MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 24 Mar 2018

• Mo’ on #MLI mission
• “Liberals dropped ball on explaining Mali mission to Canadians: Diplomats — Foreign diplomats are frustrated about the way the Trudeau government handled this week’s announcement that Canada will send military helicopters to Mali. The concern isn’t that Canada has committed to the peacekeeping mission; that decision has been greeted with relief- tinged applause after years of perceived footdragging by the Liberals … But the diplomats feel the government failed to explain why the mission is needed — or that the Canadians will be relatively safe compared with the thousands of other peacekeepers working across the country …”
• “The Spectator’s view: Send Canadian forces into Mali with our eyes open”
• “With Mali mission, Canadian troops are entering a madhouse”
• “Canada’s military heads to Mali — does it know what it’s getting into?”
• “Watch out for Mali ‘mission creep’ “
• “Send Canadian forces into Mali with our eyes open”
• Over in #UKR …
• “N.S. military officer connects with Ukrainian heritage, locals on Forces mission — Sydney River-born officer visits grandfather’s Ukrainian hometown …”
• “Petawawa troops home from successful Ukraine mission”
• “Spy agency chief says new powers would help stop cyberattacks before they happen”
• Wanted:  Ribbons & bows for CANSOF tps  “Cloth Accoutrements for Special Operations Forces Distinctive Service Uniforms (SDSU) … The Department of National Defence has a requirement to establish a Standing Offer for Cloth Accoutrements for their Special Operations Forces (SOF) Distinctive Uniforms (SDSU) to be provided on an “as and when required” basis. The Accoutrements include rank patches, name tapes and “CANADA Flag” shoulder patches for use with the new SDSU …” – More details in bid documents
• Wanted (again):  “Advanced Combat Uniforms … The Department of National Defence (DND) has a requirement for Commercial-Off-The-shelf Advanced Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Uniforms (ASCU) to be supplied in accordance with DND specifications …”
• A medicinal blast from the past
• “MPs say Ottawa should reach out to soldiers who took mefloquine”
• “Surgeon General Task Force Report on Mefloquine” (DND info-machine, June 2017)
• Mefloquine (Wikipedia)
• Mefloquine (Centres for Disease Control)
• “Ottawa shelving million-dollar job app for veterans”
• “MPs freed from House of Commons as Tories bring standoff tactics to an end — Retaliation after Liberals oppose having national security adviser talk to committee about India trip …”
• #SkripalPoisoning smoke machine generating mo’ fog …
• “Russian Nerve Agent Scientist Admits Selling Deadly Toxin to Chechen Mobsters”
• RUS fanboy media:  Maybe RUS “lost” toxin the same way USA “lost” manpads that shot down SYR jets?

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 19 Mar 2018

• It’s now official!
• “Canada Announces Second Peacekeeping Smart Pledge – Will send Aviation Task Force to UN Mission in Mali” (DND/Global Affairs Canada info-machines)
• “Roughly 250 Canadians troops are heading to Mali — what dangers will they face?” (Globalnews.ca)
• “Canada sending 6 helicopters to help UN mission in Mali” (CBC News)
• “Le Canada enverra au Mali une force opérationnelle aérienne de 6 hélicoptères” (45nord.ca)
• “Canada to send helicopters to U.N. Mali mission, allies relieved” (Reuters)
• Interesting point … “Canada to send troops to Mali but the details remain unclear” (The Globe and Mail)
• … with some tea leaves to be read in the latest report (December 2017) from the UN mission there (check page 11 of the PDF linked here):  “… MINUSMA continues to require an explosive ordnance disposal company, a tactical transport aviation unit, a special forces company and a medium utility helicopter unit … One medium armed utility helicopter unit for Sector North remains a critical gap …”
• “Mali choppers face crash threats, but can shoot back at militants: Vance” (National Post)
• “Canada to deploy troops, helicopters to UN Mali mission” (Radio Deutsche Welle
• “Canadian peacekeepers head to Mali, a country broken by civil war” (The Globe and Mail)
• “Canada will send peacekeepers to Mali in the UN’s most dangerous mission” (VICE News)
• The Conservatives’ take?  ” ‘Mali is a war zone’: Conservatives want debate on 12-month UN peacekeeping mission“
• And Some Commentary …
• “It will take more than a few Canadian choppers to help Mali” (Ottawa Citizen)
• … including some whiny bits  “Canadian Troops Should Never Be Put Under UN Command” (Spencer Fernando blog)
• “Canada returns to peacekeeping, but we’re no Ethiopia”
• News from Mali via Google News & EU NewsBrief, with backstory from the International Crisis Group
• Elsewhere in Africa …
• “Two Canadian naval vessels arrive in Ghana” (Ghanaian media)
• … and in Iraq
• “Canadian Forces hospital to stay in Iraq until early 2019”
• Cyber threats from Russia … “Notorious Russian troll farm also took swipes at Canadian targets: oil, PM”
• … and China  “Former top Canadian security officials warn Ottawa to sever links with China’s Huawei”
• “Minister Sajjan concludes Trip in Middle East”
• Guess who won Russia’s election?  (via Google News)
• Canadian commentary on Skripal poisoning:  “Nerve agent theory has too many holes”

