By Beth Reece
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2009 - President Barack Obama's call for another 30,000 troops to deploy to Afghanistan came as no surprise to Defense Logistics Agency planners. One day after the president's announcement, DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Alan Thompson described how the agency's three strategic focus areas – warfighter support enhancement, stewardship excellence and work force development – will support the troop surge.
Just as DLA supply centers and support teams worked months in advance to pre-position items for nearly 20,000 troops who deployed to southern Afghanistan last summer, logisticians have spent the past several months working with U.S. Central Command and U.S. Forces Afghanistan officials to plan support for even more forces, Thompson said to a standing-room-only crowd at the Defense Logistics 2009 conference here yesterday.
Thompson told the assembled military members and defense contractors that representatives across all of DLA's supply chains have been involved in the planning effort. Defense Supply Center Philadelphia -- which provides food, construction material, medical items, clothing and individual equipment -- has employees on the ground working with local subsistence prime vendors to provide additional fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries.
DSCP employees also are arranging for an increase in production of such items as lumber and housing, which are expected to be some of the most-requested commodities during the initial surge.
At Defense Supply Center Richmond, Va., work is under way to boost support to the fleet of helicopters that has become an important means for getting supplies to troops in Afghanistan, where unimproved roads and steep terrain make it difficult to move equipment.
In land combat support, Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio, has partnered with Oshkosh Defense, makers of the new all-terrain version of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, or M-ATVs, to provide repair parts for the vehicles, which are being used to protect troops from roadside bombs. Six DSCC employees have deployed to Afghanistan to focus solely on support of conventional MRAPs and the new M-ATVs.
Employees at Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna, Pa., are assembling new combat lifesaver kits that contain such medical supplies as bandages, scissors, splints and gloves that are used to treat severely wounded soldiers.
A key element of the Afghanistan support strategy, Thompson said, is the development of the Northern Distribution Network. This initiative provides additional routes to move material to troops on the ground through the South Caucasus and Central and South-Asian states.
Thompson met with Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, Nov. 23 to discuss how DLA is supporting the Northern Distribution Network and the general's local security cooperation strategy through local procurement efforts in the region. DLA has been leading this effort for Centcom by bringing together other contracting activities within U.S. Transportation Command, the State Department, the General Services Administration and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Thompson also visited DLA employees in southern Afghanistan in November to get a first-hand look at how the agency is supporting warfighters. Though the intent of his visit was to find areas that needed improvement, the admiral said, leaders on the ground had nothing but good things to say about DLA's support.
"Looking across our full line of support, I'm confident that we're on track to supply warfighters with everything they need, whether it's fuel, spare parts for weapons systems or troop-support items," he said.
Thompson also spoke at the conference about recent DLA initiatives to ensure stewardship and integrity in DLA's acquisition process. He told attendees of DLA's need to always be mindful of the role it plays on behalf of American taxpayers.
He finished his keynote speech by speaking about the important part DLA's work force plays in the agency's success and, ultimately, the success of its warfighting customers, and the programs DLA has to ensure that it has the right work force now and in the future.
(Beth Reece works in the Defense Logistics Agency's strategic communications office.)
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Forces in Afghanistan Detain Militants
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2009 - Combined Afghan and international forces detained several suspected militants in operations in Afghanistan over the last two days, military officials reported.
A combined force pursuing a Taliban subcommander searched a compound near the village of Jamad Kheyl in Wardak province's Sayed Abad district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity there and detained several suspected militants.
In Khost province yesterday, a combined force detained a handful of suspected militants while pursuing a Taliban bomb-attack facilitator.
The force searched a compound near the village of Khatekah in the Sabari district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity there and detained the suspected militants, including the bombing facilitator.
No shots were fired and no one was harmed in either operation, officials said.
(From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news release.)
Dec. 3, 2009 - Combined Afghan and international forces detained several suspected militants in operations in Afghanistan over the last two days, military officials reported.
A combined force pursuing a Taliban subcommander searched a compound near the village of Jamad Kheyl in Wardak province's Sayed Abad district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity there and detained several suspected militants.
In Khost province yesterday, a combined force detained a handful of suspected militants while pursuing a Taliban bomb-attack facilitator.
The force searched a compound near the village of Khatekah in the Sabari district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity there and detained the suspected militants, including the bombing facilitator.
No shots were fired and no one was harmed in either operation, officials said.
(From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news release.)
Air Weapons Team Trains Ground-force Leaders
By Army Spc. Maurice A. GallowaySpecial to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2009 - The adage "Send in the cavalry" once referred to soldiers on horseback, riding to the aid of embattled comrades. Today, that same call for backup can be made a lot quicker and with much more devastating effect through the Army's joint operations. Twelve soldiers from 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, Task Force Panther, teamed up to conduct an air-support live-fire exercise at a detonation range near here.
The training provided leaders with the opportunity to gain experience and increase their proficiency in calling for fire during close-combat scenarios.
After days of orchestrating the layout, boundaries and procedures of the exercise, the trainers familiarized the ground soldiers with the different steps involved in the call-for-fire process.
"The hardest part of the training for me was being able to determine the distance of each of our projected targets from such a long distance away," said Army 1st Lt. Mike S. Robinson, an infantry officer with Bravo Company, 177th Armored Cavalry. "You have to take into account that there are two perspectives: what we see from the ground and what the air-support team sees."
From their positions on the ground, soldiers used their choice of techniques taught during the training to direct two AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters to hostile ground targets and have them deliver an air strike. Some soldiers used the compass method, shooting an azimuth to gain the distance and direction of their target, while others tackled the difficult task of navigating the air strike verbally, without any target marking.
"This event gave our platoon leaders an opportunity to see what the Apache is capable of doing for us if we ever need more firepower," said Army Lt. Col. James W. MacGregor, commander of 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment. "They are routinely coordinating operations with the air weapons team during their patrols, not only as a secondary source of firepower, but also to expand their field of view."
A lot of different factors come in to play when trying to acquire a target, he explained, so communication is important.
"The two teams have to constantly talk," MacGregor said. "The platoon leader has to identify his target and help the pilot see what he is looking at. Both may be looking at the same thing, but from a much different perspective."
When multiple targets are near each other, it makes target identification all the more difficult. One strategy is to have troops on the ground use small-arms fire to mark their target.
"My objective was to identify the target for air support, using the 240 Bravo light machine gun," said Army Pfc. Ian D. Favro, a gunner with 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment. "I basically shot rounds in short, controlled increments just short of their intended target to knock dust into the air so that the [air weapons team] could properly identify their objective and destroy it."
With all of the objectives destroyed and each of the platoon leaders getting the opportunity to become more familiar with calling for fire, the event definitely was a success, MacGregor said.
"This experience offered our platoon leaders a chance to talk to the pilots and gain insight on their perspective from both a fixed- and rotary-wing standpoint," he said.
"All in all, this was a great professional development experience for these young leaders."
(Army Spc. Maurice A. Galloway serves with the 17th Fires Brigade public affairs office.)
Indiana Soldiers Maintain Forward Operating Base
By Army Spc. William E. HenrySpecial to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2009 - Indiana National Guard soldiers from the 38th Infantry Division's Task Force Cyclone ensure Forward Operating Base Salerno is maintained properly. Located in eastern Afghanistan, Salerno is near the Pakistan border and is home to four different elements of the Indiana National Guard.
The 1-19th Indiana Agribusiness Development Team; B Company, 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment; the 177th Finance Company; and the 38th Infantry Division's Task Force Cyclone, who run base operations, reside at Salerno during their deployment. The commander for Salerno base operations, Army Lt. Col. Rodney Babb, said the work his team does surpasses the expectations of all who live on post.
"The performance of Task Force Cyclone servicemembers has been outstanding," said Babb, an Indianapolis resident. "Their effort to go the extra mile surpasses the needs of our tenants and improves the quality-of-life support services."
Army Spcs. David Lillian and Devin Blankenship, both Indianapolis residents, said their work is difficult, but worthwhile, as soldiers coming and going on a day-to-day basis are the ones who benefit the most from their efforts.
"It boosts morale," Lillian said. "[When] you live in a house, you like to have your house clean. This is our house, and we keep it clean."
Blankenship said his rural upbringing contributes to his desire to do his part in keeping the base clean. "I grew up in the country, so I don't like having mess and filth, and I'm sure nobody else does," he said.
Each soldier supervises a crew of 10 to 12 local Afghans who perform a multitude of tasks each working day. Tasks range from filling sandbags and pulling weeds to preparing billeting and building projects.
The specialists both had high praise for the Afghans' work ethic and how they engage in each job.
"They're great. They don't mess around. You show them something, and they do it," Lillian said. "I like these guys. Some of them have been [working on the base] for five years."
On this particular day, the crews were removing weeds and trash from around the base, which are mundane jobs, but crucial for the health of all who live in and around the area.
"The weeds are an issue because of the rodents," Blankenship explained. "We have a lot of mice, rats, lizards and snakes here, especially in the summertime. There are all kinds of different diseases out here. We don't want anything to help feed that."
Blankenship noted Khost province is a high-risk area for malaria. "We don't want standing water and trash to feed the mosquitoes," he said, "and we're trying to come down on the malaria issue."
As a direct result of the work done by the local Afghans, Lillian said, units going out on assignment each day can keep their mind on their operations, rather than worrying about their living conditions.
"They can be focused on the mission and drive on, and when they come back inside from going outside the wire [they] can be like, 'Wow,'" said Lillian. "[It's] something like home, just thousands of miles away."
(Army Spc. William E. Henry of the Indiana National Guard's 38th Infantry Division serves with Task Force Cyclone.)
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Gates Explains July 2011 Milestone at Senate Hearing
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Setting July 2011 for the beginning of a U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan was intended for two primary audiences: the Afghan government in Kabul and war-weary Americans, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee about the new strategy for Afghanistan, Gates said the 18-month deadline signals the need for Kabul to claim greater responsibility and shows the American public the war isn't open-ended.
"I think that there are at least two principal audiences," Gates said of the July 2011 date announcement. "One audience [is] the Afghan government, [which] must accept responsibility in terms of their own governance, in terms of their own security forces, in terms of accepting their responsibility and ... taking ownership of this conflict on their own soil, that it's not just going to be fought by foreigners on their behalf.
"I think the other audience," he continued, "is the American people, who are weary after eight years of war, and to let them know this isn't going to go on for another 10 years."
Though any reduction in U.S. forces in July 2011 would be based on conditions on the ground, the Defense Department expects to be able to transition uncontested areas to Afghan responsibility and gradually draw down at that time, Gates told the senators.
In a speech yesterday, Obama announced a strategy for Afghanistan that entails adding 30,000 more troops by summer, but also points to July 2011 as the date when the United States begins transferring security responsibilities to the Afghan forces and withdrawing its troops.
The July 2011 date was chosen because it will be two years after Marines arrived in Helmand province from an earlier increase in forces, Gates said. But in his appearance today alongside Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gates suggested that the July 2011 marker for withdrawal is a target date, and not a binding commitment.
"It will be based on conditions on the ground," Gates told senators. "But by the same token, we want to communicate to the Afghans that this is not an open-ended commitment on the part of the American people and our allies around the world.
"We have to build a fire under them, frankly," he added, "to get them to do the kind of recruitment, retention, training and so on for their forces that allow us to make this transition."
The additional 30,000 troops will bring the total number of U.S. forces to nearly 100,000, a deployment which is expected to include a brigade-sized element to train Afghan forces -- a key component undergirding the transfer of responsibility to Afghanistan to begin in July 2011.
Gates and Mullen told the committee that the Afghan military is slated to increase from 134,000 troops in December 2010 to 170,000 by July 2011. Both men declined to provide specifics on the number, timing and pace of the U.S. drawdown, with Gates saying that any reduction in U.S. forces would be considered in an assessment slated for December 2010.
"The president has indicated that we will have a thorough review of how we're doing in December of 2010, and I think we will be in a position then to evaluate whether or not we can begin that transition in July," Gates said. "If it appears that the strategy's not working and that we are not going to be able to transition in 2011, then we will take a hard look at the strategy itself."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Setting July 2011 for the beginning of a U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan was intended for two primary audiences: the Afghan government in Kabul and war-weary Americans, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee about the new strategy for Afghanistan, Gates said the 18-month deadline signals the need for Kabul to claim greater responsibility and shows the American public the war isn't open-ended.
"I think that there are at least two principal audiences," Gates said of the July 2011 date announcement. "One audience [is] the Afghan government, [which] must accept responsibility in terms of their own governance, in terms of their own security forces, in terms of accepting their responsibility and ... taking ownership of this conflict on their own soil, that it's not just going to be fought by foreigners on their behalf.
"I think the other audience," he continued, "is the American people, who are weary after eight years of war, and to let them know this isn't going to go on for another 10 years."
Though any reduction in U.S. forces in July 2011 would be based on conditions on the ground, the Defense Department expects to be able to transition uncontested areas to Afghan responsibility and gradually draw down at that time, Gates told the senators.
In a speech yesterday, Obama announced a strategy for Afghanistan that entails adding 30,000 more troops by summer, but also points to July 2011 as the date when the United States begins transferring security responsibilities to the Afghan forces and withdrawing its troops.
The July 2011 date was chosen because it will be two years after Marines arrived in Helmand province from an earlier increase in forces, Gates said. But in his appearance today alongside Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gates suggested that the July 2011 marker for withdrawal is a target date, and not a binding commitment.
"It will be based on conditions on the ground," Gates told senators. "But by the same token, we want to communicate to the Afghans that this is not an open-ended commitment on the part of the American people and our allies around the world.
"We have to build a fire under them, frankly," he added, "to get them to do the kind of recruitment, retention, training and so on for their forces that allow us to make this transition."
The additional 30,000 troops will bring the total number of U.S. forces to nearly 100,000, a deployment which is expected to include a brigade-sized element to train Afghan forces -- a key component undergirding the transfer of responsibility to Afghanistan to begin in July 2011.
Gates and Mullen told the committee that the Afghan military is slated to increase from 134,000 troops in December 2010 to 170,000 by July 2011. Both men declined to provide specifics on the number, timing and pace of the U.S. drawdown, with Gates saying that any reduction in U.S. forces would be considered in an assessment slated for December 2010.
"The president has indicated that we will have a thorough review of how we're doing in December of 2010, and I think we will be in a position then to evaluate whether or not we can begin that transition in July," Gates said. "If it appears that the strategy's not working and that we are not going to be able to transition in 2011, then we will take a hard look at the strategy itself."
Alleged Fort Hood Shooter Faces Additional Charges
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Thirty-two specifications of attempted premeditated murder were preferred today against alleged Fort Hood, Texas, shooter Army Maj. Nidal M. Hasan under Article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is the U.S. military's legal system for servicemembers.
Hasan allegedly killed 13 people - 12 soldiers and one civilian employee - and wounded 30 others at Fort Hood during a Nov. 5 shooting spree. He now is confined in a medical facility.
The alleged shooter was confronted and wounded by two civilian police officers posted on the base. One of the officers, Sgt. Kimberly Munley, was wounded during an exchange of shots with the suspected gunman.
Hasan initially was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder under Article 118 of the UCMJ. He has hired a lawyer.
As with the initial charges, the new charges are allegations only, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, officials emphasized, noting that the investigation continues and additional charges remain a possibility.
Under Article 118, the minimum sentence if he's convicted is life with the possibility of parole. The maximum sentence is death.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates appointed former Veterans Affairs Secretary Togo West and retired Navy Adm. Vernon Clark to lead an independent review panel that will examine the circumstances surrounding the Fort Hood shootings to see how potential future incidents could be avoided.
"We will look at policies and procedures that look at how we deal with servicemembers who may cause trouble or harm to their fellows," West said at a Nov. 24 news conference at Fort Hood.
The panel is to report its findings to Gates by Jan. 15.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Thirty-two specifications of attempted premeditated murder were preferred today against alleged Fort Hood, Texas, shooter Army Maj. Nidal M. Hasan under Article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is the U.S. military's legal system for servicemembers.
Hasan allegedly killed 13 people - 12 soldiers and one civilian employee - and wounded 30 others at Fort Hood during a Nov. 5 shooting spree. He now is confined in a medical facility.
The alleged shooter was confronted and wounded by two civilian police officers posted on the base. One of the officers, Sgt. Kimberly Munley, was wounded during an exchange of shots with the suspected gunman.
Hasan initially was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder under Article 118 of the UCMJ. He has hired a lawyer.
As with the initial charges, the new charges are allegations only, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, officials emphasized, noting that the investigation continues and additional charges remain a possibility.
Under Article 118, the minimum sentence if he's convicted is life with the possibility of parole. The maximum sentence is death.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates appointed former Veterans Affairs Secretary Togo West and retired Navy Adm. Vernon Clark to lead an independent review panel that will examine the circumstances surrounding the Fort Hood shootings to see how potential future incidents could be avoided.
"We will look at policies and procedures that look at how we deal with servicemembers who may cause trouble or harm to their fellows," West said at a Nov. 24 news conference at Fort Hood.
The panel is to report its findings to Gates by Jan. 15.
Afghanistan, Iraq Drive Landmark Defense Review
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - The Quadrennial Defense Review under way within the Defense Department will be unlike any other: the first to be driven by current wartime requirements, to balance conventional and nonconventional capabilities, and to embrace a "whole of government" approach to national security, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today. "This is a landmark QDR," Lynn told aerospace executives at the Aerospace and Defense Conference. "And it comes at a time when the nature of war is changing in ways that we need to adapt to. ... The QDR seeks to identify these changes and the challenges they present to our security."
The fiscal 2010 budget provided an important running start to the QDR, Lynn said. Difficult funding decisions made during the budget process reflect President Barack Obama's and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' strategic priorities, he said, and the QDR will build on this as it projects the way ahead.
Unlike previous QDRs, the current review puts the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq front and center, Lynn said.
"Secretary Gates has made clear that the conflicts we're in should be at the very forefront of our agenda," and set the priorities, Lynn told the executives. "He wants to make sure we're not giving up capabilities needed now for those needed for some unknown future conflict. He wants to make sure the Pentagon is truly on war footing."
The upcoming QDR also will reflect the changing nature of war and the threats the United States faces, he said.
Lethality no longer is directly related to a potential adversary's capabilities, Lynn said. Insurgents and nonstate actors pose a threat once considered possible only at the highest ends of the lethality spectrum. The lines between conventional and conventional threats become increasingly blurred, Lynn said, as low-end actors gain access to high-end capabilities.
That demands that U.S. forces be agile enough to respond to low- and high-end as well as hybrid threats, he said. "They need what Secretary Gates has called the portfolio of military capabilities, with maximum versatility across the widest spectrum of conflict," he said. "This includes the ability to fight irregular conflicts."
So the upcoming QDR will seek to institutionalize both irregular warfare capability and an ability to stand up to other new and emerging threats, Lynn said, including cyber-threats, anti-satellite technologies and other asymmetric tactics that challenge U.S. conventional dominance.
With some 15,000 computer systems and 7 million computer devices, the Defense Department makes a tempting target to cyber-terrorists and more than 100 foreign intelligence organizations to hack into them, Lynn said.
"This is not an emerging theat. It's not a future threat. The cyber threat is here today," he said.
In response, Lynn said the QDR will address better ways to deter attacks on Defense Department systems while promoting an internal culture of responsibility that helps to safeguard information technology.
Meanwhile, Lynn said, the upcoming QDR will be linked to an unprecedented degree to a Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review under way within the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
That review "takes a hard look at the role of civilian instruments in our foreign policy," Lynn said, and has big implications for the Defense Department.
"How we enroll all dimensions of our national power to avoid military action, or to ensure its success, are vital questions -- questions with both policy and institutional ramifications," he explained. Conducting the two reviews in concert will provide the administration more powerful, better coordinated interagency tools and approaches, he said.
For the Defense Department to adapt to be ready to respond to the broad range of potential threats requires a hard look at fixing shortcomings in its acquisition system, Lynn told the group. That's particularly true with multiple competing funding priorities during a time of constrained resources.
"A modern, effective acquisition system should deliver savings and speed: savings to taxpayers, speed for warfighters," he said. "And as we all know, today's acquisition system often does neither."
Lynn expressed confidence that an overhaul already under way, and to be an important part of the upcoming QDR, will accomplish what countless past efforts haven't. Gates has made acquisition reform a top priority. The president has firmly, and publicly, supported the effort. Congress passed landmark acquisition reform legislation. And change is taking place within the Defense Department to bring more expertise, discipline and constraint to the process.
"For the first time in decades, the political and economic stars are aligned for a fundamental overhaul of the way the Pentagon does business," Lynn said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - The Quadrennial Defense Review under way within the Defense Department will be unlike any other: the first to be driven by current wartime requirements, to balance conventional and nonconventional capabilities, and to embrace a "whole of government" approach to national security, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today. "This is a landmark QDR," Lynn told aerospace executives at the Aerospace and Defense Conference. "And it comes at a time when the nature of war is changing in ways that we need to adapt to. ... The QDR seeks to identify these changes and the challenges they present to our security."
The fiscal 2010 budget provided an important running start to the QDR, Lynn said. Difficult funding decisions made during the budget process reflect President Barack Obama's and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' strategic priorities, he said, and the QDR will build on this as it projects the way ahead.
Unlike previous QDRs, the current review puts the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq front and center, Lynn said.
"Secretary Gates has made clear that the conflicts we're in should be at the very forefront of our agenda," and set the priorities, Lynn told the executives. "He wants to make sure we're not giving up capabilities needed now for those needed for some unknown future conflict. He wants to make sure the Pentagon is truly on war footing."
The upcoming QDR also will reflect the changing nature of war and the threats the United States faces, he said.
Lethality no longer is directly related to a potential adversary's capabilities, Lynn said. Insurgents and nonstate actors pose a threat once considered possible only at the highest ends of the lethality spectrum. The lines between conventional and conventional threats become increasingly blurred, Lynn said, as low-end actors gain access to high-end capabilities.
That demands that U.S. forces be agile enough to respond to low- and high-end as well as hybrid threats, he said. "They need what Secretary Gates has called the portfolio of military capabilities, with maximum versatility across the widest spectrum of conflict," he said. "This includes the ability to fight irregular conflicts."
So the upcoming QDR will seek to institutionalize both irregular warfare capability and an ability to stand up to other new and emerging threats, Lynn said, including cyber-threats, anti-satellite technologies and other asymmetric tactics that challenge U.S. conventional dominance.
With some 15,000 computer systems and 7 million computer devices, the Defense Department makes a tempting target to cyber-terrorists and more than 100 foreign intelligence organizations to hack into them, Lynn said.
"This is not an emerging theat. It's not a future threat. The cyber threat is here today," he said.
In response, Lynn said the QDR will address better ways to deter attacks on Defense Department systems while promoting an internal culture of responsibility that helps to safeguard information technology.
Meanwhile, Lynn said, the upcoming QDR will be linked to an unprecedented degree to a Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review under way within the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
That review "takes a hard look at the role of civilian instruments in our foreign policy," Lynn said, and has big implications for the Defense Department.
"How we enroll all dimensions of our national power to avoid military action, or to ensure its success, are vital questions -- questions with both policy and institutional ramifications," he explained. Conducting the two reviews in concert will provide the administration more powerful, better coordinated interagency tools and approaches, he said.
For the Defense Department to adapt to be ready to respond to the broad range of potential threats requires a hard look at fixing shortcomings in its acquisition system, Lynn told the group. That's particularly true with multiple competing funding priorities during a time of constrained resources.
"A modern, effective acquisition system should deliver savings and speed: savings to taxpayers, speed for warfighters," he said. "And as we all know, today's acquisition system often does neither."
Lynn expressed confidence that an overhaul already under way, and to be an important part of the upcoming QDR, will accomplish what countless past efforts haven't. Gates has made acquisition reform a top priority. The president has firmly, and publicly, supported the effort. Congress passed landmark acquisition reform legislation. And change is taking place within the Defense Department to bring more expertise, discipline and constraint to the process.
"For the first time in decades, the political and economic stars are aligned for a fundamental overhaul of the way the Pentagon does business," Lynn said.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Jonathan A. Taylor, 22, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Dec. 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at 910-451-7200.
Lance Cpl. Jonathan A. Taylor, 22, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Dec. 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at 910-451-7200.
Gates Gives More Details of Afghan Transition Strategy
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Training Afghan forces to take security responsibility for their own country is the transition strategy for U.S. forces in the country, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. Gates said accelerating the growth and capability of Afghan forces is vitally important. He also explained that July 2011 is when American forces will begin to withdraw from Afghanistan.
About 30,000 U.S. forces will deploy to Afghanistan in the first six months of 2010, the secretary said. In announcing his new strategy last night, President Barack Obama said forces will begin to redeploy out of the country beginning in July 2011.
"The plan clearly is that we will not transition security responsibility to the Afghans until the Afghans have the capacity, in that district or that province, to be able to manage the security situation on their own, with us and our allies initially in a tactical overwatch, and then a strategic overwatch, situation," the secretary said during today's hearing.
Commanders will look at the situation on the ground just as commanders in Iraq did, Gates said, and will assess security district by district and province by province. "So the ability of the Afghans to take this on will depend on the circumstances in each of these areas," he explained.
Afghan forces will need additional training and then will deploy as partners with U.S. and NATO forces. "One of the purposes of the U.S. going in with additional forces is not just to partner with the Afghans and not just to train the Afghans, but [also] to degrade the capabilities of the Taliban," the secretary said.
July 2011 is the beginning, not the end, of the process of U.S. forces coming home, Gates said, noting that any transition will be based on conditions on the ground.
"But by the same token, we want to communicate to the Afghans this is not an open-ended commitment on the part of the American people and our allies around the world, because we have to build a fire under them, frankly, to get them to do the kind of recruitment, retention, training and so on for their forces that allow us to make this transition," Gates said.
The centerpiece of U.S. debates on the strategy was how to get the Afghans to step up and take responsibility for their own future "in a way that allows us to have confidence that they will not once again become the safe haven for al-Qaida" Gates said.
Improving governance in Afghanistan is important to the strategy, Gates said, and it calls for U.S. and NATO leaders to focus not only on the national government in Kabul, but also on provincial and district officials and tribal leaders. "The key here is community security organizations that are willing to work with the government in Kabul and that do not become the militias for warlords," the secretary told the senators.
Much work remains, Gates said. U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry and Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander in Afghanistan, are working on the joint civil-military campaign plan. That plan will establish the base for transition to Afghan security forces.
One obstacle he sees, Gates told the senators, is that the State Department seems to lack the kind of flexibility and agility it needs to spend money and make commitments quickly, citing restrictions and processes State Department officials must to go through with respect to their funds.
The end state in Afghanistan will look a lot like what has happened in Iraq, Gates said, with a gradual transfer of responsibility to indigenous forces and the government.
Gates said he has received commitments from allies for more military forces. "We have received private commitments from some countries, but because they have not yet announced them at home, we're not in a position to make that announcement for them," he said. "I will just give you an example. I made two telephone calls [the] day before yesterday, and ... I received the assurances of between 1,800 and 2,000 troops."
Even after the withdrawal that begins in 2011, the United States will have a small, residual military training and equipping role with Afghanistan, Gates said.
"We must not repeat the mistake of 1989, and turn our backs on these folks," he said. "And when we've got the security situation with them under control, then the civilian and the development part must be the preponderant part of our relationship far into the future."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Training Afghan forces to take security responsibility for their own country is the transition strategy for U.S. forces in the country, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. Gates said accelerating the growth and capability of Afghan forces is vitally important. He also explained that July 2011 is when American forces will begin to withdraw from Afghanistan.
About 30,000 U.S. forces will deploy to Afghanistan in the first six months of 2010, the secretary said. In announcing his new strategy last night, President Barack Obama said forces will begin to redeploy out of the country beginning in July 2011.
"The plan clearly is that we will not transition security responsibility to the Afghans until the Afghans have the capacity, in that district or that province, to be able to manage the security situation on their own, with us and our allies initially in a tactical overwatch, and then a strategic overwatch, situation," the secretary said during today's hearing.
Commanders will look at the situation on the ground just as commanders in Iraq did, Gates said, and will assess security district by district and province by province. "So the ability of the Afghans to take this on will depend on the circumstances in each of these areas," he explained.
Afghan forces will need additional training and then will deploy as partners with U.S. and NATO forces. "One of the purposes of the U.S. going in with additional forces is not just to partner with the Afghans and not just to train the Afghans, but [also] to degrade the capabilities of the Taliban," the secretary said.
July 2011 is the beginning, not the end, of the process of U.S. forces coming home, Gates said, noting that any transition will be based on conditions on the ground.
"But by the same token, we want to communicate to the Afghans this is not an open-ended commitment on the part of the American people and our allies around the world, because we have to build a fire under them, frankly, to get them to do the kind of recruitment, retention, training and so on for their forces that allow us to make this transition," Gates said.
The centerpiece of U.S. debates on the strategy was how to get the Afghans to step up and take responsibility for their own future "in a way that allows us to have confidence that they will not once again become the safe haven for al-Qaida" Gates said.
Improving governance in Afghanistan is important to the strategy, Gates said, and it calls for U.S. and NATO leaders to focus not only on the national government in Kabul, but also on provincial and district officials and tribal leaders. "The key here is community security organizations that are willing to work with the government in Kabul and that do not become the militias for warlords," the secretary told the senators.
Much work remains, Gates said. U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry and Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander in Afghanistan, are working on the joint civil-military campaign plan. That plan will establish the base for transition to Afghan security forces.
One obstacle he sees, Gates told the senators, is that the State Department seems to lack the kind of flexibility and agility it needs to spend money and make commitments quickly, citing restrictions and processes State Department officials must to go through with respect to their funds.
The end state in Afghanistan will look a lot like what has happened in Iraq, Gates said, with a gradual transfer of responsibility to indigenous forces and the government.
Gates said he has received commitments from allies for more military forces. "We have received private commitments from some countries, but because they have not yet announced them at home, we're not in a position to make that announcement for them," he said. "I will just give you an example. I made two telephone calls [the] day before yesterday, and ... I received the assurances of between 1,800 and 2,000 troops."
Even after the withdrawal that begins in 2011, the United States will have a small, residual military training and equipping role with Afghanistan, Gates said.
