By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
April 3, 2008 - Building an Iraqi police force is an enormous challenge, but the coalition-and-Iraqi team working to do so is making progress, a senior U.S. Army officer working with Iraq's Interior Ministry said today. Maj. Gen. Michael D. Jones, director general for interior affairs in Baghdad, said in an interview today that the Iraqi-led, Iraqi-planned operations in Basra pointed to both the successes and the setbacks in training the police.
The sheer size of the training challenge is daunting, he said. The Iraqi police forces have grown 400 percent since 2003. If the U.S. Army had undergone the same rate of growth, there would be 2 million active duty soldiers today.
"If that happened, you can only imagine the challenges we would have as an institution with not having enough equipment, not having the facilities for all those people," Jones said. "We might not have the quality of the force that we have today. We would be short leaders, and on and on."
The Iraqi Interior Ministry has had these problems and more. The Interior Ministry had a good portion of its management team taken away because of efforts to remove Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from the government. The ministry had to be reorganized, because it was designed under the old regime with the sole purpose of keeping the regime in power, not of protecting the Iraqi people, he said.
Also, while the Iraqi army and national police are national assets – meaning they are recruited from around the country and can serve anywhere in the country – municipal police forces are local.
"They and their families are vulnerable to threats and intimidation," Jones said.
But he noted that the police have made progress. "Just the growth of the force is quite an accomplishment," he said. The coalition and Iraqi government are making good on equipment shortages, and the Interior Ministry is setting up a logistics system to supply the police.
"They have gone through a major reform effort, where they are trying to reform the ministry to one that becomes professional, and although there are still challenges, they are making progress," Jones said.
The operations in southern Iraq in the past 10 days illustrate the changes, Jones said. "About a year ago, the discussion we were having was how come Iraqi security forces can't get to Baghdad in order to participate in the surge?" he said. And the performance of the units that were showing up in the Iraqi capital – mostly National Police – was tainted by sectarianism.
"What we've seen in the events of the last eight to 10 days is the Iraqis – at their own initiative – making a strategic decision to confront a problem in Basra and rapidly moving forces down there," he said.
The Iraqi police managed to arrive in Basra in good order and almost immediately engaged in combat, Jones said. The Iraqi government was able to sustain the forces in the fight. "I am positive a year ago, that could not have been done," he said.
"Did they have problems? Of course," he continued. "They had significant problems over the past week, but the fact (is) that it was Iraqis in the lead overcoming those problems, and I have to give them a bit of credit for that."
Jones said the National Police performed very well in Basra.
"The feedback on the National Police units has been very good," he said. "They have fought very hard, they have been successful in their operations to include ... being cohesive through some very tough fighting."
In fact, some national policemen volunteered to stay with their units rather than depart for the monthly leave to bring their pay home, he said.
"The local police had a much more mixed result," he said. "There are some reports of police that fought, there are also some reports of police who have not and who left police stations and abandoned their duty stations."
Some police deserted and went over to the criminal elements. Some broke under stress. For others, discretion was the better part of valor and the smart move.
"They realized they weren't equipped or trained for the operation," Jones said. "They moved out of the stations and fought elsewhere."
In Basra, this combat test allowed people to see who was weak or complicit with militias or Iranian-backed "special groups." Interior Ministry authorities will get rid of policemen who were complicit or cowardly.
Leadership is a problem in all branches of the Iraqi police. There are not enough good leaders to go around, Jones said, and training officers for leadership roles takes time. The Iraqi Police College is a three-year, degree-producing institution.
Once the training is finished, it still takes on-the-job experience to produce good leaders, Jones said. In the U.S. Army it takes 15 years to develop a battalion commander.
"How long does it take to grow a police chief or station chief?" he said. "I don't know if there's an exact number, but I know it's a fair number of years to get somebody that kind of experience."
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Dayne D. Dhanoolal, 26, of Brooklyn, died March 31 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
For further information on this soldier, contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at (706) 545-3512; after hours, call (706) 545-2218.
Sgt. Dayne D. Dhanoolal, 26, of Brooklyn, died March 31 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
For further information on this soldier, contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at (706) 545-3512; after hours, call (706) 545-2218.
Drug Intoxicated Irregular Fighters: Complications, Dangers, and Responses
The presence of drugged fighters is not unknown in the history of warfare. Yet widespread drug use on the battlefield is now part of protracted conflicts largely fought by nonprofessional combatants that take place in an international system characterized by the process of globalization. From marijuana, khat, hallucinogenic mushrooms, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine to looted pharmaceuticals, irregular fighters have found a ready supply of narcotics to consume for a variety of combat purposes. Such consumption has led to unpredictable fighting, the commission of atrocities, and to the prolongation of internal violence. The presence of intoxicated combatants will continue to be a feature of armed conflict and requires a fuller accounting to adequately prepare policymakers and military planners for future conflicts.
READ ON
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?PubID=850
READ ON
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?PubID=850
Troops Kill Suspected Terrorists, Capture Others in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
April 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed seven suspected terrorists, detained 10 others and seized weapons and explosives in Iraq the past three days, military officials said.
During operations today:
-- Troops detained a suspected Iranian-backed "special groups" criminal and two other suspects early this morning in the Hillah area south of Baghdad. The targeted suspect allegedly had planned to assassinate Hillah police leaders. He also is suspected of providing special groups cells with $100,000 and operational intelligence, officials said.
-- Ground forces captured a suspect west of Qayyarah who allegedly is tied to al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and their smuggling network. Coalition forces identified the individual based on intelligence gathered during a March 30 operation. Troops detained one additional suspect.
-- Coalition forces in Mosul captured two suspects who are believed to be linked to a senior figure in the al Qaeda in Iraq network.
In Iraq operations yesterday:
-- Coalition troops east of Samarra stopped a truck in which a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq associate was traveling with three other individuals. When two passengers reached for weapons in the back of the vehicle, coalition forces perceived hostile intent and engaged the men, killing all four.
-- Coalition aircraft conducted a precision strike on a house in Basra, killing two criminals. Coalition forces are unaware of any civilians killed in the strike; they are currently investigating the matter further, military officials said.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed a man planting a roadside bomb in northeastern Baghdad. Military officials said another suspected emplacer and a local woman being used as a human shield also were wounded in the incident; officials extended their sympathies to the victim and her family.
-- Troops captured a wanted individual during operations in Mosul. The suspect is believed to be a senior figure in the al Qaeda in Iraq network and tied to several senior terrorist leaders. Coalition forces nabbed one additional suspect.
-- A local Iraqi led a unit of Multinational Division Center soldiers to a key suspect in Salman Pak, where troops detained the individual. The suspect was No. 2 on Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment's list of suspected criminals and No. 4 on Multinational Division Center's list.
-- Iraqi army and Multinational Division Center soldiers recovered five weapons caches in Kutimiyah. The caches contained 45 rocket-propelled grenades, a .50-caliber machine gun with 500 rounds of ammunition, dozens of fuses, an anti-personnel mine, two 81 mm mortar tubes, a machine gun and various ammunition.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers seized a munitions cache while patrolling the New Baghdad area of the Iraqi capital. The cache contained armor-piercing explosively formed penetrators, rocket-propelled grenades, RPG launchers and sticks of RPG propellant.
In Mahmudiyah on April 1, a tip from an Iraqi citizen led Iraqi Army soldiers to a local weapons cache. The cache contained two explosively formed projectiles, four rocket-propelled grenades, a 60 mm mortar tube and mortar round, and small-arms ammunition.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
April 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed seven suspected terrorists, detained 10 others and seized weapons and explosives in Iraq the past three days, military officials said.
During operations today:
-- Troops detained a suspected Iranian-backed "special groups" criminal and two other suspects early this morning in the Hillah area south of Baghdad. The targeted suspect allegedly had planned to assassinate Hillah police leaders. He also is suspected of providing special groups cells with $100,000 and operational intelligence, officials said.
-- Ground forces captured a suspect west of Qayyarah who allegedly is tied to al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and their smuggling network. Coalition forces identified the individual based on intelligence gathered during a March 30 operation. Troops detained one additional suspect.
-- Coalition forces in Mosul captured two suspects who are believed to be linked to a senior figure in the al Qaeda in Iraq network.
In Iraq operations yesterday:
-- Coalition troops east of Samarra stopped a truck in which a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq associate was traveling with three other individuals. When two passengers reached for weapons in the back of the vehicle, coalition forces perceived hostile intent and engaged the men, killing all four.
-- Coalition aircraft conducted a precision strike on a house in Basra, killing two criminals. Coalition forces are unaware of any civilians killed in the strike; they are currently investigating the matter further, military officials said.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed a man planting a roadside bomb in northeastern Baghdad. Military officials said another suspected emplacer and a local woman being used as a human shield also were wounded in the incident; officials extended their sympathies to the victim and her family.
-- Troops captured a wanted individual during operations in Mosul. The suspect is believed to be a senior figure in the al Qaeda in Iraq network and tied to several senior terrorist leaders. Coalition forces nabbed one additional suspect.
-- A local Iraqi led a unit of Multinational Division Center soldiers to a key suspect in Salman Pak, where troops detained the individual. The suspect was No. 2 on Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment's list of suspected criminals and No. 4 on Multinational Division Center's list.
-- Iraqi army and Multinational Division Center soldiers recovered five weapons caches in Kutimiyah. The caches contained 45 rocket-propelled grenades, a .50-caliber machine gun with 500 rounds of ammunition, dozens of fuses, an anti-personnel mine, two 81 mm mortar tubes, a machine gun and various ammunition.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers seized a munitions cache while patrolling the New Baghdad area of the Iraqi capital. The cache contained armor-piercing explosively formed penetrators, rocket-propelled grenades, RPG launchers and sticks of RPG propellant.
In Mahmudiyah on April 1, a tip from an Iraqi citizen led Iraqi Army soldiers to a local weapons cache. The cache contained two explosively formed projectiles, four rocket-propelled grenades, a 60 mm mortar tube and mortar round, and small-arms ammunition.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Enemy Attacks Give Coalition Opportunities, General Says
By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service
April 3, 2008 - The recent increase in attacks by Shiia extremists in Iraq gave coalition forces in the center of the country opportunities to target extremist cells and degrade their capabilities, the U.S. general in charge of operations in the area said today. From March 25 to 30, Shiia extremists in the Multinational Division Center area of operations stepped up attacks in conjunction with a spike in violence in Basra and southern Baghdad, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the division's commander, told reporters in Baghdad. That violence flared after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered Iraqi forces to clamp down on illegal militias, criminals and thugs in Basra. Shiia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Jaysh al-Mahdi organization contested the Iraqi security forces, and fighting spread north to Baghdad and other Shiia cities in the south.
In the Multinational Division Center area, there were some 78 attacks by Shiia extremists during the six-day period, Lynch said. These attacks targeted coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and Iraqi civilians, and included the use of improvised explosive devices, armor-piercing explosively formed penetrators, rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, he said. One U.S. soldier, 17 Iraqi security forces members and five civilians were killed in the attacks, and many more were wounded.
While these attacks did cause casualties, they also brought a lot of the Shiia extremists out of hiding and gave the coalition and Iraqi forces an opportunity to target them, Lynch said. Division leaders previously had estimated that about 600 Shiia extremists were in their area, making up about 10 so-called "special groups." The increased attacks allowed the coalition to more easily target them, and during the six-day period, coalition and Iraqi forces captured four high-value individuals, killed 69 extremists, wounded five, and detained 537 suspects, he said. The suspects were questioned, and 230 are still in detention.
"The enemy needed his leaders to conduct operations; we took some of those away," Lynch said. "The enemy needed his 'led,' his soldiers if you will, and many of those are now currently detained."
The combined forces also found 18 weapons caches that contained various types of ammunition, bombs and other weapons, Lynch said.
"We experienced a tactical and an operational opportunity to take the fight to the Shiia extremists," Lynch said of the six-day period of increased violence.
Since March 30, attacks in the Multinational Division Center area have gone back to their normal levels, with just one attack occurring yesterday and none the day before, Lynch said. Since taking command of forces in the area 13 months ago, Lynch said, he's seen a significant decrease in violence and an increased focus on rebuilding Iraqi society.
Lynch's soldiers occupy 57 different patrol bases throughout the area with Iraqi security forces, and that presence has helped build trust with the locals, the general said.
"What we have found is the local population, as a result of seeing the patrol base, they come forward and ask two questions," he said. "The first question is, 'Are you staying?' and when the local population is convinced we're going to stay, the next question is, 'How can we help?'"
