The UN Security Council unanimously voted last week to extend authorization of the 130,000-member International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan by 12 months until Oct. 13, 2012. Resolution 2011, passed on Oct. 12, also authorized ISAF to take all necessary measures to fulfill its mandate and reaffirmed the gradual transfer of lead security responsibility to the Afghan Government nation-wide by the end of 2014. The 15-member council encouraged ISAF and other partners to accelerate progress already made by training, mentoring, and empowering Afghan national security forces so that “self-sufficient, sustainable, accountable, and ethnically balanced Afghan security forces [are] providing security and ensuring the rule of law throughout the country.” During his visit to NATO headquarters earlier this month, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta encouraged alliance partners to continue contributing personnel, equipment, and other resources to the Afghanistan mission. (AFPS release by Donna Miles)
The new Air Force space acquisition chief said he will seek to increase the orbits used with smaller satellites produced more quickly to meet U.S. space resiliency needs. Frank Calvelli brings 30 years of National Reconnaissance Office experience, including eight years as its principal deputy director before confirmation in the…