American Forces Press Service
Oct. 5, 2008 - A terrorist detonated a suicide vest Oct. 5 in Mosul as coalition forces were trying to capture a wanted man. Coaliton forces entered a building looking for the man and were shot at by enemy fighters. One man in the building detonated the vest he was wearing.
No coalition force injuries were reported. Five suspected terrorists, along with three women and three children, were killed. Forces searched the building and found a weapons cache holding various small arms weapons and explosives.
In other operations today, forces near Baghdad captured two wanted men and detained two others believed to have ties to an al-Qaida in Iraq bomb network. Forces in Hawijah, southwest of Kirkuk, caught one terrorist suspect believed to be part of a bombing network in Diyala province.
In operations yesterday in Sulayman Bak, southeast of Kirkuk, coalition forces caught seven suspected terrorists. One man was wanted for connections to terrorists operating in the area.
Another wanted man was caught Oct. 4 in Sabah, west of Kirkuk. He is believed to be a member of a terrorist group associated with al-Qaida in Iraq.
U.S. soldiers also seized 20 weapons caches in operations west of Baghdad . Soldiers recovered more than 1,700 mortar rounds, 503 mortar fuses, three rocket launchers, six rockets, various ammunition, homemade explosive materials and bombs and nine SA-7 heat-seeking, shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles. Iraqi army soldiers found a house rigged with explosives. The soldiers seized the explosives and removed them from the area.
In other operations in Iraq Oct. 3:
-- Coalition forces killed a leader of one of al-Qaeda in Iraq's Baghdad networks thought to have masterminded some of the city's recent bombings. Mahir Ahmad Mahmud Judu' al-Zubaydi, also known as Abu Rami, is believed to be the AQI emir of the Rusafa neighborhood of Baghdad.
Rami allegedly masterminded several car bombings including one last year that killed more than 200 people. In addition to car bombings, Abu Rami was believed to be a planner and participant in several kidnappings and videotaped executions.
-- U.S. soldiers nabbed a suspected special groups leader thought to be responsible for sectarian violence in the Risalah community.
-- In Quayyarah, south of Mosul, coalition forces caught two terrorism suspects.
-- U.S. soldiers recovered a weapons cache in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad. The cache included a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, two RPG rounds, two RPG boosters, two AK-47s, a machine gun, and ammunition.
-- Iraqi national police also recovered a cache in Kadamiyah. The weapons included an Iranian- manufactured 85 mm PG-7 anti-tank heat rocket, rocket propellant, an RPG launcher and a hand grenade.
-- U.S. soldiers seized a cache in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad. The munitions included several 60 mm high explosive mortar rounds, various sizes of rockets, an RPG, a machine gun, a sniper Rifle, an AK-47 and 300 rounds of ammunition.
-- Iraqi national police found five bags of homemade explosives, a fuse and other bomb making materials in the East Rashid district of Baghdad.
-- In the Furat community, Iraqi national police officers seized about 70 pounds of dynamite and four detonation fuses.
-- Iraqi army soldiers found four 60 mm mortar rounds, six mortar fuses, a 155 mm artillery round, and six hand grenades in the Saydiyah community.
In operations in Iraqi Oct. 2, Iraqi security forces caught six suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq in northern Iraq. One team captured two suspects in Muqdadiyah. In east Mosul, Iraqi Forces captured an alleged AQI cell leader. Also, Iraqi forces caught three suspected terrorists in Dojima.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq releases.)
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Coalition Forces Target Taliban, Networks in Eastern Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 5, 2008 - Coalition forces killed five enemy fighters in operations Oct. 3, targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist networks in eastern Afghanistan. Coalition forces targeted a Taliban sub-commander in Andar district who is known to plan and coordinate bombing attacks in Ghazni province. He is also wanted for helping move foreign fighters into Afghanistan.
In Ghazni, coalition forces killed two armed militants. Coalition forces found several AK-47s and bomb-making materials at the compound.
In Konar, coalition forces called in air strikes on several enemy fighters as they approached a U.S. base. Three armed militants were killed. Forces searched the area and found several AK-47s, hand grenades and other military style equipment.
In other operations in Afghanistan, one civilian was killed and four others wounded in the village of Matin in Pech District, Konar province, yesterday when militants attacked an Afghan National Army and coalition forces patrol. The fighters shot at the joint forces patrol and fired rocket-propelled grenades. The enemy fighters also attacked the local village, according to officials. The body of the civilian was recovered. No coalition forces were wounded.
One enemy fighter blew himself up Oct. 2 as coalition forces targeted the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province. Coalition forces searched a compound for a known foreign fighter facilitator for the Haqqani terrorist network. As forces moved in, the suspect detonated a suicide vest, killing himself. No coalition forces were injured in the blast.
Also Oct. 2, Coalition forces detained four suspected militants during an operation targeting the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force-101 releases.)
Oct. 5, 2008 - Coalition forces killed five enemy fighters in operations Oct. 3, targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist networks in eastern Afghanistan. Coalition forces targeted a Taliban sub-commander in Andar district who is known to plan and coordinate bombing attacks in Ghazni province. He is also wanted for helping move foreign fighters into Afghanistan.
In Ghazni, coalition forces killed two armed militants. Coalition forces found several AK-47s and bomb-making materials at the compound.
In Konar, coalition forces called in air strikes on several enemy fighters as they approached a U.S. base. Three armed militants were killed. Forces searched the area and found several AK-47s, hand grenades and other military style equipment.
In other operations in Afghanistan, one civilian was killed and four others wounded in the village of Matin in Pech District, Konar province, yesterday when militants attacked an Afghan National Army and coalition forces patrol. The fighters shot at the joint forces patrol and fired rocket-propelled grenades. The enemy fighters also attacked the local village, according to officials. The body of the civilian was recovered. No coalition forces were wounded.
One enemy fighter blew himself up Oct. 2 as coalition forces targeted the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province. Coalition forces searched a compound for a known foreign fighter facilitator for the Haqqani terrorist network. As forces moved in, the suspect detonated a suicide vest, killing himself. No coalition forces were injured in the blast.
Also Oct. 2, Coalition forces detained four suspected militants during an operation targeting the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force-101 releases.)
Friday, October 03, 2008
Police in Iraq's Wasit Province Work to Change Image, Focus
By Army Sgt. Daniel T. West
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 3, 2008 - Police in Iraq's Wasit province are transforming their force from a paramilitary Police force to a more traditional one, changing an organizational climate left over from Saddam Hussein's regime. The restructuring, a directive from the Iraqi Interior Ministry, aims to place police officers in positions that exploit their greatest strengths.
"We assign [police officers] with military backgrounds to the special response teams and the checkpoints," Brig. Gen. Alawy Hussein Alsaray, of the Iraqi Police, said. "Those who have been trained solely as police officers are assigned to the community police stations. That way, those with a military background work in the areas that are most military-like. The others are assigned to investigations and other traditional Police roles."
This method is effective because many of the police officers are former soldiers, said Army Sgt. Peter Klementowski, 511th military Police Company, an Iraqi police trainer.
"Placing the military minds in the [special response teams] is effective because they play a more military role, are heavily armed and [are] trained in urban warfare tactics," Klementowski said. "The traditional role, the neighborhood stations, is to be visible every day and to interact with the population. These should be roles for new officers, those brought up in the Police system."
Army Capt. Jess Traver, 511th military Police Company commander, said he and his soldiers are helping the Iraqi Police change their image, focusing on community policing, interacting with the community and developing a visible values system that emphasizes duty, commitment and honesty.
"Under Saddam, the Police were a paramilitary force that enforced the will of the executive branch," Klementowski said. "When people look at them, they see a remnant of Saddam's regime, responsible for terror and torture."
To change the way they are viewed by the community, the Police have reached out to the community by increasing their patrols and their visibility at the checkpoints, Traver noted.
"They are also participating in community policing events," Klementowski said. "They are reaching out to the community through soccer [and] expositions showing their work, and some stations are inviting people into the stations to show them what it's like to be [police officers]."
Traver praised the police officers' efforts to change their image with the people they serve. "They are making progress, and their leadership is making the push to change the community's perspective," he said. "They are on the right track."
(Army Sgt. Daniel T. West serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 3, 2008 - Police in Iraq's Wasit province are transforming their force from a paramilitary Police force to a more traditional one, changing an organizational climate left over from Saddam Hussein's regime. The restructuring, a directive from the Iraqi Interior Ministry, aims to place police officers in positions that exploit their greatest strengths.
"We assign [police officers] with military backgrounds to the special response teams and the checkpoints," Brig. Gen. Alawy Hussein Alsaray, of the Iraqi Police, said. "Those who have been trained solely as police officers are assigned to the community police stations. That way, those with a military background work in the areas that are most military-like. The others are assigned to investigations and other traditional Police roles."
This method is effective because many of the police officers are former soldiers, said Army Sgt. Peter Klementowski, 511th military Police Company, an Iraqi police trainer.
"Placing the military minds in the [special response teams] is effective because they play a more military role, are heavily armed and [are] trained in urban warfare tactics," Klementowski said. "The traditional role, the neighborhood stations, is to be visible every day and to interact with the population. These should be roles for new officers, those brought up in the Police system."
Army Capt. Jess Traver, 511th military Police Company commander, said he and his soldiers are helping the Iraqi Police change their image, focusing on community policing, interacting with the community and developing a visible values system that emphasizes duty, commitment and honesty.
"Under Saddam, the Police were a paramilitary force that enforced the will of the executive branch," Klementowski said. "When people look at them, they see a remnant of Saddam's regime, responsible for terror and torture."
To change the way they are viewed by the community, the Police have reached out to the community by increasing their patrols and their visibility at the checkpoints, Traver noted.
"They are also participating in community policing events," Klementowski said. "They are reaching out to the community through soccer [and] expositions showing their work, and some stations are inviting people into the stations to show them what it's like to be [police officers]."
Traver praised the police officers' efforts to change their image with the people they serve. "They are making progress, and their leadership is making the push to change the community's perspective," he said. "They are on the right track."
(Army Sgt. Daniel T. West serves in the Multinational Division Center Public Affairs Office.)
Coalition Captures Iranian-Backed Militia Suspects in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 3, 2008 - Coalition forces yesterday captured five suspected Iranian-backed illegal militia members during an operation in Baghdad's Rusafa neighborhood, military officials reported. Based on intelligence information, coalition forces targeted a suspected senior leader believed to be involved in smuggling Iranian-supplied lethal aid into Iraq. He is believed to be a key facilitator in planning and conducting attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces, officials said.
Coalition forces detained the wanted man and four other suspects without incident, they said.
According to intelligence assessments, the group receives funding, training, weapons and direction from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, officials said. Through its militia proxies, the Quds Force is trying to destabilize the Iraqi government, officials said.
Also yesterday, coalition forces struck a blow to the criminal network known as Asaib Ahl al-Haq by capturing two suspects during an operation in the southern city of Amarah in Iraq's Maysan province.
Acting on intelligence information, coalition forces targeted a suspected senior weapons smuggler believed to be responsible for militant operations against Iraqi and coalition forces. Forces detained the suspect and an associate.
In other operations, coalition forces today and yesterday captured a wanted man, detained 17 additional suspects and found enemy weapons stockpiles during operations to degrade the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network throughout the country, officials said.
-- In Kirkuk yesterday, troops netted four suspects believed to be associated with a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader.
-- Near Beiji, about 100 miles south of Mosul, coalition forces captured a wanted man believed to be a local military leader for a terrorist group associated with al-Qaida in Iraq. Two additional suspects were detained during the operation.
-- In Ash Shurah, about 25 miles south of Mosul, coalition forces detained three suspects believed to be connected to a wanted man who intelligence reports suggest is a direct conspirator with regional al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.
-- In Sulaymen Bak, about 50 miles southeast of Kirkuk, forces targeted a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq military operator believed to be involved in roadside bomb attacks.
-- Coalition forces in Fallujah, about 34 miles west of Baghdad, detained two suspects while targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq operator.
-- Iraqi and coalition forces found nine mortar rounds and 35 pounds of TNT yesterday in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad.
-- A tip from a concerned citizen yesterday led coalition soldiers in Baghdad's Mansour district to a weapons stockpile that included two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, an RPG round, 11 anti-personnel rockets, five 60 mm mortar rounds, three 82 mm mortar rounds, nine grenades, a remote control device and about a half pound of C4 explosive, 150 machine-gun rounds, and a variety of small-arms rounds.
-- A local sheik's tip led coalition soldiers to the seizure of a 155 mm round and two 100 mm rounds west of Baghdad yesterday.
In another recent operation, Iraqi and coalition soldiers acting on a citizen's tip captured two suspected criminals and seized a weapons cache Sept. 30 east of Lutifiyah, about 25 miles from Baghdad. The cache included a fragmentation grenade, an 82 mm mortar round, a 122 mm artillery round, a directional blast charge, an AK-47 assault rifle and 36 AK-47 rounds, and two spools of detonation cord.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases).
Oct. 3, 2008 - Coalition forces yesterday captured five suspected Iranian-backed illegal militia members during an operation in Baghdad's Rusafa neighborhood, military officials reported. Based on intelligence information, coalition forces targeted a suspected senior leader believed to be involved in smuggling Iranian-supplied lethal aid into Iraq. He is believed to be a key facilitator in planning and conducting attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces, officials said.
Coalition forces detained the wanted man and four other suspects without incident, they said.
According to intelligence assessments, the group receives funding, training, weapons and direction from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, officials said. Through its militia proxies, the Quds Force is trying to destabilize the Iraqi government, officials said.
Also yesterday, coalition forces struck a blow to the criminal network known as Asaib Ahl al-Haq by capturing two suspects during an operation in the southern city of Amarah in Iraq's Maysan province.
Acting on intelligence information, coalition forces targeted a suspected senior weapons smuggler believed to be responsible for militant operations against Iraqi and coalition forces. Forces detained the suspect and an associate.
In other operations, coalition forces today and yesterday captured a wanted man, detained 17 additional suspects and found enemy weapons stockpiles during operations to degrade the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network throughout the country, officials said.
-- In Kirkuk yesterday, troops netted four suspects believed to be associated with a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader.
-- Near Beiji, about 100 miles south of Mosul, coalition forces captured a wanted man believed to be a local military leader for a terrorist group associated with al-Qaida in Iraq. Two additional suspects were detained during the operation.
-- In Ash Shurah, about 25 miles south of Mosul, coalition forces detained three suspects believed to be connected to a wanted man who intelligence reports suggest is a direct conspirator with regional al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.
-- In Sulaymen Bak, about 50 miles southeast of Kirkuk, forces targeted a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq military operator believed to be involved in roadside bomb attacks.
-- Coalition forces in Fallujah, about 34 miles west of Baghdad, detained two suspects while targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq operator.
-- Iraqi and coalition forces found nine mortar rounds and 35 pounds of TNT yesterday in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad.
-- A tip from a concerned citizen yesterday led coalition soldiers in Baghdad's Mansour district to a weapons stockpile that included two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, an RPG round, 11 anti-personnel rockets, five 60 mm mortar rounds, three 82 mm mortar rounds, nine grenades, a remote control device and about a half pound of C4 explosive, 150 machine-gun rounds, and a variety of small-arms rounds.
-- A local sheik's tip led coalition soldiers to the seizure of a 155 mm round and two 100 mm rounds west of Baghdad yesterday.
In another recent operation, Iraqi and coalition soldiers acting on a citizen's tip captured two suspected criminals and seized a weapons cache Sept. 30 east of Lutifiyah, about 25 miles from Baghdad. The cache included a fragmentation grenade, an 82 mm mortar round, a 122 mm artillery round, a directional blast charge, an AK-47 assault rifle and 36 AK-47 rounds, and two spools of detonation cord.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases).
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- October 3, 2008
Crucell [a company] receives NIAID[National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases] /NIH [National Institutes of Health] contract for development of Ebola and Marburg vaccines
"Dutch biopharma company Crucell N.V. […] today announced that it received a National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) contract aimed at advancing the development of a multivalent filovirus vaccine that includes both Ebola and Marburg viruses. The contract provides funding of up to $30 million, with additional options that may be triggered at the discretion of the NIH worth a further $40 million. […] Crucell will be the primary contractor with additional services being supplied by the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, located in San Antonio, Texas and Quintiles Guys Drug Research Unit, located in London." (Red Orbit; 03Oct08) http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1576640/crucell_receives_niaidnih_contract_for_development_of_ebola_and_marburg/
If bioterrorists strike, letter carriers might deliver antibiotics
"[…] Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt yesterday proposed a solution to one of the bigger challenges in responding to an anthrax bioterrorism attack -- how to deliver protective antibiotics to tens of thousands of people overnight. The tentative answer: have the mailman (and -woman) do the job. As an incentive to the letter carriers -- who would be volunteers -- the government would issue them in advance an antibiotic supply large enough to treat themselves and their families. They would also be accompanied by police officers on their rounds[…] The strategy has the full support of the Postal Service and its unions, spokesmen said."
(WashingtonPost.com; 02Oct08; David Brown) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/01/AR2008100102929_pf.html
Rethinking who should be considered 'essential' during a pandemic flu outbreak
"Not only are doctors, nurses, and firefighter essential during a severe pandemic influenza outbreak. So, too, are truck drivers, communications personnel, and utility workers. That's the conclusion of a Johns Hopkins University article to be published in the journal of Biosecurity and Bioterrorism. The report, led by Nancy Kass, Sc.D, Deputy Director of Public Health for the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, provides ethical guidance for pandemic planning that ensures a skeletal infrastructure remain intact at all times. Dr. Kass says, ‘when preparing for a severe pandemic flu it is crucial for leaders to recognize that if the public has limited or no access to food, water, sewage systems, fuel and communications, the secondary consequences may cause greater sickness, death and social breakdown than the virus itself.’" (Phys Org; 02Oct08;
Source: Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics) http://www.physorg.com/news142173611.html
U.S. Government to purchase additional 14.5 million doses of BioThrax under new contract valued at up to $404 Million
"Emergent BioSolutions Inc. […] announced today that it has signed a new, multi-year, firm fixed price contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to supply an additional 14.5 million doses of BioThrax […], its FDA licensed anthrax vaccine, for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). The total value of this follow-on contract is between $364 million and $404 million, with the higher amount tied to the delivery of product having four-year expiry dating." (Pharma Live; 01Oct08) http://www.pharmalive.com/News/index.cfm?articleid=574152&categoryid=10
Indian co. Panacea enters into alliance with US-based Pharmathene
"Indian vaccine manufacturer Panacea Biotec on Wednesday said it has entered into a strategic alliance with US-based PharmAthene and will invest US$13.1 million dollars in it. The transaction is expected to close by October 20, 2008, it added. […] PharmAthene is a biodefense company engaged in developing medical products against biological and chemical weapons. Panacea Biotec is the second largest vaccine manufacturer in India."(TradingMarkets; 02Oct08) http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1915610/
3 due in court charged with publisher attack plot
"Three men charged with plotting to attack the publisher of a novel about the wife of the Prophet Muhammad are due in court in London. Ali Beheshti, Abrar Mirza and Abbas Taj were charged late Thursday with plotting to damage the offices of Gordon Square publishers. Beheshti was also charged with possession of a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of a noxious liquid or gas. The three men were arrested early Sept. 27 under anti-Terrorism laws, but were not charged with any terrorist offenses."
(Associated Press; 03Oct08)
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hmhSP2lwNIHmUPBS9smXCM45cdJgD93IVI200
Study: weapons waste can be safely moved [Kentucky]
"Waste left over from chemical weapons disposal at the Blue Grass Army Depot is safe to ship off-site, according to a study released Monday from the National Research Council (NRC) committee. The experience to date with the off-site shipment and treatment of mustard and nerve agent hydrolysates from (other chemical weapons disposal sites) indicates that off-site transportation and disposal of these materials is a safe and technically viable course of action, the report states." (The Richmond Register; 01Oct08; Ronica Shannon) http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_276075441.html
Russia: Chemical weapons disposal site to be launched in March 2009
"A regional commission for scrapping chemical weapons in Kirov Region has examined the readiness of the Maradykovskiy chemical weapons disposal site to launch its second phase in March 2009, the press centre of the regional government said on 30 September. The second stage facilities are equipped to scrap ammunition filled with the toxic substances sarin and soman. The remaining ammunition filled with VX gas is being scrapped at Maradykovskiy, the press centre said. At the same time, equipment is being assembled at all facilities that will be used to scrap sarin and soman. Testing and commissioning work will begin on 1 December 2008 and will be completed by March 2009." (RedOrbit; 01Oct08; Source: Interfax) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1574176/russia_chemical_weapons_disposal_site_to_be_launched_in_march/#
$12 million approved for US 25 road work [Kentucky]
"Congress has approved $12 million for the widening of [highway] US 25 from the EKU (Eastern Kentucky University) Bypass to the KY 421 split, also known as the ‘Defense Access Road,’ by those associated with the chemical weapons destruction project at the Blue Grass Army Depot. […] The completed project for US 25 is estimated to cost about $28.5 million." (Richmond Register; 02Oct08; Ronica Shannon) http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_276075334.html
Mobile, networked radiation detectors help the law find dirty bombs
"What do you get when you cross California nuclear chemists with New Jersey policemen? A mobile, and wirelessly networked, radiation detector jammed into the trunk of a Chevy Suburban called the RadTruck. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists and their business partners, Textron Defense Systems, demoed the $250,000 trucks yesterday to reporters and revealed they'd been patrolling the streets and sensitive infrastructure of Jersey for the past year. RadTrucks are able to identify radioactive sources as small as a grain of sand within a dozen feet of its side-mounted detectors while traveling at 45 miles per hour, which makes it particularly useful for monitoring highways." (Wired; 02Oct08; Alexis Madrigal)
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/10/livermore-calif.html
Optical material could enable universal laser
"A new optical fiber material could enable laser-based devices to be built operating at multiple frequencies. The new material--cesium zirconium phosphorus selenium (CsZrPSe6)--can add, subtract and double laser beam wavelengths, enabling devices with two laser sources to produce many usable wavelengths. […] Argonne researchers claim the new technology could be used in sensors that detect biological and chemical weapons." (EE Times; 02Oct08; R. Colin Johnson)
http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210605464
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.
"Dutch biopharma company Crucell N.V. […] today announced that it received a National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) contract aimed at advancing the development of a multivalent filovirus vaccine that includes both Ebola and Marburg viruses. The contract provides funding of up to $30 million, with additional options that may be triggered at the discretion of the NIH worth a further $40 million. […] Crucell will be the primary contractor with additional services being supplied by the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, located in San Antonio, Texas and Quintiles Guys Drug Research Unit, located in London." (Red Orbit; 03Oct08) http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1576640/crucell_receives_niaidnih_contract_for_development_of_ebola_and_marburg/
If bioterrorists strike, letter carriers might deliver antibiotics
"[…] Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt yesterday proposed a solution to one of the bigger challenges in responding to an anthrax bioterrorism attack -- how to deliver protective antibiotics to tens of thousands of people overnight. The tentative answer: have the mailman (and -woman) do the job. As an incentive to the letter carriers -- who would be volunteers -- the government would issue them in advance an antibiotic supply large enough to treat themselves and their families. They would also be accompanied by police officers on their rounds[…] The strategy has the full support of the Postal Service and its unions, spokesmen said."
(WashingtonPost.com; 02Oct08; David Brown) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/01/AR2008100102929_pf.html
Rethinking who should be considered 'essential' during a pandemic flu outbreak
"Not only are doctors, nurses, and firefighter essential during a severe pandemic influenza outbreak. So, too, are truck drivers, communications personnel, and utility workers. That's the conclusion of a Johns Hopkins University article to be published in the journal of Biosecurity and Bioterrorism. The report, led by Nancy Kass, Sc.D, Deputy Director of Public Health for the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, provides ethical guidance for pandemic planning that ensures a skeletal infrastructure remain intact at all times. Dr. Kass says, ‘when preparing for a severe pandemic flu it is crucial for leaders to recognize that if the public has limited or no access to food, water, sewage systems, fuel and communications, the secondary consequences may cause greater sickness, death and social breakdown than the virus itself.’" (Phys Org; 02Oct08;
Source: Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics) http://www.physorg.com/news142173611.html
U.S. Government to purchase additional 14.5 million doses of BioThrax under new contract valued at up to $404 Million
"Emergent BioSolutions Inc. […] announced today that it has signed a new, multi-year, firm fixed price contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to supply an additional 14.5 million doses of BioThrax […], its FDA licensed anthrax vaccine, for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). The total value of this follow-on contract is between $364 million and $404 million, with the higher amount tied to the delivery of product having four-year expiry dating." (Pharma Live; 01Oct08) http://www.pharmalive.com/News/index.cfm?articleid=574152&categoryid=10
Indian co. Panacea enters into alliance with US-based Pharmathene
"Indian vaccine manufacturer Panacea Biotec on Wednesday said it has entered into a strategic alliance with US-based PharmAthene and will invest US$13.1 million dollars in it. The transaction is expected to close by October 20, 2008, it added. […] PharmAthene is a biodefense company engaged in developing medical products against biological and chemical weapons. Panacea Biotec is the second largest vaccine manufacturer in India."(TradingMarkets; 02Oct08) http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1915610/
3 due in court charged with publisher attack plot
"Three men charged with plotting to attack the publisher of a novel about the wife of the Prophet Muhammad are due in court in London. Ali Beheshti, Abrar Mirza and Abbas Taj were charged late Thursday with plotting to damage the offices of Gordon Square publishers. Beheshti was also charged with possession of a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of a noxious liquid or gas. The three men were arrested early Sept. 27 under anti-Terrorism laws, but were not charged with any terrorist offenses."
