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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government introduces revised clubs and ranges rules

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Improving the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated will be the outcome of a Bill introduced today Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee says.

    “Cabinet has agreed to a package of reforms to amend Part 6 of the Arms Act 1983 which will enable simple and effective regulation of pistol and non-pistol shooting clubs and ranges.

    “As I have stated repeatedly clubs and ranges play an important public safety role in our communities. As well as providing places for people to learn how to safely operate firearms they also act as the eyes and ears of the firearms community.”

    “The changes introduced in 2020 went beyond what was necessary to ensure public safety. They jeopardised the ability for clubs and ranges to provide a safe environment for New Zealanders to learn, practise, and compete, and placed some ranges at risk of closing.

    The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill will: 

    • maintain the regulatory requirements for pistol clubs and ranges but streamline annual reporting requirements;
    • simplify the regulatory requirements for non-pistol clubs and ranges by replacing the approval and certification systems with a more effective enrolment system;
    • require non-pistol clubs to be incorporated only if they sell ammunition, unless all ammunition sold by the club is purchased for, and used, on the day of sale at the club range or event and is not taken off the premises;
    • support the operation of temporary non-pistol ranges to enable the holding of club events, as long as the Firearms Safety Authority is informed; and
    • provide certainty about when inspections for compliance can occur and clarify what can be removed when an inspection is conducted, to reduce the burden on operators.

    “The focused consultation undertaken by the Ministry of Justice provided valuable insights, and I am confident that the changes, once implemented, will deliver better public safety outcomes, while reducing unnecessary requirements to better support shooting clubs and ranges to comply.” 

    “Firearms reform is a priority for the Government and today’s announcement delivers on a commitment made in the National-ACT coalition agreement.”

    The Bill will have its first reading before being referred to select committee for at least four months, where all interested parties will have the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Missing man in Sham Shui Po located

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         A man who went missing in Sham Shui Po has been located.

         Tam Kwok-on, aged 53, went missing after he left his residence in Shek Kip Mei Estate on September 21 evening. His family made a report to Police on September 22.  

         The man was located on Waterloo Road, Kowloon City this morning (September 24). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI China: Permanent basic farmland inquiry platform opens to public

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

    Starting Monday, the public can access information online about the area and location of permanent basic farmland to confirm the nature of cultivated land and report illegal actions, such as any unauthorized changes to the nature of the permanent basic farmland, according to an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

    As the permanent basic farmland inquiry platform launches on Monday, the public can now easily access information about the permanent basic farmland through various channels such as the WeChat mini-program, the ministry’s official website, or its app, said Su Qiang, deputy director of the farmland protection supervision department of the ministry, at a news conference in Beijing.

    Citizens are encouraged to report to local county-level natural resources authority when discovering illegal or unauthorized occupation of permanent basic farmland via the platform. The ministry will guide relevant departments at all levels to verify and handle any suspected illegal activities reported by the public, according to Su.

    He added that the rollout of the platform marks the first time at the national level that permanent basic farmland inquiry services are being provided to the public via the internet. The scope of information available for inquiry follows the principle of maximum disclosure, although a small amount of data still requires further processing and refinement. The data will be updated and improved annually to achieve full coverage over time.

    “The rollout of the platform aims to strictly enforce the special protection system for permanent basic farmland, strengthen social supervision, ensure the public’s right to know and supervise, and firmly establish the responsibility for cultivated land protection at all levels,” Su said.

    Permanent basic farmland is high-quality arable land designated by law and plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security. No unit or individual is allowed to occupy or change its use without authorization, according to the Land Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Navy Bloodborne Infection Management Center Officer in Charge Maximizes Contributions of Service members Living with HIV and Viral Hepatitis

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    The Navy Bloodborne Infection Management Center (NBIMC) held a change of charge ceremony, at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Maryland, where Cmdr. Marshall Hoffman relieved Capt. Nimfa Teneza-Mora as Officer in Charge (OIC) Aug. 23, 2024.

    “The NBMIC provides leadership, expertise, and support for Navy Medical Readiness, developing policy for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C screenings for the department of the Navy,” said Capt. Marion Gregg, commander, Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command, and director, Defense Center for Public Health Portsmouth.

    “Under Capt. Tenza-Mora’s dedicated leadership, NBMIC has certainly done some amazing work helping operational forces with direct support from medical readiness in policy development related to HIV, hepatitis B and C, as well as other bloodborne pathogens.”

    During her tenure, Teneza-Mora, successfully conducted over two million precise screenings for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, while also securing a $45 million contract to support the Department of the Navy’s infectious disease testing over the next five years. NBIMC enhanced support for service members diagnosed with positive results by ensuring swift notification and seamless access to medical care and treatment, ultimately promoting their health, wellness, and rapid return to full duty.

    “I had a truly memorable 36 months as the OIC here at the NBMIC,” said Teneza-Mora. “I have had the opportunity to grow professionally in this position. We have experienced a good number of challenging situations here at the NBMIC, but our team here always responded appropriately.

    Teneza-Mora also provided expert guidance for revising a Defense Health Agency instruction, which addressed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at risk. She co-led a tri-service work group to expand PrEP use in the military health system by developing training for primary care providers and creating patient education materials. These efforts aimed to reduce HIV infection rates among service members and support the goal of ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.

    Additionally, Teneza-Mora oversaw the operational suitability screening of more than 207 service members with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, determining 172 to be fit for operational and overseas assignments. She directed the expansion of NBIMC’s HIV Management System, enhancing the tracking and support of service members with bloodborne infections. Her leadership fostered a culture of excellence and directly contributed to increasing service members’ deployability, aligning with Navy Medicine’s second line of effort to ensure Sailors and Marines are mission ready.

    “My experiences at this command will always shape my thoughts and my actions and I will always remember you all. I will remember your willingness, your friendship, and your comradery. Thank you all for your hard work, sacrifice, and duty. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you,” said Teneza-Mora in her closing statements to the command.

    Hoffman, the incoming officer in charge, shared his perspective as an internal medicine physician, having treated service members with HIV during his overseas assignments. “Modern HIV management allows individuals to live full, healthy lives, and I’m proud that the military supports this by enabling service members with HIV to serve their country to the fullest extent possible,” said Hoffman. “Although HIV remains a serious diagnosis, the dedicated NBIMC staff work diligently to ensure our Sailors and Marines with HIV are ready for operational and overseas assignments whenever possible.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Air Force Airmen exercise warfighter mindset in Southern Beach

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

    U.S Air Force Airmen conducted training operations during exercise Southern Beach, Sept. 17 – 20.

    Southern Beach enables U.S. forces to refine shared tactics, techniques and procedures to better integrate defense capabilities in support of regional security.

    “Our objective in this operation is to integrate our 4th and 5th generation platforms,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jonathan Greene, Southern Beach 24-3 project officer. “We want to measure the ability of our fighter squadrons to gain and maintain air superiority in a controlled environment.”

    F-22A Raptors assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron and 199th Fighters Squadrons, F-16CM Fighting Falcons assigned to the 179th Fighter Squadron, KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, an E-3 Sentry assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, and the 623rd Air Control Squadron, all participated in the exercise.

    This iteration of Southern Beach consisted of a Defensive Counter Air scenario, designed to detect, identify, intercept, and negate enemy forces attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace.

    Southern Beach provides the opportunity to practice employing airpower in a contested environment, promoting national sovereignty, and improving global safety and security.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Emory S. Land Departs HMAS Stirling Following Submarine Maintenance

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    HMAS STIRLING, Western Australia  –  

    The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) departed from HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, after a regularly scheduled port call, Sept. 14. HMAS Stirling was the seventh port call in Australia of Emory S. Land’s current deployment, which began May 17.

    Emory S. Land arrived at HMAS Stirling Aug. 16 with a mixed crew of active-duty and Reserve U.S. Navy Sailors, Royal Australian Navy sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners to conduct a submarine tended maintenance period (STMP) with Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776).

    “It was a great experience working with our Australian counterparts, expanding the sustainment options for U.S. SSNs while helping the Royal Australian Navy prepare for Submarine Rotational Force – West and eventually their own Virginia-class submarines,” said Capt. Brent Spillner, commanding officer of Emory S. Land. “We have a lot of very complementary aims and capabilities, and it was very rewarding to find new ways to support each other’s fleets.”

    The STMP marked a significant step toward Australia gaining the capability to operate, maintain, and support a fleet of sovereign conventionally armed SSNs, which is a central requirement in executing Pillar 1 of the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    During the STMP, Australian Sailors who have been attached to the submarine tender since January took the lead on conducting repairs aboard USS Hawaii. Emory S. Land also worked in conjunction with the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Support Unit-West at HMAS Stirling, which provides repair and maintenance services to the Australian fleet.

