MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 24 September 2018

What’s Canada Buying?

• Buying Used (1):  Used F-18’s from #AUS
• “U.S. approves Canada’s purchase of used Australia fighter jets – deal to be completed by end of year”
• “Canada to acquire used F-18 fighter jets from Australia”
• “U.S. Approves Canada’s Acquisition of Australian F/A-18 Jets”
• “Feu vert des États-Unis à l’achat par le Canada des FA-18 australiens usagés”
• Buying Used (2):  Used UAV from DEU?
• “Germany looking to sell costly, rarely used drone to Canada”
• FWSAR
• “Canada’s new fixed wing search and rescue aircraft takes shape – first delivery expected next year”

#CANinIRQ – Op IMPACT

• “Russia to provide S-300 missile defense system to Syria within two weeks”
• “Russia to Send S-300 Anti-Missile System to Syria After Il-20 Crash – DM Shoigu” (RUS media)
• “Shoigu: Syria Will Receive SS-300s and State of the Art Guidance System”
• “Russia will establish an unofficial no-fly zone over Syria”
• “Russia says it will supply Syria with S-300 air defense system”
• “Diplomat promises supply of S-300 to Syria won’t spoil Russia-Israel relations”
• “Russia to Supply New S-300 Missile Defense System to Syria”
• “Russia to supply Syria with S-300 defense systems”
• “Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu … The Prime Minister of Israel again expressed his condolences over the loss of military service members on board the Russian Il-20 aircraft that was downed on September 17 in Syria. The two leaders continued discussing the circumstances of the incident considering that the information presented by the Israeli military on the operation of their aircraft over Syrian territory differs from the conclusions of the Russian Defence Ministry. Russia proceeds from the premise that the actions of the Israeli Air Force were the main cause of the tragedy …” (Kremlin info-machine)
• “Russia missile sale to Syria is ‘significant escalation’: U.S.’ Bolton”
• “Russia Capable of Denying Israel Access to Syrian Airspace – Senior Russian MP”
• “Russian fighter jets intercept U.S. F-22 Raptor flying over Syria”

#MLI – Op PRESENCE

• “Mali : le retour des Casques bleus canadiens”
• “Joint statement marking Mali’s independence day” (Global Affairs Canada info-machine)
• “Mali: Repeating History Rather Than Changing It”
• “Mali faces a turning point as the country prepares for legislative poll”
• Elseswhere in the neighbourhood …
  
• “Critical assessment of refugees’ needs in post-emergency context: the case of Malian war refugees settled in Northern Burkina Faso” (BioMed Central)
• “As Tripoli Violence Rises, France Wants Sanctions on Militias”

Way Up North

• “A top military official says Canada shouldn’t worry about threats to our North from Russia and China, but that “sovereignty ignored is perhaps sovereignty lost.” Maj.-Gen. William F. Seymour, the deputy commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, was speaking on Wednesday to the House Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development about Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic …”
• “Canada’s Department of National Defence [DND] is planning on spending over $50 million to build a 7,600 square metre facility in Yellowknife, though the location has not yet been selected …”
• “Canadian Forces to expand its presence in Yellowknife”
• “Canadian military to build multi-million dollar facility in Northern city”
• “U.S. and Russian bombers test airspace over European Arctic”
• “Russian Infrastructure to Support Northern Sea Route Won’t Be Ready for at Least Another Decade, Experts Say”

#UKR – Op UNIFIER

• “Russia prepares large-scale military drills in Crimea”
• “Russian fighter jet performs ‘unsafe’ intercept of Ukrainian Navy plane”
• “Ukrainian Navy ships heading to Berdiansk to become part of fleet infrastructure in Azov Sea”
• “U.S. obtains information on commanders and structure of Russian forces in Donbas”
• “SBU intercepts talks of ‘DPR’ leaders with Surkov on redistribution of power after Zakharchenko’s death”
• “‘DPR’ leaders divide power after Zakharchenko’s death: SBU intercept talks”

#LVA/Europe – Op REASSURANCE

• “Eyes East: Bringing “Vostok 2018” into Focus” (NATO Association of Canada)
• “Kremlin’s Top Secret Information about Russian Mercenaries” (Warsaw Institute)

Internal Security

• “RCMP’s ability to police digital realm ‘rapidly declining,’ commissioner warned”
• Ooopsie … “Canada has removed only 6 of 900 asylum seekers facing U.S. deportation”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veteran’s wife asking why official ordered to stay away kept viewing husband’s PTSD claim files”
• “Trudeau offers “indignant silence” as Canadians demand answers for cop killer’s PTSD treatment” (The Rebel Media)

Other Military News

• “La police militaire recherche un aviateur porté disparu à Petawawa”
• “14 Wing Greenwood hands cleaning contracts back to unionized workers”
• “New commander takes over Canada’s Formation Europe” (RCAF info-machine)
• “British Battlefield AI Put To Test In Canadian Experiment”

