MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 28, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• “Five things that have changed about Canada’s military mission against ISIL”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “Forces kurdes : Ottawa veut des garanties avant d’envoyer des armes”

Syria

• “US equals Daesh, Russia equals humanitarian aid” (EU)
• “Syrian conflict: Why it’s time to hold Russia to account”

Mo’ Peacekeeping?

• “Colombia peace agreement sets stage for Canadian Peacekeepers”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Military Police launch Sexual Offence Response Team” (Canada News Centre) – Backgrounder:  “Sexual Offence Response Team” – “La Police militaire met sur pied l’Équipe d’intervention en cas d’infraction sexuelle”
• “Gay firefighter wins compensation for abuse on Halifax military base”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “NDP bringing motion to have MPs screen arms exports”
• Remember where you read it first😉  MILNEWS.ca, 26 Sept 2016:  Wanted:  Research into trying to detect chemical agents using light? – “The Canadian Military Wants to Detect Airborne Bioweapons With Lasers”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Canada looking at data in fighter jet purchase: Boeing executive”

Cold War 2.0

• “Vladimir Monomakh, newest strategic nuclear submarine, arrived at the Pacific Fleet”
• “Cyprus may allow Russia to use country’s ports and airports for conducting rescue operations in the Middle East in case of emergency, the Cypriot ambassador to Moscow said Tuesday …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Injured veteran’s wife pens intimate portrait of her family life”
• “Wounded Warriors Canada riders cycle through Northumberland County”
• “How a sports program called Soldier On is helping veterans who are hurting”

Other

• Colonel Ted on PMJT having to make tough decisions soon  “… I have, myself, discussed others that will divide Prime Minister Trudeau’s supporters: How to replace the CF-18s through a fair and open competition that is, before it starts, rigged to exclude the F-35; How to give seriously injured/disabled veterans a fair, better pension instead of just without going back to a prohibitively expensive system that pays too much for minor injuries, like partial hearing loss but fails to provide first class care and support for those with serious injuries …”
• “The CDA Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. James A Boutilier has been selected as the recipient of the Vimy Award for 2016. This prestigious award is presented annually to one prominent Canadian who has made outstanding contributions towards the security and defence of Canada and the preservation of our democratic values …”
• “Can Canada resist the American “warfare” state?” (Ceasefire.ca)
• “Canadian Armed Forces to conduct training in Port Stanley area”
• “Cold War veterans reunite in Courtenay”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 26, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• Colonel Ted:  “Everyman (again) on the Middle East (again) — The “quality” press is full of interesting and useful; articles that try to help us make some sense of the situations (there are many) in the Middle East: The Economist reports on the unravelling of the ceasefire in Syria and on Saudi Arabia’s domestic problems with its own “game of thrones” …”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Military Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq”
• “US military removes Irish flag from anti-Isis website”
• “27 airstrikes target IS in Syria, Iraq”

Libya

• “Canada confirms citizen kidnapped in Libya, seeks more information” – “Canadian taken hostage in Libya” – “Canadian one of three people taken hostage in Libya” – “Libya’s recent kidnapping linked to Al-Qaeda”
• “Libya PM calls for national reconciliation in splintered country”
• “State Council plans to appoint new military and civil institution heads”
• “US, UK Diplomats Meet Libyan Militias to Restart Oil Exports”

The Kurds

• “Still no Canadian weapons for the Kurds – will the small arms ever be sent?”
• “Infographic: The cost of the war with ISIS — The war has cost the KRG $1 billion to date …”
• “Rojava: Syrian Kurdish Forces and IS Swap Prisoners”
• “American ambassador calls on Kurdish parties to work together to tackle issues”
• “Barzani suggests deadlock can end with division of posts: chief of staff”
• “Syrian Kurdish PYD party holds 8th congress in Brussels”

Iraq

• “RAF crews from Cyprus base target IS in Iraq” – “UK Warplanes Attacked by ISIS Surface-to-Air Missiles Over Iraq”
• “US military hits another Islamic State chemical weapons facility in Iraq”
• “In battle for Iraq’s Mosul, many forces with many motives” – “Iraqi PM Approves of Militias Participation in Mosul Offensive” – “Iraq Defense Ministry: Only Iraqi troops to participate in Mosul operations” – “Iraq denies presence of coalition forces in Mosul libration (sic.) operations”
• “(Iraq’s Shiite militias): ‘We Do Not Need America’s Support’ “ – “Top Shiite militia leader says Iraq’s partition will have ‘bloody outcome’ “
• “Iraq denies recognition to Houthi ‘council’ “

