* Canada’s federal government is working on its 2014 budget [PDF], with defense and personnel spending targeted to help balance the books: Canadian Press | National Post | CBC. Key takeaway:
“The Government is moving $3.1 billion in National Defence funding for major capital procurements from the 2013-14 to 2016-17 period to future years in which key purchases will be made.”
* Meanwhile, Canadian veteran advocates are concerned [in French] that the government will spend lavishly on war commemorations while shortchanging living veterans.
Challenging Knee-jerk Reactions and Conventional Wisdom
* The Professional Services Council warns US government decision makers that singling out private contractors as they review security clearance procedures would be disingenuous. PSC issued that statement ahead of yesterday’s hearing at the House Committee on Oversight set in reaction to last year’s shooting at the DC Navy yard.
* On the US’ abundant officer corps and the many challenges it faces today: A crisis in command and the roots of the problem.
* They’re rugged, versatile and cheap: an ode to pickup trucks.
Singapore Airshow Highlights Delicate Diplomacy
* Singapore’s Second Minister for Defence is disappointed that Indonesia would choose to name a new warship after 2 marines who bombed a civilian building on the island almost 50 years ago. Indonesian officials are reportedly skipping this week’s airshow.
* This year Taiwan’s defense minister is visiting the airshow openly and at the invitation of Singaporean authorities.
* The US is promoting the V-22 to Asian and Middle East prospects, with the demonstration of 2 Ospreys deployed off Japan.
India – Ukraine
* India signs a contract for up to 138 Ukrainian anti-aircraft artillery systems. Cooperation between the two countries seems to be ramping up.
Post-Karzai Afghanistan
* Today’s video features a panel at this year’s Western Conference and Exposition (WEST 2014) discussing what can be learned from the US experience in Afghanistan. Retired Admiral Stavridis sees a total of about 15,000 NATO troops remaining in Afghanistan as “the rebar in the concrete” to help the Afghan government maintain security: