warming oceans, all of which affect food and nutrition security in real terms. 

    The United States is contributing to the Food Security of effort with the following initiative:   

    • Ocean-based Food Security Solutions Exchange: The Atlantic Partnership “solutions exchange” will focus on sustainable aquaculture as a food security solution, highlighting global food security as its signature issue for its December 2024 UN Security Council Presidency General Debate. Working with the Environmental Defense Fund, the United States will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, NGO and academic experts, philanthropies, and multilateral groups to focus on the nexus between food security and the Atlantic Ocean. This exchange will highlight the critical importance of the issue of food security, particularly the potential for the Atlantic Ocean to support sustainable responses.   

    Public Private Partnerships
    The United States is partnering with the Schmidt Ocean Institute and with additional philanthropies, academics, private sector, and NGOs to bring their significant resources and expertise to augment government efforts, with a particular focus on ocean research and observations and harness opportunities for early career scientists. 

    • Partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute:  The United States is partnering with Schmidt Ocean Institute to leverage its planned work in Atlantic Ocean scientific observation, research, and capacity building, through the 2025-2029 R/V Falkor (too) Atlantic Expeditions.
    • Cabo Verde Partnership Opportunity Delegation:  The United States will bring a delegation of interested U.S.-based research, private sector, and conservation organizations to explore opportunities to collaborate with Cabo Verde at the nexus of science exchange and sustainable economic development.    

    Ongoing U.S. Atlantic Programs
    Consistent with our leadership of the Atlantic Partnership, the United States has implemented and continues to advance programs across the Atlantic on a range of shared challenges:

    • The End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) – The United States initiated EPPIC, a new international public-private partnership to incentivize investment and solutions to end plastic pollution, starting upstream. EPPIC engages partners beyond national level governments to take on ambitious commitments that reduce demand for plastic and maximize circularity.
    • Save Our Seas Initiative – The United States addresses ocean plastic pollution in the northern coast of Dominican Republic through its global and bilateral programs. The global Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program focuses on supporting an improved solid waste management system and remediating opened dump sites in Samana Province and preventing waste, including plastic waste entering the Samana Bay. The Dominican Republic Solid Waste Reduction Program works to reduce waste in municipalities on Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi, and Dojabon provinces leading to cleaner oceans, enabling communities and economies to thrive and build resilience to climate and economic shocks.  
    • Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance – The United States Climate Finance for Development Accelerator launched the Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance (C3F) program to encourage the flow of private capital into coastal resilience and blue carbon projects. These projects generate biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation outcomes while safeguarding local communities’ benefits.  The United States is partnering with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance to identify and engage stakeholders in Senegal, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Suriname, and other countries to build capacity to develop bankable, climate-positive projects and address information asymmetries between communities and investors – leading to investments that safeguard local resources and livelihoods.
    • Blue Carbon Inventory Project – Through the Blue Carbon Inventory Project, the United States will continue to provide partner countries with technical assistance on the integration of coastal wetlands in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and maximizing the value of these ecosystems in terms of coastal resilience and blue economies. Through an integrated series of workshops, engagements and directed bilateral collaboration, the Blue Carbon Inventory Project has already collaborated to varying degrees with Costa Rica, Ghana, and Senegal and hopes to engage with other members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation in the years to come.
    • Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group – Marine microbes play pivotal roles in the environment and climate, the food value chain, biodiscovery, and a host of cross-cutting challenges, including the need to demonstrate the socio-economic value of marine microbiomes and environmental DNA (eDNA). The United States co-chairs and provides in-kind contributions to the Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group, which focuses on building a network of marine microbiome researchers and disseminating knowledge about the important role microbiomes play in the functioning of the ocean.
    • Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) Pole to Pole of the Americas – The United States continues to provide support for MBON Pole to Pole, a knowledge sharing network dedicated to the collection, use, and sharing of marine biodiversity data in a coordinated, standardized manner, leveraging existing infrastructure and standards.
    • U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) – The United States has provided over $100 million in new resources to increase access to climate finance, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and build resilience to climate change and natural disasters under PACC 2030. PACC 2030 has established a network of Caribbean-based scientific experts to develop new climate mitigation and adaptation measures, identified new opportunities for clean energy infrastructure, and enhanced resilient food production systems to feed the region. 
    • Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity – The United States Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity aims to reduce threats to coastal-marine biodiversity in the Caribbean while building coastal communities’ resilience to climate change. The Sustainable Ecosystems Activity harmonizes regional conservation approaches and engages the tourism sector to advocate and conserve marine protected areas
    • Caribbean Biodiversity Program – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help support biodiversity and climate resilience in the face of climate change. The Caribbean Biodiversity Program facilitates international and regional peer-to-peer exchange between MPAs in areas of enforcement, protected area financing, communication, outreach, public education, coral reef monitoring, and socio-economic monitoring.
    • Sargassum Inundation Embassy Science Fellow – Sargassum inundation events occur when rafts of this algae are carried to shore by winds and currents. These events are a type of harmful algal bloom that can adversely impact coastal ecosystems, tourism, and public health. The United States embedded an environmental engineer at the University of the West Indies to focus on collaborative research to better detect and address Sargassum influxes in the Caribbean and to support developing a plan for identification and response strategies for Sargassum inundation events in the Eastern Caribbean. 
    • National Marine Litter Action Plans – The United States assisted several Atlantic Partnership members (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala) in the development of their National Marine Litter Action Plans which establish a roadmap for relevant authorities in each country to better manage marine litter issues.
    • Ocean Conservation Skill Sharing – The United States is working to build relationships among regional institutions to share approaches and learning to improve conservation of mangroves, shellfish, seagrass, and coral reefs.
    • Support for fisheries management efforts of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – The United States provides extensive support for ICCAT, which oversees the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, marlin and sharks, and adopts measures to minimize bycatch of sea turtles, seabirds, and other protected species associated with these fisheries. This responsibility is shared among ICCAT’s 53 members, including a number of members of the Atlantic Partnership. 
    • Support for the Atlantic Centre Course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic” – The United States partners with the Atlantic Centre, a “Multilateral Centre of Excellence,” to promote defense capacity-building for the Atlantic, including the recent course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic,” held in the Azores. 
    • Joint Presentation of the Five-Day Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Seminar – The United States has deployed an exportable, internationally-focused seminar to assist partner nations (including Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) to develop and strengthen their fisheries enforcement regimes to help prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing products from entering the global seafood market. 
    • Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire – The United States supports a Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire, who assists in countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and improving maritime governance, port security, and port state control in West Africa. A mobile training team completed a two-week Boarding Officer Course for 18 Ivorians from their Navy, Gendarmerie, Customs and Fisheries organizations.  
    • Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity – The United States funds the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) – a five-year, $17.8 million project that is mitigating the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries and establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. The GFRA reduces overfishing and improves small pelagic fisheries management, which encourages ecological sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation and improves the socioeconomic well-being, food security, and resilience of fishers and coastal communities in Ghana. 
    • Women Shellfishers and Food Security Activity – The United States works in field sites in The Gambia and Ghana to demonstrate effective shellfishing and natural resource management approaches to women-led, community-based shellfishing operations.
    • Protecting Natural Ecosystems in Sierra Leone – The United States provided $10 million in political risk insurance to support West Africa Blue’s equity investment in a mangrove blue carbon project in the Bonthe and Moyamba regions of Sierra Leone. The project builds on a longstanding relationship with local communities and aims to develop long-term conservation, restoration, and income diversification activities funded sustainably through the issuance of high-quality, certified carbon credits. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moore, Murray, and Dingell Introduce the SAFE for Survivors Act to Provide Economic Security for Domestic Violence Survivors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Moore, Murray, and Dingell Introduce the SAFE for Survivors Act to Provide Economic Security for Domestic Violence Survivors  

    The Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) for Survivors Act of 2024 addresses economic barriers faced by survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, ensures 40 days of leave for victims—10 of which must be paid

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) for Survivors Act to establish provisions that promote the safety and security of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and stalking. 

    “Domestic violence survivors shouldn’t face financial hardship as they work to pick up the pieces after experiencing abuse,” Congresswoman Moore said. “But too many endure a financial cost, which is why we must work to remove these barriers, so that survivors can access the resources they need. That’s why I am thankful to partner with my House and Senate colleagues in much-needed legislation to strengthen survivors’ access to health care, unemployment benefits, and paid leave.”

    “No survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault should be forced to choose between their safety and their paycheck, job, or ability to support their family,” Senator Murray said. “Survivors who are dealing with the mental and physical impacts of assault and violence often can’t afford to miss a day of work or can’t provide for their families on their own if they choose to leave a dangerous situation. We must do everything we can to change this heartbreaking reality. The SAFE Act for Survivors Act would take a huge step toward ensuring no woman or person is stuck between worrying for their safety and making ends meet.”

    “Financial abuse occurs in nearly every case of domestic violence. So many survivors are financially tied to their abuser, which ends up being one of the main reasons survivors stay with an abusive partner,” Congresswoman Dingell said. “Survivors have unique needs in their journey to economic independence, and the provisions in this bill will support their ability to provide for their families safely and independently, whether they choose to enter, remain, or take time off from the workplace.”

    The 2024 SAFE for Survivors Act allows victims to take time off from work without fear of penalty, requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations to assist survivors dealing with the aftermath of violence, provides access to unemployment benefits for survivors, and establishes insurance protections to support survivors–ensuring that victims are not punished for their abusers’ crimes.

    One in four women in the U.S. experience physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime and one in four women report an attempted or completed rape during their lifetime. Individuals who experience intimate partner violence, sexual assault, gender-based violence and stalking often find that abuse and threats follow them from home into the workplace. This type of violence has direct consequences for survivors’ economic security, which can affect their ability to recover, provide for their families, and remove themselves from dangerous situations. 

    According to the Domestic Violence Hotline,  44% of full-time employed adults in the US reported experiencing the effect of domestic violence in their workplace; 21% identified themselves as victims of intimate partner violence. Domestic violence issues lead to nearly 8 million lost days of paid work each year, the equivalent of over 32,000 full-time jobs.