"We must not repeat the mistake of 1989, and turn our backs on these folks," he said. "And when we've got the security situation with them under control, then the civilian and the development part must be the preponderant part of our relationship far into the future."
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Derrick D. Gwaltney, 21, of Cape Coral, Fla., died Nov. 29 south of Basra, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at 253-967-0152, 253-967-0147 or after hours at 253-967-0015 (ask for the public affairs officer on call).
Pfc. Derrick D. Gwaltney, 21, of Cape Coral, Fla., died Nov. 29 south of Basra, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at 253-967-0152, 253-967-0147 or after hours at 253-967-0015 (ask for the public affairs officer on call).
Lynn Cites Aerospace Role in Afghanistan Strategy
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Aerospace assets will be critical to the success of stepped-up operations in Afghanistan – from delivering troops to ferrying logistical support to providing lifesaving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to ground forces, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn told industry executives here today. Lynn told several hundred Aerospace and Defense Conference attendees that he firmly supports President Barack Obama's new force commitment and revised strategy in Afghanistan, announced last night at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
"The situation there is serious," Lynn said. "New terrorist attacks against our homeland are being planned there now, including a recent plot disrupted by American authorities. Those facts compel us to act."
Lynn said the 30,000 additional U.S. troops to join the fight in Afghanistan will support the overarching goal there: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and to prevent terrorists from threatening the United States and its allies.
"We must deny al-Qaida a safe haven," he said. "We must reverse the Taliban's momentum, especially in the population centers of Afghanistan. And we must strengthen Afghanistan's government and security forces."
Emphasizing that the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan isn't open-ended, Lynn said the troop surge will speed up the process of transferring security responsibility to Afghan security forces. That, he said, will set conditions to begin a drawdown of combat forces in the summer of 2011.
Lynn emphasized the importance of the contributions the aerospace industry is making toward that goal, despite a particularly challenging operational environment.
"In a landlocked nation with few workable roads, helicopter lift and cargo aircraft make possible almost everything we do -- from dumps of food, fuel and ammunition to maneuver support," he told the group. "It's hard to imagine a more difficult place to support combat operations."
Aerospace capabilities are directly supporting warfighters, he said, providing combat air patrols and search-and-rescue teams, and ISR platforms keep watch over troops 24/7 in Afghanistan's most remote corners.
Much of this enhanced ISR capability didn't even exist when the conflict in Afghanistan began, Lynn noted. He credited investments in technology and manpower that now provide commanders actionable intelligence in minutes.
Lynn applauded the industry's partnership with the Defense Department in its quest to provide these and other new capabilities that directly support warfighters on the ground.
"Without question, our offense against the Taliban and al-Qaida depends on air power," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Aerospace assets will be critical to the success of stepped-up operations in Afghanistan – from delivering troops to ferrying logistical support to providing lifesaving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to ground forces, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn told industry executives here today. Lynn told several hundred Aerospace and Defense Conference attendees that he firmly supports President Barack Obama's new force commitment and revised strategy in Afghanistan, announced last night at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
"The situation there is serious," Lynn said. "New terrorist attacks against our homeland are being planned there now, including a recent plot disrupted by American authorities. Those facts compel us to act."
Lynn said the 30,000 additional U.S. troops to join the fight in Afghanistan will support the overarching goal there: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and to prevent terrorists from threatening the United States and its allies.
"We must deny al-Qaida a safe haven," he said. "We must reverse the Taliban's momentum, especially in the population centers of Afghanistan. And we must strengthen Afghanistan's government and security forces."
Emphasizing that the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan isn't open-ended, Lynn said the troop surge will speed up the process of transferring security responsibility to Afghan security forces. That, he said, will set conditions to begin a drawdown of combat forces in the summer of 2011.
Lynn emphasized the importance of the contributions the aerospace industry is making toward that goal, despite a particularly challenging operational environment.
"In a landlocked nation with few workable roads, helicopter lift and cargo aircraft make possible almost everything we do -- from dumps of food, fuel and ammunition to maneuver support," he told the group. "It's hard to imagine a more difficult place to support combat operations."
Aerospace capabilities are directly supporting warfighters, he said, providing combat air patrols and search-and-rescue teams, and ISR platforms keep watch over troops 24/7 in Afghanistan's most remote corners.
Much of this enhanced ISR capability didn't even exist when the conflict in Afghanistan began, Lynn noted. He credited investments in technology and manpower that now provide commanders actionable intelligence in minutes.
Lynn applauded the industry's partnership with the Defense Department in its quest to provide these and other new capabilities that directly support warfighters on the ground.
"Without question, our offense against the Taliban and al-Qaida depends on air power," he said.
Troops to Focus on Reversing Taliban's Momentum
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - The 30,000 additional troops President Barack Obama is sending to Afghanistan will focus on reversing the Taliban's momentum, a senior Defense Department official said last night during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable following the president's announcement of his new strategy. "What we are sending into Afghanistan by the end of next summer will be more troops, more quickly than any other proposal before the president," said David S. Sedney, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. "What we are doing here is we are putting in the hands of General McChrystal more troops sooner in order to have the impact on the momentum of the Taliban." Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal commands U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan.
The need to slow down the Taliban's momentum is necessary for success in Afghanistan, said Army Brig. Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., director of the Joint Staff's Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell, who accompanied Sedney during the roundtable. The improvised explosive device threat in Afghanistan has increased by 75 percent across the board, particularly in the south, he noted.
To combat that momentum, he explained, most forces deployed to Afghanistan will be used in a bridging role.
"The initial forces going in will include an additional Marine regimental combat team going to southern Afghanistan to be a part of the Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan, and they will assist in securing the population in central Helmand," Nicholson said. Other U.S. forces will be sent to Kandahar and an additional brigade combat team involved in counterinsurgency will be deployed in the east, while trainers will assist Afghan security forces in close partnering, he added.
The close partnering is a critical component of McChrystal's plan as forces move forward, Nicholson said.
"They become a catalyst for the accelerated development of the capability of the Afghan forces," Nicholson added. "Additional trainers will enable greater capacity in the training base to train more Afghans to achieve acceleration and a growth in the Afghan army that we are looking for."
He added that trainers "see a definite difference in their progress when closely partnered."
Nicholson, who has gained extensive experience in Afghanistan over the past four years, said the Afghan security forces need U.S. assistance.
"They clearly need our help," he said. "I would characterize that help as a bridging force to get us through the necessary combat operations to secure the population in some key areas."
The surge of the additional troops and equipment can be accomplished by summer, the general said.
"In southern Afghanistan last year, we introduced close to 20,000 troops in about the same amount of time," he noted. "It is very challenging, but it can be done."
In addition to the influx of U.S. forces sent to Afghanistan, Sedney said, international partners will supply an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 troops to help with the effort. Nicholson added that NATO forces -- such as troops from Romania, Denmark, Estonia, Australia, United Kingdom and Denmark -- have done a lot of the heavy lifting in some of the highest combat areas, such as Helmand province.
"We have 17 nations in the southern region of Afghanistan. Six of those nations are providing a battalion or more of soldiers," he said. "These soldiers fight, and these nations have done a lot of heavy lifting for the alliance down there."
Despite restrictions some nations place on how their forces can be used, international partners have paid a heavy price, Nicholson said. "While certainly caveats are a concern, rightfully so, there are a lot of our allies who are operating in some very tough areas, and have taken some very high casualties," he said.
Sedney added that the focus of the effort will be on the Afghan security forces' ability to take the lead in security responsibilities by the summer of 2011.
"We have been building, are building, and will build even more intensively Afghan national security forces -- Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police -- that will fill the goal that President [Hamid] Karzai set out in his inauguration speech," he said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - The 30,000 additional troops President Barack Obama is sending to Afghanistan will focus on reversing the Taliban's momentum, a senior Defense Department official said last night during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable following the president's announcement of his new strategy. "What we are sending into Afghanistan by the end of next summer will be more troops, more quickly than any other proposal before the president," said David S. Sedney, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. "What we are doing here is we are putting in the hands of General McChrystal more troops sooner in order to have the impact on the momentum of the Taliban." Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal commands U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan.
The need to slow down the Taliban's momentum is necessary for success in Afghanistan, said Army Brig. Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., director of the Joint Staff's Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell, who accompanied Sedney during the roundtable. The improvised explosive device threat in Afghanistan has increased by 75 percent across the board, particularly in the south, he noted.
To combat that momentum, he explained, most forces deployed to Afghanistan will be used in a bridging role.
"The initial forces going in will include an additional Marine regimental combat team going to southern Afghanistan to be a part of the Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan, and they will assist in securing the population in central Helmand," Nicholson said. Other U.S. forces will be sent to Kandahar and an additional brigade combat team involved in counterinsurgency will be deployed in the east, while trainers will assist Afghan security forces in close partnering, he added.
The close partnering is a critical component of McChrystal's plan as forces move forward, Nicholson said.
"They become a catalyst for the accelerated development of the capability of the Afghan forces," Nicholson added. "Additional trainers will enable greater capacity in the training base to train more Afghans to achieve acceleration and a growth in the Afghan army that we are looking for."
He added that trainers "see a definite difference in their progress when closely partnered."
Nicholson, who has gained extensive experience in Afghanistan over the past four years, said the Afghan security forces need U.S. assistance.
"They clearly need our help," he said. "I would characterize that help as a bridging force to get us through the necessary combat operations to secure the population in some key areas."
The surge of the additional troops and equipment can be accomplished by summer, the general said.
"In southern Afghanistan last year, we introduced close to 20,000 troops in about the same amount of time," he noted. "It is very challenging, but it can be done."
In addition to the influx of U.S. forces sent to Afghanistan, Sedney said, international partners will supply an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 troops to help with the effort. Nicholson added that NATO forces -- such as troops from Romania, Denmark, Estonia, Australia, United Kingdom and Denmark -- have done a lot of the heavy lifting in some of the highest combat areas, such as Helmand province.
"We have 17 nations in the southern region of Afghanistan. Six of those nations are providing a battalion or more of soldiers," he said. "These soldiers fight, and these nations have done a lot of heavy lifting for the alliance down there."
Despite restrictions some nations place on how their forces can be used, international partners have paid a heavy price, Nicholson said. "While certainly caveats are a concern, rightfully so, there are a lot of our allies who are operating in some very tough areas, and have taken some very high casualties," he said.
Sedney added that the focus of the effort will be on the Afghan security forces' ability to take the lead in security responsibilities by the summer of 2011.
"We have been building, are building, and will build even more intensively Afghan national security forces -- Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police -- that will fill the goal that President [Hamid] Karzai set out in his inauguration speech," he said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
McChrystal: Surge Marks Turning Point in Conflict
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - President Barack Obama's decision to send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan signifies a dramatic turning point for the U.S. and coalition mission there, Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal told his staff in Kabul today. McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, cited British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's November 1942 speech following the allied forces' victory over Axis troops at the Second Battle of El Alamein.
"I think we are at an inflection point" in Afghanistan, McChrystal said. Paraphrasing Churchill, he added: "I don't think this is the end. I don't even think it's the beginning of the end. But I do believe it's the end of the beginning."
U.S. and coalition forces, McChrystal said, are providing the Afghan government and its citizens the "time, space, and capability to defend their sovereignty." America's allies and enemies, he said, will watch avidly as the U.S. surge of forces into Afghanistan gets under way. And, as the surge builds, McChrystal vowed to confront Taliban and al-Qaida insurgents "with even greater vigor."
Yet, U.S. and coalition assistance in the training and development of more Afghan soldiers and police "is the most important thing we do in the future" in Afghanistan, McChrystal said. To achieve true victory over the insurgents, he said, Afghanistan must eventually be defended by the Afghans themselves.
Meanwhile, "a tremendous amount of things are going to happen, and they are good things that are going to happen" in Afghanistan, McChrystal said.
In a statement released today, McChrystal acknowledged that many challenges confront U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. However, "neither the Afghan people nor the international community want Afghanistan to remain a sanctuary for terror and violence," he said in the statement.
"The coalition is encouraged by President Obama's commitment, and we remain resolute to empowering the Afghan people to reject the insurgency and build their own future," McChrystal stated.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - President Barack Obama's decision to send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan signifies a dramatic turning point for the U.S. and coalition mission there, Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal told his staff in Kabul today. McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, cited British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's November 1942 speech following the allied forces' victory over Axis troops at the Second Battle of El Alamein.
"I think we are at an inflection point" in Afghanistan, McChrystal said. Paraphrasing Churchill, he added: "I don't think this is the end. I don't even think it's the beginning of the end. But I do believe it's the end of the beginning."
U.S. and coalition forces, McChrystal said, are providing the Afghan government and its citizens the "time, space, and capability to defend their sovereignty." America's allies and enemies, he said, will watch avidly as the U.S. surge of forces into Afghanistan gets under way. And, as the surge builds, McChrystal vowed to confront Taliban and al-Qaida insurgents "with even greater vigor."
Yet, U.S. and coalition assistance in the training and development of more Afghan soldiers and police "is the most important thing we do in the future" in Afghanistan, McChrystal said. To achieve true victory over the insurgents, he said, Afghanistan must eventually be defended by the Afghans themselves.
Meanwhile, "a tremendous amount of things are going to happen, and they are good things that are going to happen" in Afghanistan, McChrystal said.
In a statement released today, McChrystal acknowledged that many challenges confront U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. However, "neither the Afghan people nor the international community want Afghanistan to remain a sanctuary for terror and violence," he said in the statement.
"The coalition is encouraged by President Obama's commitment, and we remain resolute to empowering the Afghan people to reject the insurgency and build their own future," McChrystal stated.
Soldier Finds Current Deployment Safer
By Army Sgt. Neil GussmanSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - A soldier who was badly wounded in a 2005 roadside-bomb explosion is serving in Iraq again, and he's finding deployed life easier this time around. The road back to Iraq has been arduous for Spc. David Broome. In all, he was a patient in four hospitals for nearly two months before going home to begin the rehabilitation process. After several surgeries and treatments, he regained the use of his right leg, but some of his thigh muscle is missing, so he has limitations.
In 2008, when the pre-mobilization training began for his current deployment here with Task Force Diablo, Broome looked at deploying a bit differently from most soldiers. He knew how dangerous duty in Iraq could be, he said, but he also was ready to go back.
"I'd say I am 50/50 about being outside the wire," Broome said. "Part of me wanted to get back out on the road and see how much had changed from 2005, but part of me is happy to stay here on Tallil."
At 23, Broome already has six years of service. The Manayunk, Pa., native enlisted at 17 after being a member of the Junior ROTC at Roxborough High School. He went to basic training in June 2003, and then to advanced training in 2004 to become a human resources specialist.
In January 2005, he was mobilized with the Pennsylvania National Guard's "B" Troop, 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment. In June, he was in Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned as a human resources specialist, but spent less than a week in that job.
"They needed more soldiers on patrol, so I was attached to a Vermont line platoon," Broome said. "My truck commander taught me room clearing, convoy route security and detainee operations." Broome served four months on security and patrol duty until he was injured and evacuated from Iraq.
"I know this tour is rough on some of the first-timers," the Purple Heart recipient said, "but compared to my first tour, this time is cake for me."
(Army Sgt. Neil Gussman serves with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade.)
Iraqi Police Arrest 8 Terror Suspects
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Iraqi police arrested eight terrorism suspects today, and an air strike during one of the operations killed an enemy fighter, military officials in Iraq reported. A Salahuddin provincial police unit and U.S. advisors searched two buildings in a rural area north of Baghdad for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member coordinating suicide bombings in the region. Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered, police arrested four criminal suspects.
In a separate operation near Sadiyah, northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested four suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members.
Intelligence led police and U.S. advisors to the home of an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of being in direct contact with the terror organization's leadership. As the combined security team moved to the targeted building on foot, five armed men from a nearby building fired upon them from a rooftop. The security team immediately returned fire, and during the exchange determined it necessary for their safety to call in a precision air strike.
Following the strike, the security team determined that one of the rooftop gunmen was killed by the strike. Two gunmen were apprehended near the building, and the location of the remaining gunmen is unknown.
Officials reported no additional casualties, but said an assessment of the air strike is ongoing.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered at the building, Iraqi police also arrested two other suspects believed to be involved in terrorist activity.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Dec. 2, 2009 - Iraqi police arrested eight terrorism suspects today, and an air strike during one of the operations killed an enemy fighter, military officials in Iraq reported. A Salahuddin provincial police unit and U.S. advisors searched two buildings in a rural area north of Baghdad for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member coordinating suicide bombings in the region. Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered, police arrested four criminal suspects.
In a separate operation near Sadiyah, northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested four suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members.
Intelligence led police and U.S. advisors to the home of an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of being in direct contact with the terror organization's leadership. As the combined security team moved to the targeted building on foot, five armed men from a nearby building fired upon them from a rooftop. The security team immediately returned fire, and during the exchange determined it necessary for their safety to call in a precision air strike.
Following the strike, the security team determined that one of the rooftop gunmen was killed by the strike. Two gunmen were apprehended near the building, and the location of the remaining gunmen is unknown.
Officials reported no additional casualties, but said an assessment of the air strike is ongoing.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered at the building, Iraqi police also arrested two other suspects believed to be involved in terrorist activity.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Petraeus: Afghan 'Surge' to Target Terrorist Leaders
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Tens of thousands of additional U.S. forces slated for deployment to Afghanistan will be employed to target and eliminate terrorist leaders and assist the Afghan government to better safeguard and provide a brighter future for its people, the commander of U.S. Central Command said today. President Barack Obama last night announced the deployment of 30,000 extra U.S. forces to Afghanistan over the next several months, which would bring the total U.S. troop strength there to about 100,000.
Officials are finalizing plans as to exactly where in Afghanistan the additional troops will be deployed, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told John D. Roberts today on CNN's "American Morning" television news program. The Afghanistan-bound troops will be deployed to secure the most important elements of the Afghan population, while also securing lines of communication and enabling the training of additional Afghan military and police so that they can eventually assume the security mission, the general said.
Concurrently, he added, counterterrorist operations against Taliban and al-Qaida operatives will be ramped up. "You have to kill or capture key leaders, the irreconcilables, in such an endeavor," Petraeus said.
Meanwhile, he added, efforts to engage and provide better security and economic opportunity for the Afghan people will be increased "so that local individuals don't have to choose sides to go with the Taliban because they're threatened or because it's the only way they can earn a living for their family."
The organization of local community defense cells also is part of the revised Afghanistan strategy, the general said.
Roberts asked Petraeus -- the architect of the successful U.S. military surge of forces that turned the tide in Iraq -- if any lessons learned from the Iraq experience might be applied during the new 'surge' into Afghanistan.
"Well, I think any time you try to apply lessons from one situation to another," Petraeus replied, "you have to be keenly aware of the differences, of the context in which those lessons will be applied."
Obama earlier this year ordered the deployment of more than 20,000 extra U.S. troops to Afghanistan, including 4,000 trainers for Afghan soldiers and police, bringing the current total number of U.S. forces there to about 68,000. Those troops provided "the kind of density to where you can carry out strategies that can capitalize on the lessons that we did bring back from Iraq," Petraeus said, including experience in population protection, community outreach, and reconciliation of former members of the insurgency.
The upcoming deployment of another 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan will be welcomed by its citizens "if we, indeed, are seen by the Afghan people to be helping them realize a better future for themselves and their families," Petraeus said.
Meanwhile, efforts to convince Taliban insurgents to make peace with the Afghan government already are bearing fruit, Petraeus said. After the recent killing of a senior Taliban commander in western Afghanistan's Herat province, for example, his fighters renounced violence and departed the insurgency, the general noted. However, he cautioned, "irreconcilables" who "never will support the new Afghanistan have to be killed, captured or run off."
Roberts asked Petraeus if reports of corruption within some elements of the Afghan governmental bureaucracy would impair the war effort there. Citing Afghan President Hamid Karzai's recent second-term inauguration address, Petraeus said the newly elected Afghan leader "had some very important language in it about tackling corruption, about government serving its people rather than preying on them."
Petraeus said he is buoyed by news of recent arrests and detentions of "certain fairly senior Afghan government officials" in the country's border forces and in some ministries.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Tens of thousands of additional U.S. forces slated for deployment to Afghanistan will be employed to target and eliminate terrorist leaders and assist the Afghan government to better safeguard and provide a brighter future for its people, the commander of U.S. Central Command said today. President Barack Obama last night announced the deployment of 30,000 extra U.S. forces to Afghanistan over the next several months, which would bring the total U.S. troop strength there to about 100,000.
Officials are finalizing plans as to exactly where in Afghanistan the additional troops will be deployed, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told John D. Roberts today on CNN's "American Morning" television news program. The Afghanistan-bound troops will be deployed to secure the most important elements of the Afghan population, while also securing lines of communication and enabling the training of additional Afghan military and police so that they can eventually assume the security mission, the general said.
Concurrently, he added, counterterrorist operations against Taliban and al-Qaida operatives will be ramped up. "You have to kill or capture key leaders, the irreconcilables, in such an endeavor," Petraeus said.
Meanwhile, he added, efforts to engage and provide better security and economic opportunity for the Afghan people will be increased "so that local individuals don't have to choose sides to go with the Taliban because they're threatened or because it's the only way they can earn a living for their family."
The organization of local community defense cells also is part of the revised Afghanistan strategy, the general said.
Roberts asked Petraeus -- the architect of the successful U.S. military surge of forces that turned the tide in Iraq -- if any lessons learned from the Iraq experience might be applied during the new 'surge' into Afghanistan.
"Well, I think any time you try to apply lessons from one situation to another," Petraeus replied, "you have to be keenly aware of the differences, of the context in which those lessons will be applied."
Obama earlier this year ordered the deployment of more than 20,000 extra U.S. troops to Afghanistan, including 4,000 trainers for Afghan soldiers and police, bringing the current total number of U.S. forces there to about 68,000. Those troops provided "the kind of density to where you can carry out strategies that can capitalize on the lessons that we did bring back from Iraq," Petraeus said, including experience in population protection, community outreach, and reconciliation of former members of the insurgency.
The upcoming deployment of another 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan will be welcomed by its citizens "if we, indeed, are seen by the Afghan people to be helping them realize a better future for themselves and their families," Petraeus said.
Meanwhile, efforts to convince Taliban insurgents to make peace with the Afghan government already are bearing fruit, Petraeus said. After the recent killing of a senior Taliban commander in western Afghanistan's Herat province, for example, his fighters renounced violence and departed the insurgency, the general noted. However, he cautioned, "irreconcilables" who "never will support the new Afghanistan have to be killed, captured or run off."
Roberts asked Petraeus if reports of corruption within some elements of the Afghan governmental bureaucracy would impair the war effort there. Citing Afghan President Hamid Karzai's recent second-term inauguration address, Petraeus said the newly elected Afghan leader "had some very important language in it about tackling corruption, about government serving its people rather than preying on them."
Petraeus said he is buoyed by news of recent arrests and detentions of "certain fairly senior Afghan government officials" in the country's border forces and in some ministries.
Soldiers Engage Afghan Tribal Leaders
By Army Sgt. Tracy J. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - U.S. soldiers and their Afghan partners bedded down for the night at the Afghan National Police Achin District Center here Nov. 18 in preparation for a meeting with Shinwari tribal elders and Afghan security personnel. The meeting at the compound was something never done before, and it proved historic for the soldiers of the Georgia National Guard's 1st Squadron, 108th Regiment.
Army Maj. Andrew McDonald, the squadron's operations officer, met with a group of elders to discuss the border tribes' ongoing efforts to thwart the insurgency. Shinwari tribesmen fight disruptive factions by taking up arms themselves, and they took on a great risk to meet with the U.S. military, the local governor and Afghan security forces. Attempts on tribal elders' lives and kidnappings are not uncommon when insurgents discover they've been sharing information and taking steps to defend their country.
"This is the first time since the ousting of the Taliban that a group of villagers have defeated the Taliban repeatedly without government help," McDonald said.
The officials of each group collectively decided it was time to up the ante and introduce what will be a stronger tribal-government union while maintaining the traditions of daily life. In addition, the plan creates a stepping stone toward unionizing other tribes with the Shinwaris, allowing them to find a common goal in defeating Afghanistan's insurgent enemies.
Working in and among the people is a central tenet of the Army's counterinsurgency doctrine, and has been at the forefront of the "Rough Riders" mission.
"They do counterinsurgency very well," said Ed Vowell, the U.S. State Department's district support team advisor embedded with the 108th Cavalry Regiment. "These young guys are in the more remote areas every day, engaging the people. We've already seen positive effects."
(Army Sgt. Tracy J. Smith serves with the Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - U.S. soldiers and their Afghan partners bedded down for the night at the Afghan National Police Achin District Center here Nov. 18 in preparation for a meeting with Shinwari tribal elders and Afghan security personnel. The meeting at the compound was something never done before, and it proved historic for the soldiers of the Georgia National Guard's 1st Squadron, 108th Regiment.
Army Maj. Andrew McDonald, the squadron's operations officer, met with a group of elders to discuss the border tribes' ongoing efforts to thwart the insurgency. Shinwari tribesmen fight disruptive factions by taking up arms themselves, and they took on a great risk to meet with the U.S. military, the local governor and Afghan security forces. Attempts on tribal elders' lives and kidnappings are not uncommon when insurgents discover they've been sharing information and taking steps to defend their country.
"This is the first time since the ousting of the Taliban that a group of villagers have defeated the Taliban repeatedly without government help," McDonald said.
The officials of each group collectively decided it was time to up the ante and introduce what will be a stronger tribal-government union while maintaining the traditions of daily life. In addition, the plan creates a stepping stone toward unionizing other tribes with the Shinwaris, allowing them to find a common goal in defeating Afghanistan's insurgent enemies.
Working in and among the people is a central tenet of the Army's counterinsurgency doctrine, and has been at the forefront of the "Rough Riders" mission.
"They do counterinsurgency very well," said Ed Vowell, the U.S. State Department's district support team advisor embedded with the 108th Cavalry Regiment. "These young guys are in the more remote areas every day, engaging the people. We've already seen positive effects."
(Army Sgt. Tracy J. Smith serves with the Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
Combined Force in Afghanistan Detains Suspected Militants
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - A combined Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today at a compound known to be used by a Taliban financier and facilitator, military officials reported. The force searched the compound, about five miles southwest of Kandahar City, without incident and detained the suspected militants, including the Taliban financier and facilitator. No shots were fired, and no one was injured.
In other news, international forces conducted an air strike against a Taliban commander in a remote area of eastern Afghanistan yesterday, officials said.
The Taliban commander was the target of the precision strike in Kunar province's Dara Noor district, which occurred in an open area away from civilian compounds or infrastructure. Assessment of the strike continues.
Dec. 2, 2009 - A combined Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today at a compound known to be used by a Taliban financier and facilitator, military officials reported. The force searched the compound, about five miles southwest of Kandahar City, without incident and detained the suspected militants, including the Taliban financier and facilitator. No shots were fired, and no one was injured.
In other news, international forces conducted an air strike against a Taliban commander in a remote area of eastern Afghanistan yesterday, officials said.
The Taliban commander was the target of the precision strike in Kunar province's Dara Noor district, which occurred in an open area away from civilian compounds or infrastructure. Assessment of the strike continues.
Strategy Offers Best Chance for Success, Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - President Barack Obama's decision on the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy offers the best possibility to decisively change the momentum in Afghanistan and fundamentally alter the strategic equation in Pakistan and Central Asia, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Armed Service Committee here today. A centerpiece of the president's decision is to surge 30,000 American troops into the eastern and southern areas of the country in the first six months of 2010. The president said combating al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan is in America's vital national interest, and he reaffirmed the goal of disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaida in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to prevent its return.
"The international military effort to stabilize Afghanistan is necessary to achieve this overarching goal," Gates said. "Defeating al-Qaida and enhancing Afghan security are mutually reinforcing missions. They cannot be untethered from one another, as much as we might wish that to be the case."
Taliban support for al-Qaida complicates an already complicated situation in Afghanistan. "The success of the Taliban would vastly strengthen al-Qaida's message to the Muslim world that violent extremists are on the winning side of history," Gates said. "Put simply, the Taliban and al-Qaida have become symbiotic, each benefiting from the success and mythology of the other."
After setbacks early in the war, the Taliban have reconstituted and now hold parts of Afghanistan. This, Gates said, has increased the attractiveness of the Taliban myth and encouraged extremists.
"The lesson of the Taliban's revival for al-Qaida is that time and will are on their side," the secretary said, "[and] that, with a Western defeat, they could regain their strength and achieve a major strategic victory as long as their senior leadership lives and can continue to inspire and attract followers and funding.
"Rolling back the Taliban is now necessary, even if not sufficient, to the ultimate defeat of al-Qaida," he added.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have too many ties of tribes, culture, commerce and faith to ignore in this struggle, Gates said. Pakistan also is a nuclear power and is targeted by extremists.
"The two countries ... share a porous border of more than 1,500 miles," he said. "Giving extremists breathing room in Pakistan led to the resurgence of the Taliban and more coordinated, sophisticated attacks in Afghanistan. Providing a sanctuary for extremists in southern and eastern Afghanistan would put yet more pressure on a Pakistani government already under attack from groups operating in the border region."
The Taliban in Pakistan, with al-Qaida's help, have escalated bombing attacks throughout the country. In the spring, they launched operations that took the extremist group to within 60 miles of Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. The Pakistani army has moved decisively against this threat and also has launched operations in South Waziristan – part of the federally administered tribal area that holds al-Qaida and Taliban safe havens.
Gates told the senators that the United States has work to do in winning the Pakistani people's confidence for the way ahead. "Because of American withdrawal from the region in the early 1990s, followed by a severing of military-to-military relations, many Pakistanis are skeptical that the United States is a reliable, long-term strategic partner," he said. "We must change that perception."
The threat is real, Gates said. If Islamic extremists are successful in Central and South Asia, he told the senators, it would strengthen al-Qaida in particular and extremist groups in general.
"It would strengthen the al-Qaida narrative, providing renewed opportunities for recruitment, fund-raising and more sophisticated operations," the secretary said. "Aided by the Internet, many more followers could join their ranks, both in the region and in susceptible populations across the globe."
The border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan is "the epicenter of extremist jihadism: the historic place where native and foreign Muslims defeated one superpower and, in their view, caused its collapse at home," Gates said.