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 14 Mar 2018

• The Poisoning …
• UK’s response:  “Russian spy: UK to expel 23 Russian diplomats” – “Novichok nerve agent use in Salisbury: UK government response” (UK Prime Minister info-machine)
• RUS Foreign Affairs Ministry: “The March 14 statement made by British Prime Minister Theresa May in Parliament on measures to “punish” Russia, under the false pretext of its alleged involvement in the poisoning of Sergey Skripal and his daughter, constitutes an unprecedented, flagrant provocation that undermines the foundations of normal dialogue between our countries …”
• RUS Embassy in UK:  “On 14 of March Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko was summoned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office where he was informed that 23 diplomats were declared personae non gratae. We consider this hostile action as totally unacceptable, unjustified and shortsighted …”
• Canada’s response:  “Russian spy attack: Canada condemns ‘likely’ Russian involvement as U.K. expels 23 diplomats” – “Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on chemical weapon attack in United Kingdom … “Canada stands in solidarity with its close ally, the United Kingdom, and the British people. We offer our heartfelt support to the victims of the March 4th chemical attack in Salisbury …” (Global Affairs Canada info-machine)
• RUS Embassy in Canada:  “We regret Canadian Foreign Minister’s hasty support for the unfounded and unacceptable accusations on the part of UK with regard to the Skripal case. The British blame game based on the word “likely”, but not on trustworthy investigation, hard facts and proper international procedures, is highly reprehensible and extremely counterproductive.”
• NATO:  “…Allies expressed deep concern at the first offensive use of a nerve agent on Alliance territory since NATO’s foundation. Allies expressed solidarity with the UK, offered their support in the conduct of the ongoing investigation, and called on Russia to address the UK’s questions including providing full and complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons …”
• A reminder of history from the odessatalk.com blog:  “… “The policy and practice of the Russian government has always been to push forward its encroachments as fast and as far as the apathy or want of firmness of other Governments would allow it to go, but always to stop, and retire when it met with decided resistance” – Lord Palmerston circa 1858 …”
• In other news …
• “Veterans say Trudeau Liberals broke promise on education benefit”
• “Former Winnipegger convicted of terror gets 45-year sentence in New York court”
• Wanted:  Snack cakes for Petawawa – List of types, quantities (PDF)
• I guess someone’s belly button needs a flag 🙂  “Navel Ensign” (via Buyandsell.gc.ca)
• I don’t suppose one could do worse, right?  “Put farmers, fishers, veterans in the Red Chamber, senator urges”
• Fledgling academic:  CAN missed a chance to have a good anti-terror partner by cancelling chopper deal w/the Phillippines
  
• And from the doubting socialists  “Canada touts military-strategic alliance with Washington to win exemption from Trump’s tariffs”

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MILNEWS.ca: Inbox Highlights, 1 Mar 2018

