American Forces Press Service
Aug. 26, 2009 - U.S. soldiers taught Iraqi nursing students how to handle the medical side of a mass-casualty situation Aug. 18. Army 1st Lt. Teresa Weber, a physician assistant with the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, along with several brigade medics, taught a class on trauma assessment for nursing students at the Azadi Hospital in Iraq's Kirkuk province.
"This is a vital skill for nurses to know, because if a mass casualty situation happens, there are always going to be more nurses than there are doctors," Weber said. "Nurses are going to be expected to step up and do what a doctor normally would if there aren't any around."
Although the nursing students who attended the training will graduate in a few weeks, they were enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from Weber.
"This is the first time we have received such a class from the [U.S.] Army," said Farhad Ali, a nursing student. "I would like to get them all the time. "Although this class was basic, I expect that I will need to know these skills in the future, because I will be working in an emergency room."
Weber used a trauma dummy to illustrate how to evaluate patients and perform basic lifesaving functions. Following the demonstrations, Weber answered questions, and some students offered suggestions on how they might handle a trauma situation.
"I was really impressed by how much they knew," Weber said.
After the class, several students said they would like to learn more from Weber prior to graduating from their nursing course. "I would really like to see her come out again," Ali said.
Based on students' input, Weber said, she plans to teach additional classes on treating fractures.
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Petraeus Predicts Tough Fighting in Afghanistan
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 26, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Central Command said tough fighting lies ahead in Afghanistan, where the Taliban and other extremists have expanded their strength and influence, but he cautioned that success there demands more than battlefield victories. With violence reaching peak levels this summer, reversing enemy security gains will require sustained commitment from U.S. and multinational forces, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told the American Legion in Louisville, Ky., yesterday.
"Despite important achievements in various areas, given the deterioration in the security situation, an enormous amount of hard work and tough fighting lie ahead in Afghanistan," Petraeus said in his prepared remarks.
Nearly eight years into the war in Afghanistan, Petraeus said the primary objective remains clear: to ensure that transnational extremists such as al-Qaida are not able to re-establish the sanctuaries they had prior to the 9/11 attacks. But more than just killing or capturing terrorists and extremists, he added, the mission requires a counterinsurgency campaign akin to the strategy he oversaw as the top U.S. commander in Iraq -- an effort that placed greater focus on securing the population.
"And that is exactly what our troopers, along with their Afghan, NATO and other international partners, are intent on executing," he said. About 62,000 American and 38,000 allied forces are deployed to Afghanistan.
Petraeus gave a snapshot of the counterinsurgency tactics that troops are carrying out: rebuilding communities recently cleared of insurgents, developing Afghan security forces, flipping "reconcilable" insurgent members into allies and stemming the flow of illegal drugs.
"They are also working with our civilian partners in helping to foster the growth of Afghan governance so it can achieve legitimacy in the eyes of the people," he added. "Our troopers' hard work has, despite the increase in violence, paid dividends in a number of areas."
Multinational troops last week aided Afghan security forces in protecting some 6,000 polling stations during the country's national election, the first such balloting in Afghanistan in 30 years. The polling results are expected to be announced by Sept. 17, defense officials said.
"Despite widespread Taliban threats and numerous attacks, millions of Afghan citizens stepped forward to vote for their next president and for provincial councils," Petraeus said.
Citing counterinsurgency successes since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, Petraeus highlighted a 600 percent increase in the number of students -- matched by a seven-fold increase in trained teachers -- at thousands of newly constructed schools, and other achievements in building roads, hospitals and the nation's physical and political infrastructure.
At the same time, however, Petraeus said the Taliban and other elements of the so-called extremist syndicate have expanded their strength and influence, demanding a sustained push from those engaged in counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan.
"Reversing the downward trend in security in particular will require sustained, substantial commitment from all involved," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 26, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Central Command said tough fighting lies ahead in Afghanistan, where the Taliban and other extremists have expanded their strength and influence, but he cautioned that success there demands more than battlefield victories. With violence reaching peak levels this summer, reversing enemy security gains will require sustained commitment from U.S. and multinational forces, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told the American Legion in Louisville, Ky., yesterday.
"Despite important achievements in various areas, given the deterioration in the security situation, an enormous amount of hard work and tough fighting lie ahead in Afghanistan," Petraeus said in his prepared remarks.
Nearly eight years into the war in Afghanistan, Petraeus said the primary objective remains clear: to ensure that transnational extremists such as al-Qaida are not able to re-establish the sanctuaries they had prior to the 9/11 attacks. But more than just killing or capturing terrorists and extremists, he added, the mission requires a counterinsurgency campaign akin to the strategy he oversaw as the top U.S. commander in Iraq -- an effort that placed greater focus on securing the population.
"And that is exactly what our troopers, along with their Afghan, NATO and other international partners, are intent on executing," he said. About 62,000 American and 38,000 allied forces are deployed to Afghanistan.
Petraeus gave a snapshot of the counterinsurgency tactics that troops are carrying out: rebuilding communities recently cleared of insurgents, developing Afghan security forces, flipping "reconcilable" insurgent members into allies and stemming the flow of illegal drugs.
"They are also working with our civilian partners in helping to foster the growth of Afghan governance so it can achieve legitimacy in the eyes of the people," he added. "Our troopers' hard work has, despite the increase in violence, paid dividends in a number of areas."
Multinational troops last week aided Afghan security forces in protecting some 6,000 polling stations during the country's national election, the first such balloting in Afghanistan in 30 years. The polling results are expected to be announced by Sept. 17, defense officials said.
"Despite widespread Taliban threats and numerous attacks, millions of Afghan citizens stepped forward to vote for their next president and for provincial councils," Petraeus said.
Citing counterinsurgency successes since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, Petraeus highlighted a 600 percent increase in the number of students -- matched by a seven-fold increase in trained teachers -- at thousands of newly constructed schools, and other achievements in building roads, hospitals and the nation's physical and political infrastructure.
At the same time, however, Petraeus said the Taliban and other elements of the so-called extremist syndicate have expanded their strength and influence, demanding a sustained push from those engaged in counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan.
"Reversing the downward trend in security in particular will require sustained, substantial commitment from all involved," he said.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada, died Aug. 22 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Cpl. Darby T. Morin, 25, of Victoria, Canada, died Aug. 22 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2nd Lt. Joseph D. Fortin, 22, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., died Aug. 23 in Muhallah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
2nd Lt. Joseph D. Fortin, 22, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., died Aug. 23 in Muhallah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
THE CIA TORTURE REPORT: WHAT WERE THEY HIDING?
A Side-by-side Comparison of the Bush and Obama Administration Releases
THE TORTURE ARCHIVE: 83,000 Pages Now Online, Full-text and Indexed
August 25, 2009 - Today, the National Security Archive posted a side-by-side comparison of two very different versions of a 2004 report on the CIA's "Counterterrorism Detention and Interrogation Activities" by Agency Inspector General John Helgerson. Yesterday, the Obama administration released new portions of the report including considerably more information about the use of torture and other illegal practices by CIA interrogators than a version of the report declassified by the Bush administration in 2008.
New revelations include:
* Details on "specific unauthorized or undocumented torture techniques," including the use of guns, drills, threats, smoke, extreme cold, stress positions, "stiff brush and shackles," waterboarding, mock executions and "hard takedown."
* A look at the legal reasoning behind the Agency's use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" and the development of Agency guidance on capture, detention and interrogation.
* A brief discussion of the history of the CIA interrogation program, including the "resurgence of interest in teaching interrogation techniques" in the early 1980s "as one of several methods to foster foreign liaison relationships."
* The conclusion that, while CIA interrogations had produced useful intelligence, the "effectiveness of particular interrogation techniques in eliciting information that might not otherwise have been obtained" is not "so easily measured."
The National Security Archive also announced today the publication of the Torture Archive -- more than 83,000 pages of primary source documents (and thousands more to come) related to the detention and interrogation of individuals by the United States, in connection with the conduct of hostilities in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in the broader context of the "global war on terror." The goal of the Torture Archive is to become the online institutional memory for essential evidence on torture in U.S. policy.
With support from the Open Society Institute and the JEHT Foundation since 2006, this initial launch of the Torture Archive includes the complete set of declassified Combatant Status Review Tribunal and Administrative Review Board files from the Pentagon, and thousands of documents resulting from FOIA litigation brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Archive and other plaintiffs. The Torture Archive will continue to add documents as they are released through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation or Executive discretion.
The National Security Archive: http://www.nsarchive.org
The Torture Archive: http://www.nsarchive.org/torture_archive
THE TORTURE ARCHIVE: 83,000 Pages Now Online, Full-text and Indexed
August 25, 2009 - Today, the National Security Archive posted a side-by-side comparison of two very different versions of a 2004 report on the CIA's "Counterterrorism Detention and Interrogation Activities" by Agency Inspector General John Helgerson. Yesterday, the Obama administration released new portions of the report including considerably more information about the use of torture and other illegal practices by CIA interrogators than a version of the report declassified by the Bush administration in 2008.
New revelations include:
* Details on "specific unauthorized or undocumented torture techniques," including the use of guns, drills, threats, smoke, extreme cold, stress positions, "stiff brush and shackles," waterboarding, mock executions and "hard takedown."
* A look at the legal reasoning behind the Agency's use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" and the development of Agency guidance on capture, detention and interrogation.
* A brief discussion of the history of the CIA interrogation program, including the "resurgence of interest in teaching interrogation techniques" in the early 1980s "as one of several methods to foster foreign liaison relationships."
* The conclusion that, while CIA interrogations had produced useful intelligence, the "effectiveness of particular interrogation techniques in eliciting information that might not otherwise have been obtained" is not "so easily measured."
The National Security Archive also announced today the publication of the Torture Archive -- more than 83,000 pages of primary source documents (and thousands more to come) related to the detention and interrogation of individuals by the United States, in connection with the conduct of hostilities in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in the broader context of the "global war on terror." The goal of the Torture Archive is to become the online institutional memory for essential evidence on torture in U.S. policy.
With support from the Open Society Institute and the JEHT Foundation since 2006, this initial launch of the Torture Archive includes the complete set of declassified Combatant Status Review Tribunal and Administrative Review Board files from the Pentagon, and thousands of documents resulting from FOIA litigation brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Archive and other plaintiffs. The Torture Archive will continue to add documents as they are released through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation or Executive discretion.
The National Security Archive: http://www.nsarchive.org
The Torture Archive: http://www.nsarchive.org/torture_archive
USS Thach Protects Iraqi Infrastructure
By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2009 - The guided-missile frigate USS Thach has helped to protect Iraq's critical infrastructure since arriving on station in mid-July. The ship, assigned to Commander, Task Group Iraqi Maritime, is providing security for the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, an Iraqi oil platform that accounts for a significant percentage of the country's gross domestic product.
"We're providing security here to help make sure that oil is able to flow freely from the platform to help Iraq's economy to continue to improve and flourish," said Navy Cmdr. David Haas, Thach's commanding officer. "If that stops, up to 80 percent of their [gross domestic product] could go away, and we cannot allow that to happen."
Thach brings "unique capabilities" to the area, including a flight deck and two helicopters, "which we can use for logistics, surveillance and for response to contingencies," said Navy Capt. Pete Driscoll, task group commander.
Task Group Iraqi Maritime operates in the Northern Arabian Gulf and is primarily responsible for defending critical Iraqi infrastructure located in the area, as well as for protecting the sovereignty of Iraqi waters.
"We have sufficient capabilities out here to do the mission, but the Thach certainly enhances what we can do in several areas," Driscoll said. "It provides us with flexibility, and it provides us a visible deterrent as well."
Thach and the task group also are training Iraqi forces on maritime security operations.
"The big mission here is to defend and deter against attack, but also to transition control of the defense of [the oil terminal] back to Iraqi control," Haas said. "We do that by training their navy and marine corps on point defense and picket defense."
Thach's inherent visit, board, search and seizure capabilities are key to its ability to support the task force and help defend the terminal.