About 36,000 concerned local citizens are helping to secure their neighborhoods in "Sons of Iraq" security groups in the division's area, Lynch said. And as the violence has decreased, the people have focused more on improving their quality of life, he added.
"Now, when I go to patrol bases ... I immediately leave the patrol base and go visit with the population, talk to the people," he said. "The conversation now has changed. It's no longer about security; it's about jobs. It's about capacity; it's about the economy; it's about local governments."
American Forces Press Service
April 3, 2008 - The recent increase in attacks by Shiia extremists in Iraq gave coalition forces in the center of the country opportunities to target extremist cells and degrade their capabilities, the U.S. general in charge of operations in the area said today. From March 25 to 30, Shiia extremists in the Multinational Division Center area of operations stepped up attacks in conjunction with a spike in violence in Basra and southern Baghdad, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the division's commander, told reporters in Baghdad. That violence flared after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered Iraqi forces to clamp down on illegal militias, criminals and thugs in Basra. Shiia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Jaysh al-Mahdi organization contested the Iraqi security forces, and fighting spread north to Baghdad and other Shiia cities in the south.
In the Multinational Division Center area, there were some 78 attacks by Shiia extremists during the six-day period, Lynch said. These attacks targeted coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and Iraqi civilians, and included the use of improvised explosive devices, armor-piercing explosively formed penetrators, rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, he said. One U.S. soldier, 17 Iraqi security forces members and five civilians were killed in the attacks, and many more were wounded.
While these attacks did cause casualties, they also brought a lot of the Shiia extremists out of hiding and gave the coalition and Iraqi forces an opportunity to target them, Lynch said. Division leaders previously had estimated that about 600 Shiia extremists were in their area, making up about 10 so-called "special groups." The increased attacks allowed the coalition to more easily target them, and during the six-day period, coalition and Iraqi forces captured four high-value individuals, killed 69 extremists, wounded five, and detained 537 suspects, he said. The suspects were questioned, and 230 are still in detention.
"The enemy needed his leaders to conduct operations; we took some of those away," Lynch said. "The enemy needed his 'led,' his soldiers if you will, and many of those are now currently detained."
The combined forces also found 18 weapons caches that contained various types of ammunition, bombs and other weapons, Lynch said.
"We experienced a tactical and an operational opportunity to take the fight to the Shiia extremists," Lynch said of the six-day period of increased violence.
Since March 30, attacks in the Multinational Division Center area have gone back to their normal levels, with just one attack occurring yesterday and none the day before, Lynch said. Since taking command of forces in the area 13 months ago, Lynch said, he's seen a significant decrease in violence and an increased focus on rebuilding Iraqi society.
Lynch's soldiers occupy 57 different patrol bases throughout the area with Iraqi security forces, and that presence has helped build trust with the locals, the general said.
"What we have found is the local population, as a result of seeing the patrol base, they come forward and ask two questions," he said. "The first question is, 'Are you staying?' and when the local population is convinced we're going to stay, the next question is, 'How can we help?'"
About 36,000 concerned local citizens are helping to secure their neighborhoods in "Sons of Iraq" security groups in the division's area, Lynch said. And as the violence has decreased, the people have focused more on improving their quality of life, he added.
"Now, when I go to patrol bases ... I immediately leave the patrol base and go visit with the population, talk to the people," he said. "The conversation now has changed. It's no longer about security; it's about jobs. It's about capacity; it's about the economy; it's about local governments."
Navy SEAL, Medal of Honor Recipient, to be Inducted into the Hall of Heroes
Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England will induct Medal of Honor recipient Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon in a ceremony April 9 at 2 p.m. EDT.
The White House announced Monday that Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat Sept. 26, 2006, while serving as an automatic weapons gunner in a Naval Special Warfare Unit in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
President Bush is expected to present the Medal of Honor to Petty Officer Monsoor's parents at a ceremony at the White House on April 8 at 3 p.m. Media interested in covering this event should contact the White House Office of Media Affairs at (202) 456-6238.
The Pentagon ceremony will add his name to the roster in the Hall of Heroes, the Defense Department's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor. Media representatives who want to cover the Hall of Heroes induction ceremony on April 9 may contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.
At 7 p.m. on the same day, Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, will present the Medal of Honor flag to Monsoon's parents in a ceremony at the Navy Memorial. Congress ordered the creation of the Medal of Honor flag to commemorate the sacrifice and blood shed for freedom. Media interested in attending this ceremony please call the Navy Memorial at (202) 380-0718.
Monsoor is the first Navy service member to receive the Medal of Honor for combat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the second Navy service member and the fourth member of the armed services to receive the Medal of Honor for combat in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
More information about Monsoor's life and career can be found at http://www.navy.mil/moh/monsoor
The White House announced Monday that Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat Sept. 26, 2006, while serving as an automatic weapons gunner in a Naval Special Warfare Unit in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
President Bush is expected to present the Medal of Honor to Petty Officer Monsoor's parents at a ceremony at the White House on April 8 at 3 p.m. Media interested in covering this event should contact the White House Office of Media Affairs at (202) 456-6238.
The Pentagon ceremony will add his name to the roster in the Hall of Heroes, the Defense Department's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor. Media representatives who want to cover the Hall of Heroes induction ceremony on April 9 may contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.
At 7 p.m. on the same day, Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, will present the Medal of Honor flag to Monsoon's parents in a ceremony at the Navy Memorial. Congress ordered the creation of the Medal of Honor flag to commemorate the sacrifice and blood shed for freedom. Media interested in attending this ceremony please call the Navy Memorial at (202) 380-0718.
Monsoor is the first Navy service member to receive the Medal of Honor for combat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the second Navy service member and the fourth member of the armed services to receive the Medal of Honor for combat in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
More information about Monsoor's life and career can be found at http://www.navy.mil/moh/monsoor
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Former Detainees Released to Sheikh's Supervision
By Sgt. Ben Brody, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - After serving their sentences in U.S.-run prisons in Iraq, 25 detainees were released under the supervision of a local sheikh in Jurf as Sahkr on March 28. Sheikh Sabah al-Janabi, captain of the Janabi tribe and leader of Jurf as Sahkr, said he is confident the men will return to peaceful, productive lives in the community.
"Almost all of the bad people here changed their mind, so we must give these men another chance to be good people," Sabah said. "I will see that these men will serve Jurf as Sahkr, their families and the future of Iraq."
The sheikh regularly meets with soldiers of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, who are based out of Patrol Base Jurf, a compound near the village center.
Army Capt. Eric Tisland, commander of Company A, welcomed the former detainees back into the village and updated them on the changes Jurf as Sahkr has undergone since they were last home.
"In the past seven months, violence in Jurf has fallen dramatically, thanks to the Sons of Iraq chasing out the terrorists and criminals," Tisland told the men.
Sabah said he believes the men, some of whom attacked coalition forces and other Iraqis, will thrive under the new security conditions.
"This area was very difficult to live in a year ago. Everyone had to fight to survive, and the coalition forces didn't know who was good and who was bad, so they arrested many people" he said. "The people now just want to forget the past; it was very bad."
Also releasing detainees March 28 were two other units from the same brigade task force. Battery B, 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, released eight detainees in Hak, Iraq, under the supervision of Sheikh Kamil, tribal head of the Janabi tribe in the Anzio area of operations.
Meanwhile, at Joint Security Station Haswah, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, also released eight detainees under the supervision of several tribal leaders from the area including Sheikh Kaither and Sheikh Faleh.
(Army Sgt. Ben Brody is assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - After serving their sentences in U.S.-run prisons in Iraq, 25 detainees were released under the supervision of a local sheikh in Jurf as Sahkr on March 28. Sheikh Sabah al-Janabi, captain of the Janabi tribe and leader of Jurf as Sahkr, said he is confident the men will return to peaceful, productive lives in the community.
"Almost all of the bad people here changed their mind, so we must give these men another chance to be good people," Sabah said. "I will see that these men will serve Jurf as Sahkr, their families and the future of Iraq."
The sheikh regularly meets with soldiers of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, who are based out of Patrol Base Jurf, a compound near the village center.
Army Capt. Eric Tisland, commander of Company A, welcomed the former detainees back into the village and updated them on the changes Jurf as Sahkr has undergone since they were last home.
"In the past seven months, violence in Jurf has fallen dramatically, thanks to the Sons of Iraq chasing out the terrorists and criminals," Tisland told the men.
Sabah said he believes the men, some of whom attacked coalition forces and other Iraqis, will thrive under the new security conditions.
"This area was very difficult to live in a year ago. Everyone had to fight to survive, and the coalition forces didn't know who was good and who was bad, so they arrested many people" he said. "The people now just want to forget the past; it was very bad."
Also releasing detainees March 28 were two other units from the same brigade task force. Battery B, 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, released eight detainees in Hak, Iraq, under the supervision of Sheikh Kamil, tribal head of the Janabi tribe in the Anzio area of operations.
Meanwhile, at Joint Security Station Haswah, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, also released eight detainees under the supervision of several tribal leaders from the area including Sheikh Kaither and Sheikh Faleh.
(Army Sgt. Ben Brody is assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.)
Mullen Says Conventional Forces Must Learn From Special Ops Personnel
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - All servicemembers are going to have to become more like special operations troops as the war against terror continues, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said yesterday. Mullen met with thousands of troops at the Army's Fort Bragg and Marine Corps's Camp Lejeune. He spoke to reporters traveling with him before returning to Washington.
Mullen visited the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, at Fort Bragg, and met with leaders of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, at Lejeune.
The Marines are new in the special operations forces business. "About two years ago, (they) made a decision to create special operations capabilities," Mullen said. "They have deployed twice to Afghanistan as a special operations capable company of Marines embedded in the Marine expeditionary unit. That is a significant commitment and change for the Marine Corps."
The Marine commitment has taken some of the pressure off U.S. Special Operations Command, allowing the command to apply itself to a higher level of capability, the chairman said.
All the services must learn from the special operations community, the chairman said. "I think all the services have to focus on more agility, more speed, more flexibility, less footprint, more precision," he said.
The services must develop flattened, decentralized organizations and combat constructs to get ahead of today's enemies and the enemies of the future, Mullen said.
Conventional Army and Marine Corps formations already are stepping into some special operations forces missions. Conventional forces provide trainers for military and police training teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, once the field of Special Forces soldiers.
Soldiers and Marines are also far more culturally attuned than in the past, and many are learning the languages of countries they are operating in.
"I don't expect us all to become special operators, ... but I think we need to be paying attention to the characteristics of special operators in how they work organizationally and the speed that they have in the fight," Mullen said. "We need to be much more capable of doing that."
Mullen told reporters that he still sees too many procedures, policies and regulations that are attuned to peacetime, rather than war. "We take a regulation, and we make incremental changes to it to try to match it to the wartime situation that we're in," he said.
He said this is a problem in the personnel field in particular. The process for evaluating wounded warriors is an example. Officials tried to adjust the peacetime process to fit a wartime situation. "We've got to speed it up," he said. "I hear this is in every warrior transition unit I visit. We've got to move this process more quickly. These young people who have sacrificed so much, they want to get on with their lives, and we owe them that. (They must be) properly (compensated) and prepared for their futures, whatever they are."
The chairman said he sees a disconnect in career path adjustments and in ways the services deploy some of the forces. "I see it many times in administrative procedures," he said. "It's a frustration, and we need to modify many of our policies and procedures to reflect the fact that we are in our seventh year of war.
"We are a military at war and a country at war, and we need to capture that in our policies and procedures to support the men and women who are actually executing this."
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - All servicemembers are going to have to become more like special operations troops as the war against terror continues, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said yesterday. Mullen met with thousands of troops at the Army's Fort Bragg and Marine Corps's Camp Lejeune. He spoke to reporters traveling with him before returning to Washington.
Mullen visited the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, at Fort Bragg, and met with leaders of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, at Lejeune.
The Marines are new in the special operations forces business. "About two years ago, (they) made a decision to create special operations capabilities," Mullen said. "They have deployed twice to Afghanistan as a special operations capable company of Marines embedded in the Marine expeditionary unit. That is a significant commitment and change for the Marine Corps."
The Marine commitment has taken some of the pressure off U.S. Special Operations Command, allowing the command to apply itself to a higher level of capability, the chairman said.
All the services must learn from the special operations community, the chairman said. "I think all the services have to focus on more agility, more speed, more flexibility, less footprint, more precision," he said.
The services must develop flattened, decentralized organizations and combat constructs to get ahead of today's enemies and the enemies of the future, Mullen said.