• One more reason to worry Trump’s proposed steel tariffs?  “Trump’s steel tariff could drive up Canada’s military procurement costs”
• Speaking of trade with the U.S. …  “DND gas mask fight a sign of toxic Canada/U.S. trade climate, say experts — U.S. firms taking ‘swipes’ at Canadian procurement are following White House lead, says former Tory minister …”
• Another good question  “Does the Canadian Forces need an additional aircraft for close air support? Who knows?”
• Ooopsie … “Canadian Air Force drops inflatable raft through Florida home’s roof” (The Canadian Press)
• More from Budget 2018 … 
• “Psychiatric service dog handlers to get tax credit”
• “The memory of Canadian soldiers will be better preserved thanks to millions of dollars in the federal budget to maintain military graves in poor condition…” (La Presse, in French)
• “Trudeau government promising $42M to assist thousands of disabled veterans”
• What’s Canada Buying (1)?  “(Request for Information) – Defensive Cyber Operations Project … Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), on behalf of The Department of National Defence (DND) / Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), is releasing this Request for Information (RFI) to inform Industry and to seek input on the possible procurement and costing for the Defensive Cyber Operations – Decision Support Project (DCO-DS) and the Cyber Security Awareness Project (CSA) …”
• What’s Canada Buying (2)?  Navy has new small UAV  “AeroVironment-MDA Team to Provide Small UAS for Canada’s Maritime Operations”
• Clamping down on fakers  “Alberta man accused of posing as (U.S.) marine at Remembrance Day event faces charge”
• USS Little Rock still stuck in ice in Montreal  “Inconvenienced by a warship stuck in the harbor” (Journal de Montreal, in French)
• “US, Canada Eye Ways to Counter Cruise Missile Attacks — The head of U.S. Northern Command last week said the U.S. and Canada are working on upgrades to protect against cruise missile threats posed by countries such as Russia and North Korea — the first substantial buildup in more than two decades …”
• If this IS true, I guess Russia’ll stop bellyaching about missile defences on its borders, riiiiiiiiiiight?  “Putin boasts that Russia has a nuclear-powered cruise missile that can penetrate U.S. defense shields” – “Russia says NATO’s missile shield has holes in it – agencies” – “Russia’s new weapon systems may reduce US missile defense efforts to nothing — analyst”
• China’s military into movies (via CHN military media) … “Military movies strike a chord in China” – “Chinese military action film “Operation Red Sea” released in U.S.” – “China’s Military Finances Blockbuster Movie About Heroic Chinese Marines in Yemen”
• … and a few philatelic tidbits  “PLA Air Force releases video and commemorative envelopes of J-16 warplane”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – February 20, 2018

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canada’s deal on AWACS – less money and no RCAF personnel”
• “New report: actors manipulating the online conversation are changing tactics” (NATO StratCom info-machine) – “Robotrolling 2018/1” (NATO StratCom report)
• “Germany to triple number of soldiers for NATO’s drills to contain Russia” (Pravda)
• “Test of Arrow 3 Missile Defense System Completes Successfully” (US DoD)
• “Russian Navy begins aerial refuelling training for its combat pilots”
• “The testing of 12 units of Russia’s newest 152 mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH), the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, is under way and will continue until 2020, when state trials are expected to be completed and a decision made on serial production of the system, said Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yuriy Ivanovich Borisov on 9 February …”
• “Russia’s Electronic Warfare Capabilities to 2025” (EST gov’t via To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “Iraqi Defense Ministry receives T-90S tanks from Russia”

Ukraine

• “Two U.S. Guided-missile Destroyers Now Operating in the Black Sea” – “U.S. show of force in Black Sea message to Russia – media”
• UN Peacekeeper Latest  “Nordic Peacekeepers for Ukraine: Back in Blue?” (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs) – “It is impossible to withdraw occupation authority from Donbas without UN peacekeepers, – (UKR) MFA” – “Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry: No Belarusian peacekeepers in Donbas without peers from NATO states” – “Belarus cannot send peacekeepers to Donbas because it is CSTO member”
• “Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold press briefing in Mariupol (today)” (OSCE)
• Updates from All Sides
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 18 February 2018”
• “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, February 20, 2018” (UKR MoD)
• “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, February 19, 2018” (UKR MoD)
• UKR govt ATO map, 20 Feb 2018
• “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 02/19/2018”
• “One Ukrainian soldier killed, four wounded in Donbas on Feb 19”
• “Ukraine reports 12 enemy attacks in Donbas, 1 KIA, several wounded in last day”
• “ATO HQ reports 12 enemy attacks in Donbas, 1 KIA, several wounded in last day”
• “One Ukrainian soldier died, four more wounded in Donbas”
• “Defense Ministry confirms information about one died, four wounded Donbas soldiers”
• “Ukrainian Army, Donbas militants keep moving closer to one another, – (OSCE’s) Hug”
• Rebel Info-machine on Pause???  “The official DONi Donbass International News Agency, placed in the Donetsk People’s Republic, has faced a temporary stoppage of its informational works due the organizational re-arrangements and structural changes …”
• “Stepan Poltorak, We have to use constructively Ukroboronprom’s potential. I am ready to cooperate; joint projects have great chance of success” (UKR MoD)
• “Ukrainian Army HQ: soldier shot fellow serviceman through negligence”
• “Russia sent a letter of protest to Ukraine over the attack on the Rossotrudnichestvo building in Kyiv” – “Ruslan Nimchinsky, Ukrainian Charge d’Affaires ad interim in Moscow, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on February 19 and was handed a note of protest against the continuing mayhem caused by Ukrainian Russophobic nationalists, who, on February 17 and 18, 2018 and at the behest of the Kiev authorities, staged provocative attacks on the Russian Centre for Science and Culture and the Rossotrudnichestvo office, as well as the Kiev-based offices of Russian banks …” (RUS MFA info-machine)
• “(UKR) Supreme Council of Justice not supports Interior Minister’s suggestion to lift security of courts” – “National Police, National Guard to continue protecting courts, other bodies of judicial system”
• “Poroshenko To Testify On Anniversary Of Maidan Bloodshed” – “Bitter questions as Ukraine’s leaders wax rhetorical about Maidan” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• “Alleged decree banning travel to Ukraine is fake – DPR Head’s administration”
• “Report on the Results of Sociological Study: Features of Social Adaptation and Integration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Local Communities of the Territories of Their Present Residence – October 2017” (Caritas)

