ON THE FIGHT
The debate over whether or not to reexamine the original Authorization of Military Force continues to grow.
BLUE SKIES
Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Pike passed away after sustaining injuries in the line of duty in Germany this past week. Chief Pike was support Naval Special Warfare Support Activity ONE at the time of his injuries.
ON THE FORCE
The New York Times reports on the ethics of remotely-piloted aircraft and the warriors that make them such lethal and effective platforms.
Newly-minted Secretary Hagel has ordered a review of the review that took place last year, which was itself predicated upon President Obama’s defense strategy released by the White House…in 2011.
Joint Special Operations Task Force – Trans-Sahara (and the fight against the LRA, Kony, AQIM, and as host of other regional security issues) has a new leader: Air Force Colonel Sipperly. Sipperly replaces the embattled Colonel Bristol, who this week drew the ire of top national security commentators for his portrayal of Africa in less-than-forgiving terms.
POTOMAC TWO-STEP
The Transportation Security Administration has managed to avoid its workforce being subject to furloughs, citing an emergent need to safeguard the nation and air travel writ large.
Retired General and former CIA Director David Petraeus is mounting a comeback and may be contemplating a speaking tour, private sector employment or a combination of both.
ON SECRECY – OR LACK THEREOF
The next round of military commission hearings has been announced, and will be taking place April 14th – 18th.
Don’t call it a covert action: the U.S. government has relaxed restrictions on the flow and quantity of private contributions to the Syrian rebels. The new guidelines stipulate that American citizens, companies and banks are all allowed to now donate or contribute funds in whatever way they please to aid the Syrian resistance.
A contractor for U.S. Pacific Command is in hot water for unauthorized disclosure to an arm of Chinese intelligence.
Bakersfield, California — spy central? Apparently so.