Conventional Army and Marine Corps formations already are stepping into some special operations forces missions. Conventional forces provide trainers for military and police training teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, once the field of Special Forces soldiers.
Soldiers and Marines are also far more culturally attuned than in the past, and many are learning the languages of countries they are operating in.
"I don't expect us all to become special operators, ... but I think we need to be paying attention to the characteristics of special operators in how they work organizationally and the speed that they have in the fight," Mullen said. "We need to be much more capable of doing that."
Mullen told reporters that he still sees too many procedures, policies and regulations that are attuned to peacetime, rather than war. "We take a regulation, and we make incremental changes to it to try to match it to the wartime situation that we're in," he said.
He said this is a problem in the personnel field in particular. The process for evaluating wounded warriors is an example. Officials tried to adjust the peacetime process to fit a wartime situation. "We've got to speed it up," he said. "I hear this is in every warrior transition unit I visit. We've got to move this process more quickly. These young people who have sacrificed so much, they want to get on with their lives, and we owe them that. (They must be) properly (compensated) and prepared for their futures, whatever they are."
The chairman said he sees a disconnect in career path adjustments and in ways the services deploy some of the forces. "I see it many times in administrative procedures," he said. "It's a frustration, and we need to modify many of our policies and procedures to reflect the fact that we are in our seventh year of war.
"We are a military at war and a country at war, and we need to capture that in our policies and procedures to support the men and women who are actually executing this."
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Jevon K. Jordan, 32, of Norfolk, Va., died Mar. 29 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, from wounds suffered Mar. 23 in Abu Jassim, Iraq, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Sgt. Jevon K. Jordan, 32, of Norfolk, Va., died Mar. 29 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, from wounds suffered Mar. 23 in Abu Jassim, Iraq, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Guantanamo General Tells Legionnaires About 'Misunderstood Mission'
By Ramona Joyce
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - Three months ago, Gregory J. Zanetti was a stockbroker and financial advisor in New Mexico. Today, he is an Army National Guard brigadier general who helps lead a multi-branch team of 2,200 personnel in what he describes as the "most misunderstood assignment in the military." "It is a mission misunderstood by most, reviled by some and unique to everyone," said Zanetti, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, the organization that has held and interrogated enemy combatants and terrorism suspects from the global war on terrorism since 2002.
Zanetti yesterday addressed more than 1,000 members of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary gathered in the nation's capital this week for the 48th Annual Washington Conference and Legislative Rally.
The general explained in detail and candor the many ways "Gitmo" detainees are given fair and humane treatment, from culturally appropriate meals to numerous spiritual and recreational opportunities. One hundred medical personnel cover the needs of roughly 280 detainees.
The detainees, however, "believe the camps are an extension of the battlefield," Zanetti explained, adding that they have attempted to form new terror cells inside the fence and frequently fling feces and other bodily fluids at guards.
Zanetti recollected for Legionnaires an incident in which a detainee told a female guard that he was going to rape her and, after he gets out, find her and kill her and her family. The soldier shook it off and went back to work for another 12-hour day. The general was impressed by her response. "That's when I fully realized we are going to win this war," Zanetti said, "her toughness."
Zanetti gave a more comprehensive presentation to the American Legion's National Security and Foreign Affairs Commissions on March 31. In that forum, he spoke often of a general "disconnect" between public perception and what really goes on at Guantanamo Bay, particularly when it comes to allegations of torture against detainees. "(Americans) believe the people who want to kill them, but distrust the people who are trying to protect them," the general said.
Zanetti drew a standing ovation yesterday when he expressed frustration over frequent questions alleging detainee abuse at what he calls "the most transparent detention facility in the world."
With all the measures taken to assure fair treatment of the terror suspects, people need to "quit talking to me about abuse and torture," he said. "Frankly, I'm sick of it."
(Ramona Joyce is media relations manager for the American Legion.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - Three months ago, Gregory J. Zanetti was a stockbroker and financial advisor in New Mexico. Today, he is an Army National Guard brigadier general who helps lead a multi-branch team of 2,200 personnel in what he describes as the "most misunderstood assignment in the military." "It is a mission misunderstood by most, reviled by some and unique to everyone," said Zanetti, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, the organization that has held and interrogated enemy combatants and terrorism suspects from the global war on terrorism since 2002.
Zanetti yesterday addressed more than 1,000 members of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary gathered in the nation's capital this week for the 48th Annual Washington Conference and Legislative Rally.
The general explained in detail and candor the many ways "Gitmo" detainees are given fair and humane treatment, from culturally appropriate meals to numerous spiritual and recreational opportunities. One hundred medical personnel cover the needs of roughly 280 detainees.
The detainees, however, "believe the camps are an extension of the battlefield," Zanetti explained, adding that they have attempted to form new terror cells inside the fence and frequently fling feces and other bodily fluids at guards.
Zanetti recollected for Legionnaires an incident in which a detainee told a female guard that he was going to rape her and, after he gets out, find her and kill her and her family. The soldier shook it off and went back to work for another 12-hour day. The general was impressed by her response. "That's when I fully realized we are going to win this war," Zanetti said, "her toughness."
Zanetti gave a more comprehensive presentation to the American Legion's National Security and Foreign Affairs Commissions on March 31. In that forum, he spoke often of a general "disconnect" between public perception and what really goes on at Guantanamo Bay, particularly when it comes to allegations of torture against detainees. "(Americans) believe the people who want to kill them, but distrust the people who are trying to protect them," the general said.
Zanetti drew a standing ovation yesterday when he expressed frustration over frequent questions alleging detainee abuse at what he calls "the most transparent detention facility in the world."
With all the measures taken to assure fair treatment of the terror suspects, people need to "quit talking to me about abuse and torture," he said. "Frankly, I'm sick of it."
(Ramona Joyce is media relations manager for the American Legion.)
Troops Kill 14 Suspected Terrorists in Iraq, Capture 49 Others
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 14 suspected terrorists, detained 49 others, and seized dozens of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. In Baghdad and Qayyarah today, coalition forces detained a dozen suspected terrorists during raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq operations, including propaganda and suicide-bombing networks. In addition, troops captured two foreign fighter aides and an additional suspect in the operations.
In a separate operation in the Iraqi capital today, coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists tied to a Baghdad car-bombing network. In other raids, troops nabbed two suspected terrorists east of Taji, two in Mosul and three others in Samarra.
"Al Qaeda in Iraq is an adaptive, barbaric enemy, but they will be allowed no safe haven," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Iraqi and coalition forces will continue to disrupt their networks and capture or kill their members, improving security for all Iraqis."
During operations in Iraq yesterday:
-- A Hillah special weapons and tactics unit advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained 20 suspected vehicle smugglers in Basra. In addition, the Hillah unit recovered two illegal sedans, various guns and ammunition, and $262,000 in U.S. currency. The combined force also destroyed two boats used for smuggling goods in the oil-rich southern Iraq city.
-- Iraqi security forces and U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained a suspected improvised-explosive-device-cell leader allegedly responsible for IED and indirect-fire attacks against Logistics Support Area Anaconda.
-- The Mosul Iraqi special weapons and tactics unit and U.S. Special Forces soldiers in Mosul detained a suspected terrorist allegedly involved in kidnapping, torturing and murdering local Iraqi security force members.
-- Members of the "Sons of Iraq" citizens security group stopped a suicide bomber from detonating his explosive device in Kirkuk province. A military official said their actions prevented "a possible tragedy" from occurring on Hawijah's Market Street.
-- Iraqi army and coalition soldiers discovered 15 weapons caches in Diyala and Salah ad Din provinces, and an IED factory in Ninewah. The caches contained more than 60 mortar rounds, 14 107 mm rockets, small-arms munitions, and more than 60 pounds of bomb-making material. The IED factory contained more than 3,500 pounds of additional explosives.
Iraqi special operation forces, advised by their U.S. counterparts, killed 14 criminals March 31 during operations in Basra. The Iraqi-led mission aimed to capture the criminals in an abandoned school that lawbreakers were using to mount operations and store weapons and munitions, military officials said.
Iraqi forces received small-arms fire throughout the operation. Both Iraqi and U.S. forces returned fire, while a coalition aircraft provided close-air support requested by ground forces. The combined forces killed 14 armed individuals and rescued six Iraqi security force members who were being held at the compound.
Elsewhere in Iraq March 31, Iraqi national police members detained three suspected insurgents in the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital. The suspects were attempting to smuggle weapons in their vehicle, military officials said. Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, reported Iraqi national police confiscated five rockets, two mortar rounds, two hand grenades, three blasting caps and a 9 mm pistol. The detainees are being held for further questioning.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
April 2, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 14 suspected terrorists, detained 49 others, and seized dozens of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. In Baghdad and Qayyarah today, coalition forces detained a dozen suspected terrorists during raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq operations, including propaganda and suicide-bombing networks. In addition, troops captured two foreign fighter aides and an additional suspect in the operations.
In a separate operation in the Iraqi capital today, coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists tied to a Baghdad car-bombing network. In other raids, troops nabbed two suspected terrorists east of Taji, two in Mosul and three others in Samarra.
"Al Qaeda in Iraq is an adaptive, barbaric enemy, but they will be allowed no safe haven," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Iraqi and coalition forces will continue to disrupt their networks and capture or kill their members, improving security for all Iraqis."
During operations in Iraq yesterday:
-- A Hillah special weapons and tactics unit advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained 20 suspected vehicle smugglers in Basra. In addition, the Hillah unit recovered two illegal sedans, various guns and ammunition, and $262,000 in U.S. currency. The combined force also destroyed two boats used for smuggling goods in the oil-rich southern Iraq city.
-- Iraqi security forces and U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained a suspected improvised-explosive-device-cell leader allegedly responsible for IED and indirect-fire attacks against Logistics Support Area Anaconda.
-- The Mosul Iraqi special weapons and tactics unit and U.S. Special Forces soldiers in Mosul detained a suspected terrorist allegedly involved in kidnapping, torturing and murdering local Iraqi security force members.
-- Members of the "Sons of Iraq" citizens security group stopped a suicide bomber from detonating his explosive device in Kirkuk province. A military official said their actions prevented "a possible tragedy" from occurring on Hawijah's Market Street.
-- Iraqi army and coalition soldiers discovered 15 weapons caches in Diyala and Salah ad Din provinces, and an IED factory in Ninewah. The caches contained more than 60 mortar rounds, 14 107 mm rockets, small-arms munitions, and more than 60 pounds of bomb-making material. The IED factory contained more than 3,500 pounds of additional explosives.
Iraqi special operation forces, advised by their U.S. counterparts, killed 14 criminals March 31 during operations in Basra. The Iraqi-led mission aimed to capture the criminals in an abandoned school that lawbreakers were using to mount operations and store weapons and munitions, military officials said.
Iraqi forces received small-arms fire throughout the operation. Both Iraqi and U.S. forces returned fire, while a coalition aircraft provided close-air support requested by ground forces. The combined forces killed 14 armed individuals and rescued six Iraqi security force members who were being held at the compound.
Elsewhere in Iraq March 31, Iraqi national police members detained three suspected insurgents in the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital. The suspects were attempting to smuggle weapons in their vehicle, military officials said. Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, reported Iraqi national police confiscated five rockets, two mortar rounds, two hand grenades, three blasting caps and a 9 mm pistol. The detainees are being held for further questioning.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
NATO Grows with Afghanistan Experience
By Carol L. Bowers
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - NATO's effort in Afghanistan shows not only how far the alliance has come from its original mission of confronting the Cold War era's Soviet threat, but also how far it has to go to become a force for the 21st century. "There is little doubt that the mission in Afghanistan is unprecedented," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at the 44th Munich Conference on Security Policy in February.
"It is, in fact, NATO's first ground war, and it is dramatically different than anything NATO has done before," Gates said. "However, on a conceptual level, I believe it falls squarely within the traditional bounds of the alliance's core purpose: to defend the security interests and values of the trans-Atlantic community."
With the fall of the Soviet Union, Western planners tried to imagine what the threats of the future would look like, the secretary said. "Afghanistan was, in reality, becoming exactly what we were discussing in theory," he said.
The threats to the world have profoundly changed, Gates added, noting that the action in Afghanistan demonstrates them all. Instability and conflict abroad do threaten people thousands of miles away. Terrorists and criminals take advantage of the latest technologies to spread their hate or sell their goods. Economic, social and humanitarian problems know no borders.