    Highlights of the 2024 SAFE Act include: 

    Increased Access to Leave

    • The SAFE for Survivors Act allows victims to take time off from work—40 days of leave, ten of which must be paid—without penalty in order to contend with the consequences of gender-based violence, including attending court appearances, seeking legal assistance, and getting help with safety planning. For too many victims, access to these essential services can mean the difference between life and death.

    Enhanced Workplace Protections

    • The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits discriminatory employment practices in connection with survivors of domestic or sexual violence and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to assist survivor dealing with the aftermath of violence.

    Access to Unemployment Benefits

    • The SAFE for Survivors Act allows victims in every state access to unemployment benefits if they are fired or forced to leave their job because of abuse.

    Insurance Protections for Survivors

    • The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits denial or restriction of insurance coverage based on the status of the applicant or insured regarding abuse or abuse related claims, ensuring that victims are not punished for their abusers’ crimes.

    A section by section of the SAFE for Survivors Act is available HERE.

    In addition to Murray, the SAFE for Survivors Act is cosponsored by Senators Baldwin, Blumenthal, Casey, Hirono, Klobuchar, Padilla, Sanders, Shaheen, and Van Hollen.

    In addition to Dingell and Moore, the SAFE for Survivors Act is cosponsored by Representatives Ann Kuster (NH-02), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), and Barbara Lee (CA-12)

    The SAFE for Survivors Act is endorsed by: National Partnership for Women & Families, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Ascend Justice, Just Solutions, Legal Momentum, The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, Family Values @ Work, Center for American Progress, Futures Without Violence, A Better Balance, Legal Aid at Work, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, MomsRising, Center for Law and Social Policy, Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Women Employed, Project Safeguard, The Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC UNITED), Family Forward, Caminar Latino-Latinos United for Peace and Equity, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, National Network to End Domestic Violence, and The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Support Grows for Pappas Bill to Protect Veterans’ Benefits from Predatory Claim Sharks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    The Problem Solvers Caucus – a group evenly split between Republicans and Democrats – has endorsed Pappas’s GUARD VA Benefits Act.

    This week, the Problem Solvers Caucus – a group evenly split between Republicans and Democrats – endorsed Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01)’s Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act, which would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation benefits. Pappas is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus and has been rated among the most independent, bipartisan members of Congress.

    “Veterans seeking to access their benefits should not face another battle to do so. Unfortunately, unaccredited, for-profit companies are scamming veterans of their earned benefits under the guise of helping them, and they must be stopped and held accountable,” said Congressman Pappas, Ranking Member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC). “As we continue to implement the PACT Act and expand veterans’ benefits, it’s vital we ensure veterans can access these benefits and receive help from representatives that are accredited, engage in transparent and ethical practices, and adhere to VA regulations. My bipartisan GUARD VA Benefits Act would protect veterans and their benefits from predatory claim sharks, and as it continues to gain bipartisan support, I’ll keep fighting to get this important legislation passed.”

    Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA’s Office of General Counsel. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years. This legislation will discourage for-profit companies from operating outside the bounds of federal law and will give VA and other agencies an additional tool to protect veteran claimants from predatory practices.

    The GUARD VA Benefits Act has strong support within Congress and across the veterans community. The House legislation has 214 bipartisan cosponsors and companion legislation has been introduced by Senators Boozman, Blumenthal, Tester, and Graham. It has also been endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The American Legion, National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), AMVETS, National Association of Counties (NACo), Military-Veterans Advocacy, Blinded Veterans Association, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium, and National Veterans Legal Services Program.

    Background:

    In February 2022, Pappas called for and received a briefing from VA on its strategy to raise awareness of and better protect veterans from these predatory practices. In April 2022, Pappas chaired a joint Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Accreditation Program for individuals who assist veterans with VA disability claims. Testimony given at the hearing highlighted the rise of unaccredited disability claims consultants who target veterans for financial exploitation and the importance of reinstating criminal penalties to deter bad actors.

    In August 2022, Pappas first introduced the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act to reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for VA disability compensation benefits. In February 2023, Pappas re-introduced this legislation in the 118th Congress.

    In September 2023, Pappas led a call for VA to enforce all existing protections for veterans filing initial claims for disability benefits and request additional tools they need to hold bad actors accountable for scamming veterans. In March 2024, Pappas joined a joint hearing held by the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs to hear from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) about their priorities for the 118th Congress. During the hearing, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauded Pappas’s GUARD VA Benefits Act, noting it as one of their top priorities, and urged Congress to pass the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: UNGA, President Meloni meets the Crown Prince of Kuwait

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    Skip to content Reach the footer

    September 23, 2024

    The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah on the sidelines of the work of the United Nations General Assembly.

    At the heart of the meeting was the further deepening of the already intense bilateral relations in every field, starting from the defense sector, and in particular between the two Air Forces.

    The situation in the Middle East and the common commitment to easing tensions in the region were also discussed.

    Recalling that Kuwait will assume the Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in December, the meeting confirmed the common will to strengthen relations between the European Union and the GCC nations, also in view of the upcoming Summit between the EU and the Council.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CURTAIN RAISER NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA II

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Navy is all set to embark on the extraordinary mission of circumnavigating the globe with the second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition. A curtain raiser event presided by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff was held at New Delhi on 23 Sep 24.

    Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini would sail on this challenging expedition with two courageous women officers – Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A on 02 Oct 24. The historic voyage will be flagged off from Naval Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi, Goa. Over a period of eight months, the duo will navigate more than 21,600 nautical miles (approx. 40,000 km) without any external assistance, relying solely on wind power. The circumnavigation highlights the exceptional valour, courage and perseverance of the officers, who will face rigours of high seas, extreme weather conditions, pushing the limits of human endurance.  The route will take them through some of the most treacherous waters including the perilous passage around the three great Capes – Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. The voyage is not just a testament to their personal bravery and skill, but also a celebration of the Indian Navy’s commitment to Nari Shakti showcasing their indomitable spirit and determination.

    The expedition was conceived by the Indian Navy with the inaugural Navika Sagar Parikrama, the first ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all women crew of six officers in 2017. The second edition of the expedition will be an exceptional one as they will become the first from India to accomplish such a feat in double handed mode. Earlier, Capt Dilip Donde (Retd.) was the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009 – 10. Subsequently, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd.) was the first Asian skipper to participate in two circumnavigations and accomplished the rare feat of completing the Golden Globe Race in 2022. Significantly, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd.) has been closely associated with the training of both the officers as the official mentor.

     The expedition is being conducted under the aegis of Indian Naval Sailing Association based at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi and Ocean Sailing Node, Goa under Southern Naval Command. Both the nodal centers will be coordinating the voyage in liaison with international maritime agencies and authorities.

    Speaking on the occasion, VCNS described Navika Sagar Parikrama II as a journey of empowerment, innovation, and commitment to India’s maritime heritage while charting new paths for a brighter and empowered future. He reaffirmed Indian Navy’s pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility, not just on our shores but across the vast expanse of the world’s oceans.

    A short movie highlighting various aspects of the voyage along with preparatory expeditions and training undertaken by the crew was screened.

    During the interaction, both the officers shared their experiences and expressed extreme confidence for the forthcoming expedition embodying the spirit of resilience and indomitable spirit.

    Navika Sagar Parikrama II is more than a voyage; it underlines the essence of maritime prowess, self-reliance and commitment to a greater cause.

    _______________________________________________________________

    VM/SPS                                                                                                         181/24

    (Release ID: 2057941) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Rajya Mantri Inaugurates the State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General Conference of NCC

    Source: Government of India

    Raksha Rajya Mantri Inaugurates the State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General Conference of NCC

    Urges State Governments to support NCC Expansion

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 4:47PM by PIB Delhi

     

    Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the Joint State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General (JS R&A/D) Conference of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) today on September 23, 2024 in New Delhi. Addressing the conference, he emphasized the NCC’s crucial role in nation-building. He highlighted how the organization helps shape disciplined, responsible, and motivated young citizens, while also fostering leadership skills across various aspects of life.

    Highlighting the NCC’s involvement in national initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, International Yoga Day, Environment Protection, Digital Awareness and its commitment to societal welfare alongside traditional training, RRM urged state governments to honour their commitments in providing necessary manpower, funding, and infrastructure to support the expansion and enhancement of NCC’s presence in their regions.

    He informed that the government has recently approved an expansion plan to increase NCC cadet vacancies by three lakhs, raising the total strength from 17 lakhs to 20 lakhs in the coming years. This expansion will also see the inclusion of ex-servicemen as NCC instructors, utilizing their skills and experience to ensure high-quality training and create new employment opportunities for the veterans, he added.

    Lt. Gurbirpal Singh, DGNCC highlighted the progress and achievements of the NCC over the past two years as well as its plans for future expansion. He apprised the state representatives   and the Senior officials for establishing well equipped training & camping infrastructure in various parts of all states to ensure high degree of incentive and motivation for cadets.

    JS R&A/D is a biennial event which witnessed participation of Minsters of Education, Ministers of Youth & Sports as well as senior representatives from the Departments handling NCC affairs in their respective State. Senior officers from the Ministry of Defence along with DGNCC, the NCC Heads from all States and senior officers from HQ DGNCC, were also present in the conference. Conduct of NCC activities is a joint responsibility of the Central and State Governments in terms of policies, finances, administrative and other aspects. Therefore, this conference provides a platform to plan, implement and coordinate the NCC activities in the entire nation.

    *****

    VK/SR/MR/GC

    (Release ID: 2057903) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh formally inaugurates Sainik School, Jaipur

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh formally inaugurates Sainik School, Jaipur

    “The school to provide patriotic youth with proper guidance to join the Armed Forces & serve the motherland”

    “Sainik schools impart academic knowledge and inculcate the values of discipline, patriotism & courage for holistic development of youth”

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 3:08PM by PIB Delhi

    In line with the Government’s vision to establish 100 new Sainik Schools  pan-India in partnership mode, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh formally inaugurated Sainik School, Jaipur in Rajasthan on September 23, 2024. Of the 100 schools, Ministry of Defence has approved 45 in collaboration with state governments, NGOs and private schools. Forty (40) of these schools have started operations, and Sainik School, Jaipur is among them.

