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December 17, 2012

News for Reservists

Top Story

Defense chief front-runner may favor quick Afghanistan withdrawal
Former Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a Republican who is President Barack Obama's top pick to become the next U.S. defense secretary, is a Vietnam veteran who has criticized the surge of U.S. troops in Iraq and the continued U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. Militaries are "built to fight and win wars, not bind together failing nations," Hagel has said. Some observers have called attention to the strong relationship Hagel build with Obama during their time in the Senate. Hagel would be the first defense secretary since the Reagan administration to have combat experience. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (12/17) , The Atlantic Wire (12/13) , DoDBuzz.com (12/17) , The Wall Street Journal (12/14)

In the Pentagon

U.S. prepares for changes to Afghanistan operations
The U.S. is expected start making troop reductions in Afghanistan over the next few months as it looks to shift its role from combat to advisory. Some says the shift has already begun taking place, as insider attacks have reduced joint operations between Afghan and U.S.-led forces. Senior military commanders have indicated that they favor keeping U.S. troop levels steady until the end of 2013. The Wall Street Journal (12/16)

On the Hill

"Fiscal cliff" compromise may be near, sources say
Sources suggest that President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, are nearing a compromise that would avert the "fiscal cliff" that is rapidly approaching. Boehner reportedly is offering a package of tax and spending changes that include raising the tax rate on Americans earning more than $1 million to 39.6%. CBS News (12/16)

Sen. Kerry reportedly to be nominated secretary of state
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is likely to be nominated secretary of state, replacing Hillary Rodham Clinton, by President Barack Obama, White House officials and friends of the senator said. The announcement will be delayed because of the Connecticut school shooting and Obama's sensitivity to the appearance of his national security team being composed almost entirely of white men, they said. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/16) , Politico (Washington, D.C.) (12/16)

Service Section News

Balance is needed on manned, unmanned aircraft, Army official says
Slimmer budgets likely will drive a greater interest in unmanned helicopters, but while that investment grows, it's important to strike a balance between unmanned and manned aircraft, says Lt. Gen. Bill Phillips, principal military deputy to the assistant Army secretary. "I don't think you'll ever get the human out of the cockpit," Phillips said. "Having someone there who can see the battlefield 360 degrees -- it's so important." In the future, partnerships between manned and unmanned aircraft may grow, with pilots having the ability to maneuver several unmanned vehicles at the same time. Defense News (12/15)

Reserve Life

Military families await possible budget cuts
Military families are bracing for sequestration cuts that would affect military health insurance, pensions and other services. President Barack Obama has said that housing and compensation for active-duty troops would be shielded from sequestration, which means the brunt of budget cuts could fall on other Defense Department personnel. Air Force Times (free registration)/The Associated Press (12/14)

Air Force set to enact new tobacco restrictions
Starting next year, military personnel stationed on Air Force bases will be allowed to use tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco only in designated areas that are at least 50 feet from sidewalks, parking lots and building entrances, and further distances from playgrounds and medical facilities. Stars and Stripes (12/15)

SmartQuote

Action is the antidote to despair."

--Joan Baez,
American singer

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