    “The work that we’ve done during the STMP is critical in demonstrating the tasks required to repair and sustain nuclear powered submarines,” said Cmdr. Calvin Hargadine, Emory S. Land’s repair officer. “The Royal Australian Navy sailors embedded with Emory S. Land were directly involved with each of the jobs accomplished during the availability, highlighting the interchangeability and proficiency of these sailors in conducting maintenance on these vessels. They became a part of our crew while they were here for over seven months and became family in a short amount of time. It is sad to see them go, but I know they’re going to be doing great things when they get back to their own fleet.”

    At the end of Emory S. Land’s port call, the Royal Australian Navy sailors bid farewell to their American counterparts and returned to their parent commands around Australia.

    “I think that the skillset that we learned and the experiences that we got will help the Royal Australian Navy in a number of ways,” said LEUT Joseph Melbin, the officer in charge of the Australian detachment aboard the submarine tender. “The biggest one is not necessarily on the technical front, but more so on the social front in terms of the connections we’ve made with the crew aboard as well as the differences that we learned from each other in the engineering systems that we use.”

    For the STMP, Melbin assumed the position as the ship’s production maintenance assistant, a vital role tasked with coordinating and communicating all major repairs performed on the submarine.

    “The Fleet Support Unit is very, very good at what they do, and it was a pleasure to work with them throughout this exchange program,” said Spillner. “LEUT Melbin and his team really took the reins and made the STMP a success, performing just as well as USN personnel who’ve been doing this work far longer. There’s already a high degree of trust and interchangeability between our navies, and I’m sure we’ll only draw closer in the future. It really is exciting to have such capable and energetic partners and to be able to more rapidly exchange new technologies and best practices with each other.”

    While with Emory S. Land, Royal Australian Navy sailors were trained within the repair department of the ship, working in varying divisions such as the hull maintenance division, electrical repair division and the ship’s mechanical repair division.

    Royal Australian Navy Able Seaman Marine Technician April Franklin commented on the goal of working side-by-side with her U.S. counterparts stating, “The main mission overall was to get as many skills and integrate as best as we could with the Emory S. Land Sailors and adapt as much as we could, and I think we’ve definitely done that. I think we went above and beyond, and exceeded.”

    Also embedded with the crew of the submarine tender were U.S. Navy Reservists. For this portion of the deployment, 66 Reservists activated and mobilized to HMAS Stirling to assist with repairs and ship husbandry.

    “I joined the Navy for a sense of service and to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Bryan Overton, one of the Reservists. “The best part of active duty was experiencing the submarine community and the camaraderie the community offers.”

    While the STMP was a pivotal part of the port call, Sailors were also able to strengthen cultural ties with the Australian public by participating in community relation events (COMREL) such as volunteering at the food bank, cleaning enclosures at a zoo, and playing sports with local organizations in order to foster collaboration and understanding between the U.S. Navy and local communities.

    “I took part in two Ronald McDonald House COMRELs, helping out by cooking in the kitchen,” said Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Sean Reese. “It is a good feeling to know that I was there to make a difference for the local kids and families in Australia. That is an experience worth doing every time.”

    While moored at HMAS Stirling, Emory S. Land also hosted a series of tours to a wide range of guests, including Prime Minister Albanese, several other cabinet members, senior military leaders including Acting Undersecretary of the U.S. Navy Thomas Mancinelli, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, and Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency Vice Adm. Jonathan Mead, as well as a wide range of international diplomats, state and local government officials, business leaders, academics, civic groups, and media.

    “I am very proud to be able to show our medical capabilities during tours, because when people think of military medicine, they think of medics, who are more specialized, whereas Corpsmen, we can bounce back and forth between many specialties,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Oriana Winebrinner. “Showing people that we have the capabilities and training onboard to save lives was an incredibly proud moment.”

    During the previous five months, Emory S. Land conducted scheduled port calls in Darwin, Cairns, Sydney, Eden, Melbourne, and Adelaide. The ship’s Sailors had the opportunity to volunteer in the community, host tours, and repair allied nations’ ships in these cities. Emory S. Land is on deployment supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, operating with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Emory S. Land provides expeditionary intermediate-level maintenance, services, and logistics support to deployed submarines.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: NHRC Extreme Weather Research Features on NPR Podcast

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    SAN DIEGO – Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) was featured in the latest episode of National Public Radio’s (NPR) Marketplace podcast series, “How We Survive,” released on September 11.

    The series, which focuses on climate change, featured interviews with command staff on NHRC’s research efforts with warfighter readiness in extreme weather conditions.

    Podcast host, Kai Ryssdal, a former Navy pilot, visited NHRC’s Warfighter Performance Lab in April, where he worked with Dr. Doug Jones and his thermal physiology team to understand how the lab conducts physiological and cognitive studies on Marines to optimize their performance and increase their resilience in extreme weather conditions.


    “We know that heat stress and cold stress undermine warfighter performance, and therefore their readiness” Jones explained on the podcast episode, “We do research to figure out what can we do about that, how we can prevent it, and if it’s occurring, how can we mitigate it? How can we prepare our warfighters for these types of environments?”

    The episode of “How We Survive” featuring NHRC, titled “The Changing Threat,” is the first episode of the series’ sixth season.

    NHRC’s mission is to optimize military operational readiness through research on warfighter, veteran and family health. NHRC supports military mission readiness with research and development that delivers solutions to the health and readiness challenges our military population faces on the battlefield, at sea, abroad and at home. NHRC’s team of scientists and researchers consists of active-duty service members, federal civil service employees and contractors, whose expertise includes physiology, microbiology, psychology, epidemiology and biomedical engineering.

    Story originally posted on DVIDS: NHRC Extreme Weather Research Features on NPR Podcast 

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: NMRC Leadership Provides Guidance on Marine Health to the Health Services Operational Advisory Group

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    BETHESDA, Md. – Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) leadership and staff attended a meeting of the Health Services Operational Advisory Group (HSOAG) on September 11.

    The meeting, which occurred over four days from September 9-12, brought together subject matter experts, leadership, and stakeholders to discuss the state of Marine healthcare and the organizational structures that support it.

    NMRC staff presented ongoing research and development work to other HSOAG attendees. Capt. Franca Jones, NMRC commander, spoke to the assembled stakeholders on the role of Research and Development in Marine health.

    “The Health Services OAG is an opportunity for Navy Medicine leaders who support the Fleet Marine Force to come together and, aligning with the Commandant’s guidance, focus on shaping the future of operational health service support,” said Rear Adm. Pam Miller, The Medical Officer (TMO) of the Marine Corps. “Research and development are critical for the Marine Corps to keep pace with the rapidly changing field of military medicine.”

    In between sessions, HSOAG members engaged with NMRC researchers during a meet-and-greet session, with research posters and a display on the command’s advanced medical development program. Posters on display showed recent research projects and capabilities in the areas of blast exposure; biological defense; vaccines and therapeutics; infectious diseases and NMRC’s diagnostic laboratory; and current clinical trials, all of which support Marine health and readiness.

    “NMRC’s participation in the Health Services Operational Advisory Group is a critical conduit for bilateral communications and collaborations to align Navy Medicine research and development efforts to address the medical capability gaps and requirements of the US Marine Corps,” said Cmdr. Mark Simons, NMRC’s deputy science director.

    Marine Corps Health Services, led by TMO, advises the Commandant and Marines Headquarters staff on all healthcare matters. TMO serves as the functional expert in working with the appropriate Headquarters agencies for determining medical requirements and makes recommendations on all medical matters relevant to supporting the Marine Corps.

    In support of the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighters, NMRC researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Drug and firearm arrest in western suburbs

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man was arrested late last week for drug and firearm offences.

    On Friday 20 September, members of Serious and Organised Crime Branch attended a Rosewater address where they located drugs and firearms.

    A search of the address located approximately 7kg of methamphetamine, a trafficable quantity of cocaine, MDMA and GHB.  Two firearms were also located and seized.

    A 33-year-old man from the address was arrested and charged with four counts of trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, two counts of possessing a firearm without a licence, two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm and breach of bail.

    The man appeared in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 23 September where he was remanded in custody to reappear in court on 5 December.

    Detective Superintendent Shane Addison, Officer in Charge of Serious and Organised Crime Branch said, “This is another significant drug seizure by organised crime detectives which has prevented supply of these harmful drugs to South Australians and illegal profits being netted by drug traffickers.  Our resolve to actively disrupt the trafficking of illicit drug is clear and will be sustained.”

    MIL OSI News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll
    Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll
    *************************************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) today (September 24) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent SMS message purportedly issued by the HKeToll. The SMS message spoofed the name “HKeToll” and provided a hyperlink with the domain name (https://t.ly/[.]QpBjt) that leads to a fake HKeToll website, which seeks to deceive recipients into making payments and obtain their credit card information.     The TD clarifies that the SMS message was not issued by the HKeToll and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. Members of the public are reminded that the HKeToll will not send SMS messages or emails to vehicle owners with hyperlinks that direct them to websites to carry out transactions. If a vehicle owner wishes to pay an outstanding toll online, they must log in to the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app.     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving unidentified messages. They should not visit suspicious websites and disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries about the HKeToll, please call 3853 7333.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 11:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tougher sentences to improve transport safety

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers as part of its plan to restore law and order, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced. 