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Daesh still capable of launching attacks in northern Iraq, say commanders”
• “Iraq hands 6-year jail term to German jihadist teen: judiciary”
• “French female ISIS fighter to be extradited following conviction in Iraq”
• “UN Releases Guidelines for Team Investigating ISIS Crimes in Iraq” – Terms of Reference (PDF)
• “Syria de-escalation zones should not turn into zones of foreign influence — diplomat”
• “Russia ready to help in Afrin conflict settlement — Foreign Ministry”
• “Escalation in Syria – How Far Can the Russians be Pushed?”
• “Turkey Warns US, Syrian Government Against Supporting Kurds”
• “Failed offensive at Deir Ezzor was planned by Wagner PMC Chief of Operations Sergei Kim” (InformNapalm.org)

Afghanistan

• “Lavrov: Russia Awaits US Response on Unidentified Helicopters in Afghanistan”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “Progress at North Korea’s Experimental Light Water Reactor at Yongbyon” (38 North)
• “North Korean ICBM Design Shows External Influence, Jane’s by IHS Markit Says”
• “S. Korean military to press ahead with joint drills with U.S. this year” – “KCNA Commentary on U.S. Moves to Resume Joint Military Exercises after Olympics” (via Anglo-Peoples Korea/Songun blog)
• “A looming trade dispute could cause friction in the U.S-South Korea military alliance, but leaders in Washington and Seoul maintain their economic disagreements will not impact their continued security cooperation to deal with the North Korean nuclear threat …”
• “South Korea’s president accepts Putin’s invitation to visit Russia”
• “Power and water supply in North Korea worsens in winter”
• “DC Comics’ New Aquaman Is N.Korean Defector”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “US Secret Service denies China ‘nuclear football’ skirmish”
• “Philippines: Risks Rising With China Challenging US at Sea” – China’s rising challenge to US raises risk of South China Sea conflict, Philippines warns” – “Rodrigo Duterte says Chinese military island bases are there to oppose US, not Philippines”
• “Royal Australian Navy Warships Set Sail for Exercise Ocean Explorer”
• “Singapore announces 4% increase in defence spending”
• “China Is Selling a New Tank. Could It Beat the M1 Abrams in a Fight?” – VT-4 (Wikipedia)
• “Indian deal on key Iranian port a potential check on China’s regional ambitions”
• “China has been quietly holding talks with Pakistani tribal separatists for more than five years in an effort to protect the $60bn worth of infrastructure projects it is financing as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor …”
• “Omar asks Delhi to explain Akhtar’s assertion about China’s involvement in Kashmir”

Way Up North

• “(RUS) Northern Fleet service personnel learn to drive new Aleuts”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted:  “ROBUST “BEYOND LINE OF SIGHT” (BLOS) COMMUNICATIONS IN SATELLITE-DENIED ENVIRONMENTS … The Canadian Armed Forces uses both High Frequency (HF) and satellite communications (SATCOM) systems for beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications. While the HF band supports global communications, it is subject to widely varying performance due to interference, atmospheric conditions and, in times of conflict, jamming. Satellite communications can also be subject to denial jamming. The challenge is to consider new approaches to providing robust, over-the-horizon/BLOS communications in satellite-denied environments …”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Special prosecutor to examine charges against top military judge and decide whether case should proceed” – “Poursuites contre le juge en chef militaire, un procureur spécial nommé” – “Director of Military Prosecutions appoints Special Prosecutor” (DND info-machine)
• “Canadian military rethinks morale tours in wake of Tiger Williams sex assault allegations” – “Booze-fuelled military flights spark calls for change”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Letter: One of Langley’s MPs defends Liberal record on veterans”

