ROA SmartBrief

Reading this on a mobile device? Try our optimized mobile version here: http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/ekbYCfbwocfbjGqhNXnO

February 11, 2013

Forward

Archive

Advertise

News for Reservists

Top Story

U.S., NATO forces in Afghanistan get new commander
Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford took over command of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Sunday from Marine Gen. John Allen, who was the longest-serving commander of U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan. Dunford will oversee the withdrawal of about 66,000 U.S. troops from the region. CBS News/The Associated Press (2/10)

In the Pentagon

U.S. military is moving equipment through Pakistan
U.S. forces removed 50 shipping containers from Afghanistan over the weekend through a Pakistan land route. Pakistan recently reopened the route after temporarily closing it to protest a U.S. drone strike. Stars and Stripes/The Associated Press (2/11)

Plan for missile-defense shield in Europe is flawed, studies find
The U.S. might re-evaluate its commitment to building a multibillion-dollar missile-defense shield in Europe after Pentagon studies indicated it might not be effective. The shield would be to protect the U.S. from Iranian missiles. Army Times/The Associated Press (2/9)

Other News

Dempsey: Sequester could reduce size of forces
Reuters (2/9)

On the Hill

Obama thanks Panetta, shows support for Hagel
Thanking Leon Panetta for his service, President Barack Obama bid farewell to the outgoing secretary of defense, and praised Panetta's leadership in the fight against al-Qaida. "Keeping us prepared will be the mission of my nominee to be the next secretary of defense, a combat veteran with the experience, judgment and vision that our troops deserve -- Chuck Hagel," Obama said. Reuters (2/8)

On the Home Front

Afghanistan vet receives Medal of Honor today
Former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha is becoming the fourth living Iraq or Afghanistan veteran to receive the Medal of Honor. Romesha is receiving the honor for his actions during a 13-hour battle in Afghanistan in 2009. USA Today (2/11)

Service Section News

Why the U.S. Army needs free-market leadership
The Army produces some of the best leaders around but wastes their potential by putting their careers under centralized control, writes Tim Kane. The Pentagon would do better to create a commander-based hiring system with electronic jobs boards to help young officers find the roles that suit their temperament and talents, Kane argues. The Washington Post/On Leadership blog (2/5)

Reserve Strength

Army Reserve chief expects limited sequestration impact
The Army Reserve wouldn't be significantly affected by sequestration, as it is the most cost-effective branch of the Army and has already accomplished required troop reductions, according to Lt. Gen. Jeffrey W. Talley, commander of the U.S. Army Reserve Command. "It seems right now we're not seeing a huge impact," Talley said recently. The Fayetteville Observer (N.C.) (2/10)

Reserve Life

Military won't stop moving mail on Saturdays, official says
Military post offices overseas will continue operating as usual despite the U.S. Postal Service's plan to end Saturday letter deliveries, according to William Kiser, the military's top postal officer in Europe. Stars and Stripes (2/8)

Report details U.S. war casualties since 2001
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in 129,731 diagnosed cases of post-traumatic stress syndrome, more than 1,700 life-altering limb amputations, 6,656 U.S. deaths and 253,330 instances of traumatic brain injury, according to a recent congressional study. Wired.com/Danger Room blog (2/8)

SmartQuote

The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. ... The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them."

--George Bernard Shaw,
Irish playwright

Subscriber Tools

Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy

Advertise

Associate Publisher: Jim Eubanks (202) 407-7822