    “In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in abuse and attacks on public transport workers. We want to send a strong message that any attacks on bus drivers, taxi drivers, and anyone working on a public transport train or ferry will not be tolerated,” Mr Goldsmith says.   

    “Building on the Government’s sentencing reforms package, this change will help ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029 and reducing serious repeat youth offending by 15 percent.” 

    “All those working on public transport deserve to feel safe while delivering an important service to their communities. These hardworking New Zealanders often work alone with little to separate them from their passengers,” Mr Brown says. 

    “Our Government is responding to these terrible incidents by introducing tougher consequences for those who engage in this cowardly behaviour.” 

    The Government is investing $15 million through Budget 2024 to deliver practical improvements to bus driver safety and working environments.  

    “Attacks on bus drivers and passengers have become far too common as New Zealand has faced an unprecedented crime wave. Industry has been calling for better, safer work environments for bus drivers, and our Government is delivering.  

    “Local authorities will soon be able to apply for funding for safety improvements, including retrofitted safety screens and real-time CCTV monitoring. Funding will also be made available to provide better restroom and break facilities for drivers.  

    “It is important we have the bus drivers required to deliver efficient and reliable public transport services so Kiwis can get to where they want to go, quickly and safely. These practical improvements are critical to improving working conditions so we can recruit and retain drivers,” Mr Brown says. 

    The Government is working with the public transport sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety.  

    “Following a horrific attack on a young student travelling on a bus in July, I asked officials to look at what can be done to ensure greater safeguards for passengers and drivers on buses while the Government continues to restore law and order. 

    “Each bus operator is currently responsible for setting its own procedures for responding to attacks or altercations onboard. As a result, inconsistent processes are plaguing the system within the same city, let alone across the country, ultimately putting passengers and hardworking bus drivers at risk.  

    “Our Government is working with the sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety and responding to incidents to ensure greater consistency and to improve bus safety,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Gun lobby bill removes regulation at ranges

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Gun lobbyist Nicole McKee and her conflict of interest has struck again, this time removing safety regulations from shooting clubs and ranges in New Zealand.

    “The lessons of New Zealand’s worst terror attack have been forgotten as the Government tries to wind back the gun control laws put in place after the attack on worshippers in Christchurch mosques in 2019,” Labour firearms spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill creates multiple loopholes for gang members and extremists – like the Christchurch terrorist – to exploit. Minister Nicole McKee talks about being a safety expert but is removing safety requirements from shooting clubs and ranges.  

    “Ammunition is a form of currency among criminals and this bill could increase the supply of ammunition and allow unsupervised shooting at ranges by people without licenses. The Minister needs to be clear about what checks and balances are in place to prevent this.   

    “The changes also create a frightening precedent for landowners who might find ‘pop-up’ rifle shooting ranges over their back fence. The bill risks the ability of the Police or the firearms regulator to enforce any safety oversight or even inspect the facilities. The Wild West is coming to a backyard near you.

    “The cherry on top for Nicole McKee and the gun lobby is the power grab under the section titled ‘other matters’ which removes powers currently held by Police.

    “Her justification for the bill seems to be that the previous changes went too far, and that some shooting clubs or ranges are at risk of closing. However, her Cabinet paper provides no evidence of this risk,” Ginny Andersen said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: Costly defamation action looms large over Australian newsrooms. It’s diminishing press freedom

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    Shutterstock

    This piece is the final of a three part series on Australia’s defamation laws. You can read the other pieces here and here.

    Defamation laws exist to strike a balance between press freedom and the protection of people’s reputations from wrongful harm. In Australia, this balance has always been loaded against press freedom.

    This is due partly to the way the defamation laws have been framed and partly by the way the courts have interpreted them.

    Courts examine matters of journalism in the same way they examine matters of law: forensically, with strict rules and high standards of evidence and proof.

    While we rightly expect ethical and honest reporting from our media, even the best can prove insufficient under the piercing gaze of defamation law. And in a time when media companies are more cash-strapped than ever, this has a chilling effect on the stories that get told and press freedom more broadly.

    Ethics vs the law

    Until 2006, each Australian jurisdiction had its own defamation laws. This created a nightmare of complexity for publishers, especially of newspapers and broadcasts that crossed state boundaries, which meant all the main media organisations.

    They had to take into account the risks posed by litigation in the jurisdiction least favourable to press freedom.

    For many decades, that was New South Wales. It was one of the states where truth alone was not a sufficient defence; there also had to be a public interest in the material. In some other jurisdictions this was called public benefit.



    Read more:
    With all these defamation lawsuits, what ever happened to free speech?

    This was a major burden on press freedom and it was removed by the introduction of uniform defamation laws in 2006.

    Since then, it has been enough for publishers to prove the substantial truth of the meanings conveyed in an article in order for the defence of truth to succeed.

    It may sound straightforward, but proving substantial truth requires producing admissible evidence strong enough to satisfy the civil standard of proof: on the balance of probabilities. That usually means having documents and witnesses who are willing to be identified.

    If, as is often the case, the article has drawn on evidence from a confidential source, the publisher is unable to put that source in the witness box because to do so would breach the media’s fundamental ethical obligation to protect the identity of confidential sources.

    So unless the source is prepared in advance to be identified should the matter come to court, a story relying significantly on that person’s testimony may not see the light of day unless some other defence is available.

    In 2021, those defences were expanded, although quite how significant that expansion turns out to be remains to be seen.

    What appears on paper to be the most significant change was the introduction of a general public interest defence. This says that if publication of a story is in the public interest, and the publisher has a reasonable belief that it is, then publication can be defended on that ground.

    There has been only one major test of that new defence, and it went against the media.

    That case showed “reasonable belief” depended on the journalism being sound. In this case, the court found that the defendant, which was the ABC, had relied on shaky testimony that had not been sufficiently verified and had not given the subject of the story a fair opportunity to respond.

    At odds with practicalities

    This brings us to the question of how the courts interpret the law.

    One of the big disappointments in this respect has been the way the courts have interpreted what, at the time, was hoped to be a significant addition to Australia’s threadbare free-speech jurisprudence.

    In a case brought against the ABC by a late prime minister of New Zealand, David Lange, the High Court established the principle that freedom of speech on matters of government and politics trumped a person’s case for protection for their reputation.

    If a person wanted to sue for defamation, they had to do so in a way that did not burden freedom of speech on matters of government and politics.



    Read more:
    Politicians know defamation laws can silence women, but they won’t do anything about it

    However, the High Court attached a test of reasonableness to this freedom. In several ways, it’s similar to the “reasonable belief” test in the new public interest defence.

    Unfortunately, successive courts have applied the Lange reasonableness test in ways that are so strict they require journalists to meet standards demanding more powers of investigation than they possess or to exceed the usual journalistic standards of verification. Journalists can’t subpoena documents or compel people to speak to them.

    The result is that this defence has become more or less a dead letter for journalistic purposes.

    Is a story worth the cost?

    Those accused of defamation can also defend it by saying it was comment or honest opinion. The first requirement of this defence is that the material be a comment and not a statement of fact.

    But courts have interpreted this in different ways.

    This uncertainty was illustrated by a famous case that became known as “Leo the Lobster”. A restaurant and restaurateur in Sydney successfully sued the Sydney Morning Herald over a review of a lobster dinner written by one Leo Schofield.

    Schofield, who was a colourful writer, said the lobster had been overcooked:

    the carbonized claws contained only a kind of white powder which might have been albino walrus.

    Despite the amusing language, the court interpreted that as a literal factual description, not a statement of opinion.

    Courts have a limited sense of humour, which makes satirical writing a chancy business, since the sharper the satire, the closer it is to literal truth.

    Cartoons, which are satirical by definition, have more leeway but are not immune to defamation suits.

    Then there’s the costs of defamation, particularly for media outlets. They’ve become exorbitant.

    It has been estimated that the costs involved in the case brought by Ben Roberts-Smith against The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times amounted to about $25 million. The newspapers won, although the matter has gone to appeal.

    But even if the verdict is upheld, experience shows it is unlikely they will recoup anything like their full costs.

    At a time when all major news media organisations are under acute financial pressure because of the inroads the internet has made on their revenue, there is a strong temptation not to risk publishing material the public has a right to know because of the financial impact an action for defamation would have.

    Denis Muller does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Costly defamation action looms large over Australian newsrooms. It’s diminishing press freedom – https://theconversation.com/costly-defamation-action-looms-large-over-australian-newsrooms-its-diminishing-press-freedom-238072

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tillis Discusses State Travel, Bipartisanship on Spectrum News’ In Focus with Loretta Boniti

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently appeared on Spectrum News’ In Focus with Loretta Boniti to discuss his state travel and recent bipartisan legislative achievements, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and theBipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation that Senator Tillis helped write, negotiate, and pass into law.
    Watch the full interview HERE.