The Koreas/CHN

• “US CIA Director: Indications N. Korea Serious About Giving Up Nukes”
• “US ‘ready to resume talks’ with North Korea”
• “U.S. Sanctions Chinese Agency for Buying Russian Military Equipment”

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 21 September 2018

#MLI – Op PRESENCE

• “El Salvador supplies peacekeeping forces in Mali”
• “France may take the lead in fighting jihadists — But they risk propping up authoritarian regimes …”
• “France to press Mali to implement peace deal with rebels”
• “Mali: Pompeo dit « attendre avec intérêt » la pleine mise en œuvre de l’accord d’Alger”
• “Islamist War in Mali is a Global Concern, President Says — Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said his country’s six-year fight against Islamist militants should be a global concern as the West African nation faces the fallout from the offensives against insurgents in Iraq and Libya …”
• ““Au Mali, plus de 700 écoles sont fermées, avec plus de 2 millions d’enfants qui ne vont pas à l’école”, selon l’UNICEF”
• “Les armements et l’instruction sur le tir au cœur d’un atelier au profit des forces de défense et de sécurité maliennes à Gao” (MINUSMA info-machine)
• “Security Council 2374 Committee Hears Briefing by Acting Special Representative of INTERPOL to United Nations” (UN info-machine)
• “Chinese weapons appeal to Africa” (CHN mil media)

#UKR – Op UNIFIER

• “Critics Blast Lviv’s Ban On Russian-Language Culture”
• “Lviv region bans movies, books, songs in Russian until end of Russian occupation”
• “Canadian, UK ambassadors to Ukraine criticize ban on ‘Russian-language products’ in Lviv region”
• “Defence Secretary announces extension of support to Ukraine’s Armed Forces” (UK gov’t info-machine)
• “British defense secretary visits Donbas frontline”
• “UK’s Defense Secretary impressed by resilience, courage of Ukrainian soldiers facing one of world’s most aggressive armies”
• “LPR People’s Militia pleased with UK defence secretary’s high opinion of its strength”
• “Ukraine’s army retakes another village in Russian-occupied Luhansk region”

#LVA/Europe – Op REASSURANCE

• “Latvian troops say ‘thank you’ at Army Run” (DND info-machine)
• “Globe editorial: Ottawa must follow up on alleged poisoning of Canadian member of Pussy Riot”
• “Montenegro to join NATO battalion deployed in Latvia – NATO general”
• “NATO Jens Stoltentberg: World faces blurred line between peace and war”
• “NATO Chief: Alliance to Take ‘Strong’ Approach on Russia”
• “Vostok 2018 Day 7 (September 17)” (Russia Military Analysis blog)
• “Vostok 2018: Projecting Russia’s Military Power” (Eurasia Monitor)
• “Skripal Suspects Confirmed as GRU Operatives: Prior European Operations Disclosed” (bellingcat)

Way Up North

• “Canada to file submission for its continental shelf limits in Arctic Ocean in 2019”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Canadian military police reopening 23 ‘unfounded’ sexual assault cases”
• “Following review, military police reopen 23 ‘unfounded’ sexual assault cases”
• “Unfounded Sexual Assault Internal Review Results Released” (DND info-machine)

What’s Canada Buying?

• “New trucks being delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces” (DND info-machine)
• “Livraison de nouveaux camions logistiques aux Forces armées canadiennes”
• “New logistics trucks being delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces” (DND info-machine)
• Wanted:  “Contract for Individual Meal Packs”
• Wanted:  “INDIVIDUAL FREEZE DRIED MEALS”
• Wanted:  “Hotel Services for OP Distinction 2018 in Ottawa, Oct/Nov 2018”
• Wanted:  “COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND COHERENT RADIATION EQUIPMENT”
• Wanted:  “Targets Bulls’ eye”
• “The bottom barely is wet and it is still officially designated Irving Hull 103, but the Royal Canadian Navy’s newest warship is floating proof that Canadians, and Maritimers, can still build ships and get things done …”
• Col. Ted’s take:  “Ships, again: Earning her keep — MV* Asterix appears to be earning her keep in Canada’s Pacific fleet ~ see this video of her refuelling and resupplying HMCS Calgary …”

Internal Security

• “Canada is conducting a national security analysis to minimize cyberthreats to the country from equipment made by foreign telecommunications companies, including China’s Huawei – a study that has gained importance since the United States and Australia banned the telecom giant from participating in new wireless cellular networks …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Slow process leaves disabled vets in a lurch: ombudsman”
• “Conservatives demand end to Veterans Affairs’ support for convicted murderer”
• “Trudeau: Tories Playing Politics On Veterans Affairs Support For Convicted Killer”
• “This is why Canadian veterans feel betrayed by their country”
• “Perhaps we need a “Veterans’ Day”, but that’s not what Remembrance Day is for”
• “The Ongoing Mental Health Battle Amongst Canadian Soldiers”

Afghanistan

• “Canada’s Afghan memorial in Ottawa will be out of sight, out of mind for the general public”
• Col. Ted’s take on the AFG memorial location … “Someone needs to give their head a shake”
• “A U.S. watchdog whose investigations have found that billions of dollars in American aid has been lost to corruption, waste and futile efforts in Afghanistan suggests Canada has likely suffered similar problems in its own strategy to help the troubled country …” – U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction: Lessons Learned

Other Military News

• “Canadian air force short 275 pilots as attrition outpaces recruitment, training”
• “Royal Canadian Air Force short 275 pilots”
• “Minister Sajjan announces appointment of interim Ombudsperson for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces” (DND info-machine)
• “Un ombudsman intérimaire pour la Défense nationale et les Forces armées canadiennes”
• “Government appoints Coast Guard official as interim Canadian Forces Ombudsperson”
• “There was a recent National Post exclusive story that revealed how the military brass had been reined in by a cost conscious senior bureaucrat. Internal DND documents forwarded to reporter David Pugliese show that the original budget for a change of command ceremony for the head of the RCAF was pegged at $107,000 …”
• “Her Majesty The Queen, conveyed to United Kingdom Ministry of Defence that she wished to grant Canada the opportunity to perform Public Duties. The RCR will perform Public Duties in London, UK from October 10 to November 14, 2018 …” (Garrison Petawawa FB)
• “Snipers from around the world gather in Canada for training event” (DND info-machine)
• “Despite Being In Power Almost 3 Years, Trudeau Blames Pilot Recruitment Problems On Harper” (Spencer Fernando blog)
• “I fought at Medak Pocket. And I’ve never really left that dark, bloody place”
• “8 Wing Trenton welcomes new honorary colonel” (RCAF info-machine)

The Koreas/CHN

• “US ‘ready to resume talks’ with North Korea”
• “U.S. Sanctions Chinese Agency for Buying Russian Military Equipment”

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On the road this week …

… so enjoy the blog roll until I get back to ‘er here on later in the week.

Have a great day!

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 17 September 2018

#UKR – Op UNIFIER

• “Operation UNIFIER assists the National Guard of Ukraine to define NCO corps” (The Maple Leaf)
• “Coaches from Canada observe Ukrainian troop movement during the field training exercise portion of Rapid Trident, Sept 12, 2018 at the International Peacekeeping Security Centre near Yavoriv, Ukraine. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon)”
• More pix from the Pentagon Info-machine
• “Starting from January 2019, the monetary support of the Ukrainian soldier should be at least 10 thousand UAH (CDN $463/month) – President” (UKR pres info-machine)
• “Ukraine to set naval base in Sea of Azov by late 2018”
• “Russia in Ukraine 2013-2016: The Application of New Type Warfare Maximizing the Exploitation of Cyber, IO, and Media” (Small Wars Journal)
• “The Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, Alexander Hug, is travelling to eastern Ukraine from 17 to 21 August to assess the security situation and its impact on civilians …” (OSCE info-machine)
• “Russia: Missile That Shot Down Flight MH17 Was Ukrainian”
• “Russia claims fresh ‘proof’ Ukraine downed flight MH17”
• “Russian Defense Ministry says Donbass militants did not have access to Buk missile system” (RUS media)
• “Ukrainian, British defense ministers call Russia’s conclusions on MH17 another fake” (UKR media)
• “Turchynov says statement of Russia’s defense ministry on MH17 is false”
• “Russia: Missile That Shot Down Flight MH17 was Ukrainian”
• “Russia presents audio recording proving Ukraine’s complicity in MH17 tragedy” (RUS media)
• “Russian Investigative Committee sends new information about MH17 crash to Netherlands” (RUS media)
• “Russian Military Reveals Evidence Proving Ukraine’s Involvement in MH17 Crash” (RUS media)
• “In New Claim, Moscow Says MH17 Missile Came From Ukraine; Kyiv Cries ‘Fake’ “
• “CEC to begin registration of DPR Head election candidates on September 21” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Pasechnik to run in LPR Head election on November 11” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Officers and personnel of the 1472nd Naval Clinical Hospital of the Russian Ministry of Defense rewarded for the occupation of Crimea” (InformNapalm.org)

Cold War 2.0

• “Pussy Riot’s (CAN-RUS dual citizen) Pyotr Verzilov flown to Germany for treatment”
• “Russia “would see enemies” if Finland joined NATO, (FIN) president Niinistö tells German paper”
• “The gathering debate about whether to deploy NATO troops to Romania and Bulgaria” (UK Conservative Home blog)
• “Vostok 2018 Days 5-6 (September 15-16)” (Russia Military Analysis blog)
• “Troops engaged in Vostok 2018 return back to home bases” (RUS MoD)
• “Special Report on NATO and Russia: The More Things Change” (NATO Association of Canada)
• “Russia as a Target of Russian Disinformation” (EU vs DISINFORMATION page)
  

