US Marines – Why the MV-22 program needs to succeed.

• Washington Times: The next Crusader

US Navy – The US is preparing the Nimitz, Constellation, and Vinson carrier battlegroups so they can be ready to deploy early if necessary.

• New York Times: U.S. setting forces in motion to prepare for attack on Iraq

US Navy – The US Navy needs to substantially increase its budget for aircraft maintainence.

• Aviation Week: Navy Wants 23% Budget Increase For Aircraft Depot Maintenance

US Navy – The US Navy is accused by the Department of Defense of deploying weapon systems that have not passed operational tests, including the JSOW and some subsystems of the Super Hornet.

• Associated Press: Pentagon tester questions Navy’s use of 5 systems
  

• Reuters: Pentagon official says U.S. Navy arms tests insufficient

US Marine Corps – Is seabasing a viable concept for the Marine Corps?

• Marine Corps Gazette: Marine Corps Warfighting Lab Looks at Seabasing
  

Background – Iraq – The state of Iraq’s biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons programs, according to an official British Government statement issued yesterday.

• BBC: Iraq weapons dossier at-a-glance

Background – Iraq – James F. Dunnigan on what it will take in terms of personnel and money to occupy Iraq.

• Strategy Page: Paying for the Iraqi Occupation Force

Background – Caspian Sea – Russia and Azerbaijan agree on borders in the Caspian Sea.

• Radio Free Europe: Caspian: Russia, Azerbaijan Sign Agreement On Sea Boundaries