    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:
    “We are approaching $13 billion coming to North Carolina. I was just in Wilmington yesterday, where we were celebrating a $250 million grant, about half of what it’s going to take to upfit the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and a $100 million grant for the Alligator River Bridge. Every county in the state is benefitting from this bill. This bill includes a billion dollars in connectivity for broadband, and it’s proving to have the impact that I thought it would. That’s why I was willing to take the hits to get it done.”
    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:
    “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the single largest investment in mental health in the history of this country… I’m working very hard to make sure that everyone understands a full implementation of this bill is transformational. And I think North Carolina is on pace to be one of the most successful states to implement it. It’s coming at a perfect time. We are making progress on a challenge that still exists, and it’s the stigma of mental health.” 
    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisanship:
    “The reason why being bipartisan is so difficult today is that people can spread what I think are blatant lies in some cases about what we are trying to accomplish, and it causes people to be very careful and not take risks. I think that the American people suffer when we do that. We’re in D.C. to make changes, we’re not up there to get re-elected.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bicameral Statement of Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism on Release of 2023 FBI Hate Crime Statistics Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes Increased By Nearly 63 Percent, Reaching Highest Level In Decades
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), and Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, respectively, released the following statement in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2023 Hate Crime Statistics Report. The FBI data shows anti-Jewish hate crimes increased in 2023 by nearly 63 percent from 2022, which is the highest number recorded in almost three decades.
    “We are deeply alarmed by the dramatic increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans over the past year, as noted in the FBI’s 2023 Hate Crimes Statistics Report,” said the members. “With antisemitism skyrocketing across the United States following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, a whole-of-government approach is needed to protect Jewish communities from violence and hate.”
    Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose from 1,122 to 1,832 incidents from 2022 to 2023. According to the FBI, a total of 16,009 law enforcement agencies, which represent 95.2 percent of the agencies enrolled in the hate crime data collection program, participated in hate crimes reporting for 2023.
    They continued: “As the co-chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, we remain steadfast in our commitment to root out the scourge of antisemitism. We’ll continue working across party lines to ensure the federal government keeps Jewish Americans safe from discrimination.”
    Jewish Americans make up around two percent of the U.S. population, yet antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 15.4 percent of all hate crimes reported by the FBI. Anti-Jewish incidents comprised a little over two-thirds of all religion-based hate crimes. 
    As co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Countering Antisemitism, Senator Rosen has been leading the fight against rising antisemitism. Senator Rosen, along with the co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces, introduced a bipartisan bill to take historic action to counter antisemitism in the United States by establishing a first-ever National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism. In May, Senators Rosen and Lankford sent a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Education to designate a senior official to oversee efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. They also called on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to hold a full hearing on rising antisemitism on college campuses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash in the CBD

    Source: South Australia Police

    A woman has died following a crash in the city last week.

    Just after 12.15pm on Friday 20 September police were called to the intersection of South Terrace and Sir Lewis Cohen Avenue following reports of a crash between a Nissan Micra and a Ford Territory.

    The 93-year-old female driver of the Nissan was taken to hospital for treatment of her injuries, sadly today (Tuesday 24 September) she died in hospital.

    The occupant and passenger of the Ford were not injured.

    Major Crash Investigators are appealing to the public if they witnessed the crash or have dashcam footage and have not spoken to police to please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    The woman’s death is the 61st life lost on SA roads this year.

    MIL OSI News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rai Valley crash: Police seek public’s help

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Dashcam video and witnesses are being sought by Police investigating a serious motorcycle crash in Rai Valley, Tasman, on Saturday.

    The crash, involving one rider, happened about 4.50pm on State Highway 6 at Whangamoa.

    The rider suffered critical injuries after falling while navigating a curve. They were part of a group of about six motorcyclists.

    The victim remains in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

    Police would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who has dashcam footage of the crash, or the moments before it.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 240922/5105.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – 2024 Port Hills Fire Investigation Report

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    A fire investigation report into the Port Hills fire, which started on 14 February 2024, has located a specific origin area on private property but the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
    District Commander Dave Stackhouse says, “Investigators were unable to identify a specific ignition source. As the cause of the fire cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty, it is classified as undetermined. However, if further information becomes available, the investigation will be reopened.”
    Dave Stackhouse says an examination of the scene identified a specific origin area of approximately five square metres, on private property about 50 metres off the side of Worsleys Road.
    “The owner of the property where the fire originated cooperated with the investigation and advised that there had been no activity or equipment used on the day the fire started,” Dave Stackhouse says.
    “Our legal advice is that, due to privacy reasons, Fire and Emergency is unable to release the specific origin area of the fire because it is on private property,” he says.
    “We acknowledge this may be disappointing for all those who were affected by the Port Hills fire in February and were hoping for answers,” the District Commander says.
    “Our investigation into the cause of the fire included three experienced wildfire investigators working alongside the New Zealand Police and who arrived in Christchurch the day after the fire started.
    “They interviewed three witnesses who were in the vicinity of the fire when it started and were the first to report the fire to 111. They assessed photos and videos of the early stages of the fire which were sent in by the public or captured on CCTV,” he says.
    “In the lead up to the fire, Canterbury was experiencing a warm, dry summer, combined with dry vegetation across the District. These conditions assisted in the ignition and spread of the fire.”
    Dave Stackhouse says that while the cause of the fire is undetermined, significant incidents like this one are a strong reminder that everyone should take steps to protect themselves from wildfire.
    “Now is the time to prepare for the fire season. We encourage the community to develop an emergency plan, this should include a plan for pets and livestock,” he says.
    “We also recommend that property owners take action to create a defensible space around their properties, remove unwanted vegetation and leaves and use low flammability plants to assist with creating a green fire break around properties.”
    People can find out more information about protecting themselves from wildfires on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website and at Checkitsalright.co.nz.
    “Fire and Emergency extends its thanks to the many volunteers and staff who worked long hours to contain and extinguish the Port Hills fire.
    “We also want to acknowledge and thank partner agencies for their support throughout the response and the Port Hills residents and Christchurch community for their cooperation.
    “We would also like to thank everyone who contributed to our investigation through sending in photos and videos of the fire during the incident,” Dave Stackhouse says.
    A copy of the fire investigation report will also be available on Fire and Emergency’s website from 1pm on Tuesday 24 September 2024.
    Background
    Just after 2pm on 14 February 2024, Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a vegetation fire near Worsleys Road on the Christchurch Port Hills. The fire burnt through approximately 650 hectares and destroyed a residential structure and various infrastructure, including causing some damage to the Christchurch Adventure Park.
    The fire burnt across the Port Hills for three weeks and involved firefighters from across Canterbury, multiple aircraft and ground machinery, a large number of support and incident management personnel, and Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU to host first international student cybercriminology festival CrimeLab Fest-2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    On September 27-28, the first international student cybercriminology festival CrimeLab Fest-2024 will be held at NSU. The event will involve 9 student teams: 8 of them represent Russian cities such as Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Krasnoyarsk and Krasnodar, and one combined team, which will include students from Harbin (China). Using cyber simulators, they will compete in investigating simulated situations. The students’ results will be assessed by an authoritative jury, which will include leading Russian experts in the field of forensics. The festival will also include lectures and a round table, where experts and students will discuss the prospects and future of the profession.

    — Several years ago, educational institutions began to request the introduction of modern products at the intersection of IT and forensics into the educational process. This is how the idea of creating cyber simulators appeared, which are based on the idea of a computer game, a quest, but at the same time they incorporate the entire arsenal of forensic tools for investigation, evidence collection, verification of versions, etc. That is, they allow you to simulate the situation of investigating certain types of crimes in a game form. At the moment, 10 such simulators have been developed. Our festival will be the first platform where we will test these simulators in action, — said the head of the CrimeLab project, Doctor of Law, Professor of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Forensics of NSU Roman Borovskikh.

    The simulators were created by a team of developers from the ANO “Digital Educational Technologies”, which includes NSU graduates. Each simulator simulates the investigation of individual types of crimes, including bribery, murder, fraud, robbery, etc. The user of the simulator has the opportunity to choose not only the type of crime, but also the location. In the future, it is planned to introduce this tool into the educational process and make it part of the curriculum.

    According to Roman Borovskikh, “our task now is to test how this tool works, what the impressions and feedback from students will be, and to understand how these electronic educational tools need to be improved in order to use them in real educational practice.”

    The festival will feature student teams, 3 of which are from out of town, representing Altai State University, Kuban State University and Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University. Also, one team is international, it is formed by students of Heilongjiang University and NSU. During the competition, the guys will have to demonstrate their knowledge and skills at all stages of the investigation, such as collecting evidence, checking versions, etc., using correct forensic methods, using simulators.

