The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Joshua R. Farris, 22, of La Grange, Texas, died July 9 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Is your city prepared for a home-made nuke?
"A panel of medical experts has just released its assessment of the technologies and therapies that could be rolled out if a home-made nuclear bomb was ever detonated in the heart of an American city. [...] The panel explored the consequences of a nuclear explosion packing a punch equivalent to 10,000 tonnes of TNT. [...] One crucial factor will be for the authorities to get an instant picture of where the fallout is going and its quantity and speed. This will make it possible to figure out who should seek shelter and who should evacuate - and in which direction. It will also ensure that rescuers are not sent on 'suicide missions' into areas of high radiation. [...] Two drugs approved last year could help cut down such [radiation] complications, says panel member Nelson Chao of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Amgen's Nplate (romiplostim), and GlaxoSmithKline's Promacta (eltrombopag) were approved for use in people with a rare condition that keeps their platelets in chronically short supply. Chao says they might also help boost platelet numbers in radiation victims, preventing dangerous blood loss and infections. It may also soon be possible to use what are known as progenitor cells to prop up the patient's immune system while the bone marrow recovers. [...] 'The cells can be grown in the lab and frozen until needed. If they are found to be safe and effective, they could be stockpiled for use in case of a nuclear attack,' says Ram Mandalam, CEO of Cellerant." (New Scientist; 08Jul09; David Shiga)
READ ON
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327163.900-is-your-city-prepared-for-a-homemade-nuke.html?page=1
READ ON
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327163.900-is-your-city-prepared-for-a-homemade-nuke.html?page=1
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, July 10, 2009
New drug fights anthrax [bacteria's] toxin
"Scientists in a U.S.-funded study said an experimental anthrax treatment from Human Genome Sciences Inc. increased survival in animals infected with the deadly disease. This led them to believe that the drug […] called raxibacumab, might safely cure anthrax poisoning in humans. In an article published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers said although antibiotics can kill the anthrax bacteria, they are not effective in killing the toxins produced by the bacteria and raxibacumab, specifically targets those toxins once they enter the bloodstream. […] Sally Bolmer, senior vice president of development and regulatory affairs at Human Genome Sciences Inc., and lead researcher said, 'This drug strengthens America's arsenal against bioterrorism that would work in the face of antibiotic-resistant anthrax bacterium. […] It [also] acts more quickly than vaccine,' […] Bolmer said. […] The government-funded study although intended for humans was conducted on monkeys due to prohibitions on infecting human subjects with anthrax [bacteria]. […] Approval of the drug [also known as Abthrax] by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pending. […] The researchers said the drug was also tested in 333 healthy humans to determine how they responded to therapeutic doses equivalent to those given to the animals. […] The study found based on animal research that a single dose of Abthrax would provide at least 95 % of human's sufficient levels of the drug in their blood for 28 days." (U.S. News and World Report; 08Jul09; Steven Reinberg, Health Daily Reporter) http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/07/08/new-drug-fights-anthrax-toxin.html
Review of the scientific approaches used during the FBI's investigation of the 2001 bacillus anthracis mailings
"In response to a formal request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI], the National Academies will conduct an independent review of the scientific approaches used during the investigation of the 2001 Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) mailings. An ad hoc committee with relevant expertise will evaluate the scientific foundation for the specific techniques used by the FBI to determine whether these techniques met appropriate standards for scientific reliability and for use in forensic validation and whether the FBI reached appropriate scientific conclusions from its use of these techniques. In instances where novel scientific methods were developed for purposes of the FBI investigation itself, the committee will pay particular attention to whether these methods were appropriately validated. The committee will review and assess scientific evidence […] considered in connection with the 2001 Bacillus anthracis mailings. In assessing this body of information, the Committee will limit its inquiry to the scientific approaches, methodologies, and analytical techniques used during the investigation of the 2001 B. anthracis mailings." (National Academy of Sciences; 10Jul09)
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/cp/projectview.aspx?key=49105
Kennewick engineering firm to draft plan for depot land, several entities weighing in on possible uses [OR]
"The Umatilla Chemical Depot Land Reuse Authority [LRA] made a concrete step toward coming up with a plan for what will happen to the lands the depot sits on after it finishes destroying nerve agent in 2012 or 2013. […] [County Commissioner and LRA Chairman Bill] Hansell said he would like to see the depot ground become an economic hub. […] The Oregon National Guard has shown interest in having it become a training area and the tribes have suggested leaving it as a natural area. Though the contract hasn't been drawn up yet, the LRA chose Dana Engineering, Inc., of Kennewick. […] The firm will be working to assess items at the depot, such as land, buildings and environmental standards, along with the needs and wants of the LRA […] will work to draft a plan over the next eight months. It will also deal with Oregon-specific issues, such as land use classification. The plan will be paid for by a $704,000 grant from the Federal Office of Economic Assessment." (East Oregonian; 09Jul09; Samantha
Bates)
http://eastoregonian.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=48&ArticleID=95017&TM=46285.42
[Senator Mitch] McConnell [R-KY] proposes more depot funding
"An extra $5 million was added Tuesday to the chemical weapons destruction project at the Blue Grass Army Depot after the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee accepted a request from U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. […] The $552.8 million total for 2010, if it is approved, will be the largest amount of funds in any fiscal year dedicated to disposing of the chemical weapons in Kentucky and Colorado. […] 'For years, the people of Madison County have lived near stockpiles of dangerous chemical weapons - and these weapons are a major threat to the community,' McConnell said. […] The additional funding sends the message that the weapons may be destroyed by the 2021 deadline, according to Craig Williams, director of the Berea-based Chemical Weapons Working Group. 'I think this is another positive sign that we are continuing to move in the right direction,' Williams said. 'Hopefully, the pattern will continue so that we can shorten the schedule.'" (Richmond Register; 09Jul09; Ronica Shannon)
http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_190080114.html
Marines eager to move into new chemical warfare training facility [Beaufort, SC]
"A stack of shipping containers serves as a makeshift wall separating the classroom and storage space inside the cavernous warehouse that the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear [CBRN] Marines call home. For over four years, the CBRN Marines have trained more than 2,500 Marines and sailors each year inside the dimly lit, sometimes sweltering warehouse near the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. That will change this year after a new, air-conditioned training center becomes their home. The CBRN Marines train base personnel how to prevent, protect against and respond to possible chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks while deployed overseas. But their current conditions haven't provided the most ideal training environment. […] [The] Marines will move by the end of the year into a $3 million facility under construction half a mile away. CBRN's new building will feature a temperature-controlled classroom with improved lighting and state-of-the-art technology, as well as a new chamber for training with toxic gas. […] The new chamber will be able to hold more than 30 Marines and be equipped with an air-filtration system to eliminate environmental exposure to the gas particles after each training session. The new building is also expected to be the first on base to be certified under the national LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] program, as contractors plan to build the facility to meet stringent standards to minimize environmental impacts." (Beaufort Gazette; 09Jul09; Patrick Donohue)
http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/900452.html
India gets its universal soldier, troops to be armed with self-injecting solutions during chemical wars; will also carry anti-cyanide drug vials
"The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed two self-injectable chemicals that will be carried by soldiers to save themselves from chemical contamination. 'We have developed two auto-jet injectors which will keep soldiers safe from the ill-effects of chemicals during a war. One of the antidotes works against nerve damages, while the other one saves a soldier from blister-causing agents. Both can be administered by the soldier himself right in the battlefield,' said Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller, Life Sciences, DRDO. These two drugs have already reached the forces and industrial partners have been roped in for their production. Another […] drug that is being developed can protect a person from cyanide poisoning. […] DRDO officials also informed that the drug can help firemen, who are often exposed to deadly fumes. […] The drug has civil uses as well. 'It can be used in cases of intentional or accidental poisoning,' said the official. […] The antidotes are being prepared by Gwalior-based Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), which has applied to the Drug Controller General of India for approval. […] DRDO has incorporated vials of these […] drugs in the Nuclear-Chemical-Biological (NBC) suit that will be worn by […] soldiers in the near future. The suit is the primary protection layer against chemical contamination and special tests are being carried out to equip it with life-saving mechanisms." (Mid Day; 10Jul09; Anshuman G. Dutta) http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/jul/100709-New-army-uniforms-new-technology-self-injecting-solutions-anti-cyanide-drug-vials-Delhi.htm
Transportation, logistics provider AIT worldwide logistics, inc.
purchases defentect dm3, gammatect sensors for radiation threat detection "Defentect announces a $126,000 purchase of its management, monitoring and messaging software platform, DM3 and Gammatect radiation sensors. […] Since the announcement of the commercial release just two weeks ago this order marks the second commercial sale of DM3, the homeland security industry's first-to-market, fully integrated management, monitoring and messaging software platform. 'TSA [Transportation and Security Administration] reports that 50 billion pounds of domestic cargo is transported annually by passenger and all-cargo air carriers alone and the agency seeks to reduce the risks, vulnerabilities and threats to the national homeland associated with it,' said Frank O'Connor, president, Defentect. 'TSA is also shifting the responsibility for scanning and inspection of all air freight to offsite locations managed by those doing the shipping as opposed to airport staff. Defentect offers a proven, economical solution to this vertical market, integral to the establishment of an overall national and global network of threat detection in an era of CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) terrorism." (Logistics Online; 10Jul09)
http://www.logisticsonline.com/article.mvc/Transportation-Logistics-Provider-AIT-0001
American science and engineering, inc. receives $8.6 million follow-on order for z portal screening systems from Abu Dhabi customs
"American Science and Engineering […] announced today it has received a $8.6 million follow-on order from Abu Dhabi Customs Administration for multiple Z Portal(R) X-ray screening systems. The Z Portal systems will be used to scan vehicles at a strategic border checkpoint in Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. For maximum threat detection capability, the Z Portal systems will be configured with three Z Backscatter(TM) imaging modules for left, right, and top-down imaging of the vehicle. 'With this new order, the government of Abu Dhabi and the Custom Directorate of its Finance Department will secure additional borders in their ongoing mission to protect its citizens, facilitate trade, and collect revenues. Their comprehensive plan is focused on providing minimum trade restrictions with maximum security. […] We are delighted to play such an important role in safeguarding Abu Dhabi's ports and borders from smuggling, trade fraud, and other threats,' [said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO]. […] Z Portal's patented Z Backscatter technology produces photo-like images for superior detection capability of plastic and liquid explosives, narcotics, plastics weapons, drugs, stowaways, and alcohol." (Fox Business; 09Jul09) http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/industrials/american-science-engineering-receives--million-follow-order-z-portal-screening/
Is your city prepared for a home-made nuke?
"A panel of medical experts has just released its assessment of the technologies and therapies that could be rolled out if a home-made nuclear bomb was ever detonated in the heart of an American city. [...] The panel explored the consequences of a nuclear explosion packing a punch equivalent to 10,000 tonnes of TNT. [...] One crucial factor will be for the authorities to get an instant picture of where the fallout is going and its quantity and speed. This will make it possible to figure out who should seek shelter and who should evacuate - and in which direction. It will also ensure that rescuers are not sent on 'suicide missions' into areas of high radiation. [...] Two drugs approved last year could help cut down such [radiation] complications, says panel member Nelson Chao of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Amgen's Nplate (romiplostim), and GlaxoSmithKline's Promacta (eltrombopag) were approved for use in people with a rare condition that keeps their platelets in chronically short supply. Chao says they might also help boost platelet numbers in radiation victims, preventing dangerous blood loss and infections. It may also soon be possible to use what are known as progenitor cells to prop up the patient's immune system while the bone marrow recovers. [...] 'The cells can be grown in the lab and frozen until needed. If they are found to be safe and effective, they could be stockpiled for use in case of a nuclear attack,' says Ram Mandalam, CEO of Cellerant." (New Scientist; 08Jul09; David Shiga)
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327163.900-is-your-city-prepared-for-a-homemade-nuke.html?page=1
Obama now focusing on threat of nuclear terrorism
"President Barack Obama's announcement that he will host a nuclear security summit next March reflects his conviction that nuclear terrorism is not only the most immediate and extreme threat to global security, but one that must be addressed multilaterally. Mr Obama hopes the summit will galvanise an international effort to secure loose nuclear materials by 2012, break up black markets in nuclear materials, detect and intercept materials in transit, and disrupt the trade in these materials. National Security Council chief of staff Mark Lippert said the list of participants had yet to be finalised, but he expected between 25 and 30 countries to be represented. 'Essentially what we want to do is develop steps that really we can work together on to secure vulnerable materials and combat nuclear smuggling. The other piece is, I think, sort of a communique on best practices that we want to get everybody up to a certain standard,' he said. […] In Moscow this week, Mr Obama suggested that next year's nuclear security summit in the US could be followed a year later by another in Russia. […] Much remains to be agreed before next year's summit can produce a joint declaration committing all parties to a common approach to securing vulnerable nuclear materials." (Irish Times; 10Jul09; Denis Staunton)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0710/1224250386576.html
Specialized chem-bio unit to fully stand up in 2011
"The Defense Department last year stood up the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive consequence management response force in order to beef up the nation's ability to respond to such attacks. The first unit now numbers between 4,500 and 5,000 personnel. Two more units will be begin operations in 2010 and 2011. […] Members from all four services comprise CCMRF [CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force] and participants rotate in and out during dwell times. […] The Marine Corps has a unit with similar capabilities - the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, or CBIRF - but the new organization will be nearly 40 times larger and can perform large-scale logistics tasks that would otherwise exhaust CBIRF, officials said. In an emergency, CCMRF would conduct search-and-rescue missions, extract casualties or decontaminate victims after a nuclear, chemical or biological attack. The unit is also skilled in triage [… and] does not have its own equipment, but has access to ambulances, bulldozers and a myriad of other vehicles and gear used by the military services. It would take the force between 48 and 96 hours to arrive. Although if there is a known terrorist threat, units may prepare before an attack and be ready to deploy sooner." (National Defense; Jul09; Matthew Rusling)http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2009/July/Pages/SpecializedChem-BioUnittoFullyStandUpin2011.aspx
Breathable suit protects users from hazardous materials
"Gore Chempak Selectively Permeable Fabric has been chosen by Blauer Manufacturing Co. for its single-piece chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective suits. The breathable material permits law enforcement and other first responders to stay active on site for up to eight hours. The new XRT suit 'is a single mission coverall that can be donned and doffed multiple times in the event of false alarms,' says a spokesman from W.L. Gore & Associates in Elkton, Md. He points out that the fabric was 'engineered from an intrinsically stable, non-carbon based membrane that does not absorb chemicals or degrade over time." (National Defense; Jul09; Robert H. Williams)
"Scientists in a U.S.-funded study said an experimental anthrax treatment from Human Genome Sciences Inc. increased survival in animals infected with the deadly disease. This led them to believe that the drug […] called raxibacumab, might safely cure anthrax poisoning in humans. In an article published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers said although antibiotics can kill the anthrax bacteria, they are not effective in killing the toxins produced by the bacteria and raxibacumab, specifically targets those toxins once they enter the bloodstream. […] Sally Bolmer, senior vice president of development and regulatory affairs at Human Genome Sciences Inc., and lead researcher said, 'This drug strengthens America's arsenal against bioterrorism that would work in the face of antibiotic-resistant anthrax bacterium. […] It [also] acts more quickly than vaccine,' […] Bolmer said. […] The government-funded study although intended for humans was conducted on monkeys due to prohibitions on infecting human subjects with anthrax [bacteria]. […] Approval of the drug [also known as Abthrax] by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pending. […] The researchers said the drug was also tested in 333 healthy humans to determine how they responded to therapeutic doses equivalent to those given to the animals. […] The study found based on animal research that a single dose of Abthrax would provide at least 95 % of human's sufficient levels of the drug in their blood for 28 days." (U.S. News and World Report; 08Jul09; Steven Reinberg, Health Daily Reporter) http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/07/08/new-drug-fights-anthrax-toxin.html
Review of the scientific approaches used during the FBI's investigation of the 2001 bacillus anthracis mailings
"In response to a formal request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI], the National Academies will conduct an independent review of the scientific approaches used during the investigation of the 2001 Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) mailings. An ad hoc committee with relevant expertise will evaluate the scientific foundation for the specific techniques used by the FBI to determine whether these techniques met appropriate standards for scientific reliability and for use in forensic validation and whether the FBI reached appropriate scientific conclusions from its use of these techniques. In instances where novel scientific methods were developed for purposes of the FBI investigation itself, the committee will pay particular attention to whether these methods were appropriately validated. The committee will review and assess scientific evidence […] considered in connection with the 2001 Bacillus anthracis mailings. In assessing this body of information, the Committee will limit its inquiry to the scientific approaches, methodologies, and analytical techniques used during the investigation of the 2001 B. anthracis mailings." (National Academy of Sciences; 10Jul09)
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/cp/projectview.aspx?key=49105
Kennewick engineering firm to draft plan for depot land, several entities weighing in on possible uses [OR]
"The Umatilla Chemical Depot Land Reuse Authority [LRA] made a concrete step toward coming up with a plan for what will happen to the lands the depot sits on after it finishes destroying nerve agent in 2012 or 2013. […] [County Commissioner and LRA Chairman Bill] Hansell said he would like to see the depot ground become an economic hub. […] The Oregon National Guard has shown interest in having it become a training area and the tribes have suggested leaving it as a natural area. Though the contract hasn't been drawn up yet, the LRA chose Dana Engineering, Inc., of Kennewick. […] The firm will be working to assess items at the depot, such as land, buildings and environmental standards, along with the needs and wants of the LRA […] will work to draft a plan over the next eight months. It will also deal with Oregon-specific issues, such as land use classification. The plan will be paid for by a $704,000 grant from the Federal Office of Economic Assessment." (East Oregonian; 09Jul09; Samantha
Bates)
http://eastoregonian.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=48&ArticleID=95017&TM=46285.42
[Senator Mitch] McConnell [R-KY] proposes more depot funding
"An extra $5 million was added Tuesday to the chemical weapons destruction project at the Blue Grass Army Depot after the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee accepted a request from U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. […] The $552.8 million total for 2010, if it is approved, will be the largest amount of funds in any fiscal year dedicated to disposing of the chemical weapons in Kentucky and Colorado. […] 'For years, the people of Madison County have lived near stockpiles of dangerous chemical weapons - and these weapons are a major threat to the community,' McConnell said. […] The additional funding sends the message that the weapons may be destroyed by the 2021 deadline, according to Craig Williams, director of the Berea-based Chemical Weapons Working Group. 'I think this is another positive sign that we are continuing to move in the right direction,' Williams said. 'Hopefully, the pattern will continue so that we can shorten the schedule.'" (Richmond Register; 09Jul09; Ronica Shannon)
http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_190080114.html
Marines eager to move into new chemical warfare training facility [Beaufort, SC]
"A stack of shipping containers serves as a makeshift wall separating the classroom and storage space inside the cavernous warehouse that the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear [CBRN] Marines call home. For over four years, the CBRN Marines have trained more than 2,500 Marines and sailors each year inside the dimly lit, sometimes sweltering warehouse near the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. That will change this year after a new, air-conditioned training center becomes their home. The CBRN Marines train base personnel how to prevent, protect against and respond to possible chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks while deployed overseas. But their current conditions haven't provided the most ideal training environment. […] [The] Marines will move by the end of the year into a $3 million facility under construction half a mile away. CBRN's new building will feature a temperature-controlled classroom with improved lighting and state-of-the-art technology, as well as a new chamber for training with toxic gas. […] The new chamber will be able to hold more than 30 Marines and be equipped with an air-filtration system to eliminate environmental exposure to the gas particles after each training session. The new building is also expected to be the first on base to be certified under the national LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] program, as contractors plan to build the facility to meet stringent standards to minimize environmental impacts." (Beaufort Gazette; 09Jul09; Patrick Donohue)
http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/900452.html
India gets its universal soldier, troops to be armed with self-injecting solutions during chemical wars; will also carry anti-cyanide drug vials
"The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed two self-injectable chemicals that will be carried by soldiers to save themselves from chemical contamination. 'We have developed two auto-jet injectors which will keep soldiers safe from the ill-effects of chemicals during a war. One of the antidotes works against nerve damages, while the other one saves a soldier from blister-causing agents. Both can be administered by the soldier himself right in the battlefield,' said Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller, Life Sciences, DRDO. These two drugs have already reached the forces and industrial partners have been roped in for their production. Another […] drug that is being developed can protect a person from cyanide poisoning. […] DRDO officials also informed that the drug can help firemen, who are often exposed to deadly fumes. […] The drug has civil uses as well. 'It can be used in cases of intentional or accidental poisoning,' said the official. […] The antidotes are being prepared by Gwalior-based Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), which has applied to the Drug Controller General of India for approval. […] DRDO has incorporated vials of these […] drugs in the Nuclear-Chemical-Biological (NBC) suit that will be worn by […] soldiers in the near future. The suit is the primary protection layer against chemical contamination and special tests are being carried out to equip it with life-saving mechanisms." (Mid Day; 10Jul09; Anshuman G. Dutta) http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/jul/100709-New-army-uniforms-new-technology-self-injecting-solutions-anti-cyanide-drug-vials-Delhi.htm
Transportation, logistics provider AIT worldwide logistics, inc.
purchases defentect dm3, gammatect sensors for radiation threat detection "Defentect announces a $126,000 purchase of its management, monitoring and messaging software platform, DM3 and Gammatect radiation sensors. […] Since the announcement of the commercial release just two weeks ago this order marks the second commercial sale of DM3, the homeland security industry's first-to-market, fully integrated management, monitoring and messaging software platform. 'TSA [Transportation and Security Administration] reports that 50 billion pounds of domestic cargo is transported annually by passenger and all-cargo air carriers alone and the agency seeks to reduce the risks, vulnerabilities and threats to the national homeland associated with it,' said Frank O'Connor, president, Defentect. 'TSA is also shifting the responsibility for scanning and inspection of all air freight to offsite locations managed by those doing the shipping as opposed to airport staff. Defentect offers a proven, economical solution to this vertical market, integral to the establishment of an overall national and global network of threat detection in an era of CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) terrorism." (Logistics Online; 10Jul09)
http://www.logisticsonline.com/article.mvc/Transportation-Logistics-Provider-AIT-0001
American science and engineering, inc. receives $8.6 million follow-on order for z portal screening systems from Abu Dhabi customs
"American Science and Engineering […] announced today it has received a $8.6 million follow-on order from Abu Dhabi Customs Administration for multiple Z Portal(R) X-ray screening systems. The Z Portal systems will be used to scan vehicles at a strategic border checkpoint in Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. For maximum threat detection capability, the Z Portal systems will be configured with three Z Backscatter(TM) imaging modules for left, right, and top-down imaging of the vehicle. 'With this new order, the government of Abu Dhabi and the Custom Directorate of its Finance Department will secure additional borders in their ongoing mission to protect its citizens, facilitate trade, and collect revenues. Their comprehensive plan is focused on providing minimum trade restrictions with maximum security. […] We are delighted to play such an important role in safeguarding Abu Dhabi's ports and borders from smuggling, trade fraud, and other threats,' [said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO]. […] Z Portal's patented Z Backscatter technology produces photo-like images for superior detection capability of plastic and liquid explosives, narcotics, plastics weapons, drugs, stowaways, and alcohol." (Fox Business; 09Jul09) http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/industrials/american-science-engineering-receives--million-follow-order-z-portal-screening/
Is your city prepared for a home-made nuke?
"A panel of medical experts has just released its assessment of the technologies and therapies that could be rolled out if a home-made nuclear bomb was ever detonated in the heart of an American city. [...] The panel explored the consequences of a nuclear explosion packing a punch equivalent to 10,000 tonnes of TNT. [...] One crucial factor will be for the authorities to get an instant picture of where the fallout is going and its quantity and speed. This will make it possible to figure out who should seek shelter and who should evacuate - and in which direction. It will also ensure that rescuers are not sent on 'suicide missions' into areas of high radiation. [...] Two drugs approved last year could help cut down such [radiation] complications, says panel member Nelson Chao of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Amgen's Nplate (romiplostim), and GlaxoSmithKline's Promacta (eltrombopag) were approved for use in people with a rare condition that keeps their platelets in chronically short supply. Chao says they might also help boost platelet numbers in radiation victims, preventing dangerous blood loss and infections. It may also soon be possible to use what are known as progenitor cells to prop up the patient's immune system while the bone marrow recovers. [...] 'The cells can be grown in the lab and frozen until needed. If they are found to be safe and effective, they could be stockpiled for use in case of a nuclear attack,' says Ram Mandalam, CEO of Cellerant." (New Scientist; 08Jul09; David Shiga)
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327163.900-is-your-city-prepared-for-a-homemade-nuke.html?page=1
Obama now focusing on threat of nuclear terrorism
"President Barack Obama's announcement that he will host a nuclear security summit next March reflects his conviction that nuclear terrorism is not only the most immediate and extreme threat to global security, but one that must be addressed multilaterally. Mr Obama hopes the summit will galvanise an international effort to secure loose nuclear materials by 2012, break up black markets in nuclear materials, detect and intercept materials in transit, and disrupt the trade in these materials. National Security Council chief of staff Mark Lippert said the list of participants had yet to be finalised, but he expected between 25 and 30 countries to be represented. 'Essentially what we want to do is develop steps that really we can work together on to secure vulnerable materials and combat nuclear smuggling. The other piece is, I think, sort of a communique on best practices that we want to get everybody up to a certain standard,' he said. […] In Moscow this week, Mr Obama suggested that next year's nuclear security summit in the US could be followed a year later by another in Russia. […] Much remains to be agreed before next year's summit can produce a joint declaration committing all parties to a common approach to securing vulnerable nuclear materials." (Irish Times; 10Jul09; Denis Staunton)
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0710/1224250386576.html
Specialized chem-bio unit to fully stand up in 2011
"The Defense Department last year stood up the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive consequence management response force in order to beef up the nation's ability to respond to such attacks. The first unit now numbers between 4,500 and 5,000 personnel. Two more units will be begin operations in 2010 and 2011. […] Members from all four services comprise CCMRF [CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force] and participants rotate in and out during dwell times. […] The Marine Corps has a unit with similar capabilities - the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, or CBIRF - but the new organization will be nearly 40 times larger and can perform large-scale logistics tasks that would otherwise exhaust CBIRF, officials said. In an emergency, CCMRF would conduct search-and-rescue missions, extract casualties or decontaminate victims after a nuclear, chemical or biological attack. The unit is also skilled in triage [… and] does not have its own equipment, but has access to ambulances, bulldozers and a myriad of other vehicles and gear used by the military services. It would take the force between 48 and 96 hours to arrive. Although if there is a known terrorist threat, units may prepare before an attack and be ready to deploy sooner." (National Defense; Jul09; Matthew Rusling)http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2009/July/Pages/SpecializedChem-BioUnittoFullyStandUpin2011.aspx
Breathable suit protects users from hazardous materials
"Gore Chempak Selectively Permeable Fabric has been chosen by Blauer Manufacturing Co. for its single-piece chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective suits. The breathable material permits law enforcement and other first responders to stay active on site for up to eight hours. The new XRT suit 'is a single mission coverall that can be donned and doffed multiple times in the event of false alarms,' says a spokesman from W.L. Gore & Associates in Elkton, Md. He points out that the fabric was 'engineered from an intrinsically stable, non-carbon based membrane that does not absorb chemicals or degrade over time." (National Defense; Jul09; Robert H. Williams)
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
Advisory
FIN-2009-A004
Issued: July 10, 2009
Subject: Guidance to Financial Institutions Based on the Financial Action Task Force Statement on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Risks Posed by Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and São Tomé and Príncipe
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing this advisory to inform banks and other financial institutions operating in the United States of the risks associated with deficiencies in the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regimes of the following jurisdictions: Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and São Tomé and Príncipe. On June 26, 2009 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued a statement concerning these jurisdictions that reiterates previous FATF concerns and calls for action on the part of its members.1 The FATF statement is copied below and can be found on the FATF website.2
"IRAN
The FATF remains concerned by Iran's failure to meaningfully address the ongoing and substantial deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. The FATF remains particularly concerned about Iran's failure to address the risk of terrorist financing and the serious threat this poses to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF urges Iran to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies, in particular by criminalizing terrorist financing and effectively implementing suspicious transaction reporting (STR) requirements.
