Top U.S. regulator pledges to revamp food safety
"President Barack Obama's choice to oversee food and drug safety pledged on Thursday to revamp protection of the nation's food supply to help prevent future disease outbreaks. Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a bioterrorism expert who once served as New York City health commissioner, […] said food safety will be her major continuing project. 'The agency is facing a range of new and daunting challenges,' Hamburg told senators. 'These include the globalization of food and drug production, the emergence of new and complex medical technologies and the risk of adulteration or deliberate terror attacks on our food and drug supplies.'" (Associated Press; 07May09; Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar) http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/05/07/ap6395936.html
Trust for America's Health on Nomination of Tara O'Toole for Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security
"The following is a statement by Jeff Levi, Ph.D., Executive Director of Trust for America's Health (TFAH) on the nomination of Dr. Tara O'Toole as Under Secretary for Science and Technology in the Department of Homeland Security: 'Tara O'Toole is a renowned and highly recognized international expert on biodefense and public health preparedness. […] Tara has displayed leadership and helped define policies to better prepare the nation for health emergencies, from pandemic flu to bioterrorism threats. She's authored numerous thoughtful and incisive analyses on responding to anthrax, smallpox, and plague biological attacks; containment of contagious disease epidemics; biodefense research and development strategies; and hospital preparedness." (PR Newswire/US Newswire; 07May09) http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-07-2009/0005022131&EDATE=
F.B.I. [Federal Bureau of Investigation] to pay for anthrax inquiry review
"The Federal Bureau of Investigation has agreed to pay $879,550 to the National Academy of Sciences for a 15-month review of its scientific work on the anthrax investigation, academy officials said, but the review will not assess the bureau's detective work or its conclusion that an Army microbiologist, Bruce E. Ivins, sent the deadly letters in 2001. The academy panel will review genetic fingerprinting that led agents to Dr. Ivins's Maryland laboratory, as well as clues to how and where the anthrax was grown and dried. Some colleagues of Dr. Ivins, who killed himself in July, have expressed doubt that he mailed the anthrax." (New York Times; 07May09; Scott Shane) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/us/07brfs-FBITOPAYFORA_BRF.html?ref=us
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet] Napolitano: $55.1B for Homeland Security
"The $55.1 billion budget request by the U.S. Homeland Security Department focuses on five areas, Secretary Janet Napolitano said. Areas of counterterrorism; border security; immigration laws enforcement; disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and department unification 'will be achieved through strong partnerships, investments in technology and an emphasis on efficiency,' Napolitano said Thursday in a news release. The fiscal year 2010 budget proposal would expand efforts to battle terrorism, including funding for an additional 109 bomb appraisal officers to help secure airports and 15 additional Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams to detect explosives in public spaces and transportation networks, Napolitano said. It would allocate $400 million to protect infrastructure and cyber-networks from attack and $94.5 million to detect agents of biological warfare." (United Press International; 07May09) http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/07/Napolitano-551B-for-Homland-Security/UPI-57371241732789/
[U.S.] Army contracts for JBPDS [Joint Biological Point Detection Systems] technology
"General Dynamics has been contracted by the U.S. Army to provide its Joint Biological Point Detection Systems. […] Under the $34 million deal, General Dynamics will produce, test and provide field support for its JBPDS, a joint service program for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Officials said the JBPDS detects biological-warfare agents, protecting troops during deployments. […] Bill Gural, General Dynamics vice president of detection systems, said in a statement […] 'the system provides automatic detection and identification of airborne biological agents at very low levels, triggers local and remote warning systems and communicates threat information over standard communication systems.'" (United Press International; 07May09) http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2009/05/07/Army-contracts-for-JBPDS-technology/UPI-54331241724458/
U.S. halts pilot program in New York to detect biological attacks
"The Department of Homeland Security is dismantling a next-generation biological attack warning system in New York City subways because of technical problems, U.S. officials said. […] The deactivation of the pilot program in late March marks a setback in U.S. efforts to detect biological weapons, and its disclosure comes as the Obama administration is unveiling new security priorities as part of its 2010 budget today. The federal government installed air samplers in more than 30 U.S. cities in 2003 to detect the release of potential bioweapons such as anthrax spores, plague bacteria and smallpox viruses [sic]. The BioWatch program, which cost about $500 million, was meant to speed up the response before disease could spread." (Washington Post; 07May09; Spencer S. Hsu) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/06/AR2009050603425.html
Fluorescent proteins go invisible
"Fluorescent proteins have been lighting up biology labs for more than a decade, glowing in response to everything from gene expression inside cells to the presence of anthrax and other biowarfare agents. But the most useful fluorescent protein might be the one you never see. Researchers report that they've made a fluorescent protein that emits infrared light. Because infrared can pass through tissue more easily than visible light can, the advance should allow researchers to trace individual molecules throughout the bodies of mice and other small, live animals." (Science Now Daily News; 07May09; Robert F. Service)
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/507/5?rss=1
Bill would bar information on deadly agents
"The Texas Senate has approved legislation that would keep state laboratories' information on 'select agents' such as the Ebola virus, anthrax and other deadly substances off limits to the public. Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican pressing for the legislation, contends that release of the information would pose a threat to homeland security because the materials are potential bioterrorism agents. Under the proposal approved Wednesday, the Texas Public Information Act would be amended to keep that information off limits, as the federal law does. The legislation now goes to the House. The University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston's National Lab researches such substances and has received an open records request." (Houston Chronicle; 06May09; Source: Associated Press)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6410832.html
Nicotine may prevent bioterrorism damage
"British scientists say they've determined nicotine can delay the effects of ricin used during a bioterrorism attack. Jon Mabley and his colleagues at the University of Brighton found nicotine works to block the tissue-destroying effects of ricin -- a highly toxic compound derived from castor beans. The study was conducted in laboratory models, but the scientists said nicotine agonists could potentially be used in patients exposed to ricin as a stopgap measure before other treatments take effect. The British investigators studied the effect of nicotine on animals exposed to ricin and found it reduced death and organ failure." (United Press International; 06May09) http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/05/06/Nicotine-may-prevent-bioterrorism-damage/UPI-56861241630359/
Al-Jazeera airs call for biological attack
"Al-Jazeera recently aired footage of Kuwaiti professor Abdallah al-Nafisi. In the video, translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Nafisi expresses ardent support for terrorism, and suggests that terrorists use biological warfare against the United States in order to kill hundreds of thousands of civilians. Nafisi also suggests that Muslims pray for the success of white supremacist groups that seek to carry out attacks within the U.S. In addition, Nafisi attacks those in the Arab world who he perceives as traitors, to laughter and applause from his audience. Among those in the Arab world who should be silenced using "any means possible" are journalists who oppose terrorism, anyone who supports dialogue with Jews, and senior Palestinian Authority officials Saeb Erekat and Mahmoud Dahlan, Nafisi says." (Israel National News; 08May09) http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/131250
Realistic disaster drill provides valuable training
"Roxborough Memorial Hospital [PA] participated in a citywide disaster drill on April 22 with the assistance of students from the Green Woods Charter School and Roxborough High School who served as volunteer patients. A realistic scenario indicated that while visiting the Independence Hall area on a field trip, the students were exposed to potentially deadly sarin gas during a terrorist attack. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 'sarin is a human-made chemical warfare agent classified as a nerve agent. Following release of sarin into the air, people can be exposed through skin contact or eye contact. They can also be exposed by breathing air that contains sarin.'"