#CANinIRQ – Op IMPACT

• “UN: Street Protests Escalate in Iraq’s Basra Governorate”
• Elsewhere in the neighbourhood …
  
• “Syria: Israel Launched Missile Attack on Damascus Airport”
• “Russia And Turkey Agree On A Demilitarized Zone In Syria’s Last Rebel Stronghold”
• “Erdogan, Putin Strike Deal on Idlib Demilitarized Zone”
• “Press statement following Russian-Turkish talks” (Putin info-machine)

#MLI – Op PRESENCE

• “Mali and Africa’s Past, Now, and Next” (CDR Salamander blog)
• Elsewhere in the neighbourhood …
  
• “Synthèse Globale des données des réfugiés maliens au Burkina Faso (au 31 août 2018)” (UN High Commissioner for Refugees)
• “IOM Regional Migration Report – West and Central Africa: April – June 2018” (International Organization for Migration)
• “WFP Mali Country Brief, July 2018” (World Food Programme)
• “WFP Mauritania Country Brief, July 2018” (World Food Programme)

Way Up North

• “Arctic Sovereignty: Preoccupation vs. Homeland Governance and Defence” (Canadian Global Affairs Institute)
• “Rights of Passage: It’s Time the U.S. Recognizes Canada’s Arctic Claim” (Canadian Global Affairs Institute)
• “Le navire de patrouille extracôtier et de l’Arctique Harry DeWolf mis à l’eau à Halifax”
• “On Thin Ice: UK Defence in the Arctic” (Defence Committee – House of Commons)
• “Defence report: UK must strengthen its position in the Arctic”
• “Russian navy boosting armament on northwestern bases, satellite images show”
• “United States keen to invest strategically in Greenland” 

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Ships, again … steel is being cut for the JSS” (Col Ted)
• Wanted:  “The Department of National Defence has a requirement for the Acquisition, training, spares and sustainment support for quantity 44 Remote Weapon Systems and optional units. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit information and feedback from industry regarding solutions available, Industrial and Technological Benefit capabilities and pricing. The information may be used to support Canada’s decision-making process such as finalizing its requirement and determining its procurement strategy. This is not a bid solicitation and no contract will result directly from this RFI … – More info @ RFI package (PDF)
• Wanted:  “Quad-Band Satellite Simulator”
• Wanted:  “The Department of National Defence Combat Training Centre (CTC) has a requirement to source civilian freefall parachutist instructors in support of Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre (CAAWC) Military Freefall Parachuting (MFP) course. The Contractor must assist in providing training to candidates on course …”
• Wanted:  “LIFE-SAVING SUIT,SUBMARINER”
• Wanted:  “Printing Services Aide Memoire”
• Wanted:  “Personal Hygiene Products”

Internal Security

• “A glimpse inside the world of an RCMP Intelligence Analyst”
• “Assessment of the Role of Cyber Power in Interstate Conflict” (Divergent Options paper)

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• ” ‘We’ve been put on the side long enough’; Winnipeg vet decries ‘understaffed’ Veterans Affairs”
• “Rotten process, rotten product for veterans”
• “Trudeau Said Veterans Were Asking For Too Much. But His Government Has Left Hundreds Of Millions Of Veterans Affairs Dollars UNSPENT” (Spencer Fernando blog)
• “Government announces new Veteran’s Service Card”

Other Military News

• “Hatfield new CO for 56th regiment”
• “Stolen Valour dénonce l’imposture du vétéran de Québec Daniel «Fonfon» Lafontaine”
• “75e du 430e Escadron tactique d’hélicoptères: défilé militaire et aérien à Québec”
• “(US) Air Force Planning Massive Expansion To Take On Russia And China”
• “Dangerous: The Trudeau Government Is Injecting Identity Politics Into The Canadian Military” (Spencer Fernando blog)
• “Royal Canadian Air Force Marks the 78th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain” (RCAF info-machine)

The Koreas

• “Signs that North Korea is ‘maintaining nuclear weapons programme’ – UN political affairs chief” (UN info-machine)
• “Korea at a Crossroads: Time for a US-ROK-DPRK Strategic Realignment” (38 North)
• “More DPRK Signals on Denuclearization” (38 North)

CHN/Asia-Pacific

• “China carries out air raid drills across the nation” (CHN mil media)
• “China carries out air raid drills across the nation” (CHN media)
• “PLA doubles length of training for new recruits to increase combat readiness” (CHN mil media)
• “Chinese troops withdraw from Russia after completing Vostok-2018” (CHN mil media)

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 15 September 2018

 