The FATF reaffirms its call on members and urges all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with Iran, including Iranian companies and financial institutions. In addition to enhanced scrutiny, the FATF reaffirms its 25 February 20093 call on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective counter-measures to protect their financial sectors from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks emanating from Iran. FATF continues to urge jurisdictions to protect against correspondent relationships being used to bypass or evade counter-measures and risk mitigation practices, and to take into account ML/FT risks when considering requests by Iranian financial institutions to open branches and subsidiaries in their jurisdiction.
The FATF remains prepared to engage directly in assisting Iran to address its AML/CFT deficiencies, including through the FATF Secretariat.
UZBEKISTAN
The FATF welcomes the significant recent steps that Uzbekistan has taken to restore and strengthen its AML/CFT regime and takes note of the action plan for further steps that it has articulated. FATF urges Uzbekistan to continue its progress towards completing its legislative framework and implementing an AML/CFT regime that meets international standards. Given that implementing regulations are not yet enacted, the FATF reiterates its statement of 16 October 20084 [that calls on its members to strengthen preventive measures to protect their financial sectors from the ML/FT risk].
TURKMENISTAN
The FATF welcomes Turkmenistan's recent progress in adopting AML/CFT legislation. Given that deficiencies remain in Turkmenistan's AML/CFT regime, FATF reiterates its 25 February 2009 statement informing financial institutions that these deficiencies constitute an ML/FT vulnerability in the international financial system and that they should take appropriate measures to address this risk. Turkmenistan is urged to continue to take steps to implement an AML/CFT regime that meets international AML/CFT standards. Turkmenistan is strongly encouraged to continue to work closely with the Eurasian Group and the International Monetary Fund to achieve this.
PAKISTAN
The FATF welcomes Pakistan's recent accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. However, the FATF remains concerned about the ML/FT risks posed by Pakistan and reaffirms its public statement of 28 February 20085 [that remaining deficiencies in Pakistan's AML/CFT regime constitute a ML/FT vulnerability to the international financial system]. The FATF welcomes the process underway in Pakistan to improve its AML/CFT regime. The FATF encourages Pakistan to continue to fully co-operate with the World Bank and the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) on its mutual evaluation process.
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
The FATF welcomes São Tomé and Príncipe's continuing efforts to implement its AML law. The FATF remains concerned about the significant deficiencies in São Tomé and Príncipe's AML/CFT regime, particularly relating to terrorist financing. The FATF urges São Tomé and Príncipe to work with the Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) to address the remaining AML/CFT deficiencies."
FinCEN Guidance
Consistent with the FATF statement noted above, banks and other financial institutions operating in the United States should consider the risks arising from deficiencies in the AML-CFT regimes of Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and São Tomé and Príncipe. In that regard, 31 C.F.R. § 103.176 requires covered financial institutions to apply due diligence to correspondent accounts maintained for foreign financial institutions. Under this regulation, covered financial institutions must establish due diligence programs that include appropriate, specific, risk-based, and, where necessary, enhanced policies, procedures, and controls that are reasonably designed to detect and report known or suspected money laundering activity conducted through or involving any such correspondent account established, maintained, administered, or managed in the United States. In addition, consistent with the standard for reporting suspicious activity as provided for in 31 C.F.R. part 103, if a financial institution knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that a transaction involves funds derived from illegal activity or that a customer has otherwise engaged in activities indicative of money laundering, terrorist financing, or other violation of federal law or regulation, the financial institution shall then file a Suspicious Activity Report.
Previous FinCEN guidance on the money laundering threat involving illicit Iranian activity, including FIN-2008-A0026 and FIN-2007-A0017 , remains in effect as does previous FinCEN guidance on the money laundering threat involving Uzbekistan, FIN-2008-A004.8 In addition, financial institutions should be familiar with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1803 (March 2008)9 calling on all states to exercise vigilance over activities of financial institutions in their territories with all banks domiciled in Iran and their branches and subsidiaries abroad. Further, financial institutions are reminded of the existing U.S. sanctions that are administered by the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) with respect to Iran and the Government of Iran, including but not limited to Iranian Government-owned banks and other entities, as well as Iranian entities that have been linked to terrorist activity and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Information about these sanctions is available on OFAC's website.10
1 The FATF is a 34 member inter-governmental policy-making body whose purpose is to establish international standards, and develop and promote policies, both at national and international levels, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. See www.fatf-gafi.org. The United States is a member of the FATF. See also previous FATF statements of October 11, 2007 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/1/2/39481684.pdf; February 28, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/16/26/40181037.pdf; June 20, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/50/1/40879782.pdf; October 16, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/25/17/41508956.pdf; and February 25, 2009 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/18/28/42242615.pdf.
2 See www.fatf-gafi.org/document/15/0,3343,en_32250379_32236836_43193871_1_1_1_1,00.html.
3 See FATF Statement of February 25, 2009 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/18/28/42242615.pdf.
4 See FATF Statement of October 16, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/25/17/41508956.pdf.
5 See FATF Statement of February 28, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/16/26/40181037.pdf.
6 See "Guidance to Financial Institutions on the Continuing Money Laundering Threat Involving Illicit Iranian Activity," of March 20, 2008 at www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/pdf/fin-2008-a002.pdf.
7 See "Guidance to Financial Institutions on the Increasing Money Laundering Threat Involving Illicit Iranian Activity," of October 16, 2007 at www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/pdf/guidance_fi_increasing_mlt_iranian.pdf.
8 See "Guidance to Financial Institutions on the Money Laundering Threat Involving the Republic of Uzbekistan," of March 20, 2008 at www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/pdf/fin-2008-a004.pdf.
9 See www.un.org/docs/sc.
10 See www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/.
FIN-2009-A004
Issued: July 10, 2009
Subject: Guidance to Financial Institutions Based on the Financial Action Task Force Statement on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Risks Posed by Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and São Tomé and Príncipe
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing this advisory to inform banks and other financial institutions operating in the United States of the risks associated with deficiencies in the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regimes of the following jurisdictions: Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and São Tomé and Príncipe. On June 26, 2009 the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued a statement concerning these jurisdictions that reiterates previous FATF concerns and calls for action on the part of its members.1 The FATF statement is copied below and can be found on the FATF website.2
"IRAN
The FATF remains concerned by Iran's failure to meaningfully address the ongoing and substantial deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. The FATF remains particularly concerned about Iran's failure to address the risk of terrorist financing and the serious threat this poses to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF urges Iran to immediately and meaningfully address its AML/CFT deficiencies, in particular by criminalizing terrorist financing and effectively implementing suspicious transaction reporting (STR) requirements.
The FATF reaffirms its call on members and urges all jurisdictions to advise their financial institutions to give special attention to business relationships and transactions with Iran, including Iranian companies and financial institutions. In addition to enhanced scrutiny, the FATF reaffirms its 25 February 20093 call on its members and urges all jurisdictions to apply effective counter-measures to protect their financial sectors from money laundering and financing of terrorism (ML/FT) risks emanating from Iran. FATF continues to urge jurisdictions to protect against correspondent relationships being used to bypass or evade counter-measures and risk mitigation practices, and to take into account ML/FT risks when considering requests by Iranian financial institutions to open branches and subsidiaries in their jurisdiction.
The FATF remains prepared to engage directly in assisting Iran to address its AML/CFT deficiencies, including through the FATF Secretariat.
UZBEKISTAN
The FATF welcomes the significant recent steps that Uzbekistan has taken to restore and strengthen its AML/CFT regime and takes note of the action plan for further steps that it has articulated. FATF urges Uzbekistan to continue its progress towards completing its legislative framework and implementing an AML/CFT regime that meets international standards. Given that implementing regulations are not yet enacted, the FATF reiterates its statement of 16 October 20084 [that calls on its members to strengthen preventive measures to protect their financial sectors from the ML/FT risk].
TURKMENISTAN
The FATF welcomes Turkmenistan's recent progress in adopting AML/CFT legislation. Given that deficiencies remain in Turkmenistan's AML/CFT regime, FATF reiterates its 25 February 2009 statement informing financial institutions that these deficiencies constitute an ML/FT vulnerability in the international financial system and that they should take appropriate measures to address this risk. Turkmenistan is urged to continue to take steps to implement an AML/CFT regime that meets international AML/CFT standards. Turkmenistan is strongly encouraged to continue to work closely with the Eurasian Group and the International Monetary Fund to achieve this.
PAKISTAN
The FATF welcomes Pakistan's recent accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. However, the FATF remains concerned about the ML/FT risks posed by Pakistan and reaffirms its public statement of 28 February 20085 [that remaining deficiencies in Pakistan's AML/CFT regime constitute a ML/FT vulnerability to the international financial system]. The FATF welcomes the process underway in Pakistan to improve its AML/CFT regime. The FATF encourages Pakistan to continue to fully co-operate with the World Bank and the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) on its mutual evaluation process.
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
The FATF welcomes São Tomé and Príncipe's continuing efforts to implement its AML law. The FATF remains concerned about the significant deficiencies in São Tomé and Príncipe's AML/CFT regime, particularly relating to terrorist financing. The FATF urges São Tomé and Príncipe to work with the Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) to address the remaining AML/CFT deficiencies."
FinCEN Guidance
Consistent with the FATF statement noted above, banks and other financial institutions operating in the United States should consider the risks arising from deficiencies in the AML-CFT regimes of Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and São Tomé and Príncipe. In that regard, 31 C.F.R. § 103.176 requires covered financial institutions to apply due diligence to correspondent accounts maintained for foreign financial institutions. Under this regulation, covered financial institutions must establish due diligence programs that include appropriate, specific, risk-based, and, where necessary, enhanced policies, procedures, and controls that are reasonably designed to detect and report known or suspected money laundering activity conducted through or involving any such correspondent account established, maintained, administered, or managed in the United States. In addition, consistent with the standard for reporting suspicious activity as provided for in 31 C.F.R. part 103, if a financial institution knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that a transaction involves funds derived from illegal activity or that a customer has otherwise engaged in activities indicative of money laundering, terrorist financing, or other violation of federal law or regulation, the financial institution shall then file a Suspicious Activity Report.
Previous FinCEN guidance on the money laundering threat involving illicit Iranian activity, including FIN-2008-A0026 and FIN-2007-A0017 , remains in effect as does previous FinCEN guidance on the money laundering threat involving Uzbekistan, FIN-2008-A004.8 In addition, financial institutions should be familiar with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1803 (March 2008)9 calling on all states to exercise vigilance over activities of financial institutions in their territories with all banks domiciled in Iran and their branches and subsidiaries abroad. Further, financial institutions are reminded of the existing U.S. sanctions that are administered by the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) with respect to Iran and the Government of Iran, including but not limited to Iranian Government-owned banks and other entities, as well as Iranian entities that have been linked to terrorist activity and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Information about these sanctions is available on OFAC's website.10
1 The FATF is a 34 member inter-governmental policy-making body whose purpose is to establish international standards, and develop and promote policies, both at national and international levels, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. See www.fatf-gafi.org. The United States is a member of the FATF. See also previous FATF statements of October 11, 2007 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/1/2/39481684.pdf; February 28, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/16/26/40181037.pdf; June 20, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/50/1/40879782.pdf; October 16, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/25/17/41508956.pdf; and February 25, 2009 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/18/28/42242615.pdf.
2 See www.fatf-gafi.org/document/15/0,3343,en_32250379_32236836_43193871_1_1_1_1,00.html.
3 See FATF Statement of February 25, 2009 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/18/28/42242615.pdf.
4 See FATF Statement of October 16, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/25/17/41508956.pdf.
5 See FATF Statement of February 28, 2008 at www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/16/26/40181037.pdf.
6 See "Guidance to Financial Institutions on the Continuing Money Laundering Threat Involving Illicit Iranian Activity," of March 20, 2008 at www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/pdf/fin-2008-a002.pdf.
7 See "Guidance to Financial Institutions on the Increasing Money Laundering Threat Involving Illicit Iranian Activity," of October 16, 2007 at www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/pdf/guidance_fi_increasing_mlt_iranian.pdf.
8 See "Guidance to Financial Institutions on the Money Laundering Threat Involving the Republic of Uzbekistan," of March 20, 2008 at www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/pdf/fin-2008-a004.pdf.
9 See www.un.org/docs/sc.
10 See www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/.
Soldiers Scan Skies for Mortars, Rockets
By Army Pfc. J. Princeville LawrenceSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - Army Pfc. Dustin Clark was manning the night shift when he heard the warning system go off. Clark -- a counter rocket, artillery and mortar, or C-RAM, systems operator -- has watched the skies for indirect fire attacks here for six months. Months had passed with nothing happening. Now, the system was alerting him that someone, somewhere, was firing rockets toward the contingency operating base.
"Now it's time to do my job," he said.
Within seconds, Clark acquired the projectiles and tracked them. After sounding the general alarm for the soldiers throughout the base, he turned to his peers and alerted them to the incoming rounds. This was not a drill.
A Dayton, Ohio native, Clark is a member of Echo Battery, 4th Batallion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, C-RAM, out of Fort Hood, Texas. He and other C-RAM systems operators provide 24-hour coverage against mortars and rockets across the Multinational Division South area of responsibility.
"We man the duties of watching the skies here," said Army Staff Sgt. Queston Newell, 2nd Platoon section sergeant. "The bad guys shoot their weapons at us. We use our equipment to see them shooting at us. And then we tell people they're shooting at us using an alarm." The mission is two-fold, said Newell, of Lubbock, Texas.
"We actually sense that the round is coming," he explained. "We know where it's going to land, and where it came from. Of course, our priority is to protect our soldiers, but the second part is very important: to find the guys who are doing that.
"We're very accurate," he added.
Much of the C-RAM soldiers' day is spent either monitoring against hostile activity or maintaining and calibrating their equipment.
"The maintenance is the biggest part," Newell said. "We have to test speakers pretty regularly. We have to make sure everyone can hear the speakers. We have to maintain our radar equipment [and] make sure it's calibrated correctly."
While the hours may be long, the C-RAM soldiers take their mission to heart, Newell said.
"They know people's lives depend on them. Without them, people would have to wear their full 'battle-rattle' armor all the time," he said. "We allow them to relax a little, enjoy some volleyball and football. This team gives people in Basra peace of mind knowing we're protecting them from [indirect-fire] attacks."
It's this kind of commitment that allowed Clark to make the calls he did the night the rockets came in. After sounding the alarm, he stood by and tracked the projectiles before and after impact.
"We didn't have any injuries that night," Newell noted, "which is a spectacular tribute to both the soldiers here on the ground doing what they've been trained to do during an attack, and a tribute to the soldiers who are manning shift and making sure that the area is protected. If our alarm saves only one life, we have succeeded in our mission." (Army Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence serves in Multinational Division South.)
Face of Defense: Soldier Crunches Numbers to Equip Comrades
By Army 1st Lt. Janeene YarberSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - Army Spc. Russell Madden crunches numbers, but not just any numbers. He makes sure the important figures on his computer screen translate into mission-essential equipment, and sees that it gets to the proper places in a safe and hasty manner, and he keeps track of sensitive items. The 31-year-old Hastings, Mich. native -- a unit supply specialist and unit armorer with the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade -- said he keeps on his toes by always asking questions of his noncommissioned officers.
"It's a thankless job," the father of three said, half-joking. "People don't realize that everything has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is supply. They take us for granted until they need something."
At the beginning of this tour, Madden served in the battalion's supply section, tracking requisitions from the companies, scheduling transportation and handling the bill of materials for the construction projects throughout Multinational Division Baghdad.
"When Specialist Madden arrived to the unit, you could tell that he wasn't just another private," said Army Capt. Kelly Boone, battalion supply officer in charge. "He is mature, and that was a big factor in the missions he was assigned."
Boone said Madden's maturity, exceptional organizational skills, and ability to keep track of vital information led to then-Private First Class Madden's nomination for the battalion's first battlefield promotion, which he earned in November. Now a specialist, Madden has begun his additional job as the unit armorer, and he said tracking dozens of sensitive items he doesn't really have in his possession can be tricky.
"The equipment is signed out to the soldiers, but I need to have accountability at all times," he said. "So, I do monthly inventories to make sure things are where they're supposed to be."
The newly assigned armorer and unit supply specialist said he looks forward to going home to his three children -- Nathan, Trevor and Grace -- and seeing his wife, whom he's known since kindergarten.
"I've known my wife for 26 years, and we lived only two miles apart in Michigan," Madden said. "My wife and I talk to the kids to try to explain to them what their daddy does out here. They are a big part of our family decisions. I think my 8-year-old, Nathan, has an idea of what the Army does. The others are too young to grasp the whole concept right now."
Each morning before physical training, Madden makes time to speak to his family.
"This deployment is nothing like I'd thought it would be," he said. "I'm lucky enough to live in a containerized housing unit, not a tent. I have Internet access, and can keep in touch with my family pretty well."
In his spare time, Madden said, he loves to run, a habit one of his NCOs got him into. He is an avid runner now, and has enjoyed participating in the many organized runs held on the Victory Base Complex during his 15-month deployment to Iraq.
"As this deployment winds down, I have mixed feelings about leaving, because we have worked so hard to improve this country and want to continue making great strides," he said. "On the other hand, it is time to let another unit come in and leave their mark on the country."
In 10 years, Madden said, he expects to be finished with his degree in criminal justice and paying for his son's college tuition. For now, he added, he continues to enjoy his job taking care of his fellow soldiers while doing an important, yet sometimes overlooked, job.
"There really isn't a down side to this job," he said. "I'm an important part of the overall picture, and I never have to ask anyone for a pen."
(Army 1st Lt. Janeene Yarber serves with 46th Engineer Combat Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade.)
Airmen Attain Combat Milestone in Afghanistan
By Air Force Capt. David FaggardSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - Airmen here hit a major milestone July 8 when they completed their 2,000th combat mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. An EC-130H Compass Call crew assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing's 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron and deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., flew the milestone mission, providing direct support to coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.
The mission was like any other, said Air Force Capt. Kelly Weber, a Compass Call pilot from Fort Worth, Texas.
"It was a very rewarding mission," he said, noting he couldn't discuss details due to operational security. Often called a "Super-E" model, some of the EC-130H aircraft are more than 40 years old. The aircraft's electronics disrupt enemy command and control, and often are used to attack hostile communications.
"We're a small community with a small inventory of aircraft," said Air Force Lt. Col. Chris Kirschman, the squadron commander. "We're 100 percent committed to the mission, and this couldn't get done without our great maintainers on the ground."
None of the three crewmembers discussing the mission was in the Air Force on Sept. 11, 2001, and they weren't even aware it was such a monumental flight.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Ashley House, from Portsmouth, Va., said the mission was almost routine, as airmen from around the world are in the skies and on the ground supporting operations here.
The seven-hour mission was "very rewarding," said Air Force 1st Lt. Lori Brophy, an electronic warfare officer from Raymond, Neb. "[The crewmembers are] very professional, and know what capabilities we bring to the fight."
(Air Force Capt. David Faggard serves in the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs office.)
Forces in Afghanistan Detain Militants, Seize Weapons
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected militants yesterday during operations to disrupt Haqqani terrorist network activity in Afghanistan, military officials reported. Afghan and coalition forces searched two compounds last night in Khowst province in an effort to disrupt the flow of weapons, suicide bombers and foreign fighters into the region.
The force detained six suspected militants, including two suspected Haqqani commanders. One of the commanders is believed to be involved with rocket attacks against the Kuchi tribe and the smuggling of weapons, suicide bombers and foreign fighters into Afghanistan.
The force also confiscated two AKM rifles, two shotguns, a rifle with optic device, a pistol, multiple chest racks, a camera, multimedia devices, blasting caps and fragmentation material.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces conducted an operation in Ghazni province's Giro district to disrupt the Taliban network's operational and logistical support lines of ambush units in the region.
The force encountered hostile fire from one of the compounds and engaged the militants, resulting in several killed and one wounded. Forces also pursued and killed several armed militants who fled the compound. The force detained four suspected militants during the operation.
The force also confiscated 21 grenades, nine rocket-propelled grenades, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, a loaded automatic weapon, seven chest racks, more than a thousand rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and a roadside bomb with command wire, five blasting caps, multimeter and circuit boards.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
July 10, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected militants yesterday during operations to disrupt Haqqani terrorist network activity in Afghanistan, military officials reported. Afghan and coalition forces searched two compounds last night in Khowst province in an effort to disrupt the flow of weapons, suicide bombers and foreign fighters into the region.
The force detained six suspected militants, including two suspected Haqqani commanders. One of the commanders is believed to be involved with rocket attacks against the Kuchi tribe and the smuggling of weapons, suicide bombers and foreign fighters into Afghanistan.
The force also confiscated two AKM rifles, two shotguns, a rifle with optic device, a pistol, multiple chest racks, a camera, multimedia devices, blasting caps and fragmentation material.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces conducted an operation in Ghazni province's Giro district to disrupt the Taliban network's operational and logistical support lines of ambush units in the region.
The force encountered hostile fire from one of the compounds and engaged the militants, resulting in several killed and one wounded. Forces also pursued and killed several armed militants who fled the compound. The force detained four suspected militants during the operation.
The force also confiscated 21 grenades, nine rocket-propelled grenades, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, a loaded automatic weapon, seven chest racks, more than a thousand rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and a roadside bomb with command wire, five blasting caps, multimeter and circuit boards.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Craddock: NATO Must Find Better Ways for Nations to Participate
By C. Todd Lopez
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - Options exist to help NATO members better meet their obligations within the alliance, the former NATO commander who left the post less than two weeks ago said here yesterday. Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, who served as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and as commander of U.S. European Command until this month, spoke to the Reserve Officers Association as part of a presentation by the Heritage Foundation titled "NATO and Afghanistan: Equitable Burden Sharing."
The general addressed concerns that some nations weren't as active in the alliance as others, particularly when it came to NATO commitments in Afghanistan.
Craddock said NATO can do more to enable member nations to provide support and meet their commitments to the alliance. He suggested including the development of shared resources and the expansion of the NATO mission to include nonmilitary, nation-building activities as ways the alliance could help members become more active.
"We as an alliance need to make it easier for individual nations to make those contributions," he said. "We need to help nations financially who are willing to deploy to an operational theater." Such assistance could come, he said, through the use of common or shared resources -- including a funding system that could reduce the strain on national defense budgets.
"We must bring new, modern interoperable capabilities to the nations of the alliance, and also collectively to the alliance itself," Craddock said. "I think we should further explore the acquisition of the commonly owned assets."
Even more, he said, NATO could redefine its mission in such a way as to enable some nations to participate in nonmilitary ways.
"The vast majority of the new and emerging threats that we face collectively -- transnational terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, piracy, energy security, mass migration, cyber attack -- these cannot be defeated by military means alone," he said. Those threats to national security call for international solutions built on international partnerships and cooperation, he said.
"When we plan for the operations of today and tomorrow, perhaps NATO should ask whether it can provide capabilities outside the military domain," he said. "I would suggest that it is perhaps time for NATO to consider a greater role in areas that are traditionally nonmilitary. Future transformation could be more comprehensive in nature, enabling the alliance to participate more actively in new tasks, tasks such as nation-building, and the construction of systems of justice and good government."
The role of the United States, he said, is to continue building partner capacity in NATO -- to assist partner and member nations in building what they have to contribute to increasing demands by the alliance.
"We currently provide essential support to our multinational operations by building partner capacity," he said. "We must expand our efforts to assist allies in increasing their capabilities. The multinational operations we conduct today, and the one that we will conduct tomorrow, can succeed only if allies work together effectively. Interoperability and increased partner capacity are indeed essential."
Craddock also discussed the perception that some NATO nations did not seem as committed to the alliance's operations as others -- particularly when it involved Afghanistan.
"I believe that our European allies play an important and invaluable role in Afghanistan and other NATO operations," Craddock said. "But I also believe that we have issues to resolve. We as an alliance have remained well short of our agreed-upon statement of requirements in the Afghan theater. And also in Afghanistan, our NATO forces are riddled with caveats which restrict the flexible employment of the military force."
But the general fell short of accusing any particular nation of not doing its part.
"To simply say that our allies don't pull their weight in Afghanistan, I believe, is an oversimplification," he said.
Craddock said NATO asks member nations to commit 2 percent of their gross domestic product to defense, but that only a handful of member nations meet that goal. He added that he expects the number of countries meeting that expectation to drop even further.
"I think today that number is four; it was six this time a year ago, and it may well be two within six months," he said. "Those are the current trends."
Some nations participating in Afghanistan have restrictions on use of their troops -- restrictions that limit their ability to contribute to the alliance's goals, the general said.
Craddock explained that NATO's less-active nations can be divided into two categories: those that cannot participate as fully as expected, and those that will not.
"The United States has spent a lot of time, effort and resources developing our military as a powerful force, with a wide spectrum of cutting-edge capabilities and highly trained units to conduct military operations whenever and wherever we're called for," he said. "But not all of our allies have the resources to develop similar force strength and similar capabilities."
Nations with limited resources, he said, may focus instead on very specific, specialized capabilities they can bring to the fight. Their commitment, with limited, niche capabilities, must not be interpreted as being less committed, he said.
"Some nations are strong in certain areas and are weak in other areas," he noted. "Some lack certain capabilities altogether. We must not look at specialization as a shortcoming. Rather, for many, it is a sensible way to increase alliance capability in total. By encouraging nations to focus their efforts in different capability areas, we can benefit as an alliance from the law of comparative advantage."
During the Cold War, Craddock said, many nations focused on building defensive forces to protect their own borders. But the end of the Cold War and new NATO requirements have meant that nations must transform their militaries to support expeditionary operations. Recent conflict between Russia and Georgia, however, has been cause for some nations to reconsider their rapid transformation to an expeditionary force, he acknowledged.
Providing an expeditionary force also is expensive, Craddock said. For some nations, the logistical cost of deploying a force commensurate with their military's size is prohibitively expensive.
"Due to NATO's 'costs-lie-where-they-fall' policy, the costs of deployment fall to individual nations committing and deploying to the theater," he said. "For a larger nation, such as the United States, we are able to benefit from economies of scale as we've realized logistics costs. Contrarily, the logistics tail for a smaller force contingent in Afghanistan is proportionately much more significant than for that of a larger force."
Some nations, he said, also may be unwilling to support all NATO operations because of political pressure and because of a government's inability to communicate to its own population the importance of participation in some actions that aren't readily seen as important to their own national security.
"The decision of a nation to deploy military force, putting its sons and daughters in harm's way and expending national treasure, is not and should not be an easy decision," he said. "We must remember that even the Article 5 guarantee of NATO provides only that a nation take action it deems necessary in restoring and maintaining security -- it is a national decision." Article 5 of the treaty that created NATO provides that the alliance will consider an attack on any member nation to be an attack on all.
NATO is asking member countries to provide resources to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, to the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, to a headquarters in Bosnia, to Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean, to training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, and to the NATO response force.
He said a national government, in making a decision to commit to those requests, must consider national will inside its borders and how to sell providing support to the populace that elected it.
"It must consider public opinion as it endeavors to deploy its military force," he said. "In some nations, public support for the operation in Afghanistan is quite limited."
Still, the general said, he believes each nation in NATO has a responsibility to the alliance and to communicate to its people the importance of the military action it has committed to NATO. Leaders, he said, must not be followers.
To lead rather than follow polling data on public opinion can pose a real challenge for European nations, Craddock said. "When a coalition government's hold on power rests with a single seat in parliament, that government may be more than a bit tentative in vocalizing unpopular positions," he explained.
Ultimately, Craddock said, operations in Afghanistan need more support from NATO countries if the goals of the alliance are to be met.
"The ISAF mission, in Afghanistan in particular, needs increased commitment by individual NATO allies and partners to enable meaningful progress toward objectives," Craddock said.
(C. Todd Lopez works at Army News Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - Options exist to help NATO members better meet their obligations within the alliance, the former NATO commander who left the post less than two weeks ago said here yesterday. Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, who served as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and as commander of U.S. European Command until this month, spoke to the Reserve Officers Association as part of a presentation by the Heritage Foundation titled "NATO and Afghanistan: Equitable Burden Sharing."
The general addressed concerns that some nations weren't as active in the alliance as others, particularly when it came to NATO commitments in Afghanistan.
Craddock said NATO can do more to enable member nations to provide support and meet their commitments to the alliance. He suggested including the development of shared resources and the expansion of the NATO mission to include nonmilitary, nation-building activities as ways the alliance could help members become more active.
"We as an alliance need to make it easier for individual nations to make those contributions," he said. "We need to help nations financially who are willing to deploy to an operational theater." Such assistance could come, he said, through the use of common or shared resources -- including a funding system that could reduce the strain on national defense budgets.
"We must bring new, modern interoperable capabilities to the nations of the alliance, and also collectively to the alliance itself," Craddock said. "I think we should further explore the acquisition of the commonly owned assets."
Even more, he said, NATO could redefine its mission in such a way as to enable some nations to participate in nonmilitary ways.
"The vast majority of the new and emerging threats that we face collectively -- transnational terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, piracy, energy security, mass migration, cyber attack -- these cannot be defeated by military means alone," he said. Those threats to national security call for international solutions built on international partnerships and cooperation, he said.
"When we plan for the operations of today and tomorrow, perhaps NATO should ask whether it can provide capabilities outside the military domain," he said. "I would suggest that it is perhaps time for NATO to consider a greater role in areas that are traditionally nonmilitary. Future transformation could be more comprehensive in nature, enabling the alliance to participate more actively in new tasks, tasks such as nation-building, and the construction of systems of justice and good government."
The role of the United States, he said, is to continue building partner capacity in NATO -- to assist partner and member nations in building what they have to contribute to increasing demands by the alliance.
"We currently provide essential support to our multinational operations by building partner capacity," he said. "We must expand our efforts to assist allies in increasing their capabilities. The multinational operations we conduct today, and the one that we will conduct tomorrow, can succeed only if allies work together effectively. Interoperability and increased partner capacity are indeed essential."
Craddock also discussed the perception that some NATO nations did not seem as committed to the alliance's operations as others -- particularly when it involved Afghanistan.
"I believe that our European allies play an important and invaluable role in Afghanistan and other NATO operations," Craddock said. "But I also believe that we have issues to resolve. We as an alliance have remained well short of our agreed-upon statement of requirements in the Afghan theater. And also in Afghanistan, our NATO forces are riddled with caveats which restrict the flexible employment of the military force."
But the general fell short of accusing any particular nation of not doing its part.
"To simply say that our allies don't pull their weight in Afghanistan, I believe, is an oversimplification," he said.
Craddock said NATO asks member nations to commit 2 percent of their gross domestic product to defense, but that only a handful of member nations meet that goal. He added that he expects the number of countries meeting that expectation to drop even further.
"I think today that number is four; it was six this time a year ago, and it may well be two within six months," he said. "Those are the current trends."
Some nations participating in Afghanistan have restrictions on use of their troops -- restrictions that limit their ability to contribute to the alliance's goals, the general said.
Craddock explained that NATO's less-active nations can be divided into two categories: those that cannot participate as fully as expected, and those that will not.
"The United States has spent a lot of time, effort and resources developing our military as a powerful force, with a wide spectrum of cutting-edge capabilities and highly trained units to conduct military operations whenever and wherever we're called for," he said. "But not all of our allies have the resources to develop similar force strength and similar capabilities."
Nations with limited resources, he said, may focus instead on very specific, specialized capabilities they can bring to the fight. Their commitment, with limited, niche capabilities, must not be interpreted as being less committed, he said.
"Some nations are strong in certain areas and are weak in other areas," he noted. "Some lack certain capabilities altogether. We must not look at specialization as a shortcoming. Rather, for many, it is a sensible way to increase alliance capability in total. By encouraging nations to focus their efforts in different capability areas, we can benefit as an alliance from the law of comparative advantage."
During the Cold War, Craddock said, many nations focused on building defensive forces to protect their own borders. But the end of the Cold War and new NATO requirements have meant that nations must transform their militaries to support expeditionary operations. Recent conflict between Russia and Georgia, however, has been cause for some nations to reconsider their rapid transformation to an expeditionary force, he acknowledged.
Providing an expeditionary force also is expensive, Craddock said. For some nations, the logistical cost of deploying a force commensurate with their military's size is prohibitively expensive.
"Due to NATO's 'costs-lie-where-they-fall' policy, the costs of deployment fall to individual nations committing and deploying to the theater," he said. "For a larger nation, such as the United States, we are able to benefit from economies of scale as we've realized logistics costs. Contrarily, the logistics tail for a smaller force contingent in Afghanistan is proportionately much more significant than for that of a larger force."
Some nations, he said, also may be unwilling to support all NATO operations because of political pressure and because of a government's inability to communicate to its own population the importance of participation in some actions that aren't readily seen as important to their own national security.
"The decision of a nation to deploy military force, putting its sons and daughters in harm's way and expending national treasure, is not and should not be an easy decision," he said. "We must remember that even the Article 5 guarantee of NATO provides only that a nation take action it deems necessary in restoring and maintaining security -- it is a national decision." Article 5 of the treaty that created NATO provides that the alliance will consider an attack on any member nation to be an attack on all.
NATO is asking member countries to provide resources to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, to the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, to a headquarters in Bosnia, to Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean, to training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, and to the NATO response force.
He said a national government, in making a decision to commit to those requests, must consider national will inside its borders and how to sell providing support to the populace that elected it.
"It must consider public opinion as it endeavors to deploy its military force," he said. "In some nations, public support for the operation in Afghanistan is quite limited."
Still, the general said, he believes each nation in NATO has a responsibility to the alliance and to communicate to its people the importance of the military action it has committed to NATO. Leaders, he said, must not be followers.
To lead rather than follow polling data on public opinion can pose a real challenge for European nations, Craddock said. "When a coalition government's hold on power rests with a single seat in parliament, that government may be more than a bit tentative in vocalizing unpopular positions," he explained.
Ultimately, Craddock said, operations in Afghanistan need more support from NATO countries if the goals of the alliance are to be met.
"The ISAF mission, in Afghanistan in particular, needs increased commitment by individual NATO allies and partners to enable meaningful progress toward objectives," Craddock said.
(C. Todd Lopez works at Army News Service.)
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Gregory J. Missman, 36, of Batavia, Ohio, died July 8 at Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained elsewhere in Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms 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. Gregory J. Missman, 36, of Batavia, Ohio, died July 8 at Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained elsewhere in Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms 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.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg, 19, of Wright City, Mo., died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 287-2520; or via the internet at Fort Hood's News Center online at http://www.hood.army.mil/news.paos.aspx .
Pvt. Lucas M. Bregg, 19, of Wright City, Mo., died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 287-2520; or via the internet at Fort Hood's News Center online at http://www.hood.army.mil/news.paos.aspx .
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Michael C. Roy, 25, of North Fort Myers, Fla., died July 8 while supporting combat operations in Nimroz province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 450-6499.
Sgt. Michael C. Roy, 25, of North Fort Myers, Fla., died July 8 while supporting combat operations in Nimroz province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 450-6499.
Partnership With Pakistan Key to Regional Stability, Mullen Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - A long-term partnership with Pakistan is key to promoting stability in Afghanistan and the region, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said yesterday. "I've been to Pakistan 11 or 12 times over the last year, year and a half," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a National Press Club audience. "And I think it represents the importance of both the engagement of the Pakistan military ... and the importance of the country, and in fact, the importance of the region, to try to create stability."
That importance is reflected in the new U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, which includes building Pakistan's capability to fight extremists, providing Pakistan more and broader U.S. economic assistance and strengthening Pakistan's democratic government.
Defeating al-Qaida is a top priority in the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, Mullen said, noting that the terror group's leadership lives in western Pakistan's federally administered tribal areas. That makes it critical to help build capacity within the Pakistani military, the chairman told the group. "We've given significant support there, what they've asked for, in many cases, as they adapt," he said.
Mullen recognized the Pakistani military's dual focuses: on the Kashmir area in the east, and more recently, also on the "significant extremist threat" within the country. The Pakistani government now is taking action against this internal threat, he said, pointing to the recent offensive against Taliban militants in the Swat Valley as a key example.
"A year ago, not many people would have said that the Pakistani military could have pulled that off, and yet they've made an awful lot of progress," he said.
Mullen expressed hope that increased cooperation, with Pakistan's as well as Afghanistan's security forces, will put "growing and continued pressure" on the extremist threat.
One roadblock he said he and others are working to overcome is wariness about U.S. staying power in the region.
"When I travel to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the question that comes up, either directly or indirectly, is 'Are you staying this time or are you leaving?'" he said, noting that the United States left Afghanistan in 1989 and sanctioned Pakistan during the 1990s and early 2000s. "And that's why I think it's so important to engage at every level, and that's what's going on right now," he said.
"We have a ways to go in terms of those relationships," Mullen told the group. "I think we need to stay engaged. ... We're moving in the right direction."
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - A long-term partnership with Pakistan is key to promoting stability in Afghanistan and the region, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said yesterday. "I've been to Pakistan 11 or 12 times over the last year, year and a half," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a National Press Club audience. "And I think it represents the importance of both the engagement of the Pakistan military ... and the importance of the country, and in fact, the importance of the region, to try to create stability."
That importance is reflected in the new U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, which includes building Pakistan's capability to fight extremists, providing Pakistan more and broader U.S. economic assistance and strengthening Pakistan's democratic government.
Defeating al-Qaida is a top priority in the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, Mullen said, noting that the terror group's leadership lives in western Pakistan's federally administered tribal areas. That makes it critical to help build capacity within the Pakistani military, the chairman told the group. "We've given significant support there, what they've asked for, in many cases, as they adapt," he said.
Mullen recognized the Pakistani military's dual focuses: on the Kashmir area in the east, and more recently, also on the "significant extremist threat" within the country. The Pakistani government now is taking action against this internal threat, he said, pointing to the recent offensive against Taliban militants in the Swat Valley as a key example.
"A year ago, not many people would have said that the Pakistani military could have pulled that off, and yet they've made an awful lot of progress," he said.
Mullen expressed hope that increased cooperation, with Pakistan's as well as Afghanistan's security forces, will put "growing and continued pressure" on the extremist threat.
One roadblock he said he and others are working to overcome is wariness about U.S. staying power in the region.
"When I travel to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the question that comes up, either directly or indirectly, is 'Are you staying this time or are you leaving?'" he said, noting that the United States left Afghanistan in 1989 and sanctioned Pakistan during the 1990s and early 2000s. "And that's why I think it's so important to engage at every level, and that's what's going on right now," he said.
"We have a ways to go in terms of those relationships," Mullen told the group. "I think we need to stay engaged. ... We're moving in the right direction."
Afghans' Attitude Will Be Measure of Success, Vice Chairman Says
By John J. Kruzel American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - A key measurement of success in Afghanistan will be the attitude of Afghans affected by U.S.-led operations, the military's second-ranking military officer said today. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the counterinsurgency mission in Afghanistan elevates the civilian population as a main determinant of success or failure, much as it did in Iraq.
"I believe personally that one of our key metrics for success will be over the next few months to see whether or not there is a shift in the attitude of the local residents," Cartwright said. The committee is considering the general's reappointment. Cartwright fleshed out the "clear, hold, build" strategy unde way in Afghanistan. The latter elements of the strategy emphasize the role civilians play in establishing stability.
Articulating how local attitudes could be gauged, Cartwright said a favorable view of U.S. and multinational forces could come in the form Afghans providing intelligence or other resources. "If they start supporting us with intelligence, with the giving of their own sons and daughters in the fight, and that they see there is more value in being able to produce crops rather than warriors, and that they can be sustained in that type of a lifestyle, then we will have an opportunity to turn the corner," he said.
The general advised that the Marines engaged in a joint operation with Afghan forces in the Helmand River valley pay attention to the sentiment in villages and towns they operate in. Now in its eighth day, some 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan security forces are engaged in Operation Khanjar, which translates to "Strike of the Sword" the biggest military offensive since President Barack Obama announced a new Afghanistan strategy in March.
"I think those are key metrics that we have to watch as the Marines move into Helmand, and followed by the [Army's] Strykers as they move in on their flank," Cartwright said.
At a briefing with Pentagon reporters yesterday, the commander overseeing the operation described how the interaction between U.S. Marines and local Afghans are playing out.
Anticipating that local residents would be curious about the Marines' intentions, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, established a requirement: Company commanders must hold a "shura," or meeting, with local elders within one day of arriving.
"The focus of this operation from the very beginning has been on the people, not the enemy," Nicholson said. "And I know that may sound very strange, and I got some raised eyebrows, even with talking to Marines. On the way, we'll take care of the Taliban. But get to the people." The "clear" phase of the three-stage approach refers to the type of mission the Marines undertook when Operation Khanjar launched, with the brigade fanning out across the southern Afghanistan region during the early morning hours of July 2. The strategy was two-fold: overwhelm opposing forces while saving civilian lives. Current operations in Helmand are fundamentally different from previous missions, in that Marines are remaining behind to protect those villages as the remainder of forces moves through, Cartwright said. He added that forces have been successful in avoiding civilian casualties in the ongoing "clear" phase. "Our approach here is to win their hearts and minds," Cartwright said. "And we can't do that by having unnecessary civilian casualties."
July 9, 2009 - A key measurement of success in Afghanistan will be the attitude of Afghans affected by U.S.-led operations, the military's second-ranking military officer said today. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the counterinsurgency mission in Afghanistan elevates the civilian population as a main determinant of success or failure, much as it did in Iraq.
"I believe personally that one of our key metrics for success will be over the next few months to see whether or not there is a shift in the attitude of the local residents," Cartwright said. The committee is considering the general's reappointment. Cartwright fleshed out the "clear, hold, build" strategy unde way in Afghanistan. The latter elements of the strategy emphasize the role civilians play in establishing stability.
Articulating how local attitudes could be gauged, Cartwright said a favorable view of U.S. and multinational forces could come in the form Afghans providing intelligence or other resources. "If they start supporting us with intelligence, with the giving of their own sons and daughters in the fight, and that they see there is more value in being able to produce crops rather than warriors, and that they can be sustained in that type of a lifestyle, then we will have an opportunity to turn the corner," he said.
The general advised that the Marines engaged in a joint operation with Afghan forces in the Helmand River valley pay attention to the sentiment in villages and towns they operate in. Now in its eighth day, some 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan security forces are engaged in Operation Khanjar, which translates to "Strike of the Sword" the biggest military offensive since President Barack Obama announced a new Afghanistan strategy in March.
"I think those are key metrics that we have to watch as the Marines move into Helmand, and followed by the [Army's] Strykers as they move in on their flank," Cartwright said.
At a briefing with Pentagon reporters yesterday, the commander overseeing the operation described how the interaction between U.S. Marines and local Afghans are playing out.
Anticipating that local residents would be curious about the Marines' intentions, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, established a requirement: Company commanders must hold a "shura," or meeting, with local elders within one day of arriving.
"The focus of this operation from the very beginning has been on the people, not the enemy," Nicholson said. "And I know that may sound very strange, and I got some raised eyebrows, even with talking to Marines. On the way, we'll take care of the Taliban. But get to the people." The "clear" phase of the three-stage approach refers to the type of mission the Marines undertook when Operation Khanjar launched, with the brigade fanning out across the southern Afghanistan region during the early morning hours of July 2. The strategy was two-fold: overwhelm opposing forces while saving civilian lives. Current operations in Helmand are fundamentally different from previous missions, in that Marines are remaining behind to protect those villages as the remainder of forces moves through, Cartwright said. He added that forces have been successful in avoiding civilian casualties in the ongoing "clear" phase. "Our approach here is to win their hearts and minds," Cartwright said. "And we can't do that by having unnecessary civilian casualties."
More Mine-resistant Vehicles Flow to Afghanistan
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - The military is sending thousands of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles to Afghanistan, even while a new version is being built, to protect troops against their biggest threat: improvised explosive devices. Because IEDs pose the biggest threat to troops in Afghanistan, the nation's top military officer said yesterday, the military will keep the MRAPs flowing there until new versions built specifically for the Afghan terrain are ready for shipment.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a National Press Club audience that IEDs have become "more and more sophisticated over time." Combined with increasingly sophisticated Taliban attacks, they pose an increasing threat to deployed troops, he said.
Mullen offered his comments just before traveling to Dover Air Force Base, Del., as the remains of seven servicemembers -- six of them killed by roadside bombs -- were returned home from Afghanistan.
While predicting casualties will continue to spike during tough fighting in the months ahead, Mullen said the Defense Department is flowing thousands of MRAPs into Afghanistan to protect forces there.
So far, 3,020 MRAPs have been shipped to Afghanistan, reported Cynthia Bauer, a U.S. Transportation Command spokeswoman. That brings to more than 15,000 the number of MRAPs that Transcom has delivered to the theater, she said.
About half of the Afghanistan deliveries were by airlift and half by "multi-modal" delivery, a combination of airlift and sealift.
"From an equipment standpoint, there's no higher priority than to get these vehicles in theater as rapidly as we can," Mullen said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Transcom is gearing up work with the MRAP Joint Program Office
and Centcom to get the M-ATVs to Afghanistan as quickly as it got MRAPs to
Iraq. "We will build on that success to field additional life-saving MRAPs
as they come on line," said Air Force Col. Greg Schwartz, chief of the East
Division at USTRANSCOM's Deployment Operations Center.
The M-ATVs are expected to be fielded later this year, with all deliveries completed by spring.
"We're working hard to get the right vehicle in the right place at the right time," Mullen said. "But in the meantime, we're flowing thousands ... to Afghanistan to meet the needs that are there right now," he said.
Oshkosh Corp., winner of the $1.06 billion contract, has moved into overdrive to meet the accelerated delivery schedule, company officials said. The first vehicles are expected to be delivered this month.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said after visiting Afghanistan in early May that he was impressed to hear firsthand "the real impact" that MRAPs are having in Afghanistan.
"It really was brought home to me when they showed me an MRAP that had been attacked," Gates told reporters traveling with him. "Two of the soldiers that had been inside of it were standing beside the MRAP, completely unscathed," he said. The other two soldiers had non-life-threatening injuries.
Gates was the power behind the effort to move more MRAPs into Iraq to protect troops against underbelly explosions. As security conditions began heating up in Afghanistan, he ordered more there, too.
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - The military is sending thousands of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles to Afghanistan, even while a new version is being built, to protect troops against their biggest threat: improvised explosive devices. Because IEDs pose the biggest threat to troops in Afghanistan, the nation's top military officer said yesterday, the military will keep the MRAPs flowing there until new versions built specifically for the Afghan terrain are ready for shipment.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a National Press Club audience that IEDs have become "more and more sophisticated over time." Combined with increasingly sophisticated Taliban attacks, they pose an increasing threat to deployed troops, he said.
Mullen offered his comments just before traveling to Dover Air Force Base, Del., as the remains of seven servicemembers -- six of them killed by roadside bombs -- were returned home from Afghanistan.
While predicting casualties will continue to spike during tough fighting in the months ahead, Mullen said the Defense Department is flowing thousands of MRAPs into Afghanistan to protect forces there.
So far, 3,020 MRAPs have been shipped to Afghanistan, reported Cynthia Bauer, a U.S. Transportation Command spokeswoman. That brings to more than 15,000 the number of MRAPs that Transcom has delivered to the theater, she said.
About half of the Afghanistan deliveries were by airlift and half by "multi-modal" delivery, a combination of airlift and sealift.
"From an equipment standpoint, there's no higher priority than to get these vehicles in theater as rapidly as we can," Mullen said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Transcom is gearing up work with the MRAP Joint Program Office
and Centcom to get the M-ATVs to Afghanistan as quickly as it got MRAPs to
Iraq. "We will build on that success to field additional life-saving MRAPs
as they come on line," said Air Force Col. Greg Schwartz, chief of the East
Division at USTRANSCOM's Deployment Operations Center.
The M-ATVs are expected to be fielded later this year, with all deliveries completed by spring.
"We're working hard to get the right vehicle in the right place at the right time," Mullen said. "But in the meantime, we're flowing thousands ... to Afghanistan to meet the needs that are there right now," he said.
Oshkosh Corp., winner of the $1.06 billion contract, has moved into overdrive to meet the accelerated delivery schedule, company officials said. The first vehicles are expected to be delivered this month.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said after visiting Afghanistan in early May that he was impressed to hear firsthand "the real impact" that MRAPs are having in Afghanistan.
"It really was brought home to me when they showed me an MRAP that had been attacked," Gates told reporters traveling with him. "Two of the soldiers that had been inside of it were standing beside the MRAP, completely unscathed," he said. The other two soldiers had non-life-threatening injuries.
Gates was the power behind the effort to move more MRAPs into Iraq to protect troops against underbelly explosions. As security conditions began heating up in Afghanistan, he ordered more there, too.
U.S. Air Force Builds New Diyala Operations Center
Story by Spc. Anthony Jones
After years of cooperation between Iraqi and U.S. security forces at the Diyala Operations Center, a move had to be made. In conjunction with the June 30 deadline for U.S. combat forces to be withdrawn from Iraq's cities, the DOC, a combined Iraqi – Coalition base located within the Diyala Governance Center, needed to be moved outside Baqubah, the provincial capital.
To continue building relations and work alongside the Iraqi Security Forces against insurgents and violent extremists, senior leaders of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and local ISF leaders agreed upon a new location outside Baqubah's city limits.
"We had to move the DOC from its previous location to Forward Operating Base Lion, and we couldn't get the infrastructure set up fast enough," said Lt. Col Paul Sarat, the 1-25 SBCT's deputy commander.
In order to rapidly build the much needed infrastructure for the new, combined, facility, the 1-25 SBCT looked to the U.S. Air Forces' Detachment Six, 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron. Personnel assigned to Det. Six are attached to the Army's 73rd Engineer Battalion and Joint Task Force Eagle, at Joint Base Balad.
"The Airmen came in and in a matter of days had everything set up to be fully operational, [and] without any loss in continuity. They literally stepped in and took a bunch of empty buildings and turned [them] into a fully functional operations center."
For their hard work and help keeping operations in Diyala running smoothly and maintaining the ability co-locate and cooperate between Iraqi and Coalition leaders, the Airmen of Det. Six, currently stationed and located at JBB, were presented with certificates of appreciation from Sarat on behalf of the 1-25 SBCT.
Addressing the Airmen before presenting them with their certificates, Sarat said, "It wasn't just the buildings themselves you were building, it was the infrastructure of the Iraqi Army itself as it stands on its own feet and we fall into much more of a mentor role."
After years of cooperation between Iraqi and U.S. security forces at the Diyala Operations Center, a move had to be made. In conjunction with the June 30 deadline for U.S. combat forces to be withdrawn from Iraq's cities, the DOC, a combined Iraqi – Coalition base located within the Diyala Governance Center, needed to be moved outside Baqubah, the provincial capital.
To continue building relations and work alongside the Iraqi Security Forces against insurgents and violent extremists, senior leaders of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and local ISF leaders agreed upon a new location outside Baqubah's city limits.
"We had to move the DOC from its previous location to Forward Operating Base Lion, and we couldn't get the infrastructure set up fast enough," said Lt. Col Paul Sarat, the 1-25 SBCT's deputy commander.
In order to rapidly build the much needed infrastructure for the new, combined, facility, the 1-25 SBCT looked to the U.S. Air Forces' Detachment Six, 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron. Personnel assigned to Det. Six are attached to the Army's 73rd Engineer Battalion and Joint Task Force Eagle, at Joint Base Balad.
"The Airmen came in and in a matter of days had everything set up to be fully operational, [and] without any loss in continuity. They literally stepped in and took a bunch of empty buildings and turned [them] into a fully functional operations center."
For their hard work and help keeping operations in Diyala running smoothly and maintaining the ability co-locate and cooperate between Iraqi and Coalition leaders, the Airmen of Det. Six, currently stationed and located at JBB, were presented with certificates of appreciation from Sarat on behalf of the 1-25 SBCT.
Addressing the Airmen before presenting them with their certificates, Sarat said, "It wasn't just the buildings themselves you were building, it was the infrastructure of the Iraqi Army itself as it stands on its own feet and we fall into much more of a mentor role."
On the Ground: Detainee Transfer, Renaming Ceremonies Mark Progress
American Forces Press ServiceJuly 9, 2009 - A detainee transfer and two base renaming ceremonies recently signified the changing role of U.S. forces in Iraq. Iraqi officials traveled to the Remembrance II theater internment facility on Camp Cropper in Baghdad on July 6 to pick up detainees transferring Iraqi government custody.
The trip marked the first time the Iraqi government executed an on-site detainee transfer without U.S. assistance. Assisted on-site transfers began in May.
"The transfers have been going very well," said Army Lt. Col. John Jacobsen, chief of the release and reporting center for Task Force 134. "We were able to transfer 62 detainees into [Iraqi government] custody."
Handling the transfers at Camp Cropper ensures compliance with the U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
"The Iraqis are more than capable of handling these detainee transfers, and we're happy to honor the security agreement," Jacobsen said. "We have a great partnership between our two governments, and it has allowed us to transfer detainees safely and efficiently."
Since Jan. 1, U.S. forces have released 3,884 detainees and transferred 835 detainees to the Iraqi government, officials said.
Elsewhere, soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, honored Army Staff Sgt. Todd Olson one last time before changing the name of Patrol Base Olson to Fond'k Albo Hera.
The patrol base in Samarra was named in honor of Olson, who died of wounds suffered during an attack in Samarra in December 2006.
"We have won this war because of men like Staff Sgt. Todd Olson and the efforts and sacrifices of all of our Iraqi brethren in attendance today," said Army Lt. Col. Samuel Whitehurst, commander of the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
"Today we are witnessing a transition that does not divide us, but further unifies us in our combined vision to protect and serve the Iraqi people and specifically the people of Samarra," he said. "This ceremony is recognition of a new mission for the battalion. The battalion is now focused on reconstruction and support to local government, not combat operations in the city."
The U.S.-Iraq security agreement calls for the withdrawal of all U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.
The patrol base previously was a hotel. The new name of the patrol base translates from Arabic to "Lake Hotel."
"This facility represents the tourist potential for the city of Samarra," said Army Maj. Kareem Montague, the battalion's executive officer. "Our desire is to return this asset back to the city. To do this, we first must reduce our presence here and turn it back over to the government of Iraq."
In another renaming ceremony, U.S. and Iraqi forces gathered June 29 to commemorate the return of Forward Operating Base Bernstein to its original name, Matar al-Saddiq.
The renaming ceremony began with a memorial to Army 1st Lt. David Bernstein and Army Pfc. John Hart. The soldiers were killed in an insurgent attack Oct. 18, 2003, in nearby Taza. Bernstein was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action.
"First Lt. Bernstein selflessly worked to save another wounded soldier instead of seeking care for himself," said Army Lt. Col. Chris Stenman, commander of the 25th Infantry Division's Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "In remembrance of his heroic deed, we honored his memory by referring to this place in his name."
In accordance with the security agreement, Stenman's troops will remain at Matar al-Saddiq and will continue working with Iraqi security forces at the request of the local Iraqi government.
"This morning, we proudly begin using the original name Matar al-Saddiq to refer to a location where Iraqi and coalition forces stand together in partnership," Stenman said. "I'm proud to serve alongside these soldiers -- Iraqi and American -- in support of the example of Iraq presented by the great people of Tuz and Salahuddin [province]."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Iraqis Thank 'Dirt Devils' for Road Project
By Army 1st Lt. Michael BaumanSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - A San Antonio-based Army Reserve unit is getting much praise for its road improvements around Baghdad. The "Dirt Devils" of the 277th Engineer Company have wrapped up resurfacing and upgrades to the roadways north of Western Bypass Road connecting Camp Liberty and Camp Victory here.
The Soldiers worked to keep the road serviceable so it can continue to relieve congestion from smaller roads traveling through Strawberry Hill Road.
Soldiers of the 277th realize their work will assist with transporting various assets and resources.
"Local civilians and local soldiers are stopping and thanking us for the road construction," said San Antonio native Army Staff Sgt. George Velez, assigned to the 277th Engineer Company and attached to the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade. "In our eyes, this feels like a success, with hearing the gratitude from fellow soldiers."
Engineers smoothed out the road, section by section, for three weeks. The project was completed July 6. One of the challenges was completing the project without disrupting the regular traffic flow.
"We received a large amount of traffic flowing through and have a lot of people thanking us for our support in this effort," said Army Sgt. Augustine Deluna, a heavy-equipment operator who also is from San Antonio.
Fuel, water and supply trucks, military security vehicles and standard sport utility vehicles on the busy road kept the soldiers aware of the urgency and productivity the project offered. The work was fast-paced, but was conducted safely. Soldiers had to communicate to understand their roles and responsibilities in the project. Velez and Deluna gave instructions and expectations to their heavy-equipment operators, Velez said, because the project required constant evaluation.
"Soldiers switch out from one heavy-equipment vehicle to another to loosen the ground, then compact it with foundation made up of limestone and river rock," Army Sgt. 1st Class Bifredo Barros, a platoon sergeant with 277th Engineer Company explained during the project.
After adding the foundation, the "Dirt Devils" smoothed out the road with the heavy equipment by making adjustments to flatten the earth, taking out high spots and filling in low spots.
The soldiers said they know a good foundation is the basis of a solid road, and they work to keep the road most traveled in good condition as they lay the groundwork for success at Victory Base Complex.
(Army 1st Lt. Michael Bauman serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade.)
Face of Defense: Soldier Honored for Valor, Recalls Ambush
By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William SelbySpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - The fifth Army Reserve soldier to earn the Silver Star since the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001 spoke about his experience in a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable July 6. Army Spc. David Hutchinson of the 420th Engineer Brigade discussed the actions that earned him the third-highest award for valor in combat. On May 21, 2008, Hutchinson said he and his fellow soldiers from the 420th Engineer Brigade were en route to Sharana, Afghanistan, in preparation for relieving the 36th Engineer Brigade when they were ambushed. "About the time all four trucks got into the mountain pass, that's when we came under fire," he said.
After the first truck returned fire using a .50-caliber machine gun, Hutchinson said, he saw 20 to 30 more insurgents on a ridge to the convoy's right.
"I started opening fire with my Mk-19 [grenade launcher], and I made it through ... about 44 of the 48 rounds in that ammo can, destroying as many fighting positions as I could," Hutchinson said. "As quickly as I could destroy one, more insurgents would pop up."
As the convoy fired back, the insurgents began firing rocket-propelled grenades.
"I counted no more than four RPGs that actually missed our truck within 10 or 15 feet," he said. "Then as soon as I slowed down to stop firing, as there was so much dust in front of me from all the explosions, our truck was struck by two RPGs."
The impact knocked Hutchinson from his turret into the truck.
"I went to get back up into the turret, but I couldn't feel from my waist down," he said. "So I rolled over to see if everyone else was all right. That's when I saw the first sergeant in the driver's side rear seat was bleeding pretty heavily from his face, and then his side."
Instead of administering first aid to himself, Hutchinson tried to help the first sergeant.
"I wasn't in any pain at that point, so I went ahead and started using my compression bandage and his compression bandage to try and control as much of the bleeding as possible," he said.
A few moments later, the convoy left the ambush area. When the soldiers arrived at the medical evacuation point several miles down the road, Hutchinson again showed his selflessness. "They had me on the litter at first, but I jumped off the litter and told them to put the first sergeant on the litter," he said.
Because of Hutchinson's courageous acts, all of the 17 men in the convoy survived the ambush.
Hutchinson was airlifted to his forward operating base, where he had the first surgery to remove shrapnel from his leg. "From my hip down, the whole right side of my leg was peppered with shrapnel," he recalled.
After multiple surgeries and months of recuperation, Hutchinson still can't run full-speed, but he is able to walk without problems. "I'm slowly getting back to my full capacity, as far as physical things go," he said.
Hutchinson will be married this month and will continue to serve in the 420th Engineer Brigade. He is likely to return to Afghanistan, if needed, in two years, he said.
Hutchinson received his Silver Star on June 6 from Army Col. James Doty, his brigade commander, on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
(Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Mechanics Keep Troops Rolling in Afghanistan
By Army Pfc. Elizabeth RaneySpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - The eastern Afghanistan terrain is demanding, not only on soldiers, but also on their equipment. Keeping vehicles running is essential to mission success. That's the job of Army Pfc. Jonathan M. Hall, a native of Elizabethtown, Ky., and a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic who serves with Task Force Mountain Warrior here with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, out of Fort Carson, Colo.
Hall said he was influenced by his father and love of his country to join the Army in September 2007, and that he enjoys his job because he has a great impact on the outcome of the mission.
"We make vehicles mission-capable," Hall said proudly, speaking on behalf of his team.
Hall said he and the other mechanics get to work on many different types of vehicles such as mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, Humvees and 5-ton trucks.
"We can fix basically anything with wheels," he said.
In addition to fixing the vehicles that are brought into his workstation, Hall said, he goes out for recovery missions when a vehicle needs repair.
"On a recovery mission, we drive out to the vehicle, find a way to hook up to it, and then bring it back to [a forward operating base]," he explained. "I've been on four recovery missions since I've been in [Afghanistan]. One vehicle was hit by an [improvised explosive device], and the other three were rollovers."
Hall said his job is vital to the mission, because he gets the soldiers back into the fight as quickly as possible.
(Army Pfc. Elizabeth Raney serves with the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 6 in Konduz, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.
Killed were:
2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, 41, of Glenwood, Ill. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.
Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, 25, of Bulloch, Ga. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Americus, Ga.
Spc. Chester W. Hosford, 35, of Hastings, Minn. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.
Spc. Issac L. Johnson, 24, of Columbus, Ga. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, Rome, Ga.
For more information on Williams and Hosford media may contact the Illinois National Guard public affairs office at (217) 761-3569, or after hours at (217) 761-3941, or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil .
For more information on Chavers and Johnson media may contact the Georgia National Guard public affairs office at (678) 569-6065 or (404) 983-6263.
Killed were:
2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, 41, of Glenwood, Ill. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.
Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, 25, of Bulloch, Ga. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Americus, Ga.
Spc. Chester W. Hosford, 35, of Hastings, Minn. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Dixon, Ill.
Spc. Issac L. Johnson, 24, of Columbus, Ga. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, Rome, Ga.
For more information on Williams and Hosford media may contact the Illinois National Guard public affairs office at (217) 761-3569, or after hours at (217) 761-3941, or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil .
For more information on Chavers and Johnson media may contact the Georgia National Guard public affairs office at (678) 569-6065 or (404) 983-6263.
Navy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Darren Ethan Tate, 21, of Canyon, Texas died of non-hostile causes July 8 at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, and deployed as an Individual Augmentee to Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.
For further information related to this release, contact Naval Surface Forces Atlantic at (757) 836-3140 or email William.P.Taylor@navy.mil .
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Darren Ethan Tate, 21, of Canyon, Texas died of non-hostile causes July 8 at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, and deployed as an Individual Augmentee to Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.
For further information related to this release, contact Naval Surface Forces Atlantic at (757) 836-3140 or email William.P.Taylor@navy.mil .
Forces Detain Suspected Terrorists in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, arrested suspected terrorists, including an insurgent cell leader, in operations in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported. Members of an Iraqi Emergency Response Brigade, along with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected key leader of an insurgent cell in Ladafiyah. The suspect is believed to be tied to terrorist activities against coalition and Iraqi security forces in the area.
Elsewhere, the Iraqi National Police Justice Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in Salahuddin province. The suspect is believed to have emplaced roadside bombs and supplied terrorists in the province with grenades used against the Iraqi people and security forces.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
July 9, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, arrested suspected terrorists, including an insurgent cell leader, in operations in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported. Members of an Iraqi Emergency Response Brigade, along with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected key leader of an insurgent cell in Ladafiyah. The suspect is believed to be tied to terrorist activities against coalition and Iraqi security forces in the area.
Elsewhere, the Iraqi National Police Justice Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in Salahuddin province. The suspect is believed to have emplaced roadside bombs and supplied terrorists in the province with grenades used against the Iraqi people and security forces.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Remains of Seven U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan Returned Home
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - The remains of seven American troops killed July 6 during combat operations in Afghanistan returned to their nation during a dignified transfer this afternoon at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Twenty-six family members from every region of the country stood on the tarmac witnessing their loved one's return.
Subdued voices of the carry team leaders directed their teams to perform precise movements as they transferred their comrades-in-arms from the C-17 aircraft to a waiting vehicle. A six-person Navy team carried the transfer case of the single sailor into one vehicle, followed by a six-person U.S. Army team who then carried each transfer case for the six soldiers into a second vehicle.
The wind picked-up on this warm summer day as the last transfer case holding the sixth soldier was placed in the transfer vehicle, and all present rendered a final salute.
As the second and final transfer vehicle with the remains of the six Army soldiers left the flight line, the U.S. Navy carry team joined a dozen troops standing at attention outside the passenger terminal as they rendered a salute. The transfer vehicle passed in front, followed by the Army carry team and the senior officers.
Today's dignified returns were of the following seven servicemembers:
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony M. Randolph, of Henryetta, Okla., assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eight, Sigonella, Italy.
U.S. Army Capt. Mark A. Garner, of State Road, N.C., assigned to Company B, 1-4th Infantry Battalion, Hohensfels, Germany.
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, of Glenwood, Ill., assigned to Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, Dixon, Ill., Illinois Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, of Bulloch, Ga., assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, Americus, Ga., Georgia Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Spc. Chester W. Hosford, of Hastings, Minn, assigned to Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, Dixon, Ill., U.S. Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Spc. Issac L. Johnson, of Columbus, Ga., assigned to Company A, 48th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Statesboro, Ga.
U.S. Army Pfc. Nicholas Gideon, of Murrieta, Calif., assigned to the 40th Armored Squadron, Fort Richardson, Ark.
Minutes after the transfer was complete and family members exited the flight line the sound of retreat followed by the National Anthem broadcast across the air base.
Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attended today's dignified transfers, as he has for several previous transfers.
Mullen spoke with family members assembled in a base chapel before the transfer . Afterwards, the chairman spoke briefly with each of the carry teams and with more than 20 other servicemembers involved in the transfer operations.
Earlier in the day, Mullen responded to a question at the National Press Club about the impact he has seen from the policy change to allow the press to cover the return of fallen service members.
"It's been very well done," Mullen said. "I've been up there and observed the process. I personally believe it was a very important decision.
"And what I've seen is that that dignity and that respect has been -- has been very, very much supported in the time that certainly the press has been there," he said. And I'm very encouraged by that. I think it's important that all of us understand the sacrifices that these young men and women make."
U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James J. Shannon, commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harrison Sr., director, Joint and Futures, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G8, Headquarters, Department of the Army, also attended the transfer. U.S. Air Force Col. Manson O. Morris, commander, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., was the dignified transfer officer.
Dignified transfers have occurred over 4,000 times at Dover Air Force Base since 2001 in virtually the same manner. A policy change on April 5 of this year allowed news media to be present with the approval of the primary next of kin of the fallen service member. In about 70 percent of cases the families approve the presence of news media. Family members have been present in the same percentage.
(Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey is assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center Public Affairs)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - The remains of seven American troops killed July 6 during combat operations in Afghanistan returned to their nation during a dignified transfer this afternoon at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Twenty-six family members from every region of the country stood on the tarmac witnessing their loved one's return.
Subdued voices of the carry team leaders directed their teams to perform precise movements as they transferred their comrades-in-arms from the C-17 aircraft to a waiting vehicle. A six-person Navy team carried the transfer case of the single sailor into one vehicle, followed by a six-person U.S. Army team who then carried each transfer case for the six soldiers into a second vehicle.
The wind picked-up on this warm summer day as the last transfer case holding the sixth soldier was placed in the transfer vehicle, and all present rendered a final salute.
As the second and final transfer vehicle with the remains of the six Army soldiers left the flight line, the U.S. Navy carry team joined a dozen troops standing at attention outside the passenger terminal as they rendered a salute. The transfer vehicle passed in front, followed by the Army carry team and the senior officers.
Today's dignified returns were of the following seven servicemembers:
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony M. Randolph, of Henryetta, Okla., assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eight, Sigonella, Italy.
U.S. Army Capt. Mark A. Garner, of State Road, N.C., assigned to Company B, 1-4th Infantry Battalion, Hohensfels, Germany.
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams, of Glenwood, Ill., assigned to Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, Dixon, Ill., Illinois Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, of Bulloch, Ga., assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, Americus, Ga., Georgia Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Spc. Chester W. Hosford, of Hastings, Minn, assigned to Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, Dixon, Ill., U.S. Army National Guard.
U.S. Army Spc. Issac L. Johnson, of Columbus, Ga., assigned to Company A, 48th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Statesboro, Ga.
U.S. Army Pfc. Nicholas Gideon, of Murrieta, Calif., assigned to the 40th Armored Squadron, Fort Richardson, Ark.
Minutes after the transfer was complete and family members exited the flight line the sound of retreat followed by the National Anthem broadcast across the air base.
Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attended today's dignified transfers, as he has for several previous transfers.
Mullen spoke with family members assembled in a base chapel before the transfer . Afterwards, the chairman spoke briefly with each of the carry teams and with more than 20 other servicemembers involved in the transfer operations.
Earlier in the day, Mullen responded to a question at the National Press Club about the impact he has seen from the policy change to allow the press to cover the return of fallen service members.
"It's been very well done," Mullen said. "I've been up there and observed the process. I personally believe it was a very important decision.
"And what I've seen is that that dignity and that respect has been -- has been very, very much supported in the time that certainly the press has been there," he said. And I'm very encouraged by that. I think it's important that all of us understand the sacrifices that these young men and women make."
U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James J. Shannon, commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harrison Sr., director, Joint and Futures, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G8, Headquarters, Department of the Army, also attended the transfer. U.S. Air Force Col. Manson O. Morris, commander, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., was the dignified transfer officer.
Dignified transfers have occurred over 4,000 times at Dover Air Force Base since 2001 in virtually the same manner. A policy change on April 5 of this year allowed news media to be present with the approval of the primary next of kin of the fallen service member. In about 70 percent of cases the families approve the presence of news media. Family members have been present in the same percentage.
(Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey is assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center Public Affairs)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Christopher M. Talbert, 24, of Galesburg, Ill., died July 7 in Shindad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Marion, Ill.
For more information media may contact the Illinois National Guard public affairs office at (217) 761-3569, or after hours, (217) 761-3941, or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil .
Spc. Christopher M. Talbert, 24, of Galesburg, Ill., died July 7 in Shindad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, Marion, Ill.
For more information media may contact the Illinois National Guard public affairs office at (217) 761-3569, or after hours, (217) 761-3941, or visit http://www.il.ngb.army.mil .
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. Nicolas H. J. Gideon, 20, of Murrieta, Calif., died July 6 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered earlier that day in Paktya, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For more information the media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.
Pfc. Nicolas H. J. Gideon, 20, of Murrieta, Calif., died July 6 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered earlier that day in Paktya, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
For more information the media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Capt. Mark A. Garner, 30, of North Carolina, died July 6 in Argandab District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany.
For more information media may contact the 7th U.S. Army, Joint Multinational Training Command public affairs office at (49) 1609-850-3551.
Capt. Mark A. Garner, 30, of North Carolina, died July 6 in Argandab District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany.
For more information media may contact the 7th U.S. Army, Joint Multinational Training Command public affairs office at (49) 1609-850-3551.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, July 8, 2009
New military drone based on bats [detects biological weapons agents]
"U.S. researchers say they used real bats as the inspiration for a new type of military surveillance drone equipped with wings that flap. The 'micro-aerial vehicle,' developed at North Carolina State University, is used to monitor activities on the ground and detect biological weapons. It was designed with a lightweight skeleton and mechanical 'muscle' system similar to a bat's and can be used to monitor movements on the ground or detect the presence of biological weapons. 'We have used a shape-memory metal alloy that is super-elastic for the joints,' designer Stefan Seelecke told Britain's The Daily Telegraph. 'The material provides a full range of motion, but will always return to its original position - a function performed by many tiny bones, cartilage and tendons in real bats.' […] The 'flying bat' was designed to improve the maneuverability of micro-aerial vehicles. It is about the size of a real bat, runs on a solar battery and is self-guiding. The project is still in the prototype stage." (United Press International; 08Jul09) http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/07/08/New-military-drone-based-on-bats/UPI-34341247064737/
Universal detection technology submits proposal to a RFI [Request For Information] from the department of homeland security
"Universal Detection Technology [...] reported today that it has submitted a proposal to a Request For Information (RFI) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The RFI is for the Time Recorded Ubiquitous Sensor Technologies (TRUST) project initiated by the DHS. The TRUST project was initiated by the DHS Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate to solicit innovative solutions to detect and provide alert to the presence of dangerous cargo in maritime shipping containers during their transit to U.S. ports. [...] The TRUST project is distinct from the Safe Container (SAFECON) project initiated by the Department of Homeland Security's DHS S&T Directorate with the issuance of Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and a subsequent RFI. Although both projects seek to detect dangerous cargo, the technical breakthrough sought through the SAFECON project focuses on the short dwell-time goal whereas TRUST project goals are to detect the presence of dangerous cargo while the container transits from the port of origin to its U.S. port of destination. […] TRUST also allows system components to be mounted on or internal to the container." (Market Wire;
07Jul09)
http://au.sys-con.com/node/1027451
New way to make sensors that detect toxic chemicals
"Ohio State University [OSU] researchers have developed a new method for making extremely pure, very small metal-oxide nanoparticles. They are using this simple, fast, and low-temperature process to make materials for gas sensors that detect toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and biological [sic, chemical] warfare agents. […] Patricia Morris, associate professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State, leads a team of researchers who develop solid materials that can detect toxic chemicals. […] 'These are sensors that a soldier could wear on the battlefield, or a first responder could wear to an accident at a chemical plant,' Morris said. The material under study is nickel oxide, which has unusual electrical properties. [… It's] electrical conductance changes when toxic chemicals in the air settle on its surface. [OSU Student Elvin] Beach applies a thin coating of the material onto microelectro-mechanical systems (made in a similar fashion to computer chips), with a goal of identifying known toxic substances. […] Beach and Morris have devised a new synthesis method that yields very small particles - which give the sensor a large surface area to capture chemical molecules from the air [and] enable the sensor to detect even very small quantities of a substance. […] A one-gram batch of nickel oxide nanoparticles costs about $5.00 to make; one chip carries four nanograms (billionths of a gram) of material, so each sensor costs only pennies to fabricate." (News Wise; 08Jul09; Source: Ohio State University) http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/554071/
Depot crews detect leaking mustard container [OR]
"Depot chemical operations monitoring workers detected trace amounts of HD mustard chemical agent vapor today inside a depot storage structure or 'igloo' that houses bulk containers. The traces of mustard chemical agent vapor were detected during routine weekly monitoring. The vapor is likely due to a leaking bulk container. […] 'The igloos have a passive filtration system that prevents chemical agent vapor from escaping outside the structures,' [Jim] Hackett [Umatilla Chemical Depot public affairs specialist] said. 'As a further protective measure after each leak is discovered, a powered filtration system was installed on the igloo. The leaking container will be identified, inspected, repaired as necessary, and decontaminated.' The depot is currently disposing of the HD mustard ton containers in its final agent disposal campaign after successfully destroying its stockpile of GB Sarin and VX nerve agents." (Hermiston Herald; 07Jul09)
http://hermistonherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=10699&TM=39066.62
Chemical weapons cleanup [Cardiff, Wales]
"Researchers have found a safe, speedy and environmentally friendly way to clean up chemical weapons such as sulfur mustard, using a hydrogen peroxide-based microemulsion decontamination system. The UK-based research team used a number of different techniques to measure and analyse catalytic oxidative decontamination of sulfur mustard. […] One of the most practical ways to decontaminate these toxic substances is to oxidise the sulphur mustard to the sulfoxide with liquid decontaminants, but most suitable oxidants are water-soluble while sulphur mustard is water immiscible. This has been tackled in the past by using micellar or oil-in-water microemulsions, but still leaves the problem that most active liquid decontaminants are highly corrosive and not environmentally friendly. Hydrogen peroxide solutions could provide an answer as they are stable, non-corrosive, atom efficient oxidants with low environmental impact. […] The team investigated catalysts that are oil soluble or surface active to tune selectivity and reaction rates, and achieved decontamination half-lives as fast as 18 seconds with dilute hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant." (Chemistry World; 08Jul09; Ned Stafford) http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/July/08070902.asp
Fort Detrick caps toxic waste [MD]
"Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency put the site of major toxic waste contamination at Fort Detrick in Frederick on its Superfund National Priorities list. […] Environmental clean-up specialists are in the middle-phases of a program to create a landfill 'cap' on an area known as 'Area B' in a remote northwest corner of the Fort Detrick installation. The reason is simple, says Joe Gortva, the restoration manager heading up what is called the 17 year 'remediation' effort at Detrick. 'In 1992, off-post contamination from Area B was first detected in residential wells,' he told a briefing for Senator Ben Cardin (D.-Md.) held in a field not far from where a backhoe and two bulldozers pushed and molded tons of freshly-trucked-in fill dirt and gravel into the cap designed to deter the spread of chemicals from decades of biological weapons research. Immediately after discovering the contamination […] the Army […] arranged to have municipal water supplies hooked up to the homes. […] The cap is designed to keep rainwater from penetrating into the contaminated soil, and pushing the biological wastes and chemicals further into the groundwater, which can be as much as 400 feet below the surface. Scientists have learned that it is just as effective to cap the contaminated soil, and keep rainwater from spreading the chemicals further, rather than excavating the soil and contaminants and dumping it somewhere else." (Federal News Radio; 07Jul09; Max Cacas) http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=35&sid=1712010
Energy security takes on new meaning - as pipeline bombings continue, some companies are going paramilitary [discusses private security for nuclear power plants]
"Politicians promised to beef up security but […] there is only so much our police can do. That is why some Canadian energy companies took security matters into their own hands. […] The Nuclear Response Team at Bruce Power in Ontario is an elite force of former police and military personnel, who are armed with automatic weapons and armoured assault vehicles. […] [After 9/11, the] Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission authorized private companies to set up their own heavily armed security forces [as] first responders, with such military-grade weapons as C8s and MP5s. […] The Nuclear Safety Commission did this because nuclear plants are a potential target of terrorists who might try to blow up a reactor or steal nuclear waste to make a 'dirty bomb.' […] If Bruce Power was allowed to build a nuclear plant in Alberta, it would have to set up a private security force with machine guns and assault vehicles. Proponents might feel that makes the plant an even safer idea. But opponents could say with some authority a nuclear power plant is such a target that energy companies literally need an army to guard it." (Edmonton Journal; 07Jul09; Graham Thomson) http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Energy+security+takes+meaning/1766522/story.html
Feds restore 'dirty bomb' funds [to New York, NY]
"Police sources last week said that thanks to $10 million in federal funding restored under the 'Securing The Cities' initiative, the NYPD is developing plans to install a ring of sensors around the Big Apple to alert law enforcement to the presence of a nuclear or biological device. The restored funding allows the NYPD to install radiation detectors in police vehicles and arm cops with the devices. The funds also enable the NYPD to work with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, to 'form a ring around the city to protect its citizens.' Teams of Queens police and FBI agents participated in a mock drill early last month, which successfully demonstrated the need for the sensors, the sources said. Law enforcement officials were hoping the results of the drill would encourage restoration of the federal funds. 'In this day and age, we have to be concerned to not let our guard down,' [Police Commissioner Raymond] Kelly said. 'With the NYPD and the FBI working together, we have the most robust defense system against nuclear and biological attack.'" (Queens Gazette; 08Jul09; Liz Goff) http://www.qgazette.com/news/2009/0708/features/027.html
Officials unveil response vehicle [Burleson, TX]
"The Burleson Police Department unveiled the city's newest response truck, a Lenco Bearcat four-wheel-drive armored vehicle at the city's service center Wednesday. The vehicle was obtained through a Homeland Security grant for $227,411. The incident response vehicle is designed to cope with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents and will be available to other jurisdictions. […] According to the grant, 'The vehicle will allow officers to respond with the ability to detect nuclear and explosive gas weapons. The vehicle will protect officers from the threat of small arms fire and explosive devices. Officers will be able to gain command and control through the use of this vehicle. This vehicle provides a much needed tool for officers to safely conduct these operations whether they are terrorist-related, tactical in nature, or a natural disaster.' Training of Burleson officers as well as officers of surrounding agencies will be an ongoing process so all tactical teams will be able to promptly deploy and provide for the safety of officers and residents." (Burleson-Crowley Connection; 07Jul09) http://www.burlesoncrowley.com/publish/article_2936.shtml
Warren [Air Force Base] hosts national-level exercise [WY]
"A simulated terrorist attack on a 90th Missile Wing ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile] launch facility provided the exercise scenario for Nuclear Weapon Accident/Incident Exercise 2009. This national-level exercise involving 11 federal agencies and 1,300 personnel was the largest and most complex exercise ever conducted at a missile base. Accident response and associated consequent management procedures are routinely practiced by local responders and the 90th Missile Wing; however, this exercise was made far more complex by the criminal aspect associated with terrorist activities. […] The exercise challenged responders in several ways. Balancing the need for personnel safety in a potentially hazardous situation while allowing law enforcement officials to gather time critical evidence for criminal response, required a clear understanding of the risks involved. Minutes counted in determining which terrorist group was responsible and developing courses of action to track and capture them. […] In addition to the FBI, major exercise players included the Department of Energy providing weapon system technical expertise, Homeland Security and FEMA for consequence management, US Northern Command for operational command of the IRF/RTF, the State of Wyoming and the Wyoming Guard for initial response and logistical support, and Air Force Space Command for filling key RTF leadership positions." (Air Force Space Command; 08Jul09)
http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123157807
Yemen bans chemical, biological arms
"The cabinet approved in its Tuesday meeting a draft law concern[ing] works of the National Committee to Ban Chemical, Biological and Poisonous Arms. The cabinet directed concerned officials to complete necessary measures to issue the draft into law, which was presented by [the] Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The fifth item of the law defines main duties of the committee; monitoring and following up on all affairs related to Yemen's implementation of the international treaty for banning [the] creation, production, store and use of biological and poisonous weapons as well as destroying those arms […] and [the] implementation of the international treaty to ban creation, production, storing and use chemical weapons. […] The committee also sponsors the state's relations with concerned international agencies and the treaty's member states. […] The committee is authorized to suggest draft legislations to banning trafficking and illegal use of chemical, biological and poisonous substances as well as regulations and controls needed to organize process of importing, trafficking and use of those substances and other duties regarding the committee's work." (Yemen News Agency; 07Jul09) http://www.sabanews.net/en/news188602.htm
Victim's white powder scare [Gladstone, Queensland]
"A woman who turned up at Gladstone police station with an envelope containing white powder sparked a major alert yesterday. The woman, 43, was immediately isolated in the police station's carpark, and emergency services were quickly called to the scene about 10.30am. Gladstone's Senior Sergeant Julia Cook said yesterday the white powder had later been confirmed as 'non-suspicious.' The woman had been sent the white powder by a man, in an attempt to threaten her, she said. […] Gladstone's Queensland Fire Rescue Services officers donned safety gear to enter the sealed area and take a sample, which was found to be flour. Detective Wayne Butcher said CIB officers were seeking to identify the person who sent the package." (Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton; 07Jul09) http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2009/07/07/white-powder-posted-in-mail-sparks-police-station-/
Federal offices receive hoax anthrax [sic] threats [KY]
"Federal offices around Kentucky received letters Monday that contained anthrax threats, leading to lockdowns and safety checks in several places, authorities said. The threats turned out to be false. Tests showed the letters contained no harmful substances. […] Mike Klein, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky, said he understood that an inmate at the Big Sandy federal prison in Martin County mailed 25 to 50 letters. [...] Klein said he was told that the inmate later admitted that the substance in the letters was Sweet 'N Low artificial sweetener. [...] Letters arrived Monday at the federal courthouses in London, Frankfort and Pikeville. Threatening letters also arrived at the offices of U.S. Reps. Brett Guthrie in Bowling Green; John Yarmuth in Louisville; Geoff Davis in Northern Kentucky; and Ed Whitfield. [...] Officials said the letters had been turned over to the FBI." (Lexington Herald Leader; 07Jul09; Bill Estep and Dori Hjalmarson) http://www.kentucky.com/latest_news/story/854381.html
Police drop case of [FL] Gov. Charlie Crist 'anthrax' letter [sic]
"Without charging any suspects, state police closed an investigation into a threatening letter that contained a fake anthrax powder [sic] that was sent last August to Gov. Charlie Crist. The letter bore the last name and return address of a former St. Petersburg police officer. The former officer suspected that it might have been sent by a former girlfriend or the ex-husband of his fiancee, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement documents released last week. Handwriting and DNA analyses of the letter and the stamps, however, proved inconclusive, according to the FDLE." (Miami Herald; 08Jul09) http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/1131872.html
"U.S. researchers say they used real bats as the inspiration for a new type of military surveillance drone equipped with wings that flap. The 'micro-aerial vehicle,' developed at North Carolina State University, is used to monitor activities on the ground and detect biological weapons. It was designed with a lightweight skeleton and mechanical 'muscle' system similar to a bat's and can be used to monitor movements on the ground or detect the presence of biological weapons. 'We have used a shape-memory metal alloy that is super-elastic for the joints,' designer Stefan Seelecke told Britain's The Daily Telegraph. 'The material provides a full range of motion, but will always return to its original position - a function performed by many tiny bones, cartilage and tendons in real bats.' […] The 'flying bat' was designed to improve the maneuverability of micro-aerial vehicles. It is about the size of a real bat, runs on a solar battery and is self-guiding. The project is still in the prototype stage." (United Press International; 08Jul09) http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/07/08/New-military-drone-based-on-bats/UPI-34341247064737/
Universal detection technology submits proposal to a RFI [Request For Information] from the department of homeland security
"Universal Detection Technology [...] reported today that it has submitted a proposal to a Request For Information (RFI) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The RFI is for the Time Recorded Ubiquitous Sensor Technologies (TRUST) project initiated by the DHS. The TRUST project was initiated by the DHS Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate to solicit innovative solutions to detect and provide alert to the presence of dangerous cargo in maritime shipping containers during their transit to U.S. ports. [...] The TRUST project is distinct from the Safe Container (SAFECON) project initiated by the Department of Homeland Security's DHS S&T Directorate with the issuance of Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and a subsequent RFI. Although both projects seek to detect dangerous cargo, the technical breakthrough sought through the SAFECON project focuses on the short dwell-time goal whereas TRUST project goals are to detect the presence of dangerous cargo while the container transits from the port of origin to its U.S. port of destination. […] TRUST also allows system components to be mounted on or internal to the container." (Market Wire;
07Jul09)
http://au.sys-con.com/node/1027451
New way to make sensors that detect toxic chemicals
"Ohio State University [OSU] researchers have developed a new method for making extremely pure, very small metal-oxide nanoparticles. They are using this simple, fast, and low-temperature process to make materials for gas sensors that detect toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and biological [sic, chemical] warfare agents. […] Patricia Morris, associate professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State, leads a team of researchers who develop solid materials that can detect toxic chemicals. […] 'These are sensors that a soldier could wear on the battlefield, or a first responder could wear to an accident at a chemical plant,' Morris said. The material under study is nickel oxide, which has unusual electrical properties. [… It's] electrical conductance changes when toxic chemicals in the air settle on its surface. [OSU Student Elvin] Beach applies a thin coating of the material onto microelectro-mechanical systems (made in a similar fashion to computer chips), with a goal of identifying known toxic substances. […] Beach and Morris have devised a new synthesis method that yields very small particles - which give the sensor a large surface area to capture chemical molecules from the air [and] enable the sensor to detect even very small quantities of a substance. […] A one-gram batch of nickel oxide nanoparticles costs about $5.00 to make; one chip carries four nanograms (billionths of a gram) of material, so each sensor costs only pennies to fabricate." (News Wise; 08Jul09; Source: Ohio State University) http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/554071/
Depot crews detect leaking mustard container [OR]
"Depot chemical operations monitoring workers detected trace amounts of HD mustard chemical agent vapor today inside a depot storage structure or 'igloo' that houses bulk containers. The traces of mustard chemical agent vapor were detected during routine weekly monitoring. The vapor is likely due to a leaking bulk container. […] 'The igloos have a passive filtration system that prevents chemical agent vapor from escaping outside the structures,' [Jim] Hackett [Umatilla Chemical Depot public affairs specialist] said. 'As a further protective measure after each leak is discovered, a powered filtration system was installed on the igloo. The leaking container will be identified, inspected, repaired as necessary, and decontaminated.' The depot is currently disposing of the HD mustard ton containers in its final agent disposal campaign after successfully destroying its stockpile of GB Sarin and VX nerve agents." (Hermiston Herald; 07Jul09)
http://hermistonherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=10699&TM=39066.62
Chemical weapons cleanup [Cardiff, Wales]
"Researchers have found a safe, speedy and environmentally friendly way to clean up chemical weapons such as sulfur mustard, using a hydrogen peroxide-based microemulsion decontamination system. The UK-based research team used a number of different techniques to measure and analyse catalytic oxidative decontamination of sulfur mustard. […] One of the most practical ways to decontaminate these toxic substances is to oxidise the sulphur mustard to the sulfoxide with liquid decontaminants, but most suitable oxidants are water-soluble while sulphur mustard is water immiscible. This has been tackled in the past by using micellar or oil-in-water microemulsions, but still leaves the problem that most active liquid decontaminants are highly corrosive and not environmentally friendly. Hydrogen peroxide solutions could provide an answer as they are stable, non-corrosive, atom efficient oxidants with low environmental impact. […] The team investigated catalysts that are oil soluble or surface active to tune selectivity and reaction rates, and achieved decontamination half-lives as fast as 18 seconds with dilute hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant." (Chemistry World; 08Jul09; Ned Stafford) http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/July/08070902.asp
Fort Detrick caps toxic waste [MD]
"Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency put the site of major toxic waste contamination at Fort Detrick in Frederick on its Superfund National Priorities list. […] Environmental clean-up specialists are in the middle-phases of a program to create a landfill 'cap' on an area known as 'Area B' in a remote northwest corner of the Fort Detrick installation. The reason is simple, says Joe Gortva, the restoration manager heading up what is called the 17 year 'remediation' effort at Detrick. 'In 1992, off-post contamination from Area B was first detected in residential wells,' he told a briefing for Senator Ben Cardin (D.-Md.) held in a field not far from where a backhoe and two bulldozers pushed and molded tons of freshly-trucked-in fill dirt and gravel into the cap designed to deter the spread of chemicals from decades of biological weapons research. Immediately after discovering the contamination […] the Army […] arranged to have municipal water supplies hooked up to the homes. […] The cap is designed to keep rainwater from penetrating into the contaminated soil, and pushing the biological wastes and chemicals further into the groundwater, which can be as much as 400 feet below the surface. Scientists have learned that it is just as effective to cap the contaminated soil, and keep rainwater from spreading the chemicals further, rather than excavating the soil and contaminants and dumping it somewhere else." (Federal News Radio; 07Jul09; Max Cacas) http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=35&sid=1712010
Energy security takes on new meaning - as pipeline bombings continue, some companies are going paramilitary [discusses private security for nuclear power plants]
"Politicians promised to beef up security but […] there is only so much our police can do. That is why some Canadian energy companies took security matters into their own hands. […] The Nuclear Response Team at Bruce Power in Ontario is an elite force of former police and military personnel, who are armed with automatic weapons and armoured assault vehicles. […] [After 9/11, the] Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission authorized private companies to set up their own heavily armed security forces [as] first responders, with such military-grade weapons as C8s and MP5s. […] The Nuclear Safety Commission did this because nuclear plants are a potential target of terrorists who might try to blow up a reactor or steal nuclear waste to make a 'dirty bomb.' […] If Bruce Power was allowed to build a nuclear plant in Alberta, it would have to set up a private security force with machine guns and assault vehicles. Proponents might feel that makes the plant an even safer idea. But opponents could say with some authority a nuclear power plant is such a target that energy companies literally need an army to guard it." (Edmonton Journal; 07Jul09; Graham Thomson) http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Energy+security+takes+meaning/1766522/story.html
Feds restore 'dirty bomb' funds [to New York, NY]
"Police sources last week said that thanks to $10 million in federal funding restored under the 'Securing The Cities' initiative, the NYPD is developing plans to install a ring of sensors around the Big Apple to alert law enforcement to the presence of a nuclear or biological device. The restored funding allows the NYPD to install radiation detectors in police vehicles and arm cops with the devices. The funds also enable the NYPD to work with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, to 'form a ring around the city to protect its citizens.' Teams of Queens police and FBI agents participated in a mock drill early last month, which successfully demonstrated the need for the sensors, the sources said. Law enforcement officials were hoping the results of the drill would encourage restoration of the federal funds. 'In this day and age, we have to be concerned to not let our guard down,' [Police Commissioner Raymond] Kelly said. 'With the NYPD and the FBI working together, we have the most robust defense system against nuclear and biological attack.'" (Queens Gazette; 08Jul09; Liz Goff) http://www.qgazette.com/news/2009/0708/features/027.html
Officials unveil response vehicle [Burleson, TX]
"The Burleson Police Department unveiled the city's newest response truck, a Lenco Bearcat four-wheel-drive armored vehicle at the city's service center Wednesday. The vehicle was obtained through a Homeland Security grant for $227,411. The incident response vehicle is designed to cope with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents and will be available to other jurisdictions. […] According to the grant, 'The vehicle will allow officers to respond with the ability to detect nuclear and explosive gas weapons. The vehicle will protect officers from the threat of small arms fire and explosive devices. Officers will be able to gain command and control through the use of this vehicle. This vehicle provides a much needed tool for officers to safely conduct these operations whether they are terrorist-related, tactical in nature, or a natural disaster.' Training of Burleson officers as well as officers of surrounding agencies will be an ongoing process so all tactical teams will be able to promptly deploy and provide for the safety of officers and residents." (Burleson-Crowley Connection; 07Jul09) http://www.burlesoncrowley.com/publish/article_2936.shtml
Warren [Air Force Base] hosts national-level exercise [WY]
"A simulated terrorist attack on a 90th Missile Wing ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile] launch facility provided the exercise scenario for Nuclear Weapon Accident/Incident Exercise 2009. This national-level exercise involving 11 federal agencies and 1,300 personnel was the largest and most complex exercise ever conducted at a missile base. Accident response and associated consequent management procedures are routinely practiced by local responders and the 90th Missile Wing; however, this exercise was made far more complex by the criminal aspect associated with terrorist activities. […] The exercise challenged responders in several ways. Balancing the need for personnel safety in a potentially hazardous situation while allowing law enforcement officials to gather time critical evidence for criminal response, required a clear understanding of the risks involved. Minutes counted in determining which terrorist group was responsible and developing courses of action to track and capture them. […] In addition to the FBI, major exercise players included the Department of Energy providing weapon system technical expertise, Homeland Security and FEMA for consequence management, US Northern Command for operational command of the IRF/RTF, the State of Wyoming and the Wyoming Guard for initial response and logistical support, and Air Force Space Command for filling key RTF leadership positions." (Air Force Space Command; 08Jul09)
http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123157807
Yemen bans chemical, biological arms
"The cabinet approved in its Tuesday meeting a draft law concern[ing] works of the National Committee to Ban Chemical, Biological and Poisonous Arms. The cabinet directed concerned officials to complete necessary measures to issue the draft into law, which was presented by [the] Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The fifth item of the law defines main duties of the committee; monitoring and following up on all affairs related to Yemen's implementation of the international treaty for banning [the] creation, production, store and use of biological and poisonous weapons as well as destroying those arms […] and [the] implementation of the international treaty to ban creation, production, storing and use chemical weapons. […] The committee also sponsors the state's relations with concerned international agencies and the treaty's member states. […] The committee is authorized to suggest draft legislations to banning trafficking and illegal use of chemical, biological and poisonous substances as well as regulations and controls needed to organize process of importing, trafficking and use of those substances and other duties regarding the committee's work." (Yemen News Agency; 07Jul09) http://www.sabanews.net/en/news188602.htm
Victim's white powder scare [Gladstone, Queensland]
"A woman who turned up at Gladstone police station with an envelope containing white powder sparked a major alert yesterday. The woman, 43, was immediately isolated in the police station's carpark, and emergency services were quickly called to the scene about 10.30am. Gladstone's Senior Sergeant Julia Cook said yesterday the white powder had later been confirmed as 'non-suspicious.' The woman had been sent the white powder by a man, in an attempt to threaten her, she said. […] Gladstone's Queensland Fire Rescue Services officers donned safety gear to enter the sealed area and take a sample, which was found to be flour. Detective Wayne Butcher said CIB officers were seeking to identify the person who sent the package." (Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton; 07Jul09) http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2009/07/07/white-powder-posted-in-mail-sparks-police-station-/
Federal offices receive hoax anthrax [sic] threats [KY]
"Federal offices around Kentucky received letters Monday that contained anthrax threats, leading to lockdowns and safety checks in several places, authorities said. The threats turned out to be false. Tests showed the letters contained no harmful substances. […] Mike Klein, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky, said he understood that an inmate at the Big Sandy federal prison in Martin County mailed 25 to 50 letters. [...] Klein said he was told that the inmate later admitted that the substance in the letters was Sweet 'N Low artificial sweetener. [...] Letters arrived Monday at the federal courthouses in London, Frankfort and Pikeville. Threatening letters also arrived at the offices of U.S. Reps. Brett Guthrie in Bowling Green; John Yarmuth in Louisville; Geoff Davis in Northern Kentucky; and Ed Whitfield. [...] Officials said the letters had been turned over to the FBI." (Lexington Herald Leader; 07Jul09; Bill Estep and Dori Hjalmarson) http://www.kentucky.com/latest_news/story/854381.html
Police drop case of [FL] Gov. Charlie Crist 'anthrax' letter [sic]
"Without charging any suspects, state police closed an investigation into a threatening letter that contained a fake anthrax powder [sic] that was sent last August to Gov. Charlie Crist. The letter bore the last name and return address of a former St. Petersburg police officer. The former officer suspected that it might have been sent by a former girlfriend or the ex-husband of his fiancee, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement documents released last week. Handwriting and DNA analyses of the letter and the stamps, however, proved inconclusive, according to the FDLE." (Miami Herald; 08Jul09) http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/1131872.html
Protecting Civilians Leads New Afghanistan Strategy
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - Combat operations some 4,000 Marines began last week in southern Afghanistan and an influx of additional forces represent a big step toward carrying out a more comprehensive U.S. strategy there, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a National Press Club audience today he's encouraged by the regional focus of the strategy and its emphasis on building capacity in the economic, agricultural, governance and other civilian realms.
"There is a very comprehensive approach here that covers all of the areas that are required to move this in a positive direction," he said. "And I'm actually encouraged by the strategic approach, and now we're in a position where we just have to execute it."
But the chairman acknowledged that the additional troops focused on providing the security climate necessary for those efforts -- as well as the new leadership Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal brings to NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan -- come at a time of increased violence.
Mullen conceded that the fighting during the next 12 to 18 months "is going to be very, very challenging" and will mean more troop casualties.
As a sobering testament to that violence, Mullen was slated to fly directly from today's National Press Club event to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to officially receive the remains of seven fallen servicemembers returning from Afghanistan.
Mullen said the Taliban have become "tougher and tougher, and better and better."
"Meeting that challenge is what these forces are right now," he said. "And they're more than anything else focused on security for the Afghan people."
He expressed hope that more resources and the ability to apply lessons learned from counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq will make a difference in Afghanistan.
"We are now resourcing it to the needs of the commander on the ground," he said. "We just haven't done that before."
It is those resources, in addition to the joint civil-military team to be brought in by Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, that "will allow us to move forward in a very positive way," the chairman said.
The appropriate troop level, and whether still more will be required, will be part of an assessment McChrystal is conducting, Mullen said.
"I think all of us are concerned about having the right level of footprint but not getting to a point where it looks like we're an occupying force," he added. "If we get to that point, it isn't going to work."
One conclusion McChrystal already has made known, and that Mullen said he supports wholeheartedly, is that success of the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy has to be measured through civilian lives protected, not numbers of enemy fighters killed.
Protecting civilian lives must be paramount, the chairman said. "Civilian casualties, when they occur, set us back," he acknowledged.
The admiral cited a new directive McChrystal issued last week that emphasizes preventing civilian casualties as well as protecting U.S. troops.
"One of the thrusts is [that] we will do everything we can and everything we have to, to protect our own troops," Mullen said. But it also calls on combat leaders to consider the follow-on effects of an action, and to recognize that "a tactical win can well be a strategic defeat," he added.
Mullen declined to predict how long U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan. But he said he believes the effort has to "start to turn the tide with respect to the Taliban in the next 12 to 18 months."
"I believe the forces that we have and the strategy that we have and the approach that we have will allow us to do that," he said.
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - Combat operations some 4,000 Marines began last week in southern Afghanistan and an influx of additional forces represent a big step toward carrying out a more comprehensive U.S. strategy there, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a National Press Club audience today he's encouraged by the regional focus of the strategy and its emphasis on building capacity in the economic, agricultural, governance and other civilian realms.
"There is a very comprehensive approach here that covers all of the areas that are required to move this in a positive direction," he said. "And I'm actually encouraged by the strategic approach, and now we're in a position where we just have to execute it."
But the chairman acknowledged that the additional troops focused on providing the security climate necessary for those efforts -- as well as the new leadership Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal brings to NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan -- come at a time of increased violence.
Mullen conceded that the fighting during the next 12 to 18 months "is going to be very, very challenging" and will mean more troop casualties.
As a sobering testament to that violence, Mullen was slated to fly directly from today's National Press Club event to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to officially receive the remains of seven fallen servicemembers returning from Afghanistan.
Mullen said the Taliban have become "tougher and tougher, and better and better."
"Meeting that challenge is what these forces are right now," he said. "And they're more than anything else focused on security for the Afghan people."
He expressed hope that more resources and the ability to apply lessons learned from counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq will make a difference in Afghanistan.
"We are now resourcing it to the needs of the commander on the ground," he said. "We just haven't done that before."
It is those resources, in addition to the joint civil-military team to be brought in by Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, that "will allow us to move forward in a very positive way," the chairman said.
The appropriate troop level, and whether still more will be required, will be part of an assessment McChrystal is conducting, Mullen said.
"I think all of us are concerned about having the right level of footprint but not getting to a point where it looks like we're an occupying force," he added. "If we get to that point, it isn't going to work."
One conclusion McChrystal already has made known, and that Mullen said he supports wholeheartedly, is that success of the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy has to be measured through civilian lives protected, not numbers of enemy fighters killed.
Protecting civilian lives must be paramount, the chairman said. "Civilian casualties, when they occur, set us back," he acknowledged.
The admiral cited a new directive McChrystal issued last week that emphasizes preventing civilian casualties as well as protecting U.S. troops.
"One of the thrusts is [that] we will do everything we can and everything we have to, to protect our own troops," Mullen said. But it also calls on combat leaders to consider the follow-on effects of an action, and to recognize that "a tactical win can well be a strategic defeat," he added.
Mullen declined to predict how long U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan. But he said he believes the effort has to "start to turn the tide with respect to the Taliban in the next 12 to 18 months."
"I believe the forces that we have and the strategy that we have and the approach that we have will allow us to do that," he said.
Trash Collection Marks New Era in Iraqi City
By Army Staff Sgt. Rodney Foliente
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - U.S. forces are helping Iraqi officials ring in a new era – with services like trash collection. Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team and members of the provincial reconstruction team in Iraq's Basra province met with the provincial governor July 1 as he distributed the symbolic first trash can to a family as part of a far-reaching cleanup initiative.
Brigade soldiers coordinated with the local government to provide trash cans to residents throughout the city of Basra.
"Both the Iraqis and Americans are committed to follow the terms and conditions of the security agreement, which we are applying step by step," said Basra Gov. Sheltag Aboud al-Mayah. "At this time, we are going to start a new era of cooperation. In the past era, the cooperation was based on the military, but was also accompanied by some reconstruction efforts.
"The new era will witness that Iraqis and Americans will focus on reconstruction," he continued. "Our American friends comprehended the important priority of having a clean city, and also the priorities of having water and electricity. They will help us in having these things as essential services."
Distribution of the first trash cans was just the beginning, the governor said. "Today, we'll deliver to the people, as a first step, 12,000 trash cans. At the end, the number will reach 350,000, with each house having one trash container. This is the starting point for a lot of other projects to follow."
In addition to the trash containers, officials in the provincial capital plan on providing regular trash collection services, said Army Maj. Stanley Hutchison, the brigade's civil liaison team leader.
"This project is part of an ongoing campaign to clean up the city of Basra and change the way the city does trash collection," he said.
Other projects include street-cleaning services, incentives for citizens delivering trash directly to dump sites, repairing the trash collection fleet and constructing solid-waste transfer stations, Hutchison said.
"For the long term, we're also working with the provincial reconstruction team to get an incinerator to dispose of their trash," the major added. Additional projects include continuing to clean the canals and picking up the masses of scrap metal within the city.
The United States has funded about $8 million for local trash collection and cleanup initiatives, Hutchison said, noting that the city generates about 2,200 tons of trash daily. With the crippled trash collection fleet and other deficiencies, he said, the city has been able to collect and dispose of only about 40 percent of the daily trash volume.
With insufficient waste-management services, many residents simply dumped their trash outside their homes and along the roads. Children often can be seen playing around or in such areas. Local residents have been used to such conditions for years, Hutchison said.
"These conditions are causing problems with the health of the residents," he added. Such conditions also can lead residents to be discontent with their government and the lack of essential services, he noted.
"I would like it if Basra was cleaner," said 9-year-old Noordein. "It would be better. There will be more places to play safely."
As a member of the first family to receive a trash can, he also said the trash can and trash services will help to keep their own home and neighborhood cleaner.
"This is a good thing for the people of the city," said city employee Abasi, who drove one of the trucks loaded with trash cans, and watched in satisfaction as Noordein and his family received a container.
"This will help make the city beautiful, and we can have a healthier and cleaner city," said Abasi, who has worked for the city for three years. He said things have seemed to improve recently, and that he feels hopeful for the initiatives driven by the government and the future of his city.
"We are thankful to the Americans for helping us in our efforts to clean our city," he said. "A cleaner city will benefit all in Basra, but I want this mainly for my children and for all the children of Basra."
(Army Staff Sgt. Rodney Foliente serves with the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - U.S. forces are helping Iraqi officials ring in a new era – with services like trash collection. Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team and members of the provincial reconstruction team in Iraq's Basra province met with the provincial governor July 1 as he distributed the symbolic first trash can to a family as part of a far-reaching cleanup initiative.
Brigade soldiers coordinated with the local government to provide trash cans to residents throughout the city of Basra.
"Both the Iraqis and Americans are committed to follow the terms and conditions of the security agreement, which we are applying step by step," said Basra Gov. Sheltag Aboud al-Mayah. "At this time, we are going to start a new era of cooperation. In the past era, the cooperation was based on the military, but was also accompanied by some reconstruction efforts.
"The new era will witness that Iraqis and Americans will focus on reconstruction," he continued. "Our American friends comprehended the important priority of having a clean city, and also the priorities of having water and electricity. They will help us in having these things as essential services."
Distribution of the first trash cans was just the beginning, the governor said. "Today, we'll deliver to the people, as a first step, 12,000 trash cans. At the end, the number will reach 350,000, with each house having one trash container. This is the starting point for a lot of other projects to follow."
In addition to the trash containers, officials in the provincial capital plan on providing regular trash collection services, said Army Maj. Stanley Hutchison, the brigade's civil liaison team leader.
"This project is part of an ongoing campaign to clean up the city of Basra and change the way the city does trash collection," he said.
Other projects include street-cleaning services, incentives for citizens delivering trash directly to dump sites, repairing the trash collection fleet and constructing solid-waste transfer stations, Hutchison said.
"For the long term, we're also working with the provincial reconstruction team to get an incinerator to dispose of their trash," the major added. Additional projects include continuing to clean the canals and picking up the masses of scrap metal within the city.
The United States has funded about $8 million for local trash collection and cleanup initiatives, Hutchison said, noting that the city generates about 2,200 tons of trash daily. With the crippled trash collection fleet and other deficiencies, he said, the city has been able to collect and dispose of only about 40 percent of the daily trash volume.
With insufficient waste-management services, many residents simply dumped their trash outside their homes and along the roads. Children often can be seen playing around or in such areas. Local residents have been used to such conditions for years, Hutchison said.
"These conditions are causing problems with the health of the residents," he added. Such conditions also can lead residents to be discontent with their government and the lack of essential services, he noted.
"I would like it if Basra was cleaner," said 9-year-old Noordein. "It would be better. There will be more places to play safely."
As a member of the first family to receive a trash can, he also said the trash can and trash services will help to keep their own home and neighborhood cleaner.
"This is a good thing for the people of the city," said city employee Abasi, who drove one of the trucks loaded with trash cans, and watched in satisfaction as Noordein and his family received a container.
"This will help make the city beautiful, and we can have a healthier and cleaner city," said Abasi, who has worked for the city for three years. He said things have seemed to improve recently, and that he feels hopeful for the initiatives driven by the government and the future of his city.
"We are thankful to the Americans for helping us in our efforts to clean our city," he said. "A cleaner city will benefit all in Basra, but I want this mainly for my children and for all the children of Basra."
(Army Staff Sgt. Rodney Foliente serves with the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
Air Force Office of Special Investigations
On August 7, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.), formerly of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Program Date: August 7, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
About the Guest
Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.) is a retired Special Agent of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). The OSI is the Air Force equivalent of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), was modeled after the FBI, and has dual missions: felony-level criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations.
During Colonel Michael Angley’s 25-year OSI career, he has literally “seen it all.” When he was a young Special Agent in northern California he worked a number of undercover narcotics operations targeting Air Force jet mechanics that were using, selling, and distributing a variety of narcotics. Following a firm grounding in criminal investigations, to include, murder, arson, and child crime cases, Michael Angley began to specialize in counterintelligence operations. During his career he held thirteen different assignments worldwide, with most of his overseas time in the Far East and Middle East. In 1996 Michael Angley took command of all OSI units in the Middle East where he was responsible for operations in 23 countries. He established groundbreaking concepts for the conduct of counterterrorism programs that led the way to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Michael Angley retired in 2007, he was the Commander of OSI Region 8, Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado. He was responsible for all OSI criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations at thirteen Air Force Space Command locations in the United States. Colonel Michael Angley is the author of Child Finder.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: August 7, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
About the Guest
Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.) is a retired Special Agent of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). The OSI is the Air Force equivalent of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), was modeled after the FBI, and has dual missions: felony-level criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations.
During Colonel Michael Angley’s 25-year OSI career, he has literally “seen it all.” When he was a young Special Agent in northern California he worked a number of undercover narcotics operations targeting Air Force jet mechanics that were using, selling, and distributing a variety of narcotics. Following a firm grounding in criminal investigations, to include, murder, arson, and child crime cases, Michael Angley began to specialize in counterintelligence operations. During his career he held thirteen different assignments worldwide, with most of his overseas time in the Far East and Middle East. In 1996 Michael Angley took command of all OSI units in the Middle East where he was responsible for operations in 23 countries. He established groundbreaking concepts for the conduct of counterterrorism programs that led the way to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Michael Angley retired in 2007, he was the Commander of OSI Region 8, Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado. He was responsible for all OSI criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations at thirteen Air Force Space Command locations in the United States. Colonel Michael Angley is the author of Child Finder.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Forces Detain Militants, Destroy Weapons in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces detained suspected militants and destroyed homemade bombs in operations in Afghanistan today and yesterday, military officials reported. In Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces detained suspected militants last night during operations aimed at disrupting Haqqani terrorist activities, including attacks on coalition bases by a key Haqqani commander, assassination attempts of Afghan government officials and the flow of foreign fighters and weapons into the region.
The forces assaulted three compounds south of Ghazni city. In one of the compounds, the forces engaged a suspected militant who did not comply with instructions to stop moving toward them. During this engagement, a ricocheting round killed a civilian female. The forces killed several armed enemy combatants, detained six suspected militants and seized grenades and rifles.
Elsewhere, Afghan National Police, assisted by coalition forces, discovered and destroyed 21 homemade bombs in Oruzgan province today and yesterday.
The Afghan-led force was conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol when the patrol was fired on from a wooded area. The force returned fire, killing a militant. The force discovered and destroyed 21 homemade bombs.
No Afghan or coalition force or civilian casualties were reported.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
July 8, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces detained suspected militants and destroyed homemade bombs in operations in Afghanistan today and yesterday, military officials reported. In Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces detained suspected militants last night during operations aimed at disrupting Haqqani terrorist activities, including attacks on coalition bases by a key Haqqani commander, assassination attempts of Afghan government officials and the flow of foreign fighters and weapons into the region.
The forces assaulted three compounds south of Ghazni city. In one of the compounds, the forces engaged a suspected militant who did not comply with instructions to stop moving toward them. During this engagement, a ricocheting round killed a civilian female. The forces killed several armed enemy combatants, detained six suspected militants and seized grenades and rifles.
Elsewhere, Afghan National Police, assisted by coalition forces, discovered and destroyed 21 homemade bombs in Oruzgan province today and yesterday.
The Afghan-led force was conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol when the patrol was fired on from a wooded area. The force returned fire, killing a militant. The force discovered and destroyed 21 homemade bombs.
No Afghan or coalition force or civilian casualties were reported.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
On the Ground: Forces Aid City, Improve Quality of Life in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - U.S. forces strengthened relationships with their Iraqi counterparts in recent days as they worked to help a city in need and to improve health care and quality of life throughout Iraq. U.S. forces are providing humanitarian aid to the residents of an Iraqi city recovering after a devastating truck bomb attack in June. Representatives from the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the Kirkuk provincial reconstruction team traveled to Taza, south of Kirkuk, on June 27 to assist in the recovery.
Forces assessed the security situation, delivered much-needed water and inspected a tent city. The Turkish government and several nongovernmental organizations donated the tents to residents who lost their homes in the blast, said Army Capt. Nathan Jennings, commander of Company C, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
"The town has been feeding at least 3,000 people a day since the blast to accommodate the family members and friends who came to attend funerals," Jennings said. "We brought the water to make sure the visitors had enough."
Water lines leading to the destroyed homes have been temporarily repaired, and water to the city has been restored, said Talib, Taza's mayor.
Chris Jennings, from the Kirkuk reconstruction team, offered his team's help with recovery efforts.
"In the coming weeks, we can start looking at offering microgrants to help businesses that were damaged in the attack rebuild," Jennings said.
A plan is in place; however, it will take about a year to rebuild, the mayor said.
"If terrorists knew this explosion would have unified Arabs, Turks and Christians, they wouldn't have done it," Talib said. "It has united us."
Elsewhere, officials are preparing to turn over Baghdad's historic Ibn Sina Hospital to Iraqi government control. U.S. forces are scheduled to return the facility to the Iraqis on Oct. 1, in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
The U.S. Army's 10th Combat Support Hospital is currently operating the facility. The staff will continue to provide health care for patients until the transition.
"The mission of the 10th CSH is sustaining," said Army Col. Raphael De Jesus, 10th CSH commander. "Our ability to provide excellent health care to U.S. and coalition forces during the transition will not be interrupted."
Coalition servicemembers and civilians will be treated for minor medical issues at Ibn Sina until July 15, when a new outpatient clinic is slated to open on Forward Operating Base Prosperity, also located in Baghdad.
Hospital staff will continue to offer emergency room and inpatient services until Ibn Sina Hospital temporarily closes its doors Aug. 15 to prepare for the facility's return to the Iraqi government's Health Ministry.
Also looking to the future, the deputy governor of Salahuddin province met with U.S. leaders and representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss upcoming projects June 29 at the corps' regional headquarters on Contingency Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit.
"We will have better results at the start of our projects due to the additional insight the Iraqi personnel bring to the table," said Glenn Myrick, resident engineer for the corps.
The goal is to incorporate more frequent communication during the project lifecycle, not just at the start and finish of a project, Myrick said. This will give the provincial leaders more confidence that the projects are being handled correctly.
"I know that having Iraqi leaders' input is essential because they know the terrain of Iraq and have adapted to the environment," said Army Capt. Justin King, the Commander's Emergency Response Program manager for the
25th Infantry Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
July 8, 2009 - U.S. forces strengthened relationships with their Iraqi counterparts in recent days as they worked to help a city in need and to improve health care and quality of life throughout Iraq. U.S. forces are providing humanitarian aid to the residents of an Iraqi city recovering after a devastating truck bomb attack in June. Representatives from the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the Kirkuk provincial reconstruction team traveled to Taza, south of Kirkuk, on June 27 to assist in the recovery.
Forces assessed the security situation, delivered much-needed water and inspected a tent city. The Turkish government and several nongovernmental organizations donated the tents to residents who lost their homes in the blast, said Army Capt. Nathan Jennings, commander of Company C, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
"The town has been feeding at least 3,000 people a day since the blast to accommodate the family members and friends who came to attend funerals," Jennings said. "We brought the water to make sure the visitors had enough."
Water lines leading to the destroyed homes have been temporarily repaired, and water to the city has been restored, said Talib, Taza's mayor.
Chris Jennings, from the Kirkuk reconstruction team, offered his team's help with recovery efforts.
"In the coming weeks, we can start looking at offering microgrants to help businesses that were damaged in the attack rebuild," Jennings said.
A plan is in place; however, it will take about a year to rebuild, the mayor said.
"If terrorists knew this explosion would have unified Arabs, Turks and Christians, they wouldn't have done it," Talib said. "It has united us."
Elsewhere, officials are preparing to turn over Baghdad's historic Ibn Sina Hospital to Iraqi government control. U.S. forces are scheduled to return the facility to the Iraqis on Oct. 1, in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
The U.S. Army's 10th Combat Support Hospital is currently operating the facility. The staff will continue to provide health care for patients until the transition.
"The mission of the 10th CSH is sustaining," said Army Col. Raphael De Jesus, 10th CSH commander. "Our ability to provide excellent health care to U.S. and coalition forces during the transition will not be interrupted."
Coalition servicemembers and civilians will be treated for minor medical issues at Ibn Sina until July 15, when a new outpatient clinic is slated to open on Forward Operating Base Prosperity, also located in Baghdad.
Hospital staff will continue to offer emergency room and inpatient services until Ibn Sina Hospital temporarily closes its doors Aug. 15 to prepare for the facility's return to the Iraqi government's Health Ministry.
Also looking to the future, the deputy governor of Salahuddin province met with U.S. leaders and representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss upcoming projects June 29 at the corps' regional headquarters on Contingency Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit.
"We will have better results at the start of our projects due to the additional insight the Iraqi personnel bring to the table," said Glenn Myrick, resident engineer for the corps.
The goal is to incorporate more frequent communication during the project lifecycle, not just at the start and finish of a project, Myrick said. This will give the provincial leaders more confidence that the projects are being handled correctly.
"I know that having Iraqi leaders' input is essential because they know the terrain of Iraq and have adapted to the environment," said Army Capt. Justin King, the Commander's Emergency Response Program manager for the
25th Infantry Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Pentagon Report Cites Continued Challenges in Afghanistan
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - The United States continues to face severe security and governance challenges in Afghanistan this year, but U.S. efforts remain fixed on defeating extremism and boosting the Afghan government. That's the conclusion drawn in the latest Pentagon assessment of U.S. achievements and setbacks in Afghanistan. Congress requires the so-called "1230 Report" every 180 days.
The report released today covers the first half of 2009, a period during which President Barack Obama's administration assessed the multinational effort in Afghanistan, unveiling a new strategy in late March.
The strategy has yielded the appointment of a new top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, the deployment of 21,000 additional U.S. forces and renewed focus on the kinds of counterinsurgency efforts that proved successful in decreasing violence in Iraq. About 57,000 U.S. forces are in Afghanistan, with NATO troops numbering some 34,000.
Today's report, which captured data recorded from October to April, noted evidence of deterioration in Afghanistan's security.
"Insurgents continued to attack U.S., international and Afghan security forces and continued to attempt to influence and intimidate the Afghan population," the report states. "Insurgent-initiated attacks during the reporting period were 57 percent higher than during the same period the previous year." Sixty-seven U.S. personnel were killed in action between October and May, a 24 percent increase from 2007-2008, it notes.
In addition to the normal uptick in violence that occurs during Afghanistan's "fighting season," which follows the harsh winter, a NATO forces decision to deny insurgents respite and pursue them in their winter enclaves was a factor in the higher casualty numbers, the report states.
But despite the increased violence against security forces, total civilian casualties, including those caused by multinational and insurgent forces, were down 9 percent between October and May, as compared to the same time last year, according to NATO data.
As insurgent activity spread to more areas in Afghanistan and occurred at higher frequencies than in previous years, Afghan assistance to its national security forces also increased. The report noted a slight increase during this period of Afghans turning over explosives and weapons caches.
Shortfalls in NATO International Security Assistance Force personnel and materiel remain, the report concludes. Although neither the International Conference on Afghanistan in March nor the NATO Summit in April yielded significant new military force contributions from NATO allies or the international community, the two conferences did yield significant new assistance to the efforts in Afghanistan, it states.
At the two-day NATO summit in Kehl, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, NATO allies offered to finance and provide more security -- including 3,000 more personnel -- for the Afghan election in August, to send 300 additional military trainers and mentors, and 70 NATO embedded training teams to help in growing the Afghan national army. Other pledges included $500 million for civilian assistance and $100 million in support of the Afghan army.
The report notes that Afghan forces have continued to improve. "If provided the necessary resources, the Afghan National Army will reach its currently authorized end-strength of 134,000 personnel by December 2011," it states.
The bolstering of Afghan national forces is promising, as the report notes that training Afghan security forces to take on an increased role in operations is the principal objective of the new U.S. strategy behind providing security to the Afghan people.
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - The United States continues to face severe security and governance challenges in Afghanistan this year, but U.S. efforts remain fixed on defeating extremism and boosting the Afghan government. That's the conclusion drawn in the latest Pentagon assessment of U.S. achievements and setbacks in Afghanistan. Congress requires the so-called "1230 Report" every 180 days.
The report released today covers the first half of 2009, a period during which President Barack Obama's administration assessed the multinational effort in Afghanistan, unveiling a new strategy in late March.
The strategy has yielded the appointment of a new top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, the deployment of 21,000 additional U.S. forces and renewed focus on the kinds of counterinsurgency efforts that proved successful in decreasing violence in Iraq. About 57,000 U.S. forces are in Afghanistan, with NATO troops numbering some 34,000.
Today's report, which captured data recorded from October to April, noted evidence of deterioration in Afghanistan's security.
"Insurgents continued to attack U.S., international and Afghan security forces and continued to attempt to influence and intimidate the Afghan population," the report states. "Insurgent-initiated attacks during the reporting period were 57 percent higher than during the same period the previous year." Sixty-seven U.S. personnel were killed in action between October and May, a 24 percent increase from 2007-2008, it notes.
In addition to the normal uptick in violence that occurs during Afghanistan's "fighting season," which follows the harsh winter, a NATO forces decision to deny insurgents respite and pursue them in their winter enclaves was a factor in the higher casualty numbers, the report states.
But despite the increased violence against security forces, total civilian casualties, including those caused by multinational and insurgent forces, were down 9 percent between October and May, as compared to the same time last year, according to NATO data.
As insurgent activity spread to more areas in Afghanistan and occurred at higher frequencies than in previous years, Afghan assistance to its national security forces also increased. The report noted a slight increase during this period of Afghans turning over explosives and weapons caches.
Shortfalls in NATO International Security Assistance Force personnel and materiel remain, the report concludes. Although neither the International Conference on Afghanistan in March nor the NATO Summit in April yielded significant new military force contributions from NATO allies or the international community, the two conferences did yield significant new assistance to the efforts in Afghanistan, it states.
At the two-day NATO summit in Kehl, Germany, and Strasbourg, France, NATO allies offered to finance and provide more security -- including 3,000 more personnel -- for the Afghan election in August, to send 300 additional military trainers and mentors, and 70 NATO embedded training teams to help in growing the Afghan national army. Other pledges included $500 million for civilian assistance and $100 million in support of the Afghan army.
The report notes that Afghan forces have continued to improve. "If provided the necessary resources, the Afghan National Army will reach its currently authorized end-strength of 134,000 personnel by December 2011," it states.
The bolstering of Afghan national forces is promising, as the report notes that training Afghan security forces to take on an increased role in operations is the principal objective of the new U.S. strategy behind providing security to the Afghan people.
Afghanistan Operation Shows Early Gains, But More Afghans Needed
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - The commander of a U.S. Marine brigade in southern Afghanistan is cautiously optimistic at progress made in the first week of an offensive there, but says more Afghan forces are needed. Some 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan security forces launched the ongoing Operation Khanjar, which translates to Strike of the Sword, in the Helmand River valley on July 2, marking the biggest military offensive since President Barack Obama announced a new Afghanistan strategy in March.
"We're still very early into this operation. ... [I'm] very cautiously optimistic that things have gone well," Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, said in a conference call from Marine Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province with reporters at the Pentagon.
As the operation got under way last week in the early morning hours, the brigade of Marines fanned across the area with the intent of overwhelming opposing forces and saving civilian lives, Nicholson said. Many Taliban fighters fled as the security forces appeared, some leaving behind caches of weapons and bomb-making materials.
"What we have found here is that in some areas, there's still some fighting going on. But in large part, the enemy has not resisted too strongly," Nicholson said, adding that the deployment of forces almost mirrored a Marine amphibious landing in terms of size and speed.
About two months ago, Nicholson said, he received help from Gov. Gulab Mangal of Helmand province in locating key areas to target during the operation. At the Nicholson's request, the governor also provided a list of local elders who young Marine officers could contact upon arrival in areas that traditionally have been Taliban strongholds.
Anticipating that local residents would be curious about the Marines' intentions, Nicholson established a requirement: Company commanders must hold a "shura," or meeting, with local elders within one day of arriving.
"The focus of this operation from the very beginning has been on the people, not the enemy," the general said. "And I know that may sound very strange, and I got some raised eyebrows, even with talking to Marines. On the way, we'll take care of the Taliban. But get to the people."
About 150 local elders gathered today to watch the Helmand governor raise a flag above a centuries-old castle in the area's southernmost town of Khanishin. Nicholson characterized it as an "Iwo Jima" moment for Marines who earlier had rid the town of Taliban militants, and now looked on as the national banner rose.
"This is a Taliban iconic town that has fallen to the government," Nicholson said. "There were tears in [the governor's] eyes today, and I think everyone there was moved."
But despite early signs of progress, Nicholson said, he has too few Afghan forces supporting his mission.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it," he said. "The fact of the matter is, we don't have enough Afghan forces, and I'd like more. You know, imagine right now I've got 4,000 Marines in Helmand, with about 600 [to] 650 Afghan forces. Imagine if I had 4,000 Marines with 4,000 Afghan forces.
"It would not even be comparable to this -- even [given] the relative success that we've had over these first seven days," he said, noting that plans call for adding more Afghans to the fight.
Nicholson characterized Afghan troops as "force multipliers," since they wield a range of capabilities that complement U.S. forces.
"[Afghan forces] understand intuitively what's going on in an area that we'll just never get, no matter how much cultural training our guys get," he said. "So they are absolutely essential.
"They can see guys on the street, and they can tell you that this guy's not a local, that he's not even an Afghan," he added. "So it takes away the enemy's ability to hide, which is just one more of a series of compelling reasons why we've been so insistent for more Afghans."
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - The commander of a U.S. Marine brigade in southern Afghanistan is cautiously optimistic at progress made in the first week of an offensive there, but says more Afghan forces are needed. Some 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan security forces launched the ongoing Operation Khanjar, which translates to Strike of the Sword, in the Helmand River valley on July 2, marking the biggest military offensive since President Barack Obama announced a new Afghanistan strategy in March.
"We're still very early into this operation. ... [I'm] very cautiously optimistic that things have gone well," Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commander of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, said in a conference call from Marine Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province with reporters at the Pentagon.
As the operation got under way last week in the early morning hours, the brigade of Marines fanned across the area with the intent of overwhelming opposing forces and saving civilian lives, Nicholson said. Many Taliban fighters fled as the security forces appeared, some leaving behind caches of weapons and bomb-making materials.
"What we have found here is that in some areas, there's still some fighting going on. But in large part, the enemy has not resisted too strongly," Nicholson said, adding that the deployment of forces almost mirrored a Marine amphibious landing in terms of size and speed.
About two months ago, Nicholson said, he received help from Gov. Gulab Mangal of Helmand province in locating key areas to target during the operation. At the Nicholson's request, the governor also provided a list of local elders who young Marine officers could contact upon arrival in areas that traditionally have been Taliban strongholds.
Anticipating that local residents would be curious about the Marines' intentions, Nicholson established a requirement: Company commanders must hold a "shura," or meeting, with local elders within one day of arriving.
"The focus of this operation from the very beginning has been on the people, not the enemy," the general said. "And I know that may sound very strange, and I got some raised eyebrows, even with talking to Marines. On the way, we'll take care of the Taliban. But get to the people."
About 150 local elders gathered today to watch the Helmand governor raise a flag above a centuries-old castle in the area's southernmost town of Khanishin. Nicholson characterized it as an "Iwo Jima" moment for Marines who earlier had rid the town of Taliban militants, and now looked on as the national banner rose.
"This is a Taliban iconic town that has fallen to the government," Nicholson said. "There were tears in [the governor's] eyes today, and I think everyone there was moved."
But despite early signs of progress, Nicholson said, he has too few Afghan forces supporting his mission.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it," he said. "The fact of the matter is, we don't have enough Afghan forces, and I'd like more. You know, imagine right now I've got 4,000 Marines in Helmand, with about 600 [to] 650 Afghan forces. Imagine if I had 4,000 Marines with 4,000 Afghan forces.
"It would not even be comparable to this -- even [given] the relative success that we've had over these first seven days," he said, noting that plans call for adding more Afghans to the fight.
Nicholson characterized Afghan troops as "force multipliers," since they wield a range of capabilities that complement U.S. forces.
"[Afghan forces] understand intuitively what's going on in an area that we'll just never get, no matter how much cultural training our guys get," he said. "So they are absolutely essential.
"They can see guys on the street, and they can tell you that this guy's not a local, that he's not even an Afghan," he added. "So it takes away the enemy's ability to hide, which is just one more of a series of compelling reasons why we've been so insistent for more Afghans."
Face of Defense: 'Practice What You Preach,' NCO Tells Others
By Army Sgt. Keith AndersonSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2009 - Army Sgt. 1st Class JennyAnne Bright believes noncommissioned officers have to practice what they preach. "Soldiers look up to NCOs, because NCOs hold themselves and their soldiers to the highest standards," said Bright, shower laundry and clothing repair noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade. "NCOs lead by example, take pride in the corps and are proud to be the backbone of the Army."
The former drill sergeant and current Sergeant Audie Murphy Club member holds herself and those around her to high standards. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is a private organization founded to promote the ideals exemplified by World War II's most highly decorated U.S. soldiers, and Army installations worldwide conduct boards for induction.
"An NCO is a trainer, mentor and a coach," Bright said. "They take care of soldiers, not by giving days off, but by teaching their soldiers everything they need to accomplish their mission, to survive in combat, and help them become successful in the Army."
Bright, a native of Virginia Beach, Va., even takes her stripes home with her. She encouraged her husband -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Terence Bright, responsible officer at the Q-West bulk fuel farm, 574th Quartermaster Company, 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade -- to attend the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club board, and studied with him over the phone and the Internet. He became a club member at the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command's board on May 21.
"JennyAnne is an outstanding NCO who always strives to improve daily as a leader," her husband said. "She continues to encourage me to become a better NCO and leader, constantly learning and always teaching, mentoring, and training soldiers to strive for excellence."
The couple met while they were both drill sergeants at Fort Lee, Va., in 2005. They married in Virginia Beach on June 6 during their rest and recuperation leave during their current deployment.
"We were both assigned to the 262nd Quartermaster Battalion," Bright said. "Afterward, we both received orders to Germany. It just happened to be Grafenwoehr."
Being a drill sergeant shaped her career, Bright said.
"Being a drill sergeant was the best job I have held so far in the Army," she said. "It was very challenging, but in the end, it was a rewarding experience. It was a greatest job because I was able to train so many soldiers with different [specialties] to prepare them for the operational Army. This job enhanced my abilities to lead. It sharpened my skills as an NCO."
The versatile NCO has many additional duties in Iraq.
She writes articles and takes pictures that are used in military and civilian publications, has served as the company's equal opportunity leader, and is one of the company's three small-arms marksmanship masters.
Bright, who entered the military in 1997 and is on her second deployment, said the thing she will remember most about service in the Army is the opportunity she's had to touch lives.
"When I look back at my career, what I will remember most about being an NCO is that it is great to be an NCO," she said. "Throughout the years, you look back and think of all the soldiers you have trained and made an impact on. Training soldiers is the best job to have. Being an NCO enabled me to teach a soldier everything from marching, conducting personal hygiene, digging a fox hole and disassembling weapons to leading other soldiers."
The avid runner said she hopes someday to be a sergeant major in the Quartermaster Corps and to become an elementary teacher after retirement.
Bright offered some tips for new NCOs.
"Take charge and fulfill the responsibilities that come with the rank," she advised. "Soldiers look up to you for direction, purpose and motivation. Soldiers are always looking at you, even when you think they are not looking."
She said doing the right thing is its own reward.
"Always train to standard to prepare them for combat," Bright said. "The NCO rank is a powerful rank. Use it to teach, coach and mentor soldiers. Take care of soldiers to the best of your abilities, and they will take care of you in return without question."
(Army Sgt. Keith Anderson serves with the 16th Sustainment Brigade.)
Soldiers Assess Afghan Polling Sites to Ensure Security
By Army Pfc. Elizabeth K. RaneySpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2009 - Soldiers from the 554th Military Police Company out of Stuttgart, Germany, are assessing polling sites here for next month's Afghan elections. Army Sgt. 1st Class John Moyle, a platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, 554th Military Police Company who hails from Sunbury, Pa., said the purpose of the missions is to assess local security posture.
The soldiers pass along any security concerns raised by local residents to the provincial reconstruction team for action. The company is serving here under Task Force Mountain Warrior.
Moyle said relationship building and identifying places where humanitarian assistance might be needed are byproducts of the security assessments.
The assessments have kept the soldiers busy. "We had about 30 days to do them all," Moyle said. "There are over 500 [polling sites] in Nangarhar province alone."
Moyle said the people in most villages have been friendly. His platoon has encountered only one village in all of its assessments that was suspected to be unfriendly to coalition forces.
"The thing that has to be determined is why it's not friendly," Moyle said. "Is it by choice? Is it the [villagers] themselves that are anti-coalition forces, or is it because somebody pushed their way into the village and the village people are scared?"
Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Haskell, from Lewiston, Maine, a squad leader in the platoon, said the soldiers seek out village leaders during their assessments.
"We need to know what they have around already for currently existing security measures," he explained, "[such as whether] they have a wall around their compound or if they have any kind of wire, if they have guards or watchmen or anything to keep an eye on the place. We're just trying to determine what they actually have."
The soldiers also look for specific threats, Haskell said. "Usually, everyone seems to think they're really safe where they're at, but I try to find out if they think there's any specific threat against their facility," he said.
Haskell expressed disappointment that a bomb was found in a polling place the day after its assessment. "Nonetheless," he said, "assessing the polling sites for the upcoming election lets the enemy know that we are around, and lets the [villagers] know that we are here for them, to help."
(Army Pfc. Elizabeth K. Raney serves with the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
'Real World' Crew Visits Former Cast Member in Iraq
By Army Pfc. Kelly LeCompte
Special to American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, July 7, 2009 - A two-man team from MTV's "Real World" program spent a week at Joint Security Station Saydiyah here filming the final portions of a follow-up story on one of the show's former participants.
Army Spc. Ryan Conklin of the North Carolina National Guard's Company B, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, starred in the Brooklyn edition of the show and received notice of his deployment during filming.
MTV followed the Gettysburg, Pa., native through part of his mobilization and pre-deployment training, and is filming the final portion, his deployment to Iraq, for the follow-up story.
At the end of June and early this month, photography director Jason Williams and producer Matt Ruecker covered Conklin patrolling Baghdad's Saydiyah neighborhood and participating in everyday life at this small base.
The "Real World" program involves moving a handful of people into a house together and covering their daily interactions.
"It is an examination of these people and the way they deal with these things in their lives, and this is just an extension of that," Ruecker said.
During the show, Conklin received a call from his brother, notifying him that he'd been recalled to active duty. Ruecker and Williams were there when Conklin received the call, and have since followed him to Iraq.
"It's not just a news story, it's deeper than that" Ruecker said. "Being the first people from MTV [in Iraq], I think that hopefully, we're going to provide a story that is not typical that is coming out of this region."
"And not typical to MTV," Williams added.
Conklin said he hopes the MTV coverage will help to open eyes among younger American viewers.
"I hope something positive comes out of it," he said, "even if it's just a slight introduction to just what things look like, or who's over here, or a face to soldiers. I think that would be pretty good."
"It's been a life experience that neither one of us will ever forget," Ruecker said.
(Army Pfc. Kelly LeCompte serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the North Carolina National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, July 7, 2009 - A two-man team from MTV's "Real World" program spent a week at Joint Security Station Saydiyah here filming the final portions of a follow-up story on one of the show's former participants.
Army Spc. Ryan Conklin of the North Carolina National Guard's Company B, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, starred in the Brooklyn edition of the show and received notice of his deployment during filming.
MTV followed the Gettysburg, Pa., native through part of his mobilization and pre-deployment training, and is filming the final portion, his deployment to Iraq, for the follow-up story.
At the end of June and early this month, photography director Jason Williams and producer Matt Ruecker covered Conklin patrolling Baghdad's Saydiyah neighborhood and participating in everyday life at this small base.
The "Real World" program involves moving a handful of people into a house together and covering their daily interactions.
"It is an examination of these people and the way they deal with these things in their lives, and this is just an extension of that," Ruecker said.
During the show, Conklin received a call from his brother, notifying him that he'd been recalled to active duty. Ruecker and Williams were there when Conklin received the call, and have since followed him to Iraq.
"It's not just a news story, it's deeper than that" Ruecker said. "Being the first people from MTV [in Iraq], I think that hopefully, we're going to provide a story that is not typical that is coming out of this region."
"And not typical to MTV," Williams added.
Conklin said he hopes the MTV coverage will help to open eyes among younger American viewers.
"I hope something positive comes out of it," he said, "even if it's just a slight introduction to just what things look like, or who's over here, or a face to soldiers. I think that would be pretty good."
"It's been a life experience that neither one of us will ever forget," Ruecker said.
(Army Pfc. Kelly LeCompte serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the North Carolina National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
On the Ground: Forces Build Cooperation, Security in Iraq
American Forces Press ServiceJuly 7, 2009 - U.S. forces in Iraq demonstrated their ongoing commitment to building Iraqi sovereignty in recent days with a historic first visit by a U.S. Navy ship and joint operations and training efforts. The USS Scout, an avenger-class mine countermeasure ship, pulled into port in Umm Qasr on June 30, marking the first visit by a U.S. Navy ship since the port transitioned to Iraqi control.
"Today was pretty significant," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Vic Sheldon, Scout's executive officer. "Just having an Iraqi patrol boat come alongside on our way into port and provide security was pretty amazing to see."
Two Iraqi naval officers boarded Scout prior to its arrival and helped to navigate, Sheldon said. "This act alone shows Iraq's readiness to do what it takes to make things happen on their own."
After making port, Iraqi sailors visited Scout for a tour.
"We believe this is another step in making Umm Qasr a port we routinely visit just like any other foreign port in the world," said Navy Cmdr. Chip Wrye, executive officer for the Iraqi training and advisory mission in Umm Qasr.
Elsewhere, a group of Iraqi liaison officers has begun working alongside soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk. The purpose is to improve security and coordination.
The group comprises members of the Iraqi army, Iraqi police, Kurdish army and Iraqi oil police.
"It gives us a common operational picture," said Army Maj. Kevin Capra, brigade planner. "We are [all] sharing information on operations, coordinating movements and sharing intelligence."
During a recent vehicle-bomb attack in Kirkuk city, the liaisons proved to be a vital asset. The Iraqi police liaison spoke directly to the first police responders on the scene and was able to give the brigade's soldiers a clear idea of what was going on, Capra explained.
Another benefit of the coordination is to bring together groups that have had conflicts in the past.
"[We are] being open and transparent," Capra said. "If there is any question on what different elements are doing, such as [the Iraqi army] moving through contentious areas, we are able to notify all the leaders who need to know very quickly. This open dialogue really helps avoid unnecessary tension and overreactions due to misunderstandings."
In another cooperative effort, about 280 Iraqis arrived for training June 28 at the first Correctional Training Center course at Forward Operating Base Future in Baghdad. Over the next several days, 70 more future corrections officers were in-processed into what is slated to become the National Correctional Training Center for the Iraqi government.
"FOB Future provides the [Iraqi government] with a central location for training more cadets and building the capacity of the Ministry of Justice to provide trained and capable [Iraqi corrections officers] to its facilities," said Army Sgt. Maj. Daniel Borrero, fusion cell and assessments sergeant major.
In accordance with the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, a task force at Future is assisting in the transfer of Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, and Camp Cropper in Baghdad to the Iraqi government by training Iraqi corrections officers for the transition.
"The Correctional Training Center is providing the basic training and advance individual training the [corrections officers] are going to need to fill the ranks at Taji, so that when the U.S. transfers authority of the Taji Detention Center to the [Iraqi government] they have a well-trained staff on hand," Borrero explained.
Along with building relationships, U.S. forces are building security and commerce in Iraq.
Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team completed a bridge project June 29 southeast of Qurnah.
The project, which cost more than $122,000, included the removal of worn asphalt, fabrication and installation of decking panels, replacement of side barrier posts, and the construction of guide rails along both sides of the bridge.
The bridge was damaged as a result of an indirect-fire attack. It was built over a tributary of the Tigris River during the Iraq-Iran war.
"The completion of this bridge will go a long way into establishing security and economic stability for the people of the region," said Army Maj. Matthew Cody, brigade executive officer.
(Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian K. Fromal contributed to this article. Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Corps Iraq, Multinational Division South and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet news releases.)
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
On the Ground: U.S. Forces Boost Security, Commerce in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2009 - U.S. forces are helping to equip Afghan forces with the tools they need to improve security and commerce in Afghanistan. In recent days, U.S. forces trained Afghan border police on the use of up-armored Humvees, advised farmers to boost crop production and, to improve quality of life for their own, put the finishing touches on a combat outpost.
More than 120 Afghan border police returned to their home units recently with the skills to train others on the use of newly acquired up-armored Humvees. The officers had attended a four-week class taught by Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan's logistics embedded training team at the Ministry of Interior's Afghan National Police Transportation Battalion training area in Kabul.
The students came from several provinces, including Jalalabad, Nooristan and Kunar. The course included classes on preventive maintenance checks and services, safe vehicle operations, convoy techniques and tactics and driving skills.
The officers are responsible for securing the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as border areas across Afghanistan. They had been using pickup trucks to search and patrol the border, but these trucks do not provide the protection needed against roadside bombs or insurgent ambushes.
Upon graduation, the border police took possession of their newly assigned vehicles and convoyed home.
To boost the economy and help local farmers, Army Col. Stephen Jeselink, deputy commander of the Nebraska National Guard's agribusiness development team and Task Force Warrior, visited and assessed greenhouses and a grape vineyard June 30 in Janqadam village in Parwan province's Bagram district. A local contractor had recently installed trellising posts and wires at the grape vineyard. Trellising systems are used in vineyard agriculture to separate grapevines.
Jeselink visited the landowner of the vineyard and explained what work remains to produce a successful crop.
This Commander's Emergency Response Program project and others will benefit many farmers and people in the area, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon Kuntzelman, an agronomist with the development team.
Nearby, at the site of 18 greenhouses, a group of landowners and contractors met with Jeselink and members of the team to inspect progress and discuss maintenance issues.
"The landowners are eager for [local residents] to come work and learn in the greenhouses," Kuntzelman said. He explained to them how tent panels to retain heat throughout the winter and drip irrigation systems inside the greenhouses allow for a longer growing season and increased food production.
Within a week, seeds and peat moss starters will be delivered to the greenhouses.
"In the years ahead, the grape vineyard and greenhouses should benefit all local farmers and people in the surrounding areas," Kuntzelman said.
U.S. forces also are improving the quality of life for their own. Indiana National Guardsmen from 2nd Platoon, 1613th Engineer Support Company, are nearing completion of construction on Combat Outpost Penich in Kunar province.
The unit, based in LaPorte, Ind., replaced the 65th Engineer Company from Fort Hood, Texas, which began construction in January.
"Were going through and putting the finishing touches on everything," said Army 2nd Lt. Darric Appel. "We hope to have everything finished up in about a week or so."
The soldiers recently completed the outpost's tactical operations center, winterized the living quarters and repaired several roofs that suffered heavy wind damage. All that remains is the completion of the latrines and shower facilities. Soldiers have been using outhouses and bottled water for personal hygiene since construction began six months ago.
Along with base construction, the Guardsmen have taken on several projects aimed at raising the quality of life for troops, such as constructing a deck and picnic tables outside of the dining facility.
When finished at Penich, the soldiers will provide construction support to another military instillation in eastern Afghanistan.
The 6-month-old outpost is one of many being constructed throughout Afghanistan as additional troops pour into the country, providing increased security, training and humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
(Air Force Tech Sgt. Shawn Cain of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan's logistics embedded training team, Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens of the Task Force Warrior public affairs office and Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller of the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment contributed to this article. Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
July 7, 2009 - U.S. forces are helping to equip Afghan forces with the tools they need to improve security and commerce in Afghanistan. In recent days, U.S. forces trained Afghan border police on the use of up-armored Humvees, advised farmers to boost crop production and, to improve quality of life for their own, put the finishing touches on a combat outpost.
More than 120 Afghan border police returned to their home units recently with the skills to train others on the use of newly acquired up-armored Humvees. The officers had attended a four-week class taught by Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan's logistics embedded training team at the Ministry of Interior's Afghan National Police Transportation Battalion training area in Kabul.
The students came from several provinces, including Jalalabad, Nooristan and Kunar. The course included classes on preventive maintenance checks and services, safe vehicle operations, convoy techniques and tactics and driving skills.
The officers are responsible for securing the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as border areas across Afghanistan. They had been using pickup trucks to search and patrol the border, but these trucks do not provide the protection needed against roadside bombs or insurgent ambushes.
Upon graduation, the border police took possession of their newly assigned vehicles and convoyed home.
To boost the economy and help local farmers, Army Col. Stephen Jeselink, deputy commander of the Nebraska National Guard's agribusiness development team and Task Force Warrior, visited and assessed greenhouses and a grape vineyard June 30 in Janqadam village in Parwan province's Bagram district. A local contractor had recently installed trellising posts and wires at the grape vineyard. Trellising systems are used in vineyard agriculture to separate grapevines.
Jeselink visited the landowner of the vineyard and explained what work remains to produce a successful crop.
This Commander's Emergency Response Program project and others will benefit many farmers and people in the area, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon Kuntzelman, an agronomist with the development team.
Nearby, at the site of 18 greenhouses, a group of landowners and contractors met with Jeselink and members of the team to inspect progress and discuss maintenance issues.
"The landowners are eager for [local residents] to come work and learn in the greenhouses," Kuntzelman said. He explained to them how tent panels to retain heat throughout the winter and drip irrigation systems inside the greenhouses allow for a longer growing season and increased food production.
Within a week, seeds and peat moss starters will be delivered to the greenhouses.
"In the years ahead, the grape vineyard and greenhouses should benefit all local farmers and people in the surrounding areas," Kuntzelman said.
U.S. forces also are improving the quality of life for their own. Indiana National Guardsmen from 2nd Platoon, 1613th Engineer Support Company, are nearing completion of construction on Combat Outpost Penich in Kunar province.
The unit, based in LaPorte, Ind., replaced the 65th Engineer Company from Fort Hood, Texas, which began construction in January.
"Were going through and putting the finishing touches on everything," said Army 2nd Lt. Darric Appel. "We hope to have everything finished up in about a week or so."
The soldiers recently completed the outpost's tactical operations center, winterized the living quarters and repaired several roofs that suffered heavy wind damage. All that remains is the completion of the latrines and shower facilities. Soldiers have been using outhouses and bottled water for personal hygiene since construction began six months ago.
Along with base construction, the Guardsmen have taken on several projects aimed at raising the quality of life for troops, such as constructing a deck and picnic tables outside of the dining facility.
When finished at Penich, the soldiers will provide construction support to another military instillation in eastern Afghanistan.
The 6-month-old outpost is one of many being constructed throughout Afghanistan as additional troops pour into the country, providing increased security, training and humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
(Air Force Tech Sgt. Shawn Cain of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan's logistics embedded training team, Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens of the Task Force Warrior public affairs office and Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller of the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment contributed to this article. Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Navy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Petty Officer Second Class Tony Michael Randolph, 22, of Henryetta, Okla. died July 6 in an improvised explosive device attack on his convoy in northern Afghanistan. Randolph was assigned as an individual augmentee to Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.
For further information related to this sailor, media may contact Sixth Fleet Public Affairs at (39) 081-568-4696 or e-mail Brian.Badura@eu.navy.mil . For information regarding the incident please contact Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Public Affairs at telephone (93) 700-069-484 or e-mail CSTC-APAO@swa.army.mil .
Petty Officer Second Class Tony Michael Randolph, 22, of Henryetta, Okla. died July 6 in an improvised explosive device attack on his convoy in northern Afghanistan. Randolph was assigned as an individual augmentee to Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan.
For further information related to this sailor, media may contact Sixth Fleet Public Affairs at (39) 081-568-4696 or e-mail Brian.Badura@eu.navy.mil . For information regarding the incident please contact Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Public Affairs at telephone (93) 700-069-484 or e-mail CSTC-APAO@swa.army.mil .
Monday, July 06, 2009
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Charles S. Sharp, 20, of Adairsville, Ga., died July 2 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 450-6575.
Lance Cpl. Charles S. Sharp, 20, of Adairsville, Ga., died July 2 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 450-6575.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, July 6, 2009
Memphis lab ready for research on infectious diseases, bioterrorism [TN]
"The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis has completed a new laboratory for research on infectious diseases and bioterrorism. Professor Gerald Byrne, the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory director, says the lab will help develop new vaccines and antibiotics. […] Research is already under way on cholera, tularemia, SARS and multi-drug resistant pathogens, including tuberculosis. The 30,315-square-foot facility is a 'level 3' biocontainment lab, one of 13 across the country supported by the National Institutes of Health as part of its Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases project. […] Because of the potential danger, the facility requires very specialized air handlers to make sure researchers and the surrounding community are safe. The lab is the first building in the planned UT Baptist Research Park that will also house a new College of Pharmacy building." (Knox News; 06Jul09; Source: AP) http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jul/06/memphis-lab-ready-research-diseases-bioterrorism/
Georgia poorly prepared for public health emergencies
"Tied for sixth-worst among 56 states and territories, Georgia ranked ahead of Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands, for example, while trailing Guam and American Samoa. This was just one among many measurements raising doubts about Georgia's preparedness to prevent, detect and contain most significant public health threats: outbreaks of pandemic influenza and foodborne illness, and acts of bioterrorism. Federal agencies, nonprofit groups and the state's own documents depict a public health system that lacks sufficient money and, at times, basic competencies. […] Georgia ranks 39th among the states in spending per resident on public health, despite having the nation's ninth-largest economic output. […]The state […] is not ready to manage large numbers of fatalities caused by a pandemic. It doesn't have adequate plans to keep government agencies running and to protect public employees. It isn't even prepared to provide one of the most basic, yet critical, needs in an
emergency: health care." (Atlanta Journal Constitution; 05Jul09; Alan Judd) http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/07/05/georgia_public_health.html
Chemical weapons incinerator now in final phase [Birmingham, AL]
"The Army's $1 billion chemical weapons incinerator in Alabama started its final phase of work by taking apart dozens of old mortars filled with mustard agent, officials said Friday. Explosive charges were removed from more than 60 of the shells, which will be drained later, said incinerator spokesman Mike Abrams. Workers will burn the liquid chemical once they have stored enough of it in tanks to operate an incinerator used to destroy liquids, he said, and they will incinerate the metal parts in a separate burner. […] In all, more than 200,000 mortars and artillery shells and a few 1-ton containers of mustard agent must be destroyed. […] They hold a total of 988 tons of the chemical. The last of thousands of weapons filled with the dangerous chemical should be emptied, chopped up and burned by early 2012, when workers will then begin decontaminating and decommissioning the complex, located about 50 miles east of Birmingham. […] Work to destroy the mustard-filled weapons began late Thursday. Anniston is home to the nation's only chemical weapons destruction plant located near a populated area, and the military provided safety gear to many of the 35,000 people who live within nine miles of the incinerator before work began. No major accidents have occurred." (Montgomery Advisor; 04Jul09; Source: Jay Reeves, AP) http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090704/NEWS02/907040315/Chemical+weapons+incinerator+now+in+final+phase
Bomb seizures spark far-right terror plot fear [England]
"A network of suspected far-right extremists with access to 300 weapons and 80 bombs has been uncovered by counter-terrorism detectives. Thirty-two people have been questioned in a police operation that raises the prospect of a right-wing bombing campaign against mosques. […] In England's largest seizure of a suspected terrorist arsenal since the IRA mainland bombings of the early 1990s, rocket launchers, grenades, pipe bombs and dozens of firearms have been recovered in the past six weeks during raids on more than 20 properties. […] Police are examining allegations that many of the guns were manufactured or reactivated, then sold over the internet to viewers of a right-wing website. […] Fears have been heightened by the discovery of an alleged plot involving ricin, a lethal poison; two men have been been charged with offences under the Terrorism Act." (Sunday Times Online; 05Jul09; David Leppard) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6638139.ece
Millions of Muscovites [Moscow natives] at risk of toxic waste poisoning
"Crowds of Muscovites are flocking city parks, but few are aware that a popular place of leisure used to be a testing ground for chemical and biological weapons and remnants from those experiments are still buried there. Thousands visit Moscow's Kuzminki park each day for a scenic walk or a good catch, and it doesn't look like a toxic graveyard at all. […] Despite its location, after World War I, Kuzminki was set up by the Soviets to test their newest chemical and biological weapons. When the authorities decided to move it further out in the 1940s, the clean-up operation was rudimentary at best. […] The removal of toxic chemicals would be expensive - an operation on a similar site in the US in 2005 cost over half a billion dollars. 'We need a study to evaluate the exact level of risk in order to understand what the exact risk of contamination is, and what we should do next,' says Efim Brodsky from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution." (Russia Today; 03Jul09) http://www.russiatoday.com/Top_News/2009-07-03/Millions_of_Muscovites_at_risk_of_toxic_waste_poisoning.html
NYPD gets radiation detectors to search for bombs
"The US Department of Homeland Security has given three state-of-the-art radiation detectors to the New York Police Department to patrol city streets in search of dirty bombs and other nuclear threats. The 450,000-dollar worth Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Monitors will be placed in three SUVs on Wednesday at entrances to tunnels, bridges and tollbooths. […] Officials believe they will be able to detect radioactive isotopes emanating from a dirty bomb in the back of a car. 'We think they'll be useful getting hits on vehicles on the road,' a NYPD official said. Recently, the department had also purchased 8,000 Dosimeters, pager-sized detectors to be given to police if there is a nuclear attack. Outfitted in protective gear, officers would use the Dosimeters to find 'hot spots' of radiation." (Police One; 05Jul09) http://www.policeone.com/news/1852913-NYPD-gets-radiation-detectors-to-search-for-bombs/
Defending against chemical, biological weapons [Dugway, UT]
"At a U.S. Army facility called the Dugway Proving Ground […] groups of scientists are researching how to defend against a wide variety of potentially lethal, or at least dangerous, 'agents.' 'Dugway's primary mission is testing United States and Allied chemical and biological (CB) defense systems and also performing nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contamination survivability testing of defense materiel,' a fact sheet about Dugway reads. […] '(Dugway) uses its state-of-the-art laboratories and chambers in concert with extensive field test grids to fully determine the performance characteristics of items being tested.' […] Dugway's primary mission is to test protective equipment against chemical and biological agents. […] The Army wants [people] to feel some comfort in the idea that it has put a group of seasoned professionals in charge of coming up with the data that the country's policymakers can use to guard our soldiers in the field and our civilians at home and abroad against the effects of non-conventional attacks." (Cnet News; 03Jul09; Daniel Terdiman) http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10278844-52.html
White powder sent to CBN [Christian Broadcasting Network] was whey powder [Virginia Beach, VA]
"Authorities say a white powder substance that was mailed to the Christian Broadcasting Network headquarters in Virginia, causing several employees to be isolated for six hours, was whey protein powder. Virginia Beach fire spokesman Tim Riley says lab work determined the powder was the kind used by body builders, not a biohazard such as anthrax or ricin. CBN spokesman Chris Roslan says two employees opened the envelope containing white powder Wednesday morning. Those employees, a CBN security guard, and a U.S. postal service inspector were placed on precautionary medical watch until officials received the test results." (One News Now; 04Jul09; Source: AP)
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=589292
Three KY congressmen receive threatening letters
"At least three congressional offices in Kentucky have received threatening letters that purported to contain anthrax [spores]. The offices of U.S. Reps. Geoff Davis, Brett Guthrie and Ed Whitfield received the letters in the mail Monday morning. Guthrie spokesman Nate Hodson said a staffer in the Bowling Green office opened one of the letters and immediately called authorities. Hodson said the first line of that letter said the envelope contained anthrax [sic]. Davis spokeswoman Alexandra Haynes said a similar letter arrived at the Fort Mitchell office. She said the letter apparently was sent by a prison inmate. She didn't know which prison. Hodson and Haynes said investigators determined that the anthrax threat was a hoax." (Lex18; 06Jul09; Source: AP) http://www.lex18.com/Global/story.asp?S=10649300
Man [Gary Collins] faces sentence for airport bomb hoaxes [England]
"A man who pleaded guilty to sending a series of bomb hoaxes and threats to Gatwick Airport is to be sentenced. Gary Collins, 57, committed the offences during a five-year period from October 2003 to October last year. He pleaded guilty to 34 counts of communicating false information when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court in May. Collins, of Garden Walk, West Green, Crawley, also admitted three counts of sending hoax noxious substances to the West Sussex airport. Prosecutor Amy Packham said all the charges related to Gatwick Airport 'either as bomb hoaxes or sending substances marked as anthrax or bio-material.' Sussex Police said that Collins sent more than 80 letters during his terror campaign. These included bomb hoaxes and sinister packages, including three anthrax threats containing powder and one package containing what appeared to be an explosive device." (Hastings Observer; 06Jul09) http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/latest-south-east-news/Man-faces-sentence-for-airport.5431499.jp
"The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis has completed a new laboratory for research on infectious diseases and bioterrorism. Professor Gerald Byrne, the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory director, says the lab will help develop new vaccines and antibiotics. […] Research is already under way on cholera, tularemia, SARS and multi-drug resistant pathogens, including tuberculosis. The 30,315-square-foot facility is a 'level 3' biocontainment lab, one of 13 across the country supported by the National Institutes of Health as part of its Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases project. […] Because of the potential danger, the facility requires very specialized air handlers to make sure researchers and the surrounding community are safe. The lab is the first building in the planned UT Baptist Research Park that will also house a new College of Pharmacy building." (Knox News; 06Jul09; Source: AP) http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jul/06/memphis-lab-ready-research-diseases-bioterrorism/
Georgia poorly prepared for public health emergencies
"Tied for sixth-worst among 56 states and territories, Georgia ranked ahead of Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands, for example, while trailing Guam and American Samoa. This was just one among many measurements raising doubts about Georgia's preparedness to prevent, detect and contain most significant public health threats: outbreaks of pandemic influenza and foodborne illness, and acts of bioterrorism. Federal agencies, nonprofit groups and the state's own documents depict a public health system that lacks sufficient money and, at times, basic competencies. […] Georgia ranks 39th among the states in spending per resident on public health, despite having the nation's ninth-largest economic output. […]The state […] is not ready to manage large numbers of fatalities caused by a pandemic. It doesn't have adequate plans to keep government agencies running and to protect public employees. It isn't even prepared to provide one of the most basic, yet critical, needs in an
emergency: health care." (Atlanta Journal Constitution; 05Jul09; Alan Judd) http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/07/05/georgia_public_health.html
Chemical weapons incinerator now in final phase [Birmingham, AL]
"The Army's $1 billion chemical weapons incinerator in Alabama started its final phase of work by taking apart dozens of old mortars filled with mustard agent, officials said Friday. Explosive charges were removed from more than 60 of the shells, which will be drained later, said incinerator spokesman Mike Abrams. Workers will burn the liquid chemical once they have stored enough of it in tanks to operate an incinerator used to destroy liquids, he said, and they will incinerate the metal parts in a separate burner. […] In all, more than 200,000 mortars and artillery shells and a few 1-ton containers of mustard agent must be destroyed. […] They hold a total of 988 tons of the chemical. The last of thousands of weapons filled with the dangerous chemical should be emptied, chopped up and burned by early 2012, when workers will then begin decontaminating and decommissioning the complex, located about 50 miles east of Birmingham. […] Work to destroy the mustard-filled weapons began late Thursday. Anniston is home to the nation's only chemical weapons destruction plant located near a populated area, and the military provided safety gear to many of the 35,000 people who live within nine miles of the incinerator before work began. No major accidents have occurred." (Montgomery Advisor; 04Jul09; Source: Jay Reeves, AP) http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090704/NEWS02/907040315/Chemical+weapons+incinerator+now+in+final+phase
Bomb seizures spark far-right terror plot fear [England]
"A network of suspected far-right extremists with access to 300 weapons and 80 bombs has been uncovered by counter-terrorism detectives. Thirty-two people have been questioned in a police operation that raises the prospect of a right-wing bombing campaign against mosques. […] In England's largest seizure of a suspected terrorist arsenal since the IRA mainland bombings of the early 1990s, rocket launchers, grenades, pipe bombs and dozens of firearms have been recovered in the past six weeks during raids on more than 20 properties. […] Police are examining allegations that many of the guns were manufactured or reactivated, then sold over the internet to viewers of a right-wing website. […] Fears have been heightened by the discovery of an alleged plot involving ricin, a lethal poison; two men have been been charged with offences under the Terrorism Act." (Sunday Times Online; 05Jul09; David Leppard) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6638139.ece
Millions of Muscovites [Moscow natives] at risk of toxic waste poisoning
"Crowds of Muscovites are flocking city parks, but few are aware that a popular place of leisure used to be a testing ground for chemical and biological weapons and remnants from those experiments are still buried there. Thousands visit Moscow's Kuzminki park each day for a scenic walk or a good catch, and it doesn't look like a toxic graveyard at all. […] Despite its location, after World War I, Kuzminki was set up by the Soviets to test their newest chemical and biological weapons. When the authorities decided to move it further out in the 1940s, the clean-up operation was rudimentary at best. […] The removal of toxic chemicals would be expensive - an operation on a similar site in the US in 2005 cost over half a billion dollars. 'We need a study to evaluate the exact level of risk in order to understand what the exact risk of contamination is, and what we should do next,' says Efim Brodsky from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution." (Russia Today; 03Jul09) http://www.russiatoday.com/Top_News/2009-07-03/Millions_of_Muscovites_at_risk_of_toxic_waste_poisoning.html
NYPD gets radiation detectors to search for bombs
"The US Department of Homeland Security has given three state-of-the-art radiation detectors to the New York Police Department to patrol city streets in search of dirty bombs and other nuclear threats. The 450,000-dollar worth Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Monitors will be placed in three SUVs on Wednesday at entrances to tunnels, bridges and tollbooths. […] Officials believe they will be able to detect radioactive isotopes emanating from a dirty bomb in the back of a car. 'We think they'll be useful getting hits on vehicles on the road,' a NYPD official said. Recently, the department had also purchased 8,000 Dosimeters, pager-sized detectors to be given to police if there is a nuclear attack. Outfitted in protective gear, officers would use the Dosimeters to find 'hot spots' of radiation." (Police One; 05Jul09) http://www.policeone.com/news/1852913-NYPD-gets-radiation-detectors-to-search-for-bombs/
Defending against chemical, biological weapons [Dugway, UT]
"At a U.S. Army facility called the Dugway Proving Ground […] groups of scientists are researching how to defend against a wide variety of potentially lethal, or at least dangerous, 'agents.' 'Dugway's primary mission is testing United States and Allied chemical and biological (CB) defense systems and also performing nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contamination survivability testing of defense materiel,' a fact sheet about Dugway reads. […] '(Dugway) uses its state-of-the-art laboratories and chambers in concert with extensive field test grids to fully determine the performance characteristics of items being tested.' […] Dugway's primary mission is to test protective equipment against chemical and biological agents. […] The Army wants [people] to feel some comfort in the idea that it has put a group of seasoned professionals in charge of coming up with the data that the country's policymakers can use to guard our soldiers in the field and our civilians at home and abroad against the effects of non-conventional attacks." (Cnet News; 03Jul09; Daniel Terdiman) http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10278844-52.html
White powder sent to CBN [Christian Broadcasting Network] was whey powder [Virginia Beach, VA]
"Authorities say a white powder substance that was mailed to the Christian Broadcasting Network headquarters in Virginia, causing several employees to be isolated for six hours, was whey protein powder. Virginia Beach fire spokesman Tim Riley says lab work determined the powder was the kind used by body builders, not a biohazard such as anthrax or ricin. CBN spokesman Chris Roslan says two employees opened the envelope containing white powder Wednesday morning. Those employees, a CBN security guard, and a U.S. postal service inspector were placed on precautionary medical watch until officials received the test results." (One News Now; 04Jul09; Source: AP)
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=589292
Three KY congressmen receive threatening letters
"At least three congressional offices in Kentucky have received threatening letters that purported to contain anthrax [spores]. The offices of U.S. Reps. Geoff Davis, Brett Guthrie and Ed Whitfield received the letters in the mail Monday morning. Guthrie spokesman Nate Hodson said a staffer in the Bowling Green office opened one of the letters and immediately called authorities. Hodson said the first line of that letter said the envelope contained anthrax [sic]. Davis spokeswoman Alexandra Haynes said a similar letter arrived at the Fort Mitchell office. She said the letter apparently was sent by a prison inmate. She didn't know which prison. Hodson and Haynes said investigators determined that the anthrax threat was a hoax." (Lex18; 06Jul09; Source: AP) http://www.lex18.com/Global/story.asp?S=10649300
Man [Gary Collins] faces sentence for airport bomb hoaxes [England]
"A man who pleaded guilty to sending a series of bomb hoaxes and threats to Gatwick Airport is to be sentenced. Gary Collins, 57, committed the offences during a five-year period from October 2003 to October last year. He pleaded guilty to 34 counts of communicating false information when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court in May. Collins, of Garden Walk, West Green, Crawley, also admitted three counts of sending hoax noxious substances to the West Sussex airport. Prosecutor Amy Packham said all the charges related to Gatwick Airport 'either as bomb hoaxes or sending substances marked as anthrax or bio-material.' Sussex Police said that Collins sent more than 80 letters during his terror campaign. These included bomb hoaxes and sinister packages, including three anthrax threats containing powder and one package containing what appeared to be an explosive device." (Hastings Observer; 06Jul09) http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/latest-south-east-news/Man-faces-sentence-for-airport.5431499.jp
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 4 at Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked the outpost using small arms and indirect fires. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Killed were:
Pfc. Justin A. Casillas, 19, of Dunnigan, Calif.
Pfc. Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20, of Aberdeen, Wash.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.
Killed were:
Pfc. Justin A. Casillas, 19, of Dunnigan, Calif.
Pfc. Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20, of Aberdeen, Wash.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.
Russia Allows Transit for Afghanistan-bound U.S. Troops
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - An agreement signed in Moscow today permits the United States to transit troops and weapons across Russian territory en route to Afghanistan. The pact, signed during President Barack Obama's visit to the Kremlin, permits 4,500 flights per year through Russian airspace, and saves the U.S. government $133 million annually in transportation costs while boosting logistical efficiency, according to a White House statement.
"This is a substantial contribution by Russia to our international effort, and it will save the United States time and resources in giving our troops the support that they need," Obama said during a news conference with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev.
Following today's meeting between the two presidents, Obama told reporters that he and Medvedev agreed on the need to combat the threat of violent extremism, particularly from al-Qaida. Access to Russian transit routes substantially increases the efficiency of efforts against violent extremism in Afghanistan, the White House statement said.
Obama said Russia's participation and contributions to the effort in Afghanistan have the potential to be "extraordinarily important." More broadly, he said, today's gesture indicates the degree in which Russian-U.S. cooperation could be applied to a host of other international issues.
Underscoring the two countries' mutual interests in Afghanistan, the president cited Moscow's concern about terrorism and the drug trade and their infiltration into Russia. Obama also praised Russia's capabilities in training police and armies, a task that multinational forces are undertaking with Afghanistan's growing national security forces.
Speaking about the future of U.S.-Russian efforts in Afghanistan, Obama expressed optimism that the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission agreement also signed today represents a prelude to closer cooperation.
"Our hope is that as part of the broader presidential commission structure that we've put in place, that we're going to further discuss both the military efforts in Afghanistan, but also the development efforts and the diplomatic efforts, so that we can make progress," he said.