    In his address, the Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the school will prove to be a boon to the patriotic youth of the state as proper guidance and necessary infrastructure will be provided to them to join the Armed Forces and serve the nation. “Rajasthan is a land of bravehearts like Maharana Pratap, Prithviraj Chauhan, Maharaj Surajmal and Sawai Jai Singh. These heroes are a motivation to the younger generation to join the military. This new Sainik school will provide a direction to them to serve their motherland,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the PPP-model is generally considered as ‘Public-Private-Partnership’, but the collaboration is now moving away from its standard definition, and is now being seen as ‘Private-Public-Partnership’. “The private sector is now in the driver’s seat of the country’s economy, contributing significantly in agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. Through these new Sainik schools, the private and public sectors will come together and provide the best education to our future generations,” he added.

    Terming education as the most fundamental element in the development of the nation, the Raksha Mantri highlighted the efforts being made by the Sainik Schools towards ensuring the physical, mental & social development of children, thereby creating a stronger future generation. He underlined the fact that Sainik schools not only impart academic knowledge, but also inculcate the values of discipline, patriotism and courage. The all-round development of the personality of students ​​inspires them to take the nation forward, he added.

    Shri Rajnath Singh mentioned the fact that the current Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi are the shining products of Sainik School, Rewa. He added that not just the Armed Forces, the students of Sainik Schools can choose any other career and serve the nation in their own way. He urged the students to never give up and continue working hard to achieve their desired goals.

    The 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode are apart from the existing 33 Sainik Schools already functioning under the erstwhile pattern. These new schools, besides their affiliation to respective education boards, will function under the aegis of Sainik Schools Society and follow its Rules & Regulations. In addition to their regular affiliated board curriculum, they will impart education of Academic Plus Curriculum to the students of Sainik School pattern.

    The curriculum includes value-based initiatives such as debates on issues like gender equality & environment protection, skill-based training, extra-curricular activities, community service, physical training, NCC, tours & excursions and motivational talks. The aim of the Academic Plus Curriculum is to ensure holistic development of students to make them a contributing member in the progress of the Nation.

    In September 2023, Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence had signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Shri Bhawani Niketan Shiksha Samiti for the establishment of a new Sainik School at Shri Bhawani Niketan Public School, Jaipur.

    Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Smt Diya Kumari and Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Rajasthan Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (Retd) were among the dignitaries present on the inauguration of Sainik School, Jaipur.

    *****

    VK/SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2057832) Visitor Counter : 78

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: PODCAST – The Murky World of Israel’s Booby-Trapped Pagers and Walkie-Talkies

    Podcast: A View From Afar with Paul G. Buchanan and Selwyn Manning.

    In this episode of A View from Afar political scientist and former Pentagon Analyst, Paul G. Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning discuss: The Murky World of Israel’s Booby-Trapped Pagers and Walkie-Talkies.

    Paul and Selwyn reveal Israel’s long-form planning that led to it sabotaging hand-held communication devices that Hezbollah used to communicate with.

    This episode’s questions include:

    • Who was behind the manufacturing of the booby-trapped devices?
    • How long has Israel been planning last week’s attack – an attack that saw thousands injured and many killed in Lebanon after Israel remotely pulled the virtual-pin and exploded the devices indiscriminantly?
    • And why now? Presumably the devices were also programmed to be tracked. So why did Israel decide to abandon tracking Hezbollah and to attack?
    • Was it to cause chaos among its enemies in a preemptive move immediately prior to its widespread bombing and targeting of communities in Lebanon?
    • And what of international law? Has Israel gone so far beyond the Rubicon with Gaza that it senses international law no longer applies to Israel?
    • And, finally, has the United Nations abandoned its right to protect principles, its peacemaking and peacekeeping responsibilities in favour of aid, development and an overly bureaucratic institution?

    INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:

    Paul and Selwyn encourage their live audience to interact while they are live with questions and comments.

    To interact during the live recording of this podcast, go to Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/

    Remember to subscribe to the channel.

    For the on-demand audience, you can also keep the conversation going on this debate by clicking on one of the social media channels below:

    • Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/
    • Facebook.com/selwyn.manning
    • Twitter.com/Selwyn_Manning

    RECOGNITION: The MIL Network’s podcast A View from Afar was Nominated as a Top Defence Security Podcast by Threat.Technology – a London-based cyber security news publication. Threat.Technology placed A View from Afar at 9th in its 20 Best Defence Security Podcasts of 2021 category.

    You can follow A View from Afar via our affiliate syndicators.

    ***

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Embracing life-long learning in forestry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A case study of Forestry Commission and Forestry England staff on the support they’ve received to develop their careers in forestry.

    Forestry is a highly rewarding career, as you, alongside other passionate people, are helping to look after something incredibly valuable. You can make a real difference to the environment, people’s enjoyment of the great outdoors, nature recovery and the green economy. The sector also offers a wide range of roles and encourages life-long learning.

    Meet those across forestry making a difference and learn about the support they’ve received to develop the crucial skills needed to perform at their best.

    Abi Davis, Recreation Ranger, Forestry England

    Abi Davis on her mountain bike at work, Crown copyright

    Abi started her career with the Forestry Commission in 2015 and over the years has taken on various roles including surveying, craftsperson and recreation support. Transitioning to a role in recreation introduced her to the exciting world of mountain biking, where she learnt alongside experienced colleagues.

    As part of her role, Abi underwent ‘Cycling at Work’ training (Levels 1 and 2) with British Cycling. Over the 2 days, she honed her skills and knowledge in bike maintenance as well as her mountain biking abilities and confidence both on and off the trails.

    Abi said,

    A highlight was the support from one of the coaches who got me riding down a rock garden – something I didn’t think I was capable of!

    Abi describes the training as invaluable. Inspecting cycle trails on her mountain bike allows her to experience them as visitors do. She can promptly identify issues with waymarking, vegetation management and trail flow. After stormy weather, she’s able to assess the trails quickly and safely for damage to enable faster reopening for visitors to enjoy.

    Abi added,

    Being a Recreation Ranger allows me to combine my love for the outdoors with my passion for helping others to enjoy nature, ensuring our forests are accessible and enjoyable for all.

    Seeing people enjoy our forests, especially through initiatives like our off-road mobility scooters – otherwise known as ‘trampers’, is incredibly fulfilling. These scooters provide access to those who might not otherwise be able to experience the forest, and hearing how it changes their lives is truly humbling.

    Tristan Haynes, Woodland Creation Officer, Forestry Commission

    Tristan on a site visit for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant, Crown copyright

    As a Woodland Creation Officer, Tristan provides expert advice on woodland design, site preparation and the grants available to landowners considering woodland creation.

    Tristan must keep abreast of the latest guidance and forestry best practice, which led him to complete a 2-day training programme on soils and woodland resilience. The course contributed to his continued professional development and in-depth understanding of forestry. Learning about these highly technical elements means Tristan can apply his specialist knowledge to improve the standard of woodland plans put forward for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG).  

    The training provided an understanding of how site soil analysis can improve the results of Forest Research’s Ecological Site Classification (ESC) tool. It also gave insight into how soil analysis can inform what ground preparation and site maintenance operations are necessary ahead of planting. Tristan feels more confident in helping applicants and agents with deciding the optimal tree species to plant, to ensure the longevity and success of their tree planting scheme.

    When asked what he loves most about working in forestry, Tristan said it was his involvement in the process of developing well-considered woodland creation plans and their future management.

    Tristan added,

    Woodlands contribute in so many ways to immediately improve social well-being, the wider environment and economy.

    He feels his role is contributing towards further developments to the forestry sector and long-term sustainability of the wider rural sector in England.

    Ordel Gillson, Compliance Manager, Forestry Commission

    Ordel at her desk, Crown copyright

    As Compliance Manager, Ordel provides advice to ensure that teams adhere to legal standards, regulatory requirements and internal policies. Her role includes risk monitoring, assurance of grant processes and collaborating with grant managers.

    Ordel is currently in her third year of a CMI Chartered Managers Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Cumbria.

    Her degree is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and covers all aspects of business operations with a focus on taking responsibility for people, projects, operations and/or services to deliver long-term organisational success. The course has helped her to manage projects more efficiently and to effectively lead her team to deliver on the Forestry Commission’s objectives for woodland creation and management.

    Ordel hasn’t always worked in forestry. Prior to her career change, she served in the Royal Navy for 23 years. This is her first degree, and she says that her line manager has been very supportive of her professional development, especially as over 20% of her working week goes towards her apprenticeship.

    Her favourite part of her job is the team ethos. It was a big change for her to leave behind her military career and because of the team collaboration and support, she still feels she has that sense of community and belonging.

    Ordel said,

    It makes you feel valued by the organisation because they’re investing in you to get this qualification and ultimately, it’s going to benefit the organisation as well.

    Katarzyna Bromek, Incentives Development Project Officer, Forestry Commission

    Forestry Commission staff learning about a harvester on the ‘Forestry in a Nutshell’ course, Crown copyright

    Katarzyna, otherwise known as Kasia, is an Incentives Development Project Officer who works within the Incentives Development Team. The team is responsible for supporting the operations team to develop and improve all aspects of the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO).

    As part of Kasia’s training, she took part in ‘Forestry in a Nutshell’, a highly sought after 2-day course offered to non-operational forestry staff acting as a crash course on forestry operations in the field.

    Kasia gained valuable knowledge about different tree species and the direction that UK forestry is heading. She also learned a lot about the current forest operation policies and the ins and outs of the forester and woodland officer roles.   

    The course helped deepen her understanding of how the Forestry Commission operates and how her team contributes to the bigger picture. She says the course has inspired her to learn more about nature and the environment and is keen to take more forestry courses as a result.

