The Latest Word On Trends And Developments In Aerospace And Defense
Skelton’s Battle. The Cook Political Report now dubs HASC Chairman Ike Skelton’s (D-Mo.) battle against Republican Vicky Hartzler to represent Missouri’s Fourth Congressional district a “toss up.” The election-analysis newsletter previously said the race was leaning toward Skelton. “The race is now close enough that we can’t justify keeping it out of the toss-up column,” David Wasserman, a Cook analyst, tells The Kansas City Star. “Skelton’s lead is now in the mid-single digits and in rural Missouri, undecided voters will probably break for Hartzler.” The Rothenberg Political Report predicts the race leans toward Skelton. Employees of defense contractors have donated more money to Skelton this election cycle than any other congressional candidate.
Amos’ Corps. Gen. James Amos is now the 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, following a passage ceremony at the Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 22. The first Marine aviator to lead the service, Amos replaces the now-retired Gen. James Conway. At the ceremony Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Amos “will, I’m confident, find the right balance to create what is needed to win the wars we’re in, while assuring Marines remain the expeditionary force in readiness for the 21st century.” Amos previously served as vice commandant, led Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and commanded II Marine Expeditionary Force.
British Cuts. The U.K. Strategic Defense and Security Review that Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled Oct. 19 calls for an array of weapon system cuts and for buying the conventional version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter instead of the short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing variant. In the United States, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell says the allied nation’s review and accompanying National Security Strategy “have undertaken the difficult but necessary task of setting priorities and making choices during tough fiscal times.” He adds: “We welcome the U.K.’s decision to maintain defense spending at NATO target levels of two percent of GDP, to increase investment in emerging threats and challenges including cyber security and special operations, and to preserve a robust force capable of projecting power and addressing a wide range of military contingencies. We also welcome the U.K.’s decision to maintain its nuclear deterrent, which reinforces NATO’s nuclear strategy even as we work together toward our shared goal of a world without nuclear weapons.”
JIEDDO Progress. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Oates, director of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, says “progress” is being made in the fight against IEDs in Afghanistan. He credits increased sensors, analysts, and specially trained dogs, combined with stronger ties with local civilians and those who govern them, according to the American Forces Press Service. Still, IED incidents have increased in the country as more troops have been sent there. The number of roadside-bomb incidents in Afghanistan spiked to 8,994 in 2009, up from 2,677 in 2007, and the number is nearly 10,500 so far this year. About 800 analysts will deploy to theater over the next year to help commanders understand the enemy network and provide analytical products, Oates says.