Obama thanked the Russian government for agreeing to the transit arrangement that will "save U.S. troops both time and money."
"And it's, I think, a gesture that indicates the degree to which, in the future, Russian-U.S. cooperation can be extraordinarily important in solving a whole host of these very important international issues," he added.
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - An agreement signed in Moscow today permits the United States to transit troops and weapons across Russian territory en route to Afghanistan. The pact, signed during President Barack Obama's visit to the Kremlin, permits 4,500 flights per year through Russian airspace, and saves the U.S. government $133 million annually in transportation costs while boosting logistical efficiency, according to a White House statement.
"This is a substantial contribution by Russia to our international effort, and it will save the United States time and resources in giving our troops the support that they need," Obama said during a news conference with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev.
Following today's meeting between the two presidents, Obama told reporters that he and Medvedev agreed on the need to combat the threat of violent extremism, particularly from al-Qaida. Access to Russian transit routes substantially increases the efficiency of efforts against violent extremism in Afghanistan, the White House statement said.
Obama said Russia's participation and contributions to the effort in Afghanistan have the potential to be "extraordinarily important." More broadly, he said, today's gesture indicates the degree in which Russian-U.S. cooperation could be applied to a host of other international issues.
Underscoring the two countries' mutual interests in Afghanistan, the president cited Moscow's concern about terrorism and the drug trade and their infiltration into Russia. Obama also praised Russia's capabilities in training police and armies, a task that multinational forces are undertaking with Afghanistan's growing national security forces.
Speaking about the future of U.S.-Russian efforts in Afghanistan, Obama expressed optimism that the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission agreement also signed today represents a prelude to closer cooperation.
"Our hope is that as part of the broader presidential commission structure that we've put in place, that we're going to further discuss both the military efforts in Afghanistan, but also the development efforts and the diplomatic efforts, so that we can make progress," he said.
Obama thanked the Russian government for agreeing to the transit arrangement that will "save U.S. troops both time and money."
"And it's, I think, a gesture that indicates the degree to which, in the future, Russian-U.S. cooperation can be extraordinarily important in solving a whole host of these very important international issues," he added.
Tennessee Guard Agribusiness Team Sets Up Shop in Afghanistan
By Army Sgt. 1st Class George WintersSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - The Tennessee National Guard's agribusiness development team is up and running as the first of its kind in Afghanistan's Paktia and Paktika provinces. Team officials said their primary mission is to set the stage for the success of the teams that come after them.
The Tennessee team includes security force members, a headquarters element and about 15 technical experts with vast knowledge and experience in agriculture and livestock.
Army Staff Sgt. Roger B. Broach, one of the team's agricultural experts, has a bachelor's degree in agriculture and years of experience in vegetable production, having grown up on a small farm. Broach's civilian experience of initiating contracts as part of his job with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has proven beneficial to the team's work, officials said, noting that negotiations with Afghan businessmen and contractors is critical.
"If we can show the people the potential of their own capabilities to provide food and income for themselves, they will accomplish it," Broach said. "[Agribusiness development teams] have the potential of assisting the Afghan people to improve their overall quality of life through more modern agricultural technology and time-proven techniques of successful farming. Another key aspect will be to merge the minds of the Afghan people with Western water management [techniques] such as irrigation, flood control and water retention."
One of the team's responsibilities is to include the various levels of the Afghan government in every activity from the national level down through the provincial, district and village levels. The team deals primarily with the provincial director of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, who provides the Guardsmen with the province's priority list and coordinates with other provincial directors. He incorporates the use of his extension workers and a training facility recently built by a provincial reconstruction team.
Army Col. Jim D. Moore, the team's commander, is responsible for everything the unit does and does not accomplish, as well as the health and welfare of the Tennessee Guardsmen, he said.
"I believe that the overall mission of the Tennessee Agribusiness Development Team is to assist in renovating the agricultural economy by providing U.S. agricultural and engineer specialists to work with their Afghan counterparts in Paktia province," Moore said.
Moore has a bachelor's degree in agriculture and, as a civilian, is an executive in commercial lending at a community bank in central Georgia.
"Successful business owners, and agriculture as a business, spend as much time on marketing and gross sales opportunities as maximizing production yields," he explained. "Also, a growing business must have access to loans and/or banking institutions."
The farmers in eastern Afghanistan have more than 3 million potential customers for their agricultural products living nearby. Understanding of central Asian buyers' desires and needs is required to make the Afghan farmers successful, team officials said.
The Tennessee Guard team has been on the ground for about 90 days and has made at least two visits to the 14 districts within its province, working with local leaders to assess the agricultural situation. So far, nearly a dozen projects for funding through the Commander's Emergency Response Program have been created and submitted.
Several of these projects are in conjunction with the Paktia University's School of Agriculture. At one time, Afghan universities were competitive with institutions across the globe, but they were almost destroyed during the Soviet occupation and the subsequent Taliban regime. The local university depends on national funding, but lacks the resources to teach the current influx of students. The Tennessee Guard agribusiness team has agreed to assist the School of Agriculture in meeting its critical needs.
The team intends to implement up to 50 projects before the duty tour ends and they are relieved by a team from Oklahoma.
Some of the projects will be completed, some will be under way, and some will be waiting for the Oklahoma Guard to begin as soon as they hit the ground, officials said, noting that since the focus is on education and agriculture infrastructure development, most of the projects have a training focus or component.
The projects the Tennessee Guard team has developed or implemented include:
-- A furniture manufacturing training course for local military-aged men, who will learn a new trade, be given the tools to start a business, and donate the furniture to the university.
-- A livestock association course that will train farmers on basic animal husbandry techniques and teach them how to create and sustain an association to allow for future projects and increase the farmers' marketing strength.
-- A beehive construction course. Bees are critical to the province's fruit tree heritage and economy, and the students will learn proper methods of hive construction. They will be allowed to keep their tools to start a new business, and the hives they produce will initially be donated to district beekeeping associations. The associations will use the new hives to encourage new members, which will directly assist the numerous apple and apricot producers across the province, as well as provide increased revenue for honey sales.
-- Para-veterinary training program with the Afghan Veterinary Association. Afghanistan does not have enough adequately trained veterinarians, and must depend heavily on less formally trained para-vets, or vet technicians. This program will provide basic technical training in laboratory procedures and artificial insemination procedures. The program also will provide updated equipment for clinics, better quality dairy cattle semen and semi-annual de-worming clinics throughout the province.
-- Training on poultry, sheep and goat husbandry for disadvantaged women and youth at the village level. The courses will provide the knowledge and resources for the students to take home their own livestock or chickens. The training will include health, feeding, breeding, and marketing components.
Many agricultural projects can take a minimum of three to five years to begin producing quantitative results, as evidenced by America's forefathers as they painstakingly improved their plant and animal genetics, team officials noted. The common factor, they added, is to be a steward of the land and enhance it through training and technology, so as part of the training, it is vital to educate the Afghans on the conservation value of their natural resources.
"Living at 7,600 feet elevation with average annual rainfall of 12 inches isn't like anything in the [southeastern United States]," Moore said. "But the farmers in Afghanistan are similar to U.S. farmers -- interested in production quality and quantities [and] producing enough to feed, clothe and educate their family. They also respond to smiles and firm handshakes."
Thirty years ago, Afghanistan was known as a leading agricultural exporter. Agriculture accounted for nearly 80 percent of their economy, but the Russian invasion and the Taliban's fight for control have taken their toll on the country's farming capabilities. Although much technology and knowledge has been lost, various agribusiness development teams, in coordination with national and international officials, hope to overcome those losses allow the Afghanistan economy to thrive again.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class George Winters serves in the Tennessee National Guard Agribusiness Development Team public affairs office.)
USS Ronald Reagan Launches First Sorties in Relief of USS Eisenhower
American Forces Press ServiceJuly 6, 2009 - The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group relieved the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group today in command of Task Force 50 and launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 14 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, bound for Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces.
"I'm excited to get this started, because in essence, what we're doing is saving American and coalition lives," said Navy Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "The Eisenhower strike group did a fantastic job in theater, and we're ready to continue that level of support. We have a lot of experience on board Ronald Reagan and with the air wing. Our crew knows how to execute this mission effectively."
While Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing 14 are returning to a mission they performed a year ago, they understand that conditions in Afghanistan have changed, officials said, with stricter guidelines in place to minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage in Afghanistan.
Navy Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, the strike group's commander, said the group's more than 7,500 sailors are eager to carry out their mission.
"Our sailors are focused and serious-minded about what is ahead," he said. "They know the Navy and our country is counting on them. They are ready to demonstrate their impressive capabilities across the spectrum of our maritime strategy."
The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group had operated in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations since March.
"Our preparations last fall allowed us to deliver exactly what the fleet commander asked for: persistent U.S. naval power in perfect partnership with our joint and coalition partners [and] delivering security and stability for the good of all mariners in this vital area of the world," said Navy Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.
Eisenhower's embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 7, flew more than 2,000 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ships of the Eisenhower Carrier
Strike Group also were vital in counter-piracy operations, including the USS Bainbridge's direct role in the rescue of Richard Phillips, captain of the cargo ship Maersk Alabama.
"I am extremely proud of the 4,500 men and women on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. They have performed magnificently this entire deployment," said Navy Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Eisenhower's commanding officer. "They supported coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan with utmost professionalism while providing regional security and stability. Without question, their service made a difference."
USS Ronald Reagan is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville. Other Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group ships will support maritime security operations while deployed to the region. The guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur, USS Howard and USS Gridley and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach will help to deter destabilizing activities and ensure a lawful maritime order in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, officials said.
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the region. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the U.S. commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity, officials said.
(From a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command news release.)
Biden, Odierno Preside Over Naturalization Ceremony in Iraq
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden and Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, presided over a July 4 naturalization ceremony in which 237 servicemembers deployed to Iraq became American citizens. "You are the reason America is strong," Biden told the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who hailed from 59 countries, including Iraq, during the ceremony in the rotunda of former dictator Saddam Hussein's Al-Faw palace near here. "You are the source of our freedom – you and all who come before you."
Biden said he could think of no greater show of commitment than to serve thousands of miles away from one's adopted home, in harm's way, before becoming a citizen. He noted the sacrifices the troops have made and will continue to make during their deployment.
"Here in Iraq, you have done your country, and this country, proud," Biden told the group, citing progress, including the movement of U.S. combat troops from the cities before the June 30 deadline. "You know better than I that there is still a lot of hard work left to do," Biden conceded, promising to ensure deployed troops have "every single thing" they need to carry the mission forward.
Biden said the nature of the mission will change as Iraqis take on increasing responsibility and the United States ultimately leaves Iraq. "Next summer, our combat troops will leave Iraq itself, and we will be on track to remove all U.S. forces from Iraq at the end of 2011," he said.
Odierno praised the newest U.S. citizens for the role they have played in building Iraq's future. Pointing to their diversity, he called them "an example to the Iraqis of a country that welcomes men and women from everywhere."
Looking out over the group, Odierno said he'd be hard-pressed to describe them by the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, which begins, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses."
"To be honest, I'm not so sure that its legendary inscription is applicable to this group here today, because when I look at the men and women sitting out in front of me here, I'm having a hard time because I don't see them in terms of tired, poor or huddled," he said.
"If I had to write a description of the soon-to-be citizens in this rotunda," the general continued, "I would say, 'Give me your brightest and your bravest. Give me your warriors and your heroes who will enhance our great nation and strive to keep her safe.'"
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden and Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, presided over a July 4 naturalization ceremony in which 237 servicemembers deployed to Iraq became American citizens. "You are the reason America is strong," Biden told the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who hailed from 59 countries, including Iraq, during the ceremony in the rotunda of former dictator Saddam Hussein's Al-Faw palace near here. "You are the source of our freedom – you and all who come before you."
Biden said he could think of no greater show of commitment than to serve thousands of miles away from one's adopted home, in harm's way, before becoming a citizen. He noted the sacrifices the troops have made and will continue to make during their deployment.
"Here in Iraq, you have done your country, and this country, proud," Biden told the group, citing progress, including the movement of U.S. combat troops from the cities before the June 30 deadline. "You know better than I that there is still a lot of hard work left to do," Biden conceded, promising to ensure deployed troops have "every single thing" they need to carry the mission forward.
Biden said the nature of the mission will change as Iraqis take on increasing responsibility and the United States ultimately leaves Iraq. "Next summer, our combat troops will leave Iraq itself, and we will be on track to remove all U.S. forces from Iraq at the end of 2011," he said.
Odierno praised the newest U.S. citizens for the role they have played in building Iraq's future. Pointing to their diversity, he called them "an example to the Iraqis of a country that welcomes men and women from everywhere."
Looking out over the group, Odierno said he'd be hard-pressed to describe them by the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, which begins, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses."
"To be honest, I'm not so sure that its legendary inscription is applicable to this group here today, because when I look at the men and women sitting out in front of me here, I'm having a hard time because I don't see them in terms of tired, poor or huddled," he said.
"If I had to write a description of the soon-to-be citizens in this rotunda," the general continued, "I would say, 'Give me your brightest and your bravest. Give me your warriors and your heroes who will enhance our great nation and strive to keep her safe.'"
Soldiers Check on Progress of Iraqi Police Station
By Army Sgt. Jon SolesSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - In 2006, an insurgent's bomb destroyed the police station in Tarmiyah, Iraq -- near Taji, north of the Iraqi capital -- leaving a burning pile of rubble. Today, the station has risen from the ashes and is a new source of pride and an improvement for security for the town. Soldiers of the 591st Military Police Company, 93rd Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, are helping the Tarmiyah police to prepare for the grand re-opening of a new, modern building, funded by coalition forces.
Army 1st Lt. Brenda Beegle, a platoon leader with the brigade's 591st Military Police Company, met here July 3 with the Tarmiyah police commander, Col. Tawfiq Ahmad Hamid, to help to plan the station's opening and to check on security.
"We are here to find out when the grand opening of this station is and to check on the red alert they received," said Beegle, a native of San Mateo, Calif.
After an insurgent's car bomb left the old station in ruins, local council members arranged for the police to use a small house for their headquarters. The house was cramped and made carrying out security operations difficult, Beegle said.
"They couldn't do their job, because they didn't have enough space," she said. "This new station shows the public the [Iraqi police] are worth something."
The floors of the new station are shiny, and the halls are filled with the aroma of fresh paint. The new station not only is a town showpiece, but also has made police work much easier, Hamid said.
"Imagine yourself with one rented room, and then you go into a big house with many rooms," he said. "Of course, there is a difference."
But the new station, with its spacious rooms and high walls, does not alone make a good police force, Beegle noted. "Even though the building is really great, we are still trying to get them to do patrols without us and to be proactive," she said.
Standing inside a newly constructed steel tower, Army Pfc. Samuel Castaneda kept security watch. From the tower, he said, soldiers still worked with Iraqi police officers to provide security and train for security.
"If we see anything suspicious we let them know, 'Hey you need to do something about that,'" Castaneda said.
Beegle said she is working to involve the local Iraqi media and government officials from Baghdad in the Tarmiyah police station's re-opening. The American military police have supported the Iraqis throughout the construction of the new IP station, she added, and will continue to support them in training.
(Army Sgt. Jon Soles serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad public affairs office.)
Forces Thwart Outpost Attack, Destroy Bomb-making Facility
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces foiled an attack on a combat outpost, captured a key terrorist leader and destroyed a bomb-making facility in operations in Afghanistan today, military officials reported. Afghan soldiers and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers killed at least 10 militants and detained another after responding to an attack on a combat outpost in Paktika province this morning.
Insurgents attacked the outpost with indirect fire, including multiple rockets and mortars. The force responded with counter fire, close-air support and attack helicopters.
No civilian casualties were reported.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces assaulted a compound last night in the rural Baraki Barak district of Logar province in an effort to disrupt roadside bomb attacks led by the Haqqani terrorist group against coalition forces. The force detained a key leader of the terrorist network and his associate. The leader is believed to be involved in the recruitment of children as suicide bombers.
In Helmand province, Afghan National Police, assisted by coalition forces, discovered a roadside-bomb-making compound during a security patrol in Nad Ali district.
The force also discovered multiple roadside bombs and more than 100 pounds of explosive material. A perimeter was set around the compound, and the bombs were detonated in place.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
July 6, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces foiled an attack on a combat outpost, captured a key terrorist leader and destroyed a bomb-making facility in operations in Afghanistan today, military officials reported. Afghan soldiers and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers killed at least 10 militants and detained another after responding to an attack on a combat outpost in Paktika province this morning.
Insurgents attacked the outpost with indirect fire, including multiple rockets and mortars. The force responded with counter fire, close-air support and attack helicopters.
No civilian casualties were reported.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces assaulted a compound last night in the rural Baraki Barak district of Logar province in an effort to disrupt roadside bomb attacks led by the Haqqani terrorist group against coalition forces. The force detained a key leader of the terrorist network and his associate. The leader is believed to be involved in the recruitment of children as suicide bombers.
In Helmand province, Afghan National Police, assisted by coalition forces, discovered a roadside-bomb-making compound during a security patrol in Nad Ali district.
The force also discovered multiple roadside bombs and more than 100 pounds of explosive material. A perimeter was set around the compound, and the bombs were detonated in place.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Directive Re-emphasizes Protecting Afghan Civilians
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - A new tactical directive for coalition forces serving in Afghanistan re-emphasizes the importance of preventing civilian casualties. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, released the directive July 2. It builds on previous tactics and is much clearer about use of close-air support, searching Afghan houses and protecting Afghan cultural and religious sensitivities. All coalition forces in Afghanistan must follow the directive.
Taliban fighters use a tactic of engaging coalition forces from positions that expose Afghan civilians to danger. Close-air support of coalition and Afghan personnel engaged in a May 4 firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan's Farah province killed numerous civilians. The Taliban cite such incidents to lead people to believe the NATO-led force does not care for Afghan civilians.
McChrystal's tactical directive emphasizes that ISAF is in Afghanistan to protect the people from the insurgents. "Like any insurgency, there is a struggle for support and will of the population," he wrote. "Gaining and maintaining that support must be our overriding operational imperative – and the ultimate objective of every action we take."
Still, the directive does not prevent commanders from protecting the lives of their troops engaged in direct combat.
The directive is general because the nature of a counterinsurgency is complex and no one can foresee all eventualities, officials said. McChrystal expects commanders at all levels to understand the directive and use it when planning and conducting operations. "Following this intent requires a cultural shift within our forces – and complete understanding at every level," he wrote.
The tactical guidance takes the new strategy for Afghanistan as its base, recognizing that ISAF and Afghan forces may win tactical victories against the Taliban, but lose the war. "We must avoid the trap of winning tactical victories – but suffering strategic defeats – by causing civilian casualties or excessive damage and thus alienating the people," McChrystal wrote.
Specifically, the directive calls on commanders "to scrutinize and limit the use of force like close air support against residential compounds and other locations likely to produce civilian casualties." Bombing residential compounds will be allowed only under very limited conditions, the directive says. For example, if a coalition force comes in contact with Taliban fighters and the enemy takes cover in a residential compound, the NATO force can break contact and wait out the enemy rather than calling for close-air support.
Another portion of the directive states that any search of Afghan homes will be done by Afghan security forces with the support of local authorities.
"No ISAF forces will enter or fire upon, or fire into a mosque or any religious or historical site except in self-defense," McChrystal wrote in the directive. "All searches and entries for any other reason will be conducted by the Afghan National Security Forces."
The directive is not a departure from past practices, officials said, noting that killing civilians never has been an International Security Assistance Force tactic.
"Working together with our Afghan partners, we can overcome the enemy's influence and give the Afghan people what they deserve: a country at peace for the first time in three decades, foundations of good governance and economic development," McChrystal said.
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - A new tactical directive for coalition forces serving in Afghanistan re-emphasizes the importance of preventing civilian casualties. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, released the directive July 2. It builds on previous tactics and is much clearer about use of close-air support, searching Afghan houses and protecting Afghan cultural and religious sensitivities. All coalition forces in Afghanistan must follow the directive.
Taliban fighters use a tactic of engaging coalition forces from positions that expose Afghan civilians to danger. Close-air support of coalition and Afghan personnel engaged in a May 4 firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan's Farah province killed numerous civilians. The Taliban cite such incidents to lead people to believe the NATO-led force does not care for Afghan civilians.
McChrystal's tactical directive emphasizes that ISAF is in Afghanistan to protect the people from the insurgents. "Like any insurgency, there is a struggle for support and will of the population," he wrote. "Gaining and maintaining that support must be our overriding operational imperative – and the ultimate objective of every action we take."
Still, the directive does not prevent commanders from protecting the lives of their troops engaged in direct combat.
The directive is general because the nature of a counterinsurgency is complex and no one can foresee all eventualities, officials said. McChrystal expects commanders at all levels to understand the directive and use it when planning and conducting operations. "Following this intent requires a cultural shift within our forces – and complete understanding at every level," he wrote.
The tactical guidance takes the new strategy for Afghanistan as its base, recognizing that ISAF and Afghan forces may win tactical victories against the Taliban, but lose the war. "We must avoid the trap of winning tactical victories – but suffering strategic defeats – by causing civilian casualties or excessive damage and thus alienating the people," McChrystal wrote.
Specifically, the directive calls on commanders "to scrutinize and limit the use of force like close air support against residential compounds and other locations likely to produce civilian casualties." Bombing residential compounds will be allowed only under very limited conditions, the directive says. For example, if a coalition force comes in contact with Taliban fighters and the enemy takes cover in a residential compound, the NATO force can break contact and wait out the enemy rather than calling for close-air support.
Another portion of the directive states that any search of Afghan homes will be done by Afghan security forces with the support of local authorities.
"No ISAF forces will enter or fire upon, or fire into a mosque or any religious or historical site except in self-defense," McChrystal wrote in the directive. "All searches and entries for any other reason will be conducted by the Afghan National Security Forces."
The directive is not a departure from past practices, officials said, noting that killing civilians never has been an International Security Assistance Force tactic.
"Working together with our Afghan partners, we can overcome the enemy's influence and give the Afghan people what they deserve: a country at peace for the first time in three decades, foundations of good governance and economic development," McChrystal said.
Iraqi, Coalition Forces Capture Suspected Terrorists
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. soldiers and coalition forces, arrested several suspected terrorists in operations in Iraq over the past five days, military officials reported. Iraqi soldiers, aided by U.S. soldiers, detained a wanted insurgent July 4 in Hawijah in Kirkuk province. Mahdi Saleh Khalil is believed to be associated with vehicle-bomb detonations June 30 and April 15, both in Kirkuk city, that killed 37 people and wounded 114 Iraqi civilians.
Elsewhere, the Beiji special weapons and tactics team, aided by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 3 in Salahuddin province. The man is suspected of murder and is believed to be a member of a terrorist cell that conducts roadside-bomb attacks in the province.
Northwest of Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, assisted by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 2 during an intelligence-driven operation in Tikrit. The man is believed to be a key leader of an insurgent cell responsible for criminal activities.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
July 6, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. soldiers and coalition forces, arrested several suspected terrorists in operations in Iraq over the past five days, military officials reported. Iraqi soldiers, aided by U.S. soldiers, detained a wanted insurgent July 4 in Hawijah in Kirkuk province. Mahdi Saleh Khalil is believed to be associated with vehicle-bomb detonations June 30 and April 15, both in Kirkuk city, that killed 37 people and wounded 114 Iraqi civilians.
Elsewhere, the Beiji special weapons and tactics team, aided by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 3 in Salahuddin province. The man is suspected of murder and is believed to be a member of a terrorist cell that conducts roadside-bomb attacks in the province.
Northwest of Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, assisted by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 2 during an intelligence-driven operation in Tikrit. The man is believed to be a key leader of an insurgent cell responsible for criminal activities.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Added U.S. Troops Enable Afghanistan Strategy, Mullen Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2009 - Additional American troops in Afghanistan are making it possible to institute the new strategy in the country, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Speaking on CNN's State of the Union program, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said Operation Khanjar, which means Strike of the Sword, will challenge the Taliban and al-Qaida in the Helmand River valley in southern Afghanistan. The area has been a terrorist safe haven and which has most of the opium poppy cultivation in the country.
"This is really the most concentrated area for opium growing and we expect a significant combat challenge from the Taliban," he said.
About 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan soldiers are conducting operations in the river valley. The fighting is going on in the area of Garmsir and Khan Neshin, Mullen said.
In the past, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force has not been able to hold the area to allow assistance efforts to have an impact on the economy and government, he said.
"It's this extra footprint of Marines that will allow us to not just secure the are for the Afghan people, but also to hold it and start to move in the right direction economically and from a governance perspective," the admiral said.
The resistance has been what planners expected, he said.
"There's been some pretty tough fighting, but it really ties into the expectations that we had," Mullen said. "This has been a significant Taliban stronghold for a long period of time. It's grown over the past two or three years. What the Marines are there for is to really concentrate on that defeat the Taliban, clear it, hold it so we can start to build."
The fight will be tough for "a fair amount of time – weeks or months," he said.
Officials are working to ensure coordination with the Pakistani military. The fear is that Taliban fighters will melt into the populace and seek safe havens across the Afghan border with Pakistan. Mullen said the Pakistani military has had recent success against the Taliban in fighting in the Swat Valley and Dir province. They are now engaged in other areas.
"We realize there will be tension, but we have to work our way through that," Mullen said.
The chairman said he looks forward to receiving the 60-day assessment from the new NATO and U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal. "His guidance from me and from (Defense) Secretary (Robert M.) Gates is to make your assessment and then come back and tell us what you need," Mullen said.
McChrystal must make sure that there is no waste in the troops he has in country – all of the troops must be engaged in the proper missions.
There has been a merging of the Taliban and al-Qaida in the country over the past few years, Mullen said.
"We've seen leaders from these organizations move in a federated way," he said. "Al-Qaida is supportive of the Taliban."
Coming up with the number of enemy in the country is tough, "but they are significant, and they are growing, and it's the kind of insurgency that the additional troops that we put in there have to get at so we can focus on security," he said.
"It's less about killing the enemy than it is providing security and protecting Afghan civilians," he said.
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2009 - Additional American troops in Afghanistan are making it possible to institute the new strategy in the country, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Speaking on CNN's State of the Union program, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said Operation Khanjar, which means Strike of the Sword, will challenge the Taliban and al-Qaida in the Helmand River valley in southern Afghanistan. The area has been a terrorist safe haven and which has most of the opium poppy cultivation in the country.
"This is really the most concentrated area for opium growing and we expect a significant combat challenge from the Taliban," he said.
About 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan soldiers are conducting operations in the river valley. The fighting is going on in the area of Garmsir and Khan Neshin, Mullen said.
In the past, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force has not been able to hold the area to allow assistance efforts to have an impact on the economy and government, he said.
"It's this extra footprint of Marines that will allow us to not just secure the are for the Afghan people, but also to hold it and start to move in the right direction economically and from a governance perspective," the admiral said.
The resistance has been what planners expected, he said.
"There's been some pretty tough fighting, but it really ties into the expectations that we had," Mullen said. "This has been a significant Taliban stronghold for a long period of time. It's grown over the past two or three years. What the Marines are there for is to really concentrate on that defeat the Taliban, clear it, hold it so we can start to build."
The fight will be tough for "a fair amount of time – weeks or months," he said.
Officials are working to ensure coordination with the Pakistani military. The fear is that Taliban fighters will melt into the populace and seek safe havens across the Afghan border with Pakistan. Mullen said the Pakistani military has had recent success against the Taliban in fighting in the Swat Valley and Dir province. They are now engaged in other areas.
"We realize there will be tension, but we have to work our way through that," Mullen said.
The chairman said he looks forward to receiving the 60-day assessment from the new NATO and U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal. "His guidance from me and from (Defense) Secretary (Robert M.) Gates is to make your assessment and then come back and tell us what you need," Mullen said.
McChrystal must make sure that there is no waste in the troops he has in country – all of the troops must be engaged in the proper missions.
There has been a merging of the Taliban and al-Qaida in the country over the past few years, Mullen said.
"We've seen leaders from these organizations move in a federated way," he said. "Al-Qaida is supportive of the Taliban."
Coming up with the number of enemy in the country is tough, "but they are significant, and they are growing, and it's the kind of insurgency that the additional troops that we put in there have to get at so we can focus on security," he said.
"It's less about killing the enemy than it is providing security and protecting Afghan civilians," he said.
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