Paramilitary fighters took on the Soviet Union after its occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. They fought against the Red Army for years until Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev pulled out the last troops in 1988. "For [extremists] to be seen to defeat the sole remaining superpower in the same place would have severe consequences for the United States and the world," Gates warned.
"Less than five years after the last Soviet tank crossed the Termez Bridge out of Afghanistan," he said, "Islamic militants launched their first attack on the World Trade Center in New York. We cannot afford to make a similar mistake again."
U.S. strategy aims to reverse the Taliban's momentum and reduce its strength while providing the time and space necessary for the Afghans to develop enough security and governance capacity to stabilize their own country, the secretary said. Its goals are to roll back the Taliban, deny them access to the Afghan people, disrupt them outside secured areas, prevent al-Qaida from regaining sanctuary and degrade Taliban capabilities to levels that allow Afghan national security forces to take the lead.
The strategy also calls for increasing the size and capability of Afghan security forces and selectively building the Afghan government's capacity, particularly in key ministries.
"This approach is not open-ended 'nation building,'" Gates said. "It is neither necessary nor feasible to create a modern, centralized, Western-style Afghan nation-state, the likes of which has never been seen in that country."
It also does not mean pacifying every village from one end of Afghanistan to the other, the secretary said. "It is, instead, a narrower focus tied more tightly to our core goal of disrupting, dismantling and eventually defeating al-Qaida by building the capacity of the Afghans – capacity that will be measured by observable progress on clear objectives, and not simply by the passage of time."
The civil-military plan is to clear, hold, build and transfer, the secretary said.
"Beginning to transfer security responsibility to the Afghans in summer 2011 is critical – and, in my, view achievable," the secretary said. "This transfer will occur district by district, province by province, depending on conditions on the ground. The process will be similar to what we did in Iraq, where international security forces provided 'overwatch' – first at the tactical level, then at the strategic level."
The United States will continue to work with the Afghan government and military, even after transferring security responsibility to the Afghans, he noted.
"We will not repeat the mistakes of 1989, when we abandoned the country only to see it descend into chaos, and then into Taliban hands," Gates, who was the deputy director of central intelligence at the time, told the senators.
The first additional U.S. forces will begin to arrive in Afghanistan within two or three weeks, the secretary said, and when all of them are in place, about 100,000 American servicemembers will be in Afghanistan.
"We are looking to NATO and our other partners to send a parallel international message of strong resolve," he said. "Our allies must take the lead and focus their resources in the north and west to prevent the insurgency from establishing new footholds."
U.S. officials will ask allies for an additional 5,000 to 7,000 troops, and the United States expects them to share more of the burden of training, equipping and funding the Afghan army and police.
Gates said that while the situation in Afghanistan is worsening, it is nowhere near as bad as Iraq was when he took office three years ago.
"With all the resources already committed to this campaign, ... I believe the pieces are being put in place to make real and measurable progress in Afghanistan over the next 18 to 24 months," the secretary said.
The effort in Afghanistan will take more patience, perseverance, and sacrifice by the United States and its allies, Gates said. "As always, the heaviest burden will fall on the men and women who have volunteered – and in many cases re-volunteered – to serve their country in uniform," he added. "I know they will be uppermost in our minds and prayers as we take on this arduous, but vitally necessary, mission.”
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - President Barack Obama's decision on the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy offers the best possibility to decisively change the momentum in Afghanistan and fundamentally alter the strategic equation in Pakistan and Central Asia, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Armed Service Committee here today. A centerpiece of the president's decision is to surge 30,000 American troops into the eastern and southern areas of the country in the first six months of 2010. The president said combating al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan is in America's vital national interest, and he reaffirmed the goal of disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaida in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to prevent its return.
"The international military effort to stabilize Afghanistan is necessary to achieve this overarching goal," Gates said. "Defeating al-Qaida and enhancing Afghan security are mutually reinforcing missions. They cannot be untethered from one another, as much as we might wish that to be the case."
Taliban support for al-Qaida complicates an already complicated situation in Afghanistan. "The success of the Taliban would vastly strengthen al-Qaida's message to the Muslim world that violent extremists are on the winning side of history," Gates said. "Put simply, the Taliban and al-Qaida have become symbiotic, each benefiting from the success and mythology of the other."
After setbacks early in the war, the Taliban have reconstituted and now hold parts of Afghanistan. This, Gates said, has increased the attractiveness of the Taliban myth and encouraged extremists.
"The lesson of the Taliban's revival for al-Qaida is that time and will are on their side," the secretary said, "[and] that, with a Western defeat, they could regain their strength and achieve a major strategic victory as long as their senior leadership lives and can continue to inspire and attract followers and funding.
"Rolling back the Taliban is now necessary, even if not sufficient, to the ultimate defeat of al-Qaida," he added.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have too many ties of tribes, culture, commerce and faith to ignore in this struggle, Gates said. Pakistan also is a nuclear power and is targeted by extremists.
"The two countries ... share a porous border of more than 1,500 miles," he said. "Giving extremists breathing room in Pakistan led to the resurgence of the Taliban and more coordinated, sophisticated attacks in Afghanistan. Providing a sanctuary for extremists in southern and eastern Afghanistan would put yet more pressure on a Pakistani government already under attack from groups operating in the border region."
The Taliban in Pakistan, with al-Qaida's help, have escalated bombing attacks throughout the country. In the spring, they launched operations that took the extremist group to within 60 miles of Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. The Pakistani army has moved decisively against this threat and also has launched operations in South Waziristan – part of the federally administered tribal area that holds al-Qaida and Taliban safe havens.
Gates told the senators that the United States has work to do in winning the Pakistani people's confidence for the way ahead. "Because of American withdrawal from the region in the early 1990s, followed by a severing of military-to-military relations, many Pakistanis are skeptical that the United States is a reliable, long-term strategic partner," he said. "We must change that perception."
The threat is real, Gates said. If Islamic extremists are successful in Central and South Asia, he told the senators, it would strengthen al-Qaida in particular and extremist groups in general.
"It would strengthen the al-Qaida narrative, providing renewed opportunities for recruitment, fund-raising and more sophisticated operations," the secretary said. "Aided by the Internet, many more followers could join their ranks, both in the region and in susceptible populations across the globe."
The border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan is "the epicenter of extremist jihadism: the historic place where native and foreign Muslims defeated one superpower and, in their view, caused its collapse at home," Gates said.
Paramilitary fighters took on the Soviet Union after its occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. They fought against the Red Army for years until Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev pulled out the last troops in 1988. "For [extremists] to be seen to defeat the sole remaining superpower in the same place would have severe consequences for the United States and the world," Gates warned.
"Less than five years after the last Soviet tank crossed the Termez Bridge out of Afghanistan," he said, "Islamic militants launched their first attack on the World Trade Center in New York. We cannot afford to make a similar mistake again."
U.S. strategy aims to reverse the Taliban's momentum and reduce its strength while providing the time and space necessary for the Afghans to develop enough security and governance capacity to stabilize their own country, the secretary said. Its goals are to roll back the Taliban, deny them access to the Afghan people, disrupt them outside secured areas, prevent al-Qaida from regaining sanctuary and degrade Taliban capabilities to levels that allow Afghan national security forces to take the lead.
The strategy also calls for increasing the size and capability of Afghan security forces and selectively building the Afghan government's capacity, particularly in key ministries.
"This approach is not open-ended 'nation building,'" Gates said. "It is neither necessary nor feasible to create a modern, centralized, Western-style Afghan nation-state, the likes of which has never been seen in that country."
It also does not mean pacifying every village from one end of Afghanistan to the other, the secretary said. "It is, instead, a narrower focus tied more tightly to our core goal of disrupting, dismantling and eventually defeating al-Qaida by building the capacity of the Afghans – capacity that will be measured by observable progress on clear objectives, and not simply by the passage of time."
The civil-military plan is to clear, hold, build and transfer, the secretary said.
"Beginning to transfer security responsibility to the Afghans in summer 2011 is critical – and, in my, view achievable," the secretary said. "This transfer will occur district by district, province by province, depending on conditions on the ground. The process will be similar to what we did in Iraq, where international security forces provided 'overwatch' – first at the tactical level, then at the strategic level."
The United States will continue to work with the Afghan government and military, even after transferring security responsibility to the Afghans, he noted.
"We will not repeat the mistakes of 1989, when we abandoned the country only to see it descend into chaos, and then into Taliban hands," Gates, who was the deputy director of central intelligence at the time, told the senators.
The first additional U.S. forces will begin to arrive in Afghanistan within two or three weeks, the secretary said, and when all of them are in place, about 100,000 American servicemembers will be in Afghanistan.
"We are looking to NATO and our other partners to send a parallel international message of strong resolve," he said. "Our allies must take the lead and focus their resources in the north and west to prevent the insurgency from establishing new footholds."
U.S. officials will ask allies for an additional 5,000 to 7,000 troops, and the United States expects them to share more of the burden of training, equipping and funding the Afghan army and police.
Gates said that while the situation in Afghanistan is worsening, it is nowhere near as bad as Iraq was when he took office three years ago.
"With all the resources already committed to this campaign, ... I believe the pieces are being put in place to make real and measurable progress in Afghanistan over the next 18 to 24 months," the secretary said.
The effort in Afghanistan will take more patience, perseverance, and sacrifice by the United States and its allies, Gates said. "As always, the heaviest burden will fall on the men and women who have volunteered – and in many cases re-volunteered – to serve their country in uniform," he added. "I know they will be uppermost in our minds and prayers as we take on this arduous, but vitally necessary, mission.”
Strategy Can Reverse Enemy Gains Quickly, Mullen Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - A new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan that entails adding 30,000 more troops by summer enables commanders there to take the lead within a year, the military's top officer said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee the strategy provides sufficient resources for Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, to reverse gains insurgent groups have made in recent years.
"It gets the most U.S. force into the fight as quickly as possible, giving General McChrystal everything he needs in 2010 to gain the initiative," the chairman said.
President Barack Obama articulated the new approach to Afghanistan and Pakistan last night in a speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. The strategy, which culminates months of deliberation with senior advisors, considered input from every military leader in the chain of command, Mullen said.
The goals Obama outlined in the speech include reversing momentum the Taliban have made in past years and securing key population centers in Afghanistan -- especially in the contentious southern and eastern regions.
The added troops will bring the total number of U.S. forces to nearly 100,000, in addition to a complement of roughly 42,000 allied troops – a number which senior administration officials said they expect to increase with additional contributions from NATO allies.
"We now have the force of strategy more appropriately matched to the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and resources matched more appropriately to that strategy, particularly with regard to reversing the insurgency's momentum in 2010," Mullen told senators.
The additional U.S. troops likely will comprise two or three more brigade combat teams and a brigade-sized element committed to embedding with and training their Afghan counterparts, which represents a key component undergirding the transfer of responsibility to Afghanistan, expected to begin in July.
Mullen said the strategy provides commanders "discrete objectives" and offers better guidance about how to employ their forces. While the goals of thwarting al-Qaida, preventing Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist safe haven and employing a counterinsurgency approach are unchanged, the strategy engenders a more defined scope, he said.
"Now, they will tailor this campaign and those operations by focusing on key population areas, by increasing pressure on al-Qaida's leadership, by more effectively working to degrade the Taliban's influence and by streamlining and accelerating the growth of competent Afghan national security forces," Mullen said.
The chairman said Obama's strategy takes into account Afghanistan's regional context, calling for stronger cooperation with neighboring Pakistan – a necessary component for eliminating terrorist safe havens.
"His is a more balanced, more flexible and more achievable strategy than we've had in the past, one based on pragmatism and real possibilities," Mullen said. "And speaking for the 2.2 million men and women who must execute it, and who, with their families, have borne the brunt of the stress and the strain of eight years of constant combat, I support his decision and appreciate his leadership."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - A new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan that entails adding 30,000 more troops by summer enables commanders there to take the lead within a year, the military's top officer said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee the strategy provides sufficient resources for Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, to reverse gains insurgent groups have made in recent years.
"It gets the most U.S. force into the fight as quickly as possible, giving General McChrystal everything he needs in 2010 to gain the initiative," the chairman said.
President Barack Obama articulated the new approach to Afghanistan and Pakistan last night in a speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. The strategy, which culminates months of deliberation with senior advisors, considered input from every military leader in the chain of command, Mullen said.
The goals Obama outlined in the speech include reversing momentum the Taliban have made in past years and securing key population centers in Afghanistan -- especially in the contentious southern and eastern regions.
The added troops will bring the total number of U.S. forces to nearly 100,000, in addition to a complement of roughly 42,000 allied troops – a number which senior administration officials said they expect to increase with additional contributions from NATO allies.
"We now have the force of strategy more appropriately matched to the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and resources matched more appropriately to that strategy, particularly with regard to reversing the insurgency's momentum in 2010," Mullen told senators.
The additional U.S. troops likely will comprise two or three more brigade combat teams and a brigade-sized element committed to embedding with and training their Afghan counterparts, which represents a key component undergirding the transfer of responsibility to Afghanistan, expected to begin in July.
Mullen said the strategy provides commanders "discrete objectives" and offers better guidance about how to employ their forces. While the goals of thwarting al-Qaida, preventing Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist safe haven and employing a counterinsurgency approach are unchanged, the strategy engenders a more defined scope, he said.
"Now, they will tailor this campaign and those operations by focusing on key population areas, by increasing pressure on al-Qaida's leadership, by more effectively working to degrade the Taliban's influence and by streamlining and accelerating the growth of competent Afghan national security forces," Mullen said.
The chairman said Obama's strategy takes into account Afghanistan's regional context, calling for stronger cooperation with neighboring Pakistan – a necessary component for eliminating terrorist safe havens.
"His is a more balanced, more flexible and more achievable strategy than we've had in the past, one based on pragmatism and real possibilities," Mullen said. "And speaking for the 2.2 million men and women who must execute it, and who, with their families, have borne the brunt of the stress and the strain of eight years of constant combat, I support his decision and appreciate his leadership."
Clinton Cites Civilian Effort as Vital in Afghanistan
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Civilian partnerships, in combination with military efforts, are crucial to success in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. The current civilian effort would expand through a "civilian surge" if Congress approves Obama's strategy for the way ahead, Clinton said.
"Civilian experts and advisors are helping to craft policy inside [Afghan] government ministries, providing development assistance in the field, and working in scores of other roles," the secretary said. "When our Marines went into Nawa this July, we had civilians on the ground with them to coordinate assistance the next day."
For the nonmilitary portion of the president's strategy to be effective, Clinton said, the Afghan people and the United States must hold Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government accountable for keeping its promise to fight corruption and improve governance. The State Department intends to help in strengthening Afghan institutions at every level of society so that the country doesn't fall into chaos when U.S. troops begin to withdraw in 2011, she added.
As part of the effort to shore up Afghanistan and prepare it to take responsibility for its own security, the civilian strategy involves supporting an Afghan-led effort to welcome Taliban members who want to become productive members of Afghan society.
"We understand that some of those who fight with the insurgency do so not out of conviction, but due to coercion or money," Clinton said. "All Afghans should have the choice to pursue a better future if they do so peacefully, respect the basic human rights of their fellow citizens and reintegrate into their society."
The economy is another factor in the State Department's key to success in Afghanistan, Clinton told the senators. A civilian corps with expertise in such things as governance and agriculture -- the traditional core of the Afghan economy -- will go a long way to bolstering the country's independence, she said.
"We will be delivering high-impact assistance and bolstering Afghanistan's agricultural sector," the secretary said. "This will create jobs, reduce the funding that the Taliban receives from poppy cultivation, and draw insurgents off the battlefield."
The State Department's role in stabilizing Afghanistan will take it outside that country's borders to neighboring Pakistan, Clinton said. The country of 175 million with a nuclear arsenal and its own challenges must become a key partner in the fight against violent extremism, she said, noting that terrorist attacks in Pakistan earlier this year have made the country increasingly aware that it shares a common enemy with the United States.
"We will significantly expand support intended to help develop the potential of Pakistan and its people," she said. "We will do so by demonstrating the United States' commitment to addressing problems that affect the everyday
lives of Pakistanis and bring our people closer together."
The partnership also will bolster the country, currently a safe haven for and target of terrorists, against the threat of extremism, said the secretary added.
The United States will not face these challenges, military or civilian, alone, Clinton said. "We share this responsibility with governments around the world," she told the Senate panel.
The United States is looking beyond NATO to build the broadest possible global coalition to meet the challenges ahead, Clinton said.
"Our NATO allies have already made significant contributions of their own in Afghanistan, ... and we're also asking the international community to expand its support to Pakistan."
The United States faces a range of difficult choices in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Clinton acknowledged, and she said the president's plan represents the "best way we know to protect our nation today and in the future."
That plan also involves sending an additional 30,000 U.S. troops into the fight.
"We will be asking them – and the American people who support them – to make extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our country," Clinton said. "I want to assure the committee ... that we will do everything we can to make sure their sacrifices are honored and make our nation safer."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Civilian partnerships, in combination with military efforts, are crucial to success in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. The current civilian effort would expand through a "civilian surge" if Congress approves Obama's strategy for the way ahead, Clinton said.
"Civilian experts and advisors are helping to craft policy inside [Afghan] government ministries, providing development assistance in the field, and working in scores of other roles," the secretary said. "When our Marines went into Nawa this July, we had civilians on the ground with them to coordinate assistance the next day."
For the nonmilitary portion of the president's strategy to be effective, Clinton said, the Afghan people and the United States must hold Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government accountable for keeping its promise to fight corruption and improve governance. The State Department intends to help in strengthening Afghan institutions at every level of society so that the country doesn't fall into chaos when U.S. troops begin to withdraw in 2011, she added.
As part of the effort to shore up Afghanistan and prepare it to take responsibility for its own security, the civilian strategy involves supporting an Afghan-led effort to welcome Taliban members who want to become productive members of Afghan society.
"We understand that some of those who fight with the insurgency do so not out of conviction, but due to coercion or money," Clinton said. "All Afghans should have the choice to pursue a better future if they do so peacefully, respect the basic human rights of their fellow citizens and reintegrate into their society."
The economy is another factor in the State Department's key to success in Afghanistan, Clinton told the senators. A civilian corps with expertise in such things as governance and agriculture -- the traditional core of the Afghan economy -- will go a long way to bolstering the country's independence, she said.
"We will be delivering high-impact assistance and bolstering Afghanistan's agricultural sector," the secretary said. "This will create jobs, reduce the funding that the Taliban receives from poppy cultivation, and draw insurgents off the battlefield."
The State Department's role in stabilizing Afghanistan will take it outside that country's borders to neighboring Pakistan, Clinton said. The country of 175 million with a nuclear arsenal and its own challenges must become a key partner in the fight against violent extremism, she said, noting that terrorist attacks in Pakistan earlier this year have made the country increasingly aware that it shares a common enemy with the United States.
"We will significantly expand support intended to help develop the potential of Pakistan and its people," she said. "We will do so by demonstrating the United States' commitment to addressing problems that affect the everyday
lives of Pakistanis and bring our people closer together."
The partnership also will bolster the country, currently a safe haven for and target of terrorists, against the threat of extremism, said the secretary added.
The United States will not face these challenges, military or civilian, alone, Clinton said. "We share this responsibility with governments around the world," she told the Senate panel.
The United States is looking beyond NATO to build the broadest possible global coalition to meet the challenges ahead, Clinton said.
"Our NATO allies have already made significant contributions of their own in Afghanistan, ... and we're also asking the international community to expand its support to Pakistan."
The United States faces a range of difficult choices in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Clinton acknowledged, and she said the president's plan represents the "best way we know to protect our nation today and in the future."
That plan also involves sending an additional 30,000 U.S. troops into the fight.
"We will be asking them – and the American people who support them – to make extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our country," Clinton said. "I want to assure the committee ... that we will do everything we can to make sure their sacrifices are honored and make our nation safer."
Soldiers, Civilians Keep Supplies Stocked
By Army Sgt. Andy Mehler
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - In the modern Army, soldiers often find themselves working alongside civilian contractors doing almost the same exact job. Supply platoon soldiers of "A" Company, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, run supply operations here along with civilian employees of the Black Hawk Management Corp., based in Killeen, Texas.
"We receive, store, distribute and turn in Class 9 aviation parts," said Army Sgt. Matthew Bircher, of Etters, Pa., the senior enlisted in charge of his platoon's mission. "We distribute parts throughout the entire brigade."
The operation also supplies all of Iraq and Afghanistan with parts that other supply warehouses may not have readily available, Bircher added. The warehouse here carries 3,467 authorized items in its inventory, with a cash value of $56 million.
The supply platoon also orders and distributes food items that are used to stock the "Grab & Go" trailers, where soldiers can get sandwiches, chips, cold drinks and other assorted food items for a fast meal on the run.
As many as 15 civilian contractors have worked with Bircher and his team.
"The civilians work for me and provide assistance in parts distribution and other warehouse operations," Bircher said. "We all work integrated together." The civilians are trained to use the same online Army supply program Bircher uses to order and track the delivery status of parts requested by deployed units.
"I think we have a great rapport with the civilians," said Sgt. Wendell White, a resident of Annville, Pa., and the first-shift supervisor and operations manager at the supply support activity here. "I make sure all the cylinders are turning." Civilian contractors work in every section of the supply support activity here and play a major role, he added.
Aside from their supply activities, the platoon's soldiers escort incoming delivery drivers and deliver pallets of bottled water to the airfield, fuel point and other areas of the base. They've also made an important security improvement to the grounds by placing barriers to create a one-way-in and one-way-out traffic pattern, Bircher said.
The desert climate here has posed some environmental challenges for the supply platoon, Bircher said.
"Heavy winds bring dirt and dust into our storage area," he explained. The large tents used for storage areas are open at both ends, which can cause dust problems for the soldiers' computers and cover the parts shelves in dirt.
But the experience has taught everyone in the platoon something, White said.
"We have a lot of young soldiers that grew a lot here," he said. "It's made them more responsible."
(Army Sgt. Andy Mehler serves with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - In the modern Army, soldiers often find themselves working alongside civilian contractors doing almost the same exact job. Supply platoon soldiers of "A" Company, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, run supply operations here along with civilian employees of the Black Hawk Management Corp., based in Killeen, Texas.
"We receive, store, distribute and turn in Class 9 aviation parts," said Army Sgt. Matthew Bircher, of Etters, Pa., the senior enlisted in charge of his platoon's mission. "We distribute parts throughout the entire brigade."
The operation also supplies all of Iraq and Afghanistan with parts that other supply warehouses may not have readily available, Bircher added. The warehouse here carries 3,467 authorized items in its inventory, with a cash value of $56 million.
The supply platoon also orders and distributes food items that are used to stock the "Grab & Go" trailers, where soldiers can get sandwiches, chips, cold drinks and other assorted food items for a fast meal on the run.
As many as 15 civilian contractors have worked with Bircher and his team.
"The civilians work for me and provide assistance in parts distribution and other warehouse operations," Bircher said. "We all work integrated together." The civilians are trained to use the same online Army supply program Bircher uses to order and track the delivery status of parts requested by deployed units.
"I think we have a great rapport with the civilians," said Sgt. Wendell White, a resident of Annville, Pa., and the first-shift supervisor and operations manager at the supply support activity here. "I make sure all the cylinders are turning." Civilian contractors work in every section of the supply support activity here and play a major role, he added.
Aside from their supply activities, the platoon's soldiers escort incoming delivery drivers and deliver pallets of bottled water to the airfield, fuel point and other areas of the base. They've also made an important security improvement to the grounds by placing barriers to create a one-way-in and one-way-out traffic pattern, Bircher said.
The desert climate here has posed some environmental challenges for the supply platoon, Bircher said.
"Heavy winds bring dirt and dust into our storage area," he explained. The large tents used for storage areas are open at both ends, which can cause dust problems for the soldiers' computers and cover the parts shelves in dirt.
But the experience has taught everyone in the platoon something, White said.
"We have a lot of young soldiers that grew a lot here," he said. "It's made them more responsible."
(Army Sgt. Andy Mehler serves with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade.)
McChrystal Sends Message to Troops
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2009 - Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has posted a message to the troops on the way ahead.
The full text follows:
We have been presented a great opportunity to take the tremendous work of our Coalition force to the next level. The clarity, capability, and commitment outlined in President Obama's address are critical steps toward eliminating an insurgency in Afghanistan and terrorist safe havens that threaten regional and global security.
Each of you can be proud of the effort we have made here – not just in bringing the fight to the enemy, but in reshaping that fight to achieve more lasting effects, grow our partnership with Afghan security forces, and strengthen relationships with government officials and the Afghan people. You have performed magnificently, and I believe our renewed Coalition campaign is fortified by the path President Obama has put forward.
Our NATO International Security Assistance Force objective remains clear: We will work toward a transfer of responsibility to Afghan security forces as rapidly as conditions allow. They need our help – and we are here for them, for their future, and for the safety and security of coalition nations.
The additional resources called for by President Obama will continue to advance a winning strategy. In recent months we have seen real progress that must be preserved and expanded. The increase of Coalition forces earlier this year in the Helmand River Valley, along with expanded civilian capacity, have improved security and stability. This is also helping to foster essential governance and basic economic development.
We still face many challenges in Afghanistan, but our mission has renewed purpose sustained by one unassailable reality: Neither the international community nor the Afghan people want this country to remain a sanctuary for terror and violence. The price to be paid in this conflict is high. But the stakes are higher.
President Obama's decision is a clear reflection not only of his intended strategy, but of his confidence in the success we can achieve – success earned by the competence and courage you display every day in Afghanistan.
I am privileged to be serving with you, and I am confident that our partnership with Afghans will enable real change to Afghanistan, grounded in a secure and stable environment that allows for effective governance, economic independence and the freedom of every Afghan to choose how to live. In doing so, we will preserve for our own Coalition nations the lasting security we seek for the people of Afghanistan.
Dec. 2, 2009 - Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has posted a message to the troops on the way ahead.
The full text follows:
We have been presented a great opportunity to take the tremendous work of our Coalition force to the next level. The clarity, capability, and commitment outlined in President Obama's address are critical steps toward eliminating an insurgency in Afghanistan and terrorist safe havens that threaten regional and global security.
Each of you can be proud of the effort we have made here – not just in bringing the fight to the enemy, but in reshaping that fight to achieve more lasting effects, grow our partnership with Afghan security forces, and strengthen relationships with government officials and the Afghan people. You have performed magnificently, and I believe our renewed Coalition campaign is fortified by the path President Obama has put forward.
Our NATO International Security Assistance Force objective remains clear: We will work toward a transfer of responsibility to Afghan security forces as rapidly as conditions allow. They need our help – and we are here for them, for their future, and for the safety and security of coalition nations.
The additional resources called for by President Obama will continue to advance a winning strategy. In recent months we have seen real progress that must be preserved and expanded. The increase of Coalition forces earlier this year in the Helmand River Valley, along with expanded civilian capacity, have improved security and stability. This is also helping to foster essential governance and basic economic development.
We still face many challenges in Afghanistan, but our mission has renewed purpose sustained by one unassailable reality: Neither the international community nor the Afghan people want this country to remain a sanctuary for terror and violence. The price to be paid in this conflict is high. But the stakes are higher.
President Obama's decision is a clear reflection not only of his intended strategy, but of his confidence in the success we can achieve – success earned by the competence and courage you display every day in Afghanistan.
I am privileged to be serving with you, and I am confident that our partnership with Afghans will enable real change to Afghanistan, grounded in a secure and stable environment that allows for effective governance, economic independence and the freedom of every Afghan to choose how to live. In doing so, we will preserve for our own Coalition nations the lasting security we seek for the people of Afghanistan.
Mullen: Military Leaders Fully Support Afghan Strategy
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Military leaders "fully and unhesitatingly" support President Barack Obama's decision on the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said today. In an interview, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the strategy calls for 30,000 more U.S. servicemembers to be sent to Afghanistan.
The strategy is based on a very deliberate and educational process, Mullen said. "It has allowed us to explore the breadth and depth of this enormously complex challenge, and in the end, the president has made the decision to add these 30,000 troops," he said.
The increase will give Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, what he needs over the next 12 to 18 months, the chairman said. McChrystal has the flexibility to put them where needed.
The president has considered military leaders' opinions and concerns in his decision, Mullen said. "I've been at the table in these discussions from beginning to end, and my voice has been heard," he said. "I'm very comfortable with that. I've provided my advice to the president, and as is always the case, we provide the advice, the president makes a decision, and we all march off and execute that decision."
The president's strategy also focuses on the requirements of U.S. civilian agencies and seeks assistance from NATO allies. Mullen said he expects to hear from the NATO partners in the next few days and is "cautiously optimistic we'll see additional support from NATO."
The strategy also demands much from Afghanistan, calling on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to help grow Afghan security forces rapidly, provide good governance at the local and national levels, and "to really take responsibility for their own country," Mullen said. "It's a big challenge."
Obama's decision has it right in giving McChrystal the forces he needs to execute the strategy, the chairman said. "We're all confident in that, and I'm actually confident that we can succeed at this endeavor," he said.
U.S. forces will be focused on a counterinsurgency, population-centric mode. "The key goal here is to reverse the momentum of the Taliban," Mullen said. "The insurgency has gotten worse over the past couple of years."
Deployment lengths for U.S. servicemembers will remain about the same – seven months for Marines, and 12 months for soldiers. With the planned reduction in U.S. forces in Iraq to 50,000 by August 2010, Mullen said he doesn't expect an adverse affect on dwell time – the time between deployments. Dwell time will increase slightly for Marines over the next year and for soldiers over the next two years, he said.
Soldiers and Marines – and some airmen and sailors – will feel pressure from this strategy. "It's a team deal: we're all in this together, and we can succeed here," the chairman said. "Now that the president has made the decision, we will be off and running to make it so over the next few years."
The strategy sends a message of resolve. With the contemplated increase, Obama will have increased the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan by more than 50,000 since taking office in January. Mullen said the president's decision "focuses on the commitment to turn this around and it gives Gen. McChrystal the forces he needs to do the job." He said all military leaders agree with the decision and the strategy.
Still, the president is not writing a blank check for the Afghans, the chairman said. "The president is really sending the message that we are not going to be there forever," Mullen said. "This strategy really focuses on transferring responsibility to the Afghans as quickly as we can."