Drug traffickers find common ground with terrorists increasing the resources available to extremists in the region, while increasing the drug flow to European streets, Gates said. Safe havens, combined with a lack of development and governance, "allow Islamic extremists to turn a poisonous ideology into a global movement," he said.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, NATO nations set out to transform the alliance. Leaders decided NATO needed an expeditionary force capable of dealing with threats of this type and capable of helping other nations help themselves to avoid Afghanistan's fate.
"At the time, I imagine many were unsure of what, exactly, this would look like – what new structures, training, funding, mindsets, and manpower would be needed," Gates said. "Since then, however, we have applied our vision on the ground in Afghanistan."
Today, 43,250 troops from some 40 allies and partner nations serve under NATO command, thousands of miles from the alliance's geographic borders. Growing numbers of reconstruction and security training teams are making a difference in the lives of the Afghan people. NATO's offensive and counterinsurgency operations in the south have dislodged the Taliban from their strongholds and reduced their ability to launch large-scale or coordinated attacks.
"Due to NATO's efforts, ... Afghanistan has made substantial progress in health care, education, and the economy – bettering the lives of millions of its citizens," Gates said. "Through the Afghan mission, we have developed a much more sophisticated understanding of what capabilities we need as an alliance and what shortcomings must be addressed."
NATO officials are working on a strategic vision document to assess the achievements the alliance and its partners have made in Afghanistan and produce a set of realistic goals and a roadmap to meet them over the next three to five years.
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - NATO's effort in Afghanistan shows not only how far the alliance has come from its original mission of confronting the Cold War era's Soviet threat, but also how far it has to go to become a force for the 21st century. "There is little doubt that the mission in Afghanistan is unprecedented," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at the 44th Munich Conference on Security Policy in February.
"It is, in fact, NATO's first ground war, and it is dramatically different than anything NATO has done before," Gates said. "However, on a conceptual level, I believe it falls squarely within the traditional bounds of the alliance's core purpose: to defend the security interests and values of the trans-Atlantic community."
With the fall of the Soviet Union, Western planners tried to imagine what the threats of the future would look like, the secretary said. "Afghanistan was, in reality, becoming exactly what we were discussing in theory," he said.
The threats to the world have profoundly changed, Gates added, noting that the action in Afghanistan demonstrates them all. Instability and conflict abroad do threaten people thousands of miles away. Terrorists and criminals take advantage of the latest technologies to spread their hate or sell their goods. Economic, social and humanitarian problems know no borders.
Drug traffickers find common ground with terrorists increasing the resources available to extremists in the region, while increasing the drug flow to European streets, Gates said. Safe havens, combined with a lack of development and governance, "allow Islamic extremists to turn a poisonous ideology into a global movement," he said.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, NATO nations set out to transform the alliance. Leaders decided NATO needed an expeditionary force capable of dealing with threats of this type and capable of helping other nations help themselves to avoid Afghanistan's fate.
"At the time, I imagine many were unsure of what, exactly, this would look like – what new structures, training, funding, mindsets, and manpower would be needed," Gates said. "Since then, however, we have applied our vision on the ground in Afghanistan."
Today, 43,250 troops from some 40 allies and partner nations serve under NATO command, thousands of miles from the alliance's geographic borders. Growing numbers of reconstruction and security training teams are making a difference in the lives of the Afghan people. NATO's offensive and counterinsurgency operations in the south have dislodged the Taliban from their strongholds and reduced their ability to launch large-scale or coordinated attacks.
"Due to NATO's efforts, ... Afghanistan has made substantial progress in health care, education, and the economy – bettering the lives of millions of its citizens," Gates said. "Through the Afghan mission, we have developed a much more sophisticated understanding of what capabilities we need as an alliance and what shortcomings must be addressed."
NATO officials are working on a strategic vision document to assess the achievements the alliance and its partners have made in Afghanistan and produce a set of realistic goals and a roadmap to meet them over the next three to five years.
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Maj. William G. Hall, 38 of Seattle, died March 30 from wounds he suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on March 29. He was assigned to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Media with questions about this Marine can contact the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs office at (858) 577-6000.
Maj. William G. Hall, 38 of Seattle, died March 30 from wounds he suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on March 29. He was assigned to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Media with questions about this Marine can contact the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs office at (858) 577-6000.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- April 2, 2008
Weaponizing the Pentagon's Cyborg Insects
“Biological weapons delivered by cyborg insects. It sounds like a nightmare scenario straight out of the wilder realms of science fiction, but it could be a reality, if a current Pentagon project comes to fruition. […] Right now, researchers are already growing insects with electronics inside them. They're creating cyborg moths and flying beetles that can be remotely controlled. One day, the US military may field squadrons of winged insect/machine hybrids with on-board audio, video or chemical sensors. These cyborg insects could conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions on distant battlefields, in far-off caves, or maybe even in cities closer to home, and transmit detailed data back to their handlers at US military bases.” (Middle East Online; 01Apr08; Nick Turse).
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/opinion/?id=25148
Researcher discovers pathway plants use to fight back against pathogens
“Previous studies have shown that plants can sense attacks by pathogens and activate their defenses. However, it has not been known what happens between the pathogen attacks and the defense activation, until now. A new MU [sic] [University of Missouri] study revealed a very complex process that explains how plants counter attack pathogens. […] In his study, [Shuqun] Zhang [associate professor of biochemistry] found the specific signaling path, known as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, in the plants that ends when the defense chemical camalexin is created. […] By understanding at the molecular and cellular levels how plants protect themselves under adverse environmental conditions, such as pathogen attacks, we could eventually improve the disease resistance of crops, Zhang said.” (Genetic Engineering News; 31Mar08).
http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=32984362
Testimony of Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer Jeffery Runge, M.D. before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security
“[Dr. Runge transcript] I would like to report on the progress that OHA [Office of Health Affairs] has made in leading the Department’s efforts in protecting our Nation from the threats of a bioterrorist attack and a pandemic, as well as OHA’s progress in leading the Department’s efforts to ensure full integration of our Nation’s medical readiness capabilities and protecting the health and safety of the Department’s own workforce. […]The President is requesting $161.3 million for FY 2009 to further objectives of the OHA mission.~ This amount represents an increase of $44.8 million over the FY 2008 enacted level.” (Department of Homeland Security; 01Apr08; Jeffrey Runge).
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1207069086551.shtm
Vaccine for Ebola virus
“‘The biothreat posed by Ebola virus cannot be overlooked. We are seeing more and more naturally occurring human outbreaks of this deadly disease.With worldwide air travel and tourism the virus can now be transported to and from remote regions of the world. And it has huge potential as a possible weapon of bioterrorism,’ says Dr. [Anthony] Sanchez [Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in Atlanta]. ‘We desperately need a protective vaccine.’ […] Researchers have now used several different recombinant DNA techniques, which have allowed them to trigger a cell-mediated response and produce a vaccine that is effective in non-human primates. One of the candidate vaccines is about to be tested on people for the first time, after entering Phase 1 clinical trials in autumn 2006.” (Innovations Report; 01Apr08).
http://www.innovations-report.de/html/berichte/biowissenschaften_chemie/bericht-106630.html
California Gets 26 New Disaster Support Vehicles
“The state of California just acquired 26 of these [support] trucks at a total cost of $2 million, paid for by the federal government's bioterrorism preparedness grant. The vehicles carry a large supply of trauma supplies, as well as items like blankets. […] The 26 trucks are now strategically placed around the state.” (CBS13; 31Mar08).
http://cbs13.com/local/disaster.support.vehicles.2.689304.html
The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed Monday that the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year has been reported in Lincoln County
“Although a March case of West Nile virus is atypical, as the season for the virus extends from mid-summer through fall, [Dr. Mary] Currier said cases have been reported as early as January and as late as December. […] Four people died as a result of the virus in 2007, with 136 total reported infections. Currier said the number of infections reported last year, and possibly this year, may be more, since only 20 percent of the people who are infected with West Nile virus actually display the symptoms. ‘For every case we have reported, there are at least four others that go unreported,’ she [Dr. Currier] said.” (Zwire; 01Apr08; Adam Northam).
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19443430&BRD=1377&PAG=461&dept_id=172922&rfi=6
Anthrax exercise this afternoon at Mansfield school [Arlington, Texas]
“If you see a lot of police car, fire units and ambulances at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy about 3 p.m. today, relax. It’s a test. […] The school district, the city and other agencies are involved in the exercise. Students, parents and other volunteers will simulate exposed victims. […] ‘We are pleased to partner with Tarrant County Public Health in this massive undertaking,’ Mansfield school Superintendent Vernon Newsom said.
‘Our hope is that the lessons learned during this exercise will be to the benefit of all of our communities.’" (Star Telegram; 01Apr08; Paul Bourgeois).
http://www.star-telegram.com/arlington_news/story/559444.html
CPSO arrest Lake Charles man on terrorizing charges [Louisiana]
“On March 30th around 8 p.m., the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Isle of Capri Casino in Westlake where they learned Joseph I. Hudson, 34, 1901 Alvin St., Lake Charles, stole a jet-ski from a boathouse on Shell Beach Dr., and drove it to the Isle of Capri where he abandoned it about 15 to 20 yards away from the casino boat. […] While in route to the Correctional Center Hudson informed the deputy that he had Anthrax in his wallet. His wallet was checked and no Anthrax was found.”
(Southwest Daily News; 31Mar08).
http://www.sulphurdailynews.com/articles/2008/04/01/news/news3.txt
Jihadist posts anthrax-making instructions
“In a chilling sign that Islamist terrorists continue seeking weapons of mass destruction, a jihadist website recently posted instructions on making deadly anthrax for biological weapons. The website disclosed the illustrated instructions March 17 and included additional links, and promised to provide information on a delivery system in the future, a Cessna airplane. […] The instructions include using Petri dishes to multiply samples of anthrax, and then adding powder that will allow it to float in the air.” (World Tribune; 31Mar08).
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/me_terror0008_03_31.html
Japan's China Weapons Cleanup Hits a Snag
“The news out of Japan is likely to compound the nation's failures in dealing with its wartime abuses against China: The Japanese company responsible for removing chemical weapons abandoned by Japanese forces in China at the end of World War II will not be able to complete its work, with a corruption scandal forcing its closure. […] Despite the cleanup stalling over the corruption scandal, Japanese officials claim Tokyo can still fulfill its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention to remove and destroy all such munitions left in China by 2012.” (Time; 31Mar08; Andrew Monahan).
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1726529,00.html
Army reports 44 percent of chemical munitions destroyed
“A project manager says more than 44.2 percent of the chemical weapons stored at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility have now been safely destroyed. […] [Anniston Army Depot] Westinghouse officials said so far workers have used the chemical weapons incinerator to get rid of all GB nerve agent stored in Anniston and about 68 percent of munitions filled with VX nerve agent.” (Everything Alabama; 01Apr08; Associated Press).
http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-35/1207050543308620.xml&storylist=alabamanews
Cleaning up after nerve agents
“A new decontamination agent devised by US chemists can deactivate toxic chemicals such as nerve agents and pesticides leaving only non-toxic, easily disposable by-products, according to research in the New Journal of Chemistry. The work could lead to cheaper and more effective cleanup of contaminated sites such as chemical weapons stockpiles. […] 'The search for a non-corrosive decontamination of sensitive material and skin after exposure by toxic chemicals, for example pesticides and nerve agents, is an important but challenging task,' said Franz Worek, an expert in organophosphate toxicology at the Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, Germany. 'This new and promising approach may ultimately lead to a new type of mild and effective decontamination,' he added.”(The Engineer; 01Apr08).
