3/22/11 - Tough Tuesday Stuff

General TSP Discussion.

Moderator: Aitrus

Post Reply
User avatar
TSPking
Site Admin
Posts: 1066
Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:02 am

3/22/11 - Tough Tuesday Stuff

Post by TSPking »

Navy's two command ships manage operations a world apart

For the first time in recent history the Navy's two command ships, each packed with communications and computer gear, are engaged in active operations.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110 ... ne=NGtoday

------------------------------------------------------
Is it America's duty to intervene wherever regime change is needed?

The missile strikes that inaugurated America's latest attempt at regime change were launched 29 days before the 50th anniversary of another such - the Bay of Pigs of April 17, 1961. Then the hubris of American planners was proportional to their ignorance of everything relevant, from Cuban sentiment to Cuba's geography. The fiasco was a singularly feckless investment of American power.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ ... ltoafriend

------------------------------------------------------
Austerity Guides U.S. Strategy

http://online.wsj.com/article/capital_journal.html

------------------------------------------------------
Costs of Libya operation already piling up (And Still No Budget)

Total price tag of first day alone was more than $100 million, analysts say.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

-----------------------------------------------------
Cost Of Campaign In Libya Could Wipe Out GOP's Spending Cuts (Don't forget all the military aid in Japan)

U.S. military operations in Libya could wipe out a significant chunk of the budget cuts won by
congressional Republicans in recent weeks, defense analysts say.
http://thehill.com/news-by-subject/defe ... udget-cuts

-----------------------------------------------------
Budget fight could mean smaller fleet of submarines

Courtney, others fear delays may hurt Navy's advantage The aging attack submarines built during the Cold War
are retiring faster than new submarines are being built to take their place. China has the fastest-growing
navy in the world today.
http://www.theday.com/article/20110321/ ... 954/-1/nws

-----------------------------------------------------
Bill would toughen oversight of SBA contracting programs

The bipartisan Small Business Contracting Fraud Prevention Act aims to increase criminal penalties for
companies that fraudulently win contracts.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

-----------------------------------------------------
DOD Coordinates Unmanned System Roadmap, Plans Release In May
By Jordana Mishory, March 21, 2011

The Pentagon is coordinating a new roadmap that will lay out a department-wide vision for unmanned programs and technology
for the next 25 years, according to a Defense Department official. "The goal is to have a signed document out in the May
time frame," said Capt. Karl Thomas, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force lead in the DOD acquisition directorate's
unmanned warfare office. DOD releases such a roadmap every two years.

The roadmap for 2011 through 2036 is now being coordinated among 0-6-level service officials, Thomas told Inside the Pentagon
in a March 10 interview. This level of coordination is to help work out all the details, so when the document goes up to the
flag-officer level it moves more quickly, he said. According to fiscal year 2012 budget justification documents released
last month, DOD has requested $416,000 in FY-12 for the Pentagon's unmanned systems roadmap and updates. For the same purpose,
DOD has also requested between $431,000 and $477,000 annually for each of the following years through FY-16.

"The Unmanned Systems Roadmap provides a DOD vision for the continuing development, fielding and employment of unmanned systems technologies," the justification materials state. "This roadmap defines a common vision, establishes the current state of unmanned systems in today's force and outlines a strategy for the common challenges that must be addressed to achieve the shared vision."
The most recent roadmap, released in 2009, states that in light of warfighter demand, DOD has "continued to invest aggressively in developing unmanned systems and technologies."

"That investment has seen unmanned systems transformed from being primarily remote-operated, single-mission platforms into
increasingly autonomous, multi-mission systems," the FY-09 through FY-34 roadmap states. That document said that money invested
in unmanned systems should be geared toward priority needs, including reconnaissance and surveillance, target identification and designation, and counter-mine and explosive ordnance disposal. Another top priority for drones, according to the 2009 roadmap,
is to locate chemical and biological agents and also radiological or nuclear weapon materiel.

----------------------------------------------------
Open Networking Foundation Pursues New Standards

The benefits of new standards, proponents say, would be more flexible and secure networks that
are less likely to suffer from congestion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/techn ... l?emc=eta1

----------------------------------------------------
RSA security breach compromised key federal networks, expert says (Bad Juju)

Company's authentication tool is used by Defense, Homeland Security and State departments, among others.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

----------------------------------------------------
Report urges intelligence community to use more science in recruitment of analysts

Raw cognitive ability is a better indicator of success than specific expertise,
says the National Research Council.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

----------------------------------------------------
DISA Relocates Headquarters

With nearly one-third of its employees already relocated, the Defense Information Systems Agency has shifted
its command from Arlington to Fort Meade, which is rapidly becoming the center of the government's cybersecurity work.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/capital_b ... story.html

-----------------------------------------------------
Monroe's Gen. Dempsey heads to top Army job in D.C.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/military ... 1142.story

----------------------------------------------------
Double Amputee to Lead Basic Company

This summer, new Soldiers coming to Fort Benning for basic training should be less apt to whine about physical training
because of the presence of Capt. Brian Brennan, a new Army Basic School company commander who's proving that obstacles
to getting in shape are mostly mental.
http://www.military.com/news/article/do ... mpany.html

----------------------------------------------------
Early Retirement Benefit Comes Up Short

A law meant to provide early retirement as a reward for National Guard and Reserve members who were
deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan is instead leaving many of them perplexed and frustrated.
http://www.military.com/news/article/ea ... html?wh=wh

----------------------------------------------------
Army backs off plan to privatize medical bill collection

Southern Regional Medical Command drops proposal to outsource billing
after union cries foul.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

----------------------------------------------------
The Die Isn't Cast

Although it's likely that Democrats will lose their Senate majority in 2012,
it's not preordained. Campaigns matter.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0311/032211op.htm

-----------------------------------------------------
Haley Barbour may try to rewrite the script for 2012 presidential race

Say you were a political party on the upswing, looking for the ideal candidate to defeat a president
who had been elected on hope, change and the chance to make history.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ ... ltoafriend

-----------------------------------------------------
A Panel Decides Washington State's Health Care Costs

The committee has authority to determine which medical devices and procedures the state will
cover for its employees, Medicaid patients and injured workers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/busin ... l?emc=eta1

--------------------------------------------------
Leggett, Montgomery County unions spar over pension costs

Montgomery County's pension and retiree health accounts are facing a long-term shortfall of more than
$4.8 billion, and officials repeatedly have pulled back from difficult decisions needed to close the gap.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/pol ... ltoafriend

---------------------------------------------------
United Auto Workers sets agenda amid chaos of collective bargaining laws, rising gas prices

DETROIT - The United Auto Workers union is meeting in Detroit this week amid a heated national debate over
collective bargaining rights.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ ... ltoafriend

---------------------------------------------------
For Consumers, Little to Cheer in AT&T Deal

A merger with T-Mobile would leave just three major cellular carriers, which could lead to higher prices.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/techn ... l?emc=eta1

---------------------------------------------------
Natural Gas Now Viewed as Safer Bet

The calamitous events in Japan may roll back the global nuclear revival and lead
to a surge in natural gas demand.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/busin ... l?emc=eta1

-------------------------------------------------
Interior approves first Gulf oil exploration plan since BP spill

Company's approach relies on untested oil containment technology.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?a ... dcn=e_gvet

----------------------------------------------------
Karzai: Afghan security forces to start taking control in 7 areas across Afghanistan in July

KABUL, Afghanistan - President Hamid Karzai said Tuesday that his security forces will soon take charge of
securing seven areas around Afghanistan - the first step toward his goal of having Afghan police and soldiers
protecting the entire nation by the end of 2014.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/kar ... ltoafriend

-----------------------------------------------
Crackdown Was Only Option, Bahrain Sunnis Say

Defenders of the government and its crackdown say urgent measures were needed to prevent economic calamity.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world ... l?emc=eta1

---------------------------------------------------
Bahrain king makes veiled charge against Iran

MANAMA, Bahrain - Bahrain's king blamed a foreign plot for his nation's weeks-long unrest, using veiled
language Monday to accuse Iran of fomenting an uprising by the Shiite majority in the...
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/03/a ... an-032111/

-----------------------------------------------
Rival tanks deploy in streets of Yemen's capital

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/M ... 1-05-26-14

-----------------------------------------------
Yemen's leader battens down the hatches as defections mount

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh clung to power by a thread Monday night, after the country's most powerful
military commander threw his support behind protesters and opposition political groups seeking Saleh's ouster
and scores of government officials, diplomats and other senior army figures resigned their posts.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/yem ... ltoafriend

-----------------------------------------------
Key Supporters Are Forsaking Yemen Leader

The shift in support by the senior commanders came amid a stream of resignations by officials on Monday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world ... l?emc=eta1

-----------------------------------------------
With Yemen crumbling, US sees fragile counterterrorism ally fading, and few good options ahead

WASHINGTON - For two years, the Obama administration has had a relationship of convenience with Yemen: The U.S. kept
the Yemeni government armed and flush with cash. In return, Yemen's leaders helped fight al-Qaida or, as often, looked
the other way while the U.S. did.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/with-yeme ... ltoafriend

-----------------------------------------------
Yemeni leader says he'll step down by year's end

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/M ... TE=DEFAULT

-----------------------------------------------
Violent Putdowns Intensify Dilemma in Region

SteirSpiraling unrest in key U.S Arab allies - including Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia - has heightened pressures
on regional leaders as they struggle to find successful responses to the waves of anti-government anger in the Middle
East that will also allow them to stay in power.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB1 ... DEyWj.html

-----------------------------------------------
Middle East Boils with Libya Strikes, Yemen on Brink

SANAA - The Middle East boiled March 21 after fresh air strikes in Libya, a mass protest in Syria and
Yemen on the brink after top generals backed protesters battling to overthrow President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6019503

-----------------------------------------------
Israeli aircraft strike Gaza

The Israeli military says its aircraft struck two militant tunnels, two weapons manufacturing and
storage facilities and two other militant sites across the Gaza Strip.
http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/M ... 2-01-14-27

-----------------------------------------------
Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav sentenced to 7 years in prison

TEL AVIV, Israel - An Israeli court ordered former Israeli President Moshe Katsav to prison for seven years Tuesday
following his rape conviction, rejecting his attorneys' request for leniency and making him the highest-ranking Israel
official ever sent to jail.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/for ... ltoafriend

-----------------------------------------------
Al-Jazeera's backing is key for coalition

While some people ask where are the Arab jets, the international coalition - for now at least - has
a more powerful weapon on its side: the al-Jazeera television channel.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/202f4b50-5312 ... ab49a.html

-----------------------------------------------
Libya's Rebels Embrace West

The Libyan revolution that began as a spontaneous uprising a month ago is posing crucial questions for
the U.S. and allies: Who, if anyone, is in charge, and what does the disparate rebel coalition want to
achieve beyond ousting Col. Moammar Gadhafi?
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB1 ... DEyWj.html

-----------------------------------------------
Western Leaders Struggle to Define Next Moves

Now that U.S. officials say allied forces have established an effective no-fly zone over Libya to hem in
the Gadhafi regime's attacks on rebels, Western leaders have another issue to confront: What to do next.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB1 ... DEyWj.html

---------------------------------------------------
UAE Says Role in Libya Limited to Aid

ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates said on March 21 that its involvement in Libya is limited to humanitarian
assistance, after reports that it would send warplanes to patrol a U.N.-backed no-fly zone.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6019475

---------------------------------------------------
Official: Arab League head misquoted on Libya

BRUSSELS - The European Union's top foreign policy official brushed aside concerns Monday that the coalition
supporting military action against Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi is already...
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/03/a ... ya-032111/

-----------------------------------------------
French Willing to Assume Command of Libyan Air Ops (Viva France)

PARIS - France is capable of providing the command and control for the multinational military forces ranged
against Libya in support of U.N. resolution 1973, which is aimed at protecting the civilian population and
enforcing a no-fly zone, a French defense spokesman said.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6020086

-----------------------------------------------
Turkey Irked by Libya Air Strikes, Seeks NATO Clarification

ANKARA - Turkey criticized on March 21 the Western-led coalition air strikes on Libya and said it
was awaiting clarification on a possible role for NATO in the operation.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6019518

---------------------------------------------------
Obama favors Gadhafi stepping down from power

SANTIAGO, Chile - President Obama said Monday the United States favors the ouster of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi
but the international military effort has a more limited goal of establishing...
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/03/a ... er-032111/

---------------------------------------------------
China calls for immediate cease-fire, end to airstrikes enforcing no-fly zone over Libya

BEIJING - China called Tuesday for an immediate cease-fire in Libya where the U.S. and European nations
have launched punishing airstrikes to enforce a U.N. no-fly zone.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/chi ... ltoafriend

--------------------------------------------------
Rate of coalition attacks on Libya is slowing; officials say US role to lessen in coming days

WASHINGTON - Building on what U.S. officials called a successful first stage of international military action in Libya,
the focus is shifting to widening a no-fly zone across the North African country while continuing smaller-scale attacks
on Libyan air defenses and setting the stage for a humanitarian relief mission.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/rate-of-c ... ltoafriend

-------------------------------------------------
U.S.-Led Assault Nears Goal in Libya

A military campaign to destroy Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi's air defenses and establish a no-fly
zone over Libya has nearly accomplished its initial objectives, American officials said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world ... l?emc=eta1

----------------------------------------------------
Freed Times Journalists Give Account of Captivity

The four journalists, freed by the Libyan government on Monday, provided harrowing
details about their capture.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world ... l?emc=eta1

---------------------------------------------------
U.S. Africa Command Seen Taking Key Role

A command designed largely to train and assist the armed forces of 53 African nations
is now leading the initial phase of a complex shooting war with Libya.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world ... l?emc=eta1

---------------------------------------------------
General: Gadhafi Could Stay in Power

The senior American commander overseeing military operations over Libya, Army Gen. Carter Ham, said Col. Moammar Gadhafi
does not have to be removed from office in order for the U.S. and coalition partners to meet the letter of the U.N. mandate
to protect civilians.
http://www.military.com/news/article/ge ... power.html

---------------------------------------------------
The Weapons We're Hitting Gadhafi With

http://defensetech.org/2011/03/20/the-w ... ith/?wh=wh

---------------------------------------------------
U.S. warplane crashes in Libya, pilot safe: report (USAF F-15E)

http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/i ... TD20110322

---------------------------------------------------
Arab League reiterates support for Libya action

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/40efd34e-53dc ... z1HFEOOHzK

---------------------------------------------------
Libya's 5 Big Questions

In the international assault on Gadhafi, success likely will hinge on these crucial issues.
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/ne ... cv.art.htm

---------------------------------------------------
Putin Announces Doubling of Missile Production

MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said March 21 that Russia will double production of missile systems
beginning in 2013 as the government plans to spend $2.7 billion to launch their serial production until 2020. .
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6019983

-------------------------------------------------
Chávez's purchase of $15 billion in weapons causes concern in Latin America

With the acquisition of hundreds of tanks, helicopters and bulletproof vehicles as well as submarines and
missile networks, Venezuela is arming itself at a speed unprecedented in the history of the South American
country.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/20/2 ... lion.html#

-------------------------------------------------
Carrier in Japan heads to sea as precaution

SAN DIEGO - The aircraft carrier George Washington on Monday got underway from its berth
at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, as a "precaution," Navy officials said
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/03/n ... a-032111w/

-------------------------------------------------
Sony temporarily suspends some operations due to lack of materials, components

TOKYO - Sony Corp. said Tuesday it was suspending production at some plants in Japan that make popular consumer electronics
like digital cameras and televisions due to shortages of parts and raw materials following the calamitous earthquake
earlier this month.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ ... ltoafriend

-------------------------------------------------
Pool boils at Japan nuke plant as evacuees weary

http://ap.stripes.com/dynamic/stories/A ... TE=DEFAULT

------------------------------------------------
TSPking

It's a gift...and a curse ~ Adrian Monk

Post Reply

Fund Prices2024-03-28

FundPriceDayYTD
G $18.15 0.05% 1.05%
F $19.08 -0.06% -0.74%
C $82.21 0.11% 10.55%
S $82.43 0.30% 6.92%
I $42.57 -0.24% 5.95%
L2065 $16.38 0.02% 8.37%
L2060 $16.39 0.02% 8.38%
L2055 $16.39 0.02% 8.38%
L2050 $32.73 0.01% 6.95%
L2045 $14.91 0.02% 6.58%
L2040 $54.38 0.02% 6.22%
L2035 $14.34 0.02% 5.79%
L2030 $47.67 0.02% 5.38%
L2025 $13.15 0.03% 3.43%
Linc $25.61 0.03% 2.82%

Live Charts

Pending Allocations

Under development. For now, you may view Pending Allocations by going to "fantasy TSP" and selecting "Leaderboard sort" of "Pending Allocations".