The strategy is not an exit strategy per se, but more about transfer and transition, he said.
Anticipating the increase, the Army and Marine Corps have been leaning forward to ensure troops are ready for service in Afghanistan, Mullen said.
The men and women who serve and their families have been extraordinary in very challenging times, Mullen said, bearing the burden of two wars and succeeding in Iraq.
"They are the best I've ever been associated with," he said. "All our forces are very capable in counterinsurgency and many units have deployed to Afghanistan in the past."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Military leaders "fully and unhesitatingly" support President Barack Obama's decision on the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said today. In an interview, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the strategy calls for 30,000 more U.S. servicemembers to be sent to Afghanistan.
The strategy is based on a very deliberate and educational process, Mullen said. "It has allowed us to explore the breadth and depth of this enormously complex challenge, and in the end, the president has made the decision to add these 30,000 troops," he said.
The increase will give Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, what he needs over the next 12 to 18 months, the chairman said. McChrystal has the flexibility to put them where needed.
The president has considered military leaders' opinions and concerns in his decision, Mullen said. "I've been at the table in these discussions from beginning to end, and my voice has been heard," he said. "I'm very comfortable with that. I've provided my advice to the president, and as is always the case, we provide the advice, the president makes a decision, and we all march off and execute that decision."
The president's strategy also focuses on the requirements of U.S. civilian agencies and seeks assistance from NATO allies. Mullen said he expects to hear from the NATO partners in the next few days and is "cautiously optimistic we'll see additional support from NATO."
The strategy also demands much from Afghanistan, calling on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to help grow Afghan security forces rapidly, provide good governance at the local and national levels, and "to really take responsibility for their own country," Mullen said. "It's a big challenge."
Obama's decision has it right in giving McChrystal the forces he needs to execute the strategy, the chairman said. "We're all confident in that, and I'm actually confident that we can succeed at this endeavor," he said.
U.S. forces will be focused on a counterinsurgency, population-centric mode. "The key goal here is to reverse the momentum of the Taliban," Mullen said. "The insurgency has gotten worse over the past couple of years."
Deployment lengths for U.S. servicemembers will remain about the same – seven months for Marines, and 12 months for soldiers. With the planned reduction in U.S. forces in Iraq to 50,000 by August 2010, Mullen said he doesn't expect an adverse affect on dwell time – the time between deployments. Dwell time will increase slightly for Marines over the next year and for soldiers over the next two years, he said.
Soldiers and Marines – and some airmen and sailors – will feel pressure from this strategy. "It's a team deal: we're all in this together, and we can succeed here," the chairman said. "Now that the president has made the decision, we will be off and running to make it so over the next few years."
The strategy sends a message of resolve. With the contemplated increase, Obama will have increased the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan by more than 50,000 since taking office in January. Mullen said the president's decision "focuses on the commitment to turn this around and it gives Gen. McChrystal the forces he needs to do the job." He said all military leaders agree with the decision and the strategy.
Still, the president is not writing a blank check for the Afghans, the chairman said. "The president is really sending the message that we are not going to be there forever," Mullen said. "This strategy really focuses on transferring responsibility to the Afghans as quickly as we can."
The strategy is not an exit strategy per se, but more about transfer and transition, he said.
Anticipating the increase, the Army and Marine Corps have been leaning forward to ensure troops are ready for service in Afghanistan, Mullen said.
The men and women who serve and their families have been extraordinary in very challenging times, Mullen said, bearing the burden of two wars and succeeding in Iraq.
"They are the best I've ever been associated with," he said. "All our forces are very capable in counterinsurgency and many units have deployed to Afghanistan in the past."
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Obama Calls for Another 30,000 U.S. Troops in Afghanistan
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - It is in America's vital national interests to send another 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said tonight during a speech at West Point, N.Y. Obama said that this surge of U.S. forces into Afghanistan will begin to ebb in July 2011 – when U.S. and NATO forces and allies begin turning over security responsibility to Afghan security forces.
"I make this decision because I am convinced that our security is at stake in Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said to the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy. "This is the epicenter of violent extremism practiced by al-Qaida. It is from here that we were attacked on 9/11, and it is from here that new attacks are being plotted as I speak."
The United States must rise to the challenge of al-Qaida and the Taliban. The extremists still operate in the border areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and still threaten America and its allies.
"This danger will only grow if the region slides backwards and al-Qaida can operate with impunity," the president said.
The United States and its international allies must keep pressure on the terror group, and that also will mean increasing the stability and capacity of partners in the region.
The 30,000 servicemembers and their equipment will flow in to Afghanistan in the first half of 2010, Obama said. White House officials speaking on background earlier today said this will entail at least two or three Army brigade combat teams, and many soldiers and Marines to train the Afghan security forces. Air Force and Navy personnel also will be called on to support this effort.
A military counterinsurgency effort aimed at protecting the Afghan people is only one part of the strategy, the president said. The second is a civilian surge that reinforces positive actions, and the third is an effective partnership with Pakistan.
The military strategy is aimed at reversing the Taliban's momentum and will increase Afghanistan's security capabilities over the next 18 months, Obama said. The strategy has at its core disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaida and its extremist allies as the president announced in March.
The 30,000 additional troops will target the insurgency and secure key population centers. "They will increase our ability to train competent Afghan security forces, and to partner with them so that more Afghans can get into the fight," Obama said. "And they will help create the conditions for the United States to transfer responsibility to the Afghans."
The president also will ask for international military contributions. Some nations – Britain and Australia for example – already have provided additional troops, and he expects more nations will come forward soon.
"Our friends have fought and bled and died alongside us in Afghanistan," the president said. "Now, we must come together to end this war successfully. For what's at stake is not simply a test of NATO's credibility – what's at stake is the security of our allies, and the common security of the world."
Obama used the experiences in Iraq as a yardstick. Just as in Iraq, additional forces will provide the time and security needed to train local forces, thus accelerating a handover of security responsibility to Afghan forces beginning in July 2011.
"Just as we have done in Iraq, we will execute this transition responsibly, taking into account conditions on the ground," he said.
The civilian strategy will entail working with allies, international agencies and the Afghan people "to pursue a more effective civilian strategy, so that the government can take advantage of improved security,' he said.
Aid to Afghanistan must be based on performance, the president said. "The days of providing a blank check are over," he said.
Obama said Afghan President Hamid Karzai's inauguration speech sent the right message. The United States will support Afghan ministries, governors and local leaders that combat corruption and deliver for the people, he added.
"We expect those who are ineffective or corrupt to be held accountable," he said. "And we will also focus our assistance in areas – such as agriculture – that can make an immediate impact in the lives of the Afghan people."
Obama stressed that the United States is not interested in occupying Afghanistan or subjugating its people.
"We will seek a partnership with Afghanistan grounded in mutual respect – to isolate those who destroy; to strengthen those who build; to hasten the day when our troops will leave; and to forge a lasting friendship in which America is your partner, and never your patron," he said.
Obama stressed that the United States will not run out on Pakistan.
"We are in Afghanistan to prevent a cancer from once again spreading through that country," he said. "But this same cancer has also taken root in the border region of Pakistan. That is why we need a strategy that works on both sides of the border."
The Pakistani people were shocked by Taliban offensives that took them within 60 miles of the capital of Islamabad this year. They realize the extremists are a grave danger to the country and are addressing it. Obama praised the Pakistani military for its recent offensives in South Waziristan and Swat.
"Moving forward, we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built on a foundation of mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual trust," Obama said. "We will strengthen Pakistan's capacity to target those groups that threaten our countries, and have made it clear that we cannot tolerate a safe haven for terrorists whose location is known, and whose intentions are clear."
The United States also will provide resources to support Pakistan's democracy and development.
"And going forward, the Pakistani people must know: America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan's security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent, so that the great potential of its people can be unleashed," the president said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - It is in America's vital national interests to send another 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said tonight during a speech at West Point, N.Y. Obama said that this surge of U.S. forces into Afghanistan will begin to ebb in July 2011 – when U.S. and NATO forces and allies begin turning over security responsibility to Afghan security forces.
"I make this decision because I am convinced that our security is at stake in Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said to the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy. "This is the epicenter of violent extremism practiced by al-Qaida. It is from here that we were attacked on 9/11, and it is from here that new attacks are being plotted as I speak."
The United States must rise to the challenge of al-Qaida and the Taliban. The extremists still operate in the border areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and still threaten America and its allies.
"This danger will only grow if the region slides backwards and al-Qaida can operate with impunity," the president said.
The United States and its international allies must keep pressure on the terror group, and that also will mean increasing the stability and capacity of partners in the region.
The 30,000 servicemembers and their equipment will flow in to Afghanistan in the first half of 2010, Obama said. White House officials speaking on background earlier today said this will entail at least two or three Army brigade combat teams, and many soldiers and Marines to train the Afghan security forces. Air Force and Navy personnel also will be called on to support this effort.
A military counterinsurgency effort aimed at protecting the Afghan people is only one part of the strategy, the president said. The second is a civilian surge that reinforces positive actions, and the third is an effective partnership with Pakistan.
The military strategy is aimed at reversing the Taliban's momentum and will increase Afghanistan's security capabilities over the next 18 months, Obama said. The strategy has at its core disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaida and its extremist allies as the president announced in March.
The 30,000 additional troops will target the insurgency and secure key population centers. "They will increase our ability to train competent Afghan security forces, and to partner with them so that more Afghans can get into the fight," Obama said. "And they will help create the conditions for the United States to transfer responsibility to the Afghans."
The president also will ask for international military contributions. Some nations – Britain and Australia for example – already have provided additional troops, and he expects more nations will come forward soon.
"Our friends have fought and bled and died alongside us in Afghanistan," the president said. "Now, we must come together to end this war successfully. For what's at stake is not simply a test of NATO's credibility – what's at stake is the security of our allies, and the common security of the world."
Obama used the experiences in Iraq as a yardstick. Just as in Iraq, additional forces will provide the time and security needed to train local forces, thus accelerating a handover of security responsibility to Afghan forces beginning in July 2011.
"Just as we have done in Iraq, we will execute this transition responsibly, taking into account conditions on the ground," he said.
The civilian strategy will entail working with allies, international agencies and the Afghan people "to pursue a more effective civilian strategy, so that the government can take advantage of improved security,' he said.
Aid to Afghanistan must be based on performance, the president said. "The days of providing a blank check are over," he said.
Obama said Afghan President Hamid Karzai's inauguration speech sent the right message. The United States will support Afghan ministries, governors and local leaders that combat corruption and deliver for the people, he added.
"We expect those who are ineffective or corrupt to be held accountable," he said. "And we will also focus our assistance in areas – such as agriculture – that can make an immediate impact in the lives of the Afghan people."
Obama stressed that the United States is not interested in occupying Afghanistan or subjugating its people.
"We will seek a partnership with Afghanistan grounded in mutual respect – to isolate those who destroy; to strengthen those who build; to hasten the day when our troops will leave; and to forge a lasting friendship in which America is your partner, and never your patron," he said.
Obama stressed that the United States will not run out on Pakistan.
"We are in Afghanistan to prevent a cancer from once again spreading through that country," he said. "But this same cancer has also taken root in the border region of Pakistan. That is why we need a strategy that works on both sides of the border."
The Pakistani people were shocked by Taliban offensives that took them within 60 miles of the capital of Islamabad this year. They realize the extremists are a grave danger to the country and are addressing it. Obama praised the Pakistani military for its recent offensives in South Waziristan and Swat.
"Moving forward, we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built on a foundation of mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual trust," Obama said. "We will strengthen Pakistan's capacity to target those groups that threaten our countries, and have made it clear that we cannot tolerate a safe haven for terrorists whose location is known, and whose intentions are clear."
The United States also will provide resources to support Pakistan's democracy and development.
"And going forward, the Pakistani people must know: America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan's security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent, so that the great potential of its people can be unleashed," the president said.
McChrystal Voices Support for President's Afghanistan Strategy
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan today expressed support for a new strategy that entails sending 30,000 more American troops to Afghanistan by next summer and begins a drawdown of forces in July 2011. President Barack Obama articulated the plan today in a speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. – culminating months of deliberation with his senior advisors on the way forward.
"The Afghanistan-Pakistan review led by the president has provided me with a clear military mission and the resources to accomplish our task," Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal said in a published statement. "The clarity, commitment and resolve outlined in the president's address are critical steps toward bringing security to Afghanistan and eliminating terrorist safe havens that threaten regional and global security."
The goals Obama outlined in the speech include reversing momentum the Taliban has made in past years and securing key population centers in Afghanistan -- especially in the contentious southern and eastern regions.
The added troops will bring the total number of U.S. forces to nearly 100,000, in addition to a complement of roughly 42,000 allied troops. McChrystal said the 42 other nations contributing forces will benefit from a strengthened U.S. commitment.
"The concerted commitment of the international community will prevail in bringing real change to Afghanistan -- a secure and stable environment that allows for effective governance, improved economic opportunity and the freedom of every Afghan to choose how they live," he said.
Senior administration officials today said the additional U.S. troops will likely comprise two or three more brigade combat teams and a brigade-sized element committed to embedding with and training their Afghan counterparts – a key component undergirding the transfer of responsibility to Afghanistan to begin July 2011.
"Our Afghan partners need the support of coalition forces while we grow and develop the capacity of the Afghan army and police," McChrystal said. "That will be the main focus of our campaign in the months ahead."
The general said efforts to overcome challenges in Afghanistan are sustained by the reality that neither the Afghan people nor the international community wants the country to remain a sanctuary for terror and violence.
"The coalition is encouraged by President Obama's commitment and we remain resolute to empowering the Afghan people to reject the insurgency and build their own future," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan today expressed support for a new strategy that entails sending 30,000 more American troops to Afghanistan by next summer and begins a drawdown of forces in July 2011. President Barack Obama articulated the plan today in a speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. – culminating months of deliberation with his senior advisors on the way forward.
"The Afghanistan-Pakistan review led by the president has provided me with a clear military mission and the resources to accomplish our task," Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal said in a published statement. "The clarity, commitment and resolve outlined in the president's address are critical steps toward bringing security to Afghanistan and eliminating terrorist safe havens that threaten regional and global security."
The goals Obama outlined in the speech include reversing momentum the Taliban has made in past years and securing key population centers in Afghanistan -- especially in the contentious southern and eastern regions.
The added troops will bring the total number of U.S. forces to nearly 100,000, in addition to a complement of roughly 42,000 allied troops. McChrystal said the 42 other nations contributing forces will benefit from a strengthened U.S. commitment.
"The concerted commitment of the international community will prevail in bringing real change to Afghanistan -- a secure and stable environment that allows for effective governance, improved economic opportunity and the freedom of every Afghan to choose how they live," he said.
Senior administration officials today said the additional U.S. troops will likely comprise two or three more brigade combat teams and a brigade-sized element committed to embedding with and training their Afghan counterparts – a key component undergirding the transfer of responsibility to Afghanistan to begin July 2011.
"Our Afghan partners need the support of coalition forces while we grow and develop the capacity of the Afghan army and police," McChrystal said. "That will be the main focus of our campaign in the months ahead."
The general said efforts to overcome challenges in Afghanistan are sustained by the reality that neither the Afghan people nor the international community wants the country to remain a sanctuary for terror and violence.
"The coalition is encouraged by President Obama's commitment and we remain resolute to empowering the Afghan people to reject the insurgency and build their own future," he said.
President Explains Strategic Choices, Calls for Unity
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - The Afghanistan strategy review included many options, but President Barack Obama deemed the increase of 30,000 U.S. troops to institute counterinsurgency operations to be the best one. The president said the national security leadership team discussed the concerns that many people have about U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. He addressed them in his speech tonight at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
Obama said there are many who say that the war in Afghanistan is like the U.S. war in Vietnam.
"They argue that it cannot be stabilized, and we are better off cutting our losses and rapidly withdrawing," he said. "Yet this argument depends upon a false reading of history."
Unlike Vietnam, a broad coalition supports the effort in Afghanistan, the president said. The Taliban is an extremist group, not a popular front like the Viet Cong.
"And most importantly, unlike Vietnam, the American people were viciously attacked from Afghanistan, and remain a target for those same extremists who are plotting along its border," Obama said. "To abandon this area now – and to rely only on efforts against al-Qaida from a distance – would significantly hamper our ability to keep the pressure on al-Qaida, and create an unacceptable risk of additional attacks on our homeland and our allies."
Other people say that the 68,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan are enough.
"This would simply maintain a status quo in which we muddle through, and permit a slow deterioration of conditions there," the president said. "It would ultimately prove more costly and prolong our stay in Afghanistan, because we would never be able to generate the conditions needed to train Afghan security forces and give them the space to take over."
Still others criticize the strategy for identifying a timeframe for transition to Afghan responsibility. They say there should be a "more dramatic and open-ended escalation of our war effort – one that would commit us to a nation-building project of up to a decade," Obama said. "I reject this course because it sets goals that are beyond what can be achieved at a reasonable cost, and what we need to achieve to secure our interests."
No timeframe also means no urgency, the president said. "It must be clear that Afghans will have to take responsibility for their security, and that America has no interest in fighting an endless war in Afghanistan," he said.
The cost of the effort in Afghanistan will still be high.
"All told, by the time I took office the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan approached a trillion dollars," Obama said. "Going forward, I am committed to addressing these costs openly and honestly. Our new approach in Afghanistan is likely to cost us roughly $30 billion for the military this year, and I will work closely with Congress to address these costs as we work to bring down our deficit."
Succeeding in Afghanistan will not be easy, the president said, but it can be done.
"The struggle against violent extremism will not be finished quickly, and it extends well beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said. "It will be an enduring test of our free society, and our leadership in the world. And unlike the great power conflicts and clear lines of division that defined the 20th century, our effort will involve disorderly regions, failed states and diffuse enemies."
But the United States can do this if Americans stick together and respond to our highest aspirations. "We must draw on the strength of our values – for the challenges that we face may have changed, but the things that we believe in must not," the president said.
Since World War II, American servicemembers have spilled their blood in many countries. The Marshall Plan helped rebuild Europe, and America has joined with allies to create an architecture of institutions – from the United Nations to NATO to the World Bank – that provide for the common security and prosperity of human beings, Obama said.
"We have not always been thanked for these efforts, and we have at times made mistakes," he said. "But more than any other nation, the United States of America has underwritten global security for over six decades – a time that, for all its problems, has seen walls come down, markets open, billions lifted from poverty, unparalleled scientific progress, and advancing frontiers of human liberty."
This is because the United States has not sought world domination.
"Our union was founded in resistance to oppression," he said. "We do not seek to occupy other nations. We will not claim another nation's resources or target other peoples because their faith or ethnicity is different from ours. What we have fought for – and what we continue to fight for – is a better future for our children and grandchildren, and we believe that their lives will be better if other peoples' children and grandchildren can live in freedom and access opportunity."
The president told the Corps of Cadets that Americans of today are "heirs to a noble struggle for freedom," and that freedom is again challenged.
America is a vast and diverse place, Obama said, and Americans can disagree. "But I also know that we, as a country, cannot sustain our leadership nor navigate the momentous challenges of our time if we allow ourselves to be split asunder by the same rancor and cynicism and partisanship that has in recent times poisoned our national discourse," he said.
The war began with horrific acts of murder, and those united Americans to defend the country and U.S. values.
"I refuse to accept the notion that we cannot summon that unity again," the president said. "I believe with every fiber of my being that we – as Americans – can still come together behind a common purpose. For our values are not simply words written into parchment – they are a creed that calls us together, and that has carried us through the darkest of storms as one nation, one people."
He said America is passing through a time of great trial. "And the message that we send in the midst of these storms must be clear: that our cause is just, our resolve unwavering," he said. "We will go forward with the confidence that right makes might, and with the commitment to forge an America that is safer, a world that is more secure, and a future that represents not the deepest of fears but the highest of hopes."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - The Afghanistan strategy review included many options, but President Barack Obama deemed the increase of 30,000 U.S. troops to institute counterinsurgency operations to be the best one. The president said the national security leadership team discussed the concerns that many people have about U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. He addressed them in his speech tonight at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
Obama said there are many who say that the war in Afghanistan is like the U.S. war in Vietnam.
"They argue that it cannot be stabilized, and we are better off cutting our losses and rapidly withdrawing," he said. "Yet this argument depends upon a false reading of history."
Unlike Vietnam, a broad coalition supports the effort in Afghanistan, the president said. The Taliban is an extremist group, not a popular front like the Viet Cong.
"And most importantly, unlike Vietnam, the American people were viciously attacked from Afghanistan, and remain a target for those same extremists who are plotting along its border," Obama said. "To abandon this area now – and to rely only on efforts against al-Qaida from a distance – would significantly hamper our ability to keep the pressure on al-Qaida, and create an unacceptable risk of additional attacks on our homeland and our allies."
Other people say that the 68,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan are enough.
"This would simply maintain a status quo in which we muddle through, and permit a slow deterioration of conditions there," the president said. "It would ultimately prove more costly and prolong our stay in Afghanistan, because we would never be able to generate the conditions needed to train Afghan security forces and give them the space to take over."
Still others criticize the strategy for identifying a timeframe for transition to Afghan responsibility. They say there should be a "more dramatic and open-ended escalation of our war effort – one that would commit us to a nation-building project of up to a decade," Obama said. "I reject this course because it sets goals that are beyond what can be achieved at a reasonable cost, and what we need to achieve to secure our interests."
No timeframe also means no urgency, the president said. "It must be clear that Afghans will have to take responsibility for their security, and that America has no interest in fighting an endless war in Afghanistan," he said.
The cost of the effort in Afghanistan will still be high.
"All told, by the time I took office the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan approached a trillion dollars," Obama said. "Going forward, I am committed to addressing these costs openly and honestly. Our new approach in Afghanistan is likely to cost us roughly $30 billion for the military this year, and I will work closely with Congress to address these costs as we work to bring down our deficit."
Succeeding in Afghanistan will not be easy, the president said, but it can be done.
"The struggle against violent extremism will not be finished quickly, and it extends well beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said. "It will be an enduring test of our free society, and our leadership in the world. And unlike the great power conflicts and clear lines of division that defined the 20th century, our effort will involve disorderly regions, failed states and diffuse enemies."
But the United States can do this if Americans stick together and respond to our highest aspirations. "We must draw on the strength of our values – for the challenges that we face may have changed, but the things that we believe in must not," the president said.
Since World War II, American servicemembers have spilled their blood in many countries. The Marshall Plan helped rebuild Europe, and America has joined with allies to create an architecture of institutions – from the United Nations to NATO to the World Bank – that provide for the common security and prosperity of human beings, Obama said.
"We have not always been thanked for these efforts, and we have at times made mistakes," he said. "But more than any other nation, the United States of America has underwritten global security for over six decades – a time that, for all its problems, has seen walls come down, markets open, billions lifted from poverty, unparalleled scientific progress, and advancing frontiers of human liberty."
This is because the United States has not sought world domination.
"Our union was founded in resistance to oppression," he said. "We do not seek to occupy other nations. We will not claim another nation's resources or target other peoples because their faith or ethnicity is different from ours. What we have fought for – and what we continue to fight for – is a better future for our children and grandchildren, and we believe that their lives will be better if other peoples' children and grandchildren can live in freedom and access opportunity."
The president told the Corps of Cadets that Americans of today are "heirs to a noble struggle for freedom," and that freedom is again challenged.
America is a vast and diverse place, Obama said, and Americans can disagree. "But I also know that we, as a country, cannot sustain our leadership nor navigate the momentous challenges of our time if we allow ourselves to be split asunder by the same rancor and cynicism and partisanship that has in recent times poisoned our national discourse," he said.
The war began with horrific acts of murder, and those united Americans to defend the country and U.S. values.
"I refuse to accept the notion that we cannot summon that unity again," the president said. "I believe with every fiber of my being that we – as Americans – can still come together behind a common purpose. For our values are not simply words written into parchment – they are a creed that calls us together, and that has carried us through the darkest of storms as one nation, one people."
He said America is passing through a time of great trial. "And the message that we send in the midst of these storms must be clear: that our cause is just, our resolve unwavering," he said. "We will go forward with the confidence that right makes might, and with the commitment to forge an America that is safer, a world that is more secure, and a future that represents not the deepest of fears but the highest of hopes."
All-female Medical Evacuation Crew Makes History
By Army Sgt. Neil Gussman
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Four soldiers serving here with the New Hampshire National Guard earned a special distinction last week when they became their company's first all-female medical evacuation crew. In the three days before Thanksgiving, Capt. Trish Barker, Chief Warrant Officer Andrea Galatian, Staff Sgt. Misty Seward and Sgt. Debra Lukan, of the Army's 3-238th Medevac, C Company, comprised one of the on-alert crews for Task Force Keystone. Officials aren't sure how rare the all-female medevac crew is, but it is a rarity the company is proud of.
"There must have been another all-female medevac crew somewhere, but I haven't seen one," said Galatian, the crew's pilot.
The odds are slim for such a crew to come up on rotation, said Army Maj. David Mattimore, commander of C Company, 3-238th Medevac, from Hampton, N.H.
"It would not have been possible until one of our avionics sergeants became a crew chief," he said.
That crew chief also is the newest name on the flight roster: Lukan, 43, of Keene, N.H., enlisted following 9/11. "I just barely made the age cutoff," she said of her age.
Lukan trained as an avionics mechanic and just recently switched from the shop to flight crew. She deployed to Camp Speicher and Tikrit from 2005 to 2006 and served in the avionics field. She's happy to be on the flight rotation this time, she said.
"My family doesn't know I'm flying," she said. "They worry a lot, but I suppose I'll have to tell them eventually."
In the civilian world, Lukan is a federal technician in avionics for the New Hampshire National Guard.
Seward, 30, of Owosso, Mich., agreed with Galation on the uniqueness of the crew. "Same for me," she said. "Never flew with an all-girl crew."
In fact, with a total of nine deployments among them and between eight and 12 years of service apiece, this still is a first-time experience for the entire crew, Barker, the operations officer, said.
Seward enlisted in 1998 and has served as a medic for 11 years. She has four years as a flight medic and seven on the ground. She deployed to Kuwait from 2001 to 2002 and to Baghdad from 2006 to 2007, both tours as a ground medic.
When she returns from her current tour, Seward will resume her job as a security officer at a level-one trauma clinic in Lansing, Mich., part of Sparrow Health Systems.
Galatian enlisted in 1997 and served five years as an administrative clerk before going to flight school in 2002. She has served seven years as a pilot, including a deployment to Bosnia in 2005.
As a civilian, Galatian is the business analyst for the real estate division of the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Barker, 30, enlisted in 1999 as an aircraft fueler. She went to Officer Candidate School in 2003 and Flight School in 2004. A native of Menominee, Mich., she was deployed to Bosnia in 2005 as a medevac section leader.
When she returns from this deployment, she will resume her job as the state occupational health specialist for the Michigan Army National Guard.
"It may be months before this crew comes up in the rotation again," Mattimore said. "We only have nine female flight crew members and everyone rotates to our remote bases, so the odds of them being back together again are low."
Still, the crew is happy to have had the experience. "I'm glad we got a chance to be first," Barker said, "even if it is just first for us."
(Army Sgt. Neil Gussman serves with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, Multinational Division South Iraq, public affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Four soldiers serving here with the New Hampshire National Guard earned a special distinction last week when they became their company's first all-female medical evacuation crew. In the three days before Thanksgiving, Capt. Trish Barker, Chief Warrant Officer Andrea Galatian, Staff Sgt. Misty Seward and Sgt. Debra Lukan, of the Army's 3-238th Medevac, C Company, comprised one of the on-alert crews for Task Force Keystone. Officials aren't sure how rare the all-female medevac crew is, but it is a rarity the company is proud of.
"There must have been another all-female medevac crew somewhere, but I haven't seen one," said Galatian, the crew's pilot.
The odds are slim for such a crew to come up on rotation, said Army Maj. David Mattimore, commander of C Company, 3-238th Medevac, from Hampton, N.H.
"It would not have been possible until one of our avionics sergeants became a crew chief," he said.
That crew chief also is the newest name on the flight roster: Lukan, 43, of Keene, N.H., enlisted following 9/11. "I just barely made the age cutoff," she said of her age.
Lukan trained as an avionics mechanic and just recently switched from the shop to flight crew. She deployed to Camp Speicher and Tikrit from 2005 to 2006 and served in the avionics field. She's happy to be on the flight rotation this time, she said.
"My family doesn't know I'm flying," she said. "They worry a lot, but I suppose I'll have to tell them eventually."
In the civilian world, Lukan is a federal technician in avionics for the New Hampshire National Guard.
Seward, 30, of Owosso, Mich., agreed with Galation on the uniqueness of the crew. "Same for me," she said. "Never flew with an all-girl crew."
In fact, with a total of nine deployments among them and between eight and 12 years of service apiece, this still is a first-time experience for the entire crew, Barker, the operations officer, said.
Seward enlisted in 1998 and has served as a medic for 11 years. She has four years as a flight medic and seven on the ground. She deployed to Kuwait from 2001 to 2002 and to Baghdad from 2006 to 2007, both tours as a ground medic.
When she returns from her current tour, Seward will resume her job as a security officer at a level-one trauma clinic in Lansing, Mich., part of Sparrow Health Systems.
Galatian enlisted in 1997 and served five years as an administrative clerk before going to flight school in 2002. She has served seven years as a pilot, including a deployment to Bosnia in 2005.
As a civilian, Galatian is the business analyst for the real estate division of the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Barker, 30, enlisted in 1999 as an aircraft fueler. She went to Officer Candidate School in 2003 and Flight School in 2004. A native of Menominee, Mich., she was deployed to Bosnia in 2005 as a medevac section leader.
When she returns from this deployment, she will resume her job as the state occupational health specialist for the Michigan Army National Guard.
"It may be months before this crew comes up in the rotation again," Mattimore said. "We only have nine female flight crew members and everyone rotates to our remote bases, so the odds of them being back together again are low."
Still, the crew is happy to have had the experience. "I'm glad we got a chance to be first," Barker said, "even if it is just first for us."
(Army Sgt. Neil Gussman serves with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade, Multinational Division South Iraq, public affairs.)