(Associated Press; 03Oct08)
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hmhSP2lwNIHmUPBS9smXCM45cdJgD93IVI200
Study: weapons waste can be safely moved [Kentucky]
"Waste left over from chemical weapons disposal at the Blue Grass Army Depot is safe to ship off-site, according to a study released Monday from the National Research Council (NRC) committee. The experience to date with the off-site shipment and treatment of mustard and nerve agent hydrolysates from (other chemical weapons disposal sites) indicates that off-site transportation and disposal of these materials is a safe and technically viable course of action, the report states." (The Richmond Register; 01Oct08; Ronica Shannon) http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_276075441.html
Russia: Chemical weapons disposal site to be launched in March 2009
"A regional commission for scrapping chemical weapons in Kirov Region has examined the readiness of the Maradykovskiy chemical weapons disposal site to launch its second phase in March 2009, the press centre of the regional government said on 30 September. The second stage facilities are equipped to scrap ammunition filled with the toxic substances sarin and soman. The remaining ammunition filled with VX gas is being scrapped at Maradykovskiy, the press centre said. At the same time, equipment is being assembled at all facilities that will be used to scrap sarin and soman. Testing and commissioning work will begin on 1 December 2008 and will be completed by March 2009." (RedOrbit; 01Oct08; Source: Interfax) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1574176/russia_chemical_weapons_disposal_site_to_be_launched_in_march/#
$12 million approved for US 25 road work [Kentucky]
"Congress has approved $12 million for the widening of [highway] US 25 from the EKU (Eastern Kentucky University) Bypass to the KY 421 split, also known as the ‘Defense Access Road,’ by those associated with the chemical weapons destruction project at the Blue Grass Army Depot. […] The completed project for US 25 is estimated to cost about $28.5 million." (Richmond Register; 02Oct08; Ronica Shannon) http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_276075334.html
Mobile, networked radiation detectors help the law find dirty bombs
"What do you get when you cross California nuclear chemists with New Jersey policemen? A mobile, and wirelessly networked, radiation detector jammed into the trunk of a Chevy Suburban called the RadTruck. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists and their business partners, Textron Defense Systems, demoed the $250,000 trucks yesterday to reporters and revealed they'd been patrolling the streets and sensitive infrastructure of Jersey for the past year. RadTrucks are able to identify radioactive sources as small as a grain of sand within a dozen feet of its side-mounted detectors while traveling at 45 miles per hour, which makes it particularly useful for monitoring highways." (Wired; 02Oct08; Alexis Madrigal)
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/10/livermore-calif.html
Optical material could enable universal laser
"A new optical fiber material could enable laser-based devices to be built operating at multiple frequencies. The new material--cesium zirconium phosphorus selenium (CsZrPSe6)--can add, subtract and double laser beam wavelengths, enabling devices with two laser sources to produce many usable wavelengths. […] Argonne researchers claim the new technology could be used in sensors that detect biological and chemical weapons." (EE Times; 02Oct08; R. Colin Johnson)
http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210605464
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.
Militants Kill Civilian in Eastern Afghanistan Fighting
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 3, 2008 - An Afghan civilian was killed and four were wounded this morning when militants attacked a village in eastern Afghanistan where coalition and Afghan troops were on patrol, military officials reported. The firefight started when militants engaged the joint forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Matin, a village in the Pech district of Konar province, officials said.
While returning fire, Afghan soldiers also provided immediate medical care to the wounded and transported them to a medical facility for treatment, officials said. The body of the civilian was recovered and returned to his village, they said.
No servicemembers were wounded in the attack, and the incident is under investigation, they said.
The incident followed several days of fighting along the Pakistan border.
Coalition forces yesterday captured four insurgents during an operation targeting the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province, military officials said. The operation targeted a foreign terrorist in the Sabari district who is believed to coordinate and direct militant activities against local residents there, as well as Afghan and coalition forces, they said.
The suspect, who was detained, is believed to be in direct contact with other Haqqani sub-commanders, coordinating terrorist activities intended to destabilize the region, officials said. Coalition forces searched the compound, finding weapons and related items, which were destroyed to prevent future use.
In other news, coalition forces killed three militants Sept. 30 in the Arghandab district of Zabol province in southeast Afghanistan.
Coalition forces were conducting a patrol in a densely vegetated area when they were fired on by militants using small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a remote position. The troops responded with small-arms, heavy weapons and indirect fire, killing three militants.
No Afghan or coalition forces or civilian casualties were reported.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)
Oct. 3, 2008 - An Afghan civilian was killed and four were wounded this morning when militants attacked a village in eastern Afghanistan where coalition and Afghan troops were on patrol, military officials reported. The firefight started when militants engaged the joint forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Matin, a village in the Pech district of Konar province, officials said.
While returning fire, Afghan soldiers also provided immediate medical care to the wounded and transported them to a medical facility for treatment, officials said. The body of the civilian was recovered and returned to his village, they said.
No servicemembers were wounded in the attack, and the incident is under investigation, they said.
The incident followed several days of fighting along the Pakistan border.
Coalition forces yesterday captured four insurgents during an operation targeting the Haqqani terrorist network in Khowst province, military officials said. The operation targeted a foreign terrorist in the Sabari district who is believed to coordinate and direct militant activities against local residents there, as well as Afghan and coalition forces, they said.
The suspect, who was detained, is believed to be in direct contact with other Haqqani sub-commanders, coordinating terrorist activities intended to destabilize the region, officials said. Coalition forces searched the compound, finding weapons and related items, which were destroyed to prevent future use.
In other news, coalition forces killed three militants Sept. 30 in the Arghandab district of Zabol province in southeast Afghanistan.
Coalition forces were conducting a patrol in a densely vegetated area when they were fired on by militants using small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a remote position. The troops responded with small-arms, heavy weapons and indirect fire, killing three militants.
No Afghan or coalition forces or civilian casualties were reported.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)
Afghan Army's Growth Important to Progress, Marine Officer Says
By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 3, 2008 - Continuing to build the capacity and the strength of the Afghan National Army is strategically important to progress in Afghanistan and eliminating the insurgency's influence over the population, an official there said yesterday. If the Afghan Army can provide security on its own, it would help to remove the relationship between the insurgents and the populations they still influence, Marine Corps Col. Jeffrey Haynes, commander of Regional Corps Advisory Command Central, said in a teleconference with bloggers.
"As we continue to drive the wedge between the population and the insurgents, it will be harder and harder for [the insurgency] to operate," Haynes said. "That's one reason I continue to emphasize the Afghan National Army owning the problem and owning the battle space and being seen by the people ... as being able to deliver security."
The Regional Corps Advisory Command Central – a multinational, joint-service command with about 750 members – trains and conducts combat operations with the Afghan National Army's 201st Corps, Haynes said. Their area of operation encompasses 11 provinces in and around Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul, he said.
The Afghans are leading combat operations in areas surrounding Kabul. "We've got [Afghan soldiers] doing tremendous work out there," he said, "not having their hand held by the coalition in any means whatsoever."
A belief that insurgents have surrounded and are entangling the capital city are a myth, Haynes said. Though "they are having some hits every now and then around the capital," he said, those attacks are attempts by insurgents to create the false impression that they have surrounded Kabul.
Haynes also said that the insurgents are not strong fighters.
"You're not talking about really proficient fighters," he said. "You're just talking about guys that occasionally are tucked in with the civilian population and may get the drop on our folks."
In addition to security, Haynes said, the advisory command and the Afghan Army 201st Corps recently started a provincial reconstruction team to improve quality of life for local citizens. The reconstruction team already has met several times, he said, and is beginning to manage some development projects.
Understanding development and giving the people reason for hope is a key element in the counterinsurgency effort, Haynes said.
"Prosperity, employment, and of course security is the key to counterinsurgency," he said. "You know, it's a competition for the population."
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 3, 2008 - Continuing to build the capacity and the strength of the Afghan National Army is strategically important to progress in Afghanistan and eliminating the insurgency's influence over the population, an official there said yesterday. If the Afghan Army can provide security on its own, it would help to remove the relationship between the insurgents and the populations they still influence, Marine Corps Col. Jeffrey Haynes, commander of Regional Corps Advisory Command Central, said in a teleconference with bloggers.
"As we continue to drive the wedge between the population and the insurgents, it will be harder and harder for [the insurgency] to operate," Haynes said. "That's one reason I continue to emphasize the Afghan National Army owning the problem and owning the battle space and being seen by the people ... as being able to deliver security."
The Regional Corps Advisory Command Central – a multinational, joint-service command with about 750 members – trains and conducts combat operations with the Afghan National Army's 201st Corps, Haynes said. Their area of operation encompasses 11 provinces in and around Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul, he said.
The Afghans are leading combat operations in areas surrounding Kabul. "We've got [Afghan soldiers] doing tremendous work out there," he said, "not having their hand held by the coalition in any means whatsoever."
A belief that insurgents have surrounded and are entangling the capital city are a myth, Haynes said. Though "they are having some hits every now and then around the capital," he said, those attacks are attempts by insurgents to create the false impression that they have surrounded Kabul.
Haynes also said that the insurgents are not strong fighters.
"You're not talking about really proficient fighters," he said. "You're just talking about guys that occasionally are tucked in with the civilian population and may get the drop on our folks."
In addition to security, Haynes said, the advisory command and the Afghan Army 201st Corps recently started a provincial reconstruction team to improve quality of life for local citizens. The reconstruction team already has met several times, he said, and is beginning to manage some development projects.
Understanding development and giving the people reason for hope is a key element in the counterinsurgency effort, Haynes said.
"Prosperity, employment, and of course security is the key to counterinsurgency," he said. "You know, it's a competition for the population."
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of the Defense Media Activity.)
Charges Referred Against Detainee Ghailani
The Defense Department announced today that charges against Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani have been referred to trial by military commission. Ghailani is alleged to have been involved in the planning and preparation of the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Aug 7, 1998.
In accordance with the military Commissions Act of 2006, the convening authority has the sole discretion to determine what charges will be referred to trial. In exercising her independent judgment, the convening authority, Susan Crawford, referred nine charges against Ghailani. The case was referred as non-capital, meaning the maximum possible punishment is life in prison.
Ghailani is charged with the following substantive offenses: murder in violation of the Law of War, murder of protected persons, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, destruction of property in violation of the Law of War and Terrorism. In addition, he is charged with conspiracy to commit all of the above offenses. Ghailani is further charged with providing material support to terrorism.
The charges are only allegations that the accused has committed offenses under the military Commissions Act, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
In accordance with the military Commissions Act of 2006, the convening authority has the sole discretion to determine what charges will be referred to trial. In exercising her independent judgment, the convening authority, Susan Crawford, referred nine charges against Ghailani. The case was referred as non-capital, meaning the maximum possible punishment is life in prison.
Ghailani is charged with the following substantive offenses: murder in violation of the Law of War, murder of protected persons, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, destruction of property in violation of the Law of War and Terrorism. In addition, he is charged with conspiracy to commit all of the above offenses. Ghailani is further charged with providing material support to terrorism.
The charges are only allegations that the accused has committed offenses under the military Commissions Act, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PFc. Christopher A. Bartkiewicz, 25, of Dunfermline, Ill., died Sept. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816/8694.
PFc. Christopher A. Bartkiewicz, 25, of Dunfermline, Ill., died Sept. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816/8694.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Face of Defense: Medic Enjoys Camaraderie During Deployment
By Army Spc. Allison Churchill
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2008 - Pfc. Serena Norman took some ribbing from her father and three older brothers -- all combat-arms Army veterans -- when she decided to follow their footsteps into the military. Her family expected her to be the one to go straight to college in pursuit of a medical degree. Instead, she's found a happy medium, providing medical coverage for more than 60 soldiers at Joint Security Station 5.
Norman, of Company C, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Brigade, supports Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, and the Iraqi police officers who rotate through the station.
"We're one big happy family," she said.
Norman's fellow soldiers said she proved herself to the "Renegades" on early patrols.
"She never complained, and always helped out when we needed," said Army 2nd Lt. Anthony Mathis, a Battery A platoon leader. "You couldn't ask for a better medic."
In August, when the Renegades and Iraqi police took over the joint security station after Georgian soldiers were called home, Norman set up shop. She teaches combat lifesaver classes to the American soldiers and Iraqi police, conducts sick call, provides medical support on patrols and assists with details.
Norman said the camaraderie she finds among the Renegades and police officers always motivates her. She said she gets a kick out of knowing they all have different backgrounds and music preferences, but come together while deployed.
"They'll do anything for each other. It's exactly what I thought the Army would be," she said.
The Los Alamos, N.M., native is torn between the adrenaline rush she feels when treating medical trauma and not wanting to see anyone injured, she said. A highlight, she added, is the satisfaction she gets from knowing the Iraqis are learning valuable skills from the Americans, such as holding patrol briefs and taking combat lifesaver bags on patrols.
"I felt so good after teaching the Iraqis CLS," she said. "I smiled for about a week afterward."
She added that she's also inspired by the initiative the Renegades take in setting up their living space. When she first arrived, she recalled, the soldiers were setting up their air conditioners and she built a locking cabinet for the aid station.
"If we don't do it, who is going to?" she asked.
Norman said she still plans to become a doctor, most likely a trauma surgeon, after completing her military service.
(Army Spc. Allison Churchill serves in the 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2008 - Pfc. Serena Norman took some ribbing from her father and three older brothers -- all combat-arms Army veterans -- when she decided to follow their footsteps into the military. Her family expected her to be the one to go straight to college in pursuit of a medical degree. Instead, she's found a happy medium, providing medical coverage for more than 60 soldiers at Joint Security Station 5.