Syria

• “Russia Increased Air Grouping in Syria? Su-25SM Strike Aircraft Spotted in Latakia”
• “Syria will not relinquish a single inch of its territory: Bashar al-Jaafari”
• “A bloody end to another failed ceasefire in Syria” – “US, European allies call on Russia to save Syria truce” – “Syrian Ceasefire Failed ‘Because Some in Washington Wanted It to Fail’ “
• “Kuwait- OIC condemns ongoing bombing of civilian in Aleppo” – “Battle rages near Aleppo as deadly airstrikes continue”
• “Aid delivered to four besieged towns in Syria”
  

Syria/Refugees in Canada

• “Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet Syrian refugee family in Canada”
• Mo’ Peacekeeping/Into Africa?
• “Preventative military missions ‘not a bad idea,’ but hard to assess”
• “Colombian-Canadian crucial to peace deal between Colombia and FARC”
• “Canada’s African peacekeeping mission options”

Ukraine/Cold War 2.0

• From Various Info-machines  “Developing cohesive relationships is one of public affairs’ primary goals and that’s exactly what three multinational public affairs officers achieved Sept. 22 during a forum on military and media relations at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. The three Army officers from the U.S., Canada and Ukraine spent over an hour discussing the different aspects of their job with approximately 40 journalism students …”  – “The Mission At Hand — Training a Ukrainian platoon”
• “Russia Sends Aircraft Carrier to Eastern Mediterranean”
• “US Air Force Jets to Begin Policing Bulgarian Airspace in September”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Cost of Canadian naval base upgrade almost doubles – now $781 million”
• “Liberal government mulling long-overdue moves on military procurement file”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  Time’s running out for blaming past management …  “Harper government ‘messed up’ jet-replacement process, that’s why things are slow: Sajjan”
• Wanted:  “Boots, Winter, Unisex”
• Wanted:  Research into trying to detect chemical agents using light?  “Investigation of optical signals”

Internal Security

• “Too much talking, cellphone use, during federal ‘lockdown’ exercise, report says”
• “Canadian bomb threats are almost always hoaxes, but still take police time”
• “Several lessons for Canadians in Oliver Stone’s Snowden”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “While military commanders have pointed to an increase in criminal investigations as proof the fight against sexual misconduct is working, military justice officials admit they don’t know how many service members are ever actually convicted …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “EDITORIAL: Our injured vets deserve better”
• Colonel Ted on Team Red’s Promise to Vets  “Masters of cynicism, inactivity and selfies”
• “The Mood Disorder Society of Canada is out to make sure veterans are appreciated all year round and just not on Remembrance Day. The organization focuses on the veterans and helps them overcome some of the challenges that they face as they transition into civilian life. The team is still being assembled for a new program called Transitions in to Communities for Veterans …”
• “Canadians recognized (in Toronto) for their dedication to Veterans”
• “The Honorable Kent Hehr will announce support for veterans facing employment barriers”

Other

• Nathan Cirillo, R.I.P.  “Inaugural canoe kayak challenge to pay tribute to slain military sentry”
• Colonel Ted on Someplace the Royal Canadian Navy Should Go  “… I believe that Canada should start deploying, annually, one or two of our small, lightly armed ~ very non-threatening ~ Kingston class warships into the South China Sea each year … to support, especially, the Philippines …”
• “How to Drag the Canadian Forces into the Twenty-First Century”
• ” Military personnel and Defence department employees get a free pass for Ashley Madison contacts”
• “New 39 Canadian Brigade Group headquarters officially opens”

Afghanistan

• “Canadian Afghan Vets Recognized with First National LAV III Monuments on Highway of Heroes” – “New monument in Bowmanville, Ont. honours Canadian soldiers” – “LAVs now memorials to Canadians who served in Afghanistan”

World War Two

• ” ‘It symbolizes gratitude’: Dutch delegation gives bell, honours Alberta regiment’s role in WW2″

World War One

• “Feds must highlight Vimy’s 100th: MacKay”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 24, 2016

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Canada’s peacekeeping plan not politically motivated, says top general — Jonathan Vance says he would never put troops in harms way to win UN Security Council seat …”
• “Building peace in Colombia may be more challenging than 50 years of war”

Phillipines/Kidnapping

• “Sister of Robert Hall, killed Canadian hostage, says government did little to save him” – Army.ca Discussion (DISCLOSURE:  I’m a moderator @ Army.ca)

Internal Security

• ” ‘Shady, secretive system’: Public Safety green-lit RCMP, CSIS spying devices, documents reveal”
• “Quantum computing will cripple encryption methods within decade, CSE chief warns”
• “Liberals should tighten rules against torture: Editorial”

Cold War 2.0

• “To Counter Russian Disinformation, Look to Cold War Tactics”

What’s Canada Buying (or Selling)?