World Focuses on West Point Ahead of Obama's Speech
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Typically at this time of year, much of the focus at the U.S. Military Academy revolves around playful antics leading up to the big annual Army-Navy game. But tonight, West Point, N.Y., will be the epicenter of a much more serious issue: the way ahead in Afghanistan. President Barack Obama will travel to the oldest U.S. service academy, perched high above the Hudson River, to unveil his strategy to bring security to Afghanistan and eliminate terrorist safe havens that threaten the region and the world.
Emphasizing the need to provide the strategy and resources he said had been lacking since the United States went into Afghanistan, Obama said during a late November news conference his plan will provide what's needed to succeed and bring the U.S. mission there to an end.
"It is my intention to finish the job," he said. "And I feel very confident that when the American people hear a clear rationale for what we're doing there and how we intend to achieve our goals, they will be supportive."
Regardless of the exact details of Obama's decision, it's expected to have a profound impact on its most immediate audience: thousands of Army officers in training at the U.S. Military Academy who will be called on to carry it out.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who will accompany the president to West Point for tonight's address, last visited the academy in May to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2009. Those 970 graduates, all now second lieutenants, have since moved on to officer basic course training, and in many cases, to operational units around the world, including Afghanistan.
Gates praised the graduating members of the "Long Gray Line" for volunteering to serve their country when it needs them most, despite the risks. "You made your decision to serve knowing not only that America was at war – as did every man or woman who joined the military after September 11th – but that this war would be bloody and difficult, of indefinite length and uncertain outcome," he told them. "In doing so, you showed courage, commitment, and patriotism of the highest order."
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a National Guard conference in late November he's been gratified that discussions leading up to the president's decision reflected a clear recognition that the best solution in Afghanistan goes beyond military might.
"This isn't all just about the military. This isn't all just about the number of troops, because we can't do it alone," he told the group. "We have to have the security side of this – that is the necessary side. But ... you have to have a development plan. You have to have a governance plan that goes hand-in-glove [with the security effort] as we move forward."
Mullen said he's been satisfied by the depth and breadth of the discussions as the team addressed the full range of challenges in Afghanistan and made its recommendations to the president. The long-awaited decision followed numerous in-depth discussions among the president's national security team, with heavy input from military commanders on the ground.
"It's been a ... very healthy discussion, very open to different views, and that really has been, from a process standpoint, very good," Mullen said.
Obama's announcement of those details tonight will represent another page in West Point's long history that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Gen. George Washington considered West Point one of the most important strategic positions in America, and transferred his headquarters there in 1779.
Since the U.S. Military Academy's founding in 1802, its 50,000 graduates have include Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen. John J. Pershing, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. George S. Patton and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf.
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, is a 1974 West Point graduate.
Officials Investigate Concrete Wall Collapse
By Army Staff Sgt. Chris Carney
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Some soldiers at a base in Basra, Iraq, awoke Nov. 28 to find that concrete barriers had tipped over during the night and had come to rest upon containerized housing units. "No one was injured," said Lt. Col. Steve Hanson, the mayor of Contingency Operating Base Basra. The incident is under investigation.
Between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., the concrete barriers, also known as T-walls, fell onto four different housing units in the 34th Infantry Division's living area.
T-walls are 17-feet-tall, prefabricated, reinforced concrete barriers that provide protection from indirect fire. Recent rainy weather may have contributed to the toppling of the handful of T-walls, Hanson said.
"Initial indications show that T-walls may have risen due to trenches that were dug recently to bury underground electrical cable," he said. "The ground was softened due to the digging, as well as the soil composition that was further weakened by the rain."
Commanders and first sergeants are reviewing T-wall placements around the base to determine any risk of similar occurrences of tipping. If soldiers are found to be at risk they'll be moved to a safe area, officials said.
(Army Staff Sgt. Chris Carney works with the 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Some soldiers at a base in Basra, Iraq, awoke Nov. 28 to find that concrete barriers had tipped over during the night and had come to rest upon containerized housing units. "No one was injured," said Lt. Col. Steve Hanson, the mayor of Contingency Operating Base Basra. The incident is under investigation.
Between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., the concrete barriers, also known as T-walls, fell onto four different housing units in the 34th Infantry Division's living area.
T-walls are 17-feet-tall, prefabricated, reinforced concrete barriers that provide protection from indirect fire. Recent rainy weather may have contributed to the toppling of the handful of T-walls, Hanson said.
"Initial indications show that T-walls may have risen due to trenches that were dug recently to bury underground electrical cable," he said. "The ground was softened due to the digging, as well as the soil composition that was further weakened by the rain."
Commanders and first sergeants are reviewing T-wall placements around the base to determine any risk of similar occurrences of tipping. If soldiers are found to be at risk they'll be moved to a safe area, officials said.
(Army Staff Sgt. Chris Carney works with the 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
More Troops Likely for Afghanistan's East, South
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - With President Barack Obama's expected announcement today to send more U.S. forces to Afghanistan, a defense official said a portion of the additional troops are likely to reinforce the country's contentious eastern and southern areas. A chief responsibility of Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, will be to determine where to apply the added resources if the president authorizes them, a defense official said on background.
"I would think he would want to reinforce some of his forces in the east and the south where the main effort by the Taliban and associated forces have been," the official said of McChrystal. "But it's up to him, based on the types of troops he has and where he needs them first and how he's going to use them."
The distribution of additional troops would factor in the current U.S. footprint in Afghanistan, which comprises about 68,000 troops -- a mixture of combat forces and trainers -- spread throughout, but with the east and south serving as focal points. Troops under NATO's command add a complement of 42,000 troops.
Though violence has risen across the board in recent years in Afghanistan, the bloodshed is most intense in the country's east and south, which have seen more than a two-fold increase in the use of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Mark Wright said.
Two U.S. Army brigade combat teams, or BCTs, each with about 3,500 to 4,000 soldiers, are operating in Regional Command South -- one of five regional commands in Afghanistan comprising international forces under NATO leadership.
The 2nd Infantry Division's 5th Stryker BCT of Fort Lewis, Wash., operates in eastern and northern Kandahar province and western Zabul province, and the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th BCT of Fort Bragg, N.C., performs advisory roles and training in the region.
Attacks involving IEDs -- the No. 1 killer of U.S. forces in Afghanistan -- is especially rampant in the south, Wright said.
"The Strykers have met a lot of resistance in the Kandahar province," he said of the 5th Stryker BCT, which employs eight-wheeled armored combat vehicles. "Around [Kandahar] city and out farther into the countryside, there have been a lot of IEDs. They've suffered some really significant casualties."
The Institute for the Study of War, a think-tank headed by Kimberly Kagan, a member of McChrystal's assessment team, cites the Taliban under Mullah Mohammed Omar as the main threat to stability in southern Afghanistan.
In July, U.S. Marines and Afghan security forces launched an operation in southern Afghanistan's Helmand River valley, waging war against Taliban operatives in the area.
Currently, some 8,000 Marines of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade of Camp Leujeune, N.C., are responsible for southern and western Helmand province and in the western border province of Farah.
The biggest security threat in eastern Afghanistan, which includes a war-ravaged border area with Pakistan that spans some 450 miles, is the Haqqani network, an insurgent group with ties to al-Qaida, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
"In the east, it's been pretty much a constant fight," said Wright, citing a large battle in the area's Nuristan province in October, where some 18 months earlier a battle raged for control of the Wanat district. "The same province has seen some fairly significant combat in significant numbers – hundreds of Taliban gathered and launching attacks against [U.S.] forces. So it's a pretty intense, ongoing fight there."
Of the four American BCTs engaged in eastern Afghanistan, the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd BCT of Fort Drum, NY, has operated in the Logar and Wardak provinces since January, and the 25th Infantry Division's 4th Airborne BCT of Wahiawa, Hawaii, has been engaged in Paktia, Paktika, and Khowst provinces since March.
In addition, the 4th Infantry Division's 4th BCT of Fort Carson, Colo., deployed to Nuristan, Nangahar, Kunar and Laghman provinces in June, and the 48th BCT of the Georgia National Guard deployed as an advisory brigade to Regional Command East in May.
Even with the sustained focus on the south and east, more troops are likely to deploy there if McChrystal determines those areas to have the biggest needs, the defense official said.
"For whatever forces are authorized by the president, [McChrystal's] going to have to make his decision based on priority of need and where they'd be most useful, where those additional resources can be applied," the official said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - With President Barack Obama's expected announcement today to send more U.S. forces to Afghanistan, a defense official said a portion of the additional troops are likely to reinforce the country's contentious eastern and southern areas. A chief responsibility of Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, will be to determine where to apply the added resources if the president authorizes them, a defense official said on background.
"I would think he would want to reinforce some of his forces in the east and the south where the main effort by the Taliban and associated forces have been," the official said of McChrystal. "But it's up to him, based on the types of troops he has and where he needs them first and how he's going to use them."
The distribution of additional troops would factor in the current U.S. footprint in Afghanistan, which comprises about 68,000 troops -- a mixture of combat forces and trainers -- spread throughout, but with the east and south serving as focal points. Troops under NATO's command add a complement of 42,000 troops.
Though violence has risen across the board in recent years in Afghanistan, the bloodshed is most intense in the country's east and south, which have seen more than a two-fold increase in the use of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Mark Wright said.
Two U.S. Army brigade combat teams, or BCTs, each with about 3,500 to 4,000 soldiers, are operating in Regional Command South -- one of five regional commands in Afghanistan comprising international forces under NATO leadership.
The 2nd Infantry Division's 5th Stryker BCT of Fort Lewis, Wash., operates in eastern and northern Kandahar province and western Zabul province, and the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th BCT of Fort Bragg, N.C., performs advisory roles and training in the region.
Attacks involving IEDs -- the No. 1 killer of U.S. forces in Afghanistan -- is especially rampant in the south, Wright said.
"The Strykers have met a lot of resistance in the Kandahar province," he said of the 5th Stryker BCT, which employs eight-wheeled armored combat vehicles. "Around [Kandahar] city and out farther into the countryside, there have been a lot of IEDs. They've suffered some really significant casualties."
The Institute for the Study of War, a think-tank headed by Kimberly Kagan, a member of McChrystal's assessment team, cites the Taliban under Mullah Mohammed Omar as the main threat to stability in southern Afghanistan.
In July, U.S. Marines and Afghan security forces launched an operation in southern Afghanistan's Helmand River valley, waging war against Taliban operatives in the area.
Currently, some 8,000 Marines of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade of Camp Leujeune, N.C., are responsible for southern and western Helmand province and in the western border province of Farah.
The biggest security threat in eastern Afghanistan, which includes a war-ravaged border area with Pakistan that spans some 450 miles, is the Haqqani network, an insurgent group with ties to al-Qaida, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
"In the east, it's been pretty much a constant fight," said Wright, citing a large battle in the area's Nuristan province in October, where some 18 months earlier a battle raged for control of the Wanat district. "The same province has seen some fairly significant combat in significant numbers – hundreds of Taliban gathered and launching attacks against [U.S.] forces. So it's a pretty intense, ongoing fight there."
Of the four American BCTs engaged in eastern Afghanistan, the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd BCT of Fort Drum, NY, has operated in the Logar and Wardak provinces since January, and the 25th Infantry Division's 4th Airborne BCT of Wahiawa, Hawaii, has been engaged in Paktia, Paktika, and Khowst provinces since March.
In addition, the 4th Infantry Division's 4th BCT of Fort Carson, Colo., deployed to Nuristan, Nangahar, Kunar and Laghman provinces in June, and the 48th BCT of the Georgia National Guard deployed as an advisory brigade to Regional Command East in May.
Even with the sustained focus on the south and east, more troops are likely to deploy there if McChrystal determines those areas to have the biggest needs, the defense official said.
"For whatever forces are authorized by the president, [McChrystal's] going to have to make his decision based on priority of need and where they'd be most useful, where those additional resources can be applied," the official said.
Team Uses Afghan Airwaves to Counter Flu Misinformation
By Air Force 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team servicemembers recently took to the airwaves to combat misinformation about the spread of the H1N1 flu virus here. Navy Lt. Jennifer Dreiling, team senior medical officer from McLean, Va., and Navy Lt. j.g. Stacy Gross, team information operations officer from Lakeville, Minn., broadcasted public health messages about the virus Nov. 19 on Radio Kalagush, a U.S.-funded Afghan radio station transmitted from Forward Operating Base Kalagush.
The messages informed people how to react to the common cold or H1N1 symptoms, and what to do if they suspect they have the virus, Gross said.
Military officials in Nuristan say insurgent forces have spread misinformation on how the H1N1 is contracted and where it comes from.
"Part of the aim of the messages themselves is to dispel those rumors, like you can contract the disease by eating pork or that H1N1 was brought to Afghanistan and spread by coalition forces," Dreiling said.
Every radio message the team broadcasts with useful information about the virus is another opportunity to take power away from the enemy's information campaign, Gross and Dreilling said.
The radio messages were successful, Dreilling said, because they "make the people feel like they have control of their own situation, and it's empowering for them to know what's going on around them."
The Nuristan team releases public health radio messages at least once a week.
(Air Force 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne serves with the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team servicemembers recently took to the airwaves to combat misinformation about the spread of the H1N1 flu virus here. Navy Lt. Jennifer Dreiling, team senior medical officer from McLean, Va., and Navy Lt. j.g. Stacy Gross, team information operations officer from Lakeville, Minn., broadcasted public health messages about the virus Nov. 19 on Radio Kalagush, a U.S.-funded Afghan radio station transmitted from Forward Operating Base Kalagush.
The messages informed people how to react to the common cold or H1N1 symptoms, and what to do if they suspect they have the virus, Gross said.
Military officials in Nuristan say insurgent forces have spread misinformation on how the H1N1 is contracted and where it comes from.
"Part of the aim of the messages themselves is to dispel those rumors, like you can contract the disease by eating pork or that H1N1 was brought to Afghanistan and spread by coalition forces," Dreiling said.
Every radio message the team broadcasts with useful information about the virus is another opportunity to take power away from the enemy's information campaign, Gross and Dreilling said.
The radio messages were successful, Dreilling said, because they "make the people feel like they have control of their own situation, and it's empowering for them to know what's going on around them."
The Nuristan team releases public health radio messages at least once a week.
(Air Force 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne serves with the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team public affairs office.)
Police Arrest al-Qaida Suspects in Northern Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Iraqi police arrested 11 suspected members of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group today during two joint security operations in northern Iraq. Near As Sadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to have ties to senior leadership.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered on the premises, police identified and arrested the al-Qaida in Iraq member and six suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
During a separate security operation conducted near Ad Duluiyah, northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal associates.
Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for the al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of bring foreign fighters into Iraq.
Information and evidence gathered at the scene led police to arrest the al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
Dec. 1, 2009 - Iraqi police arrested 11 suspected members of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group today during two joint security operations in northern Iraq. Near As Sadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to have ties to senior leadership.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered on the premises, police identified and arrested the al-Qaida in Iraq member and six suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
During a separate security operation conducted near Ad Duluiyah, northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal associates.
Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for the al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of bring foreign fighters into Iraq.
Information and evidence gathered at the scene led police to arrest the al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
Police Arrest al-Qaida Suspects in Northern Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Iraqi police arrested 11 suspected members of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group today during two joint security operations in northern Iraq. Near As Sadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to have ties to senior leadership.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered on the premises, police identified and arrested the al-Qaida in Iraq member and six suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
During a separate security operation conducted near Ad Duluiyah, northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal associates.
Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for the al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of bring foreign fighters into Iraq.
Information and evidence gathered at the scene led police to arrest the al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
Dec. 1, 2009 - Iraqi police arrested 11 suspected members of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group today during two joint security operations in northern Iraq. Near As Sadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to have ties to senior leadership.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered on the premises, police identified and arrested the al-Qaida in Iraq member and six suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
During a separate security operation conducted near Ad Duluiyah, northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal associates.
Iraqi police and U.S. advisors searched two buildings for the al-Qaida in Iraq member suspected of bring foreign fighters into Iraq.
Information and evidence gathered at the scene led police to arrest the al-Qaida in Iraq member and three suspected criminal accomplices without incident.
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Navy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Petty Officer 3rd Class David M. Mudge, 22, of Sutherlin, Ore., died Nov. 28, in a non-hostile accident aboard USS Rentz while in Port Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.
For further information regarding this sailor, please contact commander, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs at (619) 437-2146 email or christopher.servello@navy.mil.
Petty Officer 3rd Class David M. Mudge, 22, of Sutherlin, Ore., died Nov. 28, in a non-hostile accident aboard USS Rentz while in Port Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.
For further information regarding this sailor, please contact commander, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs at (619) 437-2146 email or christopher.servello@navy.mil.
DoD Announces Change-In-Status of Army Soldier
The Department of Defense today announced the death of a soldier supporting Operation Enduring Freedom who was previously listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown.
Sgt. Brandon T. Islip, 23, of Richmond, Va., had been listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown. His status was changed Nov. 29 to having died in a non-combat related incident.
He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. and went missing, Nov. 4, while involved in a resupply mission in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan.
For further information these soldiers, contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661 or (910) 432-0662.
Sgt. Brandon T. Islip, 23, of Richmond, Va., had been listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown. His status was changed Nov. 29 to having died in a non-combat related incident.
He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. and went missing, Nov. 4, while involved in a resupply mission in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan.
For further information these soldiers, contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661 or (910) 432-0662.
Program Aims to Improve Iraqi Women's Lives
By U.S. Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - As Iraq rebuilds its economy, many Iraqi women are looking to be recognized as working equals, according to a U.S. military officer posted in Iraq. "As far as a glass ceiling, that idea is very much a Western process. That doesn't exist here yet due to the cultural differences of Iraq and their religion," Army Maj. Elba D'asaro, Multinational Forces-Iraq Chief of Women's Initiatives Program, told bloggers during a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable Nov. 25.
In Islamic tradition, women's status is higher at home than in the workplace, D'asaro said. In Iraq, she said, women are traditionally expected to bear children to continue the family line, which is viewed as more important than employment.
D'asaro said she understands the situation of Iraqi women as the country transforms from Saddam Hussein's Batthist's party regime to the current Sharia law.
Iraqi women "don't want to be restrained from getting work, getting employment, getting heard and also helping their country [improve]," she said.
Ray, an Iraqi linguist who prefers his last name not be used for security reasons, accompanied D'asaro at the roundtable. There has been a reversal in women's rights in Iraq, he said, as compared to the social situation during the 1950s.
"In the '50s, women could be elected to political position; since about 1980 there's been a reversal in progress for women in Iraq," he said.
Ray left Iraq in the late 1970s at 25. Today, he said, some women are not allowed to shake hands with men due to religious interpretations.
And, he said, some terrorist groups today are trying to mock the idea of women as equal to men, and are seeking women to use violence against other women.
Some Iraqi women, Ray said, are so discouraged about their social and economical situations that they've developed feelings of hopelessness. "They are easy targets of being recruited by terrorist groups because they have nothing to look for," he said.
Iraqi women can achieve more upward mobility, Ray said, if the Iraqi government provides financial resources to help women find jobs.
As U.S. forces approach the official drawdown in August, D'asaro said, Iraq's future is ultimately in the hands of their government. "They have to step in and help themselves. And we've helped them with the tools. We've showed them how," she said.
Improving the rights and quality of life of Iraq's women, D'asaro said, will be accomplished one step at a time. "We just need to support the government of Iraq, the ministries ... especially women," she said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg is assigned to Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media Directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - As Iraq rebuilds its economy, many Iraqi women are looking to be recognized as working equals, according to a U.S. military officer posted in Iraq. "As far as a glass ceiling, that idea is very much a Western process. That doesn't exist here yet due to the cultural differences of Iraq and their religion," Army Maj. Elba D'asaro, Multinational Forces-Iraq Chief of Women's Initiatives Program, told bloggers during a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable Nov. 25.
In Islamic tradition, women's status is higher at home than in the workplace, D'asaro said. In Iraq, she said, women are traditionally expected to bear children to continue the family line, which is viewed as more important than employment.
D'asaro said she understands the situation of Iraqi women as the country transforms from Saddam Hussein's Batthist's party regime to the current Sharia law.
Iraqi women "don't want to be restrained from getting work, getting employment, getting heard and also helping their country [improve]," she said.
Ray, an Iraqi linguist who prefers his last name not be used for security reasons, accompanied D'asaro at the roundtable. There has been a reversal in women's rights in Iraq, he said, as compared to the social situation during the 1950s.
"In the '50s, women could be elected to political position; since about 1980 there's been a reversal in progress for women in Iraq," he said.
Ray left Iraq in the late 1970s at 25. Today, he said, some women are not allowed to shake hands with men due to religious interpretations.
And, he said, some terrorist groups today are trying to mock the idea of women as equal to men, and are seeking women to use violence against other women.
Some Iraqi women, Ray said, are so discouraged about their social and economical situations that they've developed feelings of hopelessness. "They are easy targets of being recruited by terrorist groups because they have nothing to look for," he said.
Iraqi women can achieve more upward mobility, Ray said, if the Iraqi government provides financial resources to help women find jobs.
As U.S. forces approach the official drawdown in August, D'asaro said, Iraq's future is ultimately in the hands of their government. "They have to step in and help themselves. And we've helped them with the tools. We've showed them how," she said.
Improving the rights and quality of life of Iraq's women, D'asaro said, will be accomplished one step at a time. "We just need to support the government of Iraq, the ministries ... especially women," she said.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg is assigned to Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media Directorate.)
Iraqi Police Arrest 15 with Alleged Al Qaida Ties
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - Iraqi police and U.S. advisors apprehended 15 suspects with alleged ties to al Qaida in Iraq during operations in there in the past few days, military officials said. Iraqi police arrested four suspected members of al Qaida cells today in two joint security operations near Baghdad and Kirkuk, military officials said.
In a joint security operation in Karmah, west of Baghdad, police apprehended an alleged associate of a car-bomb cell believed responsible for attacks targeting government buildings and civilians in the Iraqi capital. Police also arrested a suspected accomplice.
During a separate operation in a rural area southwest of Kirkuk, the 3rd Emergency Services Unit and U.S. advisors arrested a suspected al Qaida in Iraq leader and a suspected criminal accomplice.
The suspected terrorist leader is believed to be responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, throughout the region, moving foreign fighters into Iraq to carry out attacks, and transporting and storing weapons.
In earlier operations, Iraqi security forces arrested four suspected members of al Qaida in Iraq during joint security operations in northern Iraq.
During a security operation yesterday in Muqdadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors apprehended a man with alleged ties to the terrorist network.
On Nov. 28, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors in southwestern Mosul arrested three suspected associates of an alleged al Qaida member.
In other Nov. 28 operations, Iraqi police in Mosul arrested an alleged al Qaida in Iraq associate, and police in Hawija arrested an alleged associate of the network and a suspected accomplice.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Nov. 30, 2009 - Iraqi police and U.S. advisors apprehended 15 suspects with alleged ties to al Qaida in Iraq during operations in there in the past few days, military officials said. Iraqi police arrested four suspected members of al Qaida cells today in two joint security operations near Baghdad and Kirkuk, military officials said.
In a joint security operation in Karmah, west of Baghdad, police apprehended an alleged associate of a car-bomb cell believed responsible for attacks targeting government buildings and civilians in the Iraqi capital. Police also arrested a suspected accomplice.
During a separate operation in a rural area southwest of Kirkuk, the 3rd Emergency Services Unit and U.S. advisors arrested a suspected al Qaida in Iraq leader and a suspected criminal accomplice.
The suspected terrorist leader is believed to be responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, throughout the region, moving foreign fighters into Iraq to carry out attacks, and transporting and storing weapons.
In earlier operations, Iraqi security forces arrested four suspected members of al Qaida in Iraq during joint security operations in northern Iraq.
During a security operation yesterday in Muqdadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police and U.S. advisors apprehended a man with alleged ties to the terrorist network.
On Nov. 28, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors in southwestern Mosul arrested three suspected associates of an alleged al Qaida member.
In other Nov. 28 operations, Iraqi police in Mosul arrested an alleged al Qaida in Iraq associate, and police in Hawija arrested an alleged associate of the network and a suspected accomplice.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Remains of U.S. Paratrooper Found in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - The remains of a U.S. paratrooper reported missing since early this month in western Afghanistan was recovered yesterday, military officials said. The body of Army Sgt. Brandon Islip was recovered from the Bala Murgahab River in Badghis province after a local Afghan resident provided information on his whereabouts, officials said.
Islip, a paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, went missing with another paratrooper Nov. 4 after being swept away by a fast-moving current while on an airdrop re-supply mission in western Afghanistan.
The recovery comes weeks after British divers found the body of Islip's fellow soldier, Spc. Benjamin Sherman, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
"The recovery of Sergeant Islip and Sergeant Sherman would not have been possible without the untiring support and efforts of our fellow international forces, the Afghan national security forces and the local people of Bala Murghab," said Col. Brian M. Drinkwine, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, to which the two soldiers were assigned.
A memorial service for the two paratroopers will be held in Afghanistan in the coming days, officials said.
In other operations around the country, Afghan and international forces detained several suspected militants yesterday in Wardak province while pursuing a militant Taliban commander involved in weapons trafficking.
In a separate operation yesterday, an international security force killed an enemy militant and detained several others in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban district commander. The commander has ties to local senior militant leaders and weapons traffickers and is responsible for local attacks involving small arms and improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
On Nov. 28, an international force detained several suspected militants in Logar province while pursuing a Taliban roadside bomber involved in several attacks in the area.
Elsewhere in the country Nov. 28, 12 inmates broke out of a prison in Farah province by digging a tunnel from their cell to the outside. Officials captured a 13th prisoner as he tried to escape, officials said.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Nov. 30, 2009 - The remains of a U.S. paratrooper reported missing since early this month in western Afghanistan was recovered yesterday, military officials said. The body of Army Sgt. Brandon Islip was recovered from the Bala Murgahab River in Badghis province after a local Afghan resident provided information on his whereabouts, officials said.
Islip, a paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, went missing with another paratrooper Nov. 4 after being swept away by a fast-moving current while on an airdrop re-supply mission in western Afghanistan.
The recovery comes weeks after British divers found the body of Islip's fellow soldier, Spc. Benjamin Sherman, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
"The recovery of Sergeant Islip and Sergeant Sherman would not have been possible without the untiring support and efforts of our fellow international forces, the Afghan national security forces and the local people of Bala Murghab," said Col. Brian M. Drinkwine, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, to which the two soldiers were assigned.
A memorial service for the two paratroopers will be held in Afghanistan in the coming days, officials said.
In other operations around the country, Afghan and international forces detained several suspected militants yesterday in Wardak province while pursuing a militant Taliban commander involved in weapons trafficking.
In a separate operation yesterday, an international security force killed an enemy militant and detained several others in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban district commander. The commander has ties to local senior militant leaders and weapons traffickers and is responsible for local attacks involving small arms and improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
On Nov. 28, an international force detained several suspected militants in Logar province while pursuing a Taliban roadside bomber involved in several attacks in the area.
Elsewhere in the country Nov. 28, 12 inmates broke out of a prison in Farah province by digging a tunnel from their cell to the outside. Officials captured a 13th prisoner as he tried to escape, officials said.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Deployed Soldiers Tour Iraq's Ziggurat of Ur
By Army Spc. Shane P.S. Begg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - Many soldiers cite travel as the reason why they joined the Army. But many don't expect to have much opportunity to get out and see their host nation while deployed. Yet more than 40 Iraq-stationed soldiers from 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, on Nov. 21 got to take a guided tour of one of the world's most historic sites: the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
Most commonly known as "The Ziggurat of Ur," the step pyramid, built by an ancient Sumerian king, is located a short distance from here.
Dhaif, a local Iraqi man who has lived his entire life next to the site, has spent many hours studying the history and culture of ancient Iraq, and offered a tour to soldiers.
The ziggurat was built by the Sumerians over four thousand years ago under the rule of King Ur-Nammu. It served as a temple to the Sumerian moon god Nanna.
"It is a rare opportunity to be able to visit a site with such biblical and historical significance," said Army Staff Sgt. Miriam Mountain. "I highly recommend this tour to all soldiers living on or visiting COB Adder."
Dhaif explained the historical significance of the temple and touched on some of the ongoing restoration and excavation projects.
"We also visited what is believed to be the home of Terah and Abraham, the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam," said Army Spc. Courtney Sloat, a medic from Grand Blan, Mich.
Upon the completion of the tour, the soldiers gathered at the base of the ancient step pyramid for photographs before returning to their base.
(Spc. Shane P.S. Begg is assigned to Multinational Division South, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - Many soldiers cite travel as the reason why they joined the Army. But many don't expect to have much opportunity to get out and see their host nation while deployed. Yet more than 40 Iraq-stationed soldiers from 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, on Nov. 21 got to take a guided tour of one of the world's most historic sites: the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
Most commonly known as "The Ziggurat of Ur," the step pyramid, built by an ancient Sumerian king, is located a short distance from here.
Dhaif, a local Iraqi man who has lived his entire life next to the site, has spent many hours studying the history and culture of ancient Iraq, and offered a tour to soldiers.
The ziggurat was built by the Sumerians over four thousand years ago under the rule of King Ur-Nammu. It served as a temple to the Sumerian moon god Nanna.
"It is a rare opportunity to be able to visit a site with such biblical and historical significance," said Army Staff Sgt. Miriam Mountain. "I highly recommend this tour to all soldiers living on or visiting COB Adder."
Dhaif explained the historical significance of the temple and touched on some of the ongoing restoration and excavation projects.
"We also visited what is believed to be the home of Terah and Abraham, the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam," said Army Spc. Courtney Sloat, a medic from Grand Blan, Mich.
Upon the completion of the tour, the soldiers gathered at the base of the ancient step pyramid for photographs before returning to their base.
(Spc. Shane P.S. Begg is assigned to Multinational Division South, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Michael A. Rogers, 23, of White Sulphur Springs, Mont., died Nov. 27, at Forward Operating Base Hammer, east of Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-7267.
Pfc. Michael A. Rogers, 23, of White Sulphur Springs, Mont., died Nov. 27, at Forward Operating Base Hammer, east of Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-7267.
Logistics Agency Prepares to Move 'Mountain' from Iraq
By Jonathan Stack
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - Army Col. Mike Bird is about to move a mountain, but he won't be doing it alone. Bird, commander of Defense Logistics Agency—Central Command, will have help from his DLA support team and participants from several of the agency's field activities. That, however, doesn't make the task of helping the military services draw down a mountain of equipment and supplies accumulated during six years of operations in Iraq any less daunting.
DLA provides the military services, other federal agencies, and joint and allied forces with a variety of logistics, acquisition and technical services. These services include disposing of excess military property or allowing for its reuse, as well as disposing of hazardous waste and materials.
Bird has made planning for the drawdown a priority since he assumed command this summer.
"This is much more than moving a mountain," he said. "It surpasses any logistical challenge we have undertaken to date, all while we are still fighting two wars. It is critical that we ensure the warfighter is being sustained while we retrograde, refit and redistribute to the war effort."
The drawdown is the return of all U.S. forces back to their home stations and the closing out the military presence in Iraq, said Donald Bruce, DLA's Joint Logistics Operations Center lead planner for drawdown, retrograde and reset.
"Bringing back troops means bringing back all supplies," Bruce said.
The U.S. equipment drawdown from Iraq will impact all DLA's primary-level field activities to some extent, with the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service shouldering most of the workload. From its headquarters in Battle Creek, Mich., and offices throughout the world, DRMS disposes of excess property received from the military services.
"Coordination and flexibility are keys in any complex operation," said Twila Gonzales, DRMS director.
DRMS already handles the military services' excess property in Iraq, including disposal of battle-damaged equipment and surplus items. DRMS also removes scrap from both the small forward-operating bases and the larger bases. Gonzales said her team is also handling a portion of hazardous waste and materials disposal.
"We're not just working with or for the military units in Iraq, we are working right alongside them," she said. "Our mobilized reservists are doing great work on those teams."
Earlier this year, members of a disposal team working at a large forward-operating base in Iraq removed more than 3 million pounds of scrap from the base in just 30 days.
"Good management of excess equipment in this case helps protect our fighting forces from the danger that an adversary will be able to use some of our own equipment against us," Gonzales said. "Good stewardship over excess property serves both the warfighter and taxpayers."
As U.S. military units start leaving Iraq, Bruce said, they'll look at their supplies and equipment and decide whether to take items with them or leave them behind.
"In some cases, the services might decide they don't need those consumable materials in Iraq because they're drawing down the force," he said. "But due to the buildup, the materials might be needed in Afghanistan."
Much usable material will be shipped from Iraq to Defense Distribution Depot-Kuwait, Bruce said, while some will come back to DLA's stateside depots. The depots, mainly co-located with military repair depots, act as receiving and temporary storage locations.
If a Humvee comes back to an Army repair depot, it will be received by the DLA depot and stored until the Army is ready to put it on the maintenance line and begin the rebuild, Bruce said.
"There's a big impact there for DLA because there's a lot of equipment that has to come back and be repaired before it can be provided to units to prepare for the next fight," he said.
In addition, Bruce said, there will be an impact on the amount of repair parts DLA is supplying to support rebuilding the equipment coming back and going into the depot system.
"The fact that this equipment has been used in the desert for so long means the military services might have to replace a lot of parts that they normally wouldn't," Bruce said. "We have to work closely with the services to make sure we're on top of that and we know what those demands are so we're prepared to support them."
DLA's supply centers are expected to see a surge in business as the military services' requirements evolve.
"We were sustaining the force in Iraq, and those demands are going to decrease over time and demands in Afghanistan are going to increase," he said.
(Jonathan Stack is a writer with Defense Logistics Agency's communications office)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - Army Col. Mike Bird is about to move a mountain, but he won't be doing it alone. Bird, commander of Defense Logistics Agency—Central Command, will have help from his DLA support team and participants from several of the agency's field activities. That, however, doesn't make the task of helping the military services draw down a mountain of equipment and supplies accumulated during six years of operations in Iraq any less daunting.
DLA provides the military services, other federal agencies, and joint and allied forces with a variety of logistics, acquisition and technical services. These services include disposing of excess military property or allowing for its reuse, as well as disposing of hazardous waste and materials.
Bird has made planning for the drawdown a priority since he assumed command this summer.
"This is much more than moving a mountain," he said. "It surpasses any logistical challenge we have undertaken to date, all while we are still fighting two wars. It is critical that we ensure the warfighter is being sustained while we retrograde, refit and redistribute to the war effort."
The drawdown is the return of all U.S. forces back to their home stations and the closing out the military presence in Iraq, said Donald Bruce, DLA's Joint Logistics Operations Center lead planner for drawdown, retrograde and reset.
"Bringing back troops means bringing back all supplies," Bruce said.
The U.S. equipment drawdown from Iraq will impact all DLA's primary-level field activities to some extent, with the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service shouldering most of the workload. From its headquarters in Battle Creek, Mich., and offices throughout the world, DRMS disposes of excess property received from the military services.
"Coordination and flexibility are keys in any complex operation," said Twila Gonzales, DRMS director.
DRMS already handles the military services' excess property in Iraq, including disposal of battle-damaged equipment and surplus items. DRMS also removes scrap from both the small forward-operating bases and the larger bases. Gonzales said her team is also handling a portion of hazardous waste and materials disposal.
"We're not just working with or for the military units in Iraq, we are working right alongside them," she said. "Our mobilized reservists are doing great work on those teams."
Earlier this year, members of a disposal team working at a large forward-operating base in Iraq removed more than 3 million pounds of scrap from the base in just 30 days.
"Good management of excess equipment in this case helps protect our fighting forces from the danger that an adversary will be able to use some of our own equipment against us," Gonzales said. "Good stewardship over excess property serves both the warfighter and taxpayers."
As U.S. military units start leaving Iraq, Bruce said, they'll look at their supplies and equipment and decide whether to take items with them or leave them behind.
"In some cases, the services might decide they don't need those consumable materials in Iraq because they're drawing down the force," he said. "But due to the buildup, the materials might be needed in Afghanistan."
Much usable material will be shipped from Iraq to Defense Distribution Depot-Kuwait, Bruce said, while some will come back to DLA's stateside depots. The depots, mainly co-located with military repair depots, act as receiving and temporary storage locations.
If a Humvee comes back to an Army repair depot, it will be received by the DLA depot and stored until the Army is ready to put it on the maintenance line and begin the rebuild, Bruce said.
"There's a big impact there for DLA because there's a lot of equipment that has to come back and be repaired before it can be provided to units to prepare for the next fight," he said.
In addition, Bruce said, there will be an impact on the amount of repair parts DLA is supplying to support rebuilding the equipment coming back and going into the depot system.
"The fact that this equipment has been used in the desert for so long means the military services might have to replace a lot of parts that they normally wouldn't," Bruce said. "We have to work closely with the services to make sure we're on top of that and we know what those demands are so we're prepared to support them."
DLA's supply centers are expected to see a surge in business as the military services' requirements evolve.
"We were sustaining the force in Iraq, and those demands are going to decrease over time and demands in Afghanistan are going to increase," he said.
(Jonathan Stack is a writer with Defense Logistics Agency's communications office)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, November 25, 2009
Vaccine making out of date
"Florida Democrat [former Senator Bob Graham] and Missouri Republican [former Senator Jim Talent], who presided over a congressional panel charged with assessing terrorist threats and weapons proliferation, say that even though bioterrorism [...] is the nation's leading terrorist threat, the country isn't equipped to respond quickly. 'This is an epidemic that didn't just attack us by ambush, we've had much time to prepare, yet many people who want to get the vaccine have been denied so because of inadequate technology,' Mr. Graham said, referring to the growth and spread of the H1N1 virus since April. The rush to manufacture millions of doses of the H1N1 influenza virus highlighted problems with a vaccine-manufacturing process developed before the Cold War that has never been updated. [...] Pharmaceutical manufacturers have not had the financial incentive to spend the billions of dollars necessary to upgrade the manufacturing process (a vaccine is sold and administered far less frequently than other, more profitable medications) which is why the government needs to support any effort, he said. 'The real endgame is to bring the technology into the 21st century and use molecular biological techniques so you can really have control about making the purified proteins that you want,' he explained. The federal government has established efforts to address the problem but has yet to funnel the money needed into the lead program." (Washington Times; 24Nov09; Tom LoBianco) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/24/vaccine-making-outdated/
Safety breach at IU [Indiana University] sends 7 to hospital as precaution [Bloomington, IN]
"An Indiana University laboratory that does research on deadly bubonic plague bacterium sent seven people to Bloomington Hospital after a small amount of potentially infected material was discovered in a place where it shouldn't have been in the lab. The seven were sent to the emergency room Wednesday to begin antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure, university spokesman Larry MacIntyre said Friday afternoon. [...] 'We think it's highly unlikely that anybody could be infected with anything, but since it's not a 100 percent certainty, we're not going to take a chance,' MacIntyre said." (Apria Healthcare; 21Nov09; Mike Leonard) http://www.apria.com/resources/1,2725,494-1033107,00.html
Grant goes to Purdue University to fund research into life cycle of potential bio-weapon viruses [West Lafayette, IN]
"The life cycles of two virus types that could be used as biological weapons will be researched with funding from a National Institutes of Health agency with the hope of creating better treatments against them. Purdue University has been awarded a two-year, $4 million grant from the 2009 federal stimulus bill by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study flaviviruses, including dengue and West Nile, and alphaviruses, including eastern equine encephalitis and chikungunya. [...] There is [...] fear that the diseases could be used as weapons by terrorists as there are few methods for controlling their infection. A better understanding of the life cycle of the viruses, a Purdue spokesperson said, will allow for better ways to defend against attacks." (Bio Prep Watch; 19Nov09; Nick Rees) http://www.bioprepwatch.com/news/210992-grant-goes-to-purdue-university-to-fund-research-into-life-cycle-of-potential-bioweapon-viruses
Living Weapons [a book by Gregory Koblentz] tackles biowarfare
"Biological weapons are poorly understood by most. Political scientist and author Gregory Koblentz attempts to rectify this reality in his book Living Weapons: Biological Warfare and International Security. Koblentz explores the scientific basis of biological weapons and examines why they are so difficult to properly manage. His work uses scientific expertise to illuminate why bioweapons are so uniquely threatening to international security." (John Hopkins Newsletter; 19Nov09; Greg Sgammato) http://media.www.jhunewsletter.com/media/storage/paper932/news/2009/11/19/ScienceTech/Living.Weapons.Tackles.Biowarfare-3838872-page2.shtml
Officials list reuses for Oregon weapons depot [Hermiston, OR]
"A top five list has been drawn up for ways to redevelop the Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot near Hermiston, Ore., after its scheduled closure in 2011. According to a recent exercise completed by the depot Land Reuse Authority, the top five most likely uses are: energy development; telecommunications business; transportation or distribution center; attracting government funding; and environmental restoration." ( Seattle Journal Daily of Commerce; 20Nov09) http://www.djc.com/news/co/12012289.html?cgi=yes
Colorado State Professor [Anthony Tu] honored by Japan for help solving '90s sarin gas attacks
"Anthony Tu's expertise about a deadly nerve gas helped the Japanese identify and catch suspects in the sarin gas attacks in the 1990s – assistance that has now earned him one of the nation's highest honors. On Nov. 9, the Japanese Emperor bestowed the Colorado State University emeritus professor with the distinction of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. [...] Tu, a biochemistry professor whose research focused on snake venom, published papers in Japan on chemical warfare just before the Matsumoto attack in 1994 that killed seven people and poisoned 500 others. Police asked Tu for help with the case and the ensuing nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995 that killed 12 and injured about 3,800 more. Japanese officials used Tu's assistance to analyze the sarin and its byproducts to identify the manufacturing facility where the religious sect Aum Shinrikyo produced 70 tons of the deadly nerve gas. Tu's knowledge of chemicals produced from the degradation of sarin in soils was instrumental in linking Aum Shinrikyo definitively with the manufacture and use of sarin, evidence that helped convict the sect's leader, Shoko Asahara, who was later sentenced to be hanged." (Colorado State University; 23Nov09)
http://www.news.colostate.edu/Release/4924
Pig proxies root out solutions for soldiers
"As research animals standing in for real soldiers over the last decade, they have helped prepare Canadian troops for the potential nightmare of chemical warfare. [...] The Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) facility in Suffield, Alta., will fit the pigs with an array of medical monitors to track their physiological reaction to the type of wounds sustained by troops in Afghanistan and similar conflicts. [...] What makes the hog such an attractive surrogate for humans, when the nature of the research would clearly preclude using actual people? They are relatively large, while their cardiac and lung systems and other aspects of their physiology - including their skin - are all similar to those of people, said Mr. [Stephen Bjarnason, head of casualty management at DRDC's Suffield branch]. The same type of monitors used on human patients in the intensive care unit measure their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and other indicators during studies. About 1,500 pigs have been pressed into service since 1997 for chemical-warfare experiments, including tests of an antidote for Sarin gas and other nerve agents that is now routinely issued to Canadian soldiers. The studies also found that rapidly cooling the skin where a chemical agent made contact can delay its impact, giving medics hours more time to neutralize the substance, said Mr. Bjarnason." (National Post; 23Nov09; Tom Blackwell)
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2255228
Cleveland BioLabs opens enrollment of second safety study for CBLB502 [drug to treat Acute Radiation Syndrome]
"Cleveland BioLabs [...] today announced the opening of enrollment for the second human safety study for CBLB502, a drug under development for the treatment of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). CBLB502 is being developed by Cleveland BioLabs under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Animal Efficacy Rule to treat Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or radiation poisoning from any exposure to radiation such as a nuclear or radiological weapon / dirty bomb, or from a nuclear accident. This approval pathway requires demonstration of efficacy in representative animal models and safety and drug metabolism testing in healthy human volunteers." (CNN Money; 23Nov09) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0561669.htm
US Megaports Initiative launched in Kaohsiung
"The implementation of the U.S Megaports Initiative at Kaohsiung Port in southern Taiwan is a significant step forward in Taipei-Washington relations, said American Institute in Taiwan Director William A. Stanton. [...] The Megaports Initiative was set up by the U.S. government under the auspices of the Department of Energy in 2003 to deter the illicit trafficking in nuclear and radioactive material in many of the world's largest ports. The initiative seeks to enhance the ability of U.S. partners around the world to screen container cargo for nuclear and other radioactive materials that could potentially be exploited by terrorists as weapons of mass destruction. Under the program, U.S. partners are provided with radiation portal monitors, handheld detection devices, optical character recognition technology, communication equipment, training, and technical support at key ports." (Taiwan Today; 19Nov09)
http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=79308&CtNode=414
GAO [Government Accountability Office] faults plant for lax nuclear-weapon parts oversight
"The U.S. Government Accountability Office has found that the National Nuclear Security Administration's is not doing enough to prevent rogue actors from acquiring nuclear-weapon components from at least one facility, the Kansas City Star reported yesterday. The GAO report focuses on current operations and plans for a site that would replace a facility in Kansas City. Mo. The Kansas City Plant, overseen by the nuclear agency and managed by a private contractor, produces 85 percent of the non-nuclear components that go into building the average nuclear weapon. Congressional auditors said it has not done enough to ensure that sensitive dual-use equipment does not fall into the hands of terrorist organizations or foreign countries. The nuclear agency has not supplied enough 'oversight or clear and up-to-date control guidance' to limit proliferation opportunities, according to the report. 'The Kansas City Plant instead treats all components as if they pose equal proliferation risks. As such, items such as a common, commercially available screw are considered to be at the same level of proliferation risk as a complex mechanism designed to arm nuclear weapons,' the report says. The existing plant uses other firms to provide 54 percent of its parts; that number would increase to 70 percent at the new facility. It counts on these outside parties to observe U.S. regulations on the sale of parts and technologies that 'may be used by potential adversaries to develop or advance their nuclear capabilities,' said the accountability office." (Global Security Newswire; 24Nov09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091124_8047.php
House Homeland Security Committee passes Congressman Al Green's amendment to expand the Securing the Cities program
"In a unanimous vote, the House Committee on Homeland Security passed this week H.R. 2611, a measure which would authorize the Department of Homeland Security's Securing the Cities (STC) initiative. The bill includes an amendment offered by Congressman Al Green (TX-09) that would expand the scope of the STC program to include at least two additional cities in the program. [...] STC is a unified effort among federal, state and local law enforcement in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to defend against the threat of a radiological or nuclear device. [...] 'While New York City may remain a prime target for terrorist activity, other densely populated areas and those housing a lot of critical infrastructure should also be protected from dirty bombs to the best of our ability. My amendment would benefit even more high-risk urban areas by providing the necessary resources to detect and intercept illicit radiological material before it could be used in a weapon by would-be terrorists,' said Congressman Green." (Congressman Al Green; 20Nov09) http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx09_green/pr_20091120.html
Coweta firefighters to get new air-paks [GA]
"Coweta firefighters can breathe a little easier with the unanimous decision Nov. 17 by county commissioners to approve the purchase of new breathing devices and other equipment. The new air-paks will replace the older, questionable equipment currently in use. [...] Fire Chief Johnny Teeters said the purchase [$682,000] would allow the department to replace its aging inventory of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus that do not meet current standards in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection." (The Citizen; 19Nov09; Ben Nelms)
http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/40669
Next generation of airport security to take off soon
"The growing threat from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons means airport security cannot rely on conventional screening methods. Airport security in India will go beyond X-ray machines, CCTVs, perimeter patrolling and sniffer dogs. Liquid screeners and radiation detection devices will be part of the security infrastructure in major airports of the country. 'The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has already identified some of the new and emerging threats as attacks with biological, chemical and nuclear material weapons (BCN) and our airports should be ready to meet such threats,' said P Mohanan, former ICAO aviation security auditor. [...] The other significant addition to airport security in the near future would be equipment based on Liquid Screening Technology (LST) which could change the way air passengers pack their handbags. 'Unlike Liquid Explosive Detectors, currently in use in major airports, LST is a non-invasive form of explosive detection,' says Mohanan . While using a Liquid Explosive Detector, the suspected liquid item needs to be removed from the bag for inspection. But an LST works on the agnetic resonance imaging principle, and can detect an explosive liquid inside the bag." (Economic Times; 20Nov09) http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Next-generation-of-airport-security-to-take-off-soon/articleshow/5250270.cms
Iran conducts major defense exercise
"Iran yesterday began a major exercise intended to test and illustrate the nation's ability to protect itself against attack, Reuters reported. The event occurs as tensions are again rising in the standoff over Iran's disputed nuclear activities. [...] The exercise is expected to last five days and involve both the Revolutionary Guard and other military personnel. 'It is the biggest war game, which takes place over an area 600,000 sq km (230,000 sq miles). The aim of this war game is to promote military power of the armed forces against any attack,' state television quoted Brig. Gen. Ahmad Mighani as saying. 'The aim of the drill is to display Iran's combat readiness and military potentials,' he added. 'Defense policies, psychological operations and innovations during the war game are among the objectives of the drill.' Iranian broadcasts yesterday showed bomb drops by aircraft, rocket firings and paratroopers climbing into helicopters, the Washington Post reported." (Global Security Newswire; 23Nov09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091123_3673.php
U.S. and South Africa strengthen partnership to prevent illicit WMD-related trade in first bilateral workshop
"The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry today announced the completion of the first ever bilateral Weapons of Mass Destruction Commodity Identification Training (WMD-CIT) instructor workshop in Pretoria, South Africa. United States and South African interagency officials, including NNSA and a multi-National Laboratory training team, and the South African Revenue Service and South African Department of Energy, discussed global best practices to help front line inspectors identify weapons of mass destruction and WMD-related goods across international borders. Recognizing WMD and related goods allows law enforcement officials to stop and respond to suspicious transfers. This cooperation is another example of U.S. and South African partnership to cooperate to build capacity in combating proliferation networks." (NNSA; 20Nov09) http://nnsa.energy.gov/news/2723.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
CNS presents these keywords and links for the convenience of the recipients of ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News, but CNS does not endorse these sites or the veracity of their information and cannot be held responsible for the maintenance of the links listed here.
We hope you find this material of use, and welcome your suggestions. To subscribe or unsubscribe to ChemBio-Terror News, please visit http://lists.miis.edu/mailman/listinfo/chembio-terror or email chembio-terror@miis.edu for assistance.
For more information and resources on CBW and WMD terrorism, visit the web page of the Nuclear Threat Initiative at http://www.nti.org/index.php the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, at http://cns.miis.edu/cbw/index.htm
"Florida Democrat [former Senator Bob Graham] and Missouri Republican [former Senator Jim Talent], who presided over a congressional panel charged with assessing terrorist threats and weapons proliferation, say that even though bioterrorism [...] is the nation's leading terrorist threat, the country isn't equipped to respond quickly. 'This is an epidemic that didn't just attack us by ambush, we've had much time to prepare, yet many people who want to get the vaccine have been denied so because of inadequate technology,' Mr. Graham said, referring to the growth and spread of the H1N1 virus since April. The rush to manufacture millions of doses of the H1N1 influenza virus highlighted problems with a vaccine-manufacturing process developed before the Cold War that has never been updated. [...] Pharmaceutical manufacturers have not had the financial incentive to spend the billions of dollars necessary to upgrade the manufacturing process (a vaccine is sold and administered far less frequently than other, more profitable medications) which is why the government needs to support any effort, he said. 'The real endgame is to bring the technology into the 21st century and use molecular biological techniques so you can really have control about making the purified proteins that you want,' he explained. The federal government has established efforts to address the problem but has yet to funnel the money needed into the lead program." (Washington Times; 24Nov09; Tom LoBianco) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/24/vaccine-making-outdated/
Safety breach at IU [Indiana University] sends 7 to hospital as precaution [Bloomington, IN]
"An Indiana University laboratory that does research on deadly bubonic plague bacterium sent seven people to Bloomington Hospital after a small amount of potentially infected material was discovered in a place where it shouldn't have been in the lab. The seven were sent to the emergency room Wednesday to begin antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure, university spokesman Larry MacIntyre said Friday afternoon. [...] 'We think it's highly unlikely that anybody could be infected with anything, but since it's not a 100 percent certainty, we're not going to take a chance,' MacIntyre said." (Apria Healthcare; 21Nov09; Mike Leonard) http://www.apria.com/resources/1,2725,494-1033107,00.html
Grant goes to Purdue University to fund research into life cycle of potential bio-weapon viruses [West Lafayette, IN]
"The life cycles of two virus types that could be used as biological weapons will be researched with funding from a National Institutes of Health agency with the hope of creating better treatments against them. Purdue University has been awarded a two-year, $4 million grant from the 2009 federal stimulus bill by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study flaviviruses, including dengue and West Nile, and alphaviruses, including eastern equine encephalitis and chikungunya. [...] There is [...] fear that the diseases could be used as weapons by terrorists as there are few methods for controlling their infection. A better understanding of the life cycle of the viruses, a Purdue spokesperson said, will allow for better ways to defend against attacks." (Bio Prep Watch; 19Nov09; Nick Rees) http://www.bioprepwatch.com/news/210992-grant-goes-to-purdue-university-to-fund-research-into-life-cycle-of-potential-bioweapon-viruses
Living Weapons [a book by Gregory Koblentz] tackles biowarfare
"Biological weapons are poorly understood by most. Political scientist and author Gregory Koblentz attempts to rectify this reality in his book Living Weapons: Biological Warfare and International Security. Koblentz explores the scientific basis of biological weapons and examines why they are so difficult to properly manage. His work uses scientific expertise to illuminate why bioweapons are so uniquely threatening to international security." (John Hopkins Newsletter; 19Nov09; Greg Sgammato) http://media.www.jhunewsletter.com/media/storage/paper932/news/2009/11/19/ScienceTech/Living.Weapons.Tackles.Biowarfare-3838872-page2.shtml
Officials list reuses for Oregon weapons depot [Hermiston, OR]
"A top five list has been drawn up for ways to redevelop the Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot near Hermiston, Ore., after its scheduled closure in 2011. According to a recent exercise completed by the depot Land Reuse Authority, the top five most likely uses are: energy development; telecommunications business; transportation or distribution center; attracting government funding; and environmental restoration." ( Seattle Journal Daily of Commerce; 20Nov09) http://www.djc.com/news/co/12012289.html?cgi=yes
Colorado State Professor [Anthony Tu] honored by Japan for help solving '90s sarin gas attacks
"Anthony Tu's expertise about a deadly nerve gas helped the Japanese identify and catch suspects in the sarin gas attacks in the 1990s – assistance that has now earned him one of the nation's highest honors. On Nov. 9, the Japanese Emperor bestowed the Colorado State University emeritus professor with the distinction of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. [...] Tu, a biochemistry professor whose research focused on snake venom, published papers in Japan on chemical warfare just before the Matsumoto attack in 1994 that killed seven people and poisoned 500 others. Police asked Tu for help with the case and the ensuing nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995 that killed 12 and injured about 3,800 more. Japanese officials used Tu's assistance to analyze the sarin and its byproducts to identify the manufacturing facility where the religious sect Aum Shinrikyo produced 70 tons of the deadly nerve gas. Tu's knowledge of chemicals produced from the degradation of sarin in soils was instrumental in linking Aum Shinrikyo definitively with the manufacture and use of sarin, evidence that helped convict the sect's leader, Shoko Asahara, who was later sentenced to be hanged." (Colorado State University; 23Nov09)
http://www.news.colostate.edu/Release/4924
Pig proxies root out solutions for soldiers
"As research animals standing in for real soldiers over the last decade, they have helped prepare Canadian troops for the potential nightmare of chemical warfare. [...] The Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) facility in Suffield, Alta., will fit the pigs with an array of medical monitors to track their physiological reaction to the type of wounds sustained by troops in Afghanistan and similar conflicts. [...] What makes the hog such an attractive surrogate for humans, when the nature of the research would clearly preclude using actual people? They are relatively large, while their cardiac and lung systems and other aspects of their physiology - including their skin - are all similar to those of people, said Mr. [Stephen Bjarnason, head of casualty management at DRDC's Suffield branch]. The same type of monitors used on human patients in the intensive care unit measure their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and other indicators during studies. About 1,500 pigs have been pressed into service since 1997 for chemical-warfare experiments, including tests of an antidote for Sarin gas and other nerve agents that is now routinely issued to Canadian soldiers. The studies also found that rapidly cooling the skin where a chemical agent made contact can delay its impact, giving medics hours more time to neutralize the substance, said Mr. Bjarnason." (National Post; 23Nov09; Tom Blackwell)
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2255228
Cleveland BioLabs opens enrollment of second safety study for CBLB502 [drug to treat Acute Radiation Syndrome]
"Cleveland BioLabs [...] today announced the opening of enrollment for the second human safety study for CBLB502, a drug under development for the treatment of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). CBLB502 is being developed by Cleveland BioLabs under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Animal Efficacy Rule to treat Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or radiation poisoning from any exposure to radiation such as a nuclear or radiological weapon / dirty bomb, or from a nuclear accident. This approval pathway requires demonstration of efficacy in representative animal models and safety and drug metabolism testing in healthy human volunteers." (CNN Money; 23Nov09) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0561669.htm
US Megaports Initiative launched in Kaohsiung
"The implementation of the U.S Megaports Initiative at Kaohsiung Port in southern Taiwan is a significant step forward in Taipei-Washington relations, said American Institute in Taiwan Director William A. Stanton. [...] The Megaports Initiative was set up by the U.S. government under the auspices of the Department of Energy in 2003 to deter the illicit trafficking in nuclear and radioactive material in many of the world's largest ports. The initiative seeks to enhance the ability of U.S. partners around the world to screen container cargo for nuclear and other radioactive materials that could potentially be exploited by terrorists as weapons of mass destruction. Under the program, U.S. partners are provided with radiation portal monitors, handheld detection devices, optical character recognition technology, communication equipment, training, and technical support at key ports." (Taiwan Today; 19Nov09)
http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=79308&CtNode=414
GAO [Government Accountability Office] faults plant for lax nuclear-weapon parts oversight
"The U.S. Government Accountability Office has found that the National Nuclear Security Administration's is not doing enough to prevent rogue actors from acquiring nuclear-weapon components from at least one facility, the Kansas City Star reported yesterday. The GAO report focuses on current operations and plans for a site that would replace a facility in Kansas City. Mo. The Kansas City Plant, overseen by the nuclear agency and managed by a private contractor, produces 85 percent of the non-nuclear components that go into building the average nuclear weapon. Congressional auditors said it has not done enough to ensure that sensitive dual-use equipment does not fall into the hands of terrorist organizations or foreign countries. The nuclear agency has not supplied enough 'oversight or clear and up-to-date control guidance' to limit proliferation opportunities, according to the report. 'The Kansas City Plant instead treats all components as if they pose equal proliferation risks. As such, items such as a common, commercially available screw are considered to be at the same level of proliferation risk as a complex mechanism designed to arm nuclear weapons,' the report says. The existing plant uses other firms to provide 54 percent of its parts; that number would increase to 70 percent at the new facility. It counts on these outside parties to observe U.S. regulations on the sale of parts and technologies that 'may be used by potential adversaries to develop or advance their nuclear capabilities,' said the accountability office." (Global Security Newswire; 24Nov09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091124_8047.php
House Homeland Security Committee passes Congressman Al Green's amendment to expand the Securing the Cities program
"In a unanimous vote, the House Committee on Homeland Security passed this week H.R. 2611, a measure which would authorize the Department of Homeland Security's Securing the Cities (STC) initiative. The bill includes an amendment offered by Congressman Al Green (TX-09) that would expand the scope of the STC program to include at least two additional cities in the program. [...] STC is a unified effort among federal, state and local law enforcement in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to defend against the threat of a radiological or nuclear device. [...] 'While New York City may remain a prime target for terrorist activity, other densely populated areas and those housing a lot of critical infrastructure should also be protected from dirty bombs to the best of our ability. My amendment would benefit even more high-risk urban areas by providing the necessary resources to detect and intercept illicit radiological material before it could be used in a weapon by would-be terrorists,' said Congressman Green." (Congressman Al Green; 20Nov09) http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx09_green/pr_20091120.html
Coweta firefighters to get new air-paks [GA]
"Coweta firefighters can breathe a little easier with the unanimous decision Nov. 17 by county commissioners to approve the purchase of new breathing devices and other equipment. The new air-paks will replace the older, questionable equipment currently in use. [...] Fire Chief Johnny Teeters said the purchase [$682,000] would allow the department to replace its aging inventory of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus that do not meet current standards in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection." (The Citizen; 19Nov09; Ben Nelms)
http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/40669
Next generation of airport security to take off soon
"The growing threat from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons means airport security cannot rely on conventional screening methods. Airport security in India will go beyond X-ray machines, CCTVs, perimeter patrolling and sniffer dogs. Liquid screeners and radiation detection devices will be part of the security infrastructure in major airports of the country. 'The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has already identified some of the new and emerging threats as attacks with biological, chemical and nuclear material weapons (BCN) and our airports should be ready to meet such threats,' said P Mohanan, former ICAO aviation security auditor. [...] The other significant addition to airport security in the near future would be equipment based on Liquid Screening Technology (LST) which could change the way air passengers pack their handbags. 'Unlike Liquid Explosive Detectors, currently in use in major airports, LST is a non-invasive form of explosive detection,' says Mohanan . While using a Liquid Explosive Detector, the suspected liquid item needs to be removed from the bag for inspection. But an LST works on the agnetic resonance imaging principle, and can detect an explosive liquid inside the bag." (Economic Times; 20Nov09) http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Next-generation-of-airport-security-to-take-off-soon/articleshow/5250270.cms
Iran conducts major defense exercise
"Iran yesterday began a major exercise intended to test and illustrate the nation's ability to protect itself against attack, Reuters reported. The event occurs as tensions are again rising in the standoff over Iran's disputed nuclear activities. [...] The exercise is expected to last five days and involve both the Revolutionary Guard and other military personnel. 'It is the biggest war game, which takes place over an area 600,000 sq km (230,000 sq miles). The aim of this war game is to promote military power of the armed forces against any attack,' state television quoted Brig. Gen. Ahmad Mighani as saying. 'The aim of the drill is to display Iran's combat readiness and military potentials,' he added. 'Defense policies, psychological operations and innovations during the war game are among the objectives of the drill.' Iranian broadcasts yesterday showed bomb drops by aircraft, rocket firings and paratroopers climbing into helicopters, the Washington Post reported." (Global Security Newswire; 23Nov09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20091123_3673.php
U.S. and South Africa strengthen partnership to prevent illicit WMD-related trade in first bilateral workshop
"The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry today announced the completion of the first ever bilateral Weapons of Mass Destruction Commodity Identification Training (WMD-CIT) instructor workshop in Pretoria, South Africa. United States and South African interagency officials, including NNSA and a multi-National Laboratory training team, and the South African Revenue Service and South African Department of Energy, discussed global best practices to help front line inspectors identify weapons of mass destruction and WMD-related goods across international borders. Recognizing WMD and related goods allows law enforcement officials to stop and respond to suspicious transfers. This cooperation is another example of U.S. and South African partnership to cooperate to build capacity in combating proliferation networks." (NNSA; 20Nov09) http://nnsa.energy.gov/news/2723.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
CNS presents these keywords and links for the convenience of the recipients of ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News, but CNS does not endorse these sites or the veracity of their information and cannot be held responsible for the maintenance of the links listed here.