Norman, of Company C, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Brigade, supports Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, and the Iraqi police officers who rotate through the station.
"We're one big happy family," she said.
Norman's fellow soldiers said she proved herself to the "Renegades" on early patrols.
"She never complained, and always helped out when we needed," said Army 2nd Lt. Anthony Mathis, a Battery A platoon leader. "You couldn't ask for a better medic."
In August, when the Renegades and Iraqi police took over the joint security station after Georgian soldiers were called home, Norman set up shop. She teaches combat lifesaver classes to the American soldiers and Iraqi police, conducts sick call, provides medical support on patrols and assists with details.
Norman said the camaraderie she finds among the Renegades and police officers always motivates her. She said she gets a kick out of knowing they all have different backgrounds and music preferences, but come together while deployed.
"They'll do anything for each other. It's exactly what I thought the Army would be," she said.
The Los Alamos, N.M., native is torn between the adrenaline rush she feels when treating medical trauma and not wanting to see anyone injured, she said. A highlight, she added, is the satisfaction she gets from knowing the Iraqis are learning valuable skills from the Americans, such as holding patrol briefs and taking combat lifesaver bags on patrols.
"I felt so good after teaching the Iraqis CLS," she said. "I smiled for about a week afterward."
She added that she's also inspired by the initiative the Renegades take in setting up their living space. When she first arrived, she recalled, the soldiers were setting up their air conditioners and she built a locking cabinet for the aid station.
"If we don't do it, who is going to?" she asked.
Norman said she still plans to become a doctor, most likely a trauma surgeon, after completing her military service.
(Army Spc. Allison Churchill serves in the 41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Air Force Starts Transporting New Army Vehicles
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Sizelove
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2008 - Airmen here began shipping six new Army high-mobility engineer excavator vehicles Sept. 29 to warfighters in Southwest Asia. Charleston is the first Air Force base to receive and ship the HMEE, a newly developed construction vehicle that provides a wide range of mobility while affording more protection for the operator than standard road repair and construction equipment, officials said.
"The purpose of the high-mobility engineering excavator is exactly that -- mobility," said Chris Saucedo, the general manager of the company awarded the contract to build the HMEE. "The machine drives at 60 mph both on and off road."
The concept has been proven with less-mobile equipment in terms of rapid road repair, Saucedo said. "Now, you have a machine that can actually integrate into patrols [and] maintain convoy speeds, and it doesn't require additional lift assets," he added.
Because it can open up roads, the HMEE lets commanders bring logistics capabilities into their tactical patrols, dramatically increasing mobility, Saucedo said. It also can create obstacles for the enemy, and it contributes to survivability with the ability to provide water and supplies, build berms and lay electrical lines, he added.
"I want every troop in harm's way to know that there is a highly dedicated team behind the HMEE, and we're very optimistic and very fortunate to be supporting the troops," Saucedo said. "It's been a long road, but we're all behind you and pulling for you 100 percent."
Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather Kern, assigned to the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here, said the vehicles will give deployed engineers a greater measure of protection. "What's great about these machines is that they are mine-resistant, and they give our guys over there who are driving them a precious few seconds to get out of harm's way if they do get hit by a mine or improvised explosive device," she said.
Charleston was selected to process the HMEEs for shipment because it's the closest base to the production site in Savannah, Ga.
"It's hard work as far as the loading of the aircraft [is concerned]," Kern said. "It's very physical, but it's worth every minute of it. It's very important to make sure the guys on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan have the equipment they need."
In 2007, the contractor received a $230 million procurement contract from the Army to produce 800 HMEEs, all of which will be built at the Savannah facility. The vehicle is the result of a four-year program of design, development and testing between the manufacturers and the Army. Charleston airmen will continue to ship the vehicles as they become available.
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Sizelove serves in the 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2008 - Airmen here began shipping six new Army high-mobility engineer excavator vehicles Sept. 29 to warfighters in Southwest Asia. Charleston is the first Air Force base to receive and ship the HMEE, a newly developed construction vehicle that provides a wide range of mobility while affording more protection for the operator than standard road repair and construction equipment, officials said.
"The purpose of the high-mobility engineering excavator is exactly that -- mobility," said Chris Saucedo, the general manager of the company awarded the contract to build the HMEE. "The machine drives at 60 mph both on and off road."
The concept has been proven with less-mobile equipment in terms of rapid road repair, Saucedo said. "Now, you have a machine that can actually integrate into patrols [and] maintain convoy speeds, and it doesn't require additional lift assets," he added.
Because it can open up roads, the HMEE lets commanders bring logistics capabilities into their tactical patrols, dramatically increasing mobility, Saucedo said. It also can create obstacles for the enemy, and it contributes to survivability with the ability to provide water and supplies, build berms and lay electrical lines, he added.
"I want every troop in harm's way to know that there is a highly dedicated team behind the HMEE, and we're very optimistic and very fortunate to be supporting the troops," Saucedo said. "It's been a long road, but we're all behind you and pulling for you 100 percent."
Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather Kern, assigned to the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here, said the vehicles will give deployed engineers a greater measure of protection. "What's great about these machines is that they are mine-resistant, and they give our guys over there who are driving them a precious few seconds to get out of harm's way if they do get hit by a mine or improvised explosive device," she said.
Charleston was selected to process the HMEEs for shipment because it's the closest base to the production site in Savannah, Ga.
"It's hard work as far as the loading of the aircraft [is concerned]," Kern said. "It's very physical, but it's worth every minute of it. It's very important to make sure the guys on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan have the equipment they need."
In 2007, the contractor received a $230 million procurement contract from the Army to produce 800 HMEEs, all of which will be built at the Savannah facility. The vehicle is the result of a four-year program of design, development and testing between the manufacturers and the Army. Charleston airmen will continue to ship the vehicles as they become available.
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Sizelove serves in the 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office.)
DHS’ FIFTH ANNUAL NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign joined with more than 3,200 National Preparedness Month coalition members in the month of September to educate individuals, families and communities on the importance of emergency preparedness. This year’s coalition of national, regional, state, and local organizations was the largest in the five year history of National Preparedness Month, and represents a 4,000 percent increase in participation to date.
“We’ve made great strides over the past five years in encouraging Americans to take steps to get prepared and to get involved during National Preparedness Month,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “But, the civic duty we all share to prepare ourselves, our home and work for an emergency does not end in September. Disasters can happen at any time, and I urge all Americans to make personal preparedness a priority in their daily lives.”
National Preparedness Month began in September 2004 with 80 coalition members. Participation has grown steadily each year, to include roughly 1,400 coalition members joining in 2007. The largest area of growth has been from nonprofit organizations, followed by military, faith-based and health organizations.
This year, National Preparedness Month coalition members coordinated more than 420 events and activities across the country, ranging from seminars and fairs, to community outreach events, workshops, webinars, and training. They include:
Pennsylvania joined the growing list of states and regions that have localized the Ready Campaign by launching ReadyPA during National Preparedness Month. ReadyPA unveiled a web site and localized public service advertisements that direct citizens to visit www.readypa.org for local emergency preparedness information. ReadyPA also partnered with Wal-Mart to feature in-store displays with key emergency kit items and informational handouts in 84 stores statewide.
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM): ADEM highlighted National Preparedness Month by partnering with local sports teams. They displayed a new Mobile Communications Unit outside War Memorial Stadium for the Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Louisiana Monroe football game on Sept. 6. ADEM distributed literature and played Ready Campaign public service advertisements during the game, which had an estimated 60,000 people in attendance.
ADEM also held preparedness nights at Dickey-Stevens Park, a minor league baseball stadium in North Little Rock. The Ready Campaign’s public service announcements were played during playoff and championship games, and ADEM employees distributed brochures with information on how to put together a family emergency kit.
Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS): OKOHS partnered with Radio Disney to host a kick-off event at the Tulsa Zoo. Vendors distributed information and OKOHS handed out items promoting Ready Oklahoma and emergency preparedness. OKOHS and Radio Disney also held a preparedness competition for schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, where the most “prepared” school in each district received a “Rockin’ Recess.”
In addition, OKOHS, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club partnered to host a statewide Emergency Preparedness Weekend from Sept. 19-21, when stores displayed emergency preparedness kits and provided preparedness information.
For additional information on National Preparedness Month 2008, please visit www.ready.gov.
“We’ve made great strides over the past five years in encouraging Americans to take steps to get prepared and to get involved during National Preparedness Month,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “But, the civic duty we all share to prepare ourselves, our home and work for an emergency does not end in September. Disasters can happen at any time, and I urge all Americans to make personal preparedness a priority in their daily lives.”
National Preparedness Month began in September 2004 with 80 coalition members. Participation has grown steadily each year, to include roughly 1,400 coalition members joining in 2007. The largest area of growth has been from nonprofit organizations, followed by military, faith-based and health organizations.
This year, National Preparedness Month coalition members coordinated more than 420 events and activities across the country, ranging from seminars and fairs, to community outreach events, workshops, webinars, and training. They include:
Pennsylvania joined the growing list of states and regions that have localized the Ready Campaign by launching ReadyPA during National Preparedness Month. ReadyPA unveiled a web site and localized public service advertisements that direct citizens to visit www.readypa.org for local emergency preparedness information. ReadyPA also partnered with Wal-Mart to feature in-store displays with key emergency kit items and informational handouts in 84 stores statewide.
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM): ADEM highlighted National Preparedness Month by partnering with local sports teams. They displayed a new Mobile Communications Unit outside War Memorial Stadium for the Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Louisiana Monroe football game on Sept. 6. ADEM distributed literature and played Ready Campaign public service advertisements during the game, which had an estimated 60,000 people in attendance.
ADEM also held preparedness nights at Dickey-Stevens Park, a minor league baseball stadium in North Little Rock. The Ready Campaign’s public service announcements were played during playoff and championship games, and ADEM employees distributed brochures with information on how to put together a family emergency kit.
Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS): OKOHS partnered with Radio Disney to host a kick-off event at the Tulsa Zoo. Vendors distributed information and OKOHS handed out items promoting Ready Oklahoma and emergency preparedness. OKOHS and Radio Disney also held a preparedness competition for schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, where the most “prepared” school in each district received a “Rockin’ Recess.”
In addition, OKOHS, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club partnered to host a statewide Emergency Preparedness Weekend from Sept. 19-21, when stores displayed emergency preparedness kits and provided preparedness information.
For additional information on National Preparedness Month 2008, please visit www.ready.gov.
Coalition Forces Detain Suspects in Mosul, Baghdad
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq captured seven terrorism suspects, including two wanted men, in operations today, military officials reported. Coalition forces, acting on tips from individuals already in custody, captured a wanted man and two additional suspects in Mosul. The wanted man is believed to be developing technology to impede coalition forces' ability to detect car bombs and other improvised explosive devices, officials said. Intelligence reports also suggest that the man is using his business as a cover for al-Qaida money-laundering activities.
In Baghdad, coalition forces captured another wanted man believed to provide a hideout for senior al-Qaida operatives in the city. The man, who identified himself to forces during the operation, was detained with two additional suspects.
Soldiers from Company D, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, arrested a suspected Iranian-backed illegal militia member for the shooting of a coalition soldier last year and sectarian killings in Baghdad's Bayaa neighborhood.
In operations yesterday, 4th Infantry Division soldiers of Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, arrested a man suspected of intimidation attacks against Iraqi citizens in southeastern Baghdad's Hadar community. The patrol took the suspect to a coalition combat outpost for questioning.
Also yesterday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained a suspect and seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a suspect in the Abu Tshir community of southern Baghdad's Rashid district and took him to a combat outpost for further questioning.
Soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division's Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, seized 51 30 mm projectiles, an 85 mm heat rocket, two 70 mm heat rockets, three PG-7 propellant sticks, a 500-foot spool of copper wire, 137 rounds of 7.62 mm small-arms ammunition, 75 rounds of 9 mm small-arms ammunition, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a Dragonov rifle in Baghdad's Abu Ghraib area.
Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, seized three AK-47 assault rifles, 13 AK-47 magazines and a timer while on patrol in Baghdad's West Rashid area.
In operations Sept. 30:
-- Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, and Iraqi National Police discovered 32 60 mm mortar rounds, five 81 mm mortar rounds, two grenades, five anti-personnel rocket propelled grenades and an anti-armor RPG in the Hayy Aamel neighborhood of Baghdad's Rashid district.
-- Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a suspect believed to be associated with an IED cell in southern Baghdad's Masafee community.
-- Soldiers of Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a man during an operation in Rashid's Saydiyah community.
-- Based on a tip from a local citizen, Iraqi soldiers and soldiers serving with the 101st Airborne Division's Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, found a cache buried in a 55-gallon drum in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district. The munitions included five machine guns, three assault rifles and 18 bags of small armament parts.
-- Iraqi commandos found two half-buried 120 mm Russian-manufactured artillery rounds west of Baghdad.
In operations Sept. 29:
-- In New Baghdad, Iraqi special operations forces captured a suspected criminal cell leader believed to have ties with senior members of criminal groups in Sadr City. The individual is said to be associated with indirect-fire attacks and attacks using roadside bombs designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles on Iraqi and coalition forces, officials said. The suspect also is said to be a medic who operates clinics where he treats wounded criminals. One other individual was detained during the operation.
