American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - Afghan and coalition troops today detained three militants in Afghanistan's westernmost province, a day after troops killed 10 and detained four others in separate battles with insurgents, military officials reported. In today's operation, three men were detained in the Shindand district of Herat province near the Iranian border. Afghan army commandos, assisted by coalition troops, detained the men as "persons of interest" in what is believed to be the headquarters of a bomb-making cell in the Zer-e-koh Valley. The men were carrying AK-47 assault rifles and wearing vests loaded with ammunition. Commandos encountered no resistance from the armed men, and no shots were fired.
Coalition and Afghan forces yesterday killed 10 insurgents in separate operations that resulted in firefights with militants.
In the first incident, a combined coalition and Afghan unit on a reconnaissance patrol in the southern province of Helmand province killed seven insurgents. The troops were in the Nad Ali district when the insurgents fired on them from several positions using small-arms and rocket fire. The troops responded with small-arms fire, killing them.
No troops or civilian casualties were reported.
In the second incident, coalition forces killed three armed Taliban militants and detained another during an operation to disrupt the terrorist network in Ghazni province. The troops were in the Andar district, about 130 miles southwest of Kabul, targeting a Taliban militant believed to coordinate and direct recent terrorist activities in the area. As the force searched the compound, the three militants, who were armed with AK-47s, hand grenades and other military equipment, attempted to engage them. Coalition forces returned small-arms fire, killing them. The other man was detained without incident.
The troops destroyed the enemies' AK-47s, hand grenades and other military equipment.
On Dec. 1, for the third time in as many days, coalition forces targeted the Haqqani terrorist network's Islamic Jihadist Union and foreign fighter groups in Paktia province, and detained three suspects.
The operation in Zadran district targeted a known Haqqani militant believed to be in direct contact with senior Haqqani leaders and to coordinate and direct terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the region. Coalition forces searched the compound without incident while protecting five women and 16 children, and detained three suspected militants.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Face of Defense: Army Sniper Finds Lesson in Injury, Recovery
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - Army Sgt. Joel Dulashanti is, in his own words, "pretty much fully recovered" now, but the road to recovery was neither short nor easy. It did, however, provide him with a life lesson. "There is no reason to waste time in life being sad, or depressed, or angry," the 22-year-old soldier said. "Life's too short, and you learn that through those experiences. You've got to ... decide to be happy."
Dulashanti, a Cincinnati native, could have had a very different outlook on his situation.
Then a corporal, Dulashanti was deployed to Afghanistan as a sniper with the 82nd Airborne Division in May 2007. His platoon was near the Pakistan border when he and his partner were ambushed.
"We were dismounted, chasing down two guys, and they just happened to ambush us before we could ambush them," he said. "I was shot three times; through my left knee, through my right knee – which resulted in an above-knee amputation -- and once in my abdomen."
The latter injury caused the loss of abdominal muscle as well as the loss of part of his stomach and intestines.
Between the attack and Dulashanti's arrival at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, there were stops at Orgun-E and Bagram in Afghanistan. The whole process took a day. After a four-day stay at Landstuhl, he arrived at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center on May 8, 2007, where his family met him.
He was still an inpatient when President George W. Bush presented him with his Purple Heart medal on July 3, 2007; something he remembers as "pretty cool."
"It does mean a little bit to me," Dulashanti said. "I gave something to get that, but a lot of other people have them [too]. It's actually one of the few things that is actually given to you that you've ... earned, but didn't put any work into it," he added flashing a million-dollar smile.
The former distance runner and weightlifter spent part of his recovery learning how to walk on his new prosthetic leg, but it wasn't long before he wanted to take up another of his favorite activities again.
"I used to rollerblade a lot, [and] I continue to rollerblade a lot," he said. "It was weird, because there aren't any above-knee amputees that rollerblade, so I was the first.
"It was kind of difficult coming up with a prosthetic to use," he continued, "but I worked with my prosthetist and [one was developed through] trial and error." Dulashanti estimated the whole process took about a month.
Running is still difficult, he said, but he's determined to get back to it soon. He'd also like to get back to active duty, as well.
"I just started my medical board," he said. "Hopefully, cross my fingers, it won't be another six months. So, we'll see where that takes me. I'll get my feet wet again, and we'll go from there, but I would like to get back into the field and operate again as a sniper."
For now, though, it's a waiting game, and to fill the time he's taking classes in general education.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - Army Sgt. Joel Dulashanti is, in his own words, "pretty much fully recovered" now, but the road to recovery was neither short nor easy. It did, however, provide him with a life lesson. "There is no reason to waste time in life being sad, or depressed, or angry," the 22-year-old soldier said. "Life's too short, and you learn that through those experiences. You've got to ... decide to be happy."
Dulashanti, a Cincinnati native, could have had a very different outlook on his situation.
Then a corporal, Dulashanti was deployed to Afghanistan as a sniper with the 82nd Airborne Division in May 2007. His platoon was near the Pakistan border when he and his partner were ambushed.
"We were dismounted, chasing down two guys, and they just happened to ambush us before we could ambush them," he said. "I was shot three times; through my left knee, through my right knee – which resulted in an above-knee amputation -- and once in my abdomen."
The latter injury caused the loss of abdominal muscle as well as the loss of part of his stomach and intestines.
Between the attack and Dulashanti's arrival at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, there were stops at Orgun-E and Bagram in Afghanistan. The whole process took a day. After a four-day stay at Landstuhl, he arrived at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center on May 8, 2007, where his family met him.
He was still an inpatient when President George W. Bush presented him with his Purple Heart medal on July 3, 2007; something he remembers as "pretty cool."
"It does mean a little bit to me," Dulashanti said. "I gave something to get that, but a lot of other people have them [too]. It's actually one of the few things that is actually given to you that you've ... earned, but didn't put any work into it," he added flashing a million-dollar smile.
The former distance runner and weightlifter spent part of his recovery learning how to walk on his new prosthetic leg, but it wasn't long before he wanted to take up another of his favorite activities again.
"I used to rollerblade a lot, [and] I continue to rollerblade a lot," he said. "It was weird, because there aren't any above-knee amputees that rollerblade, so I was the first.
"It was kind of difficult coming up with a prosthetic to use," he continued, "but I worked with my prosthetist and [one was developed through] trial and error." Dulashanti estimated the whole process took about a month.
Running is still difficult, he said, but he's determined to get back to it soon. He'd also like to get back to active duty, as well.
"I just started my medical board," he said. "Hopefully, cross my fingers, it won't be another six months. So, we'll see where that takes me. I'll get my feet wet again, and we'll go from there, but I would like to get back into the field and operate again as a sniper."
For now, though, it's a waiting game, and to fill the time he's taking classes in general education.
Sadr City Residents Take Pride in Their Neighborhood
By Army 2nd Lt. Clayton Merkly
Special to American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Dec. 3, 2008 - In the not-too-distant past, Baghdad's Sadr City district was considered by many to be one of the worst places to live in Iraq. Violence riddled the district, sewage-filled gutters overflowed onto the roads, and children played on trash piles containing concertina wire and rubble from houses -- the remnants of the violent fighting that drove Iranian-backed criminal elements out of the area.
Now, when soldiers with the 1st Armored Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, -- currently attached in Multinational Division Baghdad to the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team -- go on patrol, they see a radically different landscape.
Parks have emerged from previously vacant lots; children run rampant, enjoying themselves on previously prohibited playgrounds. Trash piles disappeared seemingly overnight, and concertina wire no longer blocks sidewalks and passageways. The streets are clean. Functioning sewers eliminate not only an offensive odor, but also a pressing health hazard to the citizens of Sadr City's Tharwa 1 neighborhood.
Buildings are freshly painted in bright colors, and storefronts are redone to present a welcoming appearance. While some of this work has been done by private business, much of it has been completed due to the efforts of Iraqis volunteering to clean their own sectors and neighborhoods. They're taking pride in their communities, and it is beginning to show.
A recent push removed trash from the main streets and collected it into designated areas where public services workers could pick it up and take it away. U.S. forces have noticed and appreciated this effort.
"It is good to see the Iraqis cleaning their neighborhoods," Army Spc. Richard Parr, a native of Nebraska who serves with Company C, said. "After being here for almost eight months, I am beginning to see a real change in attitudes of the people. The people are friendlier, and while security is still our primary mission, I am able to enjoy both an educational and cultural experience each time I go out on patrol. We are definitely seeing results of our hard work during this deployment."
The volunteer efforts make the neighborhood cleaner and safer. Removing trash and painting buildings means it is harder to hide roadside bombs in trash piles, and snipers cannot lurk in the bombed-out shells of buildings. The people also benefit from a more hygienic environment.
"I feel safer out in sector," Army Pfc. David Beveridge, a Virginia native who serves in Company C, said. "The clean streets make it easier to see obstacles and means that we can spot suspicious objects faster, saving both our own lives and any innocent bystanders."
A member of the district advisory council, a mid-level government official and a local sheik supported the effort by providing tools and labor for the many projects. Their participation, officials said, is a clear signal to the people that it is time to unshackle themselves from the grip of enemies and instead enjoy the opportunity to better themselves and their communities.
(Army 2nd Lt. Clayton Merkly serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Dec. 3, 2008 - In the not-too-distant past, Baghdad's Sadr City district was considered by many to be one of the worst places to live in Iraq. Violence riddled the district, sewage-filled gutters overflowed onto the roads, and children played on trash piles containing concertina wire and rubble from houses -- the remnants of the violent fighting that drove Iranian-backed criminal elements out of the area.
Now, when soldiers with the 1st Armored Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, -- currently attached in Multinational Division Baghdad to the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team -- go on patrol, they see a radically different landscape.
Parks have emerged from previously vacant lots; children run rampant, enjoying themselves on previously prohibited playgrounds. Trash piles disappeared seemingly overnight, and concertina wire no longer blocks sidewalks and passageways. The streets are clean. Functioning sewers eliminate not only an offensive odor, but also a pressing health hazard to the citizens of Sadr City's Tharwa 1 neighborhood.
Buildings are freshly painted in bright colors, and storefronts are redone to present a welcoming appearance. While some of this work has been done by private business, much of it has been completed due to the efforts of Iraqis volunteering to clean their own sectors and neighborhoods. They're taking pride in their communities, and it is beginning to show.
A recent push removed trash from the main streets and collected it into designated areas where public services workers could pick it up and take it away. U.S. forces have noticed and appreciated this effort.
"It is good to see the Iraqis cleaning their neighborhoods," Army Spc. Richard Parr, a native of Nebraska who serves with Company C, said. "After being here for almost eight months, I am beginning to see a real change in attitudes of the people. The people are friendlier, and while security is still our primary mission, I am able to enjoy both an educational and cultural experience each time I go out on patrol. We are definitely seeing results of our hard work during this deployment."
The volunteer efforts make the neighborhood cleaner and safer. Removing trash and painting buildings means it is harder to hide roadside bombs in trash piles, and snipers cannot lurk in the bombed-out shells of buildings. The people also benefit from a more hygienic environment.
"I feel safer out in sector," Army Pfc. David Beveridge, a Virginia native who serves in Company C, said. "The clean streets make it easier to see obstacles and means that we can spot suspicious objects faster, saving both our own lives and any innocent bystanders."
A member of the district advisory council, a mid-level government official and a local sheik supported the effort by providing tools and labor for the many projects. Their participation, officials said, is a clear signal to the people that it is time to unshackle themselves from the grip of enemies and instead enjoy the opportunity to better themselves and their communities.
(Army 2nd Lt. Clayton Merkly serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.)
Mullen, Pakistani Officials Discuss Mumbai Terror Attacks
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with senior Pakistani officials in Islamabad today to thank them for their willingness to work with Indian authorities in a joint investigation into the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, India. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen also pressed the Pakistanis to explore "any and all possible ties" between the attacks and groups based in Pakistan, according to a statement released today by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Mullen traveled to Pakistan yesterday, while Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice traveled to New Delhi to help de-escalate tensions and promote cooperation in investigating the attacks that left nearly 200 people dead. The attacks began in India's financial capital Nov. 26 and ended with Indian security forces regaining control Nov. 29.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates confirmed Mullen's and Rice's visits during a Pentagon news conference yesterday.
"It clearly was the action of an extremist group that apparently was targeting Americans and Britons, ... but the truth is, most of the people who were killed were Indian," he said. "And so it's important that we find out who did it and try and prevent it from ever happening again."
Mullen's agenda included meetings with President Asif Ali Zadari, National Security Advisor Mahdue Durrani, Chairman of the Joint Committee Gen. Tariq Majid, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asfaq Kayani and Inter-Services Intelligence Chief Gen. Shuja Pasha.
"All agreed that the tragedy in Mumbai represents a dangerous escalation in the sophistication of extremist attacks that represents an increased threat to the entire region," the embassy statement said.
Mullen noted during the sessions recent successes Pakistan's armed forces have made against extremists in the border region.
"Mullen also encouraged Pakistani leaders to take more -- and more concerted -- action against militant extremists elsewhere in the country," the statement said.
Meanwhile, deputy State Department spokesman Robert Wood said Rice is extending condolences to the Indian people and expressing American solidarity with India in the face of tragedy.
"And she will be there to discuss with the Indian government how we can better cooperate in terms of this fight against extremism," Wood told reporters yesterday.
President George W. Bush condemned the attack, telling reporters the people of India are resilient and strong and will prevail against violence. "The killers who struck this week are brutal and violent, but terror will not have the final word," he said Nov. 29.
"The leaders of India can know that nations around the world support them in the face of this assault on human dignity," he said. "And as the people of the world's largest democracy recover from these attacks, they can count on the world's oldest democracy to stand by their side."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with senior Pakistani officials in Islamabad today to thank them for their willingness to work with Indian authorities in a joint investigation into the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, India. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen also pressed the Pakistanis to explore "any and all possible ties" between the attacks and groups based in Pakistan, according to a statement released today by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Mullen traveled to Pakistan yesterday, while Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice traveled to New Delhi to help de-escalate tensions and promote cooperation in investigating the attacks that left nearly 200 people dead. The attacks began in India's financial capital Nov. 26 and ended with Indian security forces regaining control Nov. 29.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates confirmed Mullen's and Rice's visits during a Pentagon news conference yesterday.
"It clearly was the action of an extremist group that apparently was targeting Americans and Britons, ... but the truth is, most of the people who were killed were Indian," he said. "And so it's important that we find out who did it and try and prevent it from ever happening again."
Mullen's agenda included meetings with President Asif Ali Zadari, National Security Advisor Mahdue Durrani, Chairman of the Joint Committee Gen. Tariq Majid, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asfaq Kayani and Inter-Services Intelligence Chief Gen. Shuja Pasha.
"All agreed that the tragedy in Mumbai represents a dangerous escalation in the sophistication of extremist attacks that represents an increased threat to the entire region," the embassy statement said.
Mullen noted during the sessions recent successes Pakistan's armed forces have made against extremists in the border region.
"Mullen also encouraged Pakistani leaders to take more -- and more concerted -- action against militant extremists elsewhere in the country," the statement said.
Meanwhile, deputy State Department spokesman Robert Wood said Rice is extending condolences to the Indian people and expressing American solidarity with India in the face of tragedy.
"And she will be there to discuss with the Indian government how we can better cooperate in terms of this fight against extremism," Wood told reporters yesterday.
President George W. Bush condemned the attack, telling reporters the people of India are resilient and strong and will prevail against violence. "The killers who struck this week are brutal and violent, but terror will not have the final word," he said Nov. 29.
"The leaders of India can know that nations around the world support them in the face of this assault on human dignity," he said. "And as the people of the world's largest democracy recover from these attacks, they can count on the world's oldest democracy to stand by their side."
Cooperation Leads to Weapons Seizures in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi security forces seized multiple weapons caches in Iraq this week in their ongoing effort to remove weapons from insurgents, military officials reported. Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman with the 4th Infantry Division and Multinational Division Baghdad, said increased seizures are proof of good cooperation among coalition and Iraqi troops, as well as civilian security groups like the Sons of Iraq.
"The combined efforts of the Sons of Iraq and Iraqi Army soldiers are instrumental in removing these weapons from the hands of extremists and safeguarding the Iraqi people," Stover said.
Iraqi soldiers and Sons of Iraq members seized two weapons caches in Baghdad yesterday that included a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and two anti-personnel rounds from a market in Rusafa.
Later in the day, an Iraqi citizen unearthed a cache while operating a bucket loader in Mansour and reported it to Iraqi soldiers. The cache consisted of two AK-47 assault rifles, an RPK machine gun, 11 60 mm mortars, a 120 mm mortar, an anti-tank weapon, three RPGs, four hand grenades, 30 RPK rounds, 33 shotgun shells, two .50-caliber rounds, six flares, three fuses, nine detonators, 20 mortar charges, two Kevlar helmets, four license plates, a Global Positioning System tracker and a compass. The Iraqi soldiers will turn the cache over to the U.S. 1st Infantry Division's 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Squadron, to be destroyed.
In other cache finds in Iraq:
-- National police in Baghdad handed over two armor-piercing munitions to coalition troops to be destroyed yesterday. The explosives were found in the Adhamiyah and Sadr City districts.
-- Coalition troops seized a weapons cache yesterday in Baghdad that included a 68 mm rocket, two large mortar rounds and numerous small-arms ammunition.
-- Coalition and Iraqi soldiers seized two weapons caches Dec. 1 in Baghdad that included multiple projectiles and bomb fuses found in a mosque in Sadr City and several AK-47s, shotguns and ammunition in an another location.
-- Coalition and Iraqi soldiers seized two caches south of Baghdad on Nov. 30 that included 15 rockets, a rocket launcher, six mortars and dozens of mortar rounds and RPGs.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Dec. 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi security forces seized multiple weapons caches in Iraq this week in their ongoing effort to remove weapons from insurgents, military officials reported. Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman with the 4th Infantry Division and Multinational Division Baghdad, said increased seizures are proof of good cooperation among coalition and Iraqi troops, as well as civilian security groups like the Sons of Iraq.
"The combined efforts of the Sons of Iraq and Iraqi Army soldiers are instrumental in removing these weapons from the hands of extremists and safeguarding the Iraqi people," Stover said.
Iraqi soldiers and Sons of Iraq members seized two weapons caches in Baghdad yesterday that included a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and two anti-personnel rounds from a market in Rusafa.
Later in the day, an Iraqi citizen unearthed a cache while operating a bucket loader in Mansour and reported it to Iraqi soldiers. The cache consisted of two AK-47 assault rifles, an RPK machine gun, 11 60 mm mortars, a 120 mm mortar, an anti-tank weapon, three RPGs, four hand grenades, 30 RPK rounds, 33 shotgun shells, two .50-caliber rounds, six flares, three fuses, nine detonators, 20 mortar charges, two Kevlar helmets, four license plates, a Global Positioning System tracker and a compass. The Iraqi soldiers will turn the cache over to the U.S. 1st Infantry Division's 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Squadron, to be destroyed.
In other cache finds in Iraq:
-- National police in Baghdad handed over two armor-piercing munitions to coalition troops to be destroyed yesterday. The explosives were found in the Adhamiyah and Sadr City districts.
-- Coalition troops seized a weapons cache yesterday in Baghdad that included a 68 mm rocket, two large mortar rounds and numerous small-arms ammunition.
-- Coalition and Iraqi soldiers seized two weapons caches Dec. 1 in Baghdad that included multiple projectiles and bomb fuses found in a mosque in Sadr City and several AK-47s, shotguns and ammunition in an another location.
-- Coalition and Iraqi soldiers seized two caches south of Baghdad on Nov. 30 that included 15 rockets, a rocket launcher, six mortars and dozens of mortar rounds and RPGs.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Forces Must Take Advantage of Security Gains, General Says
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - Violence in Iraq is at an all-time low since the beginning of the war, but challenges remain as a result of the improved security situation, the commander of coalition ground forces said today during a Baghdad news conference. "While [coalition forces] are all encouraged by our remarkable success over the past 10 months in our movement towards achieving sustainable security, we must recognize that we are by no means finished," Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters. "In fact, security success has allowed for more challenging issues to surface."
Professionalizing the police force, enhancing army capabilities and maintaining border security are some of the issues toward which forces in Iraq are shifting their efforts, along with improving job security and essential services for the Iraqi people, Austin said.
"We should take full advantage of this opportunity to solidify our gains and help Iraq achieve a stable state," he said.
Austin said he hopes to develop combat enablers such as aviation, artillery, engineering, intelligence-gathering and logistical assets of the Iraqi Army to improve them as a counterinsurgency force.
"I'm confident that in the foreseeable future [the Iraqi army] will be able to sustain their operations with significantly reduced coalition support," he said.
While the Iraqi Army has made significant strides, coalition forces continue to develop the police force to achieve the same level of competence. The goal is for the police force to be "viewed by the Iraqi people as effective at protecting the local populace," the general said.
These efforts will lead to more jobs and better essential services, such as water and electricity, he said. Increased security also will lead to more foreign investors actively seeking business opportunities in Iraq, he added.
"Together with the Iraqi security forces, [coalition forces] have dealt blows to the enemies of Iraq," he said. "Coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of individuals who played key roles in al-Qaida, and the removal of these individuals has significantly degraded al-Qaida's ability to plan, resource, execute and to capitalize against the Iraqi people."
November saw fewer attacks than any month since the war began in March 2003. Attacks are down 80 percent since March of this year, while coalition and Iraqi forces are finding and clearing 24 percent more weapons caches now than in 2007, keeping them out of the hands of insurgents, the general said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - Violence in Iraq is at an all-time low since the beginning of the war, but challenges remain as a result of the improved security situation, the commander of coalition ground forces said today during a Baghdad news conference. "While [coalition forces] are all encouraged by our remarkable success over the past 10 months in our movement towards achieving sustainable security, we must recognize that we are by no means finished," Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters. "In fact, security success has allowed for more challenging issues to surface."
Professionalizing the police force, enhancing army capabilities and maintaining border security are some of the issues toward which forces in Iraq are shifting their efforts, along with improving job security and essential services for the Iraqi people, Austin said.
"We should take full advantage of this opportunity to solidify our gains and help Iraq achieve a stable state," he said.
Austin said he hopes to develop combat enablers such as aviation, artillery, engineering, intelligence-gathering and logistical assets of the Iraqi Army to improve them as a counterinsurgency force.
"I'm confident that in the foreseeable future [the Iraqi army] will be able to sustain their operations with significantly reduced coalition support," he said.
While the Iraqi Army has made significant strides, coalition forces continue to develop the police force to achieve the same level of competence. The goal is for the police force to be "viewed by the Iraqi people as effective at protecting the local populace," the general said.
These efforts will lead to more jobs and better essential services, such as water and electricity, he said. Increased security also will lead to more foreign investors actively seeking business opportunities in Iraq, he added.
"Together with the Iraqi security forces, [coalition forces] have dealt blows to the enemies of Iraq," he said. "Coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of individuals who played key roles in al-Qaida, and the removal of these individuals has significantly degraded al-Qaida's ability to plan, resource, execute and to capitalize against the Iraqi people."
November saw fewer attacks than any month since the war began in March 2003. Attacks are down 80 percent since March of this year, while coalition and Iraqi forces are finding and clearing 24 percent more weapons caches now than in 2007, keeping them out of the hands of insurgents, the general said.
U.S. Advisor Praises Progress of Afghan Army's 205th Corps
By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - With the help of mentors from several countries and every branch of service, the 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army now can plan and execute operations, a senior advisor said yesterday. "These are Afghan pilots flying Afghan missions in support of the Afghan people," Army Col. Paul Somersall, commander of Regional Corps Advisory Command in southern Afghanistan, said to bloggers and online journalists during a teleconference.
Three of the 205th Corps' four infantry brigades have been assessed as capable of conducting independent operations with minimal support from their combat advisors.
"One of the brigades recently planned, executed and sustained themselves during a seven-day operation where they drove deep into what is called an enemy sanctuary or enemy safe haven to destroy identified enemy forces," Somersall said.
"They were successful leading the operation, with less than 30 mentors and 20 other coalition soldiers, in addition to their 300 ANA ground force," he said. "That was a great example of ANA's capability to lead and conduct their own operations."
To train and develop the 205th Corps, Somersall said, the trainers had to earn trust from the Afghan soldiers.
"How we do this mission is by establishing strong, trusted relationship with the ANA counterparts, and that is done by living, eating and fighting side by side in combat with our Afghan brethren," he said. "Depending on the location and the circumstances, mentors are expected to spend between two and 12 hours a day with their counterpart."
Somersall explained that for the mentors to be effective, they must learn how to see the challenges and opportunities through the perspective of the Afghan people.
While the mentors and the 205th Corps have concentrated on combat capabilities, they've also been meeting with village leaders to find out the needs and concerns of the citizens. The 205th Corps has responded by providing food, water wells, power generation, schools, as well as medical and dental outreach events, Somersall said.
One of the challenges the ANA has faced in the past has been logistics support, but that has been resolved and the Afghans are operating on their own, Somersall said.
"We've moved 90,000 tons of supplies since August using the MI-17 [helicopters], and these are all by the Afghans," he said.
Overall, Somersall said, the Afghan soldiers in the southern region of Afghanistan are tough, experienced fighters who are focused on fighting for their country and supporting the Afghan constitution.
"The 205th Corps is committed to winning in southern Afghanistan and doing what needs to be done to grow larger and stronger every day, he said. "I'm convinced that with increased numbers of well-trained mentors and advisors, as well as additional combat enablers of aviation and intelligence assets, we move a bit closer every day to being able to transfer and leave security responsibility to the government of Afghanistan."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2008 - With the help of mentors from several countries and every branch of service, the 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army now can plan and execute operations, a senior advisor said yesterday. "These are Afghan pilots flying Afghan missions in support of the Afghan people," Army Col. Paul Somersall, commander of Regional Corps Advisory Command in southern Afghanistan, said to bloggers and online journalists during a teleconference.
Three of the 205th Corps' four infantry brigades have been assessed as capable of conducting independent operations with minimal support from their combat advisors.
"One of the brigades recently planned, executed and sustained themselves during a seven-day operation where they drove deep into what is called an enemy sanctuary or enemy safe haven to destroy identified enemy forces," Somersall said.
"They were successful leading the operation, with less than 30 mentors and 20 other coalition soldiers, in addition to their 300 ANA ground force," he said. "That was a great example of ANA's capability to lead and conduct their own operations."
To train and develop the 205th Corps, Somersall said, the trainers had to earn trust from the Afghan soldiers.
"How we do this mission is by establishing strong, trusted relationship with the ANA counterparts, and that is done by living, eating and fighting side by side in combat with our Afghan brethren," he said. "Depending on the location and the circumstances, mentors are expected to spend between two and 12 hours a day with their counterpart."
Somersall explained that for the mentors to be effective, they must learn how to see the challenges and opportunities through the perspective of the Afghan people.
While the mentors and the 205th Corps have concentrated on combat capabilities, they've also been meeting with village leaders to find out the needs and concerns of the citizens. The 205th Corps has responded by providing food, water wells, power generation, schools, as well as medical and dental outreach events, Somersall said.
One of the challenges the ANA has faced in the past has been logistics support, but that has been resolved and the Afghans are operating on their own, Somersall said.
"We've moved 90,000 tons of supplies since August using the MI-17 [helicopters], and these are all by the Afghans," he said.
Overall, Somersall said, the Afghan soldiers in the southern region of Afghanistan are tough, experienced fighters who are focused on fighting for their country and supporting the Afghan constitution.
"The 205th Corps is committed to winning in southern Afghanistan and doing what needs to be done to grow larger and stronger every day, he said. "I'm convinced that with increased numbers of well-trained mentors and advisors, as well as additional combat enablers of aviation and intelligence assets, we move a bit closer every day to being able to transfer and leave security responsibility to the government of Afghanistan."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- December 3, 2008
Government recommends Kansas for biodefense lab
“The federal government has recommended a site in Kansas for a new $450 million laboratory to study biological threats like anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease, congressional lawmakers and staff said today. The Department of Homeland Security’s choice of Manhattan, Kan., beat out intense competition from other sites in Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. […] Besides foot-and-mouth disease, researchers also would study African swine fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever and the Hendra and Nipah viruses. Other finalist sites were Flora, Miss.; Athens, Ga.; Butner, N.C.; and San Antonio.” (Boston Herald; 03Dec08; Source: Associated Press)
http://news.Bostonherald.com/news/national/central/view/2008_12_03_Government_recommends_Kansas_for_biodefense_lab/srvc=home&position=recent
7 revolutions for global sustainability
“By the year 2050, the world population, estimated to top 9 billion, will require twice as much food as today, and water demand will double […]. Sustainability will rely on […] seven ‘revolutions,’ driving forces that will dictate global change […]. The seven revolutions include: population and demographics, resource management, Technology, information, economic integration, conflict and the challenge of governance. […] He [Erik Peterson, senior vice president, Center for Strategic and International Studies] said conflict, the sixth revolution, will be less between countries than within countries. He also said the lesson of 9/11 is that even ‘the most powerful military power in the world can be vulnerable. Terrorist groups have no return address.’ He said bioterrorism could be a significant danger.” (Delta Farm Press; 03Dec08; Ron Smith) http://deltafarmpress.com/news/global-sustainability-1203/
Biological weapons convention members meet
“Member nations to the Biological Weapons Convention are meeting this week in Geneva, the United Nations announced. The annual states parties session began yesterday and is scheduled to end Friday; it follows discussions that took place at an experts meeting in August. Participants will seek to develop a report that promotes movement in two particular areas: ‘National, regional and international measures to improve biosafety and biosecurity, including laboratory safety and security of pathogens and toxins’; and ‘Oversight, education, awareness raising and adoption and/or development of codes of conduct with the aim of preventing misuse in the context of advances in bioscience and biotechnology research with the potential of use for purposes prohibited by the convention.’” (Global Security Newswire; 02Dec08; Source: UN press releases) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20081202_1754.php
Iran blasts production of biological weapons by convention members
“Iranian ambassador to the UN Office in Geneva Alireza Moayyeri criticized cooperation on biological weapons among some members of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) with other countries. Speaking at the (BWC) member states annual meeting, Moayyeri emphasized on the necessity of international acceptance of the convention and called for curbing such relations which could lead to proliferation of biological weapons. […] According to the Iranian students’ news agency, he also pointed to the current process for implementation of the convention and said such a trend could not be employed instead of multilateral talks for organizing a legal binding document to strengthen the convention. The Iranian official also called for those countries which prevent such talks to obey the international community's demand for arrangement of the accord. The US is the major opponent against the negotiations.” (Fars News Agency; 03Dec08)
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8709131101
Chemical Ali’ [Hassan al-Majid] sentenced to hang
“Saddam Hussein's notorious cousin ‘Chemical Ali’ Hassan al-Majid received a second death sentence Tuesday, this time for crushing a Shiite uprising after Iraq's defeat in the 1991 Gulf War. Al-Majid, once among the most feared members of Saddam's regime, muttered ‘thanks be to God’ as chief judge Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa declared him guilty and imposed the sentence. The trial began in August 2007. Al-Majid already faces the gallows after being convicted last year for his role in the killing of tens of thousands of Kurds in the late 1980s — in which chemical weapons were used against civilians.” (Houston Chronicle; 02Dec08; Source: Associated Press)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/6143903.html
Sarin leak found at Madison [KY] depot
“Army officials detected a GB vapor leak Monday from an M55 rocket stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County [KY]. Inspectors discovered the leak during routine monitoring. The leak did not pose a threat, according to a news release from Blue Grass Chemical Activity, the agency that oversees chemical weapons storage at the depot.” (Lexington Herald Leader; 02Dec08) http://www.kentucky.com/178/story/612584.html
[UN Secretary-General] Ban calls for continued efforts to eliminate scourge of chemical weapons
“Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed for continued action to press ahead with disarmament efforts regarding chemical weapons, noting the positive steps that have already been taken towards eliminating the scourge. Addressing the 13th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention at The Hague, Netherlands, he said it was ‘encouraging’ that nearly half of the stockpiles of chemical agents declared by the six possessor States have been verifiably destroyed. ‘I call upon all possessor States to complete their destruction according to the required deadlines,’ he said in a message delivered by Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.” (United Nations; 02Dec08) http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29166&Cr=disarmament&Cr1=chemical+weapon
China urges chemical weapons owners to destroy stockpiles by 2012 deadline
“Countries which possess chemical weapons should do their utmost to comply with the 2012 deadline for the destruction of their chemical weapons, Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun said Tuesday at an annual meeting of the states parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in The Hague. Zhang, China's ambassador to the Netherlands and permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said that the speedy and complete destruction of chemical weapons within the time frame stipulated by the CWC is the fundamental objective of the convention.” (ISRIA; 03Dec08) http://www.isria.info/RESTRICTED/D/2008/DECEMBER_4/diplo_03december2008_62.htm
New leadership planned to fight WMD terrorism [U.S.]
“President-elect Barack Obama plans to appoint a new White House official to coordinate efforts to prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear or biological weapons, advisers say, giving the highest priority to thwarting a catastrophic attack that a bipartisan panel warns could come in the next five years. Naming a top deputy whose sole mission is to oversee the government's wide-ranging programs to stop such an attack would mark a significant break with the Bush administration, which in resisting such a post has maintained that US efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles and safeguard deadly pathogens are adequate.” (Boston Globe; 03Dec08; Brian Bender)
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/12/03/new_leadership_planned_to_fight_wmd_terrorism/
Mumbai attack swift, precise
“Like the Sept. 11 attacks in America, the Mumbai terrorist assault last week began with a hijacking. Islamic militants seized a private fishing boat at sea rather than commercial jetliners, according to U.S. counterterrorism officials. […] Could it happen here? U.S. officials say the answer, unfortunately, is yes. […] DHS [Department of Homeland Security] announced a ‘small-vessel security strategy’ last April to focus on ports and coastal waterways, and it has held four regional small-vessel ‘security summits’ this year. […] Technology is improving for detecting radiological devices that might arrive at seaports. But defense is thin against bioterrorism, and almost nonexistent against seaborne gunmen of the sort that terrorized Mumbai.” (Denver Post; 02Dec08; David Ignatius)
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_11122305
Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom supports disarmament of weapons of mass-destruction
“Saudi ambassador to [the] Netherlands and permanent representative at the organization of banning chemical weapons Waleed al-Khureiji has reiterated the Kingdom's inalienable stand as regards disarmament of weapons of mass-destruction […]. […] He called on the international community to put pressure on Israel until it approves the agreement of banning chemical weapons and signs the treaty of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. He noted that Israel is the sole country in the Middle East which has failed to sign the treaty […].” (ISRIA; 03Dec08) http://www.isria.info/RESTRICTED/D/2008/DECEMBER_4/diplo_03december2008_11.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
“The federal government has recommended a site in Kansas for a new $450 million laboratory to study biological threats like anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease, congressional lawmakers and staff said today. The Department of Homeland Security’s choice of Manhattan, Kan., beat out intense competition from other sites in Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. […] Besides foot-and-mouth disease, researchers also would study African swine fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever and the Hendra and Nipah viruses. Other finalist sites were Flora, Miss.; Athens, Ga.; Butner, N.C.; and San Antonio.” (Boston Herald; 03Dec08; Source: Associated Press)
http://news.Bostonherald.com/news/national/central/view/2008_12_03_Government_recommends_Kansas_for_biodefense_lab/srvc=home&position=recent
7 revolutions for global sustainability
“By the year 2050, the world population, estimated to top 9 billion, will require twice as much food as today, and water demand will double […]. Sustainability will rely on […] seven ‘revolutions,’ driving forces that will dictate global change […]. The seven revolutions include: population and demographics, resource management, Technology, information, economic integration, conflict and the challenge of governance. […] He [Erik Peterson, senior vice president, Center for Strategic and International Studies] said conflict, the sixth revolution, will be less between countries than within countries. He also said the lesson of 9/11 is that even ‘the most powerful military power in the world can be vulnerable. Terrorist groups have no return address.’ He said bioterrorism could be a significant danger.” (Delta Farm Press; 03Dec08; Ron Smith) http://deltafarmpress.com/news/global-sustainability-1203/
Biological weapons convention members meet
“Member nations to the Biological Weapons Convention are meeting this week in Geneva, the United Nations announced. The annual states parties session began yesterday and is scheduled to end Friday; it follows discussions that took place at an experts meeting in August. Participants will seek to develop a report that promotes movement in two particular areas: ‘National, regional and international measures to improve biosafety and biosecurity, including laboratory safety and security of pathogens and toxins’; and ‘Oversight, education, awareness raising and adoption and/or development of codes of conduct with the aim of preventing misuse in the context of advances in bioscience and biotechnology research with the potential of use for purposes prohibited by the convention.’” (Global Security Newswire; 02Dec08; Source: UN press releases) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20081202_1754.php
Iran blasts production of biological weapons by convention members
“Iranian ambassador to the UN Office in Geneva Alireza Moayyeri criticized cooperation on biological weapons among some members of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) with other countries. Speaking at the (BWC) member states annual meeting, Moayyeri emphasized on the necessity of international acceptance of the convention and called for curbing such relations which could lead to proliferation of biological weapons. […] According to the Iranian students’ news agency, he also pointed to the current process for implementation of the convention and said such a trend could not be employed instead of multilateral talks for organizing a legal binding document to strengthen the convention. The Iranian official also called for those countries which prevent such talks to obey the international community's demand for arrangement of the accord. The US is the major opponent against the negotiations.” (Fars News Agency; 03Dec08)
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8709131101
Chemical Ali’ [Hassan al-Majid] sentenced to hang
“Saddam Hussein's notorious cousin ‘Chemical Ali’ Hassan al-Majid received a second death sentence Tuesday, this time for crushing a Shiite uprising after Iraq's defeat in the 1991 Gulf War. Al-Majid, once among the most feared members of Saddam's regime, muttered ‘thanks be to God’ as chief judge Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa declared him guilty and imposed the sentence. The trial began in August 2007. Al-Majid already faces the gallows after being convicted last year for his role in the killing of tens of thousands of Kurds in the late 1980s — in which chemical weapons were used against civilians.” (Houston Chronicle; 02Dec08; Source: Associated Press)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/6143903.html
Sarin leak found at Madison [KY] depot
“Army officials detected a GB vapor leak Monday from an M55 rocket stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County [KY]. Inspectors discovered the leak during routine monitoring. The leak did not pose a threat, according to a news release from Blue Grass Chemical Activity, the agency that oversees chemical weapons storage at the depot.” (Lexington Herald Leader; 02Dec08) http://www.kentucky.com/178/story/612584.html
[UN Secretary-General] Ban calls for continued efforts to eliminate scourge of chemical weapons
“Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed for continued action to press ahead with disarmament efforts regarding chemical weapons, noting the positive steps that have already been taken towards eliminating the scourge. Addressing the 13th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention at The Hague, Netherlands, he said it was ‘encouraging’ that nearly half of the stockpiles of chemical agents declared by the six possessor States have been verifiably destroyed. ‘I call upon all possessor States to complete their destruction according to the required deadlines,’ he said in a message delivered by Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.” (United Nations; 02Dec08) http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29166&Cr=disarmament&Cr1=chemical+weapon
China urges chemical weapons owners to destroy stockpiles by 2012 deadline
“Countries which possess chemical weapons should do their utmost to comply with the 2012 deadline for the destruction of their chemical weapons, Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun said Tuesday at an annual meeting of the states parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in The Hague. Zhang, China's ambassador to the Netherlands and permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said that the speedy and complete destruction of chemical weapons within the time frame stipulated by the CWC is the fundamental objective of the convention.” (ISRIA; 03Dec08) http://www.isria.info/RESTRICTED/D/2008/DECEMBER_4/diplo_03december2008_62.htm
New leadership planned to fight WMD terrorism [U.S.]
“President-elect Barack Obama plans to appoint a new White House official to coordinate efforts to prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear or biological weapons, advisers say, giving the highest priority to thwarting a catastrophic attack that a bipartisan panel warns could come in the next five years. Naming a top deputy whose sole mission is to oversee the government's wide-ranging programs to stop such an attack would mark a significant break with the Bush administration, which in resisting such a post has maintained that US efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles and safeguard deadly pathogens are adequate.” (Boston Globe; 03Dec08; Brian Bender)
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/12/03/new_leadership_planned_to_fight_wmd_terrorism/
Mumbai attack swift, precise
“Like the Sept. 11 attacks in America, the Mumbai terrorist assault last week began with a hijacking. Islamic militants seized a private fishing boat at sea rather than commercial jetliners, according to U.S. counterterrorism officials. […] Could it happen here? U.S. officials say the answer, unfortunately, is yes. […] DHS [Department of Homeland Security] announced a ‘small-vessel security strategy’ last April to focus on ports and coastal waterways, and it has held four regional small-vessel ‘security summits’ this year. […] Technology is improving for detecting radiological devices that might arrive at seaports. But defense is thin against bioterrorism, and almost nonexistent against seaborne gunmen of the sort that terrorized Mumbai.” (Denver Post; 02Dec08; David Ignatius)
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_11122305
Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom supports disarmament of weapons of mass-destruction
“Saudi ambassador to [the] Netherlands and permanent representative at the organization of banning chemical weapons Waleed al-Khureiji has reiterated the Kingdom's inalienable stand as regards disarmament of weapons of mass-destruction […]. […] He called on the international community to put pressure on Israel until it approves the agreement of banning chemical weapons and signs the treaty of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. He noted that Israel is the sole country in the Middle East which has failed to sign the treaty […].” (ISRIA; 03Dec08) http://www.isria.info/RESTRICTED/D/2008/DECEMBER_4/diplo_03december2008_11.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Capt. Robert J. Yllescas, 31, of Lincoln, Neb., died Dec. 1 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered Oct. 28 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit at Combat Outpost Keating, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 287-2520.
Capt. Robert J. Yllescas, 31, of Lincoln, Neb., died Dec. 1 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered Oct. 28 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit at Combat Outpost Keating, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 287-2520.
Iraq: An RPG to the Head and a Silver Star – the Gunny Speaks
On December 12, 2008, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas A. Popaditch, USMC (ret.). On April 7, 2004, during the First Battle of Fallujah, Gunnery Sergeant Popaditch “was wounded in action. During a firefight with enemy insurgents, he was struck in the head by an enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade, fired from a rooftop into the commander’s hatch of his tank. He received numerous shrapnel wounds.” His injuries necessitated the removal of his right eye; and, “his remaining eye was legally blind. His right ear and nose sustained significant damage and an implant was placed in his skull.”
In his book, Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery, Popaditch describes how at first he “fights to get back to where he was in Iraq - in the cupola of an M1A1 main battle tank, leading Marines in combat at the point of the spear. As the seriousness and permanence of his disabilities become more evident, Nick fights to remain in the Corps in any capacity, to help the brothers in arms he so aches to rejoin. Facing the inevitable following a medical retirement, he battles for rightful recognition and compensation for his permanent disabilities. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Nick fights to maintain his honor and loyalty, waging all these battles the same way - the Marine way.”
Program Date: December 12, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Iraq: An RPG to the Head and a Silver Star – the Gunny Speaks
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/12/13/Iraq-An-RPG-to-the-Head-and-a-Silver-Star-the-Gunny-Speaks
About the Guest
Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas A. Popaditch enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1986. After recruit training, “PFC Popaditch was assigned the job of tank crewman and given orders to report to the Basic Crewman’s Course.” During the First Gulf War, “he was assigned as Tank Commander of Bravo 2-2 (an M60A1 main battle tank) and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During Operation Desert Storm, Sgt Popaditch commanded his tank through breaching operations of two minefields and numerous offensive operations against Iraqi forces as part of Task Force Papa Bear.”
Between the wars, Popaditch was an instructor at Tank Commander’s School and honorably discharged in May 1992. He returned to Indiana where he worked as a construction worker and a correctional officer. Ultimately, he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and in December 1998, became a drill instructor.
During the Second Gulf War, he “commanded his tank through numerous offensive operations against Iraqi forces. Following the fall of Saddam’s Regime in Iraq, he participated in security and stabilization operations on the streets of Baghdad. In July 2003, he returned stateside.” In the Fall of 2003, now Staff Sergeant Popaditch “volunteered to return to Iraq.” In February 2004, he was “promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. And, in April 2004 his platoon was assigned to combat duty in the city Fallujah.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, Criminal Justice technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/12/13/Iraq-An-RPG-to-the-Head-and-a-Silver-Star-the-Gunny-Speaks
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
In his book, Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery, Popaditch describes how at first he “fights to get back to where he was in Iraq - in the cupola of an M1A1 main battle tank, leading Marines in combat at the point of the spear. As the seriousness and permanence of his disabilities become more evident, Nick fights to remain in the Corps in any capacity, to help the brothers in arms he so aches to rejoin. Facing the inevitable following a medical retirement, he battles for rightful recognition and compensation for his permanent disabilities. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Nick fights to maintain his honor and loyalty, waging all these battles the same way - the Marine way.”
Program Date: December 12, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Iraq: An RPG to the Head and a Silver Star – the Gunny Speaks
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/12/13/Iraq-An-RPG-to-the-Head-and-a-Silver-Star-the-Gunny-Speaks
About the Guest
Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas A. Popaditch enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1986. After recruit training, “PFC Popaditch was assigned the job of tank crewman and given orders to report to the Basic Crewman’s Course.” During the First Gulf War, “he was assigned as Tank Commander of Bravo 2-2 (an M60A1 main battle tank) and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During Operation Desert Storm, Sgt Popaditch commanded his tank through breaching operations of two minefields and numerous offensive operations against Iraqi forces as part of Task Force Papa Bear.”
Between the wars, Popaditch was an instructor at Tank Commander’s School and honorably discharged in May 1992. He returned to Indiana where he worked as a construction worker and a correctional officer. Ultimately, he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and in December 1998, became a drill instructor.
During the Second Gulf War, he “commanded his tank through numerous offensive operations against Iraqi forces. Following the fall of Saddam’s Regime in Iraq, he participated in security and stabilization operations on the streets of Baghdad. In July 2003, he returned stateside.” In the Fall of 2003, now Staff Sergeant Popaditch “volunteered to return to Iraq.” In February 2004, he was “promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. And, in April 2004 his platoon was assigned to combat duty in the city Fallujah.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, Criminal Justice technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/12/13/Iraq-An-RPG-to-the-Head-and-a-Silver-Star-the-Gunny-Speaks
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Face of Defense: First Sergeant Cites Difference U.S. Soldiers Make
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - For one senior enlisted soldier serving in Multinational Division Baghdad, the American soldier often represents the only goodness a lot of people around the world will ever know. Army 1st Sgt. Albert Rodriguez, first sergeant for the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, said he is proud of what he and his soldiers personify around the world.
"For a lot of people in the world, American soldiers are the only goodness a lot of people will ever know; the only bible a lot of people will never read; and the only example of America and freedom a lot of people will ever see," said the Oxnard, Calif., native who is on his second deployment to Iraq.
"I am proud to serve, because as a member of the U.S. Army, I am part of a long line of soldiers who have fought and died for our freedom," he said. "In particular, I have had two uncles who gave their lives during World War II and the Vietnam conflict.
"When I reflect on what their experiences must have been like," he continued, "I immediately appreciate all that is good in my life. I believe all soldiers should be proud of who they are and what they are doing, regardless of their job. They have all sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom."
Many of the soldiers in the first sergeant's company are directly involved in the planning, operation and execution of the Apache helicopter battalion's mission around the greater Baghdad region. His job is to coach, mentor and take care of soldiers as they conduct their daily tasks in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His company, deployed here just north of the Iraqi capital, uses the attack helicopters to directly affect the fight by protecting soldiers on the ground with aerial support.
Although the job could seem overwhelming, many of Rodriguez's young soldiers are performing like seasoned veterans, he said. Army Cpl. Jack Condon, 24, an aviation operations specialist from Catoosa, Okla., who works in the battalion's tactical operations center, said he relies on the advice he receives from senior noncommissioned officers to shape how he moves forward.
"Every 15 minutes, I get a [situation report] so I can inform the commander on the mission," he said. "I am at the center of the information flow. I ask for guidance from senior NCOs about what to do with a soldier or a situation, because every soldier and situation is different. That's how my NCOs are here, and I want to be the same."
As Condon and other soldiers in the company try to emulate their first sergeant, Rodriguez instills in them that taking care of soldiers is an NCO's top priority. How soldiers live while deployed reflects directly on their morale, the mission and esprit de corps, he said.
"Clearly, one of the most positive changes I have seen since my last deployment is the quality of life for our soldiers, who definitely deserve it," Rodriguez said, comparing today's conditions to those that were in place when he served during the initial invasion in March 2003. "The standard of living has been raised so high that we can never go back to the way it used to be. ... Trying to describe to a young soldier what it is like to live on a cot for six months is like trying to describe the days without the Internet: unimaginable."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt serves in the 4th Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - For one senior enlisted soldier serving in Multinational Division Baghdad, the American soldier often represents the only goodness a lot of people around the world will ever know. Army 1st Sgt. Albert Rodriguez, first sergeant for the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, said he is proud of what he and his soldiers personify around the world.
"For a lot of people in the world, American soldiers are the only goodness a lot of people will ever know; the only bible a lot of people will never read; and the only example of America and freedom a lot of people will ever see," said the Oxnard, Calif., native who is on his second deployment to Iraq.
"I am proud to serve, because as a member of the U.S. Army, I am part of a long line of soldiers who have fought and died for our freedom," he said. "In particular, I have had two uncles who gave their lives during World War II and the Vietnam conflict.
"When I reflect on what their experiences must have been like," he continued, "I immediately appreciate all that is good in my life. I believe all soldiers should be proud of who they are and what they are doing, regardless of their job. They have all sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom."
Many of the soldiers in the first sergeant's company are directly involved in the planning, operation and execution of the Apache helicopter battalion's mission around the greater Baghdad region. His job is to coach, mentor and take care of soldiers as they conduct their daily tasks in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His company, deployed here just north of the Iraqi capital, uses the attack helicopters to directly affect the fight by protecting soldiers on the ground with aerial support.
Although the job could seem overwhelming, many of Rodriguez's young soldiers are performing like seasoned veterans, he said. Army Cpl. Jack Condon, 24, an aviation operations specialist from Catoosa, Okla., who works in the battalion's tactical operations center, said he relies on the advice he receives from senior noncommissioned officers to shape how he moves forward.
"Every 15 minutes, I get a [situation report] so I can inform the commander on the mission," he said. "I am at the center of the information flow. I ask for guidance from senior NCOs about what to do with a soldier or a situation, because every soldier and situation is different. That's how my NCOs are here, and I want to be the same."
As Condon and other soldiers in the company try to emulate their first sergeant, Rodriguez instills in them that taking care of soldiers is an NCO's top priority. How soldiers live while deployed reflects directly on their morale, the mission and esprit de corps, he said.
"Clearly, one of the most positive changes I have seen since my last deployment is the quality of life for our soldiers, who definitely deserve it," Rodriguez said, comparing today's conditions to those that were in place when he served during the initial invasion in March 2003. "The standard of living has been raised so high that we can never go back to the way it used to be. ... Trying to describe to a young soldier what it is like to live on a cot for six months is like trying to describe the days without the Internet: unimaginable."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt serves in the 4th Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Canal Refurbishment Highlights $50 Million Iraqi Project
By Scott Flenner
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - Iraqi civilian and military dignitaries broke ground on the Army Canal Rehabilitation Project in Baghdad's Sadr City district yesterday. The ceremonial groundbreaking marked the beginning of a commitment by the Iraqi government to spend $50 million during the next three years in reconstruction efforts along the al-Kanat Road and surrounding areas.
The Army Canal, which runs more than 15 miles from Adhamiyah in northeastern Baghdad to Rustimiyah in southeastern Baghdad, was built in 1959 by Abd al-Kassem Quassim, then president of Iraq. The canal was meant to provide fresh drinking water and irrigation to the people of northeastern Baghdad, but after years of damage and sediment buildup, the canal has been unable to provide water for the people who rely so heavily upon it.
Construction for the refurbishment project is scheduled to begin Dec. 17.
"This marks a source of hope for the Iraqi people and an example of what the future holds," said Naeem Abub Misayd al-Kabi, deputy mayor of Baghdad.
The Army Canal rebuilding is the first step in an extensive three-year plan by the Iraqi government to improve the capital city. In conjunction with the canal project, the Sadr al-Kanat pump station will be refurbished, several parks and recreational areas will be built, numerous shops and stores will be created, and trees and plants will be sown along the canal.
The project has the potential to employ more than 50,000 people through its lifespan while improving essential services for the city's residents.
"This project will change the face of Baghdad," said Mayor Navet Alessawi said during yesterday's ceremony.
(Scott Flenner works in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - Iraqi civilian and military dignitaries broke ground on the Army Canal Rehabilitation Project in Baghdad's Sadr City district yesterday. The ceremonial groundbreaking marked the beginning of a commitment by the Iraqi government to spend $50 million during the next three years in reconstruction efforts along the al-Kanat Road and surrounding areas.
The Army Canal, which runs more than 15 miles from Adhamiyah in northeastern Baghdad to Rustimiyah in southeastern Baghdad, was built in 1959 by Abd al-Kassem Quassim, then president of Iraq. The canal was meant to provide fresh drinking water and irrigation to the people of northeastern Baghdad, but after years of damage and sediment buildup, the canal has been unable to provide water for the people who rely so heavily upon it.
Construction for the refurbishment project is scheduled to begin Dec. 17.
"This marks a source of hope for the Iraqi people and an example of what the future holds," said Naeem Abub Misayd al-Kabi, deputy mayor of Baghdad.
The Army Canal rebuilding is the first step in an extensive three-year plan by the Iraqi government to improve the capital city. In conjunction with the canal project, the Sadr al-Kanat pump station will be refurbished, several parks and recreational areas will be built, numerous shops and stores will be created, and trees and plants will be sown along the canal.
The project has the potential to employ more than 50,000 people through its lifespan while improving essential services for the city's residents.
"This project will change the face of Baghdad," said Mayor Navet Alessawi said during yesterday's ceremony.
(Scott Flenner works in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Coalition, Iraqis Capture 13 in Terrorist Network Busts
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces have captured 13 people in three days of operations targeting terrorist networks in Iraq, military officials reported. Al-Qaida in Iraq leadership cells in Baghdad were the target of two operations today. The first operation, in the city's Rashid neighborhood, netted a wanted man believed to be associated with regional terrorist leaders. Later today, in the Mansour neighborhood, troops captured another suspected terrorist and an additional suspect. The targeted man is believed to be a terrorist leader in the city. Reports suggest he is responsible for multiple grenade attacks in Baghdad.
In separate operations yesterday targeting al-Qaida in Iraq's leadership networks in northern Iraq, coalition troops detained two suspects in Beiji, about 100 miles south of Mosul, and three in Sharqat, about 60 miles south of Mosul. One of the suspects was wanted for his alleged connections to multiple al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.
In other operations in Iraq:
-- Coalition troops captured four people in Baghdad yesterday suspected of being part of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist network. One suspect was apprehended at a residence in the Adhamiyah district; the other three were at a house just south of Sadr City. That brings to 33 the number of suspected Iranian-sponsored terrorists captured by the coalition in the past month, officials said.
-- The coalition captured a man in Tikrit yesterday who is suspected of being involved in car bombings and of providing weapons to insurgents in the city. The man surrendered to ground forces.
-- The coalition captured three al-Qaida in Iraq terrorism suspects Nov. 30. One man was apprehended in Abu Ghraib, about 16 miles west of Baghdad; the other two were detained in Mosul.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Dec. 2, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces have captured 13 people in three days of operations targeting terrorist networks in Iraq, military officials reported. Al-Qaida in Iraq leadership cells in Baghdad were the target of two operations today. The first operation, in the city's Rashid neighborhood, netted a wanted man believed to be associated with regional terrorist leaders. Later today, in the Mansour neighborhood, troops captured another suspected terrorist and an additional suspect. The targeted man is believed to be a terrorist leader in the city. Reports suggest he is responsible for multiple grenade attacks in Baghdad.
In separate operations yesterday targeting al-Qaida in Iraq's leadership networks in northern Iraq, coalition troops detained two suspects in Beiji, about 100 miles south of Mosul, and three in Sharqat, about 60 miles south of Mosul. One of the suspects was wanted for his alleged connections to multiple al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.
In other operations in Iraq:
-- Coalition troops captured four people in Baghdad yesterday suspected of being part of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist network. One suspect was apprehended at a residence in the Adhamiyah district; the other three were at a house just south of Sadr City. That brings to 33 the number of suspected Iranian-sponsored terrorists captured by the coalition in the past month, officials said.
-- The coalition captured a man in Tikrit yesterday who is suspected of being involved in car bombings and of providing weapons to insurgents in the city. The man surrendered to ground forces.
-- The coalition captured three al-Qaida in Iraq terrorism suspects Nov. 30. One man was apprehended in Abu Ghraib, about 16 miles west of Baghdad; the other two were detained in Mosul.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Guard's Only Stryker Brigade Prepares for Iraq Deployment
By Army Sgt. Sheila Holifield
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - About 4,000 soldiers representing the National Guard's only Stryker brigade will deploy to Iraq in early 2009. The Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been transforming to a Stryker brigade since October 2004.
After they were alerted of their pending deployment in October 2007, the brigade's soldiers have been training at the Joint Forces Training Center here. They will continue on to Fort Polk, La., for additional training before they make their way to Iraq.
"The training we have done at Camp Shelby has been a good building block allowing us to expand upon what we were previously doing," Army Col. Mike Ferraro, commander of the 56th SBCT, said.
Though more than half of the soldiers deploying with the SBCT have prior deployment experience, Ferraro said, training still is vital to the mission.
"Times have changed and continue to change as we prepare to deploy, so we must train on those current tactics, techniques and procedures in order to be successful," he said.
Army Capt. Joseph Ruotolo, commander of Pennsylvania's Battery B, 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery, agreed.
"This war is different from any other," he said, "and as a result, a lot of the operations and success of this war is driven by the noncommissioned officers and junior leaders. Because that responsibility is now pushed down to the junior leaders, this war is all about being a good basic soldier."
In addition to mastering basic skills such as using a radio, knowing their weapon, navigating over land, reading a map and performing preventive maintenance checks and services, he said, soldiers also need to bring the right frame of mind to the fight.
"Being a good basic soldier and a good basic human being with honorable moral and ethical character are the ingredients to the success of this war we are fighting," Ruotolo said.
In addition to training at Joint Forces Training Center here, the SBCT has worked with the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade out of Fort Lewis, Wash. -- an active-duty Stryker brigade -- to prepare for their mission.
The active-duty soldiers taught the guardsmen current tactics, techniques and procedures being used in Iraq. They also conducted Stryker-specific training and shared what they learned from being overseas, Ferraro said.
"Having them here to work with us at Camp Shelby has been one of the biggest benefits we have been able to get," Ferraro said. "The partnership has benefited us immensely."
Ferraro noted that the active-duty soldiers have been thoroughly professional in helping the guardsmen prepare for their deployment.
"They are not looking at the patch and the fact that we are National Guard," he said. "We are all soldiers and all out to do the same thing in the Stryker community."
National Guard soldiers often are able to lend civilian-acquired skills to an operational environment, and Ferraro said this deployment will be no different.
"If we are working with Iraq police forces, we can pull from all of our police officers; same thing if we are working with the local community to build schools and curriculum, we can pull from all the teachers in our brigade," he said.
Ferraro said his soldiers are ready for what lies ahead.
"My soldiers want to show everyone that they made the right decision by putting the 56th SBCT in the Pennsylvania National Guard," he said. "We are making history, and we wouldn't trade our position for anything in the world."
(Army Sgt. Sheila Holifield serves with 1st Army Division East's 177th Armored Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - About 4,000 soldiers representing the National Guard's only Stryker brigade will deploy to Iraq in early 2009. The Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been transforming to a Stryker brigade since October 2004.
After they were alerted of their pending deployment in October 2007, the brigade's soldiers have been training at the Joint Forces Training Center here. They will continue on to Fort Polk, La., for additional training before they make their way to Iraq.
"The training we have done at Camp Shelby has been a good building block allowing us to expand upon what we were previously doing," Army Col. Mike Ferraro, commander of the 56th SBCT, said.
Though more than half of the soldiers deploying with the SBCT have prior deployment experience, Ferraro said, training still is vital to the mission.
"Times have changed and continue to change as we prepare to deploy, so we must train on those current tactics, techniques and procedures in order to be successful," he said.
Army Capt. Joseph Ruotolo, commander of Pennsylvania's Battery B, 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery, agreed.
"This war is different from any other," he said, "and as a result, a lot of the operations and success of this war is driven by the noncommissioned officers and junior leaders. Because that responsibility is now pushed down to the junior leaders, this war is all about being a good basic soldier."
In addition to mastering basic skills such as using a radio, knowing their weapon, navigating over land, reading a map and performing preventive maintenance checks and services, he said, soldiers also need to bring the right frame of mind to the fight.
"Being a good basic soldier and a good basic human being with honorable moral and ethical character are the ingredients to the success of this war we are fighting," Ruotolo said.
In addition to training at Joint Forces Training Center here, the SBCT has worked with the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade out of Fort Lewis, Wash. -- an active-duty Stryker brigade -- to prepare for their mission.
The active-duty soldiers taught the guardsmen current tactics, techniques and procedures being used in Iraq. They also conducted Stryker-specific training and shared what they learned from being overseas, Ferraro said.
"Having them here to work with us at Camp Shelby has been one of the biggest benefits we have been able to get," Ferraro said. "The partnership has benefited us immensely."
Ferraro noted that the active-duty soldiers have been thoroughly professional in helping the guardsmen prepare for their deployment.
"They are not looking at the patch and the fact that we are National Guard," he said. "We are all soldiers and all out to do the same thing in the Stryker community."
National Guard soldiers often are able to lend civilian-acquired skills to an operational environment, and Ferraro said this deployment will be no different.
"If we are working with Iraq police forces, we can pull from all of our police officers; same thing if we are working with the local community to build schools and curriculum, we can pull from all the teachers in our brigade," he said.
Ferraro said his soldiers are ready for what lies ahead.
"My soldiers want to show everyone that they made the right decision by putting the 56th SBCT in the Pennsylvania National Guard," he said. "We are making history, and we wouldn't trade our position for anything in the world."
(Army Sgt. Sheila Holifield serves with 1st Army Division East's 177th Armored Brigade Public Affairs Office.)
Project Advances Women's Progress in Afghanistan
By Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - More than two years of work on the part of a cultural leader in Afghanistan's Panjshir province is coming to fruition with the completion of a chicken coop. The project in the province's Anaba district was one of the main topics when the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team's new women's affairs team met with Brishna Yaftali, director of the Marwa Cultural Development Organization, to discuss ways to improve the lives of Afghan women.
When the Panjshir PRT provided funding two months ago, Yaftali was able to take chicken coops to villages in the district. She brought in female teachers to train 150 families, and she has regularly checked in on the progress herself.
Yaftali said she has been working for more than two years to get the chicken coop project funded and accepted by the local villages of Anaba. She said it was difficult to gain the support of villagers, and that the original attempts were turned down because they were led by men. Yaftali said she revisited the villages numerous times, promoting the project and hitting new hurdles with each encounter.
"Out of respect, I would wear a burqa and try to show the people that being an educated female won't hurt your women or children, but help the family," she said.
The chicken coops are made from concrete, brick, wood and chicken wire, and are strategically placed in individual compounds. Each family received 13 hens and two roosters, as well as instructions on how to care for them.
"Families keep half of the eggs and sell the rest," Army Spc. Amanda Cutler, a member of the women's affairs team, explained.
Yaftali said she hopes this is just the beginning of women's projects in Panjshir and throughout Afghanistan. In the spring, the U.S. Agency for International Development plans to fund additional chicken coop projects for Panjshir in the districts of Khenj, Dara and Paryan.
(Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens serves in the Task Force Warrior Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - More than two years of work on the part of a cultural leader in Afghanistan's Panjshir province is coming to fruition with the completion of a chicken coop. The project in the province's Anaba district was one of the main topics when the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team's new women's affairs team met with Brishna Yaftali, director of the Marwa Cultural Development Organization, to discuss ways to improve the lives of Afghan women.
When the Panjshir PRT provided funding two months ago, Yaftali was able to take chicken coops to villages in the district. She brought in female teachers to train 150 families, and she has regularly checked in on the progress herself.
Yaftali said she has been working for more than two years to get the chicken coop project funded and accepted by the local villages of Anaba. She said it was difficult to gain the support of villagers, and that the original attempts were turned down because they were led by men. Yaftali said she revisited the villages numerous times, promoting the project and hitting new hurdles with each encounter.
"Out of respect, I would wear a burqa and try to show the people that being an educated female won't hurt your women or children, but help the family," she said.
The chicken coops are made from concrete, brick, wood and chicken wire, and are strategically placed in individual compounds. Each family received 13 hens and two roosters, as well as instructions on how to care for them.
"Families keep half of the eggs and sell the rest," Army Spc. Amanda Cutler, a member of the women's affairs team, explained.
Yaftali said she hopes this is just the beginning of women's projects in Panjshir and throughout Afghanistan. In the spring, the U.S. Agency for International Development plans to fund additional chicken coop projects for Panjshir in the districts of Khenj, Dara and Paryan.
(Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens serves in the Task Force Warrior Public Affairs Office.)
Terror Threat Has Moved From Iraq to Afghanistan, Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - The terrorist threat has shifted from Iraq to the safe havens of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Gates told reporters at a Pentagon roundtable that coalition and Iraqi forces have their "foot on the neck of al-Qaida in Iraq."
But now the threat lies in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the North West Frontier province of Pakistan and the border area in Afghanistan. The safe havens pose a threat to the U.S. homeland, allowing terrorists to refit, train, plan and raise money for attacks.
Gates said the United States and the Afghans must work together to confront the problem on the Afghan side. Coordination and cooperation on both sides of the border are crucial to stopping the terror threat in the region, he added.
The secretary said the Defense Department wants to be responsive to the requirements of commanders in Afghanistan. This includes deploying three more brigade combat teams and an aviation brigade to the region in 2009.
On the Pakistani side, Gates said he thinks the solution for the area lies in fostering a partnership with Pakistan.
"I think that we just need to continue looking at ways in which we can strengthen our partnership with Pakistan and do what we can to enable them to deal with the problem on their side of the border," Gates said.
The United States has worked to equip Pakistani forces for the counterterrorism mission. U.S. trainers also began a "train the trainers" program for Pakistan's Frontier Corps, a federal paramilitary force, and for the Pakistani army near Peshawar.
"We are prepared to move as quickly as the Pakistanis are," the secretary said. "I know they're uneasy about the American footprint in Pakistan, and I think we have to be sensitive to their political concerns. At the same time ... we cannot do this on our own."
Gates also talked about the recent terror attack in Mumbai, which reportedly killed at least 179 people .
"[The attack] clearly was the action of an extremist group that apparently was targeting Americans and Britons," Gates said. "But the truth is, most of the people who were killed were Indian. It's important that we find out who did it and try and prevent it from ever happening again."
Gates called on restraint on both sides of the Pakistan-Indian border. "I think what we would like to see is both countries work together to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 2, 2008 - The terrorist threat has shifted from Iraq to the safe havens of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Gates told reporters at a Pentagon roundtable that coalition and Iraqi forces have their "foot on the neck of al-Qaida in Iraq."
But now the threat lies in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the North West Frontier province of Pakistan and the border area in Afghanistan. The safe havens pose a threat to the U.S. homeland, allowing terrorists to refit, train, plan and raise money for attacks.
Gates said the United States and the Afghans must work together to confront the problem on the Afghan side. Coordination and cooperation on both sides of the border are crucial to stopping the terror threat in the region, he added.
The secretary said the Defense Department wants to be responsive to the requirements of commanders in Afghanistan. This includes deploying three more brigade combat teams and an aviation brigade to the region in 2009.
On the Pakistani side, Gates said he thinks the solution for the area lies in fostering a partnership with Pakistan.
"I think that we just need to continue looking at ways in which we can strengthen our partnership with Pakistan and do what we can to enable them to deal with the problem on their side of the border," Gates said.
The United States has worked to equip Pakistani forces for the counterterrorism mission. U.S. trainers also began a "train the trainers" program for Pakistan's Frontier Corps, a federal paramilitary force, and for the Pakistani army near Peshawar.
"We are prepared to move as quickly as the Pakistanis are," the secretary said. "I know they're uneasy about the American footprint in Pakistan, and I think we have to be sensitive to their political concerns. At the same time ... we cannot do this on our own."
Gates also talked about the recent terror attack in Mumbai, which reportedly killed at least 179 people .
"[The attack] clearly was the action of an extremist group that apparently was targeting Americans and Britons," Gates said. "But the truth is, most of the people who were killed were Indian. It's important that we find out who did it and try and prevent it from ever happening again."
Gates called on restraint on both sides of the Pakistan-Indian border. "I think what we would like to see is both countries work together to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again," he said.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Soldiers Improve Life for Citizens in Baghdad District
By Army Staff Sgt. Matt Meadows
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - A task force of National Guard soldiers has spent nearly $450,000 during the past three months to improve living conditions for residents of eastern Baghdad's Rusafa district. Eight Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the Mississippi National Guard's 890th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, make up Task Force Gold Spike. The soldiers arrived in Baghdad in early September with a $2.5 million budget and a mandate to "make Rusafa better."
To date, higher headquarters has approved eight of Task Force Gold Spike's 16 planned projects, and the task force has helped to employ about 160 Rusafa-area residents through three contractors.
"Ideally, what we have been looking at is standard-of-living improvement projects [such as] trash removal, sewage issues, solar light issues [and] micro-power generators, ... basically trying to improve the quality of life in Rusafa," said Army Capt. Richard Luckett, a Hattiesburg, Miss., native and Task Force Gold Spike project manager. "Trash and sewage we've already done."
Luckett said the completed sewer and trash clean-up projects are especially important to him.
"I've got small children, and when you see little bitties running around in raw sewage and through trash and everything else, it just breaks your heart," he said. "So, I have made it my personal mission that if I can make it a little bit better for those little bitties, then I know I've done something worthwhile, and I can go home and be proud of my work."
In another project, workers will install solar lights in areas of high commerce, so businesses can stay open later and security will be better as vendors close their shops at night, Luckett said. Another project in the works involves structural and visual improvements to buildings. Many multilevel buildings in Rusafa have columns that support upper floors.
"They have been just riddled with bullet holes and things," Luckett explained. "So to improve the aesthetics to help improve the general feel about an area, we have a contract which will go out and actually fix the columns and paint them to Iraqi standards."
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Greca, the senior enlisted leader for the 10th Mountain Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, who hails from Grayslake, Ill., called Task Force Gold Spike a phenomenal asset to the Patriot Brigade. He said other soldiers who work in the operating environment are not necessarily subject-matter experts when it comes to things like trash and sewage, so having engineers looking at these issues from their perspective achieves better results.
"They are making improvements that otherwise would be delayed -- maybe for weeks, maybe for months, maybe for years," he said. "With those assets, and with those individuals coming in here and tackling those issues and those problems head-on, it's improving the quality of life for the residents down there in Rusafa, and it's making a world of difference for the people here in Iraq and Baghdad."
The very nature of Task Force Gold Spike's structure shapes the types of projects they undertake, Luckett said. His unit is a time-oriented task force, he explained, meaning it has a limited amount of time – six months, in this case -- to complete all of its missions. Therefore, he said, the soldiers don't approach projects from a long-term perspective.
Funding for the task force's projects comes from the Commanders' Emergency Response Program, which establishes strict guidelines regarding how the funds can be spent, he added.
Task Force Gold Spike does not operate independently when selecting projects to improve living conditions in Rusafa. In fact, local officials determine many of the missions, the captain said.
"We are working hand in hand with [district officials] and the mayor's office, because we don't want to do anything that they don't want us to do, and we are hoping to improve the general feel about an area to increase trade to bring people back into the area," Luckett said. "Everything that we have done has been completely what they want us to do."
Luckett said Task Force Gold Spike leaders attend weekly district council meetings, during which representatives from Rusafa neighborhoods discuss local issues and problems. Task force members then draft detailed descriptions of the necessary work and take their CERP-fund proposals for fixing the problems to the local leaders who raised the concerns, Luckett explained.
"After we attend a meeting and individuals bring us issues, we go out into those areas and validate that [they exist]," he said. The soldiers take pictures and discuss the issues with local citizens, he added.
Conducting such reconnaissance is how Task Force Gold Spike identified the cyclic problem of Rusafa residents not having regular trash pickup services, the captain said. Because trash would end up in the sewers and the sewage would back up, he said, the task force had to address trash and sewage issues simultaneously.
Luckett said he has noticed a slow increase in the standard of living. Contractors the task force hires send him pictures every day that show where they are, what they are doing and the results of their hard work, he said.
Completed projects give the soldiers a feeling of accomplishment and a perspective on what is important in life, he added.
"If we can make things a little bit better for just a handful of people, then we've done a good thing," Luckett said. "It's not about how much money you have in your pocket or how many medals you've got on your chest, it's about how you feel about yourself inside."
(Army Staff Sgt. Matt Meadows serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 10th Mountain Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - A task force of National Guard soldiers has spent nearly $450,000 during the past three months to improve living conditions for residents of eastern Baghdad's Rusafa district. Eight Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the Mississippi National Guard's 890th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, make up Task Force Gold Spike. The soldiers arrived in Baghdad in early September with a $2.5 million budget and a mandate to "make Rusafa better."
To date, higher headquarters has approved eight of Task Force Gold Spike's 16 planned projects, and the task force has helped to employ about 160 Rusafa-area residents through three contractors.
"Ideally, what we have been looking at is standard-of-living improvement projects [such as] trash removal, sewage issues, solar light issues [and] micro-power generators, ... basically trying to improve the quality of life in Rusafa," said Army Capt. Richard Luckett, a Hattiesburg, Miss., native and Task Force Gold Spike project manager. "Trash and sewage we've already done."
Luckett said the completed sewer and trash clean-up projects are especially important to him.
"I've got small children, and when you see little bitties running around in raw sewage and through trash and everything else, it just breaks your heart," he said. "So, I have made it my personal mission that if I can make it a little bit better for those little bitties, then I know I've done something worthwhile, and I can go home and be proud of my work."
In another project, workers will install solar lights in areas of high commerce, so businesses can stay open later and security will be better as vendors close their shops at night, Luckett said. Another project in the works involves structural and visual improvements to buildings. Many multilevel buildings in Rusafa have columns that support upper floors.
"They have been just riddled with bullet holes and things," Luckett explained. "So to improve the aesthetics to help improve the general feel about an area, we have a contract which will go out and actually fix the columns and paint them to Iraqi standards."
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Greca, the senior enlisted leader for the 10th Mountain Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, who hails from Grayslake, Ill., called Task Force Gold Spike a phenomenal asset to the Patriot Brigade. He said other soldiers who work in the operating environment are not necessarily subject-matter experts when it comes to things like trash and sewage, so having engineers looking at these issues from their perspective achieves better results.
"They are making improvements that otherwise would be delayed -- maybe for weeks, maybe for months, maybe for years," he said. "With those assets, and with those individuals coming in here and tackling those issues and those problems head-on, it's improving the quality of life for the residents down there in Rusafa, and it's making a world of difference for the people here in Iraq and Baghdad."
The very nature of Task Force Gold Spike's structure shapes the types of projects they undertake, Luckett said. His unit is a time-oriented task force, he explained, meaning it has a limited amount of time – six months, in this case -- to complete all of its missions. Therefore, he said, the soldiers don't approach projects from a long-term perspective.
Funding for the task force's projects comes from the Commanders' Emergency Response Program, which establishes strict guidelines regarding how the funds can be spent, he added.
Task Force Gold Spike does not operate independently when selecting projects to improve living conditions in Rusafa. In fact, local officials determine many of the missions, the captain said.
"We are working hand in hand with [district officials] and the mayor's office, because we don't want to do anything that they don't want us to do, and we are hoping to improve the general feel about an area to increase trade to bring people back into the area," Luckett said. "Everything that we have done has been completely what they want us to do."
Luckett said Task Force Gold Spike leaders attend weekly district council meetings, during which representatives from Rusafa neighborhoods discuss local issues and problems. Task force members then draft detailed descriptions of the necessary work and take their CERP-fund proposals for fixing the problems to the local leaders who raised the concerns, Luckett explained.
"After we attend a meeting and individuals bring us issues, we go out into those areas and validate that [they exist]," he said. The soldiers take pictures and discuss the issues with local citizens, he added.
Conducting such reconnaissance is how Task Force Gold Spike identified the cyclic problem of Rusafa residents not having regular trash pickup services, the captain said. Because trash would end up in the sewers and the sewage would back up, he said, the task force had to address trash and sewage issues simultaneously.
Luckett said he has noticed a slow increase in the standard of living. Contractors the task force hires send him pictures every day that show where they are, what they are doing and the results of their hard work, he said.
Completed projects give the soldiers a feeling of accomplishment and a perspective on what is important in life, he added.
"If we can make things a little bit better for just a handful of people, then we've done a good thing," Luckett said. "It's not about how much money you have in your pocket or how many medals you've got on your chest, it's about how you feel about yourself inside."
(Army Staff Sgt. Matt Meadows serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 10th Mountain Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Iraqi, Coalition Forces Capture Prison Break Suspects, Others
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces captured suspected terrorists during separate operations in northern provinces in recent days, including two men believed to have helped inmates escape from Badush Prison in 2006, military officials reported. Iraqi security forces, with coalition advisors, captured two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell members and a suspected illegal militia cell leader during separate operations Nov. 29. In Balad, Iraqi forces captured two suspected members of a Sunni extremist group, one of whom officials said is believed to be a regional commander whose cell conducts attacks against coalition troops.
In Bulayj on Nov. 28, Iraqi troops captured two al-Qaida in Iraq suspects believed to have been planning attacks against coalition forces. One of the men is believed to be the leader of a newly formed direct-action cell operating in the area, officials said.
Iraqi special operations forces detained three suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell members in eastern Mosul on Nov. 27. The suspects are believed to have operated in an assassination cell and are suspected of killing local nationals and Iraqi security forces. Two of the men allegedly are responsible for aiding the 2006 prison break. Iraqi security forces captured three suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists operating in the same area.
In other news, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers today seized two weapons caches in southern Baghdad. The caches included 63 mortar rounds, 12 rockets, a rocket launcher, 60 boxes of ammunition, about 2,000 loose rounds of ammunition, an anti-aircraft mount, six mortars, 39 rocket-propelled grenades, two rifle grenades and an anti-tank warhead.
Yesterday, U.S. soldiers assisted Iraq National Police in confiscating a weapons cache in New Baghdad that included 63 AK-47 assault rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, a bolt-action rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade motor.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Dec. 1, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces captured suspected terrorists during separate operations in northern provinces in recent days, including two men believed to have helped inmates escape from Badush Prison in 2006, military officials reported. Iraqi security forces, with coalition advisors, captured two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell members and a suspected illegal militia cell leader during separate operations Nov. 29. In Balad, Iraqi forces captured two suspected members of a Sunni extremist group, one of whom officials said is believed to be a regional commander whose cell conducts attacks against coalition troops.
In Bulayj on Nov. 28, Iraqi troops captured two al-Qaida in Iraq suspects believed to have been planning attacks against coalition forces. One of the men is believed to be the leader of a newly formed direct-action cell operating in the area, officials said.
Iraqi special operations forces detained three suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell members in eastern Mosul on Nov. 27. The suspects are believed to have operated in an assassination cell and are suspected of killing local nationals and Iraqi security forces. Two of the men allegedly are responsible for aiding the 2006 prison break. Iraqi security forces captured three suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists operating in the same area.
In other news, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers today seized two weapons caches in southern Baghdad. The caches included 63 mortar rounds, 12 rockets, a rocket launcher, 60 boxes of ammunition, about 2,000 loose rounds of ammunition, an anti-aircraft mount, six mortars, 39 rocket-propelled grenades, two rifle grenades and an anti-tank warhead.
Yesterday, U.S. soldiers assisted Iraq National Police in confiscating a weapons cache in New Baghdad that included 63 AK-47 assault rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, a bolt-action rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade motor.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- December 1, 2008
Bioterrorism: global depression warning
“A lack of transnational cooperation on biosecurity and pandemic disease control could tip the world into the largest economic crisis of the last 100 years, a report said on Thursday. The commission on national security from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said bioterrorism or a serious disease outbreak could send the global economy from a ‘serious recession into a global depression.’ The IPPR security commission, chaired by Lord George Robertson former defence secretary and secretary general of NATO, and Lord Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats and high representative to Bosnia, said global arrangements to prepare, detect and respond to bioterrorism or disease outbreaks are inadequate.” (In The News; 27Nov08; Source: Institute for Public Policy Research) http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/autocodes/countries/bosnia-and-herzegovina/bioterrorism-global-depression-warning-$1251616.htm
Depot chemical weapons disposal delayed [KY]
“An Army official overseeing the disposal of chemical weapons in Kentucky says the project is again running behind schedule and now may not even begin until 2021, four years after a deadline Congress set for completion. […] Kevin Flamm, manager of the Defense Department's Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program, said Tuesday that another delay is necessary partly because of increased construction costs and a redesign of a building at Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond where the deadly Cold War-era munitions are to be neutralized and destroyed. […] The Richmond stockpile is more complicated […] because it contains VX, GB and mustard agent. An emergency operation is under way to destroy three steel containers, one of which leaked sarin last year. Flamm said that effort had nothing to do with the delays at the larger stockpile.” (Associated Press; 27Nov08; Jeffrey McMurray)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20081127/NEWS01/811270648/1008/NEWS01
Russian chemical plant completes destruction of [VX] nerve agent
“A Russian chemical weapons disposal facility has completed the destruction of VX nerve agent, a regional government official said on Monday. VX nerve agent is one of the most toxic substances ever developed. A tiny amount of VX is fatal, and death usually occurs within an hour of exposure. Mikhail Manin, a department head in the Kirov region government, said that as of December 1, more than 4,500 tons of toxic agents (a total of 23,473 chemical weapons) were destroyed at the Maradykovsky chemical plant. However, he did not say what proportion the nerve agent constituted of the total amount. […] The country is to destroy all its declared arsenal of 40,000 metric tons of chemical weapons by 2012.” (RIA Novosti; 01Dec08) http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081201/118632753.html
Some vindication for sick [Gulf War] vets, but little relief
“A high-profile advisory panel to Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake earlier this month affirmed research showing that a collection of symptoms commonly known as Gulf War illnesses are real and require treatment. The country has a national obligation to help them, the panel concluded. The report, however, also noted a sad reality: Of the $340 million in government funds spent to research the topic, little has focused on finding treatments. And, researchers said, the estimated 175,000-210,000 Gulf veterans who are sick aren't getting any better. […] Compounding the problem was the complexity of the symptoms and uncertainty over the causes. Were they caused by combat stress? Was it vaccinations? Was it pills given to protect soldiers from nerve agents? Was it exposure to oil well fires or chemical weapons? Or a combination of factors?” (USA Today; 01Dec08; Steve Jahnke; Source: Associated Press) http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-12-01-gulf-war-syndrome_N.htm
Lebanon signs up to treaty banning chemical weapons
“Lebanon on Friday signed legal documents which will see it become the 185th signatory to the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention within 30 days. […] OPCW Director-General Rogelio Pfirter said the convention's founding goal of a universal ban on chemical weapons was coming closer, adding: ‘We call upon those 10 remaining states that have not yet adhered to the CWC to do so without delay.’ Pfirter said in April he had high hopes of Lebanon and Iraq signing up to the treaty in the near future. Three other states in the Middle East -- Israel, Egypt and Syria -- have also still to engage, as has North Korea. Later deadlines for the destruction of stockpiles have been accorded to major producers such as the United States and Russia (2012) or Libya (2011). The OPCW has conducted over 3,000 inspections in 80 member states since its formation.” (AFP; 28Nov08) http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iNSj-Hx68bU1EPcDzCXPEQs3aHDQ
His [Astrophysicist Jim Ryan’s] bomb detector is out of this world [MA]
“[Astrophysicist Jim] Ryan, 61, was invited to a National Guard exercise on Cape Cod to watch a mock cleanup of a terrorist site filled with the material for dirty bombs […]. As Guardsmen combed the booby-trapped house with hand-held sensors, a light bulb went off in Ryan's head. ‘We detect radioactive aluminum from across the galaxy,’ he said, so ‘I knew we should be able to detect it from across the street.’ […] As he stood on Cape Cod at the dirty bomb drill, watching the National Guard play a game of warmer/colder with their hand-held instruments, he realized that some of the spare parts from the Compton [Gamma Ray] Observatory could be used to pinpoint the location of the dirty bomb material with much greater accuracy than traditional Geiger counters and spectrometers, and from a safer distance.” (Boston Globe; 01Dec08; Billy Baker) http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2008/12/01/his_bomb_detector_is_out_of_this_world/
Customs, ports screen for bomb in a box
“Just as fears of a ‘dirty bomb’ coming through the Port of Los Angeles or the Port of Long Beach have increased since the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., so has the available technology that can detect those bombs, said Capt. John Schrinner, Security Chief for McAllister Tug and one of three panelists at the ‘Bomb in a Box’ panel at the recent Maritime Security Expo in Long Beach. As of December 2006, 100 percent of all containers entering the San Pedro ports have been screened for radiation with some of that new technology, a process that was put into motion in response to 9/11. Of the 2,000 to 3,000 containerized shipments screened daily at the San Pedro Bay ports, anywhere from 300 to 600 shipments set off radiation alarms - most of which are triggered by things that are supposed to give off a certain amount of radiation, such as TV sets, porcelain and tile. Nonetheless, each alarm has to be checked out and adjudicated, according to Kevin Weeks of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.” (The Cunnigham Report; 30Nov08)
http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=618
Nuclear waste piles up in state [PA]
“The Beaver Valley Power Station in Shippingport [PA] could run out of space for its low-level radioactive waste in two to five years. […] Pennsylvania does not have a disposal site or plans to build one […] because generators could send the waste out of state. Yet, […] facilities in Pennsylvania and neighboring West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware […] could start to run out of storage space by 2013 […]. With the waste scattered at sites across the United States rather than in one central depository, some critics fear it is more vulnerable to terrorism and could be used to build a ‘dirty’ bomb, an explosive device that spreads radioactive material. Security experts and regulators said that's not likely because even small amounts of radioactive material are highly controlled and tracked.” (Pittsburgh Live; 28Nov08; Andrew Conte; Source: Tribune Review)
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_600513.html
Claflin [University] [SC] research seeks easy way to detect [biochem] threats
“Claflin University researchers will soon begin developing a thin strip of paper that can detect the presence of biological outbreaks and chemical weapons. ‘The project has enormous implications for national security,’ Claflin biology professor Dr. Omar Bagasra said. The paper strip will act much like a pregnancy test. The idea is the paper strip will turn a specific color to signal a particular hazard. For example, if Sarin gas is released in an area, the paper would turn green. […] [Claflin chemistry professor Dr. Muthukrishna] Raja said the project’s primary goal is to train students and give them a segue into a career in national security. Select students, between five and 10 per year, will work with the facsimiles to perfect the detection strip and hopefully create the framework for antidotes.” (Times & Democrat; 01Dec08; Lee Tant) http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2008/12/01/news/doc493375986b350239173536.txt
Panel [Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and terrorism] fears use of unconventional weapon
“An independent commission has concluded that terrorists will most likely carry out an attack with biological, nuclear or other unconventional weapons somewhere in the world in the next five years unless the United States and its allies act urgently to prevent that. […] ‘Were one to map terrorism and weapons of mass destruction today, all roads would intersect in Pakistan,’ the report states […]. The report is the result of a six-month study by the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and terrorism, which Congress created last spring in keeping with one of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. […] The panel’s 13 recommendations focus on fighting the threat of bioterrorism, including improved bioforensic capabilities, and strengthening international organizations, like the International Atomic Energy Agency, to address the nuclear threat. It also calls for a comprehensive approach for dealing with Pakistan.” (The New York Times; 01Dec08; Eric Schmitt) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/washington/01bioterror.html?ref=world
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.
“A lack of transnational cooperation on biosecurity and pandemic disease control could tip the world into the largest economic crisis of the last 100 years, a report said on Thursday. The commission on national security from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said bioterrorism or a serious disease outbreak could send the global economy from a ‘serious recession into a global depression.’ The IPPR security commission, chaired by Lord George Robertson former defence secretary and secretary general of NATO, and Lord Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats and high representative to Bosnia, said global arrangements to prepare, detect and respond to bioterrorism or disease outbreaks are inadequate.” (In The News; 27Nov08; Source: Institute for Public Policy Research) http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/autocodes/countries/bosnia-and-herzegovina/bioterrorism-global-depression-warning-$1251616.htm
Depot chemical weapons disposal delayed [KY]
“An Army official overseeing the disposal of chemical weapons in Kentucky says the project is again running behind schedule and now may not even begin until 2021, four years after a deadline Congress set for completion. […] Kevin Flamm, manager of the Defense Department's Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program, said Tuesday that another delay is necessary partly because of increased construction costs and a redesign of a building at Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond where the deadly Cold War-era munitions are to be neutralized and destroyed. […] The Richmond stockpile is more complicated […] because it contains VX, GB and mustard agent. An emergency operation is under way to destroy three steel containers, one of which leaked sarin last year. Flamm said that effort had nothing to do with the delays at the larger stockpile.” (Associated Press; 27Nov08; Jeffrey McMurray)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20081127/NEWS01/811270648/1008/NEWS01
Russian chemical plant completes destruction of [VX] nerve agent
“A Russian chemical weapons disposal facility has completed the destruction of VX nerve agent, a regional government official said on Monday. VX nerve agent is one of the most toxic substances ever developed. A tiny amount of VX is fatal, and death usually occurs within an hour of exposure. Mikhail Manin, a department head in the Kirov region government, said that as of December 1, more than 4,500 tons of toxic agents (a total of 23,473 chemical weapons) were destroyed at the Maradykovsky chemical plant. However, he did not say what proportion the nerve agent constituted of the total amount. […] The country is to destroy all its declared arsenal of 40,000 metric tons of chemical weapons by 2012.” (RIA Novosti; 01Dec08) http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081201/118632753.html
Some vindication for sick [Gulf War] vets, but little relief
“A high-profile advisory panel to Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake earlier this month affirmed research showing that a collection of symptoms commonly known as Gulf War illnesses are real and require treatment. The country has a national obligation to help them, the panel concluded. The report, however, also noted a sad reality: Of the $340 million in government funds spent to research the topic, little has focused on finding treatments. And, researchers said, the estimated 175,000-210,000 Gulf veterans who are sick aren't getting any better. […] Compounding the problem was the complexity of the symptoms and uncertainty over the causes. Were they caused by combat stress? Was it vaccinations? Was it pills given to protect soldiers from nerve agents? Was it exposure to oil well fires or chemical weapons? Or a combination of factors?” (USA Today; 01Dec08; Steve Jahnke; Source: Associated Press) http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-12-01-gulf-war-syndrome_N.htm
Lebanon signs up to treaty banning chemical weapons
“Lebanon on Friday signed legal documents which will see it become the 185th signatory to the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention within 30 days. […] OPCW Director-General Rogelio Pfirter said the convention's founding goal of a universal ban on chemical weapons was coming closer, adding: ‘We call upon those 10 remaining states that have not yet adhered to the CWC to do so without delay.’ Pfirter said in April he had high hopes of Lebanon and Iraq signing up to the treaty in the near future. Three other states in the Middle East -- Israel, Egypt and Syria -- have also still to engage, as has North Korea. Later deadlines for the destruction of stockpiles have been accorded to major producers such as the United States and Russia (2012) or Libya (2011). The OPCW has conducted over 3,000 inspections in 80 member states since its formation.” (AFP; 28Nov08) http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iNSj-Hx68bU1EPcDzCXPEQs3aHDQ
His [Astrophysicist Jim Ryan’s] bomb detector is out of this world [MA]
“[Astrophysicist Jim] Ryan, 61, was invited to a National Guard exercise on Cape Cod to watch a mock cleanup of a terrorist site filled with the material for dirty bombs […]. As Guardsmen combed the booby-trapped house with hand-held sensors, a light bulb went off in Ryan's head. ‘We detect radioactive aluminum from across the galaxy,’ he said, so ‘I knew we should be able to detect it from across the street.’ […] As he stood on Cape Cod at the dirty bomb drill, watching the National Guard play a game of warmer/colder with their hand-held instruments, he realized that some of the spare parts from the Compton [Gamma Ray] Observatory could be used to pinpoint the location of the dirty bomb material with much greater accuracy than traditional Geiger counters and spectrometers, and from a safer distance.” (Boston Globe; 01Dec08; Billy Baker) http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2008/12/01/his_bomb_detector_is_out_of_this_world/
Customs, ports screen for bomb in a box
“Just as fears of a ‘dirty bomb’ coming through the Port of Los Angeles or the Port of Long Beach have increased since the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., so has the available technology that can detect those bombs, said Capt. John Schrinner, Security Chief for McAllister Tug and one of three panelists at the ‘Bomb in a Box’ panel at the recent Maritime Security Expo in Long Beach. As of December 2006, 100 percent of all containers entering the San Pedro ports have been screened for radiation with some of that new technology, a process that was put into motion in response to 9/11. Of the 2,000 to 3,000 containerized shipments screened daily at the San Pedro Bay ports, anywhere from 300 to 600 shipments set off radiation alarms - most of which are triggered by things that are supposed to give off a certain amount of radiation, such as TV sets, porcelain and tile. Nonetheless, each alarm has to be checked out and adjudicated, according to Kevin Weeks of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.” (The Cunnigham Report; 30Nov08)
http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=618
Nuclear waste piles up in state [PA]
“The Beaver Valley Power Station in Shippingport [PA] could run out of space for its low-level radioactive waste in two to five years. […] Pennsylvania does not have a disposal site or plans to build one […] because generators could send the waste out of state. Yet, […] facilities in Pennsylvania and neighboring West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware […] could start to run out of storage space by 2013 […]. With the waste scattered at sites across the United States rather than in one central depository, some critics fear it is more vulnerable to terrorism and could be used to build a ‘dirty’ bomb, an explosive device that spreads radioactive material. Security experts and regulators said that's not likely because even small amounts of radioactive material are highly controlled and tracked.” (Pittsburgh Live; 28Nov08; Andrew Conte; Source: Tribune Review)
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_600513.html
Claflin [University] [SC] research seeks easy way to detect [biochem] threats
“Claflin University researchers will soon begin developing a thin strip of paper that can detect the presence of biological outbreaks and chemical weapons. ‘The project has enormous implications for national security,’ Claflin biology professor Dr. Omar Bagasra said. The paper strip will act much like a pregnancy test. The idea is the paper strip will turn a specific color to signal a particular hazard. For example, if Sarin gas is released in an area, the paper would turn green. […] [Claflin chemistry professor Dr. Muthukrishna] Raja said the project’s primary goal is to train students and give them a segue into a career in national security. Select students, between five and 10 per year, will work with the facsimiles to perfect the detection strip and hopefully create the framework for antidotes.” (Times & Democrat; 01Dec08; Lee Tant) http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2008/12/01/news/doc493375986b350239173536.txt
Panel [Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and terrorism] fears use of unconventional weapon
“An independent commission has concluded that terrorists will most likely carry out an attack with biological, nuclear or other unconventional weapons somewhere in the world in the next five years unless the United States and its allies act urgently to prevent that. […] ‘Were one to map terrorism and weapons of mass destruction today, all roads would intersect in Pakistan,’ the report states […]. The report is the result of a six-month study by the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and terrorism, which Congress created last spring in keeping with one of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. […] The panel’s 13 recommendations focus on fighting the threat of bioterrorism, including improved bioforensic capabilities, and strengthening international organizations, like the International Atomic Energy Agency, to address the nuclear threat. It also calls for a comprehensive approach for dealing with Pakistan.” (The New York Times; 01Dec08; Eric Schmitt) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/washington/01bioterror.html?ref=world
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.
Colonel Notes Absence of Tensions as Iraqi Elections Near
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Coalition forces officials in Iraq's Babil and Karbala provinces have not seen tensions rise among political groups vying for power as elections approach next month, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today. "What I'm seeing right now is a very positive situation in both provinces, and anticipation of those elections," Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, said from Iraq during a video news conference with Pentagon reporters. "I have not seen any clear activity or any jockeying in some form of extremist-type activity related to the elections at this point."
Iraq's provincial elections scheduled Jan. 31 are the first in a series of elections scheduled for the legislature throughout the year. The election season's security plans in the area were established and will be maintained by local army and police forces, with coalition forces in reserve, James said.
"The Iraqi security forces established a great plan in securing the registration sites in preparation for the voting and in the elections that are upcoming," he said. "That was an extremely successful security mission for them. So we're seeing that as working, and a very positive thing."
U.S. officials in central Iraq are confident in the Iraqi forces' ability to secure the elections, as the region has expressed a great deal of anticipation, Howard Van Vranken, leader of the embedded provincial reconstruction team there, told reporters.
"We expect that [the elections] will be conducted in a way that's perceived to be free and fair and transparent to the population," Van Vranken said. "Our contacts locally tell us that the perception of fairness is almost as important as the outcome and the results of the elections."
Although precautions are being taken throughout the country, forces in Babil and Karbala are encouraged by the resolve of the local populace to engage and be active in the political process, he said.
"I think it's going to be what I would call a vigorous campaign," he said. "It's an extremely encouraging sign that [the Iraqis] recognize the credibility of the elections and understand the importance of engaging in it."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Coalition forces officials in Iraq's Babil and Karbala provinces have not seen tensions rise among political groups vying for power as elections approach next month, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today. "What I'm seeing right now is a very positive situation in both provinces, and anticipation of those elections," Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, said from Iraq during a video news conference with Pentagon reporters. "I have not seen any clear activity or any jockeying in some form of extremist-type activity related to the elections at this point."
Iraq's provincial elections scheduled Jan. 31 are the first in a series of elections scheduled for the legislature throughout the year. The election season's security plans in the area were established and will be maintained by local army and police forces, with coalition forces in reserve, James said.
"The Iraqi security forces established a great plan in securing the registration sites in preparation for the voting and in the elections that are upcoming," he said. "That was an extremely successful security mission for them. So we're seeing that as working, and a very positive thing."
U.S. officials in central Iraq are confident in the Iraqi forces' ability to secure the elections, as the region has expressed a great deal of anticipation, Howard Van Vranken, leader of the embedded provincial reconstruction team there, told reporters.
"We expect that [the elections] will be conducted in a way that's perceived to be free and fair and transparent to the population," Van Vranken said. "Our contacts locally tell us that the perception of fairness is almost as important as the outcome and the results of the elections."
Although precautions are being taken throughout the country, forces in Babil and Karbala are encouraged by the resolve of the local populace to engage and be active in the political process, he said.
"I think it's going to be what I would call a vigorous campaign," he said. "It's an extremely encouraging sign that [the Iraqis] recognize the credibility of the elections and understand the importance of engaging in it."
Agreement Sparks Optimism Among Iraqis, Colonel Says
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Iraqis in Karbala and Babil provinces welcomed the Nov. 27 passing of the U.S.-Iraq status-of-forces agreement, recognizing the important role the United States plays in Iraqi security and governance, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today. "[The Iraqis] are generally optimistic. ... [The agreement] is a big deal, a historic event," Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, said from Iraq during a video news conference with Pentagon reporters.
James said he and his unit have been anticipating the agreement for months, slowly reducing their presence to more of a supporting role and adjusting their operations. The increasing capacity of the Iraqi Army and police has allowed coalition forces to take a back seat to the Iraqis in security operations, the colonel told reporters.
"The Iraqi security forces are in the lead, and we're in support of them," he said.
A year ago today, when James and his unit assumed responsibility of operations in Karbala and Babil, they were seeing more than eight attacks each day. Now, fewer than two attacks are reported each week, he said, attributing the downturn in violence to the competence of Iraqi forces.
Coalition forces in the area have transitioned from operating 14 individual base camps to only four. Iraqi forces took over operation and manning requirements for those posts, James said, which has helped to build confidence in them from the local populace.
"The population believes in the Iraqi army and police and no longer allows sanctuary to extremists," he said. "The capabilities of the Iraqi security forces have improved dramatically over the last year, enhancing security and enabling positive and real growth in local economies and government."
James said he feels so comfortable and confident in the Iraqi forces there that coalition forces could reduce their numbers by two-thirds. Currently, his brigade consists of around 3,800 troops, but the area could be maintained by a battalion-size element of about 1,000, he said.
"The conditions exist on the ground right now -- operationally with the Iraqi security force capability and the government's ability to control those security forces -- that we could reduce down to about a battalion's worth now," he said. "I mean, the operational set is available now to do that. And we will see that eventually happen, but it will be in the near term."
The agreement passed by Iraq's parliament Nov. 27 takes effect Jan. 1. It replaces the United Nations mandate authorizing the U.S. military presence in Iraq that expires Dec. 31.
The agreement acknowledges that the U.S. troop presence in Iraq is temporary and at the request of the sovereign Iraqi government. It requires U.S. forces to withdraw from all Iraqi territory no later than Dec. 31, 2011. U.S. combat forces in Iraq also are required to withdraw from Iraqi cities, villages and localities no later than June 30, 2009.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Iraqis in Karbala and Babil provinces welcomed the Nov. 27 passing of the U.S.-Iraq status-of-forces agreement, recognizing the important role the United States plays in Iraqi security and governance, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today. "[The Iraqis] are generally optimistic. ... [The agreement] is a big deal, a historic event," Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, said from Iraq during a video news conference with Pentagon reporters.
James said he and his unit have been anticipating the agreement for months, slowly reducing their presence to more of a supporting role and adjusting their operations. The increasing capacity of the Iraqi Army and police has allowed coalition forces to take a back seat to the Iraqis in security operations, the colonel told reporters.
"The Iraqi security forces are in the lead, and we're in support of them," he said.
A year ago today, when James and his unit assumed responsibility of operations in Karbala and Babil, they were seeing more than eight attacks each day. Now, fewer than two attacks are reported each week, he said, attributing the downturn in violence to the competence of Iraqi forces.
Coalition forces in the area have transitioned from operating 14 individual base camps to only four. Iraqi forces took over operation and manning requirements for those posts, James said, which has helped to build confidence in them from the local populace.
"The population believes in the Iraqi army and police and no longer allows sanctuary to extremists," he said. "The capabilities of the Iraqi security forces have improved dramatically over the last year, enhancing security and enabling positive and real growth in local economies and government."
James said he feels so comfortable and confident in the Iraqi forces there that coalition forces could reduce their numbers by two-thirds. Currently, his brigade consists of around 3,800 troops, but the area could be maintained by a battalion-size element of about 1,000, he said.
"The conditions exist on the ground right now -- operationally with the Iraqi security force capability and the government's ability to control those security forces -- that we could reduce down to about a battalion's worth now," he said. "I mean, the operational set is available now to do that. And we will see that eventually happen, but it will be in the near term."
The agreement passed by Iraq's parliament Nov. 27 takes effect Jan. 1. It replaces the United Nations mandate authorizing the U.S. military presence in Iraq that expires Dec. 31.
The agreement acknowledges that the U.S. troop presence in Iraq is temporary and at the request of the sovereign Iraqi government. It requires U.S. forces to withdraw from all Iraqi territory no later than Dec. 31, 2011. U.S. combat forces in Iraq also are required to withdraw from Iraqi cities, villages and localities no later than June 30, 2009.
Afghan, Coalition Troops Curtail Terrorists, Destroy Drugs, Weapons
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Coalition forces detained six militants yesterday while continuing to target terrorist networks in Afghanistan's Paktia province, military officials reported. The operation in Zadran district, about 85 miles south of Kabul and near the Pakistan border, targeted a known Haqqani terrorist network militant believed to be in direct contact with senior Haqqani leaders and to coordinate and direct terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the region.
Coalition forces searched the compound without incident while protecting five women and six children and detained six suspected militants, officials said.
It was the second such operation in Paktia in as many days. On Nov. 29, Afghan and coalition forces killed 17 armed militants and detained 10 suspects while targeting the Haqqani and Hizb-e-Islami Gulbuddin terrorist networks in the same area.
"The success of each operation not only motivates continued efforts to thwart terrorism, it sends a message of improved security for the Afghan people," Army Col. Jerry O'Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman, said.
Also in Afghanistan, Afghan commandos and coalition forces conducted a search in southern Afghanistan yesterday that further disrupted terrorist networks. The search yielded more than 150 pounds of narcotics, weapons and bomb-making caches.
The combined forces used an air assault to move into an area near the Maywand district of Kandahar province, about 50 miles west of Kandahar city. Their search discovered more than 100 pounds of opium and more than 50 pounds of heroin, machine-gun rounds, bomb-making materials, and automatic weapons, all of which were destroyed.
No commando, coalition or civilian casualties were reported.
"It's clear that these militants finance their activities by illegal drug trade," O'Hara said. "Well, today Afghan commandos took some of their funding away."
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Dec. 1, 2008 - Coalition forces detained six militants yesterday while continuing to target terrorist networks in Afghanistan's Paktia province, military officials reported. The operation in Zadran district, about 85 miles south of Kabul and near the Pakistan border, targeted a known Haqqani terrorist network militant believed to be in direct contact with senior Haqqani leaders and to coordinate and direct terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the region.
Coalition forces searched the compound without incident while protecting five women and six children and detained six suspected militants, officials said.
It was the second such operation in Paktia in as many days. On Nov. 29, Afghan and coalition forces killed 17 armed militants and detained 10 suspects while targeting the Haqqani and Hizb-e-Islami Gulbuddin terrorist networks in the same area.
"The success of each operation not only motivates continued efforts to thwart terrorism, it sends a message of improved security for the Afghan people," Army Col. Jerry O'Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman, said.
Also in Afghanistan, Afghan commandos and coalition forces conducted a search in southern Afghanistan yesterday that further disrupted terrorist networks. The search yielded more than 150 pounds of narcotics, weapons and bomb-making caches.
The combined forces used an air assault to move into an area near the Maywand district of Kandahar province, about 50 miles west of Kandahar city. Their search discovered more than 100 pounds of opium and more than 50 pounds of heroin, machine-gun rounds, bomb-making materials, and automatic weapons, all of which were destroyed.
No commando, coalition or civilian casualties were reported.
"It's clear that these militants finance their activities by illegal drug trade," O'Hara said. "Well, today Afghan commandos took some of their funding away."
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Face of Defense: Soldier Provides 'Eyes in Sky' for Ground Forces
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Troops on the ground in Iraq have an "eye in the sky," thanks to soldiers like Army Spc. Rodolfo Delatorre in the 4th Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade, who launches, recovers and maintains the Shadow unmanned aerial system.
Delatorre, who serves with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, hails from Fresno, Calif.
"I refuel, add oil, change spark plugs and change filters," he said. "I perform services on the Shadow to ensure it stays in the air."
Delatorre is attached from the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team as a member of the "Iron Eagle" company, which launches and recovers the Shadow surveillance vehicles day and night.
Shadow maintainers perform takeoff and landing procedures from their facility, using a pneumatic launcher for takeoffs. The soldiers recover the vehicles by using an arresting hook and cable system similar to the ones used on aircraft carriers.
To keep the fleet of surveillance aircraft in the air, maintenance, quality control and production control are of high priority. Double- and triple-checking all maintenance procedures is commonplace.
"Once one is launched, there is another one coming down. Once it has landed, we do maintenance on it," Delatorre said. "I like this job because it is a lot of hands-on. I like to work with my hands. It gives me a lot of satisfaction when everything is launching well and there are no problems with the UAS."
The Shadow provides commanders on the ground the ability to see the entire battlefield with its high-tech cameras and communications equipment. Since the inception of unmanned surveillance aircraft more than 10 years ago, the "eyes in the sky" have become an integral part of the modern battlefield. Commanders have come to depend on the Shadow's ability to give them surveillance footage from the sky; maintainers here ensure the "overhead edge" continues on the battlefield for Multinational Division Baghdad troops.
"His job is extremely important to the overall mission," said Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Lovell, Delatorre's supervisor at the UAS company. "We have a high [operational tempo], and if it wasn't for guys like Delatorre, we couldn't support the overhead mission for MND-B.
"He is a stellar soldier," he continued, "and I tell other soldiers to emulate him. He is one of those soldiers who make my job a lot easier."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2008 - Troops on the ground in Iraq have an "eye in the sky," thanks to soldiers like Army Spc. Rodolfo Delatorre in the 4th Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade, who launches, recovers and maintains the Shadow unmanned aerial system.
Delatorre, who serves with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, hails from Fresno, Calif.
"I refuel, add oil, change spark plugs and change filters," he said. "I perform services on the Shadow to ensure it stays in the air."
Delatorre is attached from the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team as a member of the "Iron Eagle" company, which launches and recovers the Shadow surveillance vehicles day and night.
Shadow maintainers perform takeoff and landing procedures from their facility, using a pneumatic launcher for takeoffs. The soldiers recover the vehicles by using an arresting hook and cable system similar to the ones used on aircraft carriers.
To keep the fleet of surveillance aircraft in the air, maintenance, quality control and production control are of high priority. Double- and triple-checking all maintenance procedures is commonplace.
"Once one is launched, there is another one coming down. Once it has landed, we do maintenance on it," Delatorre said. "I like this job because it is a lot of hands-on. I like to work with my hands. It gives me a lot of satisfaction when everything is launching well and there are no problems with the UAS."
The Shadow provides commanders on the ground the ability to see the entire battlefield with its high-tech cameras and communications equipment. Since the inception of unmanned surveillance aircraft more than 10 years ago, the "eyes in the sky" have become an integral part of the modern battlefield. Commanders have come to depend on the Shadow's ability to give them surveillance footage from the sky; maintainers here ensure the "overhead edge" continues on the battlefield for Multinational Division Baghdad troops.
"His job is extremely important to the overall mission," said Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Lovell, Delatorre's supervisor at the UAS company. "We have a high [operational tempo], and if it wasn't for guys like Delatorre, we couldn't support the overhead mission for MND-B.
"He is a stellar soldier," he continued, "and I tell other soldiers to emulate him. He is one of those soldiers who make my job a lot easier."
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