In the AFPS podcast for June 24: President Barack Obama named U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan; Defense Secretary Robert Gates appeared on television to discuss the status of operations in southern Afghanistan; Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, deputy commanding general for Advising and Training in Iraq, reported on the growing strength and capabilities of Iraqi forces; a spokesman for U.S. Forces Iraq, Maj. Gen. Stephen Lanza assessed recent insurgent attacks in Iraq as poorly organized and unable to derail the government; Defense officials urged lawmakers to ratify a new strategic arms reduction treaty (START) with Russia; military leaders reported on efforts to diagnose and improve treatment for brain injuries, mental health problems and about programs to prevent suicides; Defense Secretary Gates recommended the nomination of Marine Corps Gen. James Amos as the next commandant of the Marine Corps; and, the defense department kicked off events in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean war.
To listen to the podcast, click here.