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/305349/Cleaning+up+after+nerve+agents.htm
Gulf War veterans 'more likely to commit suicide'
“Gulf War veterans are committing suicide at a greater rate than Services personnel who took no part in the 1991 conflict, the latest Ministry of Defence statistics disclosed yesterday. […] The figures, published by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (Dasa), are based on the mortality rates of the 53,409 personnel who took part in the Gulf War, and a comparison group of a similar age, gender, rank and regular/reserve status. […] Since the war, many veterans who have fallen ill have blamed the cocktail of vaccines given to all frontline units, and other factors such as the toxic pesticides used to kill bugs on the army tents and leaks of Iraqi chemical warfare products. The illnesses were originally termed Gulf War Syndrome, but the MoD, having carried out numerous research studies, has found no evidence to support the syndrome claim.” (Times Online; 31Mar08; Micheal Evans).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3653601.ece
RF informs CSTO about pace of talks with US – Lavrov
“Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov [Kazakhstan] said Russia had informed CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] about the pace of talks with the United States. […] ‘The discussions were very interesting and useful. About 20 resolutions were adopted,” [Lavrov said]. […] Among key foreign political topics Lavrov riveted attention to discussion of Russia’s initiative on chemical weapons […].”
http://www.inform.kz/showarticle.php?lang=eng&id=162449
Stress high during ‘terrorist attack’ [update on Toronto exercise]
“Overall, the response was successful, although the event turned up inevitable cracks, said Gail Beagan, chairperson of Centennial's inter-professional health education program. […] Centennial holds mock disasters twice a year. […] Crews handled not only the victims but their anxious family members and panicking members of the public worried about their exposure to radioactive materials. To test the participants' mettle, organizers threw further hiccups into the exercise, such as a malfunctioning electrical system.” (Scarborough, The Mirror; 01Apr08; Lisa Queen).
http://www.insidetoronto.ca/News/Scarborough/article/44931
Iraq: What has the US achieved?
“Before the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was tasked with determining whether Iraq in fact possessed weapons of mass destruction, US & UK governments decried Saddam’s refusal to cooperate to justify renewed bombing & the economic sanctions. Subsequent reports filed by Scott Ritter, the Chief UN weapons inspector stated that UNSCOM had successfully destroyed over 90% of Iraq’s weapons & weapons making facilities & were corroborated by Raymond Zalinskas. […] ‘The nuclear weapons programme was completely eliminated. The long range ballistic missile programme was completely eliminated. If I had to quantify Iraq’s threat, I would say zero.’” (Sinhala News Agency; 01Apr08; Shinali Waduge).
http://www.sinhalaya.com/news/english/wmview.php?ArtID=15055
NPA's [The National Prosecuting Authority] poison letter sender nabbed
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it has identified the person responsible for sending a poisoned letter to its offices. Five staff members became ill after handling the letter, addressed to acting head Mokotedi Mpshe. […] The NPA says preliminary test results indicate the letter definitely did not contain extremely hazardous chemical warfare agents. However, a group of staffers reportedly did develop skin rashes and headaches at the time. The substance itself is yet to be identified.”
(SABC News; 31Mar08).
http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0,2172,166799,00.html
How an app called WarmTouch nailed a grenade-stockpiling cyber extortionist [Maryland]
“When the president of a prestigious patent and trademarking firm began receiving emails threatening to bring down its operations […] he reported the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but agents were unable to identify the culprit. […] By applying an algorithm that analyzes the word choice and other characteristics of his writing, the program helped analyst Eric Shaw develop a hypothesis that the suspect was a technically adept man older than 30 who had trouble fitting in at work and in social situations. Building off those findings, Shaw later surmised that he might also own a stockpile of weapons. […] The profile was remarkably accurate. Myron Tereshchuk, the man who pleaded guilty to criminal extortion in the case, was 43 years-old, and when police raided his suburban home in Maryland, they found ingredients for the deadly poison ricin and a stockpile of parts for making improvised grenades.”
(The Register; 01Apr08; Dan Goodin).
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/01/warmtouch_brings_down_cyber_extortionist/
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
“Biological weapons delivered by cyborg insects. It sounds like a nightmare scenario straight out of the wilder realms of science fiction, but it could be a reality, if a current Pentagon project comes to fruition. […] Right now, researchers are already growing insects with electronics inside them. They're creating cyborg moths and flying beetles that can be remotely controlled. One day, the US military may field squadrons of winged insect/machine hybrids with on-board audio, video or chemical sensors. These cyborg insects could conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions on distant battlefields, in far-off caves, or maybe even in cities closer to home, and transmit detailed data back to their handlers at US military bases.” (Middle East Online; 01Apr08; Nick Turse).
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/opinion/?id=25148
Researcher discovers pathway plants use to fight back against pathogens
“Previous studies have shown that plants can sense attacks by pathogens and activate their defenses. However, it has not been known what happens between the pathogen attacks and the defense activation, until now. A new MU [sic] [University of Missouri] study revealed a very complex process that explains how plants counter attack pathogens. […] In his study, [Shuqun] Zhang [associate professor of biochemistry] found the specific signaling path, known as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, in the plants that ends when the defense chemical camalexin is created. […] By understanding at the molecular and cellular levels how plants protect themselves under adverse environmental conditions, such as pathogen attacks, we could eventually improve the disease resistance of crops, Zhang said.” (Genetic Engineering News; 31Mar08).
http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=32984362
Testimony of Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer Jeffery Runge, M.D. before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security
“[Dr. Runge transcript] I would like to report on the progress that OHA [Office of Health Affairs] has made in leading the Department’s efforts in protecting our Nation from the threats of a bioterrorist attack and a pandemic, as well as OHA’s progress in leading the Department’s efforts to ensure full integration of our Nation’s medical readiness capabilities and protecting the health and safety of the Department’s own workforce. […]The President is requesting $161.3 million for FY 2009 to further objectives of the OHA mission.~ This amount represents an increase of $44.8 million over the FY 2008 enacted level.” (Department of Homeland Security; 01Apr08; Jeffrey Runge).
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1207069086551.shtm
Vaccine for Ebola virus
“‘The biothreat posed by Ebola virus cannot be overlooked. We are seeing more and more naturally occurring human outbreaks of this deadly disease.With worldwide air travel and tourism the virus can now be transported to and from remote regions of the world. And it has huge potential as a possible weapon of bioterrorism,’ says Dr. [Anthony] Sanchez [Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in Atlanta]. ‘We desperately need a protective vaccine.’ […] Researchers have now used several different recombinant DNA techniques, which have allowed them to trigger a cell-mediated response and produce a vaccine that is effective in non-human primates. One of the candidate vaccines is about to be tested on people for the first time, after entering Phase 1 clinical trials in autumn 2006.” (Innovations Report; 01Apr08).
http://www.innovations-report.de/html/berichte/biowissenschaften_chemie/bericht-106630.html
California Gets 26 New Disaster Support Vehicles
“The state of California just acquired 26 of these [support] trucks at a total cost of $2 million, paid for by the federal government's bioterrorism preparedness grant. The vehicles carry a large supply of trauma supplies, as well as items like blankets. […] The 26 trucks are now strategically placed around the state.” (CBS13; 31Mar08).
http://cbs13.com/local/disaster.support.vehicles.2.689304.html
The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed Monday that the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year has been reported in Lincoln County
“Although a March case of West Nile virus is atypical, as the season for the virus extends from mid-summer through fall, [Dr. Mary] Currier said cases have been reported as early as January and as late as December. […] Four people died as a result of the virus in 2007, with 136 total reported infections. Currier said the number of infections reported last year, and possibly this year, may be more, since only 20 percent of the people who are infected with West Nile virus actually display the symptoms. ‘For every case we have reported, there are at least four others that go unreported,’ she [Dr. Currier] said.” (Zwire; 01Apr08; Adam Northam).
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19443430&BRD=1377&PAG=461&dept_id=172922&rfi=6
Anthrax exercise this afternoon at Mansfield school [Arlington, Texas]
“If you see a lot of police car, fire units and ambulances at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy about 3 p.m. today, relax. It’s a test. […] The school district, the city and other agencies are involved in the exercise. Students, parents and other volunteers will simulate exposed victims. […] ‘We are pleased to partner with Tarrant County Public Health in this massive undertaking,’ Mansfield school Superintendent Vernon Newsom said.
‘Our hope is that the lessons learned during this exercise will be to the benefit of all of our communities.’" (Star Telegram; 01Apr08; Paul Bourgeois).
http://www.star-telegram.com/arlington_news/story/559444.html
CPSO arrest Lake Charles man on terrorizing charges [Louisiana]
“On March 30th around 8 p.m., the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Isle of Capri Casino in Westlake where they learned Joseph I. Hudson, 34, 1901 Alvin St., Lake Charles, stole a jet-ski from a boathouse on Shell Beach Dr., and drove it to the Isle of Capri where he abandoned it about 15 to 20 yards away from the casino boat. […] While in route to the Correctional Center Hudson informed the deputy that he had Anthrax in his wallet. His wallet was checked and no Anthrax was found.”
(Southwest Daily News; 31Mar08).
http://www.sulphurdailynews.com/articles/2008/04/01/news/news3.txt
Jihadist posts anthrax-making instructions
“In a chilling sign that Islamist terrorists continue seeking weapons of mass destruction, a jihadist website recently posted instructions on making deadly anthrax for biological weapons. The website disclosed the illustrated instructions March 17 and included additional links, and promised to provide information on a delivery system in the future, a Cessna airplane. […] The instructions include using Petri dishes to multiply samples of anthrax, and then adding powder that will allow it to float in the air.” (World Tribune; 31Mar08).
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/me_terror0008_03_31.html
Japan's China Weapons Cleanup Hits a Snag
“The news out of Japan is likely to compound the nation's failures in dealing with its wartime abuses against China: The Japanese company responsible for removing chemical weapons abandoned by Japanese forces in China at the end of World War II will not be able to complete its work, with a corruption scandal forcing its closure. […] Despite the cleanup stalling over the corruption scandal, Japanese officials claim Tokyo can still fulfill its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention to remove and destroy all such munitions left in China by 2012.” (Time; 31Mar08; Andrew Monahan).
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1726529,00.html
Army reports 44 percent of chemical munitions destroyed
“A project manager says more than 44.2 percent of the chemical weapons stored at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility have now been safely destroyed. […] [Anniston Army Depot] Westinghouse officials said so far workers have used the chemical weapons incinerator to get rid of all GB nerve agent stored in Anniston and about 68 percent of munitions filled with VX nerve agent.” (Everything Alabama; 01Apr08; Associated Press).
http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-35/1207050543308620.xml&storylist=alabamanews
Cleaning up after nerve agents
“A new decontamination agent devised by US chemists can deactivate toxic chemicals such as nerve agents and pesticides leaving only non-toxic, easily disposable by-products, according to research in the New Journal of Chemistry. The work could lead to cheaper and more effective cleanup of contaminated sites such as chemical weapons stockpiles. […] 'The search for a non-corrosive decontamination of sensitive material and skin after exposure by toxic chemicals, for example pesticides and nerve agents, is an important but challenging task,' said Franz Worek, an expert in organophosphate toxicology at the Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, Germany. 'This new and promising approach may ultimately lead to a new type of mild and effective decontamination,' he added.”(The Engineer; 01Apr08).
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/305349/Cleaning+up+after+nerve+agents.htm
Gulf War veterans 'more likely to commit suicide'
“Gulf War veterans are committing suicide at a greater rate than Services personnel who took no part in the 1991 conflict, the latest Ministry of Defence statistics disclosed yesterday. […] The figures, published by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (Dasa), are based on the mortality rates of the 53,409 personnel who took part in the Gulf War, and a comparison group of a similar age, gender, rank and regular/reserve status. […] Since the war, many veterans who have fallen ill have blamed the cocktail of vaccines given to all frontline units, and other factors such as the toxic pesticides used to kill bugs on the army tents and leaks of Iraqi chemical warfare products. The illnesses were originally termed Gulf War Syndrome, but the MoD, having carried out numerous research studies, has found no evidence to support the syndrome claim.” (Times Online; 31Mar08; Micheal Evans).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3653601.ece
RF informs CSTO about pace of talks with US – Lavrov
“Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov [Kazakhstan] said Russia had informed CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] about the pace of talks with the United States. […] ‘The discussions were very interesting and useful. About 20 resolutions were adopted,” [Lavrov said]. […] Among key foreign political topics Lavrov riveted attention to discussion of Russia’s initiative on chemical weapons […].”
http://www.inform.kz/showarticle.php?lang=eng&id=162449
Stress high during ‘terrorist attack’ [update on Toronto exercise]
“Overall, the response was successful, although the event turned up inevitable cracks, said Gail Beagan, chairperson of Centennial's inter-professional health education program. […] Centennial holds mock disasters twice a year. […] Crews handled not only the victims but their anxious family members and panicking members of the public worried about their exposure to radioactive materials. To test the participants' mettle, organizers threw further hiccups into the exercise, such as a malfunctioning electrical system.” (Scarborough, The Mirror; 01Apr08; Lisa Queen).
http://www.insidetoronto.ca/News/Scarborough/article/44931
Iraq: What has the US achieved?