(Rox Review; 06May09)
http://www.roxreview.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/Weekly;!573812432?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_wk_article&r21.pgpath=%2FROX%2FNews&r21.content=%2FROX%2FNews%2FTopStoryList_Story_2735627
OPCW [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons] to offer technical assistance to Yemen next year
"Colonel Abdul-Kareem al-Kohali, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee for Prohibition of Chemical and Biological Weapons said that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons OPCW would offer technical assistance and equipment of protecting from chemical and biological weapons by next year. Al-Kohali stated to 26sep.net that the national committee presented a list of key technical needs of the country to protect from these weapons and enhance capacities in field of utilizing the chemical weapons especially in agriculture and industry. In 1993, Yemen signed and ratified the convention of Chemical Weapons which stated in its article No. 10 to offer the technical assistance to the member counties in the agreement including Yemen." (Saba News; 06May09) http://www.sabanews.net/en/news182822.htm
[U.S.] Army war games for future conflicts
"The year is 2018 and North Korea has just crossed the DMZ, its Army camouflaged among refugees forced across the border into South Korea. It has nuclear weapons and has launched cyber attacks against the U.S. and South Korea. […] The scenario is one of four the Army, its sister services, governmental and nongovernmental agencies and multinational forces are confronting here this week during Unified Quest 2009. […] In another scenario, […] the U.S. Army is providing medical aid and building roads, while fighting foreign and domestic terrorists and drug gangs at home. A domestic radical group attacks Washington, D.C., with anthrax [sic] while drug gangs attack El Paso, Texas, in an attempt to control that city and the U.S.-Mexico border." (Army News Service; 06May09; Elizabeth M. Collins) http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/05/06/20638-army-war-games-for-future-conflicts/
More protection against explosives and nuclear material in freight containers
"Illegally transported, conventional explosives and nuclear relevant or radioactive materials can enable international terror organisations to transport hazardous materials for attacks to any place in the world. For improved protection against such hazardous freight, scientists of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and an Israeli research centre have developed a cargo inspection system which detects conventional explosives - and in addition, also drugs - with the aid of neutron radiography. […] The research work was supported by the 'Science for Peace' Programme of NATO. In a second step, the scientists now plan to utilise gamma radiation, in addition to neutron radiation, to be able to also detect nuclear and radioactive materials." (Science Centric; 08May09) http://www.sciencecentric.com/news/article.php?q=09050810-more-protection-against-explosives-nuclear-material-freight-containers
Obama must press Pakistan's [President Asif Ali] Zardari on nukes:U.S. Senator [Richard Lugar]
"U.S. President Barack Obama must press visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to accept more help in securing US aid to secure his country's nuclear arsenal, a top senator said Wednesday. 'He must convince President Zardari to accept more assistance and embrace cooperation,' said Republican Senator Richard Lugar, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Lugar, a leading US foreign policy voice, cited global concerns that unrest in Pakistan could lead to its nuclear weapons, or the raw materials for chemical or biological weapons, 'falling into the wrong hands.' 'President Obama must use this opportunity to gain clarification on the status and security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, chemical weapons precursors, and pathogen samples,' said Lugar." (Agence France-Presse; 06May09) http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hh8TqeMKQlFnUQfbZbB5dzOHQgOQ
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.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Gates Wraps Up Afghanistan Visit With New Insights
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wrapped up a two-day visit to Afghanistan today, telling reporters he's optimistic about efforts under way and the initiatives he pushed to support them – and that he's ready to go back to Washington with a "to do" list to continue the momentum. Gates hop-scotched around Afghanistan, visiting with troops at remote outposts to get a sense of what they need to get the job done.
He held troop talks at Forward Operating Base Ramrod in Kandahar province, the new Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province and this Wardak province base, and also met privately with mid-level commissioned and noncommissioned officers to pick their brains about their unmet requirements.
Gates told reporters today he could not have received the same direct assessment in Washington about whether the programs he has championed have made a difference. "The Pentagon is so huge, you never know whether you have had an impact," he said.
But one walk through the forward surgical facilities at the predominantly British Camp Bastion in Helmand province -- the recipient of some of the additional medical assets Gates directed to Afghanistan – gave him one of the answers he was seeking.
Gates shared the gratification of visiting the hospital yesterday morning and hearing the surgeons as well as helicopter pilots describe "the difference the increased medevac assets just since January have made in terms of their ability to save lives of our soldiers and Marines, airmen and sailors that are out there, and how it has cut the time involved in getting them to first-rate medical care."
Gates ordered an additional 10 medevac helicopters and three field hospitals to Afghanistan after being informed that many troops were unlikely to get to advanced-level treatment facilities within 60 minutes of being wounded.
Seeing the improvements now "really had an impact on me," Gates said. "This is something that I felt strongly about, that we have the same 'golden hour,' as they call it, in Afghanistan as in Iraq."
Gates said he also was impressed to hear firsthand "the real impact" that mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles are having in Afghanistan.
"It really was brought home to me when they showed me an MRAP that had been attacked," Gates told reporters. "Two of the soldiers that had been inside of it were standing beside the MRAP, completely unscathed," he said. The other two soldiers had non-life-threatening injuries.
Gates was the power behind the effort to move more MRAPs into Iraq to protect troops against underbelly explosions. Then, as security conditions began heating up in Afghanistan, he ordered more there, too. About 2,500 all-terrain models designed specifically for Afghanistan are in the theater now, with at least 2,000 coming soon, Gates told Marines yesterday during a troop talk at Camp Leatherneck.
Visiting Kandahar, Gates checked out the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities – which he has pushed to increase in both Afghanistan and Iraq, at a classified intelligence fusion center and sensitive-site exploitation lab. He emphasized the importance of this effort to operations under way here, with the "fusion of intelligence and operations in a way that has never been done before in warfare."
As he returns to Washington, Gates said, he has some new issues to look into to ensure equipment hits the ground at the same time as the newly arriving troops who rely on it.
Gates said he was "struck by the comments made by some of the captains and first sergeants at lunch about the lag between some of the equipment and the troops that are coming in."
"So that is something that I need to pursue when I get back, to see if there is some way we can make some adjustments and correct that," he said.
Overall, Gates dubbed the trip "a very positive visit." A highlight, he said, was interacting with deployed troops.
"One of the things ... I have enjoyed the most is the opportunity to meet a lot of really great young men and women," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wrapped up a two-day visit to Afghanistan today, telling reporters he's optimistic about efforts under way and the initiatives he pushed to support them – and that he's ready to go back to Washington with a "to do" list to continue the momentum. Gates hop-scotched around Afghanistan, visiting with troops at remote outposts to get a sense of what they need to get the job done.
He held troop talks at Forward Operating Base Ramrod in Kandahar province, the new Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province and this Wardak province base, and also met privately with mid-level commissioned and noncommissioned officers to pick their brains about their unmet requirements.
Gates told reporters today he could not have received the same direct assessment in Washington about whether the programs he has championed have made a difference. "The Pentagon is so huge, you never know whether you have had an impact," he said.
But one walk through the forward surgical facilities at the predominantly British Camp Bastion in Helmand province -- the recipient of some of the additional medical assets Gates directed to Afghanistan – gave him one of the answers he was seeking.
Gates shared the gratification of visiting the hospital yesterday morning and hearing the surgeons as well as helicopter pilots describe "the difference the increased medevac assets just since January have made in terms of their ability to save lives of our soldiers and Marines, airmen and sailors that are out there, and how it has cut the time involved in getting them to first-rate medical care."
