Rapid Fire 2010-03-09: Coast Guard Operations

* Incoming US Coast Guard Commandant Papp’s honest memo [PDF] re: operational impact of their 2011 budget causes a stir.

* The US Navy commissions the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer DDG-105 Dewey at the Naval Weapons Station in Seal Beach, CA.

* US Army’s “mad scientist” conference considers enemies’ ability to blend existing, future technologies to disrupt superior forces.

* UK MoD’s top civil servant tells panel that cost dispute prompted cuts in military equipment.

* UK awards K9 bravery citations. Iraq is reluctantly adding more K9 units, but may not be prepared for canine conscientious objectors and PTSD.

* UK institute condemns Cambodia’s plans for private businesses/ individuals to sponsor military units. The practice was widespread in Britain until 1871.

* Human face of PTSD, recovery: “Black Hawk Down” pilot Chief Warrant Officer Mike Durant (ret.) speaks.

* Boeing develops 3-D camera for US military application.