"We conduct security sweeps of vessels going into [the terminal]," said Navy Lt. j.g. Julio Alarcon, a member of Thach's visit, board, search and seizure teams. "We check for any contraband, weapons and explosives that might be on board."
Thach's presence and the increased maritime security it provides help to increase knowledge of the maritime picture in the Northern Arabian Gulf.
"Our [visit, board, search and seizure] teams will do interaction patrols with local fishermen, developing good will and rapport with the locals," Haas explained. "We ask them about conditions at sea for them and their difficulties, any criminal activity, piracy, or any other nations that are harassing them."
Thach is part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to regional security, which promotes global economic stability and local prosperity.
(Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac serves aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2009 - The guided-missile frigate USS Thach has helped to protect Iraq's critical infrastructure since arriving on station in mid-July. The ship, assigned to Commander, Task Group Iraqi Maritime, is providing security for the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, an Iraqi oil platform that accounts for a significant percentage of the country's gross domestic product.
"We're providing security here to help make sure that oil is able to flow freely from the platform to help Iraq's economy to continue to improve and flourish," said Navy Cmdr. David Haas, Thach's commanding officer. "If that stops, up to 80 percent of their [gross domestic product] could go away, and we cannot allow that to happen."
Thach brings "unique capabilities" to the area, including a flight deck and two helicopters, "which we can use for logistics, surveillance and for response to contingencies," said Navy Capt. Pete Driscoll, task group commander.
Task Group Iraqi Maritime operates in the Northern Arabian Gulf and is primarily responsible for defending critical Iraqi infrastructure located in the area, as well as for protecting the sovereignty of Iraqi waters.
"We have sufficient capabilities out here to do the mission, but the Thach certainly enhances what we can do in several areas," Driscoll said. "It provides us with flexibility, and it provides us a visible deterrent as well."
Thach and the task group also are training Iraqi forces on maritime security operations.
"The big mission here is to defend and deter against attack, but also to transition control of the defense of [the oil terminal] back to Iraqi control," Haas said. "We do that by training their navy and marine corps on point defense and picket defense."
Thach's inherent visit, board, search and seizure capabilities are key to its ability to support the task force and help defend the terminal.
"We conduct security sweeps of vessels going into [the terminal]," said Navy Lt. j.g. Julio Alarcon, a member of Thach's visit, board, search and seizure teams. "We check for any contraband, weapons and explosives that might be on board."
Thach's presence and the increased maritime security it provides help to increase knowledge of the maritime picture in the Northern Arabian Gulf.
"Our [visit, board, search and seizure] teams will do interaction patrols with local fishermen, developing good will and rapport with the locals," Haas explained. "We ask them about conditions at sea for them and their difficulties, any criminal activity, piracy, or any other nations that are harassing them."
Thach is part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to regional security, which promotes global economic stability and local prosperity.
(Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac serves aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.)
Mullen Cites Need for New Thinking, Strategies
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2009 - Today's wars need a new type of thinking and new strategies, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. The generation of Americans now serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are learning lessons that will serve the world well, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said at the American Legion convention in Louisville, Ky.
"I truly believe that anything is possible with good leadership," the chairman said. "The best leaders know that listening and learning are critical to success today and in future engagements, and we must develop and retain professionals ready to do just that."
Mullen told the members of the veteran service organization that today's military is the most combat-experienced in America's history. Today's servicemembers have "see a lot, done a lot, bled a lot and accomplished a lot," he said.
The young men and women in the services today are the senior officers and noncommissioned officers of tomorrow. America cannot afford to lose this talent, Mullen said, and he vowed to do what he must to help them and their families.
These young Americans are being shaped by their service just as his generation was shaped by the war in Vietnam, Mullen said. They are learning how important relationships are in the broader Middle East. They are learning the importance of engagement, and the importance of understanding other cultures and their perspectives.
Today's servicemember must understand and engage these people, a process that will take time, he said. "Understanding takes time, and without consistent engagement -- a willingness to see things from another's perspective -- there will always be a trust deficit," Mullen said. "And where trust is lacking, partnerships falter."
Leaders must have this perspective and trust, he said. "You have to see and hear firsthand what the issues are," Mullen said. "You can't hope to see problems through someone else's eyes if you aren't looking into those eyes."
And the solutions must be their solutions. In Iraq, he noted, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the political and military leadership are working on solving their own problems: "Iraqis solving Iraqi problems," the chairman said. "Or, in Prime Minister Maliki's words: 'Building a state on the ruins of dictatorship.'"
Mullen has made it clear to the Iraqis that the United States is leaving Iraq. "Now is the time to establish the long-term relationships we both need to be able to help foster a secure Iraq," he said.
Local solutions also apply to Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said. "We've got to help them," he said. And relationships, he added, are at the heart of that help.
Mullen created a Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell in the Pentagon to work exclusively on the area's issues. The cell's personnel will rotate in and out of the country to meet leaders and build trust between the militaries.
But as far as this can go to build stability, the chairman acknowledged, it cannot go all the way. The region needs more than military solutions. "What the people of Afghanistan need is rule of law, not the law of armed conflict," he said.
Americans should continue the debate on the conflict, the nation's top military officer said. "I've seen the public opinion polls saying that a majority of Americans don't support the effort at all," he said. "I say, 'Good, let's have that debate.'"
Mullen added that he wants Americans to examine the country's fight and the reasons behind it. "I'd rather see us, as a nation, argue about the war -- struggling to get it right -- than ignore it," he said. "Because each time I go to Dover [Air Force Base, Del.] to see the return of someone's father, brother, mother or sister, I want to know that collectively we've done all we can to make sure that sacrifice isn't in vain."
To Mullen, it is a fight worth fighting. The terrorists who launched attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are still at it, he said. "They live and plan and train in safe havens along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border," he said. "They'd like nothing better than to see either country -- or both -- fall prey to the grip of an extremist ideology."
If al-Qaida and like groups succeed, America becomes more vulnerable, the chairman noted. "My mission, the one given to me by the president, is to prevent that from happening, and that's what we're going to do," Mullen said.
The war in Afghanistan, he said, is about defeating Al-Qaida and its allies. "But to do that we have to defeat the choices those extremists are forcing on the people of that country," he told the audience. "This isn't just a war against something; it's a war for something -- the trust and confidence of the people of Afghanistan who, if given the chance, will choose not to allow themselves or their land to become a safe haven again."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2009 - Today's wars need a new type of thinking and new strategies, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. The generation of Americans now serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are learning lessons that will serve the world well, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said at the American Legion convention in Louisville, Ky.
"I truly believe that anything is possible with good leadership," the chairman said. "The best leaders know that listening and learning are critical to success today and in future engagements, and we must develop and retain professionals ready to do just that."
Mullen told the members of the veteran service organization that today's military is the most combat-experienced in America's history. Today's servicemembers have "see a lot, done a lot, bled a lot and accomplished a lot," he said.
The young men and women in the services today are the senior officers and noncommissioned officers of tomorrow. America cannot afford to lose this talent, Mullen said, and he vowed to do what he must to help them and their families.
These young Americans are being shaped by their service just as his generation was shaped by the war in Vietnam, Mullen said. They are learning how important relationships are in the broader Middle East. They are learning the importance of engagement, and the importance of understanding other cultures and their perspectives.
Today's servicemember must understand and engage these people, a process that will take time, he said. "Understanding takes time, and without consistent engagement -- a willingness to see things from another's perspective -- there will always be a trust deficit," Mullen said. "And where trust is lacking, partnerships falter."
Leaders must have this perspective and trust, he said. "You have to see and hear firsthand what the issues are," Mullen said. "You can't hope to see problems through someone else's eyes if you aren't looking into those eyes."
And the solutions must be their solutions. In Iraq, he noted, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the political and military leadership are working on solving their own problems: "Iraqis solving Iraqi problems," the chairman said. "Or, in Prime Minister Maliki's words: 'Building a state on the ruins of dictatorship.'"
Mullen has made it clear to the Iraqis that the United States is leaving Iraq. "Now is the time to establish the long-term relationships we both need to be able to help foster a secure Iraq," he said.
Local solutions also apply to Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said. "We've got to help them," he said. And relationships, he added, are at the heart of that help.
Mullen created a Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell in the Pentagon to work exclusively on the area's issues. The cell's personnel will rotate in and out of the country to meet leaders and build trust between the militaries.
But as far as this can go to build stability, the chairman acknowledged, it cannot go all the way. The region needs more than military solutions. "What the people of Afghanistan need is rule of law, not the law of armed conflict," he said.
Americans should continue the debate on the conflict, the nation's top military officer said. "I've seen the public opinion polls saying that a majority of Americans don't support the effort at all," he said. "I say, 'Good, let's have that debate.'"
Mullen added that he wants Americans to examine the country's fight and the reasons behind it. "I'd rather see us, as a nation, argue about the war -- struggling to get it right -- than ignore it," he said. "Because each time I go to Dover [Air Force Base, Del.] to see the return of someone's father, brother, mother or sister, I want to know that collectively we've done all we can to make sure that sacrifice isn't in vain."
To Mullen, it is a fight worth fighting. The terrorists who launched attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are still at it, he said. "They live and plan and train in safe havens along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border," he said. "They'd like nothing better than to see either country -- or both -- fall prey to the grip of an extremist ideology."
If al-Qaida and like groups succeed, America becomes more vulnerable, the chairman noted. "My mission, the one given to me by the president, is to prevent that from happening, and that's what we're going to do," Mullen said.
The war in Afghanistan, he said, is about defeating Al-Qaida and its allies. "But to do that we have to defeat the choices those extremists are forcing on the people of that country," he told the audience. "This isn't just a war against something; it's a war for something -- the trust and confidence of the people of Afghanistan who, if given the chance, will choose not to allow themselves or their land to become a safe haven again."
Monday, August 24, 2009
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco, 29, of Somerville, N.J., died Aug. 22 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Forces Command public affairs office at (910) 643-8438; after hours (910) 429-4165, or visit http://news.soc.mil .
Staff Sgt. Andrew T. Lobosco, 29, of Somerville, N.J., died Aug. 22 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army Special Forces Command public affairs office at (910) 643-8438; after hours (910) 429-4165, or visit http://news.soc.mil .
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, August 24, 2009
Nanotherapeutics awarded $30.9 million NIAID [National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases] contract to develop inhaled antiviral for prophylaxis and treatment of smallpox
"Nanotherapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a $30.9 Million, 5-year contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) […] to develop an inhaled version of the injectable antiviral drug, cidofovir, for non-invasive, post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of the Category A bioterrorism agent smallpox (Variola major) [sic]. Since transmission of smallpox occurs through inhalation of airborne variola virus, […] non-invasive anti-viral treatment alternatives with proven agents (cidofovir) are needed. […] Inhaled cidofovir could decrease the proportion of the population that would remain susceptible to smallpox due to their inability to be vaccinated, and has been shown in multiple studies to be highly efficacious against various pox models compared to injectable administration, which results in lower pulmonary levels, possible nephrotoxicity, and requires a health-care worker to implement treatment." (Busniess Wire; 24Aug09)
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090824005246&newsLang=en
NISS [National Institute of Statistical Sciences] to work on syndromic surveillance project for NSF [National Science Foundation] and DTRA [Defense Threat Reduction Agency]
"The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) have awarded $664,019 to the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) for collaborative research to develop Bayesian methods for syndromic surveillance. The research focuses on use of conditionally auto regressive (CAR) models to provide quantified estimates of the probability that a disease is present in a particular location. […] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syndromic surveillance uses health-related data […] that precede diagnosis and signals a sufficient probability of a case or an outbreak to warrant further public health response. This method is also used by public health officials to detect outbreaks associated with […] bioterrorism. The research that will be conducted will help DTRA to develop technology for controlling and reducing the threat from a biological […] attack."