Gates ordered an additional 10 medevac helicopters and three field hospitals to Afghanistan after being informed that many troops were unlikely to get to advanced-level treatment facilities within 60 minutes of being wounded.
Seeing the improvements now "really had an impact on me," Gates said. "This is something that I felt strongly about, that we have the same 'golden hour,' as they call it, in Afghanistan as in Iraq."
Gates said he also was impressed to hear firsthand "the real impact" that mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles are having in Afghanistan.
"It really was brought home to me when they showed me an MRAP that had been attacked," Gates told reporters. "Two of the soldiers that had been inside of it were standing beside the MRAP, completely unscathed," he said. The other two soldiers had non-life-threatening injuries.
Gates was the power behind the effort to move more MRAPs into Iraq to protect troops against underbelly explosions. Then, as security conditions began heating up in Afghanistan, he ordered more there, too. About 2,500 all-terrain models designed specifically for Afghanistan are in the theater now, with at least 2,000 coming soon, Gates told Marines yesterday during a troop talk at Camp Leatherneck.
Visiting Kandahar, Gates checked out the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities – which he has pushed to increase in both Afghanistan and Iraq, at a classified intelligence fusion center and sensitive-site exploitation lab. He emphasized the importance of this effort to operations under way here, with the "fusion of intelligence and operations in a way that has never been done before in warfare."
As he returns to Washington, Gates said, he has some new issues to look into to ensure equipment hits the ground at the same time as the newly arriving troops who rely on it.
Gates said he was "struck by the comments made by some of the captains and first sergeants at lunch about the lag between some of the equipment and the troops that are coming in."
"So that is something that I need to pursue when I get back, to see if there is some way we can make some adjustments and correct that," he said.
Overall, Gates dubbed the trip "a very positive visit." A highlight, he said, was interacting with deployed troops.
"One of the things ... I have enjoyed the most is the opportunity to meet a lot of really great young men and women," he said.
Gates: History Shows Cost of Turning Backs on Afghanistan
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - History provides an important lesson on the perils of ignoring Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today as he visited this remote site in Wardak province. "We don't dare turn our backs on Afghanistan," Gates told reporters after meeting with local elders and tribal leaders and 10th Mountain Division troops deployed here. "If there is one lesson that I draw from the past, it is the importance of our staying engaged, and the international community staying engaged."
After the Soviets were expelled from Afghanistan in the late 1980s, Gates said, the United States and the international community "basically turned our backs" on Afghanistan. Four years later, in 1993, al-Qaida launched made its first attack on the World Trade Center in New York. A car bomb failed to bring the building down, but it killed six people. Undeterred, and operating with impunity in Afghanistan, al-Qaida hatched the plan that killed thousands on Sept. 11, 2001.
"And if there is a lesson for Americans and the international community, it is that we don't dare turn our backs on Afghanistan," Gates said. "This will work if we stay engaged and finish."
A successful outcome in Afghanistan is important in ways that can't compare with anywhere else in the world, he said, citing the danger of letting Afghanistan return to being a safe haven for terrorists. "We weren't attacked by anyplace else," said he said. "We were attacked out of Afghanistan."
During a talk with soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Gates emphasized their role in preventing that from happening.
"What you are doing out here is really important," he said, reiterating that neglecting Afghanistan in the past help to create the circumstances that led to the 9/11 attacks.
"We paid the consequences for it in 2001. We won't do that again," he told the soldiers. "You all are here to make sure we don't do that again."
Gates called his discussions in Afghanistan over the past two days "some of the most encouraging" he's had, noting the Afghans' commitment to preserving freedom and democracy and providing a better way of life for their people.
"They want security. They want jobs," he said. "They want a different life."
The Afghans don't like the Taliban or what its members bring to Afghanistan, he said. "And we've just got to help them keep these guys at bay."
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - History provides an important lesson on the perils of ignoring Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today as he visited this remote site in Wardak province. "We don't dare turn our backs on Afghanistan," Gates told reporters after meeting with local elders and tribal leaders and 10th Mountain Division troops deployed here. "If there is one lesson that I draw from the past, it is the importance of our staying engaged, and the international community staying engaged."
After the Soviets were expelled from Afghanistan in the late 1980s, Gates said, the United States and the international community "basically turned our backs" on Afghanistan. Four years later, in 1993, al-Qaida launched made its first attack on the World Trade Center in New York. A car bomb failed to bring the building down, but it killed six people. Undeterred, and operating with impunity in Afghanistan, al-Qaida hatched the plan that killed thousands on Sept. 11, 2001.
"And if there is a lesson for Americans and the international community, it is that we don't dare turn our backs on Afghanistan," Gates said. "This will work if we stay engaged and finish."
A successful outcome in Afghanistan is important in ways that can't compare with anywhere else in the world, he said, citing the danger of letting Afghanistan return to being a safe haven for terrorists. "We weren't attacked by anyplace else," said he said. "We were attacked out of Afghanistan."
During a talk with soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Gates emphasized their role in preventing that from happening.
"What you are doing out here is really important," he said, reiterating that neglecting Afghanistan in the past help to create the circumstances that led to the 9/11 attacks.
"We paid the consequences for it in 2001. We won't do that again," he told the soldiers. "You all are here to make sure we don't do that again."
Gates called his discussions in Afghanistan over the past two days "some of the most encouraging" he's had, noting the Afghans' commitment to preserving freedom and democracy and providing a better way of life for their people.
"They want security. They want jobs," he said. "They want a different life."
The Afghans don't like the Taliban or what its members bring to Afghanistan, he said. "And we've just got to help them keep these guys at bay."
Gates Gets 'Thumbs Up' on Afghan Public Protection Program
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - Provincial, local and tribal leaders, along with special operators and 10th Mountain Division soldiers deployed here, today gave Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates their stamp of approval on a new program that's getting local Afghans to help build security in their communities. The Afghan Public Protection Program is an Afghan-led initiative that recruits and trains local people to serve as community guard forces in unsecured regions. Operated under the Afghan Interior Ministry, it helps to ensure law and order and build governance at the community level, a U.S. special operator serving here as a mentor told reporters traveling with Gates.
"This is an Afghan program," he said. "Our role is to facilitate."
With the first group of 242 APPP members completing its three-week training program focused on marksmanship, first aid, rules of engagement and other military basics in March, the program is starting to prove itself in Wardak province's Jalrez district, he said.
A second training class of 80 members is in session, which will bring the program to more than 300 members within the next month.
Wardak Gov. Mohamad Halim Fadai offered Gates a solid endorsement of the program, which he said is making a big difference in the security situation here.
"We can see very tangible results," he said, noting that a road that had been closed for six months due to frequent violence has now reopened. Attacks are down dramatically, he told Gates, predicting that the APPP can play a major role in providing security and stability here.
One of the U.S. special operators mentoring the new force said an APPP lieutenant recently found an improvised explosive device and called on the Afghan security forces so it could be disabled. "That's one of several success stories," the officer said.
The key to the success, Fadai told Gates, is community buy-in.
Community leaders nominate prospective members, who are vetted at three different levels before being accepted into the program. Recruits must be physically fit and drug-free Afghan citizens, have no criminal record and live in or come from the districts where they will work. They work closely with the Afghan National Police, wearing olive-drab uniforms and carrying AK-47 assault rifles, but they have no arrest authority.
Initial concerns that the two groups might bump heads have proven wrong, the special operator told reporters. "So far, we are very enthusiastic about the relationship," he said.
Gates told reporters he's happy with what he heard about the program, and the way it has been embraced by the provincial and district leaders here. "They felt it was a significant addition to their efforts and has made a real difference in terms of local security," he said.
Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan and NATO's International Security Assistance Force, also praised the program that's been compared to the "Sons of Iraq" program in Iraq. APPP applies a "bottom-up approach" to security, with community members serving as a local security force in support of the police, he said.
McKiernan called the salaries the United States pays the participants – less than a police officer's starting salary – a good investment with a potentially big payoff. "And that's security," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - Provincial, local and tribal leaders, along with special operators and 10th Mountain Division soldiers deployed here, today gave Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates their stamp of approval on a new program that's getting local Afghans to help build security in their communities. The Afghan Public Protection Program is an Afghan-led initiative that recruits and trains local people to serve as community guard forces in unsecured regions. Operated under the Afghan Interior Ministry, it helps to ensure law and order and build governance at the community level, a U.S. special operator serving here as a mentor told reporters traveling with Gates.
"This is an Afghan program," he said. "Our role is to facilitate."
With the first group of 242 APPP members completing its three-week training program focused on marksmanship, first aid, rules of engagement and other military basics in March, the program is starting to prove itself in Wardak province's Jalrez district, he said.
A second training class of 80 members is in session, which will bring the program to more than 300 members within the next month.
Wardak Gov. Mohamad Halim Fadai offered Gates a solid endorsement of the program, which he said is making a big difference in the security situation here.
"We can see very tangible results," he said, noting that a road that had been closed for six months due to frequent violence has now reopened. Attacks are down dramatically, he told Gates, predicting that the APPP can play a major role in providing security and stability here.
One of the U.S. special operators mentoring the new force said an APPP lieutenant recently found an improvised explosive device and called on the Afghan security forces so it could be disabled. "That's one of several success stories," the officer said.
The key to the success, Fadai told Gates, is community buy-in.
Community leaders nominate prospective members, who are vetted at three different levels before being accepted into the program. Recruits must be physically fit and drug-free Afghan citizens, have no criminal record and live in or come from the districts where they will work. They work closely with the Afghan National Police, wearing olive-drab uniforms and carrying AK-47 assault rifles, but they have no arrest authority.
Initial concerns that the two groups might bump heads have proven wrong, the special operator told reporters. "So far, we are very enthusiastic about the relationship," he said.
Gates told reporters he's happy with what he heard about the program, and the way it has been embraced by the provincial and district leaders here. "They felt it was a significant addition to their efforts and has made a real difference in terms of local security," he said.
Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan and NATO's International Security Assistance Force, also praised the program that's been compared to the "Sons of Iraq" program in Iraq. APPP applies a "bottom-up approach" to security, with community members serving as a local security force in support of the police, he said.
McKiernan called the salaries the United States pays the participants – less than a police officer's starting salary – a good investment with a potentially big payoff. "And that's security," he said.
Gates Assures 10th Mountain Soldiers of Continued Support
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - During his last stop on a whirlwind two-day visit through Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates brought encouragement and assurance of support to 10th Mountain Division soldiers who have been deployed here since January. "What you are doing out here is really important," Gates told an assembly of 3rd Brigade Combat Team soldiers at this high-altitude outpost in Wardak province.
Gates recalled the historical lessons the United States and the world learned when they turned their collective backs on Afghanistan after the Soviets were ousted in the late 1980s. Four years later came the first, failed al-Qaida attack on New York's World Trade Center. Next came the catastrophic 9/11 attacks in 2001.
"We paid the consequences for [abandoning Afghanistan] in 2001," Gates told the soldiers. "We won't do that again. You all are here to make sure we don't do that again."
Gates offered the soldiers assurance that he will continue working "to get you what you need to be successful."
"I have two goals," he said. "One is for you to be successful in your mission, and the other is for you to come home safely. My job is to get you the equipment and all the assistance that I can to help achieve those goals."
Gates passed on thanks to the troops, and asked them to pass along his appreciation to their families as well.
"I know that your being here imposes a sacrifice on your families, and that they have to cover for you while you're gone," he said. "So when you e-mail them or talk to them the next time, tell them ... that I thank them for all they have done to make your service possible."
Soldiers here welcomed Gates' words and his recognition of the work they are doing.
Army Spc. Sandra Rivera, a truck driver from Fox Company who frequently goes "outside the wire" to deliver supplies to even-more-remote combat operating bases, said she sees her job as serving her battle buddies, but that she has a bigger cause as well.
"I definitely think that when you make a presence known somewhere, it drives the enemy out," she said. "I see what we are doing here as trying to make a difference."
Army Sgt. George Pacheco of the brigade's 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, was more definitive about the success of his third deployment, and his second to Afghanistan. "We are making a great impact on the people around the FOB," he said, adding that he hopes Gates takes away from his visit "the morale and the spirit of the soldiers here."
The soldiers are working to help to give the Afghans a chance to live in a peaceful, stable country, he said. "We're out here to give them that opportunity."
Army Sgt. Charles Muller, an armorer who deployed here in December in advance of most of the brigade, said he was gratified to hear Gates promise to get troops what they need to do the job. His wish list includes better body armor and more repair parts – "mostly things to help us maintain our vehicles" in the harsh environment.
But Muller said he was happy just to see the secretary come to visit the troops. "It was very nice of him to come," he said. "It shows he cares about us and our situation."
During his visit here, Gates re-enlisted eight soldiers and met with provincial, district and tribal leaders.
American Forces Press Service
May 8, 2009 - During his last stop on a whirlwind two-day visit through Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates brought encouragement and assurance of support to 10th Mountain Division soldiers who have been deployed here since January. "What you are doing out here is really important," Gates told an assembly of 3rd Brigade Combat Team soldiers at this high-altitude outpost in Wardak province.
Gates recalled the historical lessons the United States and the world learned when they turned their collective backs on Afghanistan after the Soviets were ousted in the late 1980s. Four years later came the first, failed al-Qaida attack on New York's World Trade Center. Next came the catastrophic 9/11 attacks in 2001.
"We paid the consequences for [abandoning Afghanistan] in 2001," Gates told the soldiers. "We won't do that again. You all are here to make sure we don't do that again."
Gates offered the soldiers assurance that he will continue working "to get you what you need to be successful."
"I have two goals," he said. "One is for you to be successful in your mission, and the other is for you to come home safely. My job is to get you the equipment and all the assistance that I can to help achieve those goals."
Gates passed on thanks to the troops, and asked them to pass along his appreciation to their families as well.
"I know that your being here imposes a sacrifice on your families, and that they have to cover for you while you're gone," he said. "So when you e-mail them or talk to them the next time, tell them ... that I thank them for all they have done to make your service possible."
Soldiers here welcomed Gates' words and his recognition of the work they are doing.
Army Spc. Sandra Rivera, a truck driver from Fox Company who frequently goes "outside the wire" to deliver supplies to even-more-remote combat operating bases, said she sees her job as serving her battle buddies, but that she has a bigger cause as well.
"I definitely think that when you make a presence known somewhere, it drives the enemy out," she said. "I see what we are doing here as trying to make a difference."
Army Sgt. George Pacheco of the brigade's 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, was more definitive about the success of his third deployment, and his second to Afghanistan. "We are making a great impact on the people around the FOB," he said, adding that he hopes Gates takes away from his visit "the morale and the spirit of the soldiers here."
The soldiers are working to help to give the Afghans a chance to live in a peaceful, stable country, he said. "We're out here to give them that opportunity."