We hope you find this material of use, and welcome your suggestions. To subscribe or unsubscribe to ChemBio-Terror News, please visit http://lists.miis.edu/mailman/listinfo/chembio-terror or email chembio-terror@miis.edu for assistance.
For more information and resources on CBW and WMD terrorism, visit the web page of the Nuclear Threat Initiative at http://www.nti.org/index.php the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, at http://cns.miis.edu/cbw/index.htm
DoD Announces Military Commissions Actions
Today, prosecutors in the Office of Military Commissions announced they intend to ask the convening authority to refer new charges under the recently-enacted Military Commissions Act of 2009 against Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al Darbi, in connection with his alleged involvement in an al Qaeda conspiracy to attack military and commercial shipping in the Port of Aden and the Straits of Hormuz.
This announcement follows the attorney general's determination on Nov. 13, 2009, that a military commission was the appropriate forum for prosecution of al Darbi.
The prosecutors are reviewing this and other cases identified by the attorney general as appropriate for trial in a military commission and anticipate making further announcements soon.
As part of the process of moving forward with the prosecution of al Darbi, on Nov. 25, 2009, in response to a request from the prosecutors, the convening authority withdrew and dismissed without prejudice the pending charges against al Darbi. Dismissal without prejudice is a procedural action that permits new charges to be referred at a later time.
A charge is merely an accusation; an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This announcement follows the attorney general's determination on Nov. 13, 2009, that a military commission was the appropriate forum for prosecution of al Darbi.
The prosecutors are reviewing this and other cases identified by the attorney general as appropriate for trial in a military commission and anticipate making further announcements soon.
As part of the process of moving forward with the prosecution of al Darbi, on Nov. 25, 2009, in response to a request from the prosecutors, the convening authority withdrew and dismissed without prejudice the pending charges against al Darbi. Dismissal without prejudice is a procedural action that permits new charges to be referred at a later time.
A charge is merely an accusation; an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Iraqis Arrest 18 Suspected al—Qaida Associates
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Iraqi security forces arrested 18 suspected al-Qaida in Iraq associates today, and earlier this week captured a terrorism suspect they've been pursuing for three years, military officials reported. Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several houses in Mosul looking for an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq regional leader who is suspected of staging deadly attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence gathered at the scene, Iraqi forces arrested 18 of his suspected associates.
The arrests in Mosul are expected to contribute to greater safety for Iraqis from attacks during the upcoming Eid al-Adha, or "Festival of Sacrifice," Muslim holiday.
In Diyala province Nov. 22, Iraqi security forces, advised by U.S. forces, arrested a suspected leader of a terrorist group, along with a suspected associate.
The judicial court of Muqdadiyah had issued a warrant for Harith Sadun Dawud al-Rubayi for suspicion of murder, kidnapping and bombing attacks against Iraqi citizens and Iraqi security forces. He also is suspected of smuggling weapons, home invasions and stealing money from Iraq's interior ministry.
He is believed to be linked to the kidnapping and murder of the son of a former Muqdadiyah mayor in September, as well as the murder of an Iraqi policeman in Abu Sayda. The suspect has been wanted by authorities and had evaded capture for three years.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Nov. 25, 2009 - Iraqi security forces arrested 18 suspected al-Qaida in Iraq associates today, and earlier this week captured a terrorism suspect they've been pursuing for three years, military officials reported. Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several houses in Mosul looking for an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq regional leader who is suspected of staging deadly attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence gathered at the scene, Iraqi forces arrested 18 of his suspected associates.
The arrests in Mosul are expected to contribute to greater safety for Iraqis from attacks during the upcoming Eid al-Adha, or "Festival of Sacrifice," Muslim holiday.
In Diyala province Nov. 22, Iraqi security forces, advised by U.S. forces, arrested a suspected leader of a terrorist group, along with a suspected associate.
The judicial court of Muqdadiyah had issued a warrant for Harith Sadun Dawud al-Rubayi for suspicion of murder, kidnapping and bombing attacks against Iraqi citizens and Iraqi security forces. He also is suspected of smuggling weapons, home invasions and stealing money from Iraq's interior ministry.
He is believed to be linked to the kidnapping and murder of the son of a former Muqdadiyah mayor in September, as well as the murder of an Iraqi policeman in Abu Sayda. The suspect has been wanted by authorities and had evaded capture for three years.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Realistic Training Gets Soldiers Ready for Iraq
By Army Sgt. Christopher MilbrodtSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - In the midst of a nondescript Middle Eastern-style village, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team soldiers interact with the local inhabitants the same as they have done day in and day out on routine patrols. Today, however, something feels different. You can describe all the little things that make you feel that way: the hairs on your neck, that pit in your stomach, or even the fidgeting that at this point you can't stop. No matter what it is, something isn't right.
You look to your buddy for validation of your feelings, and as he acknowledges, BOOM! Chaos erupts as a car explodes and gunfire bursts from a house down the street. Now your mind clears and your body calms down, and all that remains is your training and muscle memory of your tasks at hand.
This engagement didn't take place on some foreign battlefield, and no one was injured. It was just simulations and blanks. This isn't simply a training event, but a true learning experience from which to build - provided through the Exportable Combat Training Capability, known as XCTC.
While these scenarios unfold, subcontractors monitor the movement and actions of each soldier and establish a high-tech "overwatch" to help even the individual soldier understand what went right and what went wrong.
XCTC is taking the National Guard to a new level of readiness.
In 2006 at Camp Atterbury, Ind., the principal exercise of XCTC was conducted to demonstrate the type of training to be offered. The 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is participating here in the seventh rotation of XCTC's training package since its inception. Each rotation, consisting of 21 days or more, is completely customized and tailored to unit mission and requirements. Previously, this type of training was available only at a select few training installations, and most National Guard units did not have the resources to attend.
As part of the ever-changing overseas contingency operations, XCTC brings the most up-to-date theater-specific training to mobilizing Army National Guard units. This approach to mobilization training cuts down on the time spent at mobilization sites and increases the amount of time units can actively support combat commanders.
The XCTC was designed to fill a capabilities gap in training set forth by Army training strategy that the Army could not provide to Guard units. The National Guard Bureau, along with a team from Stanford University, used the Army's training criteria to develop a program that could fill the void.
The XCTC is available only to deployable expeditionary force brigades headed into combat threat areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. "We work our way down, and we get those [units] that we think fit the model, but you don't get it unless you're deploying to theater," said Army Col. Rob Moore, chief of the National Guard Bureau's training division. "It is tailored and pinpoint training."
With this new tool, the Army National Guard is able not only to meet, but also to exceed, prior training expectations and standards put in place by the Army. "We know that units that use XCTC accomplish at least 82 percent of all their required tasks for deployment," Moore said.
Total immersion training is what XCTC brings to the units receiving the training package. Soldiers are surrounded by the look, smell, sound, feel and taste of their projected combat tour.
"I believe that increased use of modeling and simulation – and using them with greater effectiveness – will be essential for all reserve components to increase and maintain their combat readiness," said Dennis M. McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs.
As part of this immersion, soldiers interact with American and foreign-national role players to make the exercise as real as possible.
"It's a great pleasure to be able to do what I do," said Thomas Cottle, a volunteer role player from Madison, Fla. "I interact with soldiers, but I also interact with Iraqi citizens and citizens from other countries as well who speak Arabic. We're helping make this training exercise more realistic for the soldiers."
Michael LiDondici, managing field director of Allied Container Systems which oversees the role players, said many 53rd Infantry Brigade soldiers have demonstrated a high level of knowledge of Iraqi culture during the training. He attributes this to the fact that many of the soldiers wear combat patches and have already deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.
"The role players have been absolutely critical to our training success," said Army Col. Richard Gallant, commander of the 53rd. "From working with interpreters to managing the cultural and religious differences, they have created a level of realism we generally don't see prior to deployment."
The appreciation of the level and quality of training extends not only to the leadership, but also to the most important element of the equation: the soldier.
"The training we've had so far has been very beneficial," said Army Pfc. Alistair Salesman, a member of the 53rd. The integration and use of Iraqi nationals, coupled with the complete immersion of the environment, helps to bring valued experience and an ability to better learn the tasks at hand, the soldier added.
As the soldiers maneuver through the mock village, they understand the significance of being engulfed in the surrounding culture. While their environment is chaotic, they understand they have to differentiate between the friendly populace and those who would do harm.
"So far, it's going great. We're learning a lot of across-the-board tactics," said Army Pvt. Eric Alapont, a nursing student from Orlando. "It's really an eye-opener as to what we might expect overseas, given not every town is hostile."
As the brigade finalizes its Florida training before leaving for its active-duty mobilization station, the sense is that the soldiers are more confident in their ability to get the job done when they deploy early next year, and in their prospects of coming back safely.
Army Lt. Col. George Rosser, commander of 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, exudes the confidence his soldiers gained through the training.
"The XCTC portion of [the training] this last week really brings a lot of resources we can't get otherwise, with the civilians on the battlefield and the villages," he said. "That adds a lot more realism, and makes the training that much better for the soldiers.
"I'm absolutely confident in my soldiers," he continued. "We've deployed this battalion and this brigade twice already. ... We have an extensive amount of combat experience."
Rosser said the goal is simple: "Bring everyone home alive, having completed the mission."
(Army Sgt. Christopher Milbrodt serves with the Florida Army National Guard's 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Air Force Lt. Col. Ron Tittle and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa of the Florida National Guard public affairs office contributed to this article.)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Engineers Train Afghans in Quality Assurance
By Air Force Capt. Angela WebbSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - Provincial reconstruction team engineers here conducted quality assurance training for more than 30 Afghan contractors, foremen and engineers at the Civil-Military Operations Center in downtown Khost, Nov. 14. The engineers conduct training monthly to address issues found during project site audits throughout the province's 12 districts and one municipality. This training, the third session, concentrated on brick masonry, material storage and project administration. Previous topics included concrete preparation and processing, and plaster and mortar finishing techniques.
"We are addressing recurring quality issues in our training sessions," said Navy Lt. Stephen Gustafson, lead engineer for the provincial reconstruction team. "Our overall goal is to mentor the Afghans in construction best practices and techniques, and facilitate their implementation in the field, so that when [coalition forces] leave, Afghan capacity has grown to the point that the Afghans are mentoring Afghans."
The team's engineers share the latest construction and engineering procedures with their Afghan partners during the training sessions.
"Mentoring the Afghans in construction best practices helps to ensure a lasting, quality product," Gustafson said. "We work closely with the provincial development committee in assessing each project from conception through project turnover."
Significant improvements have been noted since the training sessions began, Gustafson said.
"We noticed improvements in technique, and are spending less time on fundamentals," he said. "We're now spending more time defining and sharpening skills, instead of concentrating on the basics."
Five Khost sector directors attended the latest session, and spoke about the roles of the government, contractors and the provincial reconstruction team for any project and the specific responsibilities after a project is completed.
"It is important to bring everyone together to address some concerns and issues on project construction," said Hamid Shah, director of economy for the province. "We each have a role to make sure the design is done correctly, and it meets the specifications of the contract. If we monitor [and] ensure the owner is properly checking on the site and doing so regularly, then there will be a better product for everyone to enjoy."
The partnership among all development parties is improving, but work remains to be done, Gustafson said.
"There were concerns with a lack of project oversight from all parties involved, so we are working with the [provincial development committee] to visit the project sites frequently and for longer periods of time," he said. "The time we spend with our Afghan contractors is very important in order to provide the proper tools, so they can eventually monitor their own quality and progress."
Nearly 40 projects are in progress throughout the province, and new projects are added periodically to address the latest urgent development needs. Next month's training will concentrate on project management skills, such as development of plans for quality control, safety and work activity.
(Air Force Capt. Angela Webb serves in the public affairs office for the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Khost province.)
Obama Provides Glimpse of Afghanistan Strategy
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - President Barack Obama said today he will announce his decision on the strategy and troop request for Afghanistan "shortly after Thanksgiving." During a news conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Obama said the strategy review he and his national security team performed was extremely useful, and he provided a glimpse at the conclusions.
"I can tell you ... that it is in our strategic interest, in our national security interest, to make sure that al-Qaida and its extremist allies cannot operate effectively in those areas," Obama said. "We are going to dismantle and degrade their capabilities and ultimately dismantle and destroy their networks. And Afghanistan's stability is important to that process."
The president said that since the United States went into Afghanistan, the war there lacked the resources or strategy to deal effectively with the Taliban and their al-Qaida allies. "It is my intention to finish the job," he said. "And I feel very confident that when the American people hear a clear rationale for what we're doing there and how we intend to achieve our goals, they will be supportive."
Obama stressed that Afghan security is important globally. "The whole world, I think, has a core security interest in making sure that the kind of extremism and violence that you've seen emanating from this region is tackled, confronted in a serious way," the president said.
Singh agreed with that assessment.
"It is important for the international community to sustain its engagement in Afghanistan, to help its emergence as a modern state," the Indian prime minister said. "The forces of terrorism in our region pose a grave threat to the entire civilized world and have to be defeated. President Obama and I have decided to strengthen our cooperation in the area of counterterrorism."
Confronting extremism must be a multinational effort, Obama said, noting that his announcement of the strategy will include the obligations of international partners.
The strategy, he added, will recognize that the Afghan people ultimately are going to have to provide for their own security.
"So we'll be discussing that process whereby Afghan security forces are properly trained and equipped to do the job," he said. "And it's going to be important to recognize that in order for us to succeed there, you've got to have a comprehensive strategy that includes civilian and diplomatic efforts."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - President Barack Obama said today he will announce his decision on the strategy and troop request for Afghanistan "shortly after Thanksgiving." During a news conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Obama said the strategy review he and his national security team performed was extremely useful, and he provided a glimpse at the conclusions.
"I can tell you ... that it is in our strategic interest, in our national security interest, to make sure that al-Qaida and its extremist allies cannot operate effectively in those areas," Obama said. "We are going to dismantle and degrade their capabilities and ultimately dismantle and destroy their networks. And Afghanistan's stability is important to that process."
The president said that since the United States went into Afghanistan, the war there lacked the resources or strategy to deal effectively with the Taliban and their al-Qaida allies. "It is my intention to finish the job," he said. "And I feel very confident that when the American people hear a clear rationale for what we're doing there and how we intend to achieve our goals, they will be supportive."
Obama stressed that Afghan security is important globally. "The whole world, I think, has a core security interest in making sure that the kind of extremism and violence that you've seen emanating from this region is tackled, confronted in a serious way," the president said.
Singh agreed with that assessment.
"It is important for the international community to sustain its engagement in Afghanistan, to help its emergence as a modern state," the Indian prime minister said. "The forces of terrorism in our region pose a grave threat to the entire civilized world and have to be defeated. President Obama and I have decided to strengthen our cooperation in the area of counterterrorism."
Confronting extremism must be a multinational effort, Obama said, noting that his announcement of the strategy will include the obligations of international partners.
The strategy, he added, will recognize that the Afghan people ultimately are going to have to provide for their own security.
"So we'll be discussing that process whereby Afghan security forces are properly trained and equipped to do the job," he said. "And it's going to be important to recognize that in order for us to succeed there, you've got to have a comprehensive strategy that includes civilian and diplomatic efforts."
U.S. Expects More NATO Troops for Afghanistan
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - Should President Barack Obama's anticipated Afghanistan strategy announcement call for more U.S. troops, Defense Department and White House officials would expect a greater contribution from their NATO allies, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. Obama held his ninth and final meeting yesterday with his Afghanistan war council, which includes Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and said today he will make his decision public soon after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
"Clearly, if the president decides to commit additional forces to Afghanistan, there would be an expectation that our allies would also commit additional forces," Morrell told reporters during a Pentagon news conference.
Officials also expect that many U.S. allies won't revisit their Afghan strategies until after Obama's announcement, he said, adding that Washington has been "trying to consult" with other troop-contributing nations about Obama's plans. Ultimately, the NATO partners will be informed of U.S. intentions following Obama's official announcement, Morrell added, but he suggested that other countries' decisions likely don't depend on the U.S. strategy.
Rather, he said, European nations will determine their future in Afghanistan following conferences among themselves in December and January. As of now, the United States has not been invited to those meetings, he said.
"I think it would be reasonable to assume that [other nations] have to do their own determination about what they can do, as we are doing what we're doing," he explained. "But I don't think there's any expectation, on the heels of whatever it is the president announces, that all of a sudden you're going to have nations standing up in succession behind him."
Even with the possibility of additional U.S. forces being ordered to Afghanistan, U.S. officials still consider the endeavor there a NATO-led effort, Morrell said.
Morrell added that past NATO contributions haven't gone unnoticed or unfelt by Washington. He pointed out that roughly 68,000 U.S. troops and 45,000 NATO military members are serving in Afghanistan. NATO has been very forthcoming with support for the overall mission there, an effort that often gets overlooked, he said.
"As we've plussed up, NATO has plussed up" over the last three years, Morrell said. "Some may take issue at the kinds of forces or the caveats that come with [NATO forces' participation] and things of that nature, but the bottom line is there is no denying that NATO has ponied up significant numbers of additional forces as we have added forces over the last several years."
Morrell also pointed to NATO nations' roles in northern and western Afghanistan, noting their efforts have allowed U.S. troops to stay focused in the hostile southern and eastern provinces.
"That is something that cannot be discounted," he said. "If we can get more [NATO troops], that would help us ... to sort of focus much more of our efforts in the south, which seems to be the hotbed of Taliban activity. But if indeed we add more forces, it would be expected that our allies would find a way to do the same. And I'm sure appropriate conversations would be had with [NATO nations] about what they can do and when they can do it."
Gates is having his weekly meeting with Obama this afternoon, but plans to leave Washington tomorrow for the Thanksgiving holiday and return Nov. 30, Morrell said. The secretary believes the past three months of review have been "thorough and comprehensive," and he expects that Obama has made his final decision, Morrell said.
"[The Afghan strategy review] has been a very thorough and comprehensive review, and one that has resulted in everyone involved coming away with a much better understanding of the situation in Afghanistan and the challenges we face there," he said. "So I think [Gates] feels as though it's been a very worthwhile process. And he, like you, now waits for a decision."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - Should President Barack Obama's anticipated Afghanistan strategy announcement call for more U.S. troops, Defense Department and White House officials would expect a greater contribution from their NATO allies, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. Obama held his ninth and final meeting yesterday with his Afghanistan war council, which includes Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and said today he will make his decision public soon after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
"Clearly, if the president decides to commit additional forces to Afghanistan, there would be an expectation that our allies would also commit additional forces," Morrell told reporters during a Pentagon news conference.
Officials also expect that many U.S. allies won't revisit their Afghan strategies until after Obama's announcement, he said, adding that Washington has been "trying to consult" with other troop-contributing nations about Obama's plans. Ultimately, the NATO partners will be informed of U.S. intentions following Obama's official announcement, Morrell added, but he suggested that other countries' decisions likely don't depend on the U.S. strategy.
Rather, he said, European nations will determine their future in Afghanistan following conferences among themselves in December and January. As of now, the United States has not been invited to those meetings, he said.
"I think it would be reasonable to assume that [other nations] have to do their own determination about what they can do, as we are doing what we're doing," he explained. "But I don't think there's any expectation, on the heels of whatever it is the president announces, that all of a sudden you're going to have nations standing up in succession behind him."
Even with the possibility of additional U.S. forces being ordered to Afghanistan, U.S. officials still consider the endeavor there a NATO-led effort, Morrell said.
Morrell added that past NATO contributions haven't gone unnoticed or unfelt by Washington. He pointed out that roughly 68,000 U.S. troops and 45,000 NATO military members are serving in Afghanistan. NATO has been very forthcoming with support for the overall mission there, an effort that often gets overlooked, he said.
"As we've plussed up, NATO has plussed up" over the last three years, Morrell said. "Some may take issue at the kinds of forces or the caveats that come with [NATO forces' participation] and things of that nature, but the bottom line is there is no denying that NATO has ponied up significant numbers of additional forces as we have added forces over the last several years."
Morrell also pointed to NATO nations' roles in northern and western Afghanistan, noting their efforts have allowed U.S. troops to stay focused in the hostile southern and eastern provinces.
"That is something that cannot be discounted," he said. "If we can get more [NATO troops], that would help us ... to sort of focus much more of our efforts in the south, which seems to be the hotbed of Taliban activity. But if indeed we add more forces, it would be expected that our allies would find a way to do the same. And I'm sure appropriate conversations would be had with [NATO nations] about what they can do and when they can do it."
Gates is having his weekly meeting with Obama this afternoon, but plans to leave Washington tomorrow for the Thanksgiving holiday and return Nov. 30, Morrell said. The secretary believes the past three months of review have been "thorough and comprehensive," and he expects that Obama has made his final decision, Morrell said.
"[The Afghan strategy review] has been a very thorough and comprehensive review, and one that has resulted in everyone involved coming away with a much better understanding of the situation in Afghanistan and the challenges we face there," he said. "So I think [Gates] feels as though it's been a very worthwhile process. And he, like you, now waits for a decision."
Panel Leaders Tour Rampage Site, Describe Mission
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - The leaders of an independent review panel toured the scene of the Fort Hood, Texas, shooting rampage today and described how they view the panel's mission. Former Veterans Affairs Secretary Togo West and retired Adm. Vern Clark spoke at a short news conference at Fort Hood. The two men met with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates yesterday and received their charge from him.
The panel will review the circumstances surrounding the Nov. 5 shooting to see how future incidents could be avoided. "We will look at policies and procedures that look at how we deal with servicemembers who may cause trouble or harm to their fellows," West said.
The review is to look at personal reliability programs, counseling programs, procedures on the handling of defense employee's adverse information, medical screening and pre- and post-deployment evaluations. The panel members also are to look at the response to the incident and see how these procedures could be improved.
Today's trip to Fort Hood was important to starting the review, Clark, a former chief of naval operations, said.
"It was important to me to see the site, walk the ground and really see the setting," he said. "Today's activities have been immensely valuable in providing the baseline of factual information upon which we will grow the rest of the information that is required to conduct the assessment."
Clark said he was impressed with the Army's 3rd Corps leadership team. "I just want to single out ... the leadership team at the hospital," he said, adding that the panel also is charged with evaluating the performance of the first responders. "The story about how the first responder team performed is very, very encouraging. It not only involves the leadership team here at Fort Hood, but it involves the leadership teams of the hospitals in the local area and the manner in which they all responded."
West reminded everyone that the panel is not conducting a criminal investigation and will not interfere with the criminal case against Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, the Army psychiatrist charged with 13 counts of murder who remains hospitalized in intensive care.
West said his group will "not point fingers. We are here to accumulate information and offer our best judgments to the secretary of defense."
The investigation is departmentwide, Clark said. "The secretary charged us to find the gaps that make us less effective than we desire to be, and to do that, we will go over a wide range of things after we go through the discovery process."
The panel report is due to Gates by Jan. 15.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - The leaders of an independent review panel toured the scene of the Fort Hood, Texas, shooting rampage today and described how they view the panel's mission. Former Veterans Affairs Secretary Togo West and retired Adm. Vern Clark spoke at a short news conference at Fort Hood. The two men met with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates yesterday and received their charge from him.
The panel will review the circumstances surrounding the Nov. 5 shooting to see how future incidents could be avoided. "We will look at policies and procedures that look at how we deal with servicemembers who may cause trouble or harm to their fellows," West said.
The review is to look at personal reliability programs, counseling programs, procedures on the handling of defense employee's adverse information, medical screening and pre- and post-deployment evaluations. The panel members also are to look at the response to the incident and see how these procedures could be improved.
Today's trip to Fort Hood was important to starting the review, Clark, a former chief of naval operations, said.
"It was important to me to see the site, walk the ground and really see the setting," he said. "Today's activities have been immensely valuable in providing the baseline of factual information upon which we will grow the rest of the information that is required to conduct the assessment."
Clark said he was impressed with the Army's 3rd Corps leadership team. "I just want to single out ... the leadership team at the hospital," he said, adding that the panel also is charged with evaluating the performance of the first responders. "The story about how the first responder team performed is very, very encouraging. It not only involves the leadership team here at Fort Hood, but it involves the leadership teams of the hospitals in the local area and the manner in which they all responded."
West reminded everyone that the panel is not conducting a criminal investigation and will not interfere with the criminal case against Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, the Army psychiatrist charged with 13 counts of murder who remains hospitalized in intensive care.
West said his group will "not point fingers. We are here to accumulate information and offer our best judgments to the secretary of defense."
The investigation is departmentwide, Clark said. "The secretary charged us to find the gaps that make us less effective than we desire to be, and to do that, we will go over a wide range of things after we go through the discovery process."
The panel report is due to Gates by Jan. 15.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino, 34, of Cockeysville, Md., died Nov. 23 in Pashay Kala, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group of the Maryland Army National Guard in Glen Arm, Md.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005; after hours (910) 689-6187, or visit http://news.soc.mil/.
Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino, 34, of Cockeysville, Md., died Nov. 23 in Pashay Kala, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group of the Maryland Army National Guard in Glen Arm, Md.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005; after hours (910) 689-6187, or visit http://news.soc.mil/.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Jason A. McLeod, 22, of Crystal Lake, Ill., died Nov. 23, west of Pashmul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with mortar fire. He was assigned to the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-7525; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Spc. Jason A. McLeod, 22, of Crystal Lake, Ill., died Nov. 23, west of Pashmul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with mortar fire. He was assigned to the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-7525; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Iraqis Kill Bomb Cell Member, Detain 6 Others
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - Iraqi police killed a suspected bombing-cell member and arrested six others in operations over the last two days, military officials reported. Police arrested a suspect today during a combined security operation in Beiji, southwest of Kirkuk, during a search for a member of an al-Qaida in Iraq-sponsored bombing cell.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence found at the scene, police arrested a suspected accomplice of the wanted man, who was not apprehended.
–In Mosul yesterday, federal police elements arrested five suspected vehicle-borne bomb cell members. A sixth suspect was shot and killed during the operation.
Iraqi police and U.S. advisors were searching for a suspected cell member believed to be associated with the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization. The suspect allegedly facilitates vehicle-bomb attacks targeting civilians and security forces in central and northern Iraq.
The team established a cordon and began searching a house in western Mosul for the suspect. During the search, a suspect fled from the building on foot. A member of the security team pursued the suspect and apprehended him. The suspect became combative and aggressively grabbed the weapon of a security team member, who shot and killed the suspect.
Police arrested five suspected associates based on preliminary questioning and evidence gathered during the operation.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Nov. 24, 2009 - Iraqi police killed a suspected bombing-cell member and arrested six others in operations over the last two days, military officials reported. Police arrested a suspect today during a combined security operation in Beiji, southwest of Kirkuk, during a search for a member of an al-Qaida in Iraq-sponsored bombing cell.
Based on preliminary questioning and evidence found at the scene, police arrested a suspected accomplice of the wanted man, who was not apprehended.
–In Mosul yesterday, federal police elements arrested five suspected vehicle-borne bomb cell members. A sixth suspect was shot and killed during the operation.
Iraqi police and U.S. advisors were searching for a suspected cell member believed to be associated with the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization. The suspect allegedly facilitates vehicle-bomb attacks targeting civilians and security forces in central and northern Iraq.