-- In the Aziziyah area, Iraqi soldiers captured a man believed to be a facilitator and financier who also provided a safe haven for criminal elements. He also is believed to be the father of an bombing cell member who conducted an attack in August 2007 that killed two U.S. Special Forces soldiers and wounded two others. During the operation, Iraqi soldiers uncovered a weapons cache consisting of eight grenades, an AK-47 with seven magazines, and IED-making materials. Two other individuals were detained during the operation.
-- In Qurna, Iraqi special operations forces captured a suspected mid-level criminal leader who operates in Baghdad's Dur area.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Oct. 2, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq captured seven terrorism suspects, including two wanted men, in operations today, military officials reported. Coalition forces, acting on tips from individuals already in custody, captured a wanted man and two additional suspects in Mosul. The wanted man is believed to be developing technology to impede coalition forces' ability to detect car bombs and other improvised explosive devices, officials said. Intelligence reports also suggest that the man is using his business as a cover for al-Qaida money-laundering activities.
In Baghdad, coalition forces captured another wanted man believed to provide a hideout for senior al-Qaida operatives in the city. The man, who identified himself to forces during the operation, was detained with two additional suspects.
Soldiers from Company D, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, arrested a suspected Iranian-backed illegal militia member for the shooting of a coalition soldier last year and sectarian killings in Baghdad's Bayaa neighborhood.
In operations yesterday, 4th Infantry Division soldiers of Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, arrested a man suspected of intimidation attacks against Iraqi citizens in southeastern Baghdad's Hadar community. The patrol took the suspect to a coalition combat outpost for questioning.
Also yesterday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained a suspect and seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a suspect in the Abu Tshir community of southern Baghdad's Rashid district and took him to a combat outpost for further questioning.
Soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division's Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, seized 51 30 mm projectiles, an 85 mm heat rocket, two 70 mm heat rockets, three PG-7 propellant sticks, a 500-foot spool of copper wire, 137 rounds of 7.62 mm small-arms ammunition, 75 rounds of 9 mm small-arms ammunition, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a Dragonov rifle in Baghdad's Abu Ghraib area.
Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, seized three AK-47 assault rifles, 13 AK-47 magazines and a timer while on patrol in Baghdad's West Rashid area.
In operations Sept. 30:
-- Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, and Iraqi National Police discovered 32 60 mm mortar rounds, five 81 mm mortar rounds, two grenades, five anti-personnel rocket propelled grenades and an anti-armor RPG in the Hayy Aamel neighborhood of Baghdad's Rashid district.
-- Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a suspect believed to be associated with an IED cell in southern Baghdad's Masafee community.
-- Soldiers of Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a man during an operation in Rashid's Saydiyah community.
-- Based on a tip from a local citizen, Iraqi soldiers and soldiers serving with the 101st Airborne Division's Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, found a cache buried in a 55-gallon drum in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district. The munitions included five machine guns, three assault rifles and 18 bags of small armament parts.
-- Iraqi commandos found two half-buried 120 mm Russian-manufactured artillery rounds west of Baghdad.
In operations Sept. 29:
-- In New Baghdad, Iraqi special operations forces captured a suspected criminal cell leader believed to have ties with senior members of criminal groups in Sadr City. The individual is said to be associated with indirect-fire attacks and attacks using roadside bombs designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles on Iraqi and coalition forces, officials said. The suspect also is said to be a medic who operates clinics where he treats wounded criminals. One other individual was detained during the operation.
-- In the Aziziyah area, Iraqi soldiers captured a man believed to be a facilitator and financier who also provided a safe haven for criminal elements. He also is believed to be the father of an bombing cell member who conducted an attack in August 2007 that killed two U.S. Special Forces soldiers and wounded two others. During the operation, Iraqi soldiers uncovered a weapons cache consisting of eight grenades, an AK-47 with seven magazines, and IED-making materials. Two other individuals were detained during the operation.
-- In Qurna, Iraqi special operations forces captured a suspected mid-level criminal leader who operates in Baghdad's Dur area.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
State Officials Visit Balad for Overseas Voting Update
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - A delegation of secretaries of state and chief election officials from Pennsylvania, California, Indiana, Mississippi and Florida visited here yesterday to receive updates on the voting process for servicemembers serving in Iraq. Delegation members said they visited Joint Base Balad to promote voting participation by servicemembers and learn about the installation's voting assistance program and servicemembers' overseas voting experience. The delegation also visited an installation post office and the military mail terminal here and received a briefing on overseas voting operations.
With responsibility for mail distribution in Iraq, the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command individually tracks registrations and ballots from remote post offices in Iraq back to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, where they are received for distribution.
At each stop, the delegation received an in-depth look at the voting processes and procedures provided to servicemembers deployed to Iraq.
"Servicemembers are already providing a valuable service for our country in defending our democracy," said Pennsylvania Secretary of State Pedro Cortes, president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. "That democracy cannot continue to stand if people do not participate in the electoral process. It's our most fundamental right of citizenship, and also our responsibility."
Cortes said he and his colleagues were impressed with the way and the 3rd ESC and voting assistance officers were making sure all servicemembers are aware of voting deadlines and requirements of their respective states.
"We are trying to inform the troops," said Army Maj. James Hess, plans and operations officer in charge for the 3rd ESC's personnel section. "No matter if they are in the States, or overseas, in remote sites or right here on Joint Base Balad, they still have the right to vote, and we are providing the opportunity and are dedicated to giving them the opportunity."
The overall message that Cortes and the delegation continuously stressed to servicemembers was the importance of voting and having their voices heard.
"I'm so delighted to be here in Iraq, and I want to wish our troops a great election time," Cortes said. "It's very important that you vote, so please make sure that you do."
Oct. 1, 2008 - A delegation of secretaries of state and chief election officials from Pennsylvania, California, Indiana, Mississippi and Florida visited here yesterday to receive updates on the voting process for servicemembers serving in Iraq. Delegation members said they visited Joint Base Balad to promote voting participation by servicemembers and learn about the installation's voting assistance program and servicemembers' overseas voting experience. The delegation also visited an installation post office and the military mail terminal here and received a briefing on overseas voting operations.
With responsibility for mail distribution in Iraq, the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command individually tracks registrations and ballots from remote post offices in Iraq back to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, where they are received for distribution.
At each stop, the delegation received an in-depth look at the voting processes and procedures provided to servicemembers deployed to Iraq.
"Servicemembers are already providing a valuable service for our country in defending our democracy," said Pennsylvania Secretary of State Pedro Cortes, president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. "That democracy cannot continue to stand if people do not participate in the electoral process. It's our most fundamental right of citizenship, and also our responsibility."
Cortes said he and his colleagues were impressed with the way and the 3rd ESC and voting assistance officers were making sure all servicemembers are aware of voting deadlines and requirements of their respective states.
"We are trying to inform the troops," said Army Maj. James Hess, plans and operations officer in charge for the 3rd ESC's personnel section. "No matter if they are in the States, or overseas, in remote sites or right here on Joint Base Balad, they still have the right to vote, and we are providing the opportunity and are dedicated to giving them the opportunity."
The overall message that Cortes and the delegation continuously stressed to servicemembers was the importance of voting and having their voices heard.
"I'm so delighted to be here in Iraq, and I want to wish our troops a great election time," Cortes said. "It's very important that you vote, so please make sure that you do."
Afghanistan Must Be Viewed Through Regional Prism, General Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - NATO's top military commander in Afghanistan said today he is "cautiously optimistic" regarding recent Pakistani military efforts to rein in insurgent activity in areas near the border with Afghanistan. The Pakistani leadership now appears to be acting against terrorist sanctuaries located in the country's remote federally administered tribal area, Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, told Pentagon reporters.
Pakistani leaders may recognize that those militant bases pose "an existential threat" to Pakistan's future, McKiernan said. "I am encouraged by the military actions that the Pakistani Army and frontier corps have undertaken in places like Bajaur," he added.
Bajaur, the northernmost of Pakistan's seven tribal agencies located along its border with Afghanistan, is known to contain Taliban and al-Qaida hideouts. Al-Qaida and Taliban militants conduct raids into Afghanistan from safe havens in Pakistan.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border situation, McKiernan said, supports his contention that the conflict in Afghanistan must be viewed as a regional issue.
"I've consistently said that it's very difficult for me to imagine the right outcome in Afghanistan without the right outcome in the militant sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the border," McKiernan said. "So, I think it's a regional problem set that will require regional solutions."
Having stability in that part of the world is vital to U.S. national security interests, the general said.
McKiernan has recommended that thousands of additional U.S. troops be deployed to Afghanistan in the months ahead to help tamp down mounting insurgent-generated violence, some of which is occurring along the border with Pakistan. Meanwhile, he said, there is potential "for increased military synchronization" between Afghan, U.S. and Pakistani troops in the future.
McKiernan praised Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak's proposal to establish a joint Afghan-Pakistani border patrol consisting of Pakistani military or frontier corpsmen, Afghan border police and ISAF troops, calling it "a very powerful idea."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - NATO's top military commander in Afghanistan said today he is "cautiously optimistic" regarding recent Pakistani military efforts to rein in insurgent activity in areas near the border with Afghanistan. The Pakistani leadership now appears to be acting against terrorist sanctuaries located in the country's remote federally administered tribal area, Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, told Pentagon reporters.
Pakistani leaders may recognize that those militant bases pose "an existential threat" to Pakistan's future, McKiernan said. "I am encouraged by the military actions that the Pakistani Army and frontier corps have undertaken in places like Bajaur," he added.
Bajaur, the northernmost of Pakistan's seven tribal agencies located along its border with Afghanistan, is known to contain Taliban and al-Qaida hideouts. Al-Qaida and Taliban militants conduct raids into Afghanistan from safe havens in Pakistan.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border situation, McKiernan said, supports his contention that the conflict in Afghanistan must be viewed as a regional issue.
"I've consistently said that it's very difficult for me to imagine the right outcome in Afghanistan without the right outcome in the militant sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the border," McKiernan said. "So, I think it's a regional problem set that will require regional solutions."
Having stability in that part of the world is vital to U.S. national security interests, the general said.
McKiernan has recommended that thousands of additional U.S. troops be deployed to Afghanistan in the months ahead to help tamp down mounting insurgent-generated violence, some of which is occurring along the border with Pakistan. Meanwhile, he said, there is potential "for increased military synchronization" between Afghan, U.S. and Pakistani troops in the future.
McKiernan praised Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak's proposal to establish a joint Afghan-Pakistani border patrol consisting of Pakistani military or frontier corpsmen, Afghan border police and ISAF troops, calling it "a very powerful idea."
The 2006 Lebanon Campaign and the Future of Warfare: Implications for Army and Defense Policy
Many now see future warfare as a matter of nonstate actors employing irregular methods against Western states. This expectation has given rise to a range of sweeping proposals for transforming the U.S. military to meet such threats. In this context, Hezbollah’s 2006 campaign in southern Lebanon has been receiving increasing attention as a prominent recent example of a nonstate actor fighting a Westernized state. In particular, critics of irregular-warfare transformation often cite the 2006 case as evidence that non-state actors can nevertheless wage conventional warfare in state-like ways. This monograph assesses this claim via a detailed analysis of Hezbollah’s military behavior, coupled with deductive inference from observable Hezbollah behavior in the field to findings for their larger strategic intent for the campaign.
READ ON
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?PubID=882
READ ON
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?PubID=882
Bush Salutes U.S. Mission, Servicemembers in Afghanistan
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - President Bush today cited the "incredible" progress that has been achieved in Afghanistan after he'd been briefed on the situation by U.S. Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, NATO's top commander there. Bush told reporters after meeting with the four-star general at the White House that McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, is "going to make sure that we continue helping this young democracy succeed."
Bush cited several examples of progress in Afghanistan, such as new and renovated schools, expanded education and health care, and the building of much-needed roads.
"There's been progress when you consider the fact that millions of young girls go to school that didn't have a chance to go to school before in Afghanistan," Bush said with McKiernan at his side.
"That's incredible progress," Bush said.
The president also acknowledged that challenges remain in Afghanistan. A rejuvenated insurgency is placing Afghan President Hamid Karzai's fledgling government under renewed attack in some eastern and southern portions of the country.
"Obviously, this is a situation where there's been progress and there are difficulties," Bush said. Problems in Afghanistan, he said, are being caused by Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists who want to topple the Karzai government. Bush described the terrorists as "killers" who cannot stand or accept the progress that's been made in Afghanistan.
McKiernan's job in Afghanistan "is to work with, obviously, not only our own troops, but the thousands of troops from NATO countries there to provide security so the progress continues," Bush said.
Earlier today at the Pentagon, McKiernan told reporters that he is optimistic that the war against radical Islamists in Afghanistan will be won, despite the likelihood of more battles ahead.
Bush acknowledged recent tough fighting in Afghanistan. He also saluted U.S. forces "who've sacrificed so that Afghanistan never becomes a safe haven again for extremists who would harm our citizens."
The president said he has approved the deployment of more troops to Afghanistan to deal with increased insurgent-committed violence there.
