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WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2001 – (This is a summary of the American Forces Press Service news stories for the week ending Feb. 9, 2001.)
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RUMSFELD SPEAKS ON MISSILE DEFENSE, COOPERATION
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld assured listeners at the Conference on Security Policy in Munich, Germany, Feb. 3 that the United States would consult with allies and friends about National Missile Defense and about troop levels in the Balkans.
"No U.S. president can responsibly say that his defense policy is calculated and designed to leave the American people undefended against threats that are known to exist," Rumsfeld said. "Therefore, the United States intends to develop and deploy a missile defense designed to defend our people and forces against a limited ballistic missile attack."
He said the United States has no interest in deploying defenses that would separate it from its friends and allies. "Indeed, we share similar threats," he noted, adding the United States is prepared to help friends and allies to deploy defenses if they're threatened by missile attack.
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Related AFPS news articles:
"Rumsfeld Makes Case for National Missile Defense" "NATO Chief Says EU Force Will Draw Alliance Together".
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DoD HAS HOMEWORK TO DO BEFORE F-22 DECISION
The Air Force and Lockheed Martin, the F-22 program contractor, say they have completed preliminary flights and testing required before a Defense Acquisition Board can rule on further funding. Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. Craig Quigley said Feb. 6, however, that a final decision might still be a long way off, in part because of the "strategic review" being planned by new Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Development of the F-22 has been proceeding on $350 million in interim funding, which runs out March 31. To proceed with initial production, the acquisition board must approve releasing the additional appropriated $2.1 billion.
In the as-yet-undefined strategic review, directed by the president, Rumsfeld plans to look closely at defense strategy, programs and structure before making high-dollar decisions, Quigley said. No time limit has been placed on the review, but the secretary has said he expects it to last "some number of months," the admiral said.
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USO 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHTS TROOPS
The night was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the United Service Organizations, but the true stars were America's men and women in uniform. About 800 guests attended a birthday gala Feb. 4 in Washington to salute both the USO and the troops they serve.
During the proceedings, John H. Tilelli Jr., USO president and chief executive officer, awarded the USO Freedom Award to Navy Chief Petty Officer Clifford A. "Doc" Moser, a hospital corpsman on the USS Cole when it was attacked by terrorists in Yemen.
He also named the USO's service member of the year for each military branch: Army Staff Sgt. Albert F. Dimitro Jr. of Fort Chaffee, Ark.; Navy Petty Officer 1st class Kenneth Tuliau of the cruiser USS Lake Champlain; Tech. Sgt. Charles L. Fouch III of Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; Sgt. David A. Oswell of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.; and Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd class Noel G. Hutton of Sitka Air Station, Alaska.
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Related AFPS news articles:
"USO Honors Military Heroes" "USO Supports Troops, America Supports USO"
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LIGHTEN UP AND SAVE WITH WEB 'IT'S YOUR MOVE' BOOKLET
Plan early. Get copies of your orders. Visit your transportation office early. Estimate the weight of your household goods.
This is just some of the advice Military Traffic Management Command officials offer military and civilian personnel and their families facing a government move. The Army "It's Your Move" pamphlet contains weight allowance charts and a wealth of other information about moving that should be useful to members of all the services.
Download a copy of the pamphlet at www.mtmc.army.mil/property/relatedlinks.htm. It's the first listed link on the page.
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