• “Commons committee to scrutinize arms export controls”
• If only a previous majority government keen on looking pro-military could have done it quicker … “Kenny: Canada needs to boost military spending — and replace its aging CF-18s”
• “DND announces first major tender for CFB Esquimalt harbour infrastructure” – “Esquimalt Harbour Recapitalization and Remediation Projects”
• “Ottawa’s Calian renews $15M military education contract”
• Trauma Research (1)  “The Department of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has a requirement for medical support in experimental and digital traumatology and injury analysis …”
• Trauma Research (2)  “MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF PRIMARY BLAST-INDUCED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY … Defence Research & Development Canada Suffield Research Centre (DRDC Suffield) has recently initiated a blast injury program with a major focus on primary blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). Work is being carried out on a rodent model of TBI, as well as an ex vivo model system. Novel instrumentation is used to expose these model systems to single pulse shock waves, enabling the investigation of their effect on brain tissue, separate from concussive and acceleration/deceleration forces. There is a requirement to comprehensively characterize these effects at a molecular level in order to understand the etiology of the injury aswell as to rationally develop medical countermeasures …”
• “Navy Crew Automation Study … Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), Toronto, Ontario, has a requirement for a Navy Crew Automation Study. Specifically, DRDC is investigating the impact of automation on crew performance, as part of a multi-yearresearch project on crewing and human factors for the Navy …” – Statement of Work (PDF)

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Canadian veterans are being asked to be patient when it comes to the re-establishment of their lifelong pension …” – “Veterans Affairs Minister provides update on Department’s accomplishments while meeting new staff” (Canada News Centre)
• “A second chance for Canada’s veterans”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Those responsible for charging and prosecuting military sex offenders and other criminals in uniform are urging what some consider to be long overdue improvements to the rights of victims in the military justice system …”
• “Alberta army captain faces 22 criminal charges, including several counts of sexual assault”
• “A sergeant in the Canadian Forces stationed in Trenton has been found guilty of arranging to commit a sexual offence against a child in addition to charges of possessing and making child pornography. …”

Way Up North

• “Junior Canadian Rangers Ignore The Polar Bears And Have Fun”

Other

• “Royal Canadian Navy concludes successful anti-submarine warfare drills in St. John’s” – “NATO Warships Conduct Submarine Warfare Exercise in Canada – Royal Navy”
• “Canadian Army Soldiers Practice Armoured Combat Skills during Exercise STEELE SABRE 2016”
• From the CF Ombudsman  “Reserve Force and Regular Force Transition Process” – “Opening Remarks: Senate Committee – National Security and Defence” (20 Sept 2016)
• “Law to make it easier to sue DND and for soldiers to file grievances passed in 2013, ignored since then”
• “Bombs and biology: sustaining Canada’s largest military training area”
• Colonel Ted on that OTHER Military Comms  “The cost of government propaganda … One of the communications teams that was singled out for lots of overtime was DND’s … I wonder what military operations or new equipment purchases they were explaining …”
• “Roadies of the sky”
• “Minister Sajjan to attend official opening of new 39 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters in Vancouver (today)”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 21, 2016

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veterans Ombudsman recommends improved compensation for pain and suffering” – “Fair Compensation To Veterans And Their Survivors For Pain And Suffering” (Veterans Ombudsman) – “Improvements needed in compensation for veterans, says Ombudsman”
• “Opening Remarks: Senate Committee – National Security and Defence” (CF Ombudsman)
• ” ‘Antiquated’ rules mean soldiers with PTSD denied tax break for service dogs”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Poorly-trained reservists may endanger peacekeeping missions, Auditor-General warns” – Spring 2016 OAG Report: “Canadian Army Reserve—National Defence”
• “Liberals ponder sending peacekeepers to Colombia” – “Stéphane Dion to attend historic peace signing in Colombia” – “Address by Minister Dion about the Global Demining Initiative for Colombia on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly”
• “Grim news casts shadow over UN refugee conference attended by Trudeau” – “Trudeau makes 1st major speech at UN as Canada bids for Security Council seat” – “The Government of Canada lays the foundations of a more inclusive Canada and world at the United Nations” (Info-machine) – “Can Justin Trudeau Use the UN to Rebrand Canadian Foreign Policy?” – Backgrounder:  “Canada provides significant support following UN meeting on refugees and migrants”

