Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 1, 2011

White House decorations for the 2011 holiday season in the Grand Foyer are shown on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)

White House Christmas Decor Includes Military Tribute -- L.A. Times

"Shine, Give, Share" is the theme for Christmas at the White House, whose doors were flung open Wednesday to the first wave of guests given the chance to ogle its fragrant, fanciful holiday finery, including no fewer than 37 trees.

Before the fun stuff, somber notes.

A tree dedicated to fallen troops and decorated by "Gold Star Families" rises near the entryway through which 85,000 holiday visitors are expected.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

EU defense ministers endorse pooling, sharing arrangements as financial crisis bites -- Washington Post/AP

Austerity endangers Europe's military ambitions -- Space Daily

GCHQ challenges codebreakers via social networks -- BBC

Photos: ATD-X Japan’s Stealth Jet -- Defense Tech

Korean unmanned tilt-rotor vertical take-off aircraft unveiled -- Korea Times

Schiebel's unmanned helo proves its worth -- Space Daily

Iran is developing low-flying cruise missiles -- Jerusalem Post

Berlin to provide Israel with 6th submarine -- Jerusalem Post

Russian arms in US backyard: Back in Cuba -- RT

France starts building first warship for Russia - DCNS -- RIA Novosti

Warplanes: Rebuilding The Russian Air Force -- Strategy Page

Russia, U.S. Under Microscope at Chemical Weapons Pact Meeting -- Global Security Newswire

Labor Dispute Could Lead to GIs Guarding Gates in SKorea -- Military.com

Biden honors U.S., Iraqi troops for sacrifices in Iraq -- CNN

The $200 Combat Shirt Is Worth It -- Strategy Page

The Marines’ New Target Dummies Ride Segways -- Danger Room

U.S. Army orders Carl-Gustaf 84mm recoiless rifles -- Military Times

US Primacy in Asia: Not Inevitable -- Information Dissemination

Cybersecurity bill promotes exchange of data; critics say measure could harm privacy rights -- Washington Post

Study: Defense spending is ‘weak job engine’ -- DoD Buzz

Kendall Cites Flawed Army Future Combat Systems as Costly Lesson -- Bloomberg

Panetta ‘Doomsday’ Scenario May Exaggerate Cuts -- Bloomberg

Did banks illegally foreclose on active-duty troops? -- McClatchy News

Gay troops sue government over partner benefits -- Army Times

For Marine, a rush to judgment and belated vindication -- Washington Times

Critics: Overloaded VA should seek outside help for mental health care -- Stars and Stripes

Celeb Chiefs Cook for Special Forces -- Military.com