    The teams’ work will be assessed by an expert jury chaired by Igor Mikhailovich Komarov, Doctor of Law, Professor, Head of the Forensic Science Department at Moscow State University. The jury also includes leading Russian forensic scientists. Among them are Lev Vladimirovich Bertovsky, Doctor of Law, Professor, Director of the Institute of High-Tech Law, Social and Humanitarian Sciences at the Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology. As well as practicing forensic scientists, led by Colonel of Justice Vitaly Vitalyevich Brytkov, Head of the Forensic Support Department for the Siberian Federal District (based in Novosibirsk) of the Forensic Support Directorate for Investigations in the Federal Districts of the Main Forensic Science Directorate (Forensic Center) of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation.

    On the second day of the festival, there will be an off-site session, during which experts will give original lectures on new methods and the future of the profession, and a student round table will also take place.

    The festival is organized by NSU, Institute of Philosophy and Law of NSU And Student CenterNSU initiatives. The project partners are the Department of Forensic Support of Investigations for the Siberian Federal District, the ANO Digital Educational Technologies, and the federal project CrimeLab.

    More detailed information about the festival.

    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://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/education/nsu-will-host-the-first-international-student-festival-cyberforensics-crimelab-fest-2024/

    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 Asia-Pac: Public alerted to fake SMS message

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport Department today alerted the public to a fraudulent SMS message purportedly issued by HKeToll.

    The message includes a hyperlink leading to a fake website that seeks to deceive recipients into making payments and submitting their credit card information.

    Besides referring the case to Police for investigation, the department iterated that the HKeToll system does not send SMS messages or emails to vehicle owners with hyperlinks directed them to websites to carry out transactions.

    Vehicle owners wishing to pay an outstanding toll online must log in to the HKeToll website or mobile app.

    The department said the public should stay alert when receiving messages from unidentified recipients. For enquiries about HKeToll, call 3853 7333.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Carson, Jayapal, Schakowsky Introduce UNRWA Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andre Carson (7th District of INDIANA)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Representative André Carson (IN-07) has introduced H.R. 9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA).

    The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of this year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.

    Following the UN’s investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.  Approximately 1.9 million people – 9 in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, and an estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable. It is estimated that over 1 million Gazans will not have enough food this month, and availability of basic hygiene items has dropped to 15%. In addition to a polio outbreak, Gazans are suffering from malnutrition and treatable diseases due to “systematic dismantling of healthcare”from bombardments on civilians.

    “The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance.  It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

    “UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees for decades. Their on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensure that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment in Gaza,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding.”

    “For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians, providing food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. Today, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza as it endures ongoing war and a dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding in January and our allies have all resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

    “J Street is proud to be supporting the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Carson, Jayapal, and Schakowsky. We should restore funding, as all our major allies have, and stop playing politics with Palestinian welfare and Israel’s security,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As UNRWA’s largest donor and Israel’s key security guarantor, the United States has a special obligation to address this crisis.”

    “Gaza isn’t starving. It’s being starved,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “Over two million Palestinian civilians are enduring a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading due to blocked aid access. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Congress continue to withhold all U.S. funding for the largest aid operation in Gaza—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that millions receive desperately needed assistance. Blocking U.S. funding for UNRWA’s critical work is a cruel and unjustified decision that only deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering. Congress and the Administration must act swiftly to correct this wrong by supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act and restoring this urgently needed aid.”

    “Restoring funding to UNRWA is a humanitarian imperative,” said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “For over six decades, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of UNRWA, which provides lifesaving aid and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Those services are desperately needed in Gaza right now, and UNRWA is the only organization with the capacity and expertise necessary to provide them at scale. The United States must uphold its commitment to the human rights of the Palestinian people and pass this legislation to reinstate funding to the humanitarian agency immediately. Failing to do so would lead to further human suffering.”

    “In restoring funding for food, water, shelter, and medical care for Palestine refugees, the UNRWA Restoration Act honors this most basic and inalienable truth — that the people of Palestine are human beings, just like all of us, and all lives are sacred, not just some,” said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director UNRWA USA.

    “UNRWA is indispensable to providing Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria with the education, healthcare, and other critical services that are key to successful, productive livelihoods and citizenry, and a future of peace and prosperity, which should be in everyone’s interests. We support full restoration of funding to UNRWA,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.

    “We express our gratitude to Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky for introducing the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024,” said James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. “This lifesaving legislation aims to restore critical U.S. financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by repealing previous funding restrictions and encouraging the Secretary of State to lift the temporary pause on federal funding. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in increased displacement, starvation, and death. It is both inhumane and unconscionable to continue withholding financial support from UNRWA. We recognize that the majority of Americans are horrified by the death and destruction they witness daily in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA’s humanitarian aid and services often mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable populations. Restoring U.S. funding to UNRWA is urgent, just, and the only morally responsible option. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this crucial legislation and ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region.”

    The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 has been endorsed by the following organizations as of 9/19/24: 

    18 Million Rising
    Action Against Hunger
    Action Corps
    ActionAid USA
    AFSC, American Friends Service Committee
    American Baptist Churches USA
    American Friends of Combatants for Peace
    American Friends Service Committee
    American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
    Americans for Justice in Palestine Action
    Americans for Peace Now
    Anera
    Avaaz
    Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)
    Carolina Peace Center
    Center for American Progress
    Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
    Center for Constitutional Rights
    Center for Gender & Refugee Studies
    Center for International Policy
    Center for Jewish Nonviolence
    Center for Security, Race and Rights
    Center for Victims of Torture
    Charity&Security Network
    Christian Aid
    Church World Service
    Climate Refugees
    Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
    CODEPINK
    CommonDefense.us
    Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces
    Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
    Danish Refugee Council
    DAWN
    Demand Progress
    Doctors Against Genocide
    Emgage Action
    FCNL
    Foreign Policy for America
    Friends of Sabeel North America
    Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ
    Health Advocacy International
    Hindus for Human Rights
    Historians for Peace and Democrcy
    Human Rights First
    Human Rights First
    Humanity & Inclusion
    IfNotNow Movement
    International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)
    International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
    International Rescue Committee
    Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
    J Street
    Jewish Voice for Peace Action
    KinderUSA
    MADRE
    Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
    Middle East Children’s Alliance
    Middle East Democracy Center (MEDC)
    Migrant Roots Media
    MoveOn
    MPower Change Action Fund
    Muslim Advocates
    National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
    National Council of Churches
    National Iranian American Council Action
    National Partnership for New Americans
    Nonviolent Peaceforce
    Norwegian Peoples aid
    Norwegian Refugee Council USA
    Oxfam
    Partners for Progressive Israel
    Pax Christi USA
    Peace Action
    People’s Action
    Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Public Witness
    Progressive Democrats of America
    Project HOPE
    Project South
    Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
    Rebuilding Alliance
    Refugee Congress
    Refugees International
    ReThinking Foreign Policy
    RootsAction.org
    Save the Children US
    Save the Children US
    Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team
    Terre des hommes – Lausanne
    The Episcopal Church
    The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP)
    The United Church of Christ
    UNRWA USA National Committee
    US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action (USCPR Action)
    Veterans For Peace, Chapter #63 (Albuquerque)
    War Child Alliance
    We Are All America (WAAA)
    Welcoming America
    Win Without War
    Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US
    Working Families Party
    Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation
    ACCESS of WNY
    Al Otro Lado (CA and Tijuana)
    Atlanta Multifaith Coalition for Palestine
    CAIR-Ohio
    Christian Jewish Allies for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine
    Church Women United in New York State
    Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York chapter (CAIR-NY)
    Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Washington DC
    Jewish Voice for Peace Albuquerque
    Minnesota Peace Project
    Muslim Justice League (MA)
    New York Progressive Action Network
    Oasis Legal Services (CA)
    OnceAForest.org (NM)
    Peace Action WI
    Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!
    Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) Bay Area
    Veterans For Peace – Santa Fe NM Chapter
    Muslims United PAC (MUPAC)

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise on Violent Democrat Rhetoric: Enough is Enough

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), and Congressman Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) to discuss the impact – which he has experienced personally – of dangerous rhetoric from the Left that has led to now multiple attempts on President Trump’s life. Leader Scalise pointed to specific quotes of Democrat leaders whose words have been used by unhinged people as calls to engage in political violence. Leader Scalise also highlighted legislation on the House floor this week that would provide the same amount of Secret Service for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as that of a sitting president.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 

    On House Republicans’ legislation to combat violence against women by illegal aliens:

    “Before I talk about that, we have a very busy agenda on the floor this week, and Speaker [Johnson] will talk about some of that, especially the CR with SAVE Act. But today, one of the other bills we’re going to be voting on is a bill that says, if someone is here illegally and they assault a woman – we’ve seen people come here illegally and murder women. That seems like the only time where some of these woke prosecutors will actually arrest the illegal. But there’s so many other horrible things being done to women by illegals. The bill says if they assault a woman in any kind of way, it’s a deportable offense. Now, I’m curious to see how this vote is going to be. Everybody on the House floor should vote for that bill. But if any Democrat dare vote against it, they’re going to have to explain to people back home who are watching this be carried out in every community in America why they would rather stand with illegals than women in their own districts that they represent. That’s going to be today.”