#CANvsISIL

• “French translation a hurdle in Defence department’s first attempt to change Islamic State name”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Nine times more UK airstrikes in Iraq than Syria”
• “Britain may need deal with Russia or Syrian dictator Assad to finish war on ISIS, MPs warn”

Syria

• “Canadian aid workers ‘outraged’ by attack on humanitarian convoy in Syria”
• “Russian aircraft believed to hit Syria convoy, US officials say” – “Russian Airstrikes in Syria: Pre- and Post Cessation of Hostilities” (ISW) – “The US has ‘evidence’ that Russian airstrikes hit an aid convoy in Syria” – “Russia, Syria did not deliver strikes on UN aid convoy near Aleppo — (RUS def) ministry” – “Footage: Destroyed ‘Humanitarian Convoy’ in Aleppo Was Embeded with Terrorist Forces” – “UN Removes Charges Against Russia & Syria Regarding Air Strike on Humanitarian Convoy in Syria”
• “Kremlin sees little hope for restoring ceasefire in Syria” – “Ceasefire still on table after reassuring Syria Support Group meeting at UN” – “Syria Ceasefire ‘Still Possible’ in Spite of Recent Setbacks” – “U.S., Russia try to save cease-fire in Syria”
• “Syrian Opposition Faces Unilateral Options after Collapse of Ceasefire”
• “Syria : Finding opportunity in a post-ceasefire crisis”
• “Syria’s Islamic Movement of Ahrar al-Sham backs Turkish offensive against ISIS and Kurds”
• “New Syria airstrike kills French aid agency medics” – “Airstrike on medical facility in Syria kills at least 4 staff members”
• “Amal Clooney wants to prosecute Syria’s president for war crimes”

Iraq

• “Canada Increasing Iraq Assistance Ahead of Mosul”
• “ISIS Leader al-Baghdadi Shows Up in Mosul, Iraq” – “Iraq Launches Operation to Regain Town Near Mosul From ISIS” – “US forces nearly ready to help Iraq push to retake Mosul” – “Iraqi forces close in on town south of Mosul”
• “Iraqi forces capture Haditha island from ISIL” – “Iraqi Army liberates key village from ISIS”
• “Turkish Jets Kill 4 PKK Gunmen in Northern Iraq”
• “(UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed pledges support for Iraq”

Libya

• “Italians, Canadian abducted in Libya, North Koreans freed” – “Two Italians, one Canadian abducted in Libya” – “Kidnappers of Canadian, two Italians in Libya known locally, official says” – “Kidnappers of Libya Italians ‘known’ “ –  More on this via Google News
• “At lest 9 killed, 20 injured in reported Libya airstrike”
• “Libya Oil Port Ships First Cargo Since 2014 as Fighting Ebbs” – “Libya exports first oil cargo from Ras Lanuf since 2014-port manager” – “Libya exports first shipment of oil for two years”
• “Militias Loyal to Sarraj Government Seek Air Embargo on Oil Crescent”

The Kurds

• “Obama Administration Considers Arming Syrian Kurds Against ISIS”
• “Kurds hold population census to pave way for vote”
• “Turkey’s HDP head in Kurdistan on mission to promote Kurdish unity”
• “Sweden to get Kurdish oil after two-year gap”

Cold War 2.0/Way Up North

• “Russia’s Northern Fleet begins large scale drills involving combat ships, subs, aircraft”

Internal Security

• “Ministerial directive on use of evidence obtained from torture still on books”
• “CSIS Director statement regarding meeting with Director Comey of FBI”
• “Canada’s Security & Intelligence Community after 9/11: Key Challenges and Conundrums”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Liberals Hijacked Defence Report Calling For New Fighter Jets: Tories, NDP”  – “Liberals accused of hijacking report recommending new jets in 12 months” – “CANADA AND THE DEFENCE OF NORTH AMERICA: NORAD AND AERIAL READINESS” (100 pg PDF) – “Tory defence critic urges Liberals to buy new fighter jet within the next year”
• Colonel Ted’s Take  “More on replacing the CF-18s”
• “Calian Wins Renewal of a DND e-Learning Contract Valued at $15 Million”
• “CH-148 Cyclone: une capacité opérationnelle de déploiement en avril 2018”
• Wanted:  “TICK BORNE ENCEPHALITIS VACCINE — The Department of National Defence has a requirement for tick borne encephalitis vaccine to be delivered to the Central Medical Equipment Depot in Petawawa, Ontario Canada … Firm Quantity: Sufficient doses to vaccinate 1,500 adults on an accelerated dosing schedule.  Option Quantity: Sufficient doses to vaccinate up to 4,000 adults on an accelerated dosing schedule over the next 2 years …”

Other

• “Le Briefing avec Harjit Sajjan, ministre de la Défense nationale” (Interview video in English w/French subtitles)
• “RCAF officer takes “top shot” at small arms competition”
• “30 ways the Canadian government failed Omar Khadr”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 20, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• “WELLS: General cautious about progress against Daesh”
• “ISIL, ISIS or Daesh? Ottawa’s past efforts to change its term for terrorist group plagued by confusion” – “ISIS or Daesh. Why Does it Matter What We Call Them?”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Libya

• “Global Affairs ‘aware’ of unconfirmed report Canadian kidnapped in Libya” – “…a statement by the media office of Ghat municipality said that foreign engineers, who worked for construction company CON.I.COS, were abducted by unidentified assailants on the road linking Tahala and Ghat early in the morning. It gave their names as Italians Bruno Cacace and Danilo Calonego, and a Canadian identified only as Frank …” – More on this via Google News

Syria

• “Syria: UN/SARC (aid) convoy hit in Urum al-Kubra, northwest of Aleppo city” (UN OCHA) – “UN halts all convoys in Syria after attack on aid trucks” – “UN suspends all Syria aid after convoy bombed” – “Syria conflict: UN suspends all aid after convoy hit”
• “Syria Cease-Fire Falters as International Support Group Meets for Crisis Talks”
• “Syrian ceasefire: Is it all over?”
• “Kremlin Names Conditions to Resume Syrian Ceasefire”
• “Turkey Raises Flags at Syrian Border After US Flags Appear in Kurdish-Held City”
• “Erdogan plans Syrian ‘safe zone’ as military campaign widens”

Syria/Refugees in Canada

• “Trudeau tells UN conference: Canada not finished helping Syrian refugees” – “Prime Minister announces significant support following UN meeting on refugees and migrants” – “Address by Minister Dion at a round table on human security for refugees, migrants and host communities on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly”

Iraq

• “Iraq Situation Report: September 7-19, 2016” (ISW)
• ” ‘Islamic State’ leaves troubled legacy in Iraq”
• “A New Governorate For The Nineveh Plain, And Beyond” (MEMRI)
• ” ‘Logistic Support’: 100s of US Troops Arrive in Iraq Ahead of Attack on Mosul”
• “Isis in Iraq: PM Haider al-Abadi announces operation to liberate Shirqat, south of Mosul” – “Iraq begins offensive to recapture town of Shargat from ISIS” – “Iraq begins offensive to recapture town of Shargat from ISIS” – “Iraq PM announces offensive to retake Daesh bastion”
• “(TUR) Military kills 9 PKK terrorists in anti-terror ops in northern Iraq, Hakkari province” – “Turkish jets kill 4 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq” –  “5 PKK terrorists neutralized in Turkish artillery fire”
• “Racing against the Clock, Humanitarians in Iraq Need Additional Funding” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

The Kurds

• “British MPs urge full UK Consul-General in Erbil”
• “Haze around Turkey and the Kurds”
• “Kurds are paying the price of the post-coup crackdown”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• DefMin’s answer to Tory question in the House about why no word of a vote on any upcoming “peacekeeping” mission:   “… we can be proud of our men and women who have served all over the world in previous missions, and even now. However, a lot of work needs to be done for peace operations. We are going to be going in with eyes wide open, making sure that we have all the necessary information to allow the military to do its work, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Development. We will make sure that we have all the right information. We need to be able to get a full analysis. Once we have better information, we will be presenting this to Canadians, as we have done, moving forward. A lot of work needs to be done, and I look forward to the healthy debate once we have all the necessary information.”
• “Ambrose suggests UN Security Council seat is motivating the peacekeeping mission” – “Rona Ambrose accuses PM Trudeau of using military as pawns”
• “Roméo Dallaire criticizes UN, but says peacekeeping in Canada’s interests”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted:  Digitally Aided Close Air Support System  “REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: TO ESTABLISH A CONTRACT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF DIGITALLY AIDED CLOSE AIR SUPPORT SYSTEM (DACAS) SYSTEMS, SPARE PARTS AND IN-SERVICE SUPPORT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE …” – Specs & Statement of Work from bid package
• “The Department of National Defence (DND) has a requirement for a Search and Rescue Director to provide contractual support at 426 Squadron, located at 8 Wing Trenton, Trenton, Ontario. The contractor will conduct and administer ground, simulator and flying instructional functions for CC130H aircrew who will be employed in Search and Rescue (SAR) activities …”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  “CDA Institute releases “behind-the-scenes” F-35 report “ – “Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has enjoyed remarkably strong opinion poll numbers since winning power in last October’s election but now faces tough decisions that could dent his popularity … The Liberals will also announce whether they intend to break a pledge to launch a competition for fighter jets. Talk inside military circles is that Ottawa could announce a sole-source contract …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• FB post suggests federal defence, health and VA ministers setting up committee to study effects of mefloquine?
• “Ottawa’s bureaucracy just can’t help harming veterans”
• Message from CF Ombudsman:  “Medically releasing from the Canadian Armed Forces is complicated. The burden has taken its toll on members transitioning from military to civilian life, and their families …”
• “What the Liberals give, bureaucrats can take away. On October 1, Liberal campaign promises to improve the lives of veterans begin to take effect. All that flashy political and bureaucratic rhetoric however has a dark underbelly …”

