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November 28, 2012

News for Reservists

Top Story

Service members file lawsuit over ban on women in combat
A lawsuit filed Tuesday on behalf of four service members, including reservists and a member of the California Air National Guard, challenges a Defense Department policy that bans women from filling most direct combat positions. The lawsuit argues the ban is obsolete, as women often participate in combat but don't have the same access to promotions and accolades that male service members do. Los Angeles Times/L.A. Now blog(tiered subscription model) (11/27) , Chicago Tribune/Reuters(tiered subscription model) (11/27) , The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (11/27)

In the Pentagon

Report recommends reduced short-term military readiness
The Pentagon should consider making some sacrifices to the military's short-term readiness in order to free up cash for weapons and equipment that will be needed in the future, according to a report released Tuesday by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has argued over the past year that training and equipment that affects the military's short-term readiness should be protected from budget cuts. The Baltimore Sun/Reuters (11/27)

Military trains to stop hackers in CyberCity
A new virtual town called CyberCity will be the training ground for members of the military who are learning how to stop hackers from attacking infrastructure. CyberCity, created on computer networks so the government's anti-hacking personnel can learn how to stop hackers, comes with a power plant, train station, banks, imaginary citizens and other digital infrastructure meant to mimic real-world systems. The Washington Post (11/26)

On the Hill

Congress readies new rules for transporting troops' remains
Congress is expected to approve legislation that aims to increase accountability during the transport of troops' remains from overseas. The legislation would require officials from a deceased individual's command to take responsibility for handling the service member's remains. The legislation was proposed after the discovery that a military mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, Del., was mishandling troops' remains. Navy Times (11/27)

Deficit-cutting "Gang of Six" is keeping mum on talks
Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., says the "Gang of Six" senators won't speak publicly about how deficit-reduction talks are proceeding. The bipartisan group has been working on a plan to cut the deficit and address expiring tax breaks and looming sequestration cuts. Defense News (11/27)

On the Home Front

Minn. National Guard to hand over moon rocks found in storage area
Moon rocks from the Apollo 11 lunar mission in 1969 have been discovered in Minnesota among other military artifacts in a storage area. Minnesota National Guard Maj. Kristen Auge said she had "no idea how the moon rocks came into our possession." The state National Guard plans to give the rocks to the Minnesota Historical Society. Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.) (11/26)

Reserve Life

Obama's signature guarantees COLA increase
Four million veterans and survivors will receive a 1.7% cost-of-living benefit increase beginning in January, under legislation signed by President Barack Obama. Veterans will on average see a $500 increase in their yearly benefits under the adjustment, said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. Navy Times (11/27)

Military court asks if Marine should be prosecuted for suicide attempt
The top U.S. military appeals court is considering whether a Marine who tried to commit suicide in 2010 should face criminal charges. "If suicide is indeed the worst enemy the armed forces have, then why should we criminalize it when it fails?" said Senior Judge Walter T. Cox III at a proceeding on Tuesday. The judges noted that the issue may need to be resolved by Congress or the White House. Stars and Stripes/McClatchy Newspapers (11/27)

SmartQuote

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet."

--James Oppenheim,
American poet, novelist and editor

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