Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 17, 2016

U.S. Army General Mark Milley © Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

Reuters: U.S. military leaders voice concern about readiness of forces

U.S. military leaders voiced concern on Wednesday about their ability to fight a war with global powers like Russia, telling a congressional hearing that a lack of resources and training was weighing on America's combat readiness.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley told a House Armed Services Committee hearing that if the Army were to fight a "great power war" with China, Russia, Iran or North Korea, he had "grave concerns" about the readiness of his forces.

"(The Army) is not at the levels that can execute satisfactorily ... in terms of time, cost in terms of casualties or cost in terms of military objectives," Milley said.

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 17, 2016

General expresses concerns over military's readiness in possible war with China, Russia -- AP

Generals Worry Army, Marines Unready For A New War -- Defense News

Top US general warns Congress military unprepared for ‘great power war’ while fighting terrorism -- RT

Marine Corps Assistant Commandant Warns Corps Isn’t Ready -- Washington Free Beacon

US Army Preps for Massive, Great Power Land War -- Task & Purpose

US Military Readiness Questioned Amid Korea Tensions -- VOA

Russia to complete pullout of basic contingent from Syria within 2-3 days — commander -- TASS

Russian air defense systems to remain on permanent combat duty in Syria -- TASS

Russia's Syria operation cost over $460 million — Putin -- TASS

President Putin Awards Russian Soldiers for Special Operations in Syria -- Sputnik

Russian General: Syria operation proves Russian aviation is ready to operate worldwide -- TASS

Russia Test-Firing New Hypersonic Zircon Cruise Missiles for 5th-Gen Subs -- Sputnik

More Russian nuclear saber-rattling? -- Steven Pifer, Brookings

NATO sends general to troubled Afghan south -- Reuters

Pentagon Mum on Claim Afghanistan Commander Jumped Chain of Command -- US News and World Report

Drone showroom: Workout for Royal Navy robot warriors as future of war goes on sale -- RT

The U.S. Navy's Master Plan to Rebuild Its Sub Fleet -- Dave Majumdar, National Interest

U.S. military personnel's movements restricted following rape accusation in Okinawa -- CNN

Pentagon Leaders Defend Nuclear Triad Overhaul -- Military.com

US Navy Orders $1.3Bln to Upgrade Combatant Warships - Pentagon -- Sputnik

Spy plane contract to be awarded in fiscal 2018: U.S. Air Force -- Reuters

USAF working on new defensive missile for fighters -- Flight Global

Air Force Asks Congress for Strategic Deterrence Fund for B-21 Bomber, GBSD -- Defense News

Army warns against higher troop levels without more funding -- The Hill

Marine Corps, Army leaders blame budget cuts for increase in fatal aircraft incidents -- Stars and Stripes

Army Training Soldiers To Better Recognize Threats in Space -- Defense News

The Pentagon Wants Technology To Fight Wars In Big Cities And Underground -- Popular Science

Pentagon skips tests on key component of U.S.-based missile defense system -- L.A. Times

US Air Force Confused on Number of Pilots Needed for Drone Program -- Sputnik

More Than a Dozen U.S. Military Personnel Disciplined for Doctors Without Borders Hospital Bombing -- NYMag

US House bill would help veterans get service dogs -- The Hill

How Will The Marine Corps Integrate Women Into Combat Arms Roles? -- Carl Forsling, Task & Purpose

New Documents Reveal Army Once Pursued Softer Approach on Bergdahl -- NYT

Principles for Getting the U.S Navy Right -- B. McGrath, War on the Rocks