Internal Security

• “Canada security agencies helped Syria in torture cases: documents” – “Ministerial directive on use of evidence obtained from torture still on books” – “TV report claims Canada cooperated with Syria military intelligence”
• Lux Ex Umbra blog on offensive cyberwar

Way Up North

• “Canada celebrates 20th anniversary of Arctic Council”

Other

• “Canadian Navy flies gay ‘Pride’ flag – and this Christian sailor isn’t happy, at all”
• “Canadian and Australian J-model Herc crews train together near Bondi Beach (Australia)”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 19, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “ISIS takes responsibility for mass stabbing at Minnesota mall” – “Islamic State takes credit for Minnesota mall stabbing”
• “First ISIS-Al Qaeda cooperation for US bombings”
  
• “What Politicians Don’t Get About the Islamic State”
• Is Islamic State Losing Ground But Winning the War of Ideas?
• “Ridiculous to say US created IS: US official” – An Alternate (and Readable) View

Syria

• “Russian Airstrikes in Syria: July 28 – August 29, 2016”
• “U.S. military commanders are ‘pissed off’ about the mission creep in Syria”
• “Syria’s 7-day grace period ends with no aid and cease-fire in tatters” – “Syria Truce Hangs in the Balance Amid Attacks, Lack of Aid”
• “Syria truce violations risk US-Russia action against jihadis”
• “Aleppo aid stuck as Syria truce ends”
• “UN ‘Pained and Disappointed’ at Lack of Syria Aid Deliveries”
• “US-Russia Brokerage: What does the Current Ceasefire in Syria mean?”
• “Autocrats against Rebels against Terrorists: The Difficulty of Creating Peace in Syria”
• TUR into SYR  “Turkey-backed rebels could push further south in Syria, Erdogan says” – “Syria’s Conflict: Managing Turkey’s Intervention” – “Turkish president announces new push on Syria IS stronghold” – “Turkey Says FSA could Push further South as Police Detain 40 Foreigners Suspected of ISIS Links” – “Turkey vs Syrian Kurds: ‘Race Between the Two Parties Where Clear Winner is US’ “
• “US-led Coalition Airstrike Accidentally Hits Syrian Government Troops” – “Australia Expresses Regret Over Botched Syrian Airstrikes”
• “US-backed ‘Moderate Oppositioneers’ Execute 26 Civilians Attempting to Leave Aleppo City”
• “What Now for Syria?”
• “Red Team: Regime Counterinsurgency in Syria” (Small Wars Journal)

Syria/Refugees in Canada

• “Bringing a Syrian refugee family to Petawawa”

Iraq

• “Obama, Iraqi leader to strategize on fight to reclaim Mosul”
• TUR into IRQ  “Baghdad against Turkey’s uncoordinated operations in Iraq” – “Baghdad ‘rejects’ Turkish armed forces in Iraq” – “Iraqi FM rejects Turkish operations in Iraq” – “Presence of Turkish troops hampers Mosul liberation: Iraq” – “Baghdad Warns Turkey Again to Withdraw Troops from Iraq”

Libya

• “Harper government partly to blame for botched Libyan intervention”
• “Libyan troops in renewed push against ISIS” – “Libyan forces renew push against Islamic State in Sirte”
• “Oil prices up on Libya unrest, hopes for output deal” – “Oil Prices Rise on Libya Unrest” – “Tanker withdraws as Libyan port attacked” – “Libya says attacks on 2 key oil terminals repelled”