    Kasia added,

    I love working for forestry and knowing that future generations will benefit from the woodland planting that I am involved in. It gives me a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. It is great to know that through my work I can contribute to addressing the climate emergency and create an environment which will be beneficial for wildlife and people.

    Discover more forestry careers resources and stories of those making a difference in forestry.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza, Lebanon, Summit of the Future & other topics – Daily Briefing (20 Sep 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    Highlights:
    – Summit of the Future Action Days
    – Lebanon
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Syria
    – Venezuela
    – Ukraine
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Somalia
    – Viet Nam
    – Haiti
    – International Day of Peace
    – World Cleanup Day

    Summit of the Future Action Days
    This afternoon, at 1pm, the Summit of the Future Action days will kick off with a youth-led event.
    Felipe Paullier, the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, will lead the opening ceremony under the theme #Youthlead the future.
    At 2pm, the Secretary-General will take part in a dialogue with youth advocates. This will also take place in the General Assembly Hall and you will be able to watch the conversation live on UN Webtv.
    The action days, which are convened by the Secretary-General, will continue tomorrow. The Secretary-General will address Saturday’s opening session at 9 a.m, tomorrow.
    Tomorrow’s programme will focus on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing.
    There will also be a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations.
    The action days bring together representatives from Member States, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth, and more. The full list of events and side events is available on the webpage of the Summit of the Future.

    Lebanon
    We are very concerned at the heightened escalation across the Blue Line, including the deadly strike we saw on Beirut today. We urge all parties to de-escalate immediately. All must exercise maximum restraint.
    We also urge the parties to immediately return to the cessation of hostilities and to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701.
    The region is on the brink of a catastrophe. All efforts should focus on finding a diplomatic solution.
    Our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, has been insistently conveying these messages to her interlocutors in Lebanon and Israel.
    And this afternoon, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, and our High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will brief the Security Council in an open meeting on developments in Lebanon. They will convey similar messages. Those remarks will be shared with you.
    Meanwhile, on the peacekeeping front, our blue helmets at UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to implement their mandate in, obviously, extremely challenging conditions, working to help avert further escalation and return to a cessation of hostilities.
    The head of the UN peacekeeping mission there, Force Commander General Aroldo Lázaro, has been in constant communication with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces to help avoid any miscalculations along the Blue Line and to support humanitarian access in southern Lebanon.

    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that Palestinians already displaced in the Strip are at risk of having to move again as the rainy season approaches, which is expected to bring flooding and high tides.
    OCHA says that many of those displaced by hostilities in Gaza are sheltering along the Mediterranean coast, where Israeli-issued evacuation orders have instructed them to go. Several municipalities in Gaza have also warned of the risks, with some advising people sheltering in low-lying areas to leave and seek out safer places due to the danger of flooding. Displaced people in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah have been warned to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore, as high tides could cause their tents to drift, among other risks.
    UNRWA, for its part, warns that people in Gaza are sheltering in open spaces with no sewage network or rainwater drainage systems. The agency says that as reptiles, rodents and insects spread, its teams are spraying pesticides and removing waste to protect families from diseases.
    Meanwhile, OCHA also reports that water, sanitation and hygiene operations in northern Gaza have been forced to drastically reduce their operating hours to prevent shutdowns.
    Our partners working on the response say it continues to be extremely difficult to get fuel to the north, with deliveries often delayed or rejected at checkpoints.
    In addition to fuel shortages and the ongoing electricity outages that stall pumps, the current water crisis in Gaza has been worsened by damage to water infrastructure, the absence of safety to make repairs, and a lack of spare parts and chlorine.
    To address the critical lack of clean water in Gaza, UNICEF says it is providing 15 litres of water per person per day for nearly 900,000 people, ensuring that part of their water needs are met for a duration of three months.

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

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

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Introduces Legislation to Protect Reproductive Care and Abortion Access for Servicewomen

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced two pieces of commonsense legislation that will improve access to reproductive care for servicewomen and military families. The Expanding Knowledge on Military Reproductive Health Care Act will help ensure that service members and military health care providers know their abortion rights, no matter where they are stationed. The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act, co-led by Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14),will make sure that active-duty service members can access a year’s worth of contraceptives at a time.

    “We send servicewomen overseas to risk their lives for their country. We should not be sending them to Texas or Florida to lose access to basic reproductive health care and risk their lives giving birth. That’s why I am introducing two critical bills to ensure that servicewomen and our military families know how they can access abortion care if they need it, and so our servicewomen have access to contraception regardless of where they are stationed,” said Rep. Sherrill. 

    “This issue is deeply personal to me – my daughter recently enlisted in the U.S. Navy. And I know that she and her fellow servicewomen do not have a choice where they are sent to serve. As MAGA extremists continue to implement abortion bans nationwide, we have a responsibility to ensure that women have the baseline reproductive care and rights they need,” Sherrill continued.

    “Our active-duty service members deserve the very best health care that we can provide,” Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) said. “That includes consistent and uninterrupted access to reproductive health care. The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act will make it easier for Americans in uniform to get the contraceptive care they need, bolstering our military readiness, improving health outcomes for service members, and lowering health care costs.”

    “This should not be up for debate: Service members and their families deserve access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care – including birth control and abortion. As they fight for our freedoms, they too should have the freedom to control if, when, and how they build their families. To truly support our service members and military families, we must protect and expand their access to the health care they need, when they need it, free from politically motivated interference. We applaud Reps. Sherrill and Underwood for introducing these critical pieces of legislation to ensure greater access to reproductive health care for our service members and military families,” saidAlexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

    “As a practicing OB-GYN who includes abortion care as part of my practice, I have seen firsthand the struggle some of my patients face just to get to me,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide.  “Our service members and their families do not choose where they live, and they deserve access to the care they need for their reproductive well-being. These bills will help to ensure military health care providers and patients are empowered to provide and receive essential health services. We’re grateful to Representatives Sherrill and Underwood for their leadership.”

    “Everyone, including service members, deserves the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and futures without political interference. Yet, service members and their families face significant barriers to accessing reproductive health care, including abortion and contraception, within the military health care system,” said Jackii Wang, Senior Legislative Analyst at the National Women’s Law Center. “The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act and the Expanding Knowledge on Military Reproductive Health Care Act are crucial to breaking down these barriers. By expanding access to contraception and ensuring service members and military health care providers are fully informed of their rights, these bills help service members and their loved ones access the care they need, regardless of where they are stationed.”

    Sherrill’s legislation has earned endorsements from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Rights, Minority Veterans of America, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All.

    The Expanding Knowledge on Military Reproductive Health Care Act would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide service members with information on the reproductive health care, including abortion care, they are entitled to in the military health care system; how they can find reproductive care not provided by military health providers; and how they can request leave and travel reimbursement if they need to travel to another state to receive an abortion. 

    Additionally, the DOD would be required to provide doctors with information and training on their obligation to provide reproductive care, including abortions in circumstances covered by current federal law. Information for service members and medical personnel would need to be provided annually and within two weeks of a change of station.

    The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act, led by Reps. Sherrill and Underwood, would require TRICARE to allow active-duty servicemembers and beneficiaries the ability to access up to 365-day supplies of contraception at military treatment facility pharmacies, certain retail pharmacies, and the TRICARE national mail-order pharmacy program. This legislation would extend Sherrill and Underwood’s  Convenient Contraception Act to active-duty military families and service women.

    Representative Sherrill continues to lead in the fight for women’s health in Congress. She  stood up for servicewomen and military families against Senator Tommy Tuberville’s efforts to overturn the  Department of Defense’s abortion travel policy. Additionally, she successfully  secured an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA to codify access to year-long supplies of contraceptives to service members. Sherrill has introduced legislation to promote education about  women’s heart health, and has co-led a bill to ensure women can access a  full year’s supply of contraceptives, rather than just three months at a time. Finally, she is leading efforts to  end “judge shopping,” a tactic used by anti-abortion advocates to gain favorable outcomes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sh. Bhupender Yadav Congratulates 128 Bn Ecological Task Force of Territorial Army for Setting World Record by Planting Over 5 Lakh Saplings in One Hour

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Sh. Bhupender Yadav Congratulates 128 Bn Ecological Task Force of Territorial Army for Setting World Record by Planting Over 5 Lakh Saplings in One Hour

    Plantation Drive Held under Prime Minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ Campaign and TA’s ‘Bhagidari & Zimmedari’ Program

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 11:24AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sh. Bhupender Yadav congratulated 128 Infantry Battalion and Ecological Task Force of Territorial Army (one of the 6 units of MoEF&CC) for registering a World Record of planting over 5 lakh saplings in one hour on 22.09.2024.

    Union Minister Sh. Yadav also congratulated multiple stakeholders including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, District Administration of Jaisalmer, Police and Border Wing Home Guards. Sankalp Taru NGO, and students from various educational institutions. The post on X by Sh. Yadav read as: –

    5,19,130 saplings 🌳 in one hour!

    The 128 Bn Eco-Task Force and Territorial Army (one of the 6 units of MoEF&CC), in association with Territorial Army, registered a World Record of planting over 5 lakh saplings in one hour.

    The effort has emerged has a unique example of… pic.twitter.com/MZnDHDCGvT

    — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) September 23, 2024

    128 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological Task Force of Rajputana Rifles planted over 5,19,130 saplings on 22.09.2024 from 1100hrs to 1200hrs under “Special Plantation Drive” at Jaisalmer under the Prime Minister’s campaign “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” and the TA’s outreach program “Bhagidari & Zimmedari,” aimed to enhance ecological restoration and promote environmental awareness among the local communities.

    The event witnessed active participation from multiple stakeholders, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, District Administration of Jaisalmer, Police and Border Wing Home Guards. Sankalp Taru NGO, and students from various educational institutions. The plantation drive was held simultaneously at seven different locations across Jaisalmer, demonstrating a united effort towards community development and environmental conservation.

    Under the banner of “Protect Trees” and the motto “Those who protect the trees are protected,” the Territorial Army unit achieved several world records, provisionally recognized by the World Book of Records, London. These include the most saplings planted by a team in one hour, the most saplings planted by a team of women in one hour, and the largest number of people planting saplings simultaneously at a single venue.

    The Accreditation Agency i.e. World Book of Records were present in the field and verified the plantation done and certified the achievement.  Ecological Task Force also received the provisional award from the World Book of Records after the plantation.

    *****

    NB/GS

    (Release ID: 2057728) Visitor Counter : 97

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Religious confessions’ commitment to peace in South Kivu

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    CDJP Bukavu

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – The important interreligious meeting for peace held on September 21 in Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, one of the three provinces in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have been tormented for decades by violence committed by dozens of armed groups, ended on a note of hope. The meeting was held at the archbishopric of the city and saw the participation of representatives of various religious denominations of the entire ecclesiastical province of Bukavu (Catholics, Kimbanguists, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, revival churches, Anglicans, Protestants, Salvation Army, Union of Independent Churches), as well as those of the diocese of Cyangugu, in Rwanda. The participation of Rwandan representatives is particularly significant and important. The government of Rwanda is accused by the Congolese government of providing support to guerrilla groups operating in the DRC, in particular to the M23, active especially in North Kivu. Kigali, in turn, accuses Kinshasa of tolerating the presence on its territory of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) for decades, considered an emanation of the old Rwandan regime responsible for the genocide of 1994. The effort of dialogue of all religious confessions was praised by the governor of South Kivu, who stressed the importance of collaboration between civil authorities and religious faiths to establish an exemplary system of government. Joining his voice with that of religious leaders, the governor recalled that building peace and good governance requires the involvement of all, beyond political or spiritual differences. During the meeting, the other emergency that this area of the DRC is experiencing, the Mpox epidemic (the so-called “monkeypox”), was also addressed. Dr. Deogratias Cigwerhe, a specialist in the field, provided a detailed anamnesis of the disease, determining its origin, the methods of transmission and the preventive measures to be adopted to limit its spread. His speech made it possible to raise awareness among participants about the dangers posed by the disease and the importance of collective efforts to prevent it. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 23/9/2024)Share:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza, Lebanon, Summit of the Future & other topics – Daily Briefing (20 Sep 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    Highlights:
    – Summit of the Future Action Days
    – Lebanon
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Syria
    – Venezuela
    – Ukraine
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Somalia
    – Viet Nam
    – Haiti
    – International Day of Peace
    – World Cleanup Day

    Summit of the Future Action Days
    This afternoon, at 1pm, the Summit of the Future Action days will kick off with a youth-led event.
    Felipe Paullier, the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, will lead the opening ceremony under the theme #Youthlead the future.
    At 2pm, the Secretary-General will take part in a dialogue with youth advocates. This will also take place in the General Assembly Hall and you will be able to watch the conversation live on UN Webtv.
    The action days, which are convened by the Secretary-General, will continue tomorrow. The Secretary-General will address Saturday’s opening session at 9 a.m, tomorrow.
    Tomorrow’s programme will focus on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing.
    There will also be a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations.
    The action days bring together representatives from Member States, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth, and more. The full list of events and side events is available on the webpage of the Summit of the Future.

    Lebanon
    We are very concerned at the heightened escalation across the Blue Line, including the deadly strike we saw on Beirut today. We urge all parties to de-escalate immediately. All must exercise maximum restraint.
    We also urge the parties to immediately return to the cessation of hostilities and to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701.
    The region is on the brink of a catastrophe. All efforts should focus on finding a diplomatic solution.
    Our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, has been insistently conveying these messages to her interlocutors in Lebanon and Israel.
    And this afternoon, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, and our High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will brief the Security Council in an open meeting on developments in Lebanon. They will convey similar messages. Those remarks will be shared with you.
    Meanwhile, on the peacekeeping front, our blue helmets at UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to implement their mandate in, obviously, extremely challenging conditions, working to help avert further escalation and return to a cessation of hostilities.
    The head of the UN peacekeeping mission there, Force Commander General Aroldo Lázaro, has been in constant communication with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces to help avoid any miscalculations along the Blue Line and to support humanitarian access in southern Lebanon.

    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that Palestinians already displaced in the Strip are at risk of having to move again as the rainy season approaches, which is expected to bring flooding and high tides.
    OCHA says that many of those displaced by hostilities in Gaza are sheltering along the Mediterranean coast, where Israeli-issued evacuation orders have instructed them to go. Several municipalities in Gaza have also warned of the risks, with some advising people sheltering in low-lying areas to leave and seek out safer places due to the danger of flooding. Displaced people in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah have been warned to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore, as high tides could cause their tents to drift, among other risks.
    UNRWA, for its part, warns that people in Gaza are sheltering in open spaces with no sewage network or rainwater drainage systems. The agency says that as reptiles, rodents and insects spread, its teams are spraying pesticides and removing waste to protect families from diseases.
    Meanwhile, OCHA also reports that water, sanitation and hygiene operations in northern Gaza have been forced to drastically reduce their operating hours to prevent shutdowns.
    Our partners working on the response say it continues to be extremely difficult to get fuel to the north, with deliveries often delayed or rejected at checkpoints.
    In addition to fuel shortages and the ongoing electricity outages that stall pumps, the current water crisis in Gaza has been worsened by damage to water infrastructure, the absence of safety to make repairs, and a lack of spare parts and chlorine.
    To address the critical lack of clean water in Gaza, UNICEF says it is providing 15 litres of water per person per day for nearly 900,000 people, ensuring that part of their water needs are met for a duration of three months.

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

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

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Africa: KZN emergency services ready to assist residents 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has instructed relevant departments and emergency services to prioritise clearing affected routes and assisting stranded road users amid the adverse weather conditions in the province.

    Addressing the media on the provincial government’s interventions in response to the current severe weather conditions impacting the province, Acting Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, said the Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) has decided that immediate interventions must be focused on the routes most affected by the heavy snowfall.

    “This decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of motorists and facilitating the swift restoration of normal travel conditions in these areas,” Madlopha-Mthethwa said on Sunday.

    Madlopha-Mthethwa highlighted that the provincial government responded swiftly to the ongoing heavy snowfall affecting various parts of the province, and in coordination with all relevant stakeholders, emergency response measures have been activated to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens and motorists.

    As part of the provincial government’s response, officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) have been activated to assist motorists navigating treacherous roads.

    “The Road Traffic Inspectorate and Provincial Emergency Services have been deployed to assist motorists stranded on roads impacted by the snowfall. These teams are working tirelessly to ensure safe passage and provide assistance where necessary.

    “The Municipal Parks Department is on standby to remove tree debris from affected roads and areas. Furthermore, we are collaborating with non-governmental organisations such as the Red Cross and the Al Imdaad Foundation, who are providing food, water, and hot meals to stranded motorists.”

    Provincial agencies, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development, are actively profiling affected families and offering immediate relief.

    “Social workers have also been deployed to offer psycho-social support, social welfare services, and child protection services to those in need. Eskom and municipal electrical departments are on the ground, working to restore power where outages have occurred.

    “Additionally, SAPS [South African Police Service] and SANDF [South African National Defence Force] are on standby with helicopters to assist in delivering hot meals and evacuating individuals in severely impacted areas.
    “Line function departments such as Health, Education, Agriculture, EDTEA [Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs], Transport, and Human Settlements have activated their contingency plans to ensure that the needs of affected communities are met swiftly and efficiently,” Madlopha-Mthethwa explained.

    The provincial government has also called on all citizens to exercise caution considering the heavy snowfall and rain currently affecting the province.

    Madlopha-Mthethwa urged residents to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure their safety during these challenging weather conditions.

    “The provincial government remains committed to mitigating the impact of the storm and providing continuous support to affected communities. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves,” Madlopha-Mthethwa said.

    READ | Government prioritises providing shelter for stranded motorists in anticipation of more snow

    Roads reopened

    Meanwhile, following the deployment of more graders, most routes affected by snow were reopened on Sunday evening.

    These include the N11 Ladysmith to Newcastle; N11 Amajuba Pass; R33 Vryheid to Dundee, water damping on the road at Cotswold; R34 Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid; R33 Vryheid to Paulpietersburg; R34 Vryheid to Melmoth; R69 Vryheid to Pongola; and N2 Richards Bay to Piet Retief.

    The R34 Newcastle to Memel is closed.

    Motorists have been requested to cancel any unnecessary travel.

    READ | Tips for safer driving on icy roads

    The provincial government extended its appreciation to the private sector and many other non-governmental organisations that are taking part in the important rescue operation.

    “As [the] provincial government we wish to extend deepest condolences to the family of the victims who tragically lost their lives due to hypothermia during the recent snowstorm. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this incredibly difficult time.

    “The provincial government stands ready to offer support to the affected family, and we continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of all citizens amid these extreme weather conditions,” Madlopha-Mthethwa said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graves Works to Protect Missouri Farmers from Federal Land Grabs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act and the Protecting Our Farmers from the Green New Deal Act today. Both bills strengthen landowner rights to stop federal land seizures.

    “There are few things more sacred than our right to own property, to farm, and to provide for our families,” said Graves. “That’s why our Founding Fathers sought to protect landowners from government land grabs with the Fifth Amendment. Sadly, too many Washington bureaucrats these days just don’t get it—and that’s exactly why we need stronger laws to keep these unaccountable bureaucrats in line, protect landowner rights, and stop unjust federal land grabs.”

    H.R. 9604, the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act, reigns in the Surface Transportation Board’s Rails to Trails program, which allows the federal government to take former railroad corridors and give those corridors to third parties for use as recreational trails. This broken process violates the constitutional rights of landowners and unfairly cuts them out of the process. Graves’ legislation would require trail sponsors to get sign off from all impacted landowners and fully compensate landowners when a project moves forward.

    You can read the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act here.

    H.R. 9603, the Protecting Our Farmers from the Green New Deal Act repeals provisions from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act(IIJA) signed into law by President Biden that allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to override state permitting decisions and approve eminent domain for electric transmission lines.

    You can read the Protecting Our Farmers from the Green New Deal Acthere.

