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February 5, 2013

News for Reservists

Top Story

GOP might filibuster Hagel confirmation
Republicans are considering a filibuster in an effort to prevent the confirmation of former Sen. Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense, says Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Without a filibuster, Hagel appears likely be confirmed, as no Democrats have indicated that they intend to vote against him. The Hill/DEFCON Hill blog (2/4)

In the Pentagon

Analysis: CR makes sequestration cuts more ominous
Sequestration threatens to trigger $4 billion in budget cuts, but an additional $4.6 billion may also need to be cut if Congress extends the continuing resolution, which freezes defense spending at 2012 levels. The Pentagon so far this year has not take into account the possibility that the CR will last throughout the year, which could worsen the budget woes that may come later in the year, analysts say. Politico (Washington, D.C.) (2/3)

Cybersecurity rules allow pre-emptive strikes, secret review finds
Officials say a secret White House legal assessment of cybersecurity decision-making powers has determined that President Barack Obama has the authority to greenlight a pre-emptive strike to protect against an impending attack. The review, which took two years to complete, determined that Obama retains that power even against a target where no declaration of war exists, via rules that govern the activities of U.S. intelligence agencies. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (2/3)

On the Hill

Senate blocked effort to remove all permanent U.S. troops in Europe
A provision in the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act that sought to remove all permanent U.S. troops from Europe was blocked by the Senate. Congress is expected to revisit the measure, which was approved last year by the House Armed Services Committee. Army Times (2/3)

DOJ: U.S. citizens can be killed if in al-Qaida
The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (2/5)

Service Section News

Navy scales back fleet-size requirement
The Navy has lowered its fleet-size goal to 306 ships from 313, but it says the move isn't related to shrinking budgets. "A 306-ship force structure represents the minimum level of capability and capacity to meet projected threats and support the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance," said Navy spokeswoman Lt. Courtney Hillson. Defense News (2/4)

Air Force to offer early departure options to reduce force size
The Air Force plans to offer voluntary separation programs as it looks to meet congressionally mandated force reductions by the end of September. Lieutenant colonels and enlisted airmen will be offered transfer, adjusted time-in and active-duty waiver options. Air Force Times (free registration) (2/4)

Reserve Life

VA will focus on burn-pit hazards in long-term study
The Veterans Affairs Department is launching a long-term study to determine whether Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are at a higher risk of cancer, respiratory disease and other conditions due to their exposure to burn pits. The VA had previously stated that the study was not needed. Air Force Times (free registration) (2/4)

N.M. considers tax exemptions for military pensions
Dayton Daily News (Ohio)/The Associated Press (2/4)

SmartQuote

Failure changes for the better, success for the worse."

--Seneca the Younger,
Roman philosopher, statesman and playwright

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