(Carolina Newswire; 24Aug09)
http://carolinanewswire.com/news/News.cgi?database=00001news.db&command=viewone&id=1230&op=t
FCC [Federal Communications Commission] to host webinar on how broadband can enhance homeland security
"On Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m. EDT, the Federal Communications Commission [FCC] will host a workshop available to the general public via an online webinar. The goal of the workshop is to examine existing and potential uses of broadband technology by public safety entities and ways in which the technology can enhance homeland security. […] The first of two panels will focus on use of broadband applications by first responders to communicate emergency information and to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. […] The second panel will focus on the impact of broadband technology on particular homeland security issues, such as cyber security, pandemics, bioterrorism, and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities." (Occupational Health and Safety; 24Aug09) http://ohsonline.com/articles/2009/08/24/fcc-to-host-broadband-webinar.aspx
Bavarian Nordic [a biotechnology firm] in negotiations with the US authorities for the further development of IMVAMUNE [smallpox vaccine]
"Bavarian Nordic A/S announced today that the US authorities have initiated negotiations for a new contract to develop a freeze-dried version of the IMVAMUNE smallpox vaccine. […] BARDA [Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority] published a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) soliciting proposals for the advanced development of medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBERN) [sic] threats. […] A freeze-dried formulation of IMVAMUNE offers various new advantages in terms of increased shelf-life and improved stability of the vaccine compared to the current liquid-frozen formulation. Additionally, this will improve the cold-chain shipping logistics and storage. These are all important criteria for governments around the world that prioritize their bio terror[ism] preparedness." (PR Newswire; 24Aug09; Bavarian Nordic) http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/08-24-2009/0005081790&EDATE=
Biological weapons convention experts meeting begins
"A five-day experts meeting for the Biological Weapons Convention [BWC] was scheduled to begin today in Geneva, Switzerland, Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported. Participants are expected to consider disease monitoring, contagion countermeasures and other beneficial uses of the life sciences and associated technology. Also on the agenda is discussion of enhanced collaboration among countries. 'These experts' contributions will be crucial to help us review our existing disease surveillance, detection, diagnosis, and containment capacities, and identify the resources that might be used to help others build their capacity,' said Canadian diplomat Marius Grinius, chairman of the meeting. Representatives from the convention's 162 member nations are scheduled to gather in December for the annual states parties' meeting." (Global Security Newswire; 24Aug09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090824_9839.php
Weapons too evil to use proving hard to destroy [Richmond, KY]
"'No one accuses the United States of willfully seeking to violate the treaty for purposes of maintaining our chemical weapons arsenal,' said Gary Samore, the White House coordinator for weapons of mass destruction. 'Everyone understands this [delay in destroying America's last stockpile of chemical weapons] is a technical problem.' For now, more than 100,000 poison-filled munitions are stacked like bottles of wine in 44 dirt-covered concrete bunkers beside the construction site. […] 'We wound up having to build many more destruction facilities than originally planned,' said Milton Leitenberg, a weapons expert at the University of Maryland. 'The more time it takes, the more it costs.' […] All the chemicals [at Blue Grass Weapons Depot] are loaded in highly explosive M55 rockets and corroding, fully armed munitions. 'It's like super toxic hazardous waste at this point,' said Jonathan Tucker, a nonproliferation specialist at the Monterey, Calif., Institute of International Studies. 'Getting rid of it is a very nasty process.' Documented problems at the facility have persisted. The Pentagon and the National Academy of Sciences insisted incineration was the easiest, cheapest and safest solution. […] Under pressure from incineration opponents, however, Congress ordered the Pentagon to seek other options. The result: machines in sealed chambers that disassemble the munitions, neutralize the toxic chemicals inside and decontaminate the waste. 'These facilities are expensive because they're essentially operated by robots,' Tucker said." (Herald Tribune; 23Aug09) http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090823/ARTICLE/908231040/-1/NEWSSITEMAP
Possible mustard agent leak detected at chemical weapons depot in [Pueblo] Colorado
"The Army says a low level of mustard agent has been detected in a building storing chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. The leak was found Monday when a mobile laboratory drew an air sample from inside the building. The Army says the air inside the building is being filtered to clear out the agent. It says technicians in protective gear will go inside later to look for leaks from the shells stored there. There was no immediate report on injuries." (Sun Sentinel; 24Aug09; Source: AP) http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-chemical-weapons-leak,0,5879208.story
NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] coordinates with state, local officials to provide radiological detection training [NM]
"The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today announced that its Emergency Operations team partnered last week with New Mexico law enforcement officials to provide training to improve the detection of radiological material along the state's borders. […] 'Because of our expertise in handling, securing and detecting nuclear material over the last sixty years, NNSA is uniquely equipped to share our expertise with state and local officials,' said NNSA Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph Krol. 'Working together, we improve our ability to detect radiological materials and make our nation a safer place to live. Cooperation like this is an example of the return our nation gets on its investment in nuclear security.' The three-day training took place at the New Mexico Port of Entry in Anthony, New Mexico. […] NNSA experts and New Mexico officers examined trucks that had tripped radiation detection alarms, surveyed those vehicles with radiation detection equipment and identified the radioactive materials with high resolution spectroscopy equipment." (NNSA; 24Aug09) http://nnsa.energy.gov/news/2494.htm
Officials find uranium ore at port of entry [Anthony, NM]
"A box of uranium ore was discovered Friday at the Anthony port of entry, according to New Mexico State Police. A Fed-Ex truck going through radiological screening set off an alarm and was found to be emanating high levels of gamma rays. The uranium ore was found in an unmarked, 8-inch by 8-inch by 8-inch box mailed by an out-of-state firefighter who travels the country teaching how to detect radiological dirty bombs, according to state police, which did not release the firefighter's name." (Silver City Sun News; 22Aug09) http://www.scsun-news.com/ci_13182065?source=most_emailed
LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] tried to buy nuclear weapons
"In a startling disclosure, the detained LTTE chief Kumaran Pathmanathan [KP] has told investigators that the rebels had tried to acquire nuclear weapons and know-how to be used against the Sri Lankan army. A media report has said that Pathmanathan who was recently arrested in a South East Asian country has told interrogators that his organization had tried to acquire nuclear weapons and technology from western countries. 'LTTE had been the first terrorist outfit that tried to obtain nuclear power. Had they been successful in obtaining nuclear power, it would have flowed into the hands of other terror[ist] organizations too,' the Nation newspaper said quoting military analysts. 'KP has revealed that the arms purchased with the money collected were shipped to the LTTE. How he purchased anti-aircraft missiles from arms dealers in the USA has [not] been disclosed,' the newspaper said." (Indian Express; 23Aug09) http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ltte-tried-to-buy-nuclear-weapons-report/505961/
Algonac, Marine City get radiation monitors [MI]
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection has installed radiation portal monitors at the Algonac and Marine City ferry crossings on the St. Clair River. The monitors, like those at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, allow officers to screen cars and trucks for nuclear and radiological materials. The monitors are capable of detecting radiation emanating from nuclear devices [or from] isotopes commonly used in medicine and industry. The system passive, does not emit radiation and is harmless to all who come in contact. 'As one could imagine, it can be difficult for officers to pick out who the violator or threat is amidst all of the honest travelers. These monitors are another great addition to our layered approach to doing just that, securing the nation's border while facilitating legitimate trade and travel,' said Port Director David Dusellier." (Times Herald; 21Aug09) http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20090821/NEWS01/90821010/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Algonac--Marine-City-get-radiation-monitors
FBI weapons of mass destruction directorate recent accomplishments
"The FBI's Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate (WMDD) is reporting a number of recent accomplishments including several arrests, convictions, and indictments in cases involving a variety of chemical, biological, and radiological threats. 'We are unrelenting in our efforts to protect the American people from weapons of mass destruction. Whether it is a threatening letter filled with 'powder' to a investigating a major radiological incident, we remain committed to strengthening the FBI's close working relationships with all of our partners to prevent, investigate, and resolve these incidents,' said Dr. Vahid Majidi, Assistant Director, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. […] Recent cases [13 listed in the article] highlight a number of actions to dismantle and disrupt […] weapons of mass destruction-related threats." (FBI; 24Aug09)
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel09/wmdd_082409.htm
Area crews sharpen skills with disaster drill: dozens sanitized during massive training session [Saginaw, MI]
"The Tri-Cities Regional Response Team conducted a massive decontamination training session Tuesday. The training was held at the Saginaw Fire Department training facility on Remington Avenue, near the Saginaw River. The mass decontamination scenario involves washing dozens of people who have been exposed to a biological, chemical or radiation event. The team said they have the capability of cleansing hundreds of people at one time. […] Nearly $100,000 worth of equipment, obtained from the Department of Homeland Security, was used during the training. The Tri-Cities RRT is one of 16 teams in Michigan to respond to a terrorist attack or other hazardous materials incident. All 16 teams have received nearly $1 million in funds to train and carry out these types of missions." (WNEM Channel 5 News; 18Aug09) http://www.wnem.com/news/20445504/detail.html
First indigenous tank Bhishma rolls out
"India's armoured might got a long-awaited boost as the first specimen of indigenously built Russian T-90 tank rolled out on Monday. Called Bhishma in India, the T-90 tank is already in operational service with the army and is currently the country's main battle tank (MBT). The first indigenously produced T-90 MBT rolled out of the Heavy Vehicles Factory, just outside Chennai. […] India plans to operate a huge fleet of 1,600 T-90 tanks. The low-slung armored machine is built for fighting across deserts and plains at night, and built to dodge enemy fire effectively. Nimble on its tracks, the tank is also built to survive in a nuclear, chemical or biological warfare environment." (India Today; 24Aug09) http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58258§ionid=4&secid=&Itemid=1&issueid=120
Man [John Phillip Barker] charged with second anthrax scare [KS]
"An Overland Park man has been charged for a second time with sending a letter he claimed contained anthrax [spores] to a government official. U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said John Phillip Barker, 47, was charged Friday with sending the letter to an assistant U.S. attorney in Kansas. Barker allegedly mailed on Wednesday an envelope containing a white substance and a piece of paper bearing the misspelled warning, 'You have been exposed to antrax die.' Barker was sentenced to a year and a day in a similar case for sending a letter in June 2008 to the Internal Revenue Service in Austin. Authorities said the letter did not contain anthrax [spores]."
(Wichita Eagle; 23Aug09)
"Nanotherapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a $30.9 Million, 5-year contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) […] to develop an inhaled version of the injectable antiviral drug, cidofovir, for non-invasive, post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of the Category A bioterrorism agent smallpox (Variola major) [sic]. Since transmission of smallpox occurs through inhalation of airborne variola virus, […] non-invasive anti-viral treatment alternatives with proven agents (cidofovir) are needed. […] Inhaled cidofovir could decrease the proportion of the population that would remain susceptible to smallpox due to their inability to be vaccinated, and has been shown in multiple studies to be highly efficacious against various pox models compared to injectable administration, which results in lower pulmonary levels, possible nephrotoxicity, and requires a health-care worker to implement treatment." (Busniess Wire; 24Aug09)
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090824005246&newsLang=en
NISS [National Institute of Statistical Sciences] to work on syndromic surveillance project for NSF [National Science Foundation] and DTRA [Defense Threat Reduction Agency]
"The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) have awarded $664,019 to the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) for collaborative research to develop Bayesian methods for syndromic surveillance. The research focuses on use of conditionally auto regressive (CAR) models to provide quantified estimates of the probability that a disease is present in a particular location. […] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syndromic surveillance uses health-related data […] that precede diagnosis and signals a sufficient probability of a case or an outbreak to warrant further public health response. This method is also used by public health officials to detect outbreaks associated with […] bioterrorism. The research that will be conducted will help DTRA to develop technology for controlling and reducing the threat from a biological […] attack."