    As Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Congressman Graves also included language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 that prohibits the United States Army Corps of Engineers from acquiring any lands or interest in lands using eminent domain under the Missouri River BSNP Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project.

    You can read the Section 331(a)(3) on pg. 269 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 here.

    What They Are Saying:

    Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins:

    “For too long, property owners have been run over by provisions of the federal Rails to Trails program, which allows the conversion of abandoned rail lines to public trails without their consent. Protecting private property rights is a priority for Missouri Farm Bureau. We are grateful to Chairman Graves for leading the charge to ensure landowners rights are protected when new trails are proposed. We look forward to working with Chairman Graves and his colleagues in Congress to move this priority initiative across the finish line.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 20.09.2024 Breslavia Work on ensuring safety continues

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    During the afternoon meeting of the crisis staff in Wrocław, Prime Minister Donald Tusk presented conclusions from his visits to the Lubusz and West Pomeranian Voivodeships. The issue of controls on the border with Germany was also discussed, which, thanks to government intervention, should not be a problem in the event of a flood threat. It is accelerating the reconstruction program for areas affected by the flood. Lubuskie and West Pomeranian Voivodeships ready to fight the element. During the afternoon meeting of the crisis staff in Wrocław, Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared his conclusions from the visit to the Lubuskie and West Pomeranian Voivodeships. “From my tour today, it is quite clear that they are well prepared,” said the head of government. Services and residents of areas that are still waiting for the flood wave are constantly working on security measures. The Prime Minister was impressed by the commitment he could see, among others: in Nowa Sól. However, in the south of the country the situation is still difficult. The Prime Minister listened attentively to reports from representatives of services working in this area. Border controls will not be an inconvenience. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in consultation with the German equivalent of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, has determined that the services of both countries will do everything to ensure that the border controls reintroduced by our neighbors do not cause congestion due to the flood risk. “We worked to ensure that at the moment of the peak wave there were no threats related to, for example, a traffic jam on the border bridge or border control,” said Tomasz Siemoniak. Donald Tusk thanked the Minister of Interior and Administration for efficient operation. “I asked the Minister for European Union Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration to make the German side aware as quickly as possible that their decision on border control cannot interfere with our flood protection operations. I will want to know whether it has had an effect, whether the movement at the border is faster, so that we can intervene again, if necessary,” the head of government noted. The Prime Minister reminded that Poland is critical of Germany’s decision to restore control at the border. Preparations for major reconstruction In connection with the decision to appoint Marcin Kierwiński as the government plenipotentiary for the reconstruction of flood-affected areas, the Prime Minister announced accelerated actions. “Our ambition should be to turn this dramatic crisis into an opportunity; to make things better in these places than before the flood. Smarter, more modern. I believe we are able to ensure this,” declared the Prime Minister. The head of government announced that a preliminary assessment of actual damage and losses is needed. The moment the first large city – Opole – canceled the flood alarm, you can start thinking more boldly about your next steps. Funds for the reconstruction of destroyed towns come not only from the state budget and the European Union, but also – in a beautiful gesture of solidarity – from other voivodeships and cities. Appeal to local government officials and officials The challenge for local government officials is the constant need for better communication with the inhabitants of endangered areas. The Prime Minister gave the example of a resident of Opatowice, Wrocław, who wrote to him via social media, asking for information about a possible evacuation. “It’s good that I noticed it, reacted and managed to sort it out. But we must do everything to ensure that such an informal path is not necessary,” appealed Donald Tusk. The head of government emphasized how important it is to diagnose the weakest points in coordination and communication in order to improve activities.  Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak said that PLN 100 million has already been transferred to the voivodeships’ accounts for the payment of benefits under emergency aid. However, sometimes the problem is that the procedure for granting them is too long. “I know it’s difficult, but you have to put so much pressure on the officials that they really put their heart into it. Because if people with a flooded apartment or house found time to come to the office, it means that they really need this money urgently,” the Prime Minister asked local government officials. Officials should keep bureaucracy and procedural requirements to a minimum. Quick action against criminals preying on human tragedies. The Chief Commander of the Police informed during the staff meeting that officers had organized mobile posts to be able to respond more effectively to the needs of citizens. “Thank you very much for this ambitious intention to create mobile police stations in places where necessary, i.e. police officers who are on site – in a car, but in direct and constant contact with residents when necessary” – The Prime Minister commented on this initiative. Information was also provided about quick police interventions against people who, taking advantage of a dramatic situation, commit crimes. “Thank you for the good cooperation of all law enforcement and justice agencies. There are very good signs from the couple that they are caught immediately and sentenced immediately. I hope that this will continue,” concluded the Prime Minister. Criminals try to take advantage of people’s kindness. There are more and more fake collections on the internet. The services also operate efficiently in this area. “We are engaging the command of the Cyberspace Defense Forces component in these activities. We ask everyone to pay attention to the collection to which they want to donate money,” appealed the Deputy Prime Minister of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. We would like to remind you to verify collections for flood victims.  

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 22/09/2024 More than 26,000 soldiers are being sent to aid operations in flood areas

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Over 26 thousand soldiers are being sent to aid operations in flood areas22.09.2024At the moment, 23,310 soldiers are directly involved in the aid operation for flood victims. A total of 26,041 soldiers are being sent to aid operations, to these aid operations in several provinces. (…) Some soldiers are moving north, ahead of the wave. (…)Higher military schools are being added, the Support Inspectorate is being added, other formations such as cyber troops, which are fighting against illegal collections on the Internet, fighting against fraudsters who want to take advantage of good hearts and set up fictitious collections. We will not allow this. All detected illegal collections or other activities are being reported to the appropriate services – Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak – Kamysz informed on Sunday in Wrocław.

    On September 22, the head of the Ministry of National Defense met with soldiers and volunteers who are delegated to help at the collection and repacking point for flood victims, which operates in Wrocław. We would like to thank you very much for all the gifts given to the flood victims. They are very much needed today, but coordination of this aid action is also very much needed. Here, gifts from all over the country are brought to the hub in Wrocław. Everyone together can deliver aid here. Here, it is reloaded, sorted and sent to places where this aid is needed. We ask you to reach the hubs. (…) I would like to thank the soldiers of the operational forces, soldiers of the Territorial Defense Forces, because without them it would not be possible to reload and pack this aid so quickly on cars that are going to places most affected by the flood – said the head of the Ministry of National Defense. Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak – Kamszysz reminded that the main task of the soldiers is still to strengthen the embankments, where water is expected and to clean up the flood areas. Today, the Polish Army is involved in several areas. First of all, evacuation and protection of life. Para bromear always a priority. Although recently there have been days without evacuation of the population, without the use of helicopters for evacuation or other equipment, saving lives is still ongoing. The hospital in Nysa has already achieved full readiness a few days ago and is accepting patients. (…) This shows how important this immediate decision was to create a field hospital, right next to the hospital, which was flooded. In addition, the army is cleaning and drying the hospital in Nysa so that it can be opened as soon as possible. Para bromear a large hospital of significant importance. (…) Other activities of the army include strengthening the embankments and cleaning up flood areas, including in Lądek Zdrój, Stronie Śląskie, Głuchołazy, the rural commune of Kłodzko, Kłodzko and many smaller towns – the minister noted. The head of the Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the military is constantly developing medical care for residents of flood areas. A very important task is to reach out with medical assistance. We are launching military, mobile outpatient centers. Disinfection is also important today. 17 disinfection teams are ready and will start tomorrow, because these buildings had to be cleaned to be disinfected now. Preparing water treatment plants, water transports – para bromear also work for the army. The army will be present in these post-flood areas as long as necessary. Operation Phoenix, planned until the end of the year, is starting. Its task is to rebuild and draw conclusions. If necessary, we will of course extend its duration – informed the head of the Ministry of National Defense.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 21.09.2024 Evacuation, strengthening of embankments, cleaning of the area, construction of crossings, medical assistance are the main tasks of soldiers in flood areas

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Evacuation, strengthening of embankments, cleaning of the area, construction of crossings, medical assistance are the main tasks of soldiers in flood areas 21.09.2024 We are also in towns that have already been affected by the effects of great water. Here in Szprotawa, water overflowed, and the effects affect about 60 residential buildings, including some companies. We are currently talking to the crisis management team about the actions that have been taken. I would like to thank everyone very much. Volunteer firefighters, firefighters from the State Fire Service, policemen, soldiers, residents are working. I would like to thank everyone very much for this good organization, for managing this flood action together with the local government, for protecting Szprotawa from greater effects than those we have today – said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in Wrocław.

    On Saturday, the head of the Ministry of National Defense took part in the crisis headquarters in Wrocław, as well as in the headquarters operating in Wołów and Szprotawa. In the afternoon, the deputy prime minister took part in a briefing in Głogów. At the crisis headquarters, we talked to all the communes that are at risk and those that are expecting the wave to arrive. There is a huge commitment of residents, all uniformed services and there is cooperation. We thank you for this once again very much. More units have been activated, such as cadets from firefighting schools, who also joined the help in the Wołów district, to lay sandbags. Soldiers have been present from the very beginning, of course. They carried out the mission on the embankments until it was possible. Now, another line of the barrier against the water is being laid there – informed the deputy prime minister. As the head of the Ministry of National Defense pointed out, soldiers of the Polish Army are helping in many directions. Where the flood wave has passed, the areas need to be cleaned up. The areas approaching the flood wave must be monitored, and where necessary, the flood embankments must be reinforced. We have dispatched more dehumidifiers, which are needed in places affected by the flood. Providing the dehumidifiers is one of the main tasks. Pumps are still needed. Soldiers are directly involved in flood control operations today. Para bromear evacuation, protection of life and health, strengthening the embankments, tidying up the area, clearing communication routes. There is also great cooperation between the army and the Ministry of Infrastructure related to the construction and repair of road and rail connections. Reconstruction also means strengthening the embankments. For example, yesterday, the embankments were reinforced using Police helicopters in Lewin Brzeski – Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz noted. The Minister of National Defense informed about attempts to extort money on the Internet. So far, over 80 false collections have been identified and blocked by the services appointed for this purpose. The fight against disinformation is also ongoing. There are many collections in cyberspace that are dishonest. We have also engaged in the fight against this those troops related to the protection of cyberspace. The component of the Cyberspace Protection Troops is involved in the process of fighting fraudsters on the Internet. We will fight this (…) we will actively counteract these attacks – said the head of the Ministry of National Defense.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 21.09.2024 We reach every place with help

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    We reach every place with help21.09.2024There are still places in Poland that are threatened by large waters. Services together with local government and residents are securing critical places. The embankments are reinforced with sandbags and constantly monitored. During the crisis headquarters in Głogów, the Prime Minister asked local government officials to report needs on an ongoing basis. He also announced the creation of a map of neglect that emerged in the face of the flood.