Other

• “US fight for military recruits not echoed in Canada but problems remain”
• “Interest in Canadian Armed Forces remains high”
• “Toronto Maple Leafs pay tribute to the Royal Canadian Navy” (RCN info-machine)
• Colonel Ted’s take:  “Everyman’s Strategic Survey: EU versus NATO? Does it matter? … Perhaps it is time for Canadians who really care about their country and its place in the world to start considering advocating for closer, stronger, strategic ties with Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom … something of a CANZUK++ for military cooperation and coordination, but not a formal alliance. The threats we face are global, our friends and military partners should be global too.”
• “Henry J. Langdon: An RCAF, industry and union pioneer” (RCAF info-machine)
• “One of the first Black Canadian women soldiers tells her story” (Army info-machine)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – February 6, 2018

#CANvsISIL

• “At least two Canadian women are among 800 foreign ‘ISIS families’ being held in legal limbo by Kurdish forces”
• “Canada says two citizens safely leave Syria, gives few details” – “Two Canadians held hostage in Syria released” – “Chatham man freed in Syria was helping mother bring her kids home” – “Syria: News reports say Jolly Bimbachi and Sean Moore of Chatham freed by al-Qaeda affiliate “ – More via Google News
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Pentagon counters Iraq reports, says no plans for significant drawdown of US troops for now”
• “US, UK seeking to slander Russia at UN Security Council — envoy — Russia “has never called to question the very fact of the use of sarin in Khan Shaykhun in April 2017″ Vasily Nebenzya stressed …”
• “Path of (Paris) IS cell survivor shows intersection of crime, terror”
• “Islamic State, al-Qaeda Support Fuels Attacks in West Africa”
• “Russia supplies arms to Kurds against Turkey – OSINT group”
• “First Russian jet shot down in Syria” – “A Russian Pilot Died While Attacking Civilians in Syria” – “Russian Military Blasts ‘Betrayal’ After Media Leaks Deceased Pilot’s Salary”

Afghanistan

• ” The Pentagon Is Shifting US Combat Power From Iraq to Afghanistan — Again”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Lithuania: Russia Deploying More Missiles into Kaliningrad” – “Russia deploying ballistic missiles to Baltic enclave” – “Russia deploying ballistic missiles to Baltic enclave: Lithuania” – “Russia stationing Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad, says Lithuania” – “Lithuanian president on Russia’s Iskander in Kaliningrad: A threat to half of Europe”
• “Russia confirms ballistic missiles deployment to Baltic exclave after Lithuania’s claim” – “Kremlin: Russia deploying arms on its soil not cause for other countries’ concern”
• “Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States’ borders on January 29 – February 5, 2018” (LTU MoD)
• “NATO battalion soldiers training at Kazlų Rūda Training Area” (LTU MoD)
• “Deployment of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion in the Baltic states and Poland is beyond doubt a success story of the Alliance, Minister of National Defence R.Karoblis says” (LTU MoD)
• “(EST) Scouts Battalion, NATO allies to rehearse wintertime warfare”
• “Estonia launches military training “Talvelaager 2018” “ (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian)
• ” ‘Crossed Swords’ tested skills of cyber defenders”
• “Latvia Focuses on Improving Societal Resilience and Increasing Size of National Guard”
• “Land border between Estonia, Russia fully marked”
• “Starving Wolf No Longer: Can Russia Sustain Its Military? (Op-ed)”
• “Russian Military Tests Soldiers’ Willingness to Quash Opposition Protests”
• “The Super Hind Mk.III Could Be the Best Mi-24 Ever”
• “Belarus has developed new assault rifle 7.62x39mm caliber”
• “Putin enacts ratification of agreement on S. Ossetian army’s accession to Russia armed forces” – “Putin ratified agreement on unrecognized South Ossetian army integrating into Russian army”