"But, we also much make sure there's a civilian component that runs alongside our military," Bush said, to assist the Afghan government to provide good governance and to improve its connectivity with the Afghan people by providing community aid projects and infrastructure improvements.
Bush thanked McKiernan, other U.S. servicemembers and their families for their service to the nation.
"I want to thank your family as well as all the other families who are standing by those who wear the uniform as this nation continues to defend our own security and defend young democracies," Bush said.
During their five-year reign in Afghanistan, the Taliban routinely cut off the heads of people who didn't agree with their radical Islamic philosophy. The Taliban also cooperated with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist group and allowed it to establish training camps in Afghanistan. The Taliban were kicked out of power in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom that was launched soon after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
McKiernan and the roughly 32,000 U.S. troops currently serving in Afghanistan are making sacrifices today, Bush said, "so that future generations of Americans don't have to worry about harm coming from a place like Afghanistan and future generations of Afghans can grow up in a hopeful society."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - President Bush today cited the "incredible" progress that has been achieved in Afghanistan after he'd been briefed on the situation by U.S. Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, NATO's top commander there. Bush told reporters after meeting with the four-star general at the White House that McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, is "going to make sure that we continue helping this young democracy succeed."
Bush cited several examples of progress in Afghanistan, such as new and renovated schools, expanded education and health care, and the building of much-needed roads.
"There's been progress when you consider the fact that millions of young girls go to school that didn't have a chance to go to school before in Afghanistan," Bush said with McKiernan at his side.
"That's incredible progress," Bush said.
The president also acknowledged that challenges remain in Afghanistan. A rejuvenated insurgency is placing Afghan President Hamid Karzai's fledgling government under renewed attack in some eastern and southern portions of the country.
"Obviously, this is a situation where there's been progress and there are difficulties," Bush said. Problems in Afghanistan, he said, are being caused by Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists who want to topple the Karzai government. Bush described the terrorists as "killers" who cannot stand or accept the progress that's been made in Afghanistan.
McKiernan's job in Afghanistan "is to work with, obviously, not only our own troops, but the thousands of troops from NATO countries there to provide security so the progress continues," Bush said.
Earlier today at the Pentagon, McKiernan told reporters that he is optimistic that the war against radical Islamists in Afghanistan will be won, despite the likelihood of more battles ahead.
Bush acknowledged recent tough fighting in Afghanistan. He also saluted U.S. forces "who've sacrificed so that Afghanistan never becomes a safe haven again for extremists who would harm our citizens."
The president said he has approved the deployment of more troops to Afghanistan to deal with increased insurgent-committed violence there.
"But, we also much make sure there's a civilian component that runs alongside our military," Bush said, to assist the Afghan government to provide good governance and to improve its connectivity with the Afghan people by providing community aid projects and infrastructure improvements.
Bush thanked McKiernan, other U.S. servicemembers and their families for their service to the nation.
"I want to thank your family as well as all the other families who are standing by those who wear the uniform as this nation continues to defend our own security and defend young democracies," Bush said.
During their five-year reign in Afghanistan, the Taliban routinely cut off the heads of people who didn't agree with their radical Islamic philosophy. The Taliban also cooperated with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist group and allowed it to establish training camps in Afghanistan. The Taliban were kicked out of power in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom that was launched soon after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
McKiernan and the roughly 32,000 U.S. troops currently serving in Afghanistan are making sacrifices today, Bush said, "so that future generations of Americans don't have to worry about harm coming from a place like Afghanistan and future generations of Afghans can grow up in a hopeful society."
Army Casualities
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 29 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Killed were:
Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel, W.Va.
Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005, or go to the following Website: http://news.soc.mil/.
Killed were:
Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel, W.Va.
Sgt. 1st Class Gary J. Vasquez, 33, of Round Lake, Ill.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005, or go to the following Website: http://news.soc.mil/.
Afghanistan's Solution Primarily Political, Not Military, General Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - The war against radical Islamists operating in Afghanistan will be won, despite the challenges, the senior U.S. military officer posted there said today. "I am more convinced than ever that the insurgency will not win in Afghanistan," Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force for the past four months, told Pentagon reporters. McKiernan replaced Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill.
McKiernan is in Washington to meet with President Bush, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other senior civilian and military leaders. The White House is conducting a governmentwide review of Afghanistan operations and strategy, as insurgents there have ramped up operations against U.S., coalition and Afghan forces.
Bush has announced a withdrawal of about 8,000 U.S. troops from Iraq that's to occur early next year. The success of the surge of forces campaign in Iraq has produced a decrease of violence there by 80 percent compared to last year.
McKiernan, meanwhile, has requested that additional troops be sent to Afghanistan to help quell rising violence in some eastern and southern provinces committed by Taliban, al-Qaida and other terrorists.
The Taliban, who routinely beheaded people who didn't agree with their radical Islamic philosophy, ran Afghanistan for five years until they were kicked out of power by U.S. and coalition forces during Operation Enduring Freedom. The Taliban cooperated with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist group and allowed it to establish training camps in Afghanistan.
The four-star general told reporters he is optimistic about defeating the insurgents. Most Afghans, he said, "do not want a return of the Taliban; they don't want a return of a radical form of government, such as the Taliban."
However, Afghanistan's size, geography, demographics and history present complex challenges, McKiernan said. Afghanistan is a large and mountainous country, with about 70 percent of its people living in rural, isolated regions. The Afghan tribal system, he said, has been traumatized and broken down by 30 consecutive years of warfare and civil strife.
"We are in a very tough fight -- a tough counter-insurgency fight," McKiernan said. "We're at a higher level of violence this time this year than we were this time last year."
McKiernan said U.S. military analysts see "greater insecurity" in some eastern and southern sections of Afghanistan.
"The idea that it might get worse before it gets better is certainly a possibility," the general said.
McKiernan cited increased foreign fighter activity in eastern Afghanistan along the border with Pakistan as a key concern.
"So, the additional military capabilities that have been asked for are needed as quickly as possible," McKiernan said.
McKiernan said he validated McNeill's earlier recommendation that three more ground brigade combat teams, amounting to more than 10,000 troops, are needed in Afghanistan. Deployment of these additional troops, he said, would include helicopters, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, and logistics and transportation elements.
Upon McKiernan's recommendation, another brigade-sized unit, the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, was just approved for deployment to Regional Command East in Afghanistan in January.
"So, if you wanted to total those up, you could say it's four brigade combat teams, with enablers, that are pending deployment to Afghanistan, McKiernan said.
A request for added U.S. military trainers to instruct Afghan soldiers and police is being reviewed, McKiernan said, because it's believed that such personnel should be trained to conduct counterinsurgency missions as well.
"What we need is additional military capabilities to provide security for the people in Afghanistan," McKiernan said, "and until we get to what I call a 'tipping point,' where the lead for security can be in the hands of the Afghan Army and the Afghan police, there's going to be a need for the international community to provide military capability."
However, defeating insurgents in Afghanistan "is not just a question of more soldiers," McKiernan said. Achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan, he said, also will require more governance, increased economic aid, and more political assistance for the Afghan government, as well as military assistance. And any reconciliation effort targeting present-day insurgents needs to be an Afghan-government led endeavor, McKiernan said.
"As a military officer, I've said that, ultimately, the solution in Afghanistan is going to be a political solution, not a military solution," McKiernan said.
But for now, McKiernan said, winning the campaign in Afghanistan requires the presence of U.S. and coalition troops, while the capacities of the Afghan military and constabulary are built up.
About 32,000 U.S. troops are in Afghanistan. Some 15,000 U.S. troops work with about 30,000 NATO ISAF troops, and another 19,000 or so U.S. troops are assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 101, which is part of Operation Enduring Freedom and is commanded by Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser. Regional Security Command East, which handles security and reconstruction duties in eastern Afghanistan, falls under Schloesser's purview.
The mission of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, commanded by Army Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone, is to partner with the Afghan government and the international community to train Afghan security forces.
To promote increased unity and better command and control, the Pentagon recently proposed that McKiernan be named commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, as well as serving as the NATO ISAF chief.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - The war against radical Islamists operating in Afghanistan will be won, despite the challenges, the senior U.S. military officer posted there said today. "I am more convinced than ever that the insurgency will not win in Afghanistan," Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force for the past four months, told Pentagon reporters. McKiernan replaced Army Gen. Dan K. McNeill.
McKiernan is in Washington to meet with President Bush, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other senior civilian and military leaders. The White House is conducting a governmentwide review of Afghanistan operations and strategy, as insurgents there have ramped up operations against U.S., coalition and Afghan forces.
Bush has announced a withdrawal of about 8,000 U.S. troops from Iraq that's to occur early next year. The success of the surge of forces campaign in Iraq has produced a decrease of violence there by 80 percent compared to last year.
McKiernan, meanwhile, has requested that additional troops be sent to Afghanistan to help quell rising violence in some eastern and southern provinces committed by Taliban, al-Qaida and other terrorists.
The Taliban, who routinely beheaded people who didn't agree with their radical Islamic philosophy, ran Afghanistan for five years until they were kicked out of power by U.S. and coalition forces during Operation Enduring Freedom. The Taliban cooperated with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist group and allowed it to establish training camps in Afghanistan.
The four-star general told reporters he is optimistic about defeating the insurgents. Most Afghans, he said, "do not want a return of the Taliban; they don't want a return of a radical form of government, such as the Taliban."
However, Afghanistan's size, geography, demographics and history present complex challenges, McKiernan said. Afghanistan is a large and mountainous country, with about 70 percent of its people living in rural, isolated regions. The Afghan tribal system, he said, has been traumatized and broken down by 30 consecutive years of warfare and civil strife.
"We are in a very tough fight -- a tough counter-insurgency fight," McKiernan said. "We're at a higher level of violence this time this year than we were this time last year."
McKiernan said U.S. military analysts see "greater insecurity" in some eastern and southern sections of Afghanistan.
"The idea that it might get worse before it gets better is certainly a possibility," the general said.
McKiernan cited increased foreign fighter activity in eastern Afghanistan along the border with Pakistan as a key concern.
"So, the additional military capabilities that have been asked for are needed as quickly as possible," McKiernan said.
McKiernan said he validated McNeill's earlier recommendation that three more ground brigade combat teams, amounting to more than 10,000 troops, are needed in Afghanistan. Deployment of these additional troops, he said, would include helicopters, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, and logistics and transportation elements.
Upon McKiernan's recommendation, another brigade-sized unit, the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, was just approved for deployment to Regional Command East in Afghanistan in January.
"So, if you wanted to total those up, you could say it's four brigade combat teams, with enablers, that are pending deployment to Afghanistan, McKiernan said.
A request for added U.S. military trainers to instruct Afghan soldiers and police is being reviewed, McKiernan said, because it's believed that such personnel should be trained to conduct counterinsurgency missions as well.
"What we need is additional military capabilities to provide security for the people in Afghanistan," McKiernan said, "and until we get to what I call a 'tipping point,' where the lead for security can be in the hands of the Afghan Army and the Afghan police, there's going to be a need for the international community to provide military capability."
However, defeating insurgents in Afghanistan "is not just a question of more soldiers," McKiernan said. Achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan, he said, also will require more governance, increased economic aid, and more political assistance for the Afghan government, as well as military assistance. And any reconciliation effort targeting present-day insurgents needs to be an Afghan-government led endeavor, McKiernan said.
"As a military officer, I've said that, ultimately, the solution in Afghanistan is going to be a political solution, not a military solution," McKiernan said.
But for now, McKiernan said, winning the campaign in Afghanistan requires the presence of U.S. and coalition troops, while the capacities of the Afghan military and constabulary are built up.
About 32,000 U.S. troops are in Afghanistan. Some 15,000 U.S. troops work with about 30,000 NATO ISAF troops, and another 19,000 or so U.S. troops are assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 101, which is part of Operation Enduring Freedom and is commanded by Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser. Regional Security Command East, which handles security and reconstruction duties in eastern Afghanistan, falls under Schloesser's purview.
The mission of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, commanded by Army Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone, is to partner with the Afghan government and the international community to train Afghan security forces.