The team established a cordon and began searching a house in western Mosul for the suspect. During the search, a suspect fled from the building on foot. A member of the security team pursued the suspect and apprehended him. The suspect became combative and aggressively grabbed the weapon of a security team member, who shot and killed the suspect.
Police arrested five suspected associates based on preliminary questioning and evidence gathered during the operation.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Agency Delivers 'Taste of Home' to Deployed Troops
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - How do you plan Thanksgiving dinner for 180,000 people more than 6,000 miles away? If you're a food buyer at the Defense Logistics Agency, you start by making a shopping list in April for meals to be served to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Providing superb meals to our U.S. troops is a critical mission of the Defense Logistics Agency, and one we put a great deal of effort into," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Chambers commander of the DLA Philadelphia field activity, which provides all the food for U.S. military personnel worldwide, 365 days a year.
"It's very important to us to give our troops a taste of home during the holidays, so we start planning the traditional Thanksgiving meal even before Memorial Day rolls around," Chambers said.
DLA employees in the Philadelphia-based subsistence supply chain start their Thanksgiving meal planning this early to make sure that food items and ingredients will arrive overseas in time for the holiday. Many ingredients for the meals are on hand at prime vendor locations by September, and bigger dining facilities start receiving high-volume items, such as turkeys and large beef roasts, in October.
Navy Capt. Ed Rackauskas, who leads DLA's subsistence directorate, said deliveries began in Iraq and Afghanistan in mid-October to allow for unexpected changes or possible redistribution due to movement of troops. "No matter where troops are stationed, they can expect DLA to provide the best possible meal for Thanksgiving," he added.
He said putting together these meals is challenging, particularly in supplying some of the bigger dining facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan where holiday meals are served all day to accommodate servicemembers working different shifts.
Here is a breakdown of quantities and dollar values for Thanksgiving meals for servicemembers in Iraq:
-- Raw and precooked whole turkey: 225,980 pounds, $795,359.08;
-- Turkey white meat: 77,648 pounds, $416,969.76;
-- Turkey dark meat: 73,296 pounds, $236,013.12;
-- Ham: 40,826 pounds, $135,020.26;
-- Beef: 23,536 pounds, $128,019.30;
-- Shrimp: 28,764 pounds, $180,062.64;
-- Stuffing mix: 37,107 pounds, $87,421.94;
-- Potatoes: 41,515 pounds, $102,362.32;
-- Sweet potatoes: 9,702 cans, $60,799.20;
-- Vegetables, corn, green beans: 59,435 pounds, $80,771.42;
-- Cranberry sauce: 7,188 cans, $52,448.44;
-- Pie: 26,946 pies, $245,320.33; and
-- Cake: 13,544 cakes, $220,915.68.
The total dollar value for Thanksgiving meals in Iraq is $2,741,483.49.
Here is the same breakdown for the $1,301,292.42 spent for Thanksgiving meal items for servicemembers in Afghanistan:
-- Raw and precooked whole turkey: 48,228 pounds, $121,143.96;
-- Turkey white meat: 28,235 pounds, $134,682.35;
-- Turkey dark meat: 14,112 pounds, $32,034.24;
-- Ham: 22,950 pounds, $62,424;
-- Beef: 112,467 pounds, $520,489.01;
-- Shrimp: 21,168 pounds, $140,555.52;
-- Stuffing mix: 24,706 pounds, $49,838.88;
-- Potatoes: 23,814 pounds, $19,815.60;
-- Sweet potatoes: 3,529 cans, $15,017.65;
-- Vegetables, corn, green beans: 48,397 pounds, $23,766.47;
-- Cranberry sauce: 1,764 cans, $8,869.98;
-- Pie: 24,706 pies, $126,411.76; and
-- Cake: 2,824 cakes, $46,243.
(From a Defense Logistics Agency news release.)
Nov. 24, 2009 - How do you plan Thanksgiving dinner for 180,000 people more than 6,000 miles away? If you're a food buyer at the Defense Logistics Agency, you start by making a shopping list in April for meals to be served to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Providing superb meals to our U.S. troops is a critical mission of the Defense Logistics Agency, and one we put a great deal of effort into," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Chambers commander of the DLA Philadelphia field activity, which provides all the food for U.S. military personnel worldwide, 365 days a year.
"It's very important to us to give our troops a taste of home during the holidays, so we start planning the traditional Thanksgiving meal even before Memorial Day rolls around," Chambers said.
DLA employees in the Philadelphia-based subsistence supply chain start their Thanksgiving meal planning this early to make sure that food items and ingredients will arrive overseas in time for the holiday. Many ingredients for the meals are on hand at prime vendor locations by September, and bigger dining facilities start receiving high-volume items, such as turkeys and large beef roasts, in October.
Navy Capt. Ed Rackauskas, who leads DLA's subsistence directorate, said deliveries began in Iraq and Afghanistan in mid-October to allow for unexpected changes or possible redistribution due to movement of troops. "No matter where troops are stationed, they can expect DLA to provide the best possible meal for Thanksgiving," he added.
He said putting together these meals is challenging, particularly in supplying some of the bigger dining facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan where holiday meals are served all day to accommodate servicemembers working different shifts.
Here is a breakdown of quantities and dollar values for Thanksgiving meals for servicemembers in Iraq:
-- Raw and precooked whole turkey: 225,980 pounds, $795,359.08;
-- Turkey white meat: 77,648 pounds, $416,969.76;
-- Turkey dark meat: 73,296 pounds, $236,013.12;
-- Ham: 40,826 pounds, $135,020.26;
-- Beef: 23,536 pounds, $128,019.30;
-- Shrimp: 28,764 pounds, $180,062.64;
-- Stuffing mix: 37,107 pounds, $87,421.94;
-- Potatoes: 41,515 pounds, $102,362.32;
-- Sweet potatoes: 9,702 cans, $60,799.20;
-- Vegetables, corn, green beans: 59,435 pounds, $80,771.42;
-- Cranberry sauce: 7,188 cans, $52,448.44;
-- Pie: 26,946 pies, $245,320.33; and
-- Cake: 13,544 cakes, $220,915.68.
The total dollar value for Thanksgiving meals in Iraq is $2,741,483.49.
Here is the same breakdown for the $1,301,292.42 spent for Thanksgiving meal items for servicemembers in Afghanistan:
-- Raw and precooked whole turkey: 48,228 pounds, $121,143.96;
-- Turkey white meat: 28,235 pounds, $134,682.35;
-- Turkey dark meat: 14,112 pounds, $32,034.24;
-- Ham: 22,950 pounds, $62,424;
-- Beef: 112,467 pounds, $520,489.01;
-- Shrimp: 21,168 pounds, $140,555.52;
-- Stuffing mix: 24,706 pounds, $49,838.88;
-- Potatoes: 23,814 pounds, $19,815.60;
-- Sweet potatoes: 3,529 cans, $15,017.65;
-- Vegetables, corn, green beans: 48,397 pounds, $23,766.47;
-- Cranberry sauce: 1,764 cans, $8,869.98;
-- Pie: 24,706 pies, $126,411.76; and
-- Cake: 2,824 cakes, $46,243.
(From a Defense Logistics Agency news release.)
Forces in Afghanistan Kill Militant, Detain Suspects
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 24, 2009 - Combined Afghan and international forces killed an enemy militant and detained numerous suspects in recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported. In Kandahar province today, a combined force detained several suspected militants, including a known Taliban facilitator responsible for the financial and logistical support of militant elements in the area.
Tips from intelligence sources led the force to search compounds near the village of Bahay Dehe Sufla, southwest of Kandahar City. The suspects were detained without resistance, and one confirmed his identity as the Taliban facilitator.
In another operation today, a combined force detained a sought-after Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and several other militants in Khost province. Tips from intelligence sources led the force to search a compound near the village of Maymad Kalay in the Sabari district. The militants were detained without resistance, and one identified himself as the Haqqani facilitator.
In an operation in Parwan province yesterday, a combined force detained a prominent insurgent leader associated with indirect-fire attacks near Bagram Airfield.
On Nov. 22 in Ghazni province, a combined force killed ane enemy militant and detained another suspected militant while pursuing a Taliban commander known to lead militant foreign-fighter elements and to be responsible for several attacks in the area.
The force searched a compound near the village of Ali Niazi in the Qara Bagh district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity. While clearing the compound, the force shot and killed an armed militant after he displayed hostile intent, then searched the compound without further incident, recovering pistols and grenades and detaining the suspected militant.
In a separate Nov. 22 operation, a combined force detained several suspected militants near the village of Kashimiri Bala in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province while pursuing a sought-after Taliban weapons facilitator operating in the area.
The force searched compounds after intelligence sources reported militant activity and recovered small-arms weapons, grenades, multiple assault rifle ammunition magazines and a military-grade night optical device.
In another operation Nov. 22 near the village of Ebrahim Kheyl, also in Logar's Baraki Barak district, a combined force detained several suspected militants while pursuing a Taliban commander linked with local senior Taliban leaders and actively operating in the area. The force targeted compounds after intelligence reported militant activity in that area. The search went off without incident, and the suspected militants were detained.
Also on Nov. 22, a combined force detained several militants in Kandahar province, one of whom is a known Taliban facilitator, reportedly linked to senior local Taliban leaders and involved with a suicide-bomber element in the area.
The force searched buildings in the Molla Alla Kalay neighborhood of Kandahar City after intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located there. The search was completed without incident, and several militants, one of whom surrendered immediately and identified himself as the Taliban facilitator, were detained.
In an operation in Kandahar province Nov. 21, a combined force detained a group of suspected militants while pursuing a senior Taliban commander from northern Kandahar. The force searched a vehicle in Ghorak district without incident and detained the occupants for additional questioning.
–
Also on Nov. 21, a combined force in Paktika province detained two militants, one of whom was a sought-after Haqqani facilitator who was dressed in women's attire to avoid capture. The facilitator is believed to be responsible for financing and transporting weapons and fighters to other militant elements in the area.
The force targeted a compound near the village of Nasruddin Kelay in the Bermel district where intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located, searched the compound without incident, and detained the suspected militants. Afghan members of the force immediately saw through the facilitator's disguise when they questioned him, and were able to identify him.
In a separate operation in Kandahar province Nov. 21, a combined force detained two militants, one of whom was a sought after Taliban facilitator responsible for several attacks in the area who has links to local Taliban senior leaders.
The force targeted buildings on the north side of Kandahar City where intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located, searched the buildings without incident, and detained the suspected militants, one of whom was identified as the facilitator.
No civilians were harmed in the operations, officials said.
(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)
Nov. 24, 2009 - Combined Afghan and international forces killed an enemy militant and detained numerous suspects in recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported. In Kandahar province today, a combined force detained several suspected militants, including a known Taliban facilitator responsible for the financial and logistical support of militant elements in the area.
Tips from intelligence sources led the force to search compounds near the village of Bahay Dehe Sufla, southwest of Kandahar City. The suspects were detained without resistance, and one confirmed his identity as the Taliban facilitator.
In another operation today, a combined force detained a sought-after Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and several other militants in Khost province. Tips from intelligence sources led the force to search a compound near the village of Maymad Kalay in the Sabari district. The militants were detained without resistance, and one identified himself as the Haqqani facilitator.
In an operation in Parwan province yesterday, a combined force detained a prominent insurgent leader associated with indirect-fire attacks near Bagram Airfield.
On Nov. 22 in Ghazni province, a combined force killed ane enemy militant and detained another suspected militant while pursuing a Taliban commander known to lead militant foreign-fighter elements and to be responsible for several attacks in the area.
The force searched a compound near the village of Ali Niazi in the Qara Bagh district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity. While clearing the compound, the force shot and killed an armed militant after he displayed hostile intent, then searched the compound without further incident, recovering pistols and grenades and detaining the suspected militant.
In a separate Nov. 22 operation, a combined force detained several suspected militants near the village of Kashimiri Bala in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province while pursuing a sought-after Taliban weapons facilitator operating in the area.
The force searched compounds after intelligence sources reported militant activity and recovered small-arms weapons, grenades, multiple assault rifle ammunition magazines and a military-grade night optical device.
In another operation Nov. 22 near the village of Ebrahim Kheyl, also in Logar's Baraki Barak district, a combined force detained several suspected militants while pursuing a Taliban commander linked with local senior Taliban leaders and actively operating in the area. The force targeted compounds after intelligence reported militant activity in that area. The search went off without incident, and the suspected militants were detained.
Also on Nov. 22, a combined force detained several militants in Kandahar province, one of whom is a known Taliban facilitator, reportedly linked to senior local Taliban leaders and involved with a suicide-bomber element in the area.
The force searched buildings in the Molla Alla Kalay neighborhood of Kandahar City after intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located there. The search was completed without incident, and several militants, one of whom surrendered immediately and identified himself as the Taliban facilitator, were detained.
In an operation in Kandahar province Nov. 21, a combined force detained a group of suspected militants while pursuing a senior Taliban commander from northern Kandahar. The force searched a vehicle in Ghorak district without incident and detained the occupants for additional questioning.
–
Also on Nov. 21, a combined force in Paktika province detained two militants, one of whom was a sought-after Haqqani facilitator who was dressed in women's attire to avoid capture. The facilitator is believed to be responsible for financing and transporting weapons and fighters to other militant elements in the area.
The force targeted a compound near the village of Nasruddin Kelay in the Bermel district where intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located, searched the compound without incident, and detained the suspected militants. Afghan members of the force immediately saw through the facilitator's disguise when they questioned him, and were able to identify him.
In a separate operation in Kandahar province Nov. 21, a combined force detained two militants, one of whom was a sought after Taliban facilitator responsible for several attacks in the area who has links to local Taliban senior leaders.
The force targeted buildings on the north side of Kandahar City where intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located, searched the buildings without incident, and detained the suspected militants, one of whom was identified as the facilitator.
No civilians were harmed in the operations, officials said.
(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Briand T. Williams, 25, of Sparks, Ga., died Nov. 22, in Numaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at (706) 545-3512; after hours, call (706) 545-2218.
Sgt. Briand T. Williams, 25, of Sparks, Ga., died Nov. 22, in Numaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at (706) 545-3512; after hours, call (706) 545-2218.
Monday, November 23, 2009
New NATO Command in Kabul Focuses on Afghan Training
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 23, 2009 - A newly established NATO command was activated Nov. 21 at Camp Eggers here, as the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan merged with the new NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan to create a unified command for the training of Afghan security forces. The multination partnership aims to foster new and existing relationships and build on the already expanding task of training and mentoring Afghan national security forces in preparation for the future security and sustainment of Afghanistan.
Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, who was tapped to lead the new NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, intends to continue focusing coalition forces efforts on Afghanistan's sustainability as a free and open society.
"Our mission is about teaming with Afghans to build a bright, dynamic future for this sovereign nation. As the...mission has evolved, so has the mindset governing our outlook and perspective," said U.S. Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, who was tapped to lead the new command. "This new mindset, a mindset that challenges us to focus on the people of Afghanistan, requires us to be agile, adaptive, culturally respectful, and innovative. With this mission, and this new mindset, the path to success for [the command] lies with 3 T's: teaming, transparency, and transition."
U.S. Commanding General Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who heads NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and more than 400 coalition soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, U.S. Defense Department civilians, joined with the Afghan ministers of defense and interior and partner nation representatives at the activation and change-of-command ceremony.
The former commander, Maj. Gen. Richard P. Formica, applauded previous successes while looking to the future with a sense of optimism and pride with the establishment of NTM-A.
"It has been my honor and privilege to serve here in Afghanistan," Formica said. "Those of us who serve here recognize the strategic importance of this mission and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to bringing stability and security to the people of Afghanistan."
Preceding the activation, an official change-of-command ceremony was held at Camp Eggers where Caldwell assumed authority from Formica.
(From a NATO Training Mission Afghanistan news release.)
Nov. 23, 2009 - A newly established NATO command was activated Nov. 21 at Camp Eggers here, as the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan merged with the new NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan to create a unified command for the training of Afghan security forces. The multination partnership aims to foster new and existing relationships and build on the already expanding task of training and mentoring Afghan national security forces in preparation for the future security and sustainment of Afghanistan.
Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, who was tapped to lead the new NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, intends to continue focusing coalition forces efforts on Afghanistan's sustainability as a free and open society.
"Our mission is about teaming with Afghans to build a bright, dynamic future for this sovereign nation. As the...mission has evolved, so has the mindset governing our outlook and perspective," said U.S. Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, who was tapped to lead the new command. "This new mindset, a mindset that challenges us to focus on the people of Afghanistan, requires us to be agile, adaptive, culturally respectful, and innovative. With this mission, and this new mindset, the path to success for [the command] lies with 3 T's: teaming, transparency, and transition."
U.S. Commanding General Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who heads NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and more than 400 coalition soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, U.S. Defense Department civilians, joined with the Afghan ministers of defense and interior and partner nation representatives at the activation and change-of-command ceremony.
The former commander, Maj. Gen. Richard P. Formica, applauded previous successes while looking to the future with a sense of optimism and pride with the establishment of NTM-A.
"It has been my honor and privilege to serve here in Afghanistan," Formica said. "Those of us who serve here recognize the strategic importance of this mission and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to bringing stability and security to the people of Afghanistan."
Preceding the activation, an official change-of-command ceremony was held at Camp Eggers where Caldwell assumed authority from Formica.
(From a NATO Training Mission Afghanistan news release.)
Logistics Chiefs Lays Out Challenges in Afghanistan
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 23, 2009 - Everything in Afghanistan – including combating improvised explosive devices – is made more difficult because the nation is at the end of a long and complicated logistics trail, Undersecretary of Defense Ashton Carter said today. Carter, who has charge of acquisitions, technology and logistics provided insight about his office during a Pentagon roundtable meeting with reporters today. He said there is no higher mission than devising ways to counter the IED threat.
"Getting things into Afghanistan, which we need to do as quickly as we possibly can do it, is very difficult," Carter said. "Next to Antarctica, Afghanistan is probably the most incommodious place to be trying to fight a war. It's landlocked, rugged, the road network is much thinner than Iraq and it has fewer airports."
Added to the challenge of supplying Afghanistan is the need to get military materiel out of Iraq on deadline, making for an incredibly complicated process.
Some of the things that have worked well in countering roadside and car bombs in Iraq -- intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles and additional infrastructure -- are more difficult to get into an austere environment like Afghanistan.
"It's not a matter of just make it and fly it over there," Carter said, citing the MRAP vehicles' need for concrete slabs as an example. "There's no place to get concrete in Afghanistan, you have to get it from Pakistan," he said. "We can produce MRAPs faster than we can introduce them to soldiers and Marines."
The soldiers and Marines need to get the vehicles, learn to drive them, learn their strengths and weaknesses and then get into the fight with them. "For want of a nail – everything is like that in Afghanistan," Carter said, noting the old proverb that underscores how lack of even the smallest things make Afghanistan a challenge.
Carter and Marine Lt. Gen. John Paxton, director of operations for the Joint Staff, are in charge of the Pentagon's new Counter IED Task Force. "When I was offered this job by Secretary [Robert M.] Gates, he said the troops are at war, the building is not and especially acquisition, technology and logistics," he said. "I've tried to change that."
Carter noted that Gates wants more efficiency in countering IEDs – the leading killer of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "The secretary would like the department as a whole to quickly get up to the learning curve that took a number of years in Iraq," he said. "That means to bring together all the pieces that are already working on the problem."
This includes the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization; the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force; the MRAP Task Force; various organizations in theater and the service labs and operators, Carter said.
"All are doing good work, but the charge is to get them all together and make the whole greater than the sum of its parts," he said.
There is no silver bullet against IEDs, the undersecretary said, and there is no one material solution. His group is looking at anything and everything that can be effective – now. "It's a six-month effort," he said. "So it is intense, and won't do something that will make us better in two years, but two, four or six months from now," he said.
The logisticians have done a great job in supplying American troops with what they need, when they need it, DoD officials said, but the next months will challenge them. Between 50,000 and 60,000 U.S. soldiers and their equipment will leave Iraq after national elections there next year. By the end of 2011, all American forces are to be out of Iraq.
Among the logistics questions that need to be answered is, does the equipment come back to the states to reconstitute the Army? Does it go to the Guard and Reserve? How much should go directly to Afghanistan? How much should stay in pre-positioned stocks in Kuwait? How much should go to Iraqi security forces?
It is not as simple as loading it aboard a ship or plane and taking it away, Carter said.
"It's quite a challenge," he said. "You have to figure out where everything goes that is going out."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 23, 2009 - Everything in Afghanistan – including combating improvised explosive devices – is made more difficult because the nation is at the end of a long and complicated logistics trail, Undersecretary of Defense Ashton Carter said today. Carter, who has charge of acquisitions, technology and logistics provided insight about his office during a Pentagon roundtable meeting with reporters today. He said there is no higher mission than devising ways to counter the IED threat.
"Getting things into Afghanistan, which we need to do as quickly as we possibly can do it, is very difficult," Carter said. "Next to Antarctica, Afghanistan is probably the most incommodious place to be trying to fight a war. It's landlocked, rugged, the road network is much thinner than Iraq and it has fewer airports."
Added to the challenge of supplying Afghanistan is the need to get military materiel out of Iraq on deadline, making for an incredibly complicated process.
Some of the things that have worked well in countering roadside and car bombs in Iraq -- intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles and additional infrastructure -- are more difficult to get into an austere environment like Afghanistan.
"It's not a matter of just make it and fly it over there," Carter said, citing the MRAP vehicles' need for concrete slabs as an example. "There's no place to get concrete in Afghanistan, you have to get it from Pakistan," he said. "We can produce MRAPs faster than we can introduce them to soldiers and Marines."
The soldiers and Marines need to get the vehicles, learn to drive them, learn their strengths and weaknesses and then get into the fight with them. "For want of a nail – everything is like that in Afghanistan," Carter said, noting the old proverb that underscores how lack of even the smallest things make Afghanistan a challenge.
Carter and Marine Lt. Gen. John Paxton, director of operations for the Joint Staff, are in charge of the Pentagon's new Counter IED Task Force. "When I was offered this job by Secretary [Robert M.] Gates, he said the troops are at war, the building is not and especially acquisition, technology and logistics," he said. "I've tried to change that."
Carter noted that Gates wants more efficiency in countering IEDs – the leading killer of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "The secretary would like the department as a whole to quickly get up to the learning curve that took a number of years in Iraq," he said. "That means to bring together all the pieces that are already working on the problem."
This includes the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization; the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force; the MRAP Task Force; various organizations in theater and the service labs and operators, Carter said.
"All are doing good work, but the charge is to get them all together and make the whole greater than the sum of its parts," he said.
There is no silver bullet against IEDs, the undersecretary said, and there is no one material solution. His group is looking at anything and everything that can be effective – now. "It's a six-month effort," he said. "So it is intense, and won't do something that will make us better in two years, but two, four or six months from now," he said.
The logisticians have done a great job in supplying American troops with what they need, when they need it, DoD officials said, but the next months will challenge them. Between 50,000 and 60,000 U.S. soldiers and their equipment will leave Iraq after national elections there next year. By the end of 2011, all American forces are to be out of Iraq.
Among the logistics questions that need to be answered is, does the equipment come back to the states to reconstitute the Army? Does it go to the Guard and Reserve? How much should go directly to Afghanistan? How much should stay in pre-positioned stocks in Kuwait? How much should go to Iraqi security forces?
It is not as simple as loading it aboard a ship or plane and taking it away, Carter said.
"It's quite a challenge," he said. "You have to figure out where everything goes that is going out."
Pentagon Convenes Fort Hood Shooting Task Force
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 23, 2009 - The leaders of the Pentagon's review board on the Fort Hood, Texas, rampage reported for duty here today to begin their 45-day investigation to what led to the mass shooting, a Pentagon official said. The Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Center left 12 soldiers and one Army civilian dead and 30 others injured.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced Nov. 19 that the initial review board will be headed by former Army Secretary Togo West and former Chief of Naval Operations Vern Clark.
West and Clark met with their staff, which consists of representatives from each of the military services, for the first time today. They are: Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army commander; Navy Vice Adm. Michael C. Vitale, commander of Navy Installations Command; Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel; and Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams, director of the Marine Corps staff.
The panel will review possible weaknesses in Pentagon policies, programs and procedures in hopes of preventing similar incidences in the future, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.
Also, West and Clark are scheduled to meet with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates this afternoon to further outline and address his intents.
"They have a very tight timeline to operate off of," Whitman said. "It's a very ambitious task that the secretary has given them."
The terms of reference for the investigation, which was publically released today, will guide the task force in their review. The Pentagon's review is independent of the criminal investigation, as well as those by the inspector general and White House, and doesn't employ the task force to take action against people suspected of withholding information that may have prevented the incident.
According to the terms of reference, the Pentagon's review will not overlap with President Barack Obama's review of intelligence matters related to the shooting or investigations of individuals in the intelligence community.
"The charter is to look at things outside of any criminal- or liability-type review that's taking place," Whitman explained. "This is not a criminal review, [but] they'll certainly make recommendations."
The review will take a closer look at personal reliability programs, counseling programs, procedures on the handling of defense employee's adverse information, medical screening and pre- and post-deployment evaluations. It also will take into account force protection programs, emergency response policies and the functionality and adequacy of those programs, policies and procedures.
The task force's review will lead to a follow-on investigation that is expected to last four to six months, Whitman said. The more in-depth review will entail each service selecting an investigative panel that will report their findings up the chain of command to a department-level panel. The departmentwide group will assess the findings and identify changes needed in policy and procedure, as well as areas where additional resources are required.
"This effort here will largely inform what the broader, sustained efforts will be," Whitman said. "This will not be exclusively what determines the longer-sustained efforts. But all of the energy of the department is going to go into assisting these two prominent individuals in this very quick look" at the events that led to the shooting.
Gates is very confident in West and Clark to head the task force, Whitman said, adding that their history of service and compassion for servicemembers makes them more than credible and qualified.
"When you take a look at the individuals [Gates] asked to lead up this panel, these are two very prominent Americans that have a tremendous amount of experience with the United State military, and have, over their many years, established a reputation of caring about the men and women in uniform," he added.
As of now, West and Clark are not expected to be part of the follow-on review, he said. The panel's final report is due to Gates by Jan. 15.
Meanwhile, a military magistrate at Fort Hood on Nov. 21 ordered shooting suspect Nidal M. Hasan to remain in custody until the trial, which has yet to be scheduled, a Fort Hood press release issued today says. Hasan has been in custody and in the hospital since the Nov. 5 shooting.
Fort Hood officials are concerned about protecting the integrity of the judicial process, and all further updates about the criminal proceedings will be released by the Army's Criminal Investigative Division, the release says.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 23, 2009 - The leaders of the Pentagon's review board on the Fort Hood, Texas, rampage reported for duty here today to begin their 45-day investigation to what led to the mass shooting, a Pentagon official said. The Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Center left 12 soldiers and one Army civilian dead and 30 others injured.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced Nov. 19 that the initial review board will be headed by former Army Secretary Togo West and former Chief of Naval Operations Vern Clark.
West and Clark met with their staff, which consists of representatives from each of the military services, for the first time today. They are: Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army commander; Navy Vice Adm. Michael C. Vitale, commander of Navy Installations Command; Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel; and Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams, director of the Marine Corps staff.
The panel will review possible weaknesses in Pentagon policies, programs and procedures in hopes of preventing similar incidences in the future, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.
Also, West and Clark are scheduled to meet with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates this afternoon to further outline and address his intents.
"They have a very tight timeline to operate off of," Whitman said. "It's a very ambitious task that the secretary has given them."
The terms of reference for the investigation, which was publically released today, will guide the task force in their review. The Pentagon's review is independent of the criminal investigation, as well as those by the inspector general and White House, and doesn't employ the task force to take action against people suspected of withholding information that may have prevented the incident.
According to the terms of reference, the Pentagon's review will not overlap with President Barack Obama's review of intelligence matters related to the shooting or investigations of individuals in the intelligence community.
"The charter is to look at things outside of any criminal- or liability-type review that's taking place," Whitman explained. "This is not a criminal review, [but] they'll certainly make recommendations."
The review will take a closer look at personal reliability programs, counseling programs, procedures on the handling of defense employee's adverse information, medical screening and pre- and post-deployment evaluations. It also will take into account force protection programs, emergency response policies and the functionality and adequacy of those programs, policies and procedures.
The task force's review will lead to a follow-on investigation that is expected to last four to six months, Whitman said. The more in-depth review will entail each service selecting an investigative panel that will report their findings up the chain of command to a department-level panel. The departmentwide group will assess the findings and identify changes needed in policy and procedure, as well as areas where additional resources are required.
"This effort here will largely inform what the broader, sustained efforts will be," Whitman said. "This will not be exclusively what determines the longer-sustained efforts. But all of the energy of the department is going to go into assisting these two prominent individuals in this very quick look" at the events that led to the shooting.
Gates is very confident in West and Clark to head the task force, Whitman said, adding that their history of service and compassion for servicemembers makes them more than credible and qualified.
"When you take a look at the individuals [Gates] asked to lead up this panel, these are two very prominent Americans that have a tremendous amount of experience with the United State military, and have, over their many years, established a reputation of caring about the men and women in uniform," he added.
As of now, West and Clark are not expected to be part of the follow-on review, he said. The panel's final report is due to Gates by Jan. 15.
Meanwhile, a military magistrate at Fort Hood on Nov. 21 ordered shooting suspect Nidal M. Hasan to remain in custody until the trial, which has yet to be scheduled, a Fort Hood press release issued today says. Hasan has been in custody and in the hospital since the Nov. 5 shooting.
Fort Hood officials are concerned about protecting the integrity of the judicial process, and all further updates about the criminal proceedings will be released by the Army's Criminal Investigative Division, the release says.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Hand, 20, of Kansas City, Mo., died Nov. 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, media representatives may contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at (910) 451-7200.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Hand, 20, of Kansas City, Mo., died Nov. 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, media representatives may contact the II Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs office at (910) 451-7200.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Nov. 19 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when a suicide car-bomber attacked their unit. They were assigned to the 782d Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. John J. Cleaver, 36, of Marysville, Wash.; and
Sgt. Daniel A. Frazier, 25, of Saint Joseph, Mo.
For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. John J. Cleaver, 36, of Marysville, Wash.; and
Sgt. Daniel A. Frazier, 25, of Saint Joseph, Mo.
For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
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