DEFENCE STORIES OF THE DAY

TOP DEFENCE STORIES OF THE DAY

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/defence-chiefs-in-shares-debacle/2008/09/04/1220121431527.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2

Syndey Morning Herald

Top brass swallow the Firepower pill

Gerard RyleSeptember 5, 2008
EXCLUSIVE

A 4200-TONNE navy guided missile frigate was handed over at taxpayers' expense for a gala sponsorship function involving the failed fuel pill company Firepower soon after Defence Force chiefs became investors.

more....
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http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24293809-662,00.html
Herald Sun

Australia's military budget doubles

Belinda Tasker September 05, 2008

AUSTRALIA'S defence budget is the 13th-biggest in the world, an international table shows.
Australia's defence allocation has leapt by about 56 per cent in the past seven years to $25.6 billion, meaning it now spends more than some European Union countries.

more....

THE DEFENCE LIST - WHO SPENDS WHAT
1. US $832.7b
2. Britain $94.8b
3. France $78.6b
4. China $69.4b
5. Japan $57.9b
6. Germany $52.4b
7. Saudi Arabia$46.1b
8. Russia $44.2b
9. Italy $37.8b
10. South Korea $34.1b
11. India $32.7b
12. Brazil $29.6b
13. AUSTRALIA $25.6b
14. Spain $23.3b
15. Canada $19.5b

SOURCE: Jane's Industry Quarterly
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http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24297054-5005941,00.html
The Daily Telegraph

Wounded Digger on the mend in Afghanistan

By Ian McPhedran
September 05, 2008

A CRITICALLY injured Australian soldier who suffered wounds to his chest and stomach in a rebel ambush is expected to survive and will be joined by his family in Germany.

The Digger was with SAS soldiers who ran headlong into a powerful Taliban force on Tuesday afternoon.

During a fighting withdrawal lasting more than two hours, nine Australians were wounded.

more...
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Comment:

Top brass swallow the Firepower pill

It is common practice for Defence PR to associate with sporting teams in order to promote recruitment of young people within the Defence Forces. There is nothing new or sinister in this.

However, a Defence Department investigation into the serious allegations raised in the Sydney Morning Herald article would probably clear the air for all concerned.
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Comment:

Australia's military budget doubles

We actually spend more than Canada, which has a bigger Armed Forces than Australia. However, we are committed to many operations overseas. The Canadians take part in many UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

Let's hope the extra money for Australian Defence is used wisely.

links:

Esprit de Corps magazine (Canadian military)-- http://www.espritdecorps.ca/

David Pugliese (Defence Watch - Ottawa Citizen newspaper blog--Canada)
http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/default.aspx


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Comment:

Wounded Digger on the mend in Afghanistan

It must have been one hell of an ambush. Two hour fighting withdrawal and 9 diggers wounded.

Upcoming Team Uzunov article will take a closer look at Australia's military-political strategy in the Afghanistan War....... STAY TUNED!