Way Up North

• “Halifax Shipyard Launches Canada’s First Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), Future HMCS Harry DeWolf”
• “Canada’s first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship to be launched Saturday”
• “Shipfax: Harry DeWolf – we have lift off” (Shipfax blog)
• “Harry DeWolf – rolled on” (Shipfax fax)
• “Maersk Container Ship Transits Arctic Ocean With Icebreaker Escort”
• “(RUS) Emergencies Ministry reports on plans to create 10 Arctic rescue centers”

#CANinIRQ – Op IMPACT

• “Canadian military drawing up plans for extending Iraq military mission”
• “L’Opération IMPACT à la croisée des chemins, vers une extension ou non?”
• “Masrour Barzani meets US, Canada military delegations; discuss Iran attack, Peshmerga support” (Kurdish media)
• “Why the ‘Battle for Idlib’ will explode globally”
• “Syria Situation Report: August 28 – September 12, 2018” (ISW blog)

#MLI – Op PRESENCE

• “Dans le cadre de son programme d’appui à la juridiction du Mali, l’Union Européenne en collaboration avec l’ambassade du Canada, a remis jeudi 13 septembre 2018, un document de guide d’inspection des juridictions au ministère de la Justice …”

#UKR – Op UNIFIER

• “Multinational Soldiers from 14 countries spent two weeks working side by side during Rapid Trident 2018. Ukraine hosted troops from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S. at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre, here, Sept. 3-15, for the annual exercise that can trace its roots back more than 20 years …” (US Army info-machine)
• “Volker: Russia insists on direct talks with so-called ‘people’s republics’ in Donbas, but it is impossible”
• “More Lethal Weaponry Possible For Ukraine, U.S. Envoy Tells RFE/RL”
• “Denmark considers selling three warships to Ukraine”
• “Local elections in Donbas can be held only after withdrawal of Russian troops – Poroshenko”
• “Moscow-Controlled ‘Elections’ In Ukraine’s Donetsk-Luhansk: Some International Implications”
• “Poroshenko says he guarantees free, fair and democratic elections in Ukraine”
• “Kuchma does not expect prisoner swap in Donbas until after Ukrainian election”
• “Ukrainian, western secret services behind Zakharchenko murder, evidence on hand – Pushilin” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Pushilin: Zakharchenko murder suspect admits guilt, gives information” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “The goal of Russia is to occupy the Sea of Azov – President in the interview to The Washington Post” (UKR Pres info-machine)
• “Movies should be made about such heroes as you – President in the 3rd special forces regiment” (UKR Pres info-machine)

Vostok 2018 Watch

• “Vostok 2018 Day 4 (September 14)” (Russia Military Analysis blog)
• “Vostok 2018 – Day 3 (September 13)” (Russia Military Analysis blog)
• “Russia Launches Massive Vostok 2018 War Games Together With China”
• “Chinese troops’ achievements in Russian Vostok-2018 drills” (CHN mil media)
• “Beijing, Moscow vow to reinforce military relations, combat abilities” (CHN mil media)
• “Russian Military Confirms Testing of Stealth Missiles During Large-Scale Drills” (RUS media)
• “Russia Tests Stealth Missiles at Vostok-2018 War Games”
• “Russian warships hold drills in Bering Sea in huge military exercise”

Cold War 2.0

• “Anti-Kremlin Activist Seriously Ill and Hospitalized, Say Reports … Verzilov is also a citizen of Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was worried by what happened, adding that Canadian consular officials had reached out to the hospital. “It is of concern, obviously, particularly given actions of recent months by the Russians in the United Kingdom … but it is too early to draw any conclusions about what has happened,” he told reporters in the western city of Saskatoon …”
• “Busted: Ruslan Boshirov’s and Alexander Petrov’s cover story turns out to be fake (interview)” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Skripal Poisoning Suspect’s Passport Data Shows Link to Security Services” (bellingcat)
• “The Dutch government expelled two alleged Russian spies this year after they were accused of planning to hack into a Swiss chemicals laboratory where novichok nerve agent samples from the Salisbury attack were analysed, it has emerged …”
• “Skripal case: Russian ‘spies’ targeted Swiss chemical weapons lab”
• “German troops face Russian ‘hybrid war’ in Lithuania: Merkel”

Internal Security

• “Cybercriminals locked two Ontario towns out of their servers this summer. They weren’t the only targets”
• “Russia, Cyber-warfare and Canada’s Democracy” (NATO Association of Canada)
• “Governor-General at odds with RCMP over security issues”
• “Lawyer for Canadian detained in Sudan balks at proposed delay in court action”
• “Canada betrays its own citizens. Hassan Diab’s case is among its most egregious: Neil Macdonald”
• “Case of man accused in van attack that left 10 dead put over to November”
• “On the asylum seekers file, is Trudeau up to the task?”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted: “Innovation design of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) transition experience from military to post-military life”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Lorsqu’un système ne fonctionne pas: ne changeons rien !”