“Before the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was tasked with determining whether Iraq in fact possessed weapons of mass destruction, US & UK governments decried Saddam’s refusal to cooperate to justify renewed bombing & the economic sanctions. Subsequent reports filed by Scott Ritter, the Chief UN weapons inspector stated that UNSCOM had successfully destroyed over 90% of Iraq’s weapons & weapons making facilities & were corroborated by Raymond Zalinskas. […] ‘The nuclear weapons programme was completely eliminated. The long range ballistic missile programme was completely eliminated. If I had to quantify Iraq’s threat, I would say zero.’” (Sinhala News Agency; 01Apr08; Shinali Waduge).
http://www.sinhalaya.com/news/english/wmview.php?ArtID=15055
NPA's [The National Prosecuting Authority] poison letter sender nabbed
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it has identified the person responsible for sending a poisoned letter to its offices. Five staff members became ill after handling the letter, addressed to acting head Mokotedi Mpshe. […] The NPA says preliminary test results indicate the letter definitely did not contain extremely hazardous chemical warfare agents. However, a group of staffers reportedly did develop skin rashes and headaches at the time. The substance itself is yet to be identified.”
(SABC News; 31Mar08).
http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0,2172,166799,00.html
How an app called WarmTouch nailed a grenade-stockpiling cyber extortionist [Maryland]
“When the president of a prestigious patent and trademarking firm began receiving emails threatening to bring down its operations […] he reported the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but agents were unable to identify the culprit. […] By applying an algorithm that analyzes the word choice and other characteristics of his writing, the program helped analyst Eric Shaw develop a hypothesis that the suspect was a technically adept man older than 30 who had trouble fitting in at work and in social situations. Building off those findings, Shaw later surmised that he might also own a stockpile of weapons. […] The profile was remarkably accurate. Myron Tereshchuk, the man who pleaded guilty to criminal extortion in the case, was 43 years-old, and when police raided his suburban home in Maryland, they found ingredients for the deadly poison ricin and a stockpile of parts for making improvised grenades.”
(The Register; 01Apr08; Dan Goodin).
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/01/warmtouch_brings_down_cyber_extortionist/
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Sirens of Death: Role of Women in Terrorism Past, Present, and Future
In terrorist activities, and in particular those of Islamic extremism, males have played a dominant role in the planning of terror attacks as well as the actual undertaking of those acts. However in recent years, and particularly over the last two decades, women have found an increasing role within the world of terrorism. Women have participated in various forms of terrorism and most recently we have seen increasing instances of female suicide bombers that have made media headlines. However female suicide bombers are not a new phenomenon and have in fact been used before the 21st century. The increase in female terrorists presents a new challenge to those fighting against terrorism. Their gender often allows them to go unsearched at checkpoints or puts those in harms way at ease just long enough to carry out an attack. Thus females pose a very real threat as terrorists and a powerful new means that terrorists are using in the pursuit of their objectives. This paper will briefly explore the history of female terrorism and will examine the increasing use of females, the role that gender plays in contemporary suicide terrorism and its implications for those trying to protect against them.
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http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/MeskoJCJS/221201to221219.pdf
READ ON (PAGE 332)
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/MeskoJCJS/221201to221219.pdf
Mullen Calls for Continuous Assessments in Iraq
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - After the last of the "surge brigades" redeploy, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would like to continually assess conditions on the ground in Iraq. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told reporters today that recent increased fighting in Basra and Baghdad has not changed recommendations to continue with the current plan.
The plan calls for 15 U.S. brigade combat teams to be left in Iraq at the end of July. At the height of the surge there were 20. "We've all talked about a period of consolidation and assessment, and I think there's wisdom in that in we've made a fairly dramatic shift in our overall force structure there, and we need to see -- based on what happens after that -- how we move ahead," Mullen said. "I would like to continuously assess the conditions on the ground as far as how we would look at future force employment."
He noted that defense leaders spend a large amount of their time assessing the situation. "It's this continuous assessment that I think will drive us to the next decision point," he said. "I can't tell you whether it's going to be two weeks after the fifth brigade comes out or whether it is six weeks or eight weeks. I honestly don't know."
That, in a nutshell, is what conditions-based assessments are about: trends in security and whether conditions are holding or changing, he said.
Assessments in Washington, at U.S. Central Command and in Baghdad are constant and event-driven, he said. "Part of the major reasons for the surge was to create a security environment in which the economy could thrive, governance could start to set up and, probably most importantly, political reconciliation could take place," he said. "All those factors are still there. The surge has provided markedly increased level of security, and my expectations are that those other elements need to continue to progress."
Mullen said the discussions the Joint Chiefs of Staff held with President Bush at the Pentagon last week were wide-ranging and far-reaching.
"When the Basra violence came up in the past week, I was asked on a couple of occasions if this will impact future decisions," he said. "First of all, it's too soon to tell, but certainly, a sustained violence level has great focus from a strategic point of view."
The chairman also spoke about his concerns about operations in Afghanistan. "We have been short of forces in Afghanistan," he said. "I've called it an 'economy of force' campaign."
President Bush is attending the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, this week, and Afghanistan will be a large part of the discussion. Mullen said that more forces are needed in Afghanistan, even after the United States deployed 3,200 Marines to the country.
But the real need is not combat forces, Mullen said. "The Joint Chiefs are focused on generating trainers so we can train the Afghan police and the security forces in a way that they can take control and take charge of their own security," he said.
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - After the last of the "surge brigades" redeploy, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would like to continually assess conditions on the ground in Iraq. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told reporters today that recent increased fighting in Basra and Baghdad has not changed recommendations to continue with the current plan.
The plan calls for 15 U.S. brigade combat teams to be left in Iraq at the end of July. At the height of the surge there were 20. "We've all talked about a period of consolidation and assessment, and I think there's wisdom in that in we've made a fairly dramatic shift in our overall force structure there, and we need to see -- based on what happens after that -- how we move ahead," Mullen said. "I would like to continuously assess the conditions on the ground as far as how we would look at future force employment."
He noted that defense leaders spend a large amount of their time assessing the situation. "It's this continuous assessment that I think will drive us to the next decision point," he said. "I can't tell you whether it's going to be two weeks after the fifth brigade comes out or whether it is six weeks or eight weeks. I honestly don't know."
That, in a nutshell, is what conditions-based assessments are about: trends in security and whether conditions are holding or changing, he said.
Assessments in Washington, at U.S. Central Command and in Baghdad are constant and event-driven, he said. "Part of the major reasons for the surge was to create a security environment in which the economy could thrive, governance could start to set up and, probably most importantly, political reconciliation could take place," he said. "All those factors are still there. The surge has provided markedly increased level of security, and my expectations are that those other elements need to continue to progress."
Mullen said the discussions the Joint Chiefs of Staff held with President Bush at the Pentagon last week were wide-ranging and far-reaching.
"When the Basra violence came up in the past week, I was asked on a couple of occasions if this will impact future decisions," he said. "First of all, it's too soon to tell, but certainly, a sustained violence level has great focus from a strategic point of view."
The chairman also spoke about his concerns about operations in Afghanistan. "We have been short of forces in Afghanistan," he said. "I've called it an 'economy of force' campaign."
President Bush is attending the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, this week, and Afghanistan will be a large part of the discussion. Mullen said that more forces are needed in Afghanistan, even after the United States deployed 3,200 Marines to the country.
But the real need is not combat forces, Mullen said. "The Joint Chiefs are focused on generating trainers so we can train the Afghan police and the security forces in a way that they can take control and take charge of their own security," he said.
Mullen Addresses Meaning of Sadr's Basra Violence
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - The spike of violence in Basra and southern Baghdad proves the contention of military leaders that there are still going to be tough days ahead in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told soldiers and airmen here that the fighting in the two cities is an indication that "we are very much tied to conditions on the ground, and conditions on the ground are going to continue to evolve."
Mullen said this does not mean the redeployment of the surge brigades will stop. U.S. forces in Iraq are still set to draw down to 15 brigade combat teams by the end of July.
Mullen spoke to servicemembers from Pope and neighboring Fort Bragg and took their questions. He said their questions, comments and observations help him as he advises the president, the defense secretary and the rest of the National Security Council.
A week ago, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered Iraqi forces to clamp down on illegal militias, criminals and thugs in the southern oil and port city of Basra. Shiia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Jaysh al-Mahdi organization contested the Iraqi security forces, and fighting spread north to Baghdad and other Shiia cities in the south.
Mullen said he does not know what Sadr's intentions are in battling the government, and he praised Maliki's decision to go into Basra.
"I think what happened in respect to Basra, where the prime minister is taking some significant steps, internal to his sovereign country, with his own forces – have been positive," Mullen said to the troops. "This is their country, and taking steps in this direction is positive. Will we learn some lessons from this? Absolutely."
He said one aspect that is very clear to him is that any solution must be political. "It's not going to happen militarily," the chairman said.
Mullen would not predict what Sadr will do in the future.
Soldiers asked the chairman about decisions being made on deployment lengths and periods of "dwell time" at home stations between deployments. Mullen has been vocal in saying the Army needs to reduce its 15-month deployment length to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. "Fifteen months is too long," he said.
Soldiers now deploy for 15 months and return to their home station for a year before shipping back to the combat zone. "This goes back to the exceptional men and women who serve today, and the level at which you execute is something I've never seen," he said. "But I think it has a finite aspect to it."
The force is not in imminent danger of breaking, but there has to be a balance, the chairman said. "My goal is to come down from 15-month deployments as rapidly as we can," he said. "When that will be, I just don't know."
Another goal is to increase dwell time. Ultimately, soldiers and Marines will go to a 2-to-1 ratio, meaning they will be home twice as long as they are deployed. Part of getting to this state is increasing the size of the Army and Marine Corps, which is under way, and part is redeploying troops out of Iraq, the chairman said. Making more tours to South Korea accompanied, he added, may also be part of the solution.
"We also have to pay attention to the people in the units," Mullen said. The services manage deployments by units, but soldiers and Marines move among units. They may return from one deployment, transfer and suddenly end up deploying again in short order.
"We've got to make sure we give our people enough breathing room, so they can have a life and spend some time with their spouse and children or meet someone so they can start a family," Mullen said. "That's hard to do when we're coming and going so fast. We've got very tough missions, very demanding missions, and we've got to provide the forces to succeed in that."
Mullen said he spends much of his time on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, but that he has extended that concern to the greater Middle East.
"I think it is the most important region in the world right now because of the instability there," he said. "How we address it strategically from the military perspective is something I've spent a lot of time on since I took over as chairman."
As chairman, Mullen said, he also has a broader, global focus. "Balancing our forces, balancing our capabilities, balancing our engagements around the world" is complex, he said. "We build risk in some areas because we just can't be there right now because we've got so many of our forces in the Central Command (area of operations)," he said.
Mullen will visit Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C., today.
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - The spike of violence in Basra and southern Baghdad proves the contention of military leaders that there are still going to be tough days ahead in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told soldiers and airmen here that the fighting in the two cities is an indication that "we are very much tied to conditions on the ground, and conditions on the ground are going to continue to evolve."
Mullen said this does not mean the redeployment of the surge brigades will stop. U.S. forces in Iraq are still set to draw down to 15 brigade combat teams by the end of July.
Mullen spoke to servicemembers from Pope and neighboring Fort Bragg and took their questions. He said their questions, comments and observations help him as he advises the president, the defense secretary and the rest of the National Security Council.
A week ago, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered Iraqi forces to clamp down on illegal militias, criminals and thugs in the southern oil and port city of Basra. Shiia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Jaysh al-Mahdi organization contested the Iraqi security forces, and fighting spread north to Baghdad and other Shiia cities in the south.
Mullen said he does not know what Sadr's intentions are in battling the government, and he praised Maliki's decision to go into Basra.
"I think what happened in respect to Basra, where the prime minister is taking some significant steps, internal to his sovereign country, with his own forces – have been positive," Mullen said to the troops. "This is their country, and taking steps in this direction is positive. Will we learn some lessons from this? Absolutely."
He said one aspect that is very clear to him is that any solution must be political. "It's not going to happen militarily," the chairman said.
Mullen would not predict what Sadr will do in the future.
Soldiers asked the chairman about decisions being made on deployment lengths and periods of "dwell time" at home stations between deployments. Mullen has been vocal in saying the Army needs to reduce its 15-month deployment length to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. "Fifteen months is too long," he said.
Soldiers now deploy for 15 months and return to their home station for a year before shipping back to the combat zone. "This goes back to the exceptional men and women who serve today, and the level at which you execute is something I've never seen," he said. "But I think it has a finite aspect to it."
The force is not in imminent danger of breaking, but there has to be a balance, the chairman said. "My goal is to come down from 15-month deployments as rapidly as we can," he said. "When that will be, I just don't know."