(Carolina Newswire; 24Aug09)
http://carolinanewswire.com/news/News.cgi?database=00001news.db&command=viewone&id=1230&op=t
FCC [Federal Communications Commission] to host webinar on how broadband can enhance homeland security
"On Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m. EDT, the Federal Communications Commission [FCC] will host a workshop available to the general public via an online webinar. The goal of the workshop is to examine existing and potential uses of broadband technology by public safety entities and ways in which the technology can enhance homeland security. […] The first of two panels will focus on use of broadband applications by first responders to communicate emergency information and to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. […] The second panel will focus on the impact of broadband technology on particular homeland security issues, such as cyber security, pandemics, bioterrorism, and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities." (Occupational Health and Safety; 24Aug09) http://ohsonline.com/articles/2009/08/24/fcc-to-host-broadband-webinar.aspx
Bavarian Nordic [a biotechnology firm] in negotiations with the US authorities for the further development of IMVAMUNE [smallpox vaccine]
"Bavarian Nordic A/S announced today that the US authorities have initiated negotiations for a new contract to develop a freeze-dried version of the IMVAMUNE smallpox vaccine. […] BARDA [Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority] published a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) soliciting proposals for the advanced development of medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBERN) [sic] threats. […] A freeze-dried formulation of IMVAMUNE offers various new advantages in terms of increased shelf-life and improved stability of the vaccine compared to the current liquid-frozen formulation. Additionally, this will improve the cold-chain shipping logistics and storage. These are all important criteria for governments around the world that prioritize their bio terror[ism] preparedness." (PR Newswire; 24Aug09; Bavarian Nordic) http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/08-24-2009/0005081790&EDATE=
Biological weapons convention experts meeting begins
"A five-day experts meeting for the Biological Weapons Convention [BWC] was scheduled to begin today in Geneva, Switzerland, Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported. Participants are expected to consider disease monitoring, contagion countermeasures and other beneficial uses of the life sciences and associated technology. Also on the agenda is discussion of enhanced collaboration among countries. 'These experts' contributions will be crucial to help us review our existing disease surveillance, detection, diagnosis, and containment capacities, and identify the resources that might be used to help others build their capacity,' said Canadian diplomat Marius Grinius, chairman of the meeting. Representatives from the convention's 162 member nations are scheduled to gather in December for the annual states parties' meeting." (Global Security Newswire; 24Aug09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090824_9839.php
Weapons too evil to use proving hard to destroy [Richmond, KY]
"'No one accuses the United States of willfully seeking to violate the treaty for purposes of maintaining our chemical weapons arsenal,' said Gary Samore, the White House coordinator for weapons of mass destruction. 'Everyone understands this [delay in destroying America's last stockpile of chemical weapons] is a technical problem.' For now, more than 100,000 poison-filled munitions are stacked like bottles of wine in 44 dirt-covered concrete bunkers beside the construction site. […] 'We wound up having to build many more destruction facilities than originally planned,' said Milton Leitenberg, a weapons expert at the University of Maryland. 'The more time it takes, the more it costs.' […] All the chemicals [at Blue Grass Weapons Depot] are loaded in highly explosive M55 rockets and corroding, fully armed munitions. 'It's like super toxic hazardous waste at this point,' said Jonathan Tucker, a nonproliferation specialist at the Monterey, Calif., Institute of International Studies. 'Getting rid of it is a very nasty process.' Documented problems at the facility have persisted. The Pentagon and the National Academy of Sciences insisted incineration was the easiest, cheapest and safest solution. […] Under pressure from incineration opponents, however, Congress ordered the Pentagon to seek other options. The result: machines in sealed chambers that disassemble the munitions, neutralize the toxic chemicals inside and decontaminate the waste. 'These facilities are expensive because they're essentially operated by robots,' Tucker said." (Herald Tribune; 23Aug09) http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090823/ARTICLE/908231040/-1/NEWSSITEMAP
Possible mustard agent leak detected at chemical weapons depot in [Pueblo] Colorado
"The Army says a low level of mustard agent has been detected in a building storing chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. The leak was found Monday when a mobile laboratory drew an air sample from inside the building. The Army says the air inside the building is being filtered to clear out the agent. It says technicians in protective gear will go inside later to look for leaks from the shells stored there. There was no immediate report on injuries." (Sun Sentinel; 24Aug09; Source: AP) http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-chemical-weapons-leak,0,5879208.story
NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] coordinates with state, local officials to provide radiological detection training [NM]
"The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today announced that its Emergency Operations team partnered last week with New Mexico law enforcement officials to provide training to improve the detection of radiological material along the state's borders. […] 'Because of our expertise in handling, securing and detecting nuclear material over the last sixty years, NNSA is uniquely equipped to share our expertise with state and local officials,' said NNSA Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph Krol. 'Working together, we improve our ability to detect radiological materials and make our nation a safer place to live. Cooperation like this is an example of the return our nation gets on its investment in nuclear security.' The three-day training took place at the New Mexico Port of Entry in Anthony, New Mexico. […] NNSA experts and New Mexico officers examined trucks that had tripped radiation detection alarms, surveyed those vehicles with radiation detection equipment and identified the radioactive materials with high resolution spectroscopy equipment." (NNSA; 24Aug09) http://nnsa.energy.gov/news/2494.htm
Officials find uranium ore at port of entry [Anthony, NM]
"A box of uranium ore was discovered Friday at the Anthony port of entry, according to New Mexico State Police. A Fed-Ex truck going through radiological screening set off an alarm and was found to be emanating high levels of gamma rays. The uranium ore was found in an unmarked, 8-inch by 8-inch by 8-inch box mailed by an out-of-state firefighter who travels the country teaching how to detect radiological dirty bombs, according to state police, which did not release the firefighter's name." (Silver City Sun News; 22Aug09) http://www.scsun-news.com/ci_13182065?source=most_emailed
LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] tried to buy nuclear weapons
"In a startling disclosure, the detained LTTE chief Kumaran Pathmanathan [KP] has told investigators that the rebels had tried to acquire nuclear weapons and know-how to be used against the Sri Lankan army. A media report has said that Pathmanathan who was recently arrested in a South East Asian country has told interrogators that his organization had tried to acquire nuclear weapons and technology from western countries. 'LTTE had been the first terrorist outfit that tried to obtain nuclear power. Had they been successful in obtaining nuclear power, it would have flowed into the hands of other terror[ist] organizations too,' the Nation newspaper said quoting military analysts. 'KP has revealed that the arms purchased with the money collected were shipped to the LTTE. How he purchased anti-aircraft missiles from arms dealers in the USA has [not] been disclosed,' the newspaper said." (Indian Express; 23Aug09) http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ltte-tried-to-buy-nuclear-weapons-report/505961/
Algonac, Marine City get radiation monitors [MI]
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection has installed radiation portal monitors at the Algonac and Marine City ferry crossings on the St. Clair River. The monitors, like those at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, allow officers to screen cars and trucks for nuclear and radiological materials. The monitors are capable of detecting radiation emanating from nuclear devices [or from] isotopes commonly used in medicine and industry. The system passive, does not emit radiation and is harmless to all who come in contact. 'As one could imagine, it can be difficult for officers to pick out who the violator or threat is amidst all of the honest travelers. These monitors are another great addition to our layered approach to doing just that, securing the nation's border while facilitating legitimate trade and travel,' said Port Director David Dusellier." (Times Herald; 21Aug09) http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20090821/NEWS01/90821010/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Algonac--Marine-City-get-radiation-monitors
FBI weapons of mass destruction directorate recent accomplishments
"The FBI's Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate (WMDD) is reporting a number of recent accomplishments including several arrests, convictions, and indictments in cases involving a variety of chemical, biological, and radiological threats. 'We are unrelenting in our efforts to protect the American people from weapons of mass destruction. Whether it is a threatening letter filled with 'powder' to a investigating a major radiological incident, we remain committed to strengthening the FBI's close working relationships with all of our partners to prevent, investigate, and resolve these incidents,' said Dr. Vahid Majidi, Assistant Director, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. […] Recent cases [13 listed in the article] highlight a number of actions to dismantle and disrupt […] weapons of mass destruction-related threats." (FBI; 24Aug09)
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel09/wmdd_082409.htm
Area crews sharpen skills with disaster drill: dozens sanitized during massive training session [Saginaw, MI]
"The Tri-Cities Regional Response Team conducted a massive decontamination training session Tuesday. The training was held at the Saginaw Fire Department training facility on Remington Avenue, near the Saginaw River. The mass decontamination scenario involves washing dozens of people who have been exposed to a biological, chemical or radiation event. The team said they have the capability of cleansing hundreds of people at one time. […] Nearly $100,000 worth of equipment, obtained from the Department of Homeland Security, was used during the training. The Tri-Cities RRT is one of 16 teams in Michigan to respond to a terrorist attack or other hazardous materials incident. All 16 teams have received nearly $1 million in funds to train and carry out these types of missions." (WNEM Channel 5 News; 18Aug09) http://www.wnem.com/news/20445504/detail.html
First indigenous tank Bhishma rolls out
"India's armoured might got a long-awaited boost as the first specimen of indigenously built Russian T-90 tank rolled out on Monday. Called Bhishma in India, the T-90 tank is already in operational service with the army and is currently the country's main battle tank (MBT). The first indigenously produced T-90 MBT rolled out of the Heavy Vehicles Factory, just outside Chennai. […] India plans to operate a huge fleet of 1,600 T-90 tanks. The low-slung armored machine is built for fighting across deserts and plains at night, and built to dodge enemy fire effectively. Nimble on its tracks, the tank is also built to survive in a nuclear, chemical or biological warfare environment." (India Today; 24Aug09) http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58258§ionid=4&secid=&Itemid=1&issueid=120
Man [John Phillip Barker] charged with second anthrax scare [KS]
"An Overland Park man has been charged for a second time with sending a letter he claimed contained anthrax [spores] to a government official. U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said John Phillip Barker, 47, was charged Friday with sending the letter to an assistant U.S. attorney in Kansas. Barker allegedly mailed on Wednesday an envelope containing a white substance and a piece of paper bearing the misspelled warning, 'You have been exposed to antrax die.' Barker was sentenced to a year and a day in a similar case for sending a letter in June 2008 to the Internal Revenue Service in Austin. Authorities said the letter did not contain anthrax [spores]."
(Wichita Eagle; 23Aug09)
Face of Defense: Sister, Brother Reunite in Iraq
By Army Master Sgt. Rich KempSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2009 - Deployments usually separate soldiers from their families. However, for one "Red Bull" soldier, it provided the chance to reunite with her brother. Army Sgt. Andrea Wieseler, a telecommunications sergeant with the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, hadn't seen her brother, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Heath Wieseler, in more than two years. Heath, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot, is deployed here with the 10th Mountain Division's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment.
Andrea's supervisors allowed her to take some time to meet up with her brother. "I have been waiting for this since the day I arrived in Iraq," she said.
Although Heath knew there would be a possibility Andrea would get the opportunity to come up and see him, she surprised him early. He was on a mission to drop off passengers at Camp Liberty in Baghdad. At the last moment, he was informed he was to pick up passengers to take back to Speicher, not knowing one of those passengers was his sister.
After Heath landed the helicopter here, they greeted each other with a hug and the emotions started to flow.
"It caught me by surprise when I looked back to see her get on the helicopter," the pilot said. The siblings were able to spend a few days to catch up on old times and have some great laughs.
"Everything worked out perfect," Andrea said. "I was so happy to have him pick me up in his helicopter; he is a real hero to me."
Heath has traveled a lot in his 16 years of active duty. Military training and travel have prevented him from returning to his hometown of Howard Lake, Minn., to see his family.
"It was so great to have Andrea around," he said. "It was nice to be with family -- someone you can share common things and talk about family back in Minnesota."
The two of them spent time talking, laughing and sharing events of the past two years. Heath talked about his wife, Geri, and sons, Tyler and Trevor, while Andrea shared her experiences of the deployment so far and the friendships she has made.
"I was so excited; it was a dream come true," Andrea said. "I waited a long time for this."
(Army Master Sgt. Rich Kemp serves in Multinational Division South.)
Hard Work in Iraq Pays Off, Colonel Says
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. CardenAmerican Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2009 - Coalition and Iraqi forces have sacrificed greatly to build security and develop a democratic process in Iraq, and after nearly seven years, the hard work is paying off, a senior commander in southeastern Baghdad told American Forces Press Service. In an Aug. 21 telephone interview, Army Col. Timothy McGuire, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, noted that Jan. 1 ushered in the U.S.-Iraq security agreement that permitted U.S. forces to play only a supporting role in the security efforts there. And since U.S. combat forces officially moved out of Iraqi cities and towns on June 30 as part of that agreement, Iraqi soldiers and police truly have taken charge, he added.