Other Military News

• “Canada’s Armed Forces, struggling to hit diversity goals, turns to new digital recruiting tools”
• “An officer cadet facing expulsion from the Canadian Forces for desecrating a Qur’an is being allowed to continue his studies at the Royal Military College in Saint-Jean, Que., but another student is still fighting to remain in uniform …”
• “Cadet wins battle against expulsion”
• “A retrial has been ordered in the case of a Canadian Forces member who was acquitted last year of sexually assaulting a female colleague while the two were deployed on a training exercise in Jamaica in 2015 …”
• “Canadian military scientists test new equipment on Montreal streets”
• “Atlantic fleet divers aid in Avro Arrow hunt” (RCN info-machine)
• “L’Ombudsman des Forces quitte son poste avec des « sentiments mixtes » “
• ” ‘It took you by the throat’: Remembering Medak Pocket in the Former Yugoslavia” (Army info-machine)
• “On Friday morning, school children in Kraków, Poland, honoured several Canadian Second World War soldiers buried in a local cemetery during their second annual No Stone Left Alone ceremony …”
• “Canada must prepare for multidimensional conflict”
• “My plan (3)” (Col Ted)
• ” Time for Canada to Consider the Implications of Independence” (Canadian Defence Matters blog)
• “It’s time for a Women, Peace and Security Ambassador for Canada” (Ceasefire.ca)

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 14 September 2018

Op LENTUS – BC Forest Fires

• “Troops leaving Similkameen”
• “B.C. Wildfires: Help from Canadian armed forces no longer needed”
• “Canadian Armed Forces stepping back from B.C. wildfires”

#MLI – Op PRESENCE

• “Canadian peacekeepers are on a new kind of mission in Mali — counterterrorism”

#CANinIRQ – Op IMPACT

• “Protests dash Iraqi PM’s chances of new term, hit US hopes of shaping government”
• “Missile attack on ‘terrorists’ in Iraq – message for superpowers, IRGC says”
• “The End Is Near for Haider al-Abadi, Iraq’s U.S.-Friendly Leader”
• “White House Threatens Iran With Retaliation Over Militant Attacks (in IRQ)”
• “Demographic Survey: Kurdistan Region of Iraq” ( United Nations Population Fund, International Organization for Migration)
• “Can a new government solve the protests in Iraq?”
• “Operation Inherent Resolve Transitions Commanders for Defeat-ISIS Mission” (US DoD info-machine)
• Elsewhere in the neighbourhood …
  
• “Inside the secret mission to rescue Syria’s White Helmets — Weeks before a secret nighttime mission rescued more than 400 people from Syria, Canadian officials were behind the scenes helping to plot the dramatic escape …”
• “Pentagon questions presence of Russian warships off Syrian coast”
• “(TUR) Defense minister says Turkey working to stabilize Syria’s Idlib: Anadolu”
• “Turkey deploys reinforcements to Syrian border”
• “Syrian rebel commander claims US may go on offensive to push Iran out of country”
• “Syrian Arab Republic: Statement by the Commission of Inquiry on Syria on the situation in Idlib” (UN Human Rights Council)
• “Lights, Camera, Action, False Flag in Syria” (pro-RUS think tank)

Vostok 2018 Watch

• “Vostok 2018 – Day 2 (September 12)” (Russian Military Analysis blog)
• “Vostok-2018 military manoeuvres” (Kremlin info-machine)
• “5 things to know about Russia’s Vostok-2018 military exercises” (Russian Military Reform blog)
• “Experience of military operations in Syria was used at Vostok-2018 drills, says commander” (RUS media)
• “Don’t Fear the Russian Military — The week-long exercises, which kicked off yesterday, are intended as a show of might. But the country is in no position to wage a real conflict …”
• “Vostok-2018: Poutine promet que l’armée russe continuera de se renforcer”
• “Russia deploys most advanced air defences at army drills”
• “Russian and Chinese defense ministers inspects command posts at Vostok 2018”
• “Vostok-2018 Drills Show Russian Army Capable of Countering Threats – Putin” (RUS media)
• “Russia-China military exercises to become regular, defense minsiter says” (CHN mil media)
• “The West should reflect on why China joins Russian military exercise” (CHN mil media)

Cold War 2.0

• “Russian activist hospitalized: History shows crossing Kremlin can be a health hazard … It took just two hours for Pyotr Verzilov to go from full health to the intensive care unit of a Moscow hospital last night.  The 30-year-old Russian-Canadian political activist first started to feel ill, lost his vision, then the ability to talk or walk, all before the ambulance arrived …”
  
• “U.S., Cuba to Meet on Mysterious ‘Health Attacks’ in Havana”
• “US, Cuban Officials Discuss Mysterious Alleged Sonic Attacks”
• “Skripal suspects: ‘We were just tourists in Salisbury’ “
• “Suspect Indeed: Odd Moments From RT’s Interview With The Novichok ‘Lads’ “
• “Salisbury, Starving Children and Soviet Soldiers: Disinformation Pollution in Action” (EU disinfo info-machine)