The Kurds

• “Report indicates KRG oil revenue in September could meet salary payments”
• “History has taught Kurds they need power to win: Demirtas”
• “Syrian HNC opposition leader calls Kurds ‘terrorists’ “ – “Syrian opposition leader calls Kurds “terrorists” “
• “Turkish Jets Bomb Areas of Kurdistan Region, Targeting PKK”

Cold War 2.0

• “Canadian-led NATO force in Latvia taking shape” – “NATO troops taking shape” – “NATO’s Canadian -led battle group beginning to take shape in Latvia”
• “NATO jets scramble to intercept Russian warplane over Baltics”
• “Inside the “Ministry of Truth” ” (EU Disinformation Digest)
• “Russians take to the polls for parliamentary elections” – “Russians head to polls in parliamentary elections”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?/Canada Into Africa?

• “Conservatives to push Liberals to better define UN mission”
• “Trudeau heads to UN with potentially dangerous African mission still undefined”
• “Canada’s military role debated at Edmonton symposium as overseas missions loom”
• “Saideman’s Semi-Spew: The Next Canadian Deployment: Asking the Right Questions in the Wrong Order”
• “Canada belongs in Haiti”

Great White North

• “Northerners consider new cruise ship rules after giant vessel’s voyage”
• “Less ice, more ship traffic prompts Arctic marine safety review”
• “The North and the great Canadian lie”

Internal Security

• “Documents show CSIS and RCMP’s role in post-9/11 torture of 3 Canadians in Syria”
• “Is Canada prepared for the threat from state-sponsored hackers?”
• “Eyes on this border crossing are 700 kilometres away”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted:  Information on what the CAF needs in an armoured sport utility vehicle  “The Department of Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is launching a Request for Information (RFI) in order to seek information and feedback from suppliers and the industry with regard to the standing offer for armoured sport utility vehicles for the Department of National Defence (DND) …” – more in specs document here
  
• “MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates has announced that the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has awarded MDA a contract valued at approximately CA$9 million, if options are fully exercised …”
• F-35 Tug o’ War “Vimy Paper: The F-35 Program, Defence Procurement, and the CF-18 Replacement Debacle “ – “A cautionary tale for Canada? Boeing preps legal challenge after Denmark rejects Super Hornet for F-35” – “Boeing Challenges Denmark for Buying F-35 Jet Instead of F-18 Super Hornet” – “Boeing Petitions Denmark to Please Buy Some Super Hornets Instead of the F-35” – “Guess who’s grounded again? The answer will (not) surprise you! “
• Big Honkin’ Ships  Colonel Ted’s take  “Ships, again (2)”

Other

• “Le caporal Dany Boucher est recherché par la Police Militaire”
• “Canadian Army honours the memory of Corporal Justin Stark at memorial service” (Canada News Centre) – Army.ca thread (DISCLOSURE:  I’m a moderator @ Army.ca)
• “RMC Saint-Jean Returns to University Status “
• “Lieutenant-General Whitecross Selected as Commandant of NATO Defense College” (Canada News Centre)
• “Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration Concludes” (Canada News Centre) – “Tactical close-fire and endurance events spotlighted at Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration 2016” (Army info-machine) – “Top marksmen named at Canadian military’s small arms competition”
• “Exercise COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT: A Demonstration of Strong, Proud, and Ready” (Canada News Centre) – “RCAF Squadrons fly to Yellowknife for Search and Rescue Exercise”
• “More than 23000 people participate in Canada Army Run” – “Thousands take part in annual Army Run through city streets”
• More Col. Ted (blunt) commentary on the State of Canada’s Military  “A Canadian Potemkin Village”
• “Treats for Troops collection (in Peterborough ON) begins Friday”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veterans officials highlighted cons, few pros on medical marijuana”
• “Mapping red tape for wounded, sick” – “Ombudsman maps transition system for ill, injured troops” – Ombudsman Message (13 Sept 2016):  “Determining Service Attribution for medically releasing members”

World War Two

• “RCAF marks 76th anniversary of the Battle of Britain” – “Royal Canadian Air Force Marks the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain” – “Battle of Britain veterans honoured at ceremony”– “Check Six! The Battle of Britain in hindsight” – “Ministers Sajjan and Hehr mark the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain” – “L’Aviation royale canadienne souligne le 76e anniversaire de la bataille d’Angleterre”
• “Charles Henry Byce honoured with bronze statue in Chapleau, Ont.” – “Indigenous WWII veteran immortalized with statue in Chapleau”– “Indigenous WWII veteran immortalized with statue in Chapleau” – “Charles Henry Byce honoured with bronze statue in Chapleau, Ont.” – “Decorated by Destiny – Native Soldiers – Foreign Battlefields” (VAC backgrounder)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 16, 2016

Cold War 2.0

• “Canada’s military chief: Troop arrivals (to Latvia) to start next spring” – “Italy invited to join NATO reinforcement of Latvia”
• “What will the New Cold War look like?”
• “FBI Trying to Build Legal Case Against Russian Hackers”

Canada Into Africa?