Army Sgt. Charles Muller, an armorer who deployed here in December in advance of most of the brigade, said he was gratified to hear Gates promise to get troops what they need to do the job. His wish list includes better body armor and more repair parts – "mostly things to help us maintain our vehicles" in the harsh environment.
But Muller said he was happy just to see the secretary come to visit the troops. "It was very nice of him to come," he said. "It shows he cares about us and our situation."
During his visit here, Gates re-enlisted eight soldiers and met with provincial, district and tribal leaders.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Gates Conducts Lively Give-and-Take With Deployed Marines
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The question-and-answer session Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates opened here today with newly deployed Marines started with a pregnant pause, but quickly moved into a lively give-and-take about everything from deployment lengths to current and possible future military operations. The group, mostly members of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Marine Wing Support Squadron 37 and Marine Combat Logistics Battalion 3, took advantage of the opportunity to ask the defense secretary about issues on their minds.
Asked about security along the Pakistan-Afghan border, Gates credited the Pakistani government with cracking down on Taliban forces that had moved toward Islamabad. Pakistan had always viewed India as its archenemy, and only recently has started to recognize extremists in the western part of the country as "a real threat," he said.
The Taliban "over-reached" by trying to take over Pakistan's Bruner district, Gates send, sending a wake-up call to the Pakistani government.
"They are beginning to go after these guys," he told the Marines. "So the action we have seen over the last couple of weeks has been very encouraging as they come after these bad guys in the border area."
But Gates reassured one Marine that there's no truth to any rumor that the U.S. military is considering a humanitarian mission in Pakistan. That, Gates told the questioner, "is fully in the category of rumor."
"I don't think you have to worry about a mission in Pakistan," he reiterated, emphasizing that the United States hopes only for an opportunity to help the Pakistanis increase their capabilities. "We just want to partner with them to enable them to carry the fight in the border area as they have been for the last couple of weeks," he said.
Another questioner asked Gates about Iranian influence in the region.
"First we try to nail them if we catch them in Iraq," he said. "We have sanctions in place to try to get those guys to change their practices, but Iran is a tough nut."
Reporting on his visits this week to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Gates said the United States is working with its partners in the Gulf region to help them develop missile, air and maritime defenses against Iran. He also noted the "significant naval presence" in the region that helps to serve as a deterrent.
"The real hard problem that, frankly, we haven't solved yet is, 'How do you get them to walk away from their nuclear weapons program?'" Gates said. "There are a lot of options for dealing with it, but we need a long-term solution."
The trick, he said, is to get the Iranians to realize that they will be less – not more – secure with nuclear weapons, "because they will probably set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East."
Gates also noted the threat the Iranian-sanctioned Hezbollah terrorist organization poses. Many people don't realize that before the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Hezbollah had killed more Americans than any other terror group, he said.
"They are going to be a problem for us, I think," he said.
Gates offered another questioner his assessment of progress in promoting interagency contributions toward the mission in Afghanistan.
"A central part of the new administration's Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is a significant civilian surge," he said. Plans call for bringing another 500 civilians with specialized skills in everything from well-digging to building schools to accounting to provincial reconstruction teams to provide support at the provincial and district levels, he said.
But expressing concern that the process likely won't move as quickly as needed, Gates said the Defense Department may tap into reserve components. These troops potentially could "act as a bridge" until the civilians can be hired through supplemental funding, he said.
"There is clearly an understanding that there is a need for more civilian expertise," he told the Marines. "You guys can't do this all by yourselves. We can clear these areas, but we have to hold them, and then we have to build something. And the build part is what the civilians have got to do."
Gates extended his frustration over the sluggishness of the interagency effort to his own department.
"We've had complaining in the Department of Defense that the rest of the government hasn't been at war," he said. "One of my complaints has been that there have been significant parts of the Department of Defense that haven't been at war. So we are trying to get all of the Defense Department into the fight, and at the same time try to get the rest of the government the resources they need to get into the fight."
After telling the Marines he wants to make sure they have everything they need to succeed, Gates fielded a question about a shortage of communications equipment here.
He expressed confidence that equipment is en route – in a container bound for Camp Leatherneck that hasn't yet caught up with the newly deployed Marines – and promised to have his staff look into the issue.
In response to another questioner, Gates said there's no plan to change Marine deployment lengths from the current seven months. What he said he wants to see change is increasing the dwell time at home between deployments.
"Looking at all services, but especially the Army and Marine Corps, that have been redeployed so many times is seeing how we can extend the dwell time," he said. He recalled not too long ago when Marines were home just seven months after a deployment, only to deploy again for another seven months.
That, he said, is a major reason the military has worked so hard to expand both the Army's and Marine Corps' end strengths.
"Both have gotten there two years earlier than expected," Gates reported. "So I think as we draw down in Iraq, despite the buildup [in Afghanistan], we will be in a position, I hope, by later this year to begin lengthening the dwell time at home for everybody."
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The question-and-answer session Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates opened here today with newly deployed Marines started with a pregnant pause, but quickly moved into a lively give-and-take about everything from deployment lengths to current and possible future military operations. The group, mostly members of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Marine Wing Support Squadron 37 and Marine Combat Logistics Battalion 3, took advantage of the opportunity to ask the defense secretary about issues on their minds.
Asked about security along the Pakistan-Afghan border, Gates credited the Pakistani government with cracking down on Taliban forces that had moved toward Islamabad. Pakistan had always viewed India as its archenemy, and only recently has started to recognize extremists in the western part of the country as "a real threat," he said.
The Taliban "over-reached" by trying to take over Pakistan's Bruner district, Gates send, sending a wake-up call to the Pakistani government.
"They are beginning to go after these guys," he told the Marines. "So the action we have seen over the last couple of weeks has been very encouraging as they come after these bad guys in the border area."
But Gates reassured one Marine that there's no truth to any rumor that the U.S. military is considering a humanitarian mission in Pakistan. That, Gates told the questioner, "is fully in the category of rumor."
"I don't think you have to worry about a mission in Pakistan," he reiterated, emphasizing that the United States hopes only for an opportunity to help the Pakistanis increase their capabilities. "We just want to partner with them to enable them to carry the fight in the border area as they have been for the last couple of weeks," he said.
Another questioner asked Gates about Iranian influence in the region.
"First we try to nail them if we catch them in Iraq," he said. "We have sanctions in place to try to get those guys to change their practices, but Iran is a tough nut."
Reporting on his visits this week to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Gates said the United States is working with its partners in the Gulf region to help them develop missile, air and maritime defenses against Iran. He also noted the "significant naval presence" in the region that helps to serve as a deterrent.
"The real hard problem that, frankly, we haven't solved yet is, 'How do you get them to walk away from their nuclear weapons program?'" Gates said. "There are a lot of options for dealing with it, but we need a long-term solution."
The trick, he said, is to get the Iranians to realize that they will be less – not more – secure with nuclear weapons, "because they will probably set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East."
Gates also noted the threat the Iranian-sanctioned Hezbollah terrorist organization poses. Many people don't realize that before the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Hezbollah had killed more Americans than any other terror group, he said.
"They are going to be a problem for us, I think," he said.
Gates offered another questioner his assessment of progress in promoting interagency contributions toward the mission in Afghanistan.
"A central part of the new administration's Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is a significant civilian surge," he said. Plans call for bringing another 500 civilians with specialized skills in everything from well-digging to building schools to accounting to provincial reconstruction teams to provide support at the provincial and district levels, he said.
But expressing concern that the process likely won't move as quickly as needed, Gates said the Defense Department may tap into reserve components. These troops potentially could "act as a bridge" until the civilians can be hired through supplemental funding, he said.