    On protecting Americans workers from woke policy:

    “Tomorrow, we’re going to continue moving forward on our agenda, continue going after wokeness, continue to stand up for families who are struggling. And then Friday, we’re going to be bringing a few bills. One, CRA on tailpipes. Kamala Harris has always been for eliminating the combustion engine and mandating EVs. Her values haven’t changed. That’s what she’s been for her whole life. It’s crushed thousands of jobs in states like Michigan. So [Congressman] John James from Michigan, who has seen the devastation of these horrible policies coming out of the Biden-Harris administration, is bringing a bill to reverse that, to end that mandate on the tailpipe emission, which was designed to kill the combustion engine, fossil fuel cars, in exchange for mandating EVs. People don’t even want to buy the EV cars. The batteries are made in China, and yet they continue their drumbeat. So we’re going to stand up for American workers Friday in that vote.”

    On strengthening the Secret Service: 

    “But one of the last votes we’re going to have, this is what I really want to talk about, is a bill by [Congressman] Mike Lawler that will ensure that both nominees for president, not just Donald Trump, also Kamala Harris, get the same level of Secret Service protection as the president of the United States. As has been talked about by so many already, it’s unacceptable that now we’re at two assassination attempts on President Trump. And luck cannot be a strategy by the Secret Service to have stopped these attempts. He came within inches, as we all know, on the first assassination attempt where shots actually rang out. If not for the advanced Secret Service agent seeing that muzzle just barely coming through a chainlink fence, we may have been talking about something very different right now. Luck cannot be a strategy. Clearly, I think there’s divine intervention. I know Speaker [Johnson] has said that, too. But at the same time, the Secret Service has to do better. Keep in mind, as we talk about adding this extra protection, every year since 2017, Congress has added more money to the Secret Service’s budget than they even requested in their budget.

    “And so it’s not an issue of money. What they’re doing with the money we’ve had a lot of serious questions about before the first assassination attempt – trying to carry out a woke agenda, focusing on the wrong things, and forgetting their main mission, and that is to protect presidents and vice president of the United States. The Secret Service has to shift that focus and shift their priorities and provide this protection.”

    On dangerous Democrat rhetoric:

    “Now I’m going to be very specific because we talk about the rhetoric. When there’s an incident like this, there’s always talk that the rhetoric needs to dial down. I’m one of those who says it, too. But this isn’t generic. There is very specific rhetoric we can now point to that we know is triggering some of these people who are unhinged who take it the wrong way and want to carry out what is being sent to them by Democrats talking about this. We all know Kamala Harris, her quote, where she says, ‘Trump is a threat to our democracy and fundamental freedoms.’ She said this over and over again, not just before the first attempt. Even after the first attempt on President Trump’s life, there might have been a two or three-day pause, and then they went right back to it.

    “In fact, just days before the second assassination attempt, Kamala Harris made that quote. And then the second shooter, attempted shooter, he was regurgitating the same language as Kamala. So this is no longer a dog whistle, which it’s been on the left. It’s now being received by some unhinged people as a call to action when Democrats say this. Kamala needs to stop saying that President Trump is a threat to democracy. There are unhinged people that are taking that as a call to go and try to eliminate President Trump. She needs to stop it now. Leadership starts at the top, and then you’ve got to go down.President Biden has said that as well, along with the quotes, and you’ve heard it from others. It’s important to repeat. President Biden, ‘It’s time to put Trump in a bullseye.’ The President of the United States said that, and then now, two different people have taken that as a call to action. Where is the real scrutiny coming from the press to ask them do you now denounce what you said? Because people are taking it the wrong way and are actually trying to carry it out. It’s not just rhetoric.

    “We almost lost President Donald Trump. And it shouldn’t happen on either side. But you’re seeing this language from the other side get higher and higher. Got to say it again, Congressman Goldman, ‘It is destructive to our democracy, and he, President Trump, has to be eliminated.’ Does anybody need an interpretation of that? One unhinged person hearing that, and what does that mean to them? That they’re going to carry out as a call to action what they’re being called to do. Cannot happen. It cannot happen. Congresswoman Plaskett, ‘Trump needs to be shot.’ Has she been scrutinized on that quote? Are other Democrats being asked to call her out and stop doing that thing that is being taken the wrong way? I’ve seen it personally when people are called to action, one person is all it takes to take it the wrong way and then look at what could be. We don’t want this to happen again. But they, the Democrats that are saying this, starting with Kamala Harris, have to stop the language they’re saying. Talk about your policy differences, but stop all of this language about threats to democracy and Hitler comparisons, and he needs to be shot. Enough is enough.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Charge laid following threatening email, Andersons Bay, Dunedin

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A teenager is due to appear in court after a threatening email was sent to Bayfield High School this morning.

    Police were alerted to the incident at 8.17am.

    Around 550 students and staff from the college were escorted from the premises with assistance from Police.

    At around 1.30pm this afternoon, Police executed a search warrant at a Dunedin property where the youth was arrested without incident.

    “We understand incidents like this can be distressing, and we hope this arrest can provide reassurance to the community,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh.

    Police is providing those involved with support and will continue to investigate what has taken place. 

    A 16-year-old is due to appear in Dunedin Youth Court on Thursday 26 September, facing a charge of threatening to kill.

    “Police is working with the school and further charges may be likely.”

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: Surrogacy is booming. But new research suggests these pregnancies could be higher risk for women and babies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University

    Helena Lopes/Pexels

    A new study from Canada has found women who agree to carry and birth babies in surrogacy arrangements face a higher risk of complications than other pregnant women.

    These women were at two to three times the risk of health problems such as postpartum haemorrhages and pre-eclampsia. They were also more likely to give birth prematurely.

    With an increasing number of people in Australia and elsewhere having children via surrogacy arrangements, what can we make of these findings?

    First, what is surrogacy?

    Surrogacy is a situation where a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby (or babies) for another person or a couple in a planned arrangement.

    There are two types of surrogacy.

    The first is where the pregnant woman is the full biological mother, with the child conceived using her own egg (sometimes called “traditional” or “genetic” surrogacy).

    The second is where the pregnant woman is not the genetic mother and the child is conceived using the egg of a different woman (called “gestational surrogacy”).

    Gestational surrogacy involves the transfer of an embryo or embryos into the uterus of a woman who has agreed to carry and birth the child using in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Gestational surrogacy is now the most common form of surrogacy arrangement in Australia.

    The new study looked at gestational surrogacy specifically.

    What the researchers did

    The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, was retrospective. This means it used existing data that is gathered routinely on people using health services.

    It included 863,017 women who had a single baby between April 2012 and March 2021 (multiple births were excluded).

    The researchers compared outcomes for women and babies where the pregnancy was achieved naturally, those who got pregnant using IVF, and those who were pregnant in a gestational surrogacy arrangement where the woman had no genetic link to the baby.

    Most babies were conceived naturally, 16,087 were IVF pregnancies, and 806 women were pregnant in gestational surrogacy arrangements.

    The study looked at more than 860,000 women in Canada who had a baby over a nine-year period.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    The researchers found pregnant women in gestational surrogacy arrangements had a rate of severe maternal complications of 7.8%, more than three times the rate of those who became pregnant naturally (2.3%) and almost twice the rate among those who got pregnant through IVF (4.3%).

    These risks included postpartum haemorrhage (losing excessive amounts of blood following the birth), severe pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure associated with pregnancy) and serious postpartum infection (sepsis). There was also a higher risk of the baby being born preterm (before 37 weeks) in gestational surrogacy situations.

    The researchers attempted to take into account differences between the three groups like age, weight, health problems and socioeconomic status, which can all influence the risk of complications for pregnant women and their babies. Despite this, they still saw these concerning results.

    Why might the risk be higher?

    Previous research looking at outcomes with gestational surrogacy has had mixed results. But it is thought the reason risks could be greater for the woman and baby in gestational surrogacy arrangements may be because the baby is genetically unrelated to the woman.

    Pregnancy has a strong impact on the immune system. During pregnancy, women’s immune systems are altered so they do not reject the growing baby.

    An imbalanced or overactive immune response can contribute to pregnancy complications including preterm birth and pre-eclampsia. Having a baby with different genetic material may affect a woman’s immune response during pregnancy, and increase the risk of complications in this way.

    Some limitations

    Only women having a single baby were included in the study, so we don’t know the outcomes where a multiple pregnancy was involved. However, multiple birth is common in surrogacy, and there are increased risks associated with multiple births for women and babies.

    Multiple embryo transfer increases the risk of twins and triplets and is prohibited in the context of surrogacy in Australia (and discouraged in IVF treatments more broadly). But Australians engaging in overseas surrogacy commonly request it.

    Also, the study includes a relatively small number of women pregnant in a gestational surrogacy arrangement (806), meaning there’s an increased risk for statistical error and limited ability to detect rare outcomes.