    The securing is still ongoing

    The Prime Minister appealed to local government officials to report their needs for specific equipment needed for flood protection – so that nothing is missing anywhere.

    You have to be everywhere, especially where the fight is going on. We are very keen to reach every place with the appropriate help, regardless of the scale of the phenomenon and the size of the town.

    – emphasized Donald Tusk. The head of government thanked for the organization, determination and dedication of all people involved in securing endangered areas and for helping flood victims.

    Even convicts from the local facility are also participating in saving the city. Everywhere I go I hear about the extraordinary commitment of people, services and local governments

    – said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister reminded the services and local government to thoroughly verify whether information about the evacuation reached all residents. He assured that the police are constantly monitoring the areas from which residents evacuated.

    We are very effective in combating crimes directly or indirectly related to the flood situation. It is also important for people to know that if someone tries to raise a hand on your property, they will quickly pay a severe penalty for it

    – Donald Tusk reminded. Security in flood-affected areas is one of the key tasks of the state.

    Map of Neglect

    In the crisis situation, instances of neglect came to light, such as unmowed embankments or beaver burrows.

    We need to know what went wrong where, so that there are no more such incidents. If we are dealing with clear violations, there will be consequences

    – Prime Minister pointed out. The head of government announced the creation of a map of neglect in order to avoid similar situations in the future. He also announced readiness to introduce legal solutions that will allow for securing the embankments.

    Help organization

    People who are going to help in flooded areas are asked to listen to the services’ instructions.

    A huge request to listen to these tips on what to do and where, so that the road is not routed. There are very few of these access roads, so there must be even more subordination here

    – Deputy Prime Minister appealed, Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Tomasz Siemoniak, Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, encouraged donors to visit the websites of provincial offices, where hubs are indicated, which operate around the clock and accept goods for flood victims. Thanks to them, aid is better organized and support reaches those most in need immediately.

    anchoo[container incrusted]

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls for accelerating progress in China’s space endeavors

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday encouraged personnel in China’s space industry to continue to work hard and accelerate progress in space endeavors.
    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with the representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development in the Chang’e-6 lunar mission at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov took part in the forum “Microelectronics”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov took part in the plenary session of the Microelectronics-2024 forum. The 10th anniversary Russian Microelectronics Forum is being held on the Sirius federal territory from September 23 to 28.

    Denis Manturov took part in the forum “Microelectronics”

    At the plenary session, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin addressed the forum participants with a greeting. The plenary session was opened by the President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov. Government representatives, heads of federal executive authorities, scientists and the industry community discussed plans and prospects for the development of the Russian electronics industry, innovative approaches, scientific achievements, as well as upcoming changes in government regulation.

    In particular, Denis Manturov spoke about plans to extend tax breaks for electronics industry organizations, expand them to electronics engineering enterprises, and possibly return to advance payments of up to 80% for government contracts in the field of electronics engineering.

    “As for advance payments, it is no secret that up to 100% [is advanced – IF] even today when signing and implementing contracts within the framework of state defense procurement, including for electronic products. And for civil ones, the bar has indeed been lowered to 50%. Taking into account the key rate, we have already discussed this issue today. We will formalize this approach, and I will give the corresponding instruction to the Ministry of Finance and Anton Andreyevich Alikhanov so that colleagues can promptly prepare such a decision and submit it to the Government,” he said, answering a question about the prospects for moving to advance payments of 80% of the contract value when purchasing electronic equipment. “I am sure that this can be a good help, especially today, given the high interest rate on loans,” the First Deputy Prime Minister added.

    During the Microelectronics forum, Denis Manturov also presented state awards to outstanding workers in the electronics industry: the Order of Friendship, the Order of Military Merit, and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd class.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52773/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – The commitment of religious denominations for peace in South Kivu

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    CDJP Bukavu

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – An interreligious meeting for peace held on September 21 in Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, one of the three eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been plagued for decades by the violence of dozens of armed groups, ended on a note of hope. The meeting, held in the Archdiocese of Bukavu, was attended by representatives of various denominations from the entire ecclesiastical province of Bukavu (Catholics, Kimbanguists, Muslims, Orthodox, Revivalists, Anglicans, Protestants, Salvation Army, Union of Independent Churches) as well as representatives of the diocese of Cyangugu in Rwanda.The participation of Rwandan representatives was of particular importance. The Rwandan government is accused by the Congolese government of supporting the guerrilla groups operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in particular the M2 movement, which is active mainly in North Kivu. Kigali, in turn, accuses Kinshasa of having tolerated for decades the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) on its territory, considered an offshoot of the old Rwandan regime responsible for the 1994 genocide.The governor of South Kivu praised the efforts of all religious communities to engage in dialogue and stressed the importance of cooperation between the civil authorities and religious communities in creating a well-functioning government system. The governor echoed the words of the religious leaders, recalling that the creation of peace and good governance requires the participation of all, regardless of political or spiritual differences.The meeting also addressed another crisis in this region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, namely the monkeypox epidemic. Dr. Deogratias Cigwerhe, a specialist in the field, gave a detailed overview of the history of the disease, its origin, its transmission and the preventive measures to be taken to contain its spread. His presentation alerted the participants to the dangers of the disease and the importance of joint efforts to prevent it. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 23/9/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Video: WHO will be the SOY? | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Video: Army Cribs: VOLAR Barracks! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : Jedhel Somera

    On this edition of Army Cribs, we take you on a virtual tour of the all-new Volar Barracks at Fort Campbell, Ky!

    About the U.S. Army:

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

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dadwqMpRo4

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USNS Lucy Stone Christened as MSC’s Newest Fleet Replenishment Oiler

    Source: United States Navy

    SAN DIEGO — The fleet replenishment oiler USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), the Military Sealift Command’s newest ship, was christened during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif., today.

    The event was attended by Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro; Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment; Vice Adm. John F. G. Wade, commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet; Vice Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics; Rear Adm. Thomas J. Anderson, Program Executive Officer, Ships; Capt. Micah Murphy, commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific; U.S. Merchant Marine Capt. Lee Apsley, Stone’s civil service master; as well as executives and employees of NASSCO San Diego.

    The ship honors American suffragist Lucy Stone, who joined other notable advocates such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Ernestine Rose, and Antoinette Brown Blackwell to petition for suffrage and abolition in the 19th century. Her efforts as a founder of the Women’s National Loyal League were essential to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery.

    “In choosing to name this ship after Lucy Stone, Secretary Mabus and Secretary Berger knew the legacy of this remarkable woman, who dedicated her life to freedom and to equality for all, “said Deborah Donnley Simmons, Stone co-sponsor. “Her legacy will continue to be told, as this ship sails throughout the world.”

    The official christening moment happened when the ship’s co-sponsors, Alicia Aadnesen
    Deborah Donley Simmons broke a bottle of champagne over the ship’s bow with the words, “For the United States of America, I christen you the USNS Lucy Stone. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” Following the christening moment, the ship blew her horns and slid down the rails, amid a fanfare of music from the Navy Band Southwest and red, white and blue streamers.

    “The enduring legacy of Lucy Stone as a trailblazer in the women’s rights movement remains an indelible source of inspiration today,” said Mabus. “How extraordinary that all of these years later, today, our United States Navy is headed-up by the Chief of Naval Operations, a female by the name of Adm. Lisa Franchetti. It would not have been possible if it had not been for the efforts of Lucy Stone.”

    The 746-foot Stone is the fifth ship in the new John Lewis-class previously known as the TAO(X). This class of oilers has the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel and dry stores cargo. The upgraded oiler is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills and strengthened cargo and ballast tanks and will be equipped with a basic self-defense capability. The Lewis-class of oilers will replace the current Kaiser Class fleet replenishment oilers as they age out of the MSC fleet. The ship will be manned by a crew of about 100 civilian Merchant Mariners, sailing under the operational control of MSC.

    “In order to maintain sustained operations at sea, our Navy warships rely on Military Sealift Command’s Combat Logistics Fleet,” said Mabus. “Despite the challenges posed by shortfalls in numbers, MSC continues to play a vital roll in supporting our nation’s logistics readiness. I thank all of our Merchant Mariners for answering our national call to maritime service, and for their ongoing efforts to recruit and maintain our critical capabilities!”

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy EOD advances exMCM capabilities with Allies and partners at Exercise Sea Breeze 2024

    Source: United States Navy

    VARNA, Bulgaria – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 and Mobile Diving and Salvage Company (MDS) 2-3 operated alongside NATO allies and partners at Exercise Sea 24-3, Sept. 9-20, 2024. This collaborative exercise aims to address the current maritime mine threat, collective demining capabilities, and effective means of enhancing Black Sea regional maritime security.

    In its 23rd iteration, Sea Breeze is an annual, multinational maritime exercise, originally co-hosted by Ukraine and U.S. 6th Fleet to enhance interoperability and capabilities among participating forces.

    For Sea Breeze 24.3, U.S. 6th Fleet led the pre-planning and coordinated logistics, and EODMU 8, a subordinate command of Commander Task Force (CTF) 68 headquartered in Rota, Spain, led the planning and execution, sharing extensive expeditionary mine countermeasure (exMCM) knowledge and capabilities with NATO allies and partners. Countries participating, observing, or mentoring during Sea Breeze 24-3 included Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Japan, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Türkiye, Ukraine, and U.S.