"There is clearly an understanding that there is a need for more civilian expertise," he told the Marines. "You guys can't do this all by yourselves. We can clear these areas, but we have to hold them, and then we have to build something. And the build part is what the civilians have got to do."
Gates extended his frustration over the sluggishness of the interagency effort to his own department.
"We've had complaining in the Department of Defense that the rest of the government hasn't been at war," he said. "One of my complaints has been that there have been significant parts of the Department of Defense that haven't been at war. So we are trying to get all of the Defense Department into the fight, and at the same time try to get the rest of the government the resources they need to get into the fight."
After telling the Marines he wants to make sure they have everything they need to succeed, Gates fielded a question about a shortage of communications equipment here.
He expressed confidence that equipment is en route – in a container bound for Camp Leatherneck that hasn't yet caught up with the newly deployed Marines – and promised to have his staff look into the issue.
In response to another questioner, Gates said there's no plan to change Marine deployment lengths from the current seven months. What he said he wants to see change is increasing the dwell time at home between deployments.
"Looking at all services, but especially the Army and Marine Corps, that have been redeployed so many times is seeing how we can extend the dwell time," he said. He recalled not too long ago when Marines were home just seven months after a deployment, only to deploy again for another seven months.
That, he said, is a major reason the military has worked so hard to expand both the Army's and Marine Corps' end strengths.
"Both have gotten there two years earlier than expected," Gates reported. "So I think as we draw down in Iraq, despite the buildup [in Afghanistan], we will be in a position, I hope, by later this year to begin lengthening the dwell time at home for everybody."
Gates' Afghanistan Visit Focuses on Troop Needs
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today visited two remote outposts being built here to accommodate incoming troops and thanked the men and women in uniform who provide the security foundation he said is needed for the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy to succeed. The visits were part of a packed schedule that kept the secretary hopping from one session to another. Gates also stopped in Kandahar to check out facilities there, and he visited a classified intelligence fusion center and a sensitive-site exploitation lab.
But the main focus of the day, Gates told reporters before arriving here, was to talk directly to the troops. He held an outdoor town hall session with Marines at the massive new Camp Leatherneck facility being built at a frenzied pace outside the primarily British Forward Operating Base Bastion in Helmand province. From there, he choppered into Forward Operating Base Ramrod, an outpost about 50 miles west of here, where the Army's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, is based.
At both stops, Gates emphasized the importance of the Afghanistan mission and told the troops he's got their backs and will work to get them everything they need to get the job done.
"I feel a very deep, personal responsibility to each and every one of you," Gates told newly arrived members of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Marine Wing Support Squadron 37 and Marine Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and others who gathered in the bright sunlight at Camp Leatherneck. "My job, it seems to me, is to get you what you need to be successful in your mission, and to do everything possible to get you home safely."
Gates noted new capabilities and protections he has championed for deployed troops: more intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance assets and more mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, including the all-terrain models designed specifically for Afghanistan.
About 2,500 of the modified MRAPs are in the theater now, with at least 2,000 more to come soon, he told the group, assuring them he plans to "get them out here as fast as we can."
Before meeting with the group, Gates got a firsthand view of the modified Generation 2 vehicles from Marine Sgt. Brandon Cooper. "I told him they take very little effort, with little or no maintenance," Cooper said. "We rely on them heavily, and they are definitely saving lives."
Gates told the group he's also committed to getting more medical support beyond the 10 additional medevac helicopters and three field hospitals already fielded. The goal, he said, is "to provide the 'golden hour' here in Afghanistan that we have in Iraq," referring to a standard that gets troops to advanced-level treatment facilities within 60 minutes of being wounded.
"We hope we don't need it for any of you," Gates said of the additional medical capability. "But I want it to be there if it is needed."
During his visit, Gates walked through the forward surgical facilities at Camp Bastion, where U.S. and British medical staffs work side by side in two surgical wards and a four-bed intensive care unit. The unit has performed 820 surgeries or life-saving procedures.
The secretary also heard from Air Force Lt. Col. Chris Barnett, commander of the 34th Weapons Squadron, about enhanced medevac capabilities now available. "It's all about that speed of response," Barnett told the secretary.
Gates assured the Camp Leatherneck group that Defense Department officials are "trying to do whatever else we can" to fill any other gaps.
"And one of the reasons for my coming out here in addition to thanking you," he added, "is finding out what else you need and what we can do to try to make you successful and get you home safely."
The secretary echoed that message at Forward Operating Base Ramrod, telling the soldiers there he wants to make sure they've got all they need. "That's our job," he said. "You've done your job, so it is up to us to do our part."
Gates took a peek at the massive Camp Leatherneck project, which will house about 6,000 of an estimated 10,000 Marines slated to deploy to Afghanistan when it's completed. "The brigade is still flowing in," Marine Lt. Col. David Jones told reporters traveling with Gates, with nearly 5,000 "on deck now," and about 200 more arriving each day.
Navy Capt. Jeff Borowy, commander of the 25th Naval Construction Regiment, which is leading the massive effort, said the big challenge is "trying to get the job done in time for the warfighters coming in," particularly in light of logistical challenges.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Mason, a Seabee supporting the construction effort, gave a big thumbs up to the living facilities being assembled: Force Provider tents with latrines and shower facilities. "I've had worse conditions on field exercises," he said.
As he opened his troop talks, Gates thanked the servicemembers for volunteering to serve. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you do," he said.
Then he took the extra step of asking the troops to extend his thanks to their families as well. "They have put up with a lot of sacrifices as well while you are over here, and we know how much sacrifice they have to make for you to be able to serve," he said. "So the next time you talk to them or write to them or e-mail them, tell them I said 'thanks.'"
At FOB Ramrod, Gates presented awards to six members of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, a unit that's been deployed since June. Army Commendation Medals went to Pfc. Michael Kehrer, Pvt. Alexander Hayes and Sgt. Justin Chaney. Bronze Star awards with valor went to Spc. Kevin Tibbett, Cpl. Justin Skotnicki and Staff Sgt. Anthony Roszko.
Across the board, the servicemembers expressed appreciation that Gates had paid them a visit.
"It's kind of inspiring for him to come out," said Marine Cpl. Anthony Castro, deployed here from Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. "It's great to have him come out here and say he appreciates what we're doing."
Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Fuqua, an artillery mechanic so fresh at Camp Leatherneck that he couldn't remember if he'd been there for two days or three, said he, too, appreciated hearing that that leadership values his service.
"I just got back from Iraq in February, and I volunteered to come here," he said. "I was happy to come."
Castro said he has no doubt about the importance of the mission ahead. "It feels great to be the ones on the front line," he said. "We're the ones laying the foundation for the rest of the mission in Afghanistan."
Army Spc. Michael Gumbert, an infantryman who's been deployed since June helping to build FOB Ramrod, shared the sentiment.
"I definitely feel like we've made a difference here," he said, citing relationship-building that's created a new level of trust between the soldiers and local people. "We're establishing a presence here so the units that come here after us can build on the relationships that we have created."
During a news conference upon returning to Kabul, Gates said the busy day gave him good insights into the situation in Afghanistan and the efforts being undertaken by U.S. and coalition nations in partnership with the Afghan national security forces.
"They are doing an extraordinary job in difficult and dangerous conditions," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today visited two remote outposts being built here to accommodate incoming troops and thanked the men and women in uniform who provide the security foundation he said is needed for the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy to succeed. The visits were part of a packed schedule that kept the secretary hopping from one session to another. Gates also stopped in Kandahar to check out facilities there, and he visited a classified intelligence fusion center and a sensitive-site exploitation lab.
