Soldier Accused of Handing Documents to Wikileaks
By Harold Hutchison

Bradley Manning, the Army enlisted man accused of handing hundreds of documents to the site Wikileaks.org, plead not guilty to charges of aiding the enemy. Manning did admit to ten of the 22 charges.

Manning faces 20 years in prison for the charges he admitted to. He faces life in prison if he is convicted on the charges of aiding the enemy. The secrets exposed by WikiLeaks beginning in 2010 stunned diplomats across the globe and outraged officials. Many said that the leaks endangered lives.

Response Comes After Reports of ChiCom Hacking
By Harold Hutchison

The Chinese Communists claimed that two of their website have been attacked over 144,000 times a month – and that the attacks came from the United States. This comes after reports from an American think tank and cyber-security company blamed the ChiComs for cyberattacks on American companies.

Video by III Marine Expeditionary Force

71-27 Vote Kills Filibuster
By Harold Hutchison

Former Senator Chuck Hagel was confirmed by the United States Senate after a Republican filibuster was broken. The 71-27 cloture vote removed the only obstacle to Hagel’s confirmation, which became very rocky after the former Senator badly stumbled during his confirmation hearings.

Of the 41 no votes for confirmation, at least 14 voted for cloture. Had those who voted no on the nomination held firm in the filibuster, Hagel’s nomination would have failed.

First Littoral Combat Ship to Make Second Deployment
By Harold Hutchison

USS Freedom is slated to make a second deployment later this year, the U.S. Navy announced. The littoral combat ship’s first deployment in 2010 was highlighted by four drug busts.

The second deployment is slated to occur around Singapore. The vessel will be taking part in multi-national exercises and exhibitions. Despite a successful initial deployment, some teething problems have occurred with the ship, including cracks.

…Our Enemies Build Theirs Up
By Harold Hutchison

AN ALARMING REPORT
Recent news about the effects of the sequester have been damning: One carrier’s deployment has been delayed, and another carrier’s overhaul is on hold. The Army and Air Force are making their own cutbacks, and the term “hollow force” is becoming a topic of conversation again.

What Will It Mean for the Troops?
By Harold Hutchison

A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT
On 24 January, 2013, outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sat down at a press conference to announce a major change in the Department of Defense’s policy on women in combat. Women would now be allowed to serve in direct ground combat units.

Distinguished Warfare Medal Requirements Set Forth
By Harold Hutchison

The Distinguished Warfare Medal, announced on 15 February will be awarded to Airmen for actions not involving valor that still have a significant impact on combat operations, according to Air Force officials who spoke about the criteria being set to earn the new medal.

Casualties from USS Monitor Sinking
By Harold Hutchison

The Department of the Navy announced that members of the public are invited to attend the interment of two crewmen recovered from the wreck of USS Monitor. The sailors were killed when the vessel sank on 31 December, 1862.