"We're really watching success happen," McGuire said. "Throughout this fight, we've been asking Iraqi security forces to take the lead, and on 30 June, they clearly did. That's what we've been working on for the past six and a half years."
For the past two months, some 20,000 Iraqis -- soldiers, police and civilian security groups -- have been at the helm of the security responsibilities in southeastern Baghdad, just as other security forces are doing throughout the rest of the country. It's an opportunity the Iraqis have wanted for quite some time, the colonel said.
"They wanted to be in charge," he said. "They wanted to protect the people of Baghdad, and we're letting them."
McGuire's brigade arrived in Iraq in December, and through the transition, the U.S.-Iraqi partnership has become stronger, he said. Before June 30, his troops were conducting joint operations with their counterparts regularly, he noted, but now they don't even operate in the cities. The newfound independence also has given Iraqi forces more confidence, he added.
Unless formally asked to do so by Iraq's national government, U.S. forces no longer plan or execute combat operations in urban and populated areas; they serve only in an advisory and training role, McGuire said. U.S. forces do, however, provide "enabling" tasks -- such as engineering, aviation and logistical support -- that the Iraqis don't have, he said. But coalition security responsibilities have shifted to a behind-the-scenes effort.
"We spend a lot more time with troop-leading procedures and mission planning and providing intelligence," he said. "But during the actual conduct of the mission, it's Iraqi leaders in charge and Iraqi security forces out there interacting with the people."
He added that since June 30, Iraqi security forces have become much more receptive to coalition "advice and coaching," because "they realize they're the ones in the lead, and that they're the ones at risk."
Iraqi forces have expressed their desire to take charge in the rural regions as well, McGuire said, noting that his brigade works with local security forces along the city's rural southern belt. U.S. troops there still conduct combined search operations and raids with their Iraqi partners, but even there, they've taken a back seat to the Iraqis, he said.
The officers in charge of those missions outside of the cities are Iraqi, and Iraqi soldiers and police make up the bulk of the missions' manpower, McGuire explained. Partnership and assistance is the American troops' mission and priority.
"I think [success] really comes down to partnership and capacity building and working hand in hand with our counterparts," McGuire said. "[Iraqi security forces] are clearly in the lead, and we acknowledge that they have assumed the security responsibility in Baghdad. We are embracing every opportunity to work with them."
Even in the face of attacks reminiscent of the violence Iraqis saw in 2005 and 2006, security forces have shown their maturity and confidence, he said. Last week's series of bombings in Baghdad left an estimated 100 people dead and another 1,000-plus injured. It was Iraq's deadliest day this year. In the aftermath of the attacks, Iraqi officials and security leaders came together to learn from their mistakes.
"[Aug. 19] was a tragic day in Iraq, but the good news is our Iraqi counterparts came together to determine what steps they needed to take to ensure an event like that doesn't happen again," he said. "That's a positive development, and that's what professional militaries do."
Iraqi security forces still deal with some setbacks in logistics and intelligence-gathering, McGuire said, but they benefit from understanding their culture and knowing the Iraqis they protect. Although they don't have the technological capabilities of unmanned aerial systems, their ability to gain trust and acquire information from the population is an advantage coalition forces will never have, he said.
Iraqis security forces in southeastern Baghdad often are so confident in their abilities to locate insurgents that they frequently plan and conduct operations informing their U.S. counterparts only after the fact. On several occasions since June 30, Iraqi security forces have captured "high-value targets" McGuire and his troops didn't even know the Iraqis were pursuing, he added.
"We're really working hard to work ourselves out of a job," McGuire said. "We really want to empower, embolden and enable our Iraqi counterparts to do the job themselves."
Although McGuire wouldn't speculate on how much Iraqi forces actually need U.S. troops in Baghdad, he said the Iraqis are taking the necessary steps to one day fend for themselves. He predicted that within the next few years, Iraqis will be able to focus more on educational, economic, medical and other needs without fear of reprisal.
"I remain confident, but I'm going to make sure that while I'm here, I'm going to do everything within my power to set my counterparts up for success," he said. "I'm very proud of the gains that have been achieved, and we'll be tracking closely what takes place when we leave, because we want nothing but the best for the Iraqis."
McGuire is serving his second tour in Iraq and his fourth combat deployment overall since 2001. Many of the troopers in the brigade also are on their fourth and fifth deployment. Those who were in the brigade for its previous Iraq deployment in 2006 understand the fruits of their labor, he said. More than 70 members of the brigade were killed during that 15-month deployment.
Morale among his troops remains high to say the least, the colonel said, noting that even younger soldiers who may be serving their first deployment are motivated about the positive effect they're having in their roles as trainers and advisors. His troops understand that the sacrifices made during the brigade's previous deployment are paying off, he said.
"Our soldiers and leaders at all levels remain motivated and focused as we realize we're still helping ensure and solidify the hard-fought gains," he said. "From a man who's been over here before and sacrificed blood, sweat and tears, the investments of the past six and a half years are bearing fruit."
Forces Detain Suspected Terrorists in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, detained eight suspected terrorists Aug. 20 and 21 in operations in Iraq, military officials reported. In Baghdad, members of an Iraqi emergency response brigade, along with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist believed to be affiliated with insurgent groups Aug. 21. The suspect is wanted for bomb attacks against civilians and Iraqi security forces operating in the area. The elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Investigative Court of Kut.
Meanwhile, members of the Iraqi 7th Regional Commando Battalion, with U.S. advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists in Ninevah province. The men are suspected of assassination attempts and explosive attacks against Iraqi and U.S. forces. The commandos arrested the suspects with a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.
In Aug. 20 operations in Iraq:
-- Members of an Iraqi emergency response brigade, along with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist allegedly affiliated with insurgent groups. The suspect is believed to have facilitated and conducted sniper attacks against Iraqi security forces in Baghdad. The police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh.
-- Iraqi special operations forces, along with U.S. advisors, arrested three suspects during an intelligence-driven mission in Baghdad. The suspects allegedly are affiliated with al-Qaida in Iraq and are believed to be responsible for conducting terrorist activities against Iraqi government officials and Iraqi security forces. The soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.
-- A Basra special weapons and tactics team, along with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist believed to be linked to numerous insurgent networks in Basra province. The suspect has allegedly served as a high-ranking official for terrorist groups operating in the area and is believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi security forces and civilians. The team was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Basra Court.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Aug. 24, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. advisors, detained eight suspected terrorists Aug. 20 and 21 in operations in Iraq, military officials reported. In Baghdad, members of an Iraqi emergency response brigade, along with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist believed to be affiliated with insurgent groups Aug. 21. The suspect is wanted for bomb attacks against civilians and Iraqi security forces operating in the area. The elite police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Investigative Court of Kut.
Meanwhile, members of the Iraqi 7th Regional Commando Battalion, with U.S. advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists in Ninevah province. The men are suspected of assassination attempts and explosive attacks against Iraqi and U.S. forces. The commandos arrested the suspects with a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.
In Aug. 20 operations in Iraq:
-- Members of an Iraqi emergency response brigade, along with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist allegedly affiliated with insurgent groups. The suspect is believed to have facilitated and conducted sniper attacks against Iraqi security forces in Baghdad. The police force was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Karkh.
-- Iraqi special operations forces, along with U.S. advisors, arrested three suspects during an intelligence-driven mission in Baghdad. The suspects allegedly are affiliated with al-Qaida in Iraq and are believed to be responsible for conducting terrorist activities against Iraqi government officials and Iraqi security forces. The soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Central Investigative Court of Karkh.
-- A Basra special weapons and tactics team, along with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist believed to be linked to numerous insurgent networks in Basra province. The suspect has allegedly served as a high-ranking official for terrorist groups operating in the area and is believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi security forces and civilians. The team was operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Basra Court.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Chairman Cites Security as Key Part of Afghan Strategy
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2009 - Providing security is a key component of President Barack Obama's strategy for Afghanistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said on NBC's "Meet the Press" yesterday. "The strategy really focuses on defeating al-Qaida and their extremist allies," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "That's very specific, and that includes the Taliban."
Mullen said part of that strategy focuses on security for the Afghan people, because improving security will help the country move in the right direction.
"To the degree that the Afghan people's security and the ability to ensure that a safe haven [for terrorists] doesn't recur in Afghanistan, there is focus on some degree of making sure security is OK, making sure governance moves in the right direction, and developing an economy, which will underpin their future," Mullen said. "From a military perspective, I believe we've got to start to turn this thing around from a security standpoint in the next 12 to 18 months.
"I think after that we'd have a better view of how long it's going to take and what we need to do," he added.
Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who commands nearly 90,000 U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, was charged with assessing the situation on the ground and offering insight into how long it might take. That assessment is expected in the next two weeks, Mullen said.
"The assessment ... won't specifically deal with requirements for additional resources," he said. "We'll deal with whatever additional resources might be required subsequent to that in the normal process.
"I think when we look at the strategy the president has laid out, look at what General McChrystal says he needs in order to carry out that strategy, my recommendation to the president will be based on getting the resource/strategy match absolutely correct," Mullen added.
In the meantime, Afghanistan took a step toward a brighter future when its citizens cast their votes Aug. 20 for the country's next president and provincial council, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry said on "Meet the Press." It was the first Afghan-led presidential and provincial council election in more than 30 years.
"If we look back over the history of Afghanistan over the last 30 years, we have civil war, we have occupation, we've got a complete collapse of governance and rule of law, which sets the conditions then for Afghanistan to be a state controlled by international terrorism," Eikenberry said. "So this election that's just been completed, yes, it was a very difficult election, but it's an opportunity ... for renewal of the trust and the bonds between the people of Afghanistan and their government."
Though a successful election is progress, the ambassador said that the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police also need to be much more capable of providing for the security of their own population.
"Progress looks like a government of Afghanistan that's able to tend much more to the needs of their people, to provide reasonable services to them [and] to provide security for them," Eikenberry said. "Progress looks like a region in which there is more cooperation."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2009 - Providing security is a key component of President Barack Obama's strategy for Afghanistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said on NBC's "Meet the Press" yesterday. "The strategy really focuses on defeating al-Qaida and their extremist allies," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "That's very specific, and that includes the Taliban."
Mullen said part of that strategy focuses on security for the Afghan people, because improving security will help the country move in the right direction.
"To the degree that the Afghan people's security and the ability to ensure that a safe haven [for terrorists] doesn't recur in Afghanistan, there is focus on some degree of making sure security is OK, making sure governance moves in the right direction, and developing an economy, which will underpin their future," Mullen said. "From a military perspective, I believe we've got to start to turn this thing around from a security standpoint in the next 12 to 18 months.
"I think after that we'd have a better view of how long it's going to take and what we need to do," he added.
Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who commands nearly 90,000 U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, was charged with assessing the situation on the ground and offering insight into how long it might take. That assessment is expected in the next two weeks, Mullen said.
"The assessment ... won't specifically deal with requirements for additional resources," he said. "We'll deal with whatever additional resources might be required subsequent to that in the normal process.
"I think when we look at the strategy the president has laid out, look at what General McChrystal says he needs in order to carry out that strategy, my recommendation to the president will be based on getting the resource/strategy match absolutely correct," Mullen added.
In the meantime, Afghanistan took a step toward a brighter future when its citizens cast their votes Aug. 20 for the country's next president and provincial council, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry said on "Meet the Press." It was the first Afghan-led presidential and provincial council election in more than 30 years.
"If we look back over the history of Afghanistan over the last 30 years, we have civil war, we have occupation, we've got a complete collapse of governance and rule of law, which sets the conditions then for Afghanistan to be a state controlled by international terrorism," Eikenberry said. "So this election that's just been completed, yes, it was a very difficult election, but it's an opportunity ... for renewal of the trust and the bonds between the people of Afghanistan and their government."
Though a successful election is progress, the ambassador said that the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police also need to be much more capable of providing for the security of their own population.
"Progress looks like a government of Afghanistan that's able to tend much more to the needs of their people, to provide reasonable services to them [and] to provide security for them," Eikenberry said. "Progress looks like a region in which there is more cooperation."