Ukraine

• Guess What the Rebel Buzzword o’ the Day Is?  “Kiev preparing a “blitzkrieg” for the capture of DPR and LPR” – “Kiev preparing spring blitzkrieg in Donbass, Donetsk says” – “Donetsk states Kiev’s preparation for spring Donbass blitzkrieg” – “Donetsk command reveals Ukrainian plan for a blitzkrieg”
• Ooopsie … “(HRV) Defence Ministry Wants Ukraine to Replace 4 Defective MiG 21 Jets” – “Croatia demands from Ukraine to change four faulty MiG-21, – source”

• UN Peacekeeper Latest  “France supports the introduction of UN peacekeepers in the occupied Donbas” (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian) – “France supports deployment of UN peacekeepers throughout occupied territory of Donbas – Foreign Ministry” – “Foreign Ministers of France, Ukraine discuss resolution of Donbas conflict”
• Updates from All Sides
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 4 February 2018”
• “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, February 06, 2018” (UKR MoD)
• UKR govt ATO map, 5 Feb 2018
• “Ukrainian command orders to conceal positions in ‘antiterrorist operation’ zone – People’s Militia”
• “Electromagnetic warfare staff errors lose Ukrainian paratroopers two UAVs – Basurin”
• And None of These “seriously-ill people” Could Possibly Be Wounded Rebel Troops, Right?  “Emergency Ministry’s jet carries out medevac from Rostov-on-Don to Saint Petersburg and Moscow — An Ilyushin Il-76 plane owned by the Russian Emergency Ministry has taken off today from Zhukovsky airport to carry out medical evacuation of 16 seriously-ill people, including one adult and 15 children from Rostov-on-Don to Saint Petersburg and Moscow/. The evacuation is being carried out in conjunction with Just Help of Doctor Liza Foundation …” (RUS EMERCOM)
• “Closed the need for 50 rounds of the Hornady Match caliber .50 (12.7×99) for the company of snipers of 36 brigade of the Marine Infantry.” (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian)
• From the Rebel Info-machine  “LPR parliament-approved law bans religious groups’ activity in Republic” – “Kiev’s political will needed to restore Vodafone’s work in DPR” – “DPR urges West to influence Ukraine and prevent new war in Donbass” – “Armed on credit: Defense official suggests Kiev rent US military equipment”
• “Date of new hostage swap in occupied Donbas not yet set”
• “Rada will consider decree abolishing Donbass reintegration bill on February 6” – “Rada refuses to abolish Donbas law” – “Ukrainian parliament unblocks signing of draft law on Donbas reintegration” – “Rada refuses to repeal Donbass reintegration law”
• “Three Million to Benefit from Modernized Ukraine-Moldova Border”
• Good Question … “How can OSCE observe Russian ‘elections’ that are being illegally held in occupied Crimea?” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• “Russian media misinform that school children in Ukraine will have to speak only in Ukrainian, even during breaks “
• “A Chance for Peace in Ukraine ?” (Carnegie Europe)

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Philippines signs $233 mln helicopter deal with Canada to fight rebels”
• “Chinese mid-course missile interceptor test ‘successful’ “ – “China conducts missile interception test” – “China conducts land-based mid-course missile interception test” – “China carries out anti-missile test amid tension over North Korea’s nuclear programme”
• “Air Force F-35 put through its paces in first Asia-Pacific deployment”
• “Navy, telecoms to install 4G+ on South China Sea islands” – “Vertical structures built on reefs in S. China Sea — Inquirer reporter”
• “Is Scarborough Shoal the Next to Fall to Beijing’s South China Sea ‘Salami Tactics’?”
• “China defence minister, US air force chief discuss defence collaboration with Singapore” – “Chinese defense chief meets with Singaporean counterpart” – “China launches ninth Dongdiao-class spy ship”
• ‘China’s CH-4 drone completes first live-fire test”
• “From drones to dredgers: stop China’s top tech falling into foreign hands, military warns”
• “Chinese-Palestinian Relations: What’s Really Going On?”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “China denies sending missile defense troops to China-DPRK border” (CHN mil media)
• “German Spy Chief: N. Korea Has Gotten Nuclear Equipment Through Its Berlin Embassy”
• “The dangers of a ‘bloody nose’ for North Korea” – “Preventive Self-Defense Strikes Against North Korea May Set an Uneasy Precedent”
• “More Troops Practice for Upcoming Military Parade” (38 North) – “What to Watch For at North Korea’s Upcoming Military Parade”
• “Pence on Possibility of Meeting With N. Korea: ‘We’ll See What Happens’ “ – “Pence’s toughest task in Asia: Repair ties with South Korea”
• “Mattis, McMaster And North Korea: A ‘Transcript’ From The White House Meeting”
• “China bans exports of more dual-use goods to North Korea”
• “North Koreans Venting Over Forced ‘Donations’ For National Projects”