To promote increased unity and better command and control, the Pentagon recently proposed that McKiernan be named commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, as well as serving as the NATO ISAF chief.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News-October 1, 2008
Exclusive: the DHS [Department of Homeland Security] national biosurveillance integration center – ready or not, opening September 30th [2008]
“[…] Threats of bioterrorism have drawn attention to the need for early detection and warning - often referred to as biosurveillance systems. […] The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to unveil its center for combating bioterrorism today. […] Last month the DHS' Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report on […] the various means of detecting a biological event - natural or man-made. According to the report, since the anthrax events of 2001 and 9/11 nearly $32 billion has been spent on bio-defense and biosurveillance, and to date there is less than optimal coordinated effort to integrate the data gathered from local, state and federal agencies into anything resembling intelligence.” (Family Security Matters; 30Sep08; Dr. Robin McFee) http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.1315/pub_detail.asp
Short takes: Main post office plans emergency drill today [San Diego, California]
“An emergency drill, complete with employee evacuations, is planned this afternoon at the county's main post office in Carmel Mountain, postal officials said. The U.S. Postal Service plans to tests its anthrax-detection systems, removal and decontamination procedures.” (Union Tribune; 30Sep08) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080930-9999-1m30b2briefs.html
Fewer doses of anthrax vaccine protect just as well
“Giving fewer doses of the anthrax vaccine protects a person just as well from the bacteria that causes the disease, which could extend limited supplies of the shots, researchers said on Tuesday. […] ‘Depending on the data at the end of the study, we have the potential to halve the doses that a person needs to get,’ [said Conrad] Quinn [U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention], whose findings appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association […] The study also found that injecting the vaccine into the muscle of the upper arm rather than under the skin reduced side effects.” (Reuters; 30Sep08; Will Dunham) http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE48T8A420080930?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
Drive-through flu shot clinics in October [Whitfield County, Georgia]
“Participants in an upcoming drive-through flu shot clinic by the Whitfield County Health Department not only will receive a free vaccination, they’ll also help several agencies drill for potential disasters. The health department will hold the drive-through clinic on Oct. 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. […] ‘We’re doing this to try to prepare for bioterrorism or some kind of event,’ said Cheryl Christie, Whitfield County health department manager. The Dalton Police Department will assist with traffic control, Whitfield County Emergency Services will bring its mobile command center and the Dalton-Whitfield chapter of the American Red Cross will help as well.” (Daily Citizen; 29Sep08; Jamie Jones) http://www.northwestgeorgia.com/local/local_story_273185701.html
Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Planned For November 7 at COC [College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, California]
“The City of Santa Clarita, the L.A. Department of Public Health and College of the Canyons along with the L.A. County Sheriff and Fire Departments, will be conducting a drive-through, flu shot clinic on Friday, November 7, 2008. […] [It] features the dispensing of flu shots without people generally having to leave the comfort of their cars. Flu shots are often provided to the public in anticipation of an active flu season but the event also serves a secondary purpose. This exercise will also test the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) response during a bioterrorism attack. The purpose of the CRI plan is to treat an impacted, mass population with medications within a short time period. Under the plan, the drive thru clinic is called a rapid point of dispensing or POD.
College of the Canyons is a designated POD site for the bioterrorism plan.” (Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center; 29Sep08) http://www.scvtv.com/npnews/coc092908.html
[Blue Grass Army] Depot [Kentucky] to get up to $30 million in new funding
“Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced Saturday that the U.S. Senate approved a resolution containing his requests for up to $30 million in additional funding for the Blue Grass Army Depot. The legislation is now on its way to the President George W. Bush for his signature. Sen. McConnell, R-Ky, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured the funds for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA) program at BGAD bringing the total funding level this year to approximately $430 million, representing the highest level of funding ever for ACWA. ‘This funding will help ensure that the Department of Defense complies with the 2017 deadline for the safe disposal of the chemical weapon stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot,’ McConnell said.” (Register News; 30Sep08; Bryan Marshall) http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_274081215.html/resources_printstory
First UK prosecution highlights importance of chemical weapons convention
“Two chemical company directors, Colin Stott and Simon Knowles, were sentenced on 24 September following convictions for failing to notify the Government that their company produced more than one tonne of a chemical controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). They were fined a total of £6750 and ordered to pay £8000 towards the prosecution's costs. Business Minister Malcolm Wicks said: ‘This is the first prosecution under the UK's Chemical Weapons Act and demonstrates just how seriously the UK takes its responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention.’”
(eGov monitor; 30Sep08; source: BERR)
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/21238/print
Mysterious cargo aboard Iranian ship seized by pirates raises WMD concerns
“As Somali pirates brazenly maintain their standoff with American warships off the coast of Africa, the cargo aboard one Iranian ship […] may contain materials that can be used for chemical or biological weapons. Some local officials suspect that […] the pirates encountered deadly chemical agents aboard the Iranian vessel. […] In the days following the hijacking, a number of them fell ill and died, suffering skin burns and hair loss, according to reports. […] ‘That ship is unusual,’ [Somali minister] Osman told the Long War Journal, an online news source that covers the War on Terror. ‘It is not carrying a normal shipment.’ The pirates reportedly were in talks to sell the ship back to Iran, but the deal fell through when the pirates were poisoned by the cargo […].” (Foxnews.com; 30Sep08; Joseph Abrams) http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,430681,00.html
Public health groups report emergency preparedness gains
“Four organizations that represent many of the nation's public health officials issued a report yesterday detailing how 6 years of federal funding has improved preparedness, though serious challenges remain, such as hiring and training lab workers and local preparedness planners. […] The report focuses on funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Public Health Emergency Program (PHEP), a cooperative grant program designed to help state and local public agencies build the capacity to respond to health emergencies such as pandemic influenza and bioterrorist attacks. […] Also, staffing and training enhancements have boosted the number of labs that can perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for bioterrorism agents and time-resolved fluorescence assays for toxins such as ricin. Improvements in disease surveillance infrastructure mean that 96% of states have round-the-clock communication links with hospitals, the report says.” (Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy; 30Sep08) http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/news/sep3008prepared-br.html
Assistant Professor, International Security
George Mason University, Department of Public and International Affairs invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with expertise in biosecurity for the fall of 2009. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, Public health or other relevant degree. Candidates should have excellent teaching and advising skills, as well as demonstrated potential for excellence in research, and an ability to seek outside research funding. The department is especially interested in candidates who can conduct research and teach graduate-level courses in the fields of biosecurity, biosurveillance, dual-use research oversight, global health security, and/or the security implications of infectious disease. Other interests in international law and organization, research methodology, globalization, Homeland Security or comparative politics are a plus. ABDs will be considered, but Ph.D. is strongly preferred.
The Department of Public and International Affairs has a core faculty of
42 and offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biodefense; bachelor's, M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science; and a master's of public administration. The candidate will be based in the department's Biodefense Graduate Program. The department is located on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia, 15 miles west of Washington, D.C., and offers classes at the Arlington and Prince William campuses as well. For more information, visit http://pia.gmu.edu.
Applicants must apply online and attach their letter of interest and a CV on the Web at http://jobs.gmu.edu/ for position F8845z. Additionally, applicants should also mail examples of research publications, an official university transcript, teaching evaluations or other evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2008.
Submit applications to Robert Dudley,
Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University, 3300 University Drive-MSN 3F4, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444.
George Mason University is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minority candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.
“[…] Threats of bioterrorism have drawn attention to the need for early detection and warning - often referred to as biosurveillance systems. […] The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to unveil its center for combating bioterrorism today. […] Last month the DHS' Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report on […] the various means of detecting a biological event - natural or man-made. According to the report, since the anthrax events of 2001 and 9/11 nearly $32 billion has been spent on bio-defense and biosurveillance, and to date there is less than optimal coordinated effort to integrate the data gathered from local, state and federal agencies into anything resembling intelligence.” (Family Security Matters; 30Sep08; Dr. Robin McFee) http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.1315/pub_detail.asp
Short takes: Main post office plans emergency drill today [San Diego, California]
“An emergency drill, complete with employee evacuations, is planned this afternoon at the county's main post office in Carmel Mountain, postal officials said. The U.S. Postal Service plans to tests its anthrax-detection systems, removal and decontamination procedures.” (Union Tribune; 30Sep08) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080930-9999-1m30b2briefs.html
Fewer doses of anthrax vaccine protect just as well
“Giving fewer doses of the anthrax vaccine protects a person just as well from the bacteria that causes the disease, which could extend limited supplies of the shots, researchers said on Tuesday. […] ‘Depending on the data at the end of the study, we have the potential to halve the doses that a person needs to get,’ [said Conrad] Quinn [U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention], whose findings appear in the Journal of the American Medical Association […] The study also found that injecting the vaccine into the muscle of the upper arm rather than under the skin reduced side effects.” (Reuters; 30Sep08; Will Dunham) http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE48T8A420080930?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
Drive-through flu shot clinics in October [Whitfield County, Georgia]
“Participants in an upcoming drive-through flu shot clinic by the Whitfield County Health Department not only will receive a free vaccination, they’ll also help several agencies drill for potential disasters. The health department will hold the drive-through clinic on Oct. 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. […] ‘We’re doing this to try to prepare for bioterrorism or some kind of event,’ said Cheryl Christie, Whitfield County health department manager. The Dalton Police Department will assist with traffic control, Whitfield County Emergency Services will bring its mobile command center and the Dalton-Whitfield chapter of the American Red Cross will help as well.” (Daily Citizen; 29Sep08; Jamie Jones) http://www.northwestgeorgia.com/local/local_story_273185701.html
Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Planned For November 7 at COC [College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, California]
“The City of Santa Clarita, the L.A. Department of Public Health and College of the Canyons along with the L.A. County Sheriff and Fire Departments, will be conducting a drive-through, flu shot clinic on Friday, November 7, 2008. […] [It] features the dispensing of flu shots without people generally having to leave the comfort of their cars. Flu shots are often provided to the public in anticipation of an active flu season but the event also serves a secondary purpose. This exercise will also test the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) response during a bioterrorism attack. The purpose of the CRI plan is to treat an impacted, mass population with medications within a short time period. Under the plan, the drive thru clinic is called a rapid point of dispensing or POD.
College of the Canyons is a designated POD site for the bioterrorism plan.” (Santa Clarita Valley Nonprofit News Center; 29Sep08) http://www.scvtv.com/npnews/coc092908.html
[Blue Grass Army] Depot [Kentucky] to get up to $30 million in new funding
“Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced Saturday that the U.S. Senate approved a resolution containing his requests for up to $30 million in additional funding for the Blue Grass Army Depot. The legislation is now on its way to the President George W. Bush for his signature. Sen. McConnell, R-Ky, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured the funds for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA) program at BGAD bringing the total funding level this year to approximately $430 million, representing the highest level of funding ever for ACWA. ‘This funding will help ensure that the Department of Defense complies with the 2017 deadline for the safe disposal of the chemical weapon stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot,’ McConnell said.” (Register News; 30Sep08; Bryan Marshall) http://www.richmondregister.com/localnews/local_story_274081215.html/resources_printstory
First UK prosecution highlights importance of chemical weapons convention
“Two chemical company directors, Colin Stott and Simon Knowles, were sentenced on 24 September following convictions for failing to notify the Government that their company produced more than one tonne of a chemical controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). They were fined a total of £6750 and ordered to pay £8000 towards the prosecution's costs. Business Minister Malcolm Wicks said: ‘This is the first prosecution under the UK's Chemical Weapons Act and demonstrates just how seriously the UK takes its responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention.’”
(eGov monitor; 30Sep08; source: BERR)
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/21238/print
Mysterious cargo aboard Iranian ship seized by pirates raises WMD concerns
“As Somali pirates brazenly maintain their standoff with American warships off the coast of Africa, the cargo aboard one Iranian ship […] may contain materials that can be used for chemical or biological weapons. Some local officials suspect that […] the pirates encountered deadly chemical agents aboard the Iranian vessel. […] In the days following the hijacking, a number of them fell ill and died, suffering skin burns and hair loss, according to reports. […] ‘That ship is unusual,’ [Somali minister] Osman told the Long War Journal, an online news source that covers the War on Terror. ‘It is not carrying a normal shipment.’ The pirates reportedly were in talks to sell the ship back to Iran, but the deal fell through when the pirates were poisoned by the cargo […].” (Foxnews.com; 30Sep08; Joseph Abrams) http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,430681,00.html
Public health groups report emergency preparedness gains
“Four organizations that represent many of the nation's public health officials issued a report yesterday detailing how 6 years of federal funding has improved preparedness, though serious challenges remain, such as hiring and training lab workers and local preparedness planners. […] The report focuses on funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Public Health Emergency Program (PHEP), a cooperative grant program designed to help state and local public agencies build the capacity to respond to health emergencies such as pandemic influenza and bioterrorist attacks. […] Also, staffing and training enhancements have boosted the number of labs that can perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for bioterrorism agents and time-resolved fluorescence assays for toxins such as ricin. Improvements in disease surveillance infrastructure mean that 96% of states have round-the-clock communication links with hospitals, the report says.” (Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy; 30Sep08) http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/news/sep3008prepared-br.html
Assistant Professor, International Security
George Mason University, Department of Public and International Affairs invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with expertise in biosecurity for the fall of 2009. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, Public health or other relevant degree. Candidates should have excellent teaching and advising skills, as well as demonstrated potential for excellence in research, and an ability to seek outside research funding. The department is especially interested in candidates who can conduct research and teach graduate-level courses in the fields of biosecurity, biosurveillance, dual-use research oversight, global health security, and/or the security implications of infectious disease. Other interests in international law and organization, research methodology, globalization, Homeland Security or comparative politics are a plus. ABDs will be considered, but Ph.D. is strongly preferred.
The Department of Public and International Affairs has a core faculty of
42 and offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biodefense; bachelor's, M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science; and a master's of public administration. The candidate will be based in the department's Biodefense Graduate Program. The department is located on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia, 15 miles west of Washington, D.C., and offers classes at the Arlington and Prince William campuses as well. For more information, visit http://pia.gmu.edu.
Applicants must apply online and attach their letter of interest and a CV on the Web at http://jobs.gmu.edu/ for position F8845z. Additionally, applicants should also mail examples of research publications, an official university transcript, teaching evaluations or other evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2008.
