US Marines and Royal Marines – The general consensus in the press is that the war will begin later this week. Here is the latest as the troops head towards their start lines.

• Washington Post: Marine Predicts Brief Bombing, Then Land Assault
• Daily Telegraph: Desert Rats and SAS to play crucial roles in invasion
• The Times: Marines prepare for first strike

US Marines – A look at the Marines’ amphibious assault vehicle.

• CNN: Marines’ leaky ski boat packs a punch

NATO – NATO is patroling the Strait of Gibraltar very carefully.

• BBC: Terror threat prompts shipping escorts

Russian Navy – Russia wishes to send a task force to the Gulf.

• Interfax: Russian warships ready to sail off within 10 days

Background – Shock and Awe – How the British see the attack evolving.

• The Times: Hi-tech blitzkrieg set to stun Iraq in first salvo

Background – Shock and Awe – ???but William Arkin wonders how it can go wrong???

• Los Angeles Times: Will ‘Shock and Awe’ Be Sufficient?

US Navy – Defense news from around the fleet.

• SeaPower: New Burke DDG Christened at NGSS Ingalls Honors Hawaiian Hero of Pacific Campaign