Way Up North

• “US and Russia propose two-way shipping routes in Bering Sea”
• “Arctic: now on VKontakte!” (arctic.ru)

Internal Security

• “Mobilization To Violence (Terrorism) Research – key findings” (Canadian Security Intelligence Service)
• “Son of Russian spies can travel home to Canada, judge rules”
• “Extremists Exploit Security Positions — A NJOHSP review of terrorism cases in 2016-17 demonstrates extremists in the West sought employment with private security firms in order to gain weapons experience and access to secure facilities …” (NJ Dept of Homeland Security)

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Boeing may express interest in Canada fighter jet bid: executive”
• Wanted:  “BAG, Duffel” x 10,000
• Wanted:  “HP Z840’s for the Department of National Defence … The Department of National Defence has a requirement for HP computers … This equipment is required to meet growing production demands …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Conservatives demand Trudeau apologize for town hall comments on veterans”
• ” ‘They are slapping us in the face’: Melfort veteran”
• “Nouveau projet photos pour vétérans blessés”
• “(USA) VA Secretary and Canadian Minister of Veterans Affairs forging partnership to address issues faced by both nation’s veterans” (mentions meeting in June 2017)

Other

• “France joins Canada and other nations in intelligence sharing group” – “French official details intelligence-sharing relationship with US-led Five Eyes spy network”
• “Canadian Armed Forces video shows Comox aircraft being used during container ship rescue”
• “SkyHawks jump with parachute rigger logisticians to celebrate 50th anniversary”
• “423 Squadron conducts its last Sea King flight” (RCAF info-machine)

World War Two

• “Regulation? What regulation? — During the early years of the Second World War, Black-Canadians were, for the most part, barred from joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. But it’s clear that some recruiting officers deliberately ignored the regulation …” (RCAF info-machine)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – January 11, 2018

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “China, Japan Criticize Canada’s Bid to Play North Korea Mediator”
• “Canada’s bid to play North Korea mediator will ‘harm’ efforts for peace, China says”
• “Globe editorial: On the Korean peninsula, a moment of hope”
• “Is the US Preparing for Preventive War? Views from North Korea” (38 North)
• “UN chief welcomes progress on inter-Korean talks as vital to reducing tensions in region” (UN info-machine)
• “Trump to South Korea: US Open to Talks with North at ‘Appropriate Time’ “
• S. Korean envoy vows ‘watertight’ coordination with U.S. on N. Korea
• “Inter-Korean talks deserve encouragement” (CHN Communist Party media)
• “IOC to convene meeting with two Koreas over North’s participation in PyeongChang Olympics”
• Young North Koreans Ask For ‘New Year’s Gift’ of Money to Defect

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Scott Simon: Canada must step up to help stop Beijing’s bullying of Taiwan”
• “Is Washington preparing to play the Taiwan card with Beijing again?”
• “Donald Trump ‘may be ready to press’ the punitive China tariff button”
• “China’s new landing ship useful in island dispute: expert” (CHN mil media)
• “China, Japan trade accusations after Chinese warship seen near disputed Diaoyu Islands”
• “Xi orders armed police to uphold CPC’s absolute leadership”
• “Armed Police must obey Party” (CHN mil media)
• “Defense Ministry’s interpretation on APF flag … The decision made by the (CMC) to confer the Ensign of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force is designed to encourage the armed police troops to better fulfill their missions in the new era and be loyal guards of the CPC and the people forever …”
• “China turns soft power into a sharp tool”
• “21st Chinese military medical team departs for Zambia”
• “Secret infiltration tool of PLA Secret Corps” (Asian Defence News blog)
• “Why China is running into political potholes on its ‘New Silk Road’ “

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Islamic State’s Baghdadi likely to be in Africa, experts say”
• “Two Incidents Claimed by Russian Media Form Bizarre Conspiracy Theory About U.S. Support For ISIS in Syria” (The Aviationist)

Afghanistan

• “Pakistan Mulls NATO Offer to Ship Afghan Supplies Through Gwadar Port”
• US: No Official Confirmation From Pakistan on Suspension of Cooperation