But the main focus of the day, Gates told reporters before arriving here, was to talk directly to the troops. He held an outdoor town hall session with Marines at the massive new Camp Leatherneck facility being built at a frenzied pace outside the primarily British Forward Operating Base Bastion in Helmand province. From there, he choppered into Forward Operating Base Ramrod, an outpost about 50 miles west of here, where the Army's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, is based.
At both stops, Gates emphasized the importance of the Afghanistan mission and told the troops he's got their backs and will work to get them everything they need to get the job done.
"I feel a very deep, personal responsibility to each and every one of you," Gates told newly arrived members of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Marine Wing Support Squadron 37 and Marine Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and others who gathered in the bright sunlight at Camp Leatherneck. "My job, it seems to me, is to get you what you need to be successful in your mission, and to do everything possible to get you home safely."
Gates noted new capabilities and protections he has championed for deployed troops: more intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance assets and more mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, including the all-terrain models designed specifically for Afghanistan.
About 2,500 of the modified MRAPs are in the theater now, with at least 2,000 more to come soon, he told the group, assuring them he plans to "get them out here as fast as we can."
Before meeting with the group, Gates got a firsthand view of the modified Generation 2 vehicles from Marine Sgt. Brandon Cooper. "I told him they take very little effort, with little or no maintenance," Cooper said. "We rely on them heavily, and they are definitely saving lives."
Gates told the group he's also committed to getting more medical support beyond the 10 additional medevac helicopters and three field hospitals already fielded. The goal, he said, is "to provide the 'golden hour' here in Afghanistan that we have in Iraq," referring to a standard that gets troops to advanced-level treatment facilities within 60 minutes of being wounded.
"We hope we don't need it for any of you," Gates said of the additional medical capability. "But I want it to be there if it is needed."
During his visit, Gates walked through the forward surgical facilities at Camp Bastion, where U.S. and British medical staffs work side by side in two surgical wards and a four-bed intensive care unit. The unit has performed 820 surgeries or life-saving procedures.
The secretary also heard from Air Force Lt. Col. Chris Barnett, commander of the 34th Weapons Squadron, about enhanced medevac capabilities now available. "It's all about that speed of response," Barnett told the secretary.
Gates assured the Camp Leatherneck group that Defense Department officials are "trying to do whatever else we can" to fill any other gaps.
"And one of the reasons for my coming out here in addition to thanking you," he added, "is finding out what else you need and what we can do to try to make you successful and get you home safely."
The secretary echoed that message at Forward Operating Base Ramrod, telling the soldiers there he wants to make sure they've got all they need. "That's our job," he said. "You've done your job, so it is up to us to do our part."
Gates took a peek at the massive Camp Leatherneck project, which will house about 6,000 of an estimated 10,000 Marines slated to deploy to Afghanistan when it's completed. "The brigade is still flowing in," Marine Lt. Col. David Jones told reporters traveling with Gates, with nearly 5,000 "on deck now," and about 200 more arriving each day.
Navy Capt. Jeff Borowy, commander of the 25th Naval Construction Regiment, which is leading the massive effort, said the big challenge is "trying to get the job done in time for the warfighters coming in," particularly in light of logistical challenges.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Mason, a Seabee supporting the construction effort, gave a big thumbs up to the living facilities being assembled: Force Provider tents with latrines and shower facilities. "I've had worse conditions on field exercises," he said.
As he opened his troop talks, Gates thanked the servicemembers for volunteering to serve. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you do," he said.
Then he took the extra step of asking the troops to extend his thanks to their families as well. "They have put up with a lot of sacrifices as well while you are over here, and we know how much sacrifice they have to make for you to be able to serve," he said. "So the next time you talk to them or write to them or e-mail them, tell them I said 'thanks.'"
At FOB Ramrod, Gates presented awards to six members of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, a unit that's been deployed since June. Army Commendation Medals went to Pfc. Michael Kehrer, Pvt. Alexander Hayes and Sgt. Justin Chaney. Bronze Star awards with valor went to Spc. Kevin Tibbett, Cpl. Justin Skotnicki and Staff Sgt. Anthony Roszko.
Across the board, the servicemembers expressed appreciation that Gates had paid them a visit.
"It's kind of inspiring for him to come out," said Marine Cpl. Anthony Castro, deployed here from Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. "It's great to have him come out here and say he appreciates what we're doing."
Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Fuqua, an artillery mechanic so fresh at Camp Leatherneck that he couldn't remember if he'd been there for two days or three, said he, too, appreciated hearing that that leadership values his service.
"I just got back from Iraq in February, and I volunteered to come here," he said. "I was happy to come."
Castro said he has no doubt about the importance of the mission ahead. "It feels great to be the ones on the front line," he said. "We're the ones laying the foundation for the rest of the mission in Afghanistan."
Army Spc. Michael Gumbert, an infantryman who's been deployed since June helping to build FOB Ramrod, shared the sentiment.
"I definitely feel like we've made a difference here," he said, citing relationship-building that's created a new level of trust between the soldiers and local people. "We're establishing a presence here so the units that come here after us can build on the relationships that we have created."
During a news conference upon returning to Kabul, Gates said the busy day gave him good insights into the situation in Afghanistan and the efforts being undertaken by U.S. and coalition nations in partnership with the Afghan national security forces.
"They are doing an extraordinary job in difficult and dangerous conditions," he said.
U.S. Regrets Any Loss of Innocent Lives in Afghanistan, Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The United States, coalition and Afghan government regret even one innocent civilian death, and they will continue to do all they can to avoid civilian casualties, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in Kabul today. Gates spoke at a news conference after a day of visiting U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan.
A joint investigative team is looking into reports of civilian casualties during a May 4 operation against Taliban insurgents in western Afghanistan and has visited the site in Farah province. The team is investigating differing accounts of the events leading up to the casualties. Those accounts include allegations that the Taliban tossed grenades into homes to "frame" Afghan and coalition forces.
What is known is that a large group of Taliban operatives entered the area and beheaded three civilians in a village in the province's Bala Bulak district. Afghan police responded, and the Taliban ambushed the officers. The police called the Afghan National Army for support.
"Eventually, it got to the point where the governor asked for U.S. support," Army Gen. David D. McKiernan said yesterday. McKiernan commands NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. U.S. forces provided close-air and other support for the operation, which lasted for hours. When it was over, about 25 Taliban were dead.
What's not so clear is the civilian casualty toll – a number the investigation will help to determine.
"I'm well aware of this," Gates said during the news conference. "The United States and coalition partners do everything we can to avoid civilian casualties."
"We regret any – even one – innocent civilian casualty, and will make whatever amends are necessary," Gates said. "We have expressed regret regardless of how this occurred."
Since the beginning of the year, civilian casualties in Afghanistan are down 40 percent, Gates said. Casualties against U.S., coalition and Afghan security forces are up 75 percent. "We are doing everything we can to avoid civilian casualties," while the Taliban are targeting civilians for their own gain, Gates said.
The Taliban use civilians as shields and mingle with civilians as they attack NATO and Afghan forces, the secretary said.
"While there have been civilian casualties caused by American and NATO troops, they have been accidental," he said. "When the Taliban cause casualties, they are on purpose."
The bottom line is that "exploiting civilian casualties and causing civilian casualties" is a fundamental part of the Taliban strategy, Gates said.
The Afghan people must believe that the coalition is on their side, Gates said. Civilian casualties break down this trust, he acknowledged, noting that the Taliban know this as well.