Submit applications to Robert Dudley,
Department of Public and International Affairs, George Mason University, 3300 University Drive-MSN 3F4, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444.
George Mason University is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minority candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.
Consolidated Fielding Center Speeds Afghan Army's Growth
By Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - A new organization is improving the Afghan National Army's ability to move capable forces from its training center to the operational commands. The sense of urgency for this new concept has increased following the announcement of plans to grow the Afghan National Army past the initial authorization of 82,000 to 135,000 to meet Afghanistan's security needs.
The Consolidated Fielding Center, based at the ANA's Pol-e-Charki reservation near Kabul, assembles new units from training center graduates and sends them forward as organized, staffed and equipped teams, enabling corps commanders to concentrate more on operations and less on administration, training and logistics.
The CFC organizes individuals for the first time into a unit and establishes a chain of command. This vital step will improve both the quality and speed of ANA growth, Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan officials said.
"The ANA was faced with tremendous problems when it came to fielding new units downrange," said Army Lt. Col. Jesse Edwards, senior mentor and team chief for the CFC. "The CFC was built to address system challenges that were preventing the ANA from growing capable units at a critical time in Afghanistan's development."
The Kabul Military Training Center conducts basic training and produces infantry soldiers and other qualified specialties out of new recruits. It also trains new officers and noncommissioned officers for leadership roles in the growing ANA.
Until now, the ANA did not have an efficient method to organize units, equip them and transport them to their assigned commands from the training center so that they could arrive as intact teams.
Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, which oversees the mission to develop Afghan national security forces, developed the concept and issued it to Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix for implementation in May. The CFC reached initial operating capability July 10 and full capability on Sept. 21, when it graduated its first unit: 2nd Kandak, 3rd Brigade of the ANA's 203rd Corps.
"We were standing up the permanent Afghan training center as we were training and supporting the first unit," Edwards said. "We met every milestone along the way."
The challenges his team of trainers and mentors overcame included creating the center's structure and manning, establishing facilities, obtaining needed equipment and developing the training program.
The CFC structure is modeled after U.S. Army training that support battalions used to support the deployment of mobilized Guard and Reserve units for federal active duty. While trainers and mentors from U.S. and coalition partners conceived and built the organization, the CFC belongs to the ANA.
Each CFC unit undergoes an eight-week cycle following the soldiers' training at KMTC. Following its graduation, the first unit through the CFC completed its own independent movement to its new command the next day.
(Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning serves in the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - A new organization is improving the Afghan National Army's ability to move capable forces from its training center to the operational commands. The sense of urgency for this new concept has increased following the announcement of plans to grow the Afghan National Army past the initial authorization of 82,000 to 135,000 to meet Afghanistan's security needs.
The Consolidated Fielding Center, based at the ANA's Pol-e-Charki reservation near Kabul, assembles new units from training center graduates and sends them forward as organized, staffed and equipped teams, enabling corps commanders to concentrate more on operations and less on administration, training and logistics.
The CFC organizes individuals for the first time into a unit and establishes a chain of command. This vital step will improve both the quality and speed of ANA growth, Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan officials said.
"The ANA was faced with tremendous problems when it came to fielding new units downrange," said Army Lt. Col. Jesse Edwards, senior mentor and team chief for the CFC. "The CFC was built to address system challenges that were preventing the ANA from growing capable units at a critical time in Afghanistan's development."
The Kabul Military Training Center conducts basic training and produces infantry soldiers and other qualified specialties out of new recruits. It also trains new officers and noncommissioned officers for leadership roles in the growing ANA.
Until now, the ANA did not have an efficient method to organize units, equip them and transport them to their assigned commands from the training center so that they could arrive as intact teams.
Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, which oversees the mission to develop Afghan national security forces, developed the concept and issued it to Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix for implementation in May. The CFC reached initial operating capability July 10 and full capability on Sept. 21, when it graduated its first unit: 2nd Kandak, 3rd Brigade of the ANA's 203rd Corps.
"We were standing up the permanent Afghan training center as we were training and supporting the first unit," Edwards said. "We met every milestone along the way."
The challenges his team of trainers and mentors overcame included creating the center's structure and manning, establishing facilities, obtaining needed equipment and developing the training program.
The CFC structure is modeled after U.S. Army training that support battalions used to support the deployment of mobilized Guard and Reserve units for federal active duty. While trainers and mentors from U.S. and coalition partners conceived and built the organization, the CFC belongs to the ANA.
Each CFC unit undergoes an eight-week cycle following the soldiers' training at KMTC. Following its graduation, the first unit through the CFC completed its own independent movement to its new command the next day.
(Army Lt. Col. Paul Fanning serves in the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix Public Affairs Office.)
One Day Counter-Terrorism Symposium
The New Jersey United States Marine Corps Reserve Association and NJIT Present a One Day Counter-Terrorism Symposium
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Theme: Homeland Counter-Terrorism: Where We Are, Where We Are Going
The mission of this symposium is to educate the public on counter-terrorist prevention strategies and disaster response; this symposium will have a particular emphasis on Customs and Border Control, Managing the Radius of The Risk, and Transportation Security. We also have an opportunity to meet with a Regiment which formed as a direct result of current military efforts abroad. The latest in a series of seminars hosted by the NJ Marine Corps Reserve Association, and others which focus on different pro-active aspects of terrorist prevention and disaster response. Attendance certificates will be distributed.
Feature Speakers:
Mr. Kevin H. McCabe, Customs and Border, Protection Chief, Seaport Enforcement Branch
Mr. David Gruber, Senior Assistant Commissioner for Health Infrastructure
Major John Hunt, New Jersey State Police
Mr. Scott L. Kisch, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
Transportation Expert Mr. Harold Neil, former Executive Assistant of the NJ Transportation’s Office of Transportation Security
Commander Frank Fiumano, US Coast Guard
Jack P. Mattera, Deputy Director, Department of Public Safety
More Information:
Contact: Colonel Walter F. Conner, USMC (ret)
Telephone: 609-977-2114
Email: wconner9@verizon.net
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008
Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Theme: Homeland Counter-Terrorism: Where We Are, Where We Are Going
The mission of this symposium is to educate the public on counter-terrorist prevention strategies and disaster response; this symposium will have a particular emphasis on Customs and Border Control, Managing the Radius of The Risk, and Transportation Security. We also have an opportunity to meet with a Regiment which formed as a direct result of current military efforts abroad. The latest in a series of seminars hosted by the NJ Marine Corps Reserve Association, and others which focus on different pro-active aspects of terrorist prevention and disaster response. Attendance certificates will be distributed.
Feature Speakers:
Mr. Kevin H. McCabe, Customs and Border, Protection Chief, Seaport Enforcement Branch
Mr. David Gruber, Senior Assistant Commissioner for Health Infrastructure
Major John Hunt, New Jersey State Police
Mr. Scott L. Kisch, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
Transportation Expert Mr. Harold Neil, former Executive Assistant of the NJ Transportation’s Office of Transportation Security
Commander Frank Fiumano, US Coast Guard
Jack P. Mattera, Deputy Director, Department of Public Safety
More Information:
Contact: Colonel Walter F. Conner, USMC (ret)
Telephone: 609-977-2114
Email: wconner9@verizon.net
Coalition Captures Six al-Qaida Suspects in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - Coalition troops today and yesterday captured two wanted men and four others suspected of aiding al-Qaida in Iraq in Mosul and Baghdad, military officials reported. The captures marked two days of operations to break up the leadership of al-Qaida in and around the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
Today, coalition troops detained two suspects during an operation targeting a wanted man believed to be associated with Mosul's al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.
Coalition forces operating yesterday in the Jazeera Desert west of Qayyarah, about 38 miles south of Mosul, captured a wanted man believed to have connections to regional al-Qaida in Iraq leaders. Two additional suspects were detained during the operation, officials said.
Today in Baghdad, coalition troops captured a wanted man suspected of helping an al-Qaida in Iraq assassin and recruiter of suicide bombers.
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
Oct. 1, 2008 - Coalition troops today and yesterday captured two wanted men and four others suspected of aiding al-Qaida in Iraq in Mosul and Baghdad, military officials reported. The captures marked two days of operations to break up the leadership of al-Qaida in and around the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
Today, coalition troops detained two suspects during an operation targeting a wanted man believed to be associated with Mosul's al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.
Coalition forces operating yesterday in the Jazeera Desert west of Qayyarah, about 38 miles south of Mosul, captured a wanted man believed to have connections to regional al-Qaida in Iraq leaders. Two additional suspects were detained during the operation, officials said.
Today in Baghdad, coalition troops captured a wanted man suspected of helping an al-Qaida in Iraq assassin and recruiter of suicide bombers.
(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Christopher T. Fox, 21, of Memphis, Tenn., died Sept. 29 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he encountered small arms fire while on patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-4143; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Pfc. Christopher T. Fox, 21, of Memphis, Tenn., died Sept. 29 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he encountered small arms fire while on patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-4143; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Face of Defense: Police Officer Transitions to Forward Observer
By Army Sgt. Jessica Dahlberg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - Martin Parker from Brenham, Texas, just might be the oldest corporal in the Army -- or so his friends like to tell him. Parker, 41, retired from the Dallas Police Department in July 2006 and was looking for something else meaningful to do with his life. Since he has brothers in the Marine Corps and a father who was in the Navy, the military seemed like a good fit.
The forward observer is assigned to the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, in Afghanistan's Kandahar province.
"It's always been something I've wanted to do," Parker said. "I retired from law enforcement and still wanted to contribute something. I wanted to do something worthwhile."
Two months later, Parker arrived at Fort Knox, Ky., for basic combat training to begin his Army career. The transition from police officer to soldier was an easy one for him, he said, because it fit his experience and personality.
"I already had the discipline and team mindset down from being a police officer," Parker said, "but the thing I like most about the Army is the camaraderie and seeing the young soldiers' bright and shiny motivation."
Parker's motivation helped him advance quickly. He went from private first class to specialist and then to corporal in a span of seven weeks.
During his tour in Afghanistan, Parker assists his leadership in the use of artillery.
"I'm getting used to closing the gap between being confident in what I do and waiting my turn," he said. "I like to take charge when I see what could be the best possible outcome, but I need to stay in my lane. The problem is I like my lane and both lanes on either side of me."
He chose to become a forward observer because it seemed to be the best application of his skills, he said.
"As a forward observer, we are the eyes of the Army," Parker said. "We set up concealed outposts and watch for the enemy and use artillery fire to screen our own movement, disrupt, illuminate or neutralize the enemy."
Early each morning, Parker rolls out of bed to start his 18-hour day at Forward Operating Base Ramrod. He processes fire missions and plans targets of opportunity based on intelligence or in support of upcoming missions. If troops come into contact, he is their "go-to guy."
Parker admitted the physical demands of the Army may be a challenge for him in the future, but he said he plans to stay with the Army as long as he can.
"I would do this job forever, or as long as I can meet the physical requirements, [which] might get slightly harder as I get older," Parker said jokingly. "It's my first deployment, but I will be re-enlisting."
(Army Sgt. Jessica Dahlberg serves in the 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 1, 2008 - Martin Parker from Brenham, Texas, just might be the oldest corporal in the Army -- or so his friends like to tell him. Parker, 41, retired from the Dallas Police Department in July 2006 and was looking for something else meaningful to do with his life. Since he has brothers in the Marine Corps and a father who was in the Navy, the military seemed like a good fit.
The forward observer is assigned to the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, in Afghanistan's Kandahar province.
"It's always been something I've wanted to do," Parker said. "I retired from law enforcement and still wanted to contribute something. I wanted to do something worthwhile."
Two months later, Parker arrived at Fort Knox, Ky., for basic combat training to begin his Army career. The transition from police officer to soldier was an easy one for him, he said, because it fit his experience and personality.
"I already had the discipline and team mindset down from being a police officer," Parker said, "but the thing I like most about the Army is the camaraderie and seeing the young soldiers' bright and shiny motivation."
Parker's motivation helped him advance quickly. He went from private first class to specialist and then to corporal in a span of seven weeks.
During his tour in Afghanistan, Parker assists his leadership in the use of artillery.
"I'm getting used to closing the gap between being confident in what I do and waiting my turn," he said. "I like to take charge when I see what could be the best possible outcome, but I need to stay in my lane. The problem is I like my lane and both lanes on either side of me."
He chose to become a forward observer because it seemed to be the best application of his skills, he said.
"As a forward observer, we are the eyes of the Army," Parker said. "We set up concealed outposts and watch for the enemy and use artillery fire to screen our own movement, disrupt, illuminate or neutralize the enemy."
Early each morning, Parker rolls out of bed to start his 18-hour day at Forward Operating Base Ramrod. He processes fire missions and plans targets of opportunity based on intelligence or in support of upcoming missions. If troops come into contact, he is their "go-to guy."
Parker admitted the physical demands of the Army may be a challenge for him in the future, but he said he plans to stay with the Army as long as he can.
"I would do this job forever, or as long as I can meet the physical requirements, [which] might get slightly harder as I get older," Parker said jokingly. "It's my first deployment, but I will be re-enlisting."
(Army Sgt. Jessica Dahlberg serves in the 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
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