    U.S. Navy expeditionary forces such as EODMU 8 have had a consistent presence in the Black Sea and have a longstanding history of training alongside partner nations on tactics, techniques, and procedures for mine threat operations in order to enhance our shared lethality and support freedom of navigation.

    “EOD Mobile Unit 8 operates consistently with outstanding professionalism, and every member of the Thunderstealer team plays a critical role in ensuring mission success,” said Cmdr. John Kennedy, commander, EOD Mobile Unit 8. “Exercises like Sea Breeze allow us to share our knowledge, techniques, and best practices with our NATO Allies and partners for enhanced agility and interoperability in future mine countermeasure operations and demining the Black Sea.”

    Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Allied and partner nations have counter charged over 100 floating mines. As this threat increases, EOD forces have a responsibility to prepare for a large-scale post-conflict demining effort.

    “Our goal for this year’s Sea Breeze is to improve freedom of navigation in the Black Sea region for the security and stability of the Black Sea nations,” said Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “We’ll do this through continued training and by enhancing interoperability to counter the floating mine threat in the Black Sea.”

    The mines in the Black Sea region pose a significant danger to civilian ships, disrupt exports, and threaten freedom of navigation.

    “Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is currently a mine concern in international waters, and our job is to mitigate that,” said Kennedy. “We’ve shown our standards to our partners and allies, we’ve practiced our techniques shoulder-to-shoulder, and that builds confidence when we are called to mitigate explosive threats in the Black Sea. Our support to Ukraine has never been stronger.”

    In response to the current mine threat, NATO members Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye joined forces to tackle this issue through the Mine Countermeasures Task Group Black Sea (MCM Black Sea).

    Collaboration between NATO members in support of MCM Task Group Black Sea underscores the importance of collective security efforts to restore safety and stability in the region.

    Multinational exercises like Sea Breeze are a tangible representation of the agility and cooperation made possible through partnership in the dynamic security environment of the Black Sea.

    “The greatest value we’ve gained from Sea Breeze is an understanding how each unit of action operates, and then learning to operate together in order to be the most lethal combined force in a future conflict,” said Lt. Jon Miller, EOD company commander, EODMU 8. “We’re able to enhance the tactics, techniques, and procedures of all participating units at the exercise, and then flex those capabilities in the event of real-world operations.”

    Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, a subordinate command of EODGRU 2, is also participating in Sea Breeze 24-3, with a focus on diving and salvage training. MDS Company 2-3, currently deployed to U.S. 6th Fleet, trained alongside partners and Allies from Ukraine and Romania on surface supplied diving, underwater cutting and welding, and other skills to enhance harbor clearance and battle damage repair capabilities.

    “Operating and exchanging knowledge on battle damage repair in this area of operations is our unit’s first opportunity to train the techniques and capabilities in a region with real world implications,” said Chief Navy Diver Michael Christensen, company master diver, MDSU 2. “We are in the Black Sea, doing this with the Ukrainian salvage divers, and their military is currently engaged in conflict. After Sea Breeze, they can return to the fight and utilize these skills for harbor clearance.”

    Navy EOD is the only community with mine warfare as a core competency, and our capabilities directly support deterrence of aggression, promote freedom of navigation and stability, and contribute directly to the fight for sea control. Our unique ability to conduct explosive ordnance disposal operations and clear hazards underwater make Navy EOD crucial in a future fight for sea control – protecting our own and our partners’ bases, harbors and sea lanes, sea transport capabilities, mobility and combat strength.

    CTF 68 provides explosive ordnance disposal operations, naval construction, expeditionary security, and theater security efforts in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

    EODGRU 2 operates as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy Diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

    Details of Sea Breeze 2024 activities and imagery are available at http://www.c6f.navy.mil and https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/seabreeze24.

    For the full collection of photos of EODGRU2 operating at Sea Breeze 2024, and news about U.S. Navy EOD, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S., Egyptian Naval Forces Conducts Inaugural Eagle Defender Exercise in Red Sea

    Source: United States Navy

    For the first time, U.S. and Egyptian naval forces integrated unmanned systems in a bilateral maritime exercise to uphold the international rules-based order while ensuring maritime security in the Red Sea. Scenarios included: explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasures, harbor defense, and the integration of unmanned systems.

    The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) sailed alongside Egyptian Navy ships during the exercise while several other units also participated.

    This is one of many exercises the U.S. military participates in every year with partner nations in the Middle East to enhance partnerships and strengthen interoperability. The combined exercise is designed to broaden levels of cooperation, support long-term regional security, and enhance Egyptian Naval Force interoperability with U.S. naval forces.

    The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

    For more information, contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs at m-ba-cusnc-publicaffairs@us.navy.mil.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marine Corps crushes fiscal year 2024 end strength with historic retention, recruiting success

    Source: United States Marine Corps

    QUANTICO, Va. —

    The Marine Corps achieved historic first-term reenlistment numbers and exceeded its retention goal for Fiscal Year 2024 in a competitive and challenging environment.  Engaged leaders across the Marine Corps retained the most qualified Marines at levels not seen in over a decade. Additionally, these efforts contributed to the Marine Corps exceeding its authorized end strength requirement, which is a summation of recruiting and retention efforts.
     
    “This is a historic year for retention,” said Lieutenant General Michael J. Borgschulte, Deputy Commandant for Manpower & Reserve Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps.  “We continue to maintain our high standards and exceeded our end strength requirement through successful retention and recruiting efforts. Our retention success increased the health of our delayed entry program for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.”
     
    This year was historic for the Marine Corps because the Fiscal Year 2024 first-term reenlistment goal was the largest the service has seen in more than a decade. The Marine Corps not only attained 114% of its mission for first-term enlisted Marines but reenlisted over 5,700 subsequent-term Marines.
     
    This reflects the Marine Corps’ shift from its legacy, high turnover “recruit and replace” personnel model towards one characterized by a greater emphasis on “invest and retain” the most capable Marines. Recruiters continue to be responsible for recruiting the Nation’s best and brightest, while leaders across the Fleet Marine Force are charged with retaining the talented Marines already serving across the total force.
     
    “Retention directly enhances our service’s lethality,” said Borgschulte. “This year’s historic success in retaining the most highly qualified Marines is a ‘spike the football’ moment and is a testament to our engaged, people-focused leaders across the Marine Corps. Our continued success is evidence that our Marine Corps brand continues to resonate with the American public, that holding high standards matters, and that Marines want to stay on the winning team – The Marine Corps team!”
     
    Additional initiatives created more opportunities for Marines to ‘Stay Marine’ this year – from the Commandant’s Retention Program to lateral move opportunities in addition to selective retention bonuses for certain military occupational specialties. The Marine Corps doubled the number of Marines transitioning into the reserve component via the Direct Affiliation Program and tripled the number of prior-service Marines reentering the service. The various ways to ‘Stay Marine’ enhance the service’s readiness and warfighting capabilities.
     
    “Although this is a huge accomplishment, we have more work to do and cannot rest on our past successes. We must maintain the momentum into Fiscal Year 2025 and continue to prioritize our Marine Corps’ most valuable and lethal asset—its people,” said Borgschulte.

    For Fiscal Year 2025, the Marine Corps is already on track to exceed its Fiscal Year 2024 mission. This is largely due to the implementation of multi-year retention cohorts. Multi-year retention cohorts afford Marines the opportunity to reenlist prior to their end of contract fiscal year. These cohorts not only increase overall retention but give Marines and their families more predictability – which fuels the retention of talent.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Homecoming ceremony for former liberation fighters

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Government will receive the remains of 49 former liberation fighters who passed away in exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia this week.

    The remains are set to arrive at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria on 25 September 2024.

    “Following their arrival, the government will host an official homecoming ceremony on the 27th of September 2024 at Freedom Park, also in Pretoria, to mark the return of these liberation fighters to the country of their birth.

    “Thereafter, reburial ceremonies will be held in the provinces of their origin, ensuring they are laid to rest with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in a statement on Monday.

    The Exile Repatriation Program is guided by the National Policy of Repatriation and Restitution of Human Remains and Heritage Objects of 2021. This policy was adopted as part of South Africa’s broader commitment to ensuring that former liberation fighters who died in exile are returned home and buried with dignity.

    The repatriation process is being conducted in close collaboration with regional governments, historical experts, and local communities to guarantee a respectful and well-coordinated return.

    The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), through its legislative framework, the National Heritage Resources Act No 25 of 1999, (NHRA) protects and manage all sites associated South Africa’s rich liberation struggle and anti-colonial resistance history.

    According to GCIS, SAHRA’s Heritage Protection Unit receives submissions from all provinces, for serial nomination of sites for declaration as National Heritage Sites.

    “The selected sites are then graded and accorded a local, provincial and national status due a unique cultural and historical significance that bear footprints and pay homage to individuals, communities, events and places that collectively shaped the country ‘s struggle for freedom.

    “This heritage fosters unity across society and must be preserved and celebrated for future generations.

    “This initiative underscores South Africa’s continued dedication to recognizing the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle,” the statement said.

    In the past, repatriations were conducted on an ad-hoc basis and on individual basis, usually at the request of families to local authorities and provincial governments.

    However, said the GCIS, since the government has adopted an inclusive country-to-country repatriation model, which will be formally launched during the homecoming ceremony. This model aims to accelerate the repatriation process, beginning with countries that have high numbers of liberation fighter remains – Zimbabwe and Zambia.

    As South Africa commemorates 30 years of freedom and democracy, the government, led by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton Mackenzie will receive the remains at Waterkloof Airforce Base between 16:00 and 18:00.

    The homecoming ceremony will start at 10h00 on 27 September 2024.

    “South Africa remains forever indebted to the heroes of its liberation struggle, and this initiative represents a significant milestone in honoring their legacy and contribution to the 30 years of freedom and democracy milestone,” said GCIS. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    September 29, 2024
←Previous Page
1 … 411 412 413 414 415 … 420
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress