Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Friday, November 05, 2021
We Are the Law - Military Wedding | Marine Corps
Sunday, January 20, 2013
With all votes in the referendum counted, except postal ballots, 59.8% voted to keep the draft with 40.2% against, the interior ministry said.
The issue has divided politicians in the coalition government.
Supporters of change said a professional army would be more effective - critics said it would put Austria's cherished neutrality at risk.
Austrian men must serve six months in the army or nine months in civilian service when they reach 18.
Increasingly few European countries demand compulsory military service. France abandoned conscription in 1996, and Germany in 2011.
Calls for an end to conscription are growing in Austria's neighbour, Switzerland, which is also neutral. » | Sunday, January 20, 2013
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mehr als 30 Jahre lang hat Yehuda Ressler für diesen Augenblick gekämpft. Jetzt ist der pensionierte Rechtsanwalt "überglücklich, ja ekstatisch": Israels höchster Gerichtshof gab ihm in der Klage 6298/07 Recht, die Ressler 1981 eingereicht hatte. Sie sollte die Freistellung ultraorthodoxer Juden vom Militärdienst beenden. Sechs von neun Richtern kamen jetzt zu dem Ergebnis, dass das Gesetz tatsächlich gegen den Grundsatz der Gleichstellung verstößt - und fordern Änderungen.
"Ein himmelschreiendes historisches Unrecht kommt damit seinem Ende näher", sagt Ressler. Viele Israelis fühlen wie er. Das Urteil des Gerichts befasst sich mit einer der heikelsten und ältesten Streitfragen der israelischen Innenpolitik: Eigentlich muss jeder jüdische Israeli drei, jede jüdische Israelin zwei Jahre Wehrdienst leisten, danach zusätzlich bis zu 30 Tage Reservedienst bis zum 45. Lebensjahr. Doch seit der Staatsgründung 1948 gibt es eine große Ausnahme: Der erste Premier David Ben-Gurion enthob alle ultraorthodoxen Thoraschüler der Wehrpflicht.
"Diese Ungleichheit! Meine Enkel müssen bald in die Armee, und ultraorthodoxe Eltern schlafen weiter in Ruhe, weil ihre Kinder nicht dienen müssen und von meinen geschützt werden!", sagt Ressler. » | Von Gil Yaron, Tel Aviv | Donnerstag, 23. Februar 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The mighty American military machine that has for so long secured the country's status as the world's only superpower will have to be drastically reduced, Barack Obama warned yesterday as he set out a radical but more modest new set of priorities for the Pentagon over the next decade.
After the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that defined the first decade of the 21st century, Mr Obama's blueprint for the military's future acknowledged that America will no longer have the resources to conduct two such major operations simultaneously.
Instead, the US military will lose up to half a million troops and will focus on countering terrorism and meeting the new challenges of an emergent Asia dominated by China. America, the President said, was "turning the page on a decade of war" and now faced "a moment of transition". The country's armed forces would in future be leaner but, Mr Obama pointedly warned both friends and foes, sufficient to preserve US military superiority over any rival – "agile, flexible and ready for the full range of contingencies and threats". » | Rupert Cornwell | Washington | Friday, January 06, 2012
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Lord West, formerly First Sea Lord, said the UK was still a first-rate military power, "not like bloody Denmark or Belgium".
His comments came as Labour delivered the findings of a 10-month review into defence procurement, aimed at getting better value for money from buying equipment for the UK's armed forces.
Speaking in a question and answer session with 100 journalists and guests from the defence industry at Labour headquarters in central London, Lord West said: "This business of a second-tier power - we are probably, depending on what figures you use, the fifth or sixth wealthiest nation in the world.
"We have the largest percentage of our GDP on exports, apart from the tiny countries around the world, we run world shipping from the UK, we are the largest European investor in south Asia, south east Asia (and) the Pacific Rim, so our money and our wealth depends on this global scene.
"We are a permanent member of the (United Nations) Security Council and I think that gives us certain clout and certain ability.
"These mean we are not a second-tier power. We are not bloody Denmark or Belgium, and if we try to become that, I think we would be worse-off as a result. » | Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
China will have a modern military capable of force-projection and sustained high-intensity combat as early as the end of this decade, an annual Pentagon report into the state of China's armed forces has claimed.
New aircraft carriers, a stealth fighter program, carrier-killing ballistic missiles, improved cyberwarfare techniques and a doctrine of "space dominance" would all contribute to China's ambitious plans to modernise its 2.3million-strong People's Liberation Army.
The annual report comes as the US, Japan and several of China's smaller neighbours in the South China Sea voice concerns both about China's investment in offensive weapons technologies and Beijing's belligerent and bullying attitude towards regional disputes.
China rebuffed the 94-page report, accusing the Pentagon of "overlooking the country's peaceful defence policy" and "interfering" over Taiwan, the island that split from China in 1949 but that Beijing yearns to see re-united with mainland.
China's embassy in Washington described the report as "a reflection of Cold War mentality" that would needlessly be used to depict China as a threat and urged the US to "to work with China" to create healthy military ties between the two powers. Read on and comment » | Peter Foster, Beijing | Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Mohamed Ibrahim Soliman, Egypt's former Housing Minister, has been arrested on corruption allegations, becoming the latest member of the former Mubarak government to be detained over allegations regarding deals worth billions of dollars.
Much less publicised in Egypt, however, are the cases of political activists who have been detained since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. Many have been charged with spreading "false information" and insulting the country's powerful military, which currently controls the state.
Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reports on one such case from Cairo.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Related »
Thursday, February 10, 2011
THE GUARDIAN: Military accused by human rights campaigners of targeting hundreds of anti-government protestersThe Egyptian military has secretly detained hundreds and possibly thousands of suspected government opponents since mass protests against President Hosni Mubarak began, and at least some of these detainees have been tortured, according to testimony gathered by the Guardian.
The military has claimed to be neutral, merely keeping anti-Mubarak protesters and loyalists apart. But human rights campaigners say this is clearly no longer the case, accusing the army of involvement in both disappearances and torture – abuses Egyptians have for years associated with the notorious state security intelligence (SSI) but not the army.
The Guardian has spoken to detainees who say they have suffered extensive beatings and other abuses at the hands of the military in what appears to be an organised campaign of intimidation. Human rights groups have documented the use of electric shocks on some of those held by the army. >>> Chris McGreal in Cairo | Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The US said at the weekend it would respond to the rapidly-increasing military capabilities of China by building up its own strength in the region.
Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, was speaking as he arrived in Beijing on Sunday for four days of talks aimed at renewing ties between the US and Chinese armed forces. However his visit has been overshadowed by a series of announcements by the Chinese about the growing strength of their missile technology, naval capabilities and other defence initiatives.
The visit is the first by a US defence secretary since 2000, and comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. It is also almost one year after China suspended military contacts with Washington following arms sales to Taiwan. >>> David Eimer in Beijing | Sunday, January 09, 2011
Friday, November 19, 2010
HÜRRIYET DAILY NEWS: The Military High Administrative Court has approved the dismissal of a soldier from the military after he wore women’s clothing in public, daily Hürriyet reported Saturday.
In 2008, a male wearing a miniskirt, blouse and stockings ran from police in a park in Istanbul. Police stopped him, and the individual showed the police his military ID. He was a noncommissioned officer and told them he was on active duty. The prosecutor opened a case against him for behaving impudently. The military also issued a medical report concluding that he could not serve in the military due to heavy psychosexual disorder.
The military dismissed the officer, leading him to file suit to halt the administrative process. However, the high court approved the decision, saying that the sexual orientation of an active duty soldier does not enable him to behave against honor of the Turkish Armed Forces, or TSK.
The court said his sexual interest in his own gender and preference for wearing women’s clothing in a way that is not suitable for a TSK member, is not tolerated by the society, is not in harmony with the moral values of society and shows the “ethical inferiority” of the officer, preventing him from doing his job in the military.
One judge voted against the decision and said dismissing the officer from the military based on one incident of behavior is not measurable in comparison to his crime. [Source: Hürriyet] Istanbul | Sunday, October 03, 2010
HÜRRIYET DAILY NEWS: Turkish military denies asking for 'photo proof' of homosexuality >>> Istanbul – Milliyet | Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron has hailed a "new chapter" in the history of defence co-operation between Britain and France after two signing two treaties with President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The Prime Minister and the French president signed agreements for greater military co-operation including aircraft carriers, submarines, nuclear technology and ground forces.
As part of the agreement, the two countries will share aircraft carrier capability.
When France’s single carrier is out of service, Britain’s one vessel could conduct missions for both nations, and vice versa.
Mr Cameron said the British Prime Minister said citizens of both countries would be "better protected" as a result of the two treaties.
"Today we open a new chapter in a long history of co-operation on defence and security between Britain and France," Mr Cameron told a press conference at the Anglo-French Summit in London.
"The result will make our citizens safer, more secure and better protected in the global age of uncertainty in which we now live," Mr Cameron said.
Mr Sarkozy said the “unprecedented” agreement marked “a level of trust and confidence between the two countries never equalled in history.” Read on and comment >>> James Kirkup, Political correspondent | Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: This week's summit will lead to unprecedented military co-operation between our countries, says Defence Secretary Liam Fox.
Too often, the debate on defence within Europe has been focused on what the EU should or should not do. Yet it has always been my view that defence must be a sovereign, and therefore an inter-governmental issue. When nations can benefit from co-operation without losing sovereignty, they should aim to do so – which is why this week will mark the beginning of a long-term commitment to closer defence and security links with France.
There are many reasons why this co-operation makes sense. We are Europe's only nuclear powers. We have the largest defence budgets and are the only two countries with real, large-scale expeditionary capability. We are both permanent members of the UN Security Council, and leading members of the G8 and G20. And there is no better time to deepen our relationship with France. Since President Sarkozy came into office we have seen a vigorous attempt to bring Europe and America closer together, and to bring France deeper into Nato. >>> Liam Fox | Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: One of Canada's most senior military figures has been accused of being a sexual predator responsible for up to ten murders.
In a case that has shocked and transfixed the nation, British-born Colonel Russell Williams has been charged with two killings but police think they may be more.
Detectives are re-examining up to eight unsolved murders and dozens of sex crimes across Canada stretching back three decades.
His arrest marked a fall from grace for the elite Canadian Air Force commander who once flew the Queen across the Atlantic.
Col Williams, 47, was the commander in charge of Canadian Forces Base Trenton, near Toronto, which is the country's largest military airbase and provides support for its operations in Afghanistan and Haiti.
The married father of four, has been relieved of duty and is being kept in jail ahead of a civilian trial.
The colonel was born in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, and his parents both attended Birmingham University.
His family emigrated to Canada when he was four and he later embarked on a highly decorated 23-year military career, spending a decade at the controls of VIP flights carrying the Prime Minister and Governor General.
In 2005, he picked up the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in the UK and flew them to Canada to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.
He is charged with the first-degree murder of Corporal Marie Comeau, 38, who was a flight attendant under his command on VIP military flights. She was found dead at her home near the Trenton base in November. >>> Nick Allen in Los Angeles | Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
MAIL ON SUNDAY: The Ministry Of Defence is fighting plans to build a giant mosque overlooking Sandhurst.
Military chiefs claim the place of worship will pose a security threat to the world-famous Army academy.
They have lodged an official objection backed by 7,000 local residents who have signed a petition.
Surrey Council has already approved an application to build the mosque, which would have a huge dome and two 100ft minarets that would be just 400 yards from the soldiers' parade ground.
But security experts have warned the mosque could attract radical Islamists if it is constructed.
'We have some concerns and have been checking links with known radical mosques in other areas and postings on websites,' a security source told the News Of The World.
'Police special branch has asked to brief the local council.'
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'Sandhurst has objected to the plans as such a tall building would give oversight into Defence property which could prove a security risk. >>> | Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, December 12, 2009
TIMES ONLINE: A soldier leaves Afghanistan today after a life-changing six-month tour, having fought the Taleban and told his comrades that he is gay.
Trooper Ben Rakestrow, 21, is one of an unknown number of openly homosexual soldiers in the Armed Forces. He told his unit about his sexuality after a trip to a nightclub during pre-deployment training on Salisbury Plain. “The next morning I arrived for the exercise late because we’d had a bit to drink. The lads all asked if we’d had any luck, then at least our late arrival would have been worth it. I just said, ‘His name was Ryan’. Some of their faces dropped and they asked if I was serious. They couldn’t believe it.”
Trooper Rakestrow, of the Royal Tank Regiment, said that initial uncertainty had given way to acceptance and support from his unit. “I get banter from them all the time, but it’s good banter. They all want to know about my life. I don’t find it hard to talk about it.”
Despite the traditional view of the Army as a homophobic institution, Trooper Rakestrow described the decision as the best one of his life. He advised other gay soldiers considering coming out to talk to close colleagues first. “I would tell guys to find a few close friends and confide in them. Talk about it with them and then, if you’re confident, tell your mates. But the important thing is to tell them when it feels right.” >>> Tom Coghlan | Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
TIMES ONLINE: Italy is to push for the creation of a European Army after the "new Europe" takes shape at this week's crucial EU summit following the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty.
Franco Frattini, the Italian Foreign Minister, said that the Lisbon Treaty had established "that if some countries want to enter into reinforced co-operation between themselves they can do so". This was already the case with the euro and the Schengen accords on frontier-free travel, and could now be applied to "common European defence".
In an interview with The Times at his office in the monumental marble-halled Foreign Ministry on the banks of the Tiber, Mr Frattini said: "We have finally concluded a never-ending story". The Lisbon Treaty, which comes into force in December, will be sealed on Thursday with an EU summit to choose an EU President and Foreign Minister.
He warned that "if we do not find a common foreign policy, there is the risk that Europe will become irrelevant. We will be bypassed by the G2 of America and China, which is to say the Pacific axis, and the Atlantic axis will be forgotten. We need political will and commitment, otherwise the people of Europe will be disillusioned and disappointed. People expect a great deal of us. After Lisbon we have no more alibis". >>> Richard Owen in Rome | Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
TIMES ONLINE: The Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in Britain has told Muslim servicemen and women to quit the Armed Forces, saying that their involvement in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars is forbidden by Islam.
The cleric, personally appointed by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to be his special envoy to the UK, also urged Muslims to defeat the opposition to the Iranian regime and keep the 30-year-old Islamic Republic alive.
In his first interview with an English language newspaper, Ayatollah Abdolhossein Moezi, director of the Islamic Centre of England, said he regretted that protesters were killed by the Iranian security forces after the presidential election in June but that their deaths were “unavoidable”.
Ayatollah Moezi, the most senior Iranian spiritual leader in Britain with thousands of followers from the Shia sect, said that it was wrong for followers of Islam to serve in the Armed Forces, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq where Muslims were being killed.
“Not only do I not accept it for Muslims to go there, I don’t accept non-Muslims to go there as well,” Ayatollah Moezi told The Times through an interpreter provided by him. “We say that Muslims are not allowed to go and kill Muslims. Do you think that Christians are allowed to go and kill Muslims?” >>> Richard Kerbaj | Saturday, November 14, 2009
TIMES ONLINE: Anyone who counts Ayatollah Abdolhossein Moezi as a spiritual leader is unlikely to have joined the British military in the first place. He is the religious envoy of the same regime that calls Britain “the little Satan”.
Ayatollah Moezi is the director of the Islamic Centre of England, the London outpost of Iran’s neoconservative regime — a role to which he was personally appointed by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His leadership — as political as it is religious — is anathema to most British-Iranians, the majority of whom came to the country to escape the Islamic Revolution.
Shia Muslims, who traditionally take their spiritual guidance from imams such as Ayatollah Khamenei, are outnumbered in Britain by Sunni Muslims, mostly from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who do not all recognise any special priestly authority. >>> Catherine Philp, Diplomatic Correspondent | Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, June 05, 2008
BBC: Brazilian military police have arrested an army sergeant who revealed that he was gay in an interview with a national news magazine at the weekend.
The ministry of defence says the sergeant is to be questioned about alleged desertion from the military and there is no question of discrimination.
Sgt Laci Marinho de Araujo, who suffers from ill-health, was moved from a Sao Paulo hospital to the capital Brasilia.
Human rights groups say they are concerned about his welfare.
The arrest happened just as Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was due to address the country's first national gay rights' conference.
Sgt Laci Marinho de Araujo and his partner, who is also a sergeant in the Brazilian army, featured on the front page of Epoca magazine. Gay Soldier's Fate Grips Brazil >>> By Gary Duffy | June 5, 2008
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – USA)
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