Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 13, 2017

Defense News: Trump Benched Mattis Before His House Hearing. What Happened?

WASHINGTON — Democrats, and some Republicans, are counting on Gen. James Mattis, Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, to be a check on the impulsive, inexperienced president-elect.

But the president-elect just checked Mattis.

Trump’s transition team benched the former Marine Corps four-star just as he was to appear before the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday. And in a single stroke, the transition embarrassed HASC Chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, complicated Mattis’ confirmation and undercut the central argument in Mattis’ favor with Democrats — that he can stand up to Trump.

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- January 13, 2017

Placing Russia first among threats, Defense nominee warns of Kremlin attempts to ‘break’ NATO -- Washington Post

Mattis: 'No Plan' to Roll Back Women's Advancements in Military -- ABC News

Defense secretary nominee Mattis warns world order under historic threat -- FOX News

Senate approves exception for Mattis to serve as defense secretary -- Military Times

CIA nominee talks tough against Russia -- Military Times

Obama's former CIA director backs Trump's pick for the job -- The Hill

U.S. troops' move to Poland unnerves Kremlin -- Reuters

When Russia's Military Alliance Fractured -- Stratfor

S-400 air defense missile regiment to assume combat duty in Crimea -- TASS

China, Russia plan response to U.S. missile defense placement in South Korea -- UPI

Russia & China announce new ‘unspecified’ measures to US’ anti-missile system in S. Korea -- RT

Tenth Anniversary of the Chinese Anti-Satellite (ASAT) MissileTest -- RCD

China promotes South Sea fleet commander to head of navy -- UPI

Japan Unveils Armored Vehicle Prototype for 'Counter Island Invasion' -- Defense News

Ukraine’s Plan to Manufacture US M16 Combat Rifles Hits a Snag Over Ammunition -- Daily Signal

Millennials are too 'self-interested' to pursue military career, says British Army chief -- The Independent

British military to surrender half its Cyprus territory in new peace deal -- RT

More bases named to host F-35, K-46 and MQ-9 operations -- Air Force Times

US Selects Bases for Next Generation Air Tankers Critical to Anti-Daesh Missions -- Sputnik

Army Plans New Tank After Abrams - 2030s -- Scout Warrior

US Army chief: 'We're not there yet' when it comes to readiness -- Army Times

Under Trump, Army Eyes More Troops, Newer Equipment -- Military.com

F-35 Fighter Program Critical to US Air Superiority - Pentagon Chief Nominee -- Sputnik

US Navy runs into snags with aircraft carrier's electric plane-slingshot -- The Register

New US Navy Strategy Emphasizes High-end Surface Warfare -- USNI News

Huntington Ingalls Has a New Frigate that Could Give the U.S. Navy Some Impressive Capabilities -- National Interest

NAVSEA Still Working on USS Zumwalt Engineering Fix -- USNI News

New rule gives agencies more access to raw NSA intel -- The Hill

How the Pentagon is shaping cyber tool use -- C4ISRNet

US military continues interest in microgrid technology -- Decentralized Energy

Drones on demand: US Army reveals system to 3D print craft on the battlefield -- Daily Mail

U.S. agrees to pay billions to Marines affected by toxic water -- Marine Times

The CIA is not to be trusted -- Ryan Cooper, The Week