Forces Hinder Insurgent Communication in Afghanistan
American Forces Press ServiceAug. 24, 2009 - U.S. forces conducted an air assault to disrupt insurgent communication and an Afghan civilian thwarted a bomb attack in operations in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported. U.S. soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault to disrupt insurgent communication in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province.
Two Black Hawk helicopters from 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade inserted and extracted troops along the harsh terrain. The force used two-wheel landings, which allowed the troops to dismount and execute their mission.
"Insertion of troops [by helicopter] allows ground forces freedom of maneuver in locations where harsh terrain is a factor," said Army Capt. Joe Daigle, commander of Company C, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, who served as a pilot during the operation. "We take these teams to their mission site and pull them out safely, minimizing their time on the ground."
Army Capt. Matthew Bebo, the battalion's liaison officer, said the operation made an impact. "The disruption caused by this operation will have a great effect in Kandahar province," he said.
Meanwhile, a Sundurwa village resident stopped insurgents from emplacing a homemade bomb on a highly travelled road in Laghman province's Alingar district.
One insurgent fled the scene. The resident apprehended another insurgent and delivered the suspect to the Alingar police, who transferred him to the province's Afghan National Police headquarters for questioning.
The incident marked the third time in five days that villagers in Nuristan and Laghman provinces have prevented insurgents from attacking their villages, officials said.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and Task Force Pegasus news releases.)
Soldiers Bring Goodwill to Iraqis
By Army Spc. Maurice A. GallowaySpecial to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2009 - Along with their Iraqi counterparts, U.S. soldiers from the 17th Fires Brigade and the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team handed out food and supplies to residents of Faddaqhryah and Bahar, Iraq, Aug. 18. The U.S. soldiers aided in the humanitarian mission to help the Iraqi army to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and lay the groundwork for a lasting relationship between Iraq's soldiers and its people, said Army Lt. Col. Ross. C. Scott, 17th Fires Brigade civil affairs officer.
Scott said the Iraqi army delivered more than 400 packages at an estimated cost of $90,000. Each package will feed a family of eight for 30 days.
The U.S. patrol, made up of civil affairs and personnel security soldiers, left here early to link up in the Iraqi villages with their counterparts from the 14th Iraqi Army Division. In each village, the Iraqi and U.S. soldiers were met with welcoming, hopeful looks from local elders and heads of families and curious, smiling faces of children.
"This is really helpful to us," said Abod, one of hundreds of Faddaqhryah residents who lined up to collect food. "Since Ramadan is coming, we thank God for all of this. I have nine family members that all these supplies will benefit greatly."
The Iraqi soldiers were pleased to be part of such a mission.
"This is really nice. We're here helping these people who are poor and need these supplies," said Krarr Haidar, an Iraqi soldier. "Also, there are large families where no one in the household is working; these supplies benefit them the most."
Although the Iraqi army was in the lead for the mission, the 17th Fires Brigade's personnel security detachment provided additional security for the event.
"It seems as though the [Iraqi army] is becoming completely self-sufficient by the way they handled this event in a professional matter," said Army Cpl. Dale L. Comella, a medic with 17th Fires Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Personnel Security Detachment. "Overall, I was impressed with the organization of the mission and the gratitude from the [local people]. We are trained to think that the threat is always out there, so to come in contact with these people who were so inviting and welcoming was a whole different experience for me."
An Iraqi secondary school teacher expressed gratitude for the mission. "We're so happy that the soldiers are here to help," the Bahar resident said. "We have no hospitals close by, so if we get sick we must travel far. Also, our water isn't drinkable, which is why we are very grateful that the soldiers are bringing us supplies."
A personal security detachment squad leader noted how far the Iraqi soldiers have come. "The Iraqi army has made tremendous strides toward providing for their people," said Army Staff Sgt. Samuel G. Ward. "We used to have to pull a lot of our own security, but now we're in a supervisory role where we'll aid them by pointing out something we notice, and they'll take charge in securing the threat.
"They're setting up their own operations," he continued. "They're clearly running their own show. We're just here just to point them in the right direction."
(Army Spc. Maurice A. Galloway serves with the 17th Fires Brigade.)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 18 in Arghandab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. The soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash..
Killed were:
Spc. Troy O. Tom, 21, of Shiprock, N.M.
Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney, 20, of Litchfield, Minn.
For more information media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152, (253) 967-0147 or after hours at (253) 967-0015 (ask for the Public Affairs Officer on call).
Killed were:
Spc. Troy O. Tom, 21, of Shiprock, N.M.
Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney, 20, of Litchfield, Minn.
For more information media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152, (253) 967-0147 or after hours at (253) 967-0015 (ask for the Public Affairs Officer on call).
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram, 25, of Pearl, Miss., died Aug. 21 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, and his unit came under small arms fire from enemy forces. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-4143; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram, 25, of Pearl, Miss., died Aug. 21 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, and his unit came under small arms fire from enemy forces. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-4143; after hours (719) 526-5500.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Justin R. Pellerin, 21, of Boscawen, N.H., died Aug. 20 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Spc. Justin R. Pellerin, 21, of Boscawen, N.H., died Aug. 20 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Obama Congratulates Afghans on Election
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 21, 2009 - President Barack Obama today praised the courage of the Afghan people for participating in yesterday's national election despite threats by the Taliban to disrupt the process. "Over the last few days -- and particularly yesterday -- we've seen acts of violence and intimidation by the Taliban, and there may be more in the days to come," the president said. "We knew that the Taliban would try to derail this election. Yet even in the face of this brutality, millions of Afghans exercised the right to choose their leaders and determine their own destiny. And as I watched the election, I was struck by their courage in the face of intimidation, and their dignity in the face of disorder."
Obama called the election "an important step forward in the Afghan people's effort to take control of their future, even as violent extremists are trying to stand in their way."
It was the first democratic election run by Afghans in more than three decades, with more than 30 presidential candidates and more than 3,000 provincial council candidates running for office, including a record number of women, the president noted. Some 6,000 polling stations were open around the country, and Afghan national security forces took the lead in providing security, he added.
"There is a clear contrast between those who seek to control their future at the ballot box and those who kill to prevent that from happening," Obama said. "Once again, extremists in Afghanistan have shown themselves willing to murder innocent Muslims -- men, women and children -- to advance their aims.
"But I believe that the future belongs to those who want to build -- not those who want to destroy. And that is the future that was sought by the Afghans who went to the polls, and the Afghan national security forces who protected them."
The president emphasized that the United States did not support any candidate in this election. "Our only interest was the result fairly, accurately reflecting the will of the Afghan people, and that is what we will continue to support as the votes are counted, and we wait for the official results from the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission," he said.
Obama also praised the American servicemembers and civilians serving in Afghanistan.
"Our men and women in uniform are doing an extraordinary job in Afghanistan. So are the civilians who serve by their side," he said. "All of them are in our thoughts and prayers, as are their families back home. This is not a challenge that we asked for -- it came to our shores when al-Qaida launched the 9/11 attacks from Afghanistan. But America, our allies and partners -- and above all, the Afghan people -- share a common interest in pursuing security, opportunity, and justice."
Meanwhile, he added, the United States will continue to work with its Afghan partners to strengthen security, governance and opportunity in Afghanistan.
"Our goal is clear: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida and their extremist allies," the president said. "That goal will be achieved -- and our troops will be able to come home -- as Afghans continue to strengthen their own capacity, and take responsibility for their own future."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 21, 2009 - President Barack Obama today praised the courage of the Afghan people for participating in yesterday's national election despite threats by the Taliban to disrupt the process. "Over the last few days -- and particularly yesterday -- we've seen acts of violence and intimidation by the Taliban, and there may be more in the days to come," the president said. "We knew that the Taliban would try to derail this election. Yet even in the face of this brutality, millions of Afghans exercised the right to choose their leaders and determine their own destiny. And as I watched the election, I was struck by their courage in the face of intimidation, and their dignity in the face of disorder."
Obama called the election "an important step forward in the Afghan people's effort to take control of their future, even as violent extremists are trying to stand in their way."
It was the first democratic election run by Afghans in more than three decades, with more than 30 presidential candidates and more than 3,000 provincial council candidates running for office, including a record number of women, the president noted. Some 6,000 polling stations were open around the country, and Afghan national security forces took the lead in providing security, he added.
"There is a clear contrast between those who seek to control their future at the ballot box and those who kill to prevent that from happening," Obama said. "Once again, extremists in Afghanistan have shown themselves willing to murder innocent Muslims -- men, women and children -- to advance their aims.
"But I believe that the future belongs to those who want to build -- not those who want to destroy. And that is the future that was sought by the Afghans who went to the polls, and the Afghan national security forces who protected them."
The president emphasized that the United States did not support any candidate in this election. "Our only interest was the result fairly, accurately reflecting the will of the Afghan people, and that is what we will continue to support as the votes are counted, and we wait for the official results from the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission," he said.
Obama also praised the American servicemembers and civilians serving in Afghanistan.
"Our men and women in uniform are doing an extraordinary job in Afghanistan. So are the civilians who serve by their side," he said. "All of them are in our thoughts and prayers, as are their families back home. This is not a challenge that we asked for -- it came to our shores when al-Qaida launched the 9/11 attacks from Afghanistan. But America, our allies and partners -- and above all, the Afghan people -- share a common interest in pursuing security, opportunity, and justice."
Meanwhile, he added, the United States will continue to work with its Afghan partners to strengthen security, governance and opportunity in Afghanistan.
"Our goal is clear: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida and their extremist allies," the president said. "That goal will be achieved -- and our troops will be able to come home -- as Afghans continue to strengthen their own capacity, and take responsibility for their own future."