• “Matthew Fisher: Canada needs to focus on training civilians ahead of peacekeeping mission in Africa”
• “Canada in the Congo”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq” (US DoD)

Syria

• “U.S. to Shift Surveillance Aircraft and Intelligence Analysts to Coordinate Strikes Against Militants in Syria With Russia” – “U.S.-Russian Officials Hold Video Conference On Syrian Airspace Safety”
• “Syria ceasefire wobbles as government accused of blocking aid” – “Aid Expected in Syria’s Aleppo as Ceasefire Threatens to Unravel” – “Terrorists refuse to leave Aleppo Highway despite Syrian Army’s fulfillment of ceasefire agreement” – “The Latest: UN awaiting security OK to send aid to Syria” – “Syria: UN says aid convoys unable to reach besieged areas despite US-Russia deal on ceasefire” – “Russian humanitarian aid arrives Syria”
• “Russia-US Truce Accord in Syria Targets Daesh, Ex-Nusra” – “Russian military : US not implementing its part of Syria ceasefire plan” – “Russia says using influence to get Syrian army to fulfil truce deal” – “Syria war: Russia says US must influence Syria rebels more”
• “4 ISIS leaders killed by Iraqi Army in Qa’em, Anbar: Sources”
• “ISIS claims deadly attack on Turkish soldiers in Syria”
• “Rights group accuses Turkey, pro-Kurdish forces over Syria civilian deaths “
• “After recent attacks from Islamist militant rebels, Syria’s Druze community is looking to clan leaders in nearby Israel for protection from attacks in Syria’s civil war …”

Syria/Refugees in Canada

• “Little Syria : Calgarians mobilized to help arriving Syrians”

Iraq

• “US Offers $181 million Humanitarian Aid as Iraq launches drive to recapture Mosul from Islamic State” – “Turkey demands role in Mosul battle, but coalition unconvinced” – ‘US officials meet with Iraqi Kurds ahead of Mosul operation” – “Iraq : Isis tries to hold on to Mosul with special forces, torture of civilians” – “ISIS Declares State of Emergency in Iraq’s Mosul”
• “Turkish Air Force attacks PKK in Northern Iraq”

Libya

• “Libya Report Strongly Criticizes British and French 2011 Ouster of Gadhafi” – “Libyan war report reminds how foolish military intervention can be: Walkom”
• “Russia Not to Open Embassy in Libya for Security Reasons” – “PHL downgrades security alert for Libya”
• “Libya to resume oil exports from major ports” – “Libya resuming oil exports from some major ports” – “Oil prices drop on returning Libya , Nigeria supplies”
• “Op-Ed: Haftar’s return of oil ports to Libyan National Oil Company”– “Libya Parliamentarians Promote Haftar to Field Marshall” – “The Man at the Center of Libya’s Armed Conflict”

The Kurds

• “No Decision Made on Kurds ‘ Invitation to Intra-Syrian Talks Yet”
• “Russia insists on Kurds ‘ inclusion in Syrian political process”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “Defence minister backs off idea of allowing First Nations to call in military”
• “Canadian MFRCs seek inclusion in defence policy”

Internal Security

• “Sécurité : 5 millions en un mois pour protéger Trudeau”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veterans Affairs officials focus on cons in medical marijuana discussion”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “New twists in the fighter jets saga”
• “Military facing procurement staff shortage amid major jet, warship buys”

Other

• “Individu recherché par la Police Militaire”
• “Royal Canadian Air Force and Partners to take part in Annual Search and Rescue Exercise”
• “U.S. and Canadian Service Members Participate in Community Service Project During San Diego Fleet Week 2016”
• “Kevin Garratt Released From Chinese Prison 2 Years After Arrest — Canadian Kevin Garratt has been freed from a Chinese prison and is back home with his family. Garratt was detained in August 2014 along with his wife, Julia, who was later freed, on suspicions they were gathering military intelligence …” – “Canada goes extra mile to secure Kevin Garratt’s release from China” – “Kevin Garratt back home in Canada following release by China”

World War Two

• “The unsung heroes of the Battle of Britain: The groundcrew of No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron”

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