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Announces that China and Russia will hold their first joint military exercise in 2005.

To the Editor: Your Oct. 4 editorial ''The Damage of Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'' citing a scholarly Department of Defense-approved essay by Col. Om Prakash, is irrefutable in terms of logic, science, civil rights or concern with combat readiness. Only the bigoted or uninformed mind can fail to grasp the reality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports on the assessment of senior American military officers regarding the improvement in the capabilities of Iraqi security forces in fighting the insurgency in Iraq.

Presents an excerpt from a news conference at the Pentagon, on March 31, 2003, about the operations of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff on the U.S.-led war against Iraq.

Reports on the U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf. View that the military force will be well positioned to attack Iraq on President George W. Bush's order in February 2003; How deployment orders signed by Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld have set in motion crucial reinforcements of troops, armor, warships and combat aircraft; Scope of the campaign, which is intended to put pressure on Iraq's President Saddam Hussein to disarm; Efforts of some allies to forestall any offensive; Diplomatic hurdles; Views of military experts; Overview of the buildup.

Reports that Britain announced its first mobilization for possible military actin against Iraq. Number of reservists called up to join active troops; Reinforcement of a naval task force intended for the Persian Gulf; Opposition to a U.S.-led war in Iraq by the House of Commons; Comments of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon; Criticism of Blair's support for the U.S. by Europe and Britain; Overview of military preparations by the U.S. and Great Britain.

Examines how United States Special Operations forces in Afghanistan have reshaped war-fighting doctrine. Strategies used in the ground campaign, including a secret ground war; Ability of so-called A Teams to transform the Northern Alliance into a force capable of routing the Taliban army; Risks, including errant bombs; Special Operations activities, including large, strategic missions and their role in the air war; Efforts to blend Special Operations forces into the joint operations of land, sea and air forces.

Focuses on United States Army soldiers stationed at Bagram air base, Afghanistan. Why Bagram is the only secure gateway to Kabul; Background on U.S. Army forces there; Belief that Bagram could become a crucial hub for Special Operations missions; How soldiers attempt to blend in when traveling to Kabul.

Reports on the downgrading of readiness of Great Britain troops in Afghanistan announced by Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon as of November 27, 2001.

Discusses how United States military planners are approaching the campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Roles of Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard B. Myers, and General Tommy R. Franks, head of Central Command; How the three men communicate to make crucial decisions in executing the war; Career backgrounds.

Reports on the decision of the United States Pentagon to minimize use of Pakistani bases in a military strike against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Fears that an extensive deployment could destabilize Pakistan; The Pentagon's search for other staging areas; Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's trip to the Middle East; Why alliances are being forged with authoritarian governments; Pakistan's political fragility.

Ponders on the military readiness of the United States (U.S.). Information on the difficulty in assessing the state of the military; Divisions of the U.S. Army which presidential candidate George W. Bush declared not ready for war; Pentagon's assessment on the readiness of the 49th Armored Division of the Texas National Guard.

Reports the combat readiness of the Yugoslav Army. Comments from Suleiman Selimi, supreme commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army.