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, August 21, 2009
Biothreat detection speeds up
"A new laboratory test can spot quickly and tell apart in a single run almost all pathogens classified by US authorities as biowarfare agents, say researchers this month in PLoS ONE [Public Library of Science]. 'Our results... show that the resequencing pathogen microarray for detection of tropical and emerging infectious agents assay not only detects and identifies agents, but is also able to differentiate near neighbours of the same agent types,' writes […] Tomasz Leski of the US Naval Research Laboratory and Nova Research Incorporated in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. […] The new test developed by Leski and colleagues is a device that picks up gene expression levels, known as a 'microarray.' In a single run it can pick out the specific pathogen present in a sample that contains genetic information for many different bugs. […] The test system can detect and identify any one of 84 different pathogens and 13 biological toxins - almost all biothreats on the US government's 'select agents' list. The list includes viruses that cause Ebola haemorrhagic fever and smallpox, as well as anthrax bacteria. […] Thousands of comparative identification tests can be run at the same time, so the strategy can give each biological sample 'extra mileage.' This is important because samples are usually precious and limited, [Mahesh Uttamchandani of the DSO Laboratories in Singapore] says. The new microarray can help scientists to not only identify many of the known biowarfare agents, but also detect organisms that are closely related to them." (Emerging Health Threats; 21Aug09) http://www.eht-forum.org/news.html?fileId=news090821123131&from=home&id=0
[Medical Reserve] Corps of volunteers ready to help out in emergency [Gloucester, England]
"It should be comforting to know that hundreds of residents of Cape Ann are ready to pitch in at a moment's notice in case of a disaster. The Medical Reserve Corps, explained Margaret Whittaker, the North Shore Cape Ann Emergency Preparedness coordinator, is a group of medical and nonmedical persons who have agreed to volunteer for duty if an emergency occurs. 'These are people who can help out on a range of activities, from flu to hurricanes,' Whittaker said. Members' professions range from doctors, nurses and veterinarians to insurance brokers and stay-at-home moms. 'Anyone who wants to be involved in emergency preparedness and has a few hours to dedicate can join,' she said. About 350 local residents are on the MRC list. Volunteers are commonly notified by e-mail when participation in an event is needed, and if they are available, volunteers are given instructions regarding where to report. […] There are eight core competencies that are expected of each volunteer, she continued, and 'a whole range of activities people could do.' There are two training sessions that concentrate on teaching participants the federal 'lingo' of disaster response, and another two on incident management systems. […] The Corps also recommends training in physical first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and provides information about bioterrorist agents such as anthrax [bacteria]. 'That's the one we've been planning for, but this covers anything that can be launched at us that would have an immediate effect,' Whittaker said." (Gloucester Daily Times; 21Aug09; Elizabeth Eddy) http://www.gloucestertimes.com/pulife/local_story_232223525.html?keyword=secondarystory
Biodefense research could violate weapons conventions, [Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation] report warns
"Member states to the Biological Weapons Convention must be careful not to violate their commitments to the pact as they conduct research activities and seek to defend themselves against bioterrorism, according to a think tank report issued this week. 'There is growing recognition that states parties engaged in biodefense research and development activities must take active steps to ensure their own compliance with the convention and to effectively reassure others of their compliance,' according to the document released Monday by the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation. […] The report is the result of a Feb. 25, 2008, conference aimed at facilitating information sharing and discussion among a small group of governmental and nongovernmental experts about the processes used by various agencies to ensure compliance with the treaty. […] The significant growth of biodefense research and development programs over the last decade, coupled with failure by member states to establish a verification protocol to ensure compliance with the treaty, has placed new pressure on the prohibitions contained in the compact, according to the report. […] Some experts have said that almost any activity conducted with defensive intent would be allowed by the convention. However, others argue that the issue is more complex and that some ostensibly protective research could lead to development and proliferation of biological weapons, the study says. […] The type of biodefense activity that is most likely to raise questions regarding treaty compliance is threat assessment. […] A dangerous biological agent could inadvertently be developed during such research, Epstein said. […] Epstein added it is difficult to determine what kind of research could cause a violation because 'the treaty is not at all specific about what's prohibited.' […] Biodefense research activity should be shown to be both 'useful and critical' for a 'prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purpose,' the document says. […] Epstein said he believes that principle can be met by a country demonstrating how it would be better protected through biological research." (Global Security Newswire; 20Aug09; Martin Matishak) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090820_6796.php
[Del. Eleanor Holmes] Norton [D-D.C.] tries to reassure residents over chemical weapons cleanup
"Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton toured World War I munitions burial sites in Northwest Washington on Wednesday and sought to reassure the public that the Army Corps of Engineers would continue its search for such materials for as long as it takes. Norton (D-D.C.) was given a status report by the corps, which has been directing the $170 million, 16-year cleanup of the munitions that are buried in scattered sites in the District's Spring Valley neighborhood. This month, workers were surprised when they found a flask containing residue of the blistering agent mustard. […] Work there has been halted but will resume soon, Norton said. […] Norton said she has asked the corps to reveal 'all of the substances' that have been found in the area, something the corps has not publicly done. American University, in what was then a remote part of Washington, served as an experimental site for chemical warfare during World War I. […] 'Our concern now is not to rewrite history but to keep the corps digging until all concerned, including the Congress of the United States, is satisfied that it's all done,' [Norton said]. 'Our position is that the corps must remain until there is an objective all-clear here,' she added. […] There are 1,632 suspect properties in the area, she said. Ninety-eight percent of them have been sampled. About 140 have required cleanup of some kind. Norton said she has been told that the air in the area is safe, and so is the water." (Washington Post; 20Aug09; Michael E. Ruane) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/19/AR2009081902423.html?hpid=moreheadlines
US Dept of Defense - force protection team trains for chemical [weapon] attack [OH]
"Ohio National Guard members spent a week at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center here to test their ability to respond to a chemical [weapon] attack. Ohio's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package [CERFP] […] comprises command and control, search and extraction, decontamination and medical teams staffed by members of Guard units. During the exercise here, simulated victims of a chemical attack were 'traumatized' as they were transported to one area. The soldiers and airmen who were helping them were dressed in yellow chemical protection suits and trying to calm the survivors. […] The CERFP is made up of chemical and engineering soldiers and Air Force medics pulled together from the Ohio Army and Air National Guard. In all, more than 600 personnel were brought to Muscatatuck to train. The task for the CERFP was to set up a decontamination station in less than 90 minutes. Search and rescue teams could then bring victims to the decontamination station to save their lives. The team completed its task with 22 minutes to spare. […] 'There is really realistic stuff here,' Army Pvt. Michael Cooper said. 'Especially on the rubble piles. I've never seen so many victims brought to us at one time. … It's stuff you would see in real life.' […] The Ohio CERFP will return to Muscatatuck in November, when Army North will conduct a homeland security exercise." (Isria; 21Aug09) http://www.isria.com/pages/21_August_2009_36.php
Iraqi expatriates drop claim against alleged chemical-weapon supplier
"One U.S. firm is no longer included in a lawsuit that had accused three companies of supplying material used by the former government of Iraq to produce chemical weapons that were employed against the nation's Kurds in the 1980s, the Associated Press reported yesterday. In discussions with the plaintiffs - five former residents of Iraq and the Kurdish National Congress of North America - VWR International LLC of Pennsylvania proved that it had no connection to a firm accused of selling the materials to the regime of Saddam Hussein, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said yesterday. The plaintiffs might still seek to identify and seek compensation from the suspect company's true successor, the attorney said. The plaintiffs retained their claims against Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. of Massachusetts and Alcolac Inc. of Maryland; both firms have called for the lawsuit to be dismissed." (Global Security Newswire; 20Aug09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090820_2336.php
The Bahamas designates OPCW national authority
"In compliance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), the Bahamas has informed the OPCW that it has designated a focal point within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assume the functions of National Authority [… which] is crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of the CWC. […] The National Authority has the responsibility of implementing the provisions of the CWC at the national level. To meet its basic obligations, each State Party must be able to submit all the required declarations, communicate with the OPCW, cooperate with other States Parties, facilitate OPCW inspections, respond to OPCW requests for assistance, protect the confidentiality of classified information, monitor and enforce national compliance, and cooperate in the peaceful uses of chemistry. States Parties are also obliged to declare and eliminate all chemical weapons stockpiles and chemical weapons production facilities. The National Authority plays an indispensable role in all of these activities." (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; 21Aug09)
http://www.opcw.org/news/news/article/the-bahamas-designates-opcw-national-authority/
Expert [Malcolm Dando, Professor of International Security at Britain's Bradford University] warns of mind-altering biological drugs in warfare [Bradford, England]
"A chemical and biological weapons expert on Wednesday called for military groups to cease use of mind-altering drugs in battle. […] Malcolm Dando, Professor of International Security at Britain's Bradford University […] pointed to the misuse of chemicals and gene therapies being developed for medical purposes in modern warfare. These methods 'are particularly suited to this style of warfare; it is not hard to find people in the military world who think they would be useful,' said Dando, a regular participant in U.N.-sponsored arms conferences. According to Reuters, Dando is seeking to redraft the 1993 global Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). […] 'The CWC urgently needs modifying if it is to continue to help ensure that the modern life sciences are not used for hostile purposes,' Dando wrote in the journal [Nature]. 'Law enforcement could be taken by some to cover more than domestic riot control, which in certain circumstances would make it legal for the military to use agents such as fentanyl.' […] Dando also said that drugs like oxytocin 'opens up the possibility of a drug that could be used to manipulate people's emotions in a military context.'" (Red Orbit; 19Aug09)
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1740039/expert_warns_of_mindaltering_biological_drugs_in_warfare/
[Senator Arlen] Specter to hold Pittsburgh hearing on proposed UPMC [University of Pittsburgh Medical Center] vaccine plant [PA]
"Sen. Arlen Specter will conduct a hearing in Downtown Pittsburgh tomorrow to discuss the nation's biological vulnerabilities and the possibility of developing a vaccine plant in the Pittsburgh area. The Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing will be held at the federal courthouse and feature testimony by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center President and CEO Jeffrey Romoff, Dr. Donald Burke, dean of the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health and others. UPMC has been exploring the possibility for building such a plant for several years, which will cost an estimated $830 million and employ 1,000 people, according to Specter's office. Specter has taken a lead role is seeking government funding for the facility, which would make vaccines to protect against chemical, biological and radiological threats from terrorist attacks." (Pittsburgh Business Times; 20Aug09) http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2009/08/17/daily37.html
Pennsylvania state partnership program assists Lithuania's crisis management team
"A delegation of 24 Lithuanians will be actively involved with the Pennsylvania National Guard, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) between August 23-30. Exercise 'Red Rose IV' is a full scale interagency mass casualty disaster and WMD exercise involving approximately 400 personnel from both the military and approximately fifteen local, state and federal civilian agencies. […] The exercise will help strengthen relations between the State Partner, Pennsylvania and Lithuania, as well demonstrate effectiveness and capabilities of Crisis Management. This unique exercise will include both military and civilian teams working side by side to actively participate in an exercise that will simulate a mass catastrophic event. The Lithuanian team includes members from the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medical Group, Decontamination teams and planning officers, as well as members from the Lithuanian Fire Department, Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Health. The Pennsylvania National Guard Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (PA NG CERFP) will be assisted with additional help from PEMA, UPMC, as well as other civilian emergency response agencies. […] The goal is to safely conduct extraction operations in a confined space or a collapsed structure that may involve the release of chemical, biological or radiological agents." (BNS Spaudos Centras; 21Aug09)
http://sc.bns.lt/index.php?item=78676&id=3&subid=43
Mock disaster taking place at IPM [International Plowing Match] site in Earlton today [Ontario]
"The 2009 International Plowing Match (IPM) Health, Safety and Emergency Services Committee, along with key stakeholders of the district of Temiskaming, is staging a mock disaster exercise from 10:30 a. m. to 2:30 p. m. The exercise will give IPM organizers and area emergency personnel the opportunity to practise drills in the event of an emergency. […] Key participants include more than eight communities with more joining in […] the Timiskaming Health Unit, EMS Ambulance Services, […] and fire departments. This mock disaster is both a live and table top exercise and will be coordinated simultaneously through faxes to each emergency operation center. It is intended to be conducted as a real time event with times and specific events being communicated to each site in real time. […] It will not only involve communities across the district along with the police, ambulance services and fire departments, but it will also activate the hospitals' CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear) Response. Organizers welcome this not only as a necessary safety exercise but also as a perfect opportunity for each municipality to participate and fulfill their yearly mandate of exercising their emergency plan." (Northern News; 21Aug09)
http://www.northernnews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1709518
India prepared to counter any threat to security: Minister [of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju says]
"India should be prepared for the 'eventuality' that nuclear, chemical and biological weapons may fall into the hands of terrorists, Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju said Thursday while stressing that adequate steps were being taken to counter any threats. 'In [the] future the potential is there that terrorists could get nuclear, biological and chemical weapons towards which we should take adequate steps. We should be prepared for any eventuality. And nuclear, biological and chemical weapons is something we are preparing for,' Raju said at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conference here. Referring to China, he said: 'Being a bigger power, China will make its move and increase its military prowess.' However, the minister held that India would take sufficient steps to counter any threat posed to its security." (Thaindian News; 20Aug09)
"A new laboratory test can spot quickly and tell apart in a single run almost all pathogens classified by US authorities as biowarfare agents, say researchers this month in PLoS ONE [Public Library of Science]. 'Our results... show that the resequencing pathogen microarray for detection of tropical and emerging infectious agents assay not only detects and identifies agents, but is also able to differentiate near neighbours of the same agent types,' writes […] Tomasz Leski of the US Naval Research Laboratory and Nova Research Incorporated in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. […] The new test developed by Leski and colleagues is a device that picks up gene expression levels, known as a 'microarray.' In a single run it can pick out the specific pathogen present in a sample that contains genetic information for many different bugs. […] The test system can detect and identify any one of 84 different pathogens and 13 biological toxins - almost all biothreats on the US government's 'select agents' list. The list includes viruses that cause Ebola haemorrhagic fever and smallpox, as well as anthrax bacteria. […] Thousands of comparative identification tests can be run at the same time, so the strategy can give each biological sample 'extra mileage.' This is important because samples are usually precious and limited, [Mahesh Uttamchandani of the DSO Laboratories in Singapore] says. The new microarray can help scientists to not only identify many of the known biowarfare agents, but also detect organisms that are closely related to them." (Emerging Health Threats; 21Aug09) http://www.eht-forum.org/news.html?fileId=news090821123131&from=home&id=0
[Medical Reserve] Corps of volunteers ready to help out in emergency [Gloucester, England]
"It should be comforting to know that hundreds of residents of Cape Ann are ready to pitch in at a moment's notice in case of a disaster. The Medical Reserve Corps, explained Margaret Whittaker, the North Shore Cape Ann Emergency Preparedness coordinator, is a group of medical and nonmedical persons who have agreed to volunteer for duty if an emergency occurs. 'These are people who can help out on a range of activities, from flu to hurricanes,' Whittaker said. Members' professions range from doctors, nurses and veterinarians to insurance brokers and stay-at-home moms. 'Anyone who wants to be involved in emergency preparedness and has a few hours to dedicate can join,' she said. About 350 local residents are on the MRC list. Volunteers are commonly notified by e-mail when participation in an event is needed, and if they are available, volunteers are given instructions regarding where to report. […] There are eight core competencies that are expected of each volunteer, she continued, and 'a whole range of activities people could do.' There are two training sessions that concentrate on teaching participants the federal 'lingo' of disaster response, and another two on incident management systems. […] The Corps also recommends training in physical first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and provides information about bioterrorist agents such as anthrax [bacteria]. 'That's the one we've been planning for, but this covers anything that can be launched at us that would have an immediate effect,' Whittaker said." (Gloucester Daily Times; 21Aug09; Elizabeth Eddy) http://www.gloucestertimes.com/pulife/local_story_232223525.html?keyword=secondarystory
Biodefense research could violate weapons conventions, [Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation] report warns
"Member states to the Biological Weapons Convention must be careful not to violate their commitments to the pact as they conduct research activities and seek to defend themselves against bioterrorism, according to a think tank report issued this week. 'There is growing recognition that states parties engaged in biodefense research and development activities must take active steps to ensure their own compliance with the convention and to effectively reassure others of their compliance,' according to the document released Monday by the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation. […] The report is the result of a Feb. 25, 2008, conference aimed at facilitating information sharing and discussion among a small group of governmental and nongovernmental experts about the processes used by various agencies to ensure compliance with the treaty. […] The significant growth of biodefense research and development programs over the last decade, coupled with failure by member states to establish a verification protocol to ensure compliance with the treaty, has placed new pressure on the prohibitions contained in the compact, according to the report. […] Some experts have said that almost any activity conducted with defensive intent would be allowed by the convention. However, others argue that the issue is more complex and that some ostensibly protective research could lead to development and proliferation of biological weapons, the study says. […] The type of biodefense activity that is most likely to raise questions regarding treaty compliance is threat assessment. […] A dangerous biological agent could inadvertently be developed during such research, Epstein said. […] Epstein added it is difficult to determine what kind of research could cause a violation because 'the treaty is not at all specific about what's prohibited.' […] Biodefense research activity should be shown to be both 'useful and critical' for a 'prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purpose,' the document says. […] Epstein said he believes that principle can be met by a country demonstrating how it would be better protected through biological research." (Global Security Newswire; 20Aug09; Martin Matishak) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090820_6796.php
[Del. Eleanor Holmes] Norton [D-D.C.] tries to reassure residents over chemical weapons cleanup
"Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton toured World War I munitions burial sites in Northwest Washington on Wednesday and sought to reassure the public that the Army Corps of Engineers would continue its search for such materials for as long as it takes. Norton (D-D.C.) was given a status report by the corps, which has been directing the $170 million, 16-year cleanup of the munitions that are buried in scattered sites in the District's Spring Valley neighborhood. This month, workers were surprised when they found a flask containing residue of the blistering agent mustard. […] Work there has been halted but will resume soon, Norton said. […] Norton said she has asked the corps to reveal 'all of the substances' that have been found in the area, something the corps has not publicly done. American University, in what was then a remote part of Washington, served as an experimental site for chemical warfare during World War I. […] 'Our concern now is not to rewrite history but to keep the corps digging until all concerned, including the Congress of the United States, is satisfied that it's all done,' [Norton said]. 'Our position is that the corps must remain until there is an objective all-clear here,' she added. […] There are 1,632 suspect properties in the area, she said. Ninety-eight percent of them have been sampled. About 140 have required cleanup of some kind. Norton said she has been told that the air in the area is safe, and so is the water." (Washington Post; 20Aug09; Michael E. Ruane) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/19/AR2009081902423.html?hpid=moreheadlines
US Dept of Defense - force protection team trains for chemical [weapon] attack [OH]
"Ohio National Guard members spent a week at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center here to test their ability to respond to a chemical [weapon] attack. Ohio's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package [CERFP] […] comprises command and control, search and extraction, decontamination and medical teams staffed by members of Guard units. During the exercise here, simulated victims of a chemical attack were 'traumatized' as they were transported to one area. The soldiers and airmen who were helping them were dressed in yellow chemical protection suits and trying to calm the survivors. […] The CERFP is made up of chemical and engineering soldiers and Air Force medics pulled together from the Ohio Army and Air National Guard. In all, more than 600 personnel were brought to Muscatatuck to train. The task for the CERFP was to set up a decontamination station in less than 90 minutes. Search and rescue teams could then bring victims to the decontamination station to save their lives. The team completed its task with 22 minutes to spare. […] 'There is really realistic stuff here,' Army Pvt. Michael Cooper said. 'Especially on the rubble piles. I've never seen so many victims brought to us at one time. … It's stuff you would see in real life.' […] The Ohio CERFP will return to Muscatatuck in November, when Army North will conduct a homeland security exercise." (Isria; 21Aug09) http://www.isria.com/pages/21_August_2009_36.php
Iraqi expatriates drop claim against alleged chemical-weapon supplier
"One U.S. firm is no longer included in a lawsuit that had accused three companies of supplying material used by the former government of Iraq to produce chemical weapons that were employed against the nation's Kurds in the 1980s, the Associated Press reported yesterday. In discussions with the plaintiffs - five former residents of Iraq and the Kurdish National Congress of North America - VWR International LLC of Pennsylvania proved that it had no connection to a firm accused of selling the materials to the regime of Saddam Hussein, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said yesterday. The plaintiffs might still seek to identify and seek compensation from the suspect company's true successor, the attorney said. The plaintiffs retained their claims against Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. of Massachusetts and Alcolac Inc. of Maryland; both firms have called for the lawsuit to be dismissed." (Global Security Newswire; 20Aug09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090820_2336.php
The Bahamas designates OPCW national authority
"In compliance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), the Bahamas has informed the OPCW that it has designated a focal point within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assume the functions of National Authority [… which] is crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of the CWC. […] The National Authority has the responsibility of implementing the provisions of the CWC at the national level. To meet its basic obligations, each State Party must be able to submit all the required declarations, communicate with the OPCW, cooperate with other States Parties, facilitate OPCW inspections, respond to OPCW requests for assistance, protect the confidentiality of classified information, monitor and enforce national compliance, and cooperate in the peaceful uses of chemistry. States Parties are also obliged to declare and eliminate all chemical weapons stockpiles and chemical weapons production facilities. The National Authority plays an indispensable role in all of these activities." (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; 21Aug09)
http://www.opcw.org/news/news/article/the-bahamas-designates-opcw-national-authority/
Expert [Malcolm Dando, Professor of International Security at Britain's Bradford University] warns of mind-altering biological drugs in warfare [Bradford, England]
"A chemical and biological weapons expert on Wednesday called for military groups to cease use of mind-altering drugs in battle. […] Malcolm Dando, Professor of International Security at Britain's Bradford University […] pointed to the misuse of chemicals and gene therapies being developed for medical purposes in modern warfare. These methods 'are particularly suited to this style of warfare; it is not hard to find people in the military world who think they would be useful,' said Dando, a regular participant in U.N.-sponsored arms conferences. According to Reuters, Dando is seeking to redraft the 1993 global Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). […] 'The CWC urgently needs modifying if it is to continue to help ensure that the modern life sciences are not used for hostile purposes,' Dando wrote in the journal [Nature]. 'Law enforcement could be taken by some to cover more than domestic riot control, which in certain circumstances would make it legal for the military to use agents such as fentanyl.' […] Dando also said that drugs like oxytocin 'opens up the possibility of a drug that could be used to manipulate people's emotions in a military context.'" (Red Orbit; 19Aug09)
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1740039/expert_warns_of_mindaltering_biological_drugs_in_warfare/
[Senator Arlen] Specter to hold Pittsburgh hearing on proposed UPMC [University of Pittsburgh Medical Center] vaccine plant [PA]
"Sen. Arlen Specter will conduct a hearing in Downtown Pittsburgh tomorrow to discuss the nation's biological vulnerabilities and the possibility of developing a vaccine plant in the Pittsburgh area. The Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing will be held at the federal courthouse and feature testimony by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center President and CEO Jeffrey Romoff, Dr. Donald Burke, dean of the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health and others. UPMC has been exploring the possibility for building such a plant for several years, which will cost an estimated $830 million and employ 1,000 people, according to Specter's office. Specter has taken a lead role is seeking government funding for the facility, which would make vaccines to protect against chemical, biological and radiological threats from terrorist attacks." (Pittsburgh Business Times; 20Aug09) http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2009/08/17/daily37.html
Pennsylvania state partnership program assists Lithuania's crisis management team
"A delegation of 24 Lithuanians will be actively involved with the Pennsylvania National Guard, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) between August 23-30. Exercise 'Red Rose IV' is a full scale interagency mass casualty disaster and WMD exercise involving approximately 400 personnel from both the military and approximately fifteen local, state and federal civilian agencies. […] The exercise will help strengthen relations between the State Partner, Pennsylvania and Lithuania, as well demonstrate effectiveness and capabilities of Crisis Management. This unique exercise will include both military and civilian teams working side by side to actively participate in an exercise that will simulate a mass catastrophic event. The Lithuanian team includes members from the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medical Group, Decontamination teams and planning officers, as well as members from the Lithuanian Fire Department, Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Health. The Pennsylvania National Guard Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (PA NG CERFP) will be assisted with additional help from PEMA, UPMC, as well as other civilian emergency response agencies. […] The goal is to safely conduct extraction operations in a confined space or a collapsed structure that may involve the release of chemical, biological or radiological agents." (BNS Spaudos Centras; 21Aug09)
http://sc.bns.lt/index.php?item=78676&id=3&subid=43
Mock disaster taking place at IPM [International Plowing Match] site in Earlton today [Ontario]
"The 2009 International Plowing Match (IPM) Health, Safety and Emergency Services Committee, along with key stakeholders of the district of Temiskaming, is staging a mock disaster exercise from 10:30 a. m. to 2:30 p. m. The exercise will give IPM organizers and area emergency personnel the opportunity to practise drills in the event of an emergency. […] Key participants include more than eight communities with more joining in […] the Timiskaming Health Unit, EMS Ambulance Services, […] and fire departments. This mock disaster is both a live and table top exercise and will be coordinated simultaneously through faxes to each emergency operation center. It is intended to be conducted as a real time event with times and specific events being communicated to each site in real time. […] It will not only involve communities across the district along with the police, ambulance services and fire departments, but it will also activate the hospitals' CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear) Response. Organizers welcome this not only as a necessary safety exercise but also as a perfect opportunity for each municipality to participate and fulfill their yearly mandate of exercising their emergency plan." (Northern News; 21Aug09)
http://www.northernnews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1709518
India prepared to counter any threat to security: Minister [of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju says]
"India should be prepared for the 'eventuality' that nuclear, chemical and biological weapons may fall into the hands of terrorists, Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju said Thursday while stressing that adequate steps were being taken to counter any threats. 'In [the] future the potential is there that terrorists could get nuclear, biological and chemical weapons towards which we should take adequate steps. We should be prepared for any eventuality. And nuclear, biological and chemical weapons is something we are preparing for,' Raju said at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conference here. Referring to China, he said: 'Being a bigger power, China will make its move and increase its military prowess.' However, the minister held that India would take sufficient steps to counter any threat posed to its security." (Thaindian News; 20Aug09)
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