US Navy – The US Navy, allied navies, and the Iranian Navy have nearly shut down the flow of illegal oil out of Iraq.

• New York Times: With Allies Likely and Unlikely, U.S. Navy Stems Flow of Iraqi Oil

Taiwanese Navy – Taiwan wants to buy Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyers from the US???while they try to decide whether to purchase the Kidd-class destroyers.

• Agence France Presse: Taiwan plan to buy Aegis destroyers sure to anger China
• China Post: Mainland Chinese warships navigate along east Taiwan

US Marines – US Marines are operating in Djibouti.

• UPI: Up to 800 Marines operating in Djibouti
• CNN: Sources: More U.S. Marines head to Djibouti

US Marines – The USS Nassau amphibious ready group and the 24th MEU are about to begin desert training.

• Sun Journal: Desert training is next for 24th MEU

US Navy – A review of the US build-up in the Gulf.

• BBC: US intensifies Iraq build-up
  

Background – Infantry Weapons – James F. Dunnigan on the history of the rifle.

• StrategyPage: A Tough Act to Follow