Ukraine

• “US- Ukraine weapons deal has Russia up in arms – Stratfor”
• “Russia reacting to reported U.S. delivery of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine – MP Tymchuk”
• “US Marine Corps instructors give Leadership Course for Ukrainian marines” (UKR MoD)
• “U.S. courses for development of leadership skills for Ukrainian sergeants to be permanent”
• “Election of DPR head to take place in autumn 2018 – Zakharchenko”
• “New OSCE chair Italy to visit Ukraine , Russia”
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 9 January 2018”
• UKR govt ATO map, 11 Jan 2018
• “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, January 11, 2018” (UKR MoD)
• “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 01/10/2018” (pro-rebel media)
• “Three Ukrainian soldiers killed, three wounded, one injured in Donbas”
• “Three Ukrainian soldiers killed, four wounded in Donbas over past day”
• “Escalation in Donbas: 3 Ukrainian troops killed, 4 wounded in last day”
• “DPR reconnaissance detects Ukrainian “Buk” systems near Donetsk”
•  “Non-battle casualties of Ukrainian Army in Donbas in 2017: 98 dead, 178 injured”
• “Draft call of Crimeans to Russian Army violates Ukrainian laws”
• “President held a meeting with the representatives of Ukraine in the Trilateral Contact Group” (UKR Pres info-machine)
• “Iryna Gerashchenko names key tasks of Ukraine at negotiations in Minsk in 2018”
• “LPR law-enforcers reveal Ukrainian spies in foreign humanitarian organisation”
• “Cut Off: What Does the Economic Blockade of the Separatist Territories Mean for Ukraine?” (Keenan Institute Focus Ukraine)
• “Kyiv intends to introduce obligatory declaration of assets for wealthy Ukrainians”
• “Saakashvili says questioned by prosecutors on Maidan shootings”
• “Saakashvili: These were not Georgian snipers on Maidan, but hired Russian actors”
• “Saakashvili Questioned By Ukraine’s Security Service”
• “Ukrainian authorities have no grounds to extradite Saakashvili – lawyer”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “US to Remove Constraints on Nuclear Arsenal, Develop New Tactical Warheads”
• “Italian fighter jets to guard airspace over Baltics”
• “The permanent subdivision of the Latvian Defense Forces will be located in the border town of the Russian Federation” (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian)
• “The NATO battalion in Lithuania is reinforced by the French unit” (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian)
• “Latvia buys German assault rifles G36” (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian)
• “Soldiers in Poland Try Out for Sniper School” (US DoD)
• “US strategic drone conducts reconnaissance flight off Russian Black Sea coast”
• “Emergency measures: What will Russia spend this year’s defense budget on?”
• “Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Kaliningrad to Become ‘Special’ Again”
• “Putin’s Russian Guard Forms Special Strike Force To Put Down Disorders”
• “Top 3 targets of disinformation” (EU Disinformation Review)

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Delivery of new Canadian military trucks delayed again”
• Col. Ted’s take:  “Ships, yet again … some more good news”
• “Australian Fighter purchase is about saving face” (FrontLine Defence blog)

Way Up North

• “Solberg meets Trump: Arctic on the Agenda — Norwegian PM Erna Solberg meets US President Donald Trump after one of the coldest weeks ever in Washington D.C. If climate becomes an issue, it may be rather cool before the Oval Office fireplace too …” – “Trump pressures Norway to up defense spending — U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Norway to meet the 2 percent of GDP defense spending bar, something he repeatedly urged other U.S. allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization …”

Internal Security

• “Does the U.S. No-Concessions Policy Deter Kidnappings of Americans?” (RAND study)

Omar Khadr, Continued …

• “Justin Trudeau gets standing ovation for handling of Omar Khadr protester”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• ” ‘Contemptuous culture’ within Veterans Affairs ministry harming service delivery, claims former soldier”
• “Veterans Affairs minister responds to pension change critics”
• “(Cochrane AB) Councillors look to name new bridge to honour vets”

Other

• “Report obtained by CTV News shows lack of confidence in military justice system”
• “Navy dropping ‘draconian’ policy on warship Wi-Fi, admiral says”
• “The U.S. Navy’s Brand-New Battleship Little Rock Is Stuck In Ice in Canada” – “Wintry Conditions Freeze US Navy Ship at Canadian Port” – “The US Navy’s newest littoral combat ship, unveiled by shipyard workers in a snow-covered ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 16, was supposed to have completed its journey to Florida by now, but is instead stuck at a port in Canada …” – “Commissioned less than a month ago, LCS remains stuck in icy Canada”
• “Canada has no clue what’s behind Cuba diplomat illnesses — official”

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