Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- December 29, 2011

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Pentagon Trimming Ranks Of Generals, Admirals -- Washington Post

With the Iraq war over and troops in Afghanistan on their way home, the U.S. military is getting down to brass tacks: culling generals and admirals from its top-heavy ranks.

Pentagon officials said they have eliminated 27 jobs for generals and admirals since March, the first time the Defense Department has imposed such a reduction since the aftermath of the Cold War, when the collapse of the Soviet Union prompted the military to downsize.

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MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

U.S. Army to trim NCO ranks starting in April, memo says -- Stars and Stripes

Great leap forward for China's military? China gets GPS. -- Christian Science Monitor

Photos: China’s New/Used Aircraft Carrier Ain’t Scary -- Danger Room

China's aircraft carrier conducting sea trials -- Xinhuanet

START may be sunk by a nuclear torpedo -- RIA Novosti

French Army Receives First NH90 -- Ares/Aviation Week

Venezuela ranked top importer of Russian arms -- RIA Novosti

N.Korea closer to nuclear-tipped missile: U.S. expert -- Reuters

U.S. forces S. Korea to delay purchase of Global Hawk spy drones: source -- Yonhap News Agency

Gulf States Requesting ABM-Capable Systems -- Defense Industry Daily

Russian nuclear sub 'ready' for India transfer -- RIA Novosti

Russia owes rent on military bases unpaid for 4 years – Kyrgyz President -- RIA Novosti

Kyrgyz President Calls Presence of US Military Base “Dangerous” -- Voice of America

Report: High cost prompts Israel to reject LCS -- DoD Buzz

DDG-1000: Back To The Future -- Aviation Week

U.S. Fifth Fleet says won't allow Hormuz disruption -- Reuters

SeaBees to Build New Runway in Kenya -- Defense Tech

Virginia-Class Subs Could Bolster Cruise Missile Fleet, But Where's the Money? -- Aol Defense

Joint-Venture Harpia Sistemas Unveils UAV Design -- Defence Talk

Hazing-related charges in GI's death could be difficult to prove -- Stars and Stripes

MILITARY: Two high-profile cases set for Pendleton courtrooms -- North County Times

Hawker Beechcraft sues over Air Force contract -- AP

Family to get $17.8 million after Marine jet crash that killed four -- L.A. Times

Pentagon: Reported sexual assaults rise at 3 main military academies in latest academic year -- Washington Post/AP

Locklear nominated to be next PACOM commander -- Stars and Stripes

Military wives turn to Bible for marriage advice -- AP

No troop parade imminent as Iraq war ends -- Army Times

Ticker-tape parade planned for Iraq vets? Not anymore. -- Stars and Stripes

Book: Petraeus Almost Quit Over Afghan Drawdown -- Military.com