Another goal is to increase dwell time. Ultimately, soldiers and Marines will go to a 2-to-1 ratio, meaning they will be home twice as long as they are deployed. Part of getting to this state is increasing the size of the Army and Marine Corps, which is under way, and part is redeploying troops out of Iraq, the chairman said. Making more tours to South Korea accompanied, he added, may also be part of the solution.
"We also have to pay attention to the people in the units," Mullen said. The services manage deployments by units, but soldiers and Marines move among units. They may return from one deployment, transfer and suddenly end up deploying again in short order.
"We've got to make sure we give our people enough breathing room, so they can have a life and spend some time with their spouse and children or meet someone so they can start a family," Mullen said. "That's hard to do when we're coming and going so fast. We've got very tough missions, very demanding missions, and we've got to provide the forces to succeed in that."
Mullen said he spends much of his time on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, but that he has extended that concern to the greater Middle East.
"I think it is the most important region in the world right now because of the instability there," he said. "How we address it strategically from the military perspective is something I've spent a lot of time on since I took over as chairman."
As chairman, Mullen said, he also has a broader, global focus. "Balancing our forces, balancing our capabilities, balancing our engagements around the world" is complex, he said. "We build risk in some areas because we just can't be there right now because we've got so many of our forces in the Central Command (area of operations)," he said.
Mullen will visit Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C., today.
Lengthy, Repetitive Deployments Risk Forces, Mullen Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - The military has to reduce stress on the Army and Marine Corps or risk crossing "an invisible red line" that will place too much strain on the force, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during an interview here today. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke to reporters traveling with him after visits to Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune. The Army post and Marine base have shipped thousands of servicemembers to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mullen said the mission must come first, but added that leaders have to be cognizant of the pace of operations and pressures placed on troops and their families.
Leaders are working to balance mission demands against the stressors of lengthy and repetitive deployments. "One of the reasons I made this trip to Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune is to get a feel for that, and remembering that our No. 1 priority is accomplishing the mission," the chairman said.
On the Army side, the chairman said he is convinced that the service has to get deployments down from 15 months to 12 "as fast as possible."
The service also must increase "dwell time" -- the time soldiers spend at home following deployments, Mullen said. Currently, soldiers deploy for 15 months and have a dwell time of 12 months. The service must get that to 12 months deployed and 12 months home and ultimately to 12 months deployed, 24 months at home, he said. "We've been (deploying soldiers at an increased rate) since 2003, ... and repetitive deployments are really taking a strain," he said.
The Joints Chiefs of Staff continually assess all the information on the level of strain on the forces they can get their eyes on, Mullen said. The most well-known numbers are for recruiting and retention, but others also indicate strain on troops. "We're all concerned about the increased number of suicides in the Army," Mullen said.
However, recruiting is still good, the chairman said. "We're struggling in a few areas with a few jobs, but we're hitting our numbers," he said.
Other numbers he is looking at include promotion rates. The Army is promoting captains to major at eight years on average rather than at nine or 10 years, as in the recent past. Part of this is that the service is growing and needs more majors. But part could be that people are punching out early, he said.
But all these are "lagging indicators" -- meaning they show a problem after it is serious enough to be visible statistically, Mullen said. "That gets to the discussion of this invisible red line that (Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey Jr.) has talked about," he said.
"Right now we're doing okay," he continued. "The force has been remarkably resilient; they are accomplishing the mission and executing at a very high level."
But at some point, the pressures and stressors will be too much and servicemembers may elect to separate rather than stay in: that's the red line, he said. "We don't want to cross it, and we don't know exactly where it is," he said.
The chairman said that for the military to sustain the force for the long term, the services are going to have to move away from that red line. They are going to have to reduce the stress on the land forces, in particular. "I think we're close to (the red line) now," he said.
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - The military has to reduce stress on the Army and Marine Corps or risk crossing "an invisible red line" that will place too much strain on the force, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during an interview here today. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke to reporters traveling with him after visits to Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune. The Army post and Marine base have shipped thousands of servicemembers to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mullen said the mission must come first, but added that leaders have to be cognizant of the pace of operations and pressures placed on troops and their families.
Leaders are working to balance mission demands against the stressors of lengthy and repetitive deployments. "One of the reasons I made this trip to Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune is to get a feel for that, and remembering that our No. 1 priority is accomplishing the mission," the chairman said.
On the Army side, the chairman said he is convinced that the service has to get deployments down from 15 months to 12 "as fast as possible."
The service also must increase "dwell time" -- the time soldiers spend at home following deployments, Mullen said. Currently, soldiers deploy for 15 months and have a dwell time of 12 months. The service must get that to 12 months deployed and 12 months home and ultimately to 12 months deployed, 24 months at home, he said. "We've been (deploying soldiers at an increased rate) since 2003, ... and repetitive deployments are really taking a strain," he said.
The Joints Chiefs of Staff continually assess all the information on the level of strain on the forces they can get their eyes on, Mullen said. The most well-known numbers are for recruiting and retention, but others also indicate strain on troops. "We're all concerned about the increased number of suicides in the Army," Mullen said.
However, recruiting is still good, the chairman said. "We're struggling in a few areas with a few jobs, but we're hitting our numbers," he said.
Other numbers he is looking at include promotion rates. The Army is promoting captains to major at eight years on average rather than at nine or 10 years, as in the recent past. Part of this is that the service is growing and needs more majors. But part could be that people are punching out early, he said.
But all these are "lagging indicators" -- meaning they show a problem after it is serious enough to be visible statistically, Mullen said. "That gets to the discussion of this invisible red line that (Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey Jr.) has talked about," he said.
"Right now we're doing okay," he continued. "The force has been remarkably resilient; they are accomplishing the mission and executing at a very high level."
But at some point, the pressures and stressors will be too much and servicemembers may elect to separate rather than stay in: that's the red line, he said. "We don't want to cross it, and we don't know exactly where it is," he said.
The chairman said that for the military to sustain the force for the long term, the services are going to have to move away from that red line. They are going to have to reduce the stress on the land forces, in particular. "I think we're close to (the red line) now," he said.
Soldiers Bring Medical Care to Iraqi Town
By Sgt. Jason Stadel, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - Working with Iraqi civilian and U.S. military medical personnel, coalition forces in Busayefi, Iraq, hosted a combined medical engagement March 29. "We just came into this area, and we're trying to build a relationship with the people," said Army 2nd Lt. Josh Duke, medical platoon leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment.
More than 260 Busayefi residents, including 115 children, were treated at the makeshift health clinic for aches, pains, rashes, nausea and other minor illnesses. They were seen by one of two U.S. Army doctors or two Iraqi civilian doctors.
Busayefi is an area once dominated by al Qaeda in Iraq. Roadside bombs made travel to larger communities with medical facilities difficult. In late December, coalition and Iraqi forces began clearing the area of al Qaeda operatives and other extremists and started a "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group. Security in the area continues to improve with the Sons of Iraq and coalition presence.
It had been years since some of the residents had seen a doctor. One man said he hadn't seen a doctor in 10 years, and was grateful for the medical aid.
"Not only do we try and help them with their illnesses, we also try and identify the overall health of the area," Duke said. "We can also identify if there is a person in need of serious medical help."
A medic from Company A, 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, currently attached to the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, said the combined medical engagement helps give civil affairs teams an overall health assessment of the area.
"We can learn about the health and welfare of the children as well as the families and the area," Army Sgt. Charles Howell said. "This also lets the people know that we do care about them."
Howell said the first step in rebuilding Iraq is developing a strong relationship with the community, and that the medical engagements are one way to strengthen ties between coalition forces and local citizens.
"We're all here for one common goal, and that is to make Iraq better," Howell said.
(Army Sgt. Jason Stadel serves with the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - Working with Iraqi civilian and U.S. military medical personnel, coalition forces in Busayefi, Iraq, hosted a combined medical engagement March 29. "We just came into this area, and we're trying to build a relationship with the people," said Army 2nd Lt. Josh Duke, medical platoon leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment.
More than 260 Busayefi residents, including 115 children, were treated at the makeshift health clinic for aches, pains, rashes, nausea and other minor illnesses. They were seen by one of two U.S. Army doctors or two Iraqi civilian doctors.
Busayefi is an area once dominated by al Qaeda in Iraq. Roadside bombs made travel to larger communities with medical facilities difficult. In late December, coalition and Iraqi forces began clearing the area of al Qaeda operatives and other extremists and started a "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group. Security in the area continues to improve with the Sons of Iraq and coalition presence.
It had been years since some of the residents had seen a doctor. One man said he hadn't seen a doctor in 10 years, and was grateful for the medical aid.
"Not only do we try and help them with their illnesses, we also try and identify the overall health of the area," Duke said. "We can also identify if there is a person in need of serious medical help."
A medic from Company A, 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, currently attached to the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, said the combined medical engagement helps give civil affairs teams an overall health assessment of the area.
"We can learn about the health and welfare of the children as well as the families and the area," Army Sgt. Charles Howell said. "This also lets the people know that we do care about them."
Howell said the first step in rebuilding Iraq is developing a strong relationship with the community, and that the medical engagements are one way to strengthen ties between coalition forces and local citizens.
"We're all here for one common goal, and that is to make Iraq better," Howell said.
(Army Sgt. Jason Stadel serves with the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Troops Kill Suspected Terrorists, Capture Others, Seize Weapons
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed four suspected terrorists, detained 29 others, and seized or destroyed dozens of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. During an operation today in Mosul, coalition ground forces captured an alleged close associate of local senior al Qaeda in Iraq leaders. In another mission nearby, information gleaned from an operation in December led troops to a wanted individual, whom forces detained along with four other suspects.
In two other operations this morning around Baghdad, coalition forces captured an alleged car-bomb-cell leader, the alleged leader of al Qaeda in Iraq in Baghdad's South Karkh neighborhood and two other suspects, military officials said.
"The Iraqi people are turning against al Qaeda and are supporting the fight against terrorism," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Iraqi and coalition forces continue to target the al Qaeda in Iraq networks that are responsible for indiscriminate violence against innocent civilians."
In the New Baghdad neighborhood of the Iraqi capital yesterday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged a criminal rocket-propelled grenade team in an afternoon operation. Military officials reported that the soldiers, from 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, engaged the criminals with small-arms fire, killing one. Troops detained three others and seized seven assault rifles.
During operations elsewhere in Iraq yesterday:
-- The 15th Iraqi Army Brigade detained 12 enemy personnel during an operation in Hafriyah, southeast of Kirkuk. In addition, the troops discovered a cache containing hundreds of mortar rounds of varying size, rockets, seven propane tanks, six blocks of C-4 explosive material, 25 250-pound bombs, five 130 mm projectiles, and numerous small arms and bomb-making materials.
-- Troops detained three individuals in Musayyib who are believed to be connected to a March 23 homemade-bomb attack on coalition forces in the Abu Jassim area. Coalition troops are holding the suspects for questioning.
-- Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist allegedly involved in the al Qaeda in Iraq propaganda and smuggling networks. The wanted man turned himself over to ground forces upon their arrival, military officials said.
-- An Iraqi citizen tipped off Multinational Division North soldiers to the location of a weapons cache in Tamim province, northeast of Kirkuk. Troops safely destroyed the cache, which contained more than 100 mortar rounds.
In earlier operations, Multinational Division North soldiers killed three enemy personnel March 30 after locating a weapons cache and an al Qaeda in Iraq bunker in Bojima, near Baqouba.
During a joint weapons-clearing operation with Iraqi soldiers, the combined force began receiving small-arms fire. A coalition air weapons team spotted the armed personnel fleeing from the contact location and engaged the enemies, killing three and wounding one other.
Soldiers from the Iraqi army's 5th Division and Multinational Division North soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Lewis, Wash., destroyed a heavy fortified bunker, two 82 mm mortar base plates, a 60 mm mortar base plate, and a 60 mm mortar tripod. They also destroyed two propane tanks and a fire extinguisher that was suspected of containing homemade explosives.
"Destroying the bunker will further degrade al Qaeda in Iraq's ability to conduct offensive and supply operations," said Army 1st Lt. Colin Lebeau, a 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, assistant intelligence officer.
In the Abu Harab village of Diyala province March 30, the local "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group prevented the kidnapping of two women and four children. The Sons of Iraq fought off four vehicles carrying al Qaeda in Iraq members who had kidnapped the six people. The local resistance force recovered all the would-be kidnapping victims.