#UKR – Op UNIFIER

• “FSB team deployed in Donbas to probe Zakharchenko murder “at invitation” of “local authorities” – MFA Russia”
• “DPR to partially return nationalised markets to owners – Pushilin” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “U.S. Condemns Separatist Plan For ‘Elections’ In Eastern Ukraine”
• “Russian expert predicts victory of incumbent DPR, LPR leaders in November elections” (pro-RUS rebel info-machine)
• “Change at the Top Exposes the Politics of Donetsk-Luhansk ‘People’s Republics’ (Part One)”
• “Change at the Top Exposes the Politics of Donetsk-Luhansk ‘People’s Republics’ (Part Two)”
• “Ukraine’s Pending Disaster- Escalating in Lugansk and Donetsk” (pro-RUS blog)

Way Up North

• “U.S. fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft west of Alaska”
• “NORAD Intercepts Russian Aircraft Entering Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone”
• “Russia builds another military base in East Arctic”
• “The Arctic ‘Trilistnik’—Russia’s Bid for Regional Military Superiority”
• “How a potential Chinese-built airport in Greenland could be risky for a vital US Air Force base”
• “Russia’s Tu-95MS Jets Carry Out Flights Over Arctic Ocean – Defense Ministry”
• “(RUS) Defense chief warns clash of national interests in Arctic may trigger conflicts”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Ombudsman delivers sharp criticism on wait-time decisions for veterans”
• “Ottawa announces settlements in two class actions over benefits denied disabled veterans, sick moms”
• “Ottawa agrees to pay $100M settlement for disabled veterans clawback case”
• “Ottawa proposes $100M settlement for disabled vets over clawback of benefits”
• “Règlement de 100 millions $ dans le recours collectif Anciens Combattants Toth c. Sa Majesté”
• “Together We Stand Brings Canadians Together to Honour Canadian Military Families — The holidays will be a little brighter for over 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces members and their families this year thanks to Together We Stand Foundation, a newly formed organization that honours Canadian military families …”
• Support Our Troops page
• “Veterans Affairs Canada expands access to mental health services in Saskatoon” (VAC info-machine)

What’s Canada Buying (or Selling)?

• “Canadian company tried selling missile technology to Iran”
• “Report on Exports of Military Goods from Canada – 2017” (Global Affairs Canada info-machine)
• “Canada Is Still Selling Military Gear to Repressive Regimes”

Internal Security

• “Alleged Ottawa ISIS recruiter Peshdary loses latest try for disclosure from CSIS. ” (Federal Court decision via @StewGlobal)
• “CSIS looks to shield identities of employees testifying in Abdelrazik case” – Abousfian Abdelrazik (Wikipedia)

Other Military News

• “RCAF supports North Atlantic right whale conservation efforts” (RCAF info-machine)
• “Off road ride: To improve mobility, light infantry trials four wheelers” (Canadian Army Today)
• “The Canadian Forces are suffering from obesity … in leadership and staff” (Quotulatiousness blog)

The Koreas

• “U.S. announces fresh sanctions over N.K. nuclear program”
• “Are Sanctions Part of the Problem?” (38 North)

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 12 September 2018

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veterans Ombudsman calls for timely and transparent decisions for Canada’s ill and injured Veterans” (Vet ‘Budman info-machine)
• “Prestations d’invalidité: délais plus longs pour les vétérans francophones et les femmes”
• “The federal government has agreed to pay $100-million to settle a long-running lawsuit with veterans who say they were discriminated against when Ottawa deducted their disability pensions from the income-replacement benefits they received from Veterans Affairs Canada. The agreement, which must still be approved by the Federal Court, would give more than 12,000 veterans with disabilities payments of $2,000 to $50,000 each …”
• “Minister O’Regan Statement on Toth Settlement” (VAC info-machine)
• “Veterans Affairs Canada announces return of service card for retired members”

#CANinIRQ – Op IMPACT

• “Media opportunity (Friday) with the Commander of Joint Task Force-Iraq” (DND info-machine)
• “Arab foreign ministers call on Turkey to withdraw troops from Iraq”
• “Factions call for changing Iraq to presidential government”
• “How violent protests in Iraq could escalate”
• Elsewhere in the neighbourhood …
  
• “Iraqi security foil suicide bomb attack against Shia rituals sites”
• “Iraqi Kurds Gear Up for Elections Hoping to End Turmoil”
• “Water Shortages to Cut Iraq’s Irrigated Wheat Area by Half”
• “Wheat production in Iraq halved due to water shortages – report”
• “Turkey’s Erdogan says attack on Syria’s Idlib would cause humanitarian, security risks”
• “UN: Idlib Civilians Must Not Be Sacrificed to War”
• “A record one million Syrians displaced over six months, during six key battles: UN investigators” (UN info-machine)
• “U.S. Update on ISIS in Iraq in Syria” (Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars)
• “Syria’s Last Rebel-Held Stronghold Braces For Attack”
• “UN commission calls on rebels to leave cities in Syria’s Idlib”