    People may use a surrogate to have a baby for a range of reasons.
    Lopolo/Shutterstock

    Ethical questions

    An increasing number of Australians are having children via surrogacy arrangements. This is due to a combination of factors including a decline in adoption, women delaying motherhood, and increased social acceptability of male same-sex parenting.

    Australia only allows altruistic surrogacy, where the woman who agrees to have the baby for others is not paid.

    However, some other countries allow women to be paid to become pregnant for others (commercial surrogacy). Concern regarding the exploitation of women via commercial surrogacy is such that Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have made it illegal for residents to travel overseas to engage in commercial surrogacy.

    Even so, most Australia children born as a result of surrogacy arrangements are born through overseas commercial surrogacy.

    Despite some limitations, this research indicates increased risks for women becoming pregnant in gestational surrogacy arrangements, and the babies they carry. It seems important the potentially elevated risks should be made clear to women considering carrying and birthing a baby for someone else, and to the prospective parents.

    Considering the rise in surrogacy globally it’s important more research is undertaken on the potential health and other impacts of this practice on women and babies. Health, ethical and human rights implications should inform legislative frameworks, policy and practice.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Surrogacy is booming. But new research suggests these pregnancies could be higher risk for women and babies – https://theconversation.com/surrogacy-is-booming-but-new-research-suggests-these-pregnancies-could-be-higher-risk-for-women-and-babies-239574

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A reformed multilateral system for peace and prosperity: Foreign Secretary speech at UN Summit of the Future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    David Lammy calls for responsible global leadership in UK national statement.

    Location:
    United Nations, New York
    Delivered on:
    23 September 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Mr President, I stand here as a man of multiple identities.

    A Londoner.  A patriotic Brit.  A lawyer. 

    Proud of my African, Guyanese, Caribbean and Indian heritage. 

    A committed multilateralist, who believes in the importance of the United Nations.

    I agree with my great predecessor, Ernie Bevin, when he said in 1945:

    “Our eyes should be fixed upon the United Nations… All nations of the world should be united to look that way.”

    The purposes and principles of the UN remain as indispensable today as in Bevin’s time.

    Our task is to recapture that founding spirit so that when we reach the UN’s centenary, their legacy endures.

    But we cannot ignore the challenges we face. More conflicts than at any time since 1945, costing the global economy over 900 billion dollars, and creating the most refugees and displaced people on record.

    Geopolitical tensions arising. Progress against the Sustainable Development Goals stalling. Trust in multilateralism faltering.

    The Pact for the Future and this Summit offer a chance for Member States to show responsible global leadership, to engage with the rapid changes of our age, and go further in meeting the needs of everyone – especially the most vulnerable.

    As I know all too well, countries of the Global South suffered great injustices in the past. And I have heard repeatedly how frustrated partners are by the unfairness of the global system.

    We cannot ignore these frustrations. We must act.

    First, as the Secretary-General has said, we need greater collective efforts to prevent and end conflict. For Britain, that means upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and supporting an end to the fighting in Sudan.

    It means robustly challenging Member States who violate the Charter, rejecting a world in which might makes right.

    It means a more representative Security Council.

    It means supporting the international rule of law, and applying it equally and fairly which is why Britain has proposed the outstanding Professor Dapo Akande for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice.

    Second, we need urgent action on the climate and nature crisis.

    With this new Government, Britain is renewing our ambitions at home, aiming to deliver clean power by 2030.

    And I am determined that we also reconnect abroad, building a Global Clean Power Alliance, championing creativity and reforms to unlock international climate and nature finance, particularly from the private sector, and bolstering efforts to protect at least thirty per cent of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030.

    Third, countries like Britain must modernise our approach to development.

    This Government believes partnership, not paternalism, is the way to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Making best use of technology and innovation. Putting indigenous people and local communities, including women and girls, at the centre of decision-making on development programmes.

    Driving faster reform of the global financial system to strengthen the voice of the most vulnerable and tackle unsustainable debt.

    Friends, action on conflict, climate and poverty. Delivered by a reformed multilateral system. This is the path to peace and prosperity on a liveable planet.

    All over the world, in every war zone, every refugee camp, the UN is there. A beacon of hope and humanity to which, as Bevin said, the gaze of all nations should turn.

    This Summit must direct the world’s eyes towards that beacon once again. And Britain is proud to support it.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Introduces Resolution to Honor Gold Star Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Introduces Resolution to Honor Gold Star Families

    Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led 44 members in introducing the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution to honor the sacrifices made by families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation. It designates September 22 – 28, 2024 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.

    “Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices in service to their country, and it is important that they are not forgotten,” said Rep. Newhouse.

    Newhouse continues, “By designating September 22-28 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we recognize the extraordinary courage and resilience of our Gold Star Families and reflect on those we have lost. These families bear an unimaginable burden—enduring the loss of their loved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation—and we have a responsibility to ensure their memory is preserved.”

    The following are quotes of support from Gold Star Family members:

    “I am very pleased that Congress is choosing to recognize Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. Every Memorial Day, we honor our warriors who gave their lives in defense of America. We should also honor the families of those fallen warriors, who stood behind them as they served, suffered the pain of their loss, then picked up the pieces and carried on. I’m a Gold Star son who lost my father in Vietnam. Life has taught me three truths. Grief fades. Love never dies. Courage shines on forever.” – Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Hank Cramer, Washington, Gold Star Son of Captain Harry Griffith Cramer Jr. (U.S. Army Special Forces), who was Killed in Action in 1957 in Vietnam.

    “I was just a year old when my father was declared Missing in Action in December 1945 in Germany. I have no memory of him but would like to honor his legacy by sharing his story with others who want to know the experiences of Gold Star families.” – Karen Oberg, California, Gold Star Daughter of Pvt. Worrell F. Oberg (Army) who was Killed in Action on December 22, 1945, and whose remains have yet to be recovered.

    “My brother had just turned one and I was two and a half when our father was killed. As we got older, we often wondered what kind of man he was. In a letter to his sister just before he was killed, dad wrote that he had been wounded and had to build up his courage to go back in combat because he had seen so much death and destruction. From that letter, and in that moment, we knew our dad was a hero and we brought him off the shelf and back into life.” – Walt Linne, Indiana, Gold Star Son of Sgt. Walter John Linne (Army) who was Killed in Action in Germersheim, Germany on March 24, 1945.

    “In 2022, when I visited South Korea and observed for myself the freedom, liberty, prosperity and gratitude of the South Korean people, I further realized that the supreme sacrifice by my father and its effect on our family was not in vain.” – Robert James Johnston, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Sgt. James Fred Johnston (Army) KIA/MIA, December 2, 1950, at the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.

    “Since I was only two when my Dad went missing, I have no personal memories of him other than what my Mom told me often that to do my best as my Dad would expect or when I did something good, she would tell me how proud he would be of me. David, my brother, and I grew up loving the same things our Dad did, Boy Scouts, the outdoors, hunting, fishing and family.” – Mike Logan, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Maj. Samuel P. Logan, Jr. (USAF). He was the pilot of a B-29 shot down and taken captive while on a mission over North Korea on September 9, 1950. In 1954 he was declared Killed in Action. Maj. Logan was survived by his Gold Star Wife and two Gold Star Sons.

    “Being a Gold Star family member signifies profound sacrifice and loss as we bear the enduring grief of losing a loved one in service to the nation. Gold Star families’ identities are shaped with both pride and sorrow.” – Carol Brenneman Reed, California, Gold Star Daughter of Captain Austin E.E. Brenneman (USMC) who was Killed in Action on May 28, 1951, in Anak, North Korea.

    “In July 1951, the 2nd Inf Div deployed to Korea, leaving a pregnant, newlywed wife on a lifetime path of uncertainty, grief, loss, and life challenges. Ellen Marie Blissenbach handled her loss by joining the Gold Star Wives of America, becoming very active in supporting other families and veterans, as well as seeking information on my missing father, ultimately achieving some closure before her passing.” – Maj. Paul K. Blissenbach US Army (Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Son of SFC Joseph A. Blissenbach, who gave his life on November 30, 1950, in Kunu-ri, North Korea.

    “Losing my father in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley during the Vietnam War was an indescribable blow, not only to my family but to the very fabric of my life. His absence left a profound void, a loss that reverberated through every milestone, forever shaping who I became. The sacrifice he made in such a fierce and historic battle deepens the sorrow, as his life was cut short defending a cause that took him far from home, never to return.” – Army veteran Thomas Barrett, Ph. D., Maryland, Gold Star Son of SSGT Thomas J. Barrett, Jr. (Army), Killed in Action November 15, 1965, Vietnam.