"The quick reaction of these local heroes, the village's Sons of Iraq, is yet another example of the strength and determination of Iraqis to fight for the peace they deserve," said Army Maj. Dan Meyers, a Multinational Division North spokesman.
During operations March 30, combined forces seized:
-- A cache in Qarghouli village, near Patrol Base Yusifyah, containing Katusha rockets, improvised explosive devices, mortar and artillery rounds of various sizes, 40 pounds of unknown bulk explosives, anti-aircraft rounds, gas tanks, and several hundred small-arms rounds and accessories.
-- Stockpiles of weapons in Hashmiyah that included 23 anti-tank mines, some 40 pounds of explosives, three crates of pellet-shaped explosives, more than a dozen mortars of varying size, ammunition, fuses and projectile housings, and bomb-making materials.
-- A cache containing propellant charges, mortar rounds, rifle grenades, flares and bags of TNT in Abu Osage, northwest of Lutifiyah.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
April 1, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed four suspected terrorists, detained 29 others, and seized or destroyed dozens of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. During an operation today in Mosul, coalition ground forces captured an alleged close associate of local senior al Qaeda in Iraq leaders. In another mission nearby, information gleaned from an operation in December led troops to a wanted individual, whom forces detained along with four other suspects.
In two other operations this morning around Baghdad, coalition forces captured an alleged car-bomb-cell leader, the alleged leader of al Qaeda in Iraq in Baghdad's South Karkh neighborhood and two other suspects, military officials said.
"The Iraqi people are turning against al Qaeda and are supporting the fight against terrorism," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Iraqi and coalition forces continue to target the al Qaeda in Iraq networks that are responsible for indiscriminate violence against innocent civilians."
In the New Baghdad neighborhood of the Iraqi capital yesterday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged a criminal rocket-propelled grenade team in an afternoon operation. Military officials reported that the soldiers, from 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, engaged the criminals with small-arms fire, killing one. Troops detained three others and seized seven assault rifles.
During operations elsewhere in Iraq yesterday:
-- The 15th Iraqi Army Brigade detained 12 enemy personnel during an operation in Hafriyah, southeast of Kirkuk. In addition, the troops discovered a cache containing hundreds of mortar rounds of varying size, rockets, seven propane tanks, six blocks of C-4 explosive material, 25 250-pound bombs, five 130 mm projectiles, and numerous small arms and bomb-making materials.
-- Troops detained three individuals in Musayyib who are believed to be connected to a March 23 homemade-bomb attack on coalition forces in the Abu Jassim area. Coalition troops are holding the suspects for questioning.
-- Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist allegedly involved in the al Qaeda in Iraq propaganda and smuggling networks. The wanted man turned himself over to ground forces upon their arrival, military officials said.
-- An Iraqi citizen tipped off Multinational Division North soldiers to the location of a weapons cache in Tamim province, northeast of Kirkuk. Troops safely destroyed the cache, which contained more than 100 mortar rounds.
In earlier operations, Multinational Division North soldiers killed three enemy personnel March 30 after locating a weapons cache and an al Qaeda in Iraq bunker in Bojima, near Baqouba.
During a joint weapons-clearing operation with Iraqi soldiers, the combined force began receiving small-arms fire. A coalition air weapons team spotted the armed personnel fleeing from the contact location and engaged the enemies, killing three and wounding one other.
Soldiers from the Iraqi army's 5th Division and Multinational Division North soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Lewis, Wash., destroyed a heavy fortified bunker, two 82 mm mortar base plates, a 60 mm mortar base plate, and a 60 mm mortar tripod. They also destroyed two propane tanks and a fire extinguisher that was suspected of containing homemade explosives.
"Destroying the bunker will further degrade al Qaeda in Iraq's ability to conduct offensive and supply operations," said Army 1st Lt. Colin Lebeau, a 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, assistant intelligence officer.
In the Abu Harab village of Diyala province March 30, the local "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group prevented the kidnapping of two women and four children. The Sons of Iraq fought off four vehicles carrying al Qaeda in Iraq members who had kidnapped the six people. The local resistance force recovered all the would-be kidnapping victims.
"The quick reaction of these local heroes, the village's Sons of Iraq, is yet another example of the strength and determination of Iraqis to fight for the peace they deserve," said Army Maj. Dan Meyers, a Multinational Division North spokesman.
During operations March 30, combined forces seized:
-- A cache in Qarghouli village, near Patrol Base Yusifyah, containing Katusha rockets, improvised explosive devices, mortar and artillery rounds of various sizes, 40 pounds of unknown bulk explosives, anti-aircraft rounds, gas tanks, and several hundred small-arms rounds and accessories.
-- Stockpiles of weapons in Hashmiyah that included 23 anti-tank mines, some 40 pounds of explosives, three crates of pellet-shaped explosives, more than a dozen mortars of varying size, ammunition, fuses and projectile housings, and bomb-making materials.
-- A cache containing propellant charges, mortar rounds, rifle grenades, flares and bags of TNT in Abu Osage, northwest of Lutifiyah.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died March 29 in Baghdad from wounds suffered when they encountered an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
Killed were:
Spc. Durrell L. Bennett, 22, of Spanaway, Wash., and
Pfc. Patrick J. Miller, 23, of New Port Richey, Fla.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Killed were:
Spc. Durrell L. Bennett, 22, of Spanaway, Wash., and
Pfc. Patrick J. Miller, 23, of New Port Richey, Fla.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Terrell W. Gilmore, 38, of Baton Rouge, La., died March 30 in Baghdad, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 769th Engineer Battalion of the Louisiana Army National Guard in Baton Rouge.
For further information on this soldier, media may contact the Louisiana Army National Guard at 318-641-3864.
Sgt. Terrell W. Gilmore, 38, of Baton Rouge, La., died March 30 in Baghdad, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 769th Engineer Battalion of the Louisiana Army National Guard in Baton Rouge.
For further information on this soldier, media may contact the Louisiana Army National Guard at 318-641-3864.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Steven I. Candelo, 20, of Houston, died March 26 in Baghdad, when his vehicle was struck by a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
For further information on this soldier, media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816/8694.
Cpl. Steven I. Candelo, 20, of Houston, died March 26 in Baghdad, when his vehicle was struck by a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
For further information on this soldier, media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816/8694.
U.S. Charges Suspect in African Embassy Bombing
By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - Charges have been sworn against a Guantanamo Bay detainee, alleging he was involved in the preparation and planning of the 1998 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, Defense Department officials announced today. Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, of Zanzibar, Tanzania, is being charged with murder in violation of the law of war, murder of protected persons, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, destruction of property in violation of the law of war, and terrorism, Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Hartmann, legal advisor to the convening authority in the DoD Office of Military Commissions, told reporters at the Pentagon.
Ghailani is the 15th detainee against whom charges have been sworn under the Military Commissions Act.
The chief prosecutor in the case has recommended that the charges against Ghailani be referred as capital, Hartmann said. The charges now will be reviewed by Hartmann and forwarded to Susan Crawford, the convening authority, who will decide whether the case should be referred to trial and whether the charges should be capital, which would mean a maximum penalty of death.
The bombing of the embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, happened on Aug. 7, 1998, the eight-year anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Shield. A truck bomb exploded at the embassy within four minutes of another bomb exploding at the American Embassy in Kenya. The bombing in Tanzania killed 11 people and injured hundreds.
The charges allege that Ghailani was involved in the following actions:
-- Purchasing TNT, detonators and detonation cord on multiple occasions and transporting the bomb components to Dar es Salaam;
-- Moving the bomb components to various safe houses in and around Dar es Salaam;
-- Assisting in the purchase of the truck used in the attack;
-- Facilitating the purchase of oxygen cylinder tanks that were used as bomb components;
-- Escorting the bomb engineer between Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, Kenya, after the bomb had been assembled;
-- Scouting the American Embassy with the suicide-bomb driver;
-- Meeting with co-conspirators in Nairobi, Kenya, shortly before the bombing; and
-- Joining the co-conspirators on a flight from Nairobi to Karachi, Pakistan, one day prior to the bombing.
Ghailani is further charged with providing material support to terrorism, Hartmann said. This charge alleges that, after the bombing, Ghailani continued in his service to al Qaeda as a document forger, physical trainer at an al Qaeda training camp, and as a bodyguard for Osama bin Laden. Ghailani was arrested in July 2004 in Pakistan, Hartmann said.
There is no timeline for the charges to be reviewed and for Crawford to make her decision, Hartmann said, but the office of the convening authority will work as quickly as possible on this case.
This is the seventh case to be sworn as capital; six detainees were charged Feb. 11 with involvement in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and their cases were recommended to be capital. Those cases still are being reviewed in the office of the convening authority, Hartmann said.
Under the Military Commissions Act, if a case is referred as capital and goes to trial, a military commission panel of at least 12 members must determine guilt or innocence and sentencing by a unanimous decision. The accused has the right to appeal the case all the way to the U. S. Supreme Court, as well as the rights to elect not to testify at trial; to be represented by detailed military counsel, as well as civilian counsel of his own selection and at no expense to the government; to examine all evidence presented to a jury by the prosecution; to obtain evidence and to call witnesses on his own behalf, including expert witnesses; to confront and cross-examine every witness called by the prosecution; to be present during the presentation of evidence; and to have no statements obtained by torture admitted.
Hartmann emphasized that the charges are only allegations that Ghailani has committed offenses under the Military Commissions Act, and he remains innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - Charges have been sworn against a Guantanamo Bay detainee, alleging he was involved in the preparation and planning of the 1998 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, Defense Department officials announced today. Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, of Zanzibar, Tanzania, is being charged with murder in violation of the law of war, murder of protected persons, attacking civilians, attacking civilian objects, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, destruction of property in violation of the law of war, and terrorism, Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Hartmann, legal advisor to the convening authority in the DoD Office of Military Commissions, told reporters at the Pentagon.
Ghailani is the 15th detainee against whom charges have been sworn under the Military Commissions Act.
The chief prosecutor in the case has recommended that the charges against Ghailani be referred as capital, Hartmann said. The charges now will be reviewed by Hartmann and forwarded to Susan Crawford, the convening authority, who will decide whether the case should be referred to trial and whether the charges should be capital, which would mean a maximum penalty of death.
The bombing of the embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, happened on Aug. 7, 1998, the eight-year anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Shield. A truck bomb exploded at the embassy within four minutes of another bomb exploding at the American Embassy in Kenya. The bombing in Tanzania killed 11 people and injured hundreds.
The charges allege that Ghailani was involved in the following actions:
-- Purchasing TNT, detonators and detonation cord on multiple occasions and transporting the bomb components to Dar es Salaam;
-- Moving the bomb components to various safe houses in and around Dar es Salaam;
-- Assisting in the purchase of the truck used in the attack;
-- Facilitating the purchase of oxygen cylinder tanks that were used as bomb components;
-- Escorting the bomb engineer between Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, Kenya, after the bomb had been assembled;
-- Scouting the American Embassy with the suicide-bomb driver;
-- Meeting with co-conspirators in Nairobi, Kenya, shortly before the bombing; and
-- Joining the co-conspirators on a flight from Nairobi to Karachi, Pakistan, one day prior to the bombing.
Ghailani is further charged with providing material support to terrorism, Hartmann said. This charge alleges that, after the bombing, Ghailani continued in his service to al Qaeda as a document forger, physical trainer at an al Qaeda training camp, and as a bodyguard for Osama bin Laden. Ghailani was arrested in July 2004 in Pakistan, Hartmann said.
There is no timeline for the charges to be reviewed and for Crawford to make her decision, Hartmann said, but the office of the convening authority will work as quickly as possible on this case.
This is the seventh case to be sworn as capital; six detainees were charged Feb. 11 with involvement in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and their cases were recommended to be capital. Those cases still are being reviewed in the office of the convening authority, Hartmann said.
Under the Military Commissions Act, if a case is referred as capital and goes to trial, a military commission panel of at least 12 members must determine guilt or innocence and sentencing by a unanimous decision. The accused has the right to appeal the case all the way to the U. S. Supreme Court, as well as the rights to elect not to testify at trial; to be represented by detailed military counsel, as well as civilian counsel of his own selection and at no expense to the government; to examine all evidence presented to a jury by the prosecution; to obtain evidence and to call witnesses on his own behalf, including expert witnesses; to confront and cross-examine every witness called by the prosecution; to be present during the presentation of evidence; and to have no statements obtained by torture admitted.
Hartmann emphasized that the charges are only allegations that Ghailani has committed offenses under the Military Commissions Act, and he remains innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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