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January 31, 2013

News for Reservists

Top Story

Hagel answers questions from critics at confirmation hearing
The confirmation hearing for former Sen. Chuck Hagel to become defense secretary began this morning, with Hagel using his opening statement to emphasize that the U.S. needs to remain a world military power. Hagel faced questions from several senators who have criticized his record in recent weeks, including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who asked Hagel if he stood by his position that the U.S. troop surge in Iraq in 2007 was a mistake. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/31) , Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (1/31)

In the Pentagon

Report: Oversight lacking in fuel purchases for Afghan forces
Funds provided by the U.S. for Afghan forces may be going toward purchases of fuel from Iran, which would be a violation of trade sanctions, according to a report issued Wednesday by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. Making sure Afghanistan complies with trade sanctions will become more difficult as the U.S. withdraws forces from the region, the report notes. The Washington Post (1/30)

Illiteracy of Afghan troops is a challenge, officials say
One of the biggest problems the U.S. faces in training Afghan forces is the fact that nearly 9 in 10 people in Afghanistan can't read or write, according to U.S. officials. American troops struggle to relay information on proper use of sophisticated weaponry and operations protocols. Bloomberg Businessweek (1/30)

On the Hill

Lawmaker prepares legislation on gender-neutral fitness standards
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., is preparing legislation to ensure that military physical fitness standards remain gender-neutral. Physical fitness requirements have become a subject of debate since the Pentagon moved to open up military combat positions to women. The Hill/DEFCON Hill (1/30)

On the Home Front

Budget cuts may ground Blue Angels
The Navy will be forced to cut funding to the Blue Angels aerial demonstration squadron if sequestration goes into effect, according to Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations. The squadron has been active for more than 60 years and has more than 30 events scheduled for the second half of the year. U.S. News & World Report (1/30)

Service Section News

Most Marine Corps positions will be open to women, Amos says
The Marine Corps will likely open up the vast majority of its positions to women, although a few may remain closed if the physical fitness requirements prove to be too strenuous, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos said Wednesday. "Those [positions] will be few and far between," Amos said. Military services have until 2016 to determine which positions should remain closed to women. The Hill/DEFCON Hill blog (1/30)

Reserve Life

Disabled veteran settles parking lawsuit with N.C. city
A North Carolina city has dismissed six tickets issued to a disabled veteran who used handicapped-accessible parking. The man's license plate identified him as a partially disabled veteran, but city and state officials claimed the tag didn't qualify him for the spaces. The lawsuit filed by the veteran was settled before a court could rule on the issue. The Fayetteville Observer (N.C.) (1/30)

SmartQuote

Any workout which does not involve a certain minimum of danger or responsibility does not improve the body -- it just wears it out."

--Norman Mailer,
American writer

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