    “During Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we honor the parents, spouses, siblings and children of those service members who lost their lives defending the United States and her allies. For nearly a century, ‘The Long Gold Line’ of these Gold Star Families has personified the resilience of the American spirit. Here on the home front, they endured the worst possible news delivered from a faraway war front. Yet they moved forward supporting each other and carrying on the legacies of their fallen heroes who, in the name of freedom, gave their last full measure of devotion.” – Tony Cordero, California, Gold Star Son of Maj. William E. Cordero (USAF) who was killed on a bombing mission over North Vietnam on June 22, 1965. He is the founder of Sons and Daughters In Touch – America’s Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War.

    “Our son held a strong sense of honor and service and would have no regrets. We honor his valor and sacrifice every day. We gratefully support this resolution to honor and remember the sacrifices of all of our fallen and of the 7068 men and women Killed In Action in the Global War on Terror and the ongoing sacrifices of the families they left behind. It is this nation’s responsibility to Never Forget, to honor their valor, and to always support the families left behind.” – Barbara and Col. Mark Roland (USAF, Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Mother and Father of Captain Matthew Roland, USAF, Killed In Action in Afghanistan on August 26, 2015.

    “My father flew 22 missions along the coastal waters of Vietnam to clear the area of enemy submarines before the US could bring in the 7th Fleet at the onset of the Vietnam War. His body was never recovered after his plane plunged into the South China Sea. My life and my family crumbled before my eyes and to this day I continue to live a life never knowing my father. Three months after the attack on the Twin Towers, my son joined the US Army, following his grandfather’s footsteps as he was also willing to die for his country. Unfortunately, it ended horrifically when he was killed by an enemy IED while on patrol near the Hor Rijeb Canal in Iraq. There is no greater love than this: that a person would lay down his life for the sake of his country.” – Elaine M. Roach, California, Gold Star Mother of PFC Joel Brattain, Killed in Action on March 13, 2004, and Gold Star Daughter of Lt. Harold S. Roach (Navy), lost in the South China Sea on October 2, 1964.

    The following Members are co-sponsors of the legislation:

    Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Mike Bost (R-IL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Mike Flood (R-NE), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Mark Green (R-TN), Michael Guest (R-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Greg Lopez (R-CO), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Greg Murphy (R-NC), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Greg Steube (R-FL), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Roger Williams (R-TX), Brandon Williams (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Don Davis (D-NC), Josh Harder (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), William Keating (D-MA), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Scott Peters (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

    Click here to read the full text of the bill.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: The online Olympiad “Safe Roads” has started

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The All-Russian Online Olympiad will be held for the fifth time from September 24 to October 27 “Safe Roads”The event is being held with the aim of testing and improving the road literacy of students in grades 1–9, said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Children’s safety is one of our top priorities. In this area, under the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”, we are carrying out comprehensive work to update routes to schools and other educational institutions across the country, and much has already been done. We also pay special attention to educational events aimed at increasing the level of knowledge about road traffic and behavior on the roads. In particular, within the framework of the national project, the All-Russian online Olympiad “Safe Roads” is held annually, where schoolchildren can consolidate their knowledge of traffic rules. Over four years, more than 15 million participants have tested their road literacy,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    To prevent child road traffic injuries, the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate carries out various activities aimed at raising children’s awareness of the rules of conduct on the roads.

    “Legal information for children on the topic of road safety, instilling in them the skills of safe behavior on the roads is a priority area of activity of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, which is carried out in cooperation with educational authorities. Taking into account the analysis of the causes of child road traffic injuries, forms and methods of preventive work are selected. The tasks of the online Olympiad allow its participants to test their knowledge in an interactive form and gain new knowledge on the basics of traffic rules. The Olympiad provides for the opportunity to participate in an unlimited number of children, teachers and parents. The most important task of the Olympiad is to reduce child mortality as a result of road accidents,” emphasized the head of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Lieutenant General of Police Mikhail Chernikov.

    The Olympiad tasks focus on safe behavior skills both at pedestrian crossings and in transport, and when using personal mobility devices – last year these topics turned out to be the most difficult for schoolchildren.

    The organizers of the Olympiad are the Ministry of Transport of Russia, the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, the ANO “National Priorities” with the support of the Ministry of Education of Russia, the event is held within the framework of the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”.

    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/52780/

    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 New Zealand: Serious Crash, State highway 2, Tutira

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a two vehicle crash on State Highway 2 near Matahorua Road, Tutira, Hastings.

    Police received the report around 6:15pm.

    Two people are reported to be in a serious condition.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    The road is closed and motorists are advised to take an alternate route.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunmen who shot at four year old girl sentenced thanks to Met specialist teams

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men with affiliations to the Manor House street gang in Hackney have been jailed following an investigation by Met specialist officers.

    Jordan Shaw, 20, (25.10.2003) of Green Lanes was sentenced to twenty-one years for two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.

    Joshua Fraser, 19, (21.1.2005) of King Edwards Road was sentenced to fourteen years for possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit murder.

    Both Shaw and Fraser took part in a ‘ride out’ into opposition gang territory in the Shrubland Road, E8, area of Hackney where they shot at a car they thought belonged to a rival gang. However, the car belonged to a family with no connection to gang members, and a 13-year old boy and four-year old girl were inside at the time of the shooting. Fortunately, nobody was injured during the incident.

    Shaw was subsequently involved in a shooting on Stoke Newington High Street, N16, in which three shots were fired towards a victim who sustained a single gunshot wound to the arm.

    The Met’s specialist firearms teams carried out round the clock investigations into Shaw and Fraser before arresting them at their home addresses on 31 May 2023 and 4 October 2023 respectively.

    The Met Police Specialist Crime units are working with borough colleagues to dismantle serious and organised crime groups that pose the greatest harm to London’s communities. Last year 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital, equal to more than one a day. Between April 2023 and March 2024 there was a reduction in the number of firearms offences from 196 to 145.

    Andrea Ireland, Detective Chief Inspector, Specialist Crime North, said:

    “Following exhaustive investigative enquiries by Specialist Crime Trident officers we have taken two extremely dangerous men off the streets. Our Specialist Crime Proactive teams also recovered the firearm used in the gang-related activity in Hackney and which was subsequently found to have been used in eleven previous discharges in London.

    “This vital work has no doubt had a significant impact in safeguarding our local community and securing justice for victims which included very young children.”

    The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.

    The Metropolitan Police Service is building a New Met for London which aims to engage with communities, foster trust, and combat crimes including firearms offences. The Met’s response to firearms offences demonstrates our commitment to improving safety and security across the capital. Through prioritising community engagement and targeted interventions, the Met’s innovative approach represents a significant stride towards creating a safer environment for all Londoners.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Admiral Vandier takes command of Allied Command Transformation

    Source: NATO

    On 23 September 2024 in Norfolk, United States, Admiral Pierre Vandier succeeded General Philippe Lavigne as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, presided over the change of command ceremony.

    French Navy Admiral Vandier is the ninth Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. After joining the French Naval academy, he rapidly became a naval fighter pilot, performing numerous combat missions for almost two decades. He has commanded twice at sea, the frigate Surcouf and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Most recently he was Chief of the Naval Staff and then Vice Chief of defence.

    Admiral Bauer warmly welcomed Admiral Vandier and emphasised the importance of ACT in building the Alliance’s future: “ACT plays an invaluable role in ensuring that the Alliance safeguards the security and interests of its members against both the current threats and challenges we face today, as well as those that may arise in the future and beyond our present imagination. Allied Command Transformation is a symbol of NATO’s confident embrace of the future and its challenges.”

    Admiral Bauer highlighted the major successes of General Lavigne at the helm of ACT over the past three years. During his tenure at Allied Command Transformation, General Lavigne has overseen: 

    • the military integration of North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden;
    • the Multi Domain Operations concept, roadmap and implementation, supported by Digital Transformation and the continuum of experimentation & innovation;
    • the integration of the DDA family of Plans into the NATO Defence Planning Process;
    • the implementation of the Warfare Development Agenda;
    • and ACT’s work in developing all fields of innovation on which DIANA is able to grow.

    Admiral Bauer praised the leadership that General Lavigne has shown during this time: “With your keen intellect, strategic vision and infectious enthusiasm, you manage to make sure everybody who crosses your path wants to join your team. Nobody embodies the slogan “win as a team” like you do.”

    In his speech, Admiral Bauer stressed that in order to address modern defence challenges, Allies must rethink their approach to cooperation with the private sector. Moving away from a ‘just enough, just in time’ mindset, the Allies now need substantial stockpiles of weaponry and a decisive technological edge for deterrence. “In defending against near-peer adversaries, governments and the private sector must break the deadlock, fostering trust, long-term vision, and innovation. With our extensive reservoir of knowledge and creativity, I’m confident we can achieve this transformation”, stated Admiral Bauer.   

    At the ceremony, Admiral Vandier stated his vision for the command: “For all of us here, maintaining our military credibility calls for an extraordinary effort to modernize our training; aggregate new technologies; and invent new combat tactics that will give us operational superiority in a context of rapid global rearmament.” He continued by stressing that his “commitment, our collective commitment, is to provide the most efficient tools and procedures that will give them operational success in conflict and war.”
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024
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Twenty Twenty-Five

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