#MLI – Op PRESENCE

• “Chinook and Griffon used to conduct first Canadian medevac in Mali”
• “Canadian peacekeepers’ first medical air evacuation in Mali a success despite severe weather”
• “The Canadian troops who recently arrived in Mali are not most afraid of the armed rebel groups battling for control there. The soldiers are actually most concerned about Mother Nature. As Jeff Semple reports from Gao, extreme weather is making the operation difficult and dangerous …”
• “Mali: Le Secrétaire général adjoint aux opérations de maintien de la paix réaffirme l’engagement de l’ONU au Mali” (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali info-machine)
• “Mali : Plan de réponse humanitaire (janvier – décembre 2018) – Version révisée juillet 2018” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
• Elsewhere in the neighbourhood …
  
• “Libya’s Tripoli airport diverts flights after rocket attack”
• “Are Somali Troops Prepared to Lead the War Against al-Shabab?”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “The Department of National Defence (DND) has a requirement to replace the AN/MWG 505 Remote Weapon System (RWS) and provide third line “follow-on” support to this system including but not limited to: Technical Investigations and Engineering Studies (TIES), Repair and Overhaul and spares …”
• Wanted: “Kevlar Night Vision Goggle (NVG) helmet mounts for Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS)”

Internal Security

• “Asylum-seeker surge at Quebec border choking Canada’s refugee system, data show”

Other Military News

• “Canadian Forces Ombudsman is leaving – speak out against unfairness he says in final message”
• “It is with mixed emotions that today I announce my retirement from the position of Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman and the Public Service, as of 31 October 2018 …” (CF ‘Budman post)
• “Legal Weed Use By Canadian Soldiers Won’t Have a Negative Impact, General Tells Allies”
• “Postes Canada rend hommage aux Forces armées canadiennes en dévoilant un timbre”
• “My plan (2)” (Col. Ted)

Vostok 2018 Watch

• “Vostok 2018 – Day 1 (September 11)” (Russian Military Analysis blog)
• “Russia flexes its military muscles with Arctic component of Vostok 2018 war games”
• “Vostok-2018 starts, China’s participation attracts world attention” (CHN mil media)
• “Vostok-2018: la Russie fait la démonstration de son système anti-aérien S-400”
• “Vostok 2018: How did Chinese forces reach Russia?” (CHN mil media)
• “Russia launches largest military drills in decades, China participates” (CHN mil media)

#LVA/Europe – Op REASSURANCE

• “Estonia eyes mid-range air defense systems to rectify NATO ‘oversight’ “
• “Latvian government approves €175m (CDN $265m) Black Hawk purchase”
• “Russia Faces Problems With Boosting Military Presence Along Northern Sea Route”
• “Russia is main suspect in mysterious brain attacks on US diplomats in China and Cuba, NBC reports”
• “U.S. officials suspect Russia in mystery ‘attacks’ on diplomats in Cuba, China — The strong suspicion that Russia was behind the alleged attacks is backed by signals intelligence, meaning intercepted communications, say U.S. officials …” (NBC)
• “Russia Is Suspected Of Attacks Against Diplomats In Cuba. Will The US Strike Back?” (Task & Purpose blog)
• “The United States Attorney’s Office in Minnesota has announced a Latvian man who pleaded guilty to participating in a hacking scheme that targeted visitors to the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s website has been sentenced to 33 months in prisonThe United States Attorney’s Office in Minnesota has announced a Latvian man who pleaded guilty to participating in a hacking scheme that targeted visitors to the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s website has been sentenced to 33 months in prison …”
• “Latvian National Sentenced To Prison For “Scareware” Hacking Scheme That Targeted Minneapolis Star Tribune Website” (US State Attorney, District of Minnesota)
• “Publishing of (Latvia’s) KGB files to begin this year”

#UKR – Op UNIFIER

• “Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has visited Canada where he met with the country’s government and the Ukrainian diaspora and discussed economic cooperation and assistance in the fight against Russia’s armed aggression …”
• “One killed, three injured in 33 attacks on Ukrainian positions over past day”
• “24 hours in Donbas: 14 ceasefire violations, 20-year-old Ukrainian warrior die”
• “Over 200 km of roads in Kherson region washed with alkaline solution after acid leaks in Crimea”
• “Chemical emission in Crimea: Ukraine prepares appeal to OPCW”
• “Russia moves to silence soldiers and hide evidence of its military aggression against Ukraine” (Human Rights Ukraine)
• “Volker doesn’t see Moscow’s willingness to settle Donbas problem”
• “US Marines Special Operations officer tasked with training Ukrainian scouts – Bezsonov”

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