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The United States, coalition and Afghan government regret even one innocent civilian death, and they will continue to do all they can to avoid civilian casualties, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in Kabul today. Gates spoke at a news conference after a day of visiting U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan.
A joint investigative team is looking into reports of civilian casualties during a May 4 operation against Taliban insurgents in western Afghanistan and has visited the site in Farah province. The team is investigating differing accounts of the events leading up to the casualties. Those accounts include allegations that the Taliban tossed grenades into homes to "frame" Afghan and coalition forces.
What is known is that a large group of Taliban operatives entered the area and beheaded three civilians in a village in the province's Bala Bulak district. Afghan police responded, and the Taliban ambushed the officers. The police called the Afghan National Army for support.
"Eventually, it got to the point where the governor asked for U.S. support," Army Gen. David D. McKiernan said yesterday. McKiernan commands NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. U.S. forces provided close-air and other support for the operation, which lasted for hours. When it was over, about 25 Taliban were dead.
What's not so clear is the civilian casualty toll – a number the investigation will help to determine.
"I'm well aware of this," Gates said during the news conference. "The United States and coalition partners do everything we can to avoid civilian casualties."
"We regret any – even one – innocent civilian casualty, and will make whatever amends are necessary," Gates said. "We have expressed regret regardless of how this occurred."
Since the beginning of the year, civilian casualties in Afghanistan are down 40 percent, Gates said. Casualties against U.S., coalition and Afghan security forces are up 75 percent. "We are doing everything we can to avoid civilian casualties," while the Taliban are targeting civilians for their own gain, Gates said.
The Taliban use civilians as shields and mingle with civilians as they attack NATO and Afghan forces, the secretary said.
"While there have been civilian casualties caused by American and NATO troops, they have been accidental," he said. "When the Taliban cause casualties, they are on purpose."
The bottom line is that "exploiting civilian casualties and causing civilian casualties" is a fundamental part of the Taliban strategy, Gates said.
The Afghan people must believe that the coalition is on their side, Gates said. Civilian casualties break down this trust, he acknowledged, noting that the Taliban know this as well.
Troops in Iraq Capture Suspects, Weapons
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - Coalition and Iraqi forces swept up weapons and insurgents during three days of operations in Iraq this week, military officials said. During operations May 5 in southern Iraq's Maysan province, Iraqi forces found a weapons cache containing more than 300 munitions and various military equipment. Troops discovered the contraband inside a house in the city of Amarah.
The Iraqi security units are partnered with the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, in Maysan in efforts to rid the region of illegal weapons and criminal activity.
In the Mansour and Abu Ghraib districts of northwestern Baghdad on May 4, coalition and Iraqi forces detained two suspects. Troops suspect one of the men of planning attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces as a member of al-Qaida in Iraq. The other is suspected of training and equipping insurgent operations involving grenades. The suspects have been turned over to Iraqi authorities for further questioning, military officials said.
During a joint operation in the Mansour district May 3, coalition and Iraqi forces discovered an RKG-3 armor-piercing grenade while conducting a reconnaissance mission in the area. An explosive ordinance disposal team called to the site disposed of the weapon.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
May 7, 2009 - Coalition and Iraqi forces swept up weapons and insurgents during three days of operations in Iraq this week, military officials said. During operations May 5 in southern Iraq's Maysan province, Iraqi forces found a weapons cache containing more than 300 munitions and various military equipment. Troops discovered the contraband inside a house in the city of Amarah.
The Iraqi security units are partnered with the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, in Maysan in efforts to rid the region of illegal weapons and criminal activity.
In the Mansour and Abu Ghraib districts of northwestern Baghdad on May 4, coalition and Iraqi forces detained two suspects. Troops suspect one of the men of planning attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces as a member of al-Qaida in Iraq. The other is suspected of training and equipping insurgent operations involving grenades. The suspects have been turned over to Iraqi authorities for further questioning, military officials said.
During a joint operation in the Mansour district May 3, coalition and Iraqi forces discovered an RKG-3 armor-piercing grenade while conducting a reconnaissance mission in the area. An explosive ordinance disposal team called to the site disposed of the weapon.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Henley-Putnam University Offers New Certificate Programs in the field of Strategic Security
May 5, 2009 – Henley-Putnam University, a premier university for online higher education in the field of Strategic Security, is pleased to announce that it is now offering Certificate Programs in Strategic Security related disciplines. Strategic Security is an emerging field of study that encompasses all aspects of Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and the Management of Personal Protection.
The new certificates are designed to help students to develop the relevant job know how and tradecraft skills vital for advancement in the field of Strategic Security, while still maintaining the flexibility to fit these courses around their full time job or other pursuits.
Henley-Putnam’s new Certificate Programs are offered in the following areas:
• Executive Protection
• Intelligence Analysis
• Counterterrorism Studies
• Security Management
• Intelligence Collection
• Strategic Intelligence
• Intelligence and Counterterrorism Profiling
According to Dr. Michael Corcoran, Henley-Putnam University President –“By offering these certificates we have now come full circle in presenting a complete educational opportunity for anyone in or wanting to learn more about the Strategic Security industry. Not only are these certificates germane to specific needs, they are being taught by the same experienced instructors as our degree courses and they offer the same number of course credits.”
Additional information about Henley-Putnam’s Certificate Programs can be found at www.Henley-Putnam.edu/758-289.htm
ABOUT HENLEY-PUTNAM UNIVERSITY
Founded in August 2001, Henley-Putnam University is a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. The University offers accredited online Bachelor, Master of Science Degrees and certificates in Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and the Management of Personal Protection, a Doctoral Degree Program in Strategic Security, and most recently new Certificate Programs. Henley-Putnam prepares law enforcement, military, intelligence community, and private industry professionals with the network, skills, and insights to advance in their careers and protect the future. Henley-Putnam University, which is committed to building a student and alumni network that will serve its community, is an accredited member of DETC (www.detc.org) and offers 125 courses taught by hands-on faculty members from renowned organizations such as the CIA and FBI.
For more information on Henley-Putnam University, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu.
The new certificates are designed to help students to develop the relevant job know how and tradecraft skills vital for advancement in the field of Strategic Security, while still maintaining the flexibility to fit these courses around their full time job or other pursuits.
Henley-Putnam’s new Certificate Programs are offered in the following areas:
• Executive Protection
• Intelligence Analysis
• Counterterrorism Studies
• Security Management
• Intelligence Collection
• Strategic Intelligence
• Intelligence and Counterterrorism Profiling
According to Dr. Michael Corcoran, Henley-Putnam University President –“By offering these certificates we have now come full circle in presenting a complete educational opportunity for anyone in or wanting to learn more about the Strategic Security industry. Not only are these certificates germane to specific needs, they are being taught by the same experienced instructors as our degree courses and they offer the same number of course credits.”
Additional information about Henley-Putnam’s Certificate Programs can be found at www.Henley-Putnam.edu/758-289.htm
ABOUT HENLEY-PUTNAM UNIVERSITY
Founded in August 2001, Henley-Putnam University is a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. The University offers accredited online Bachelor, Master of Science Degrees and certificates in Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and the Management of Personal Protection, a Doctoral Degree Program in Strategic Security, and most recently new Certificate Programs. Henley-Putnam prepares law enforcement, military, intelligence community, and private industry professionals with the network, skills, and insights to advance in their careers and protect the future. Henley-Putnam University, which is committed to building a student and alumni network that will serve its community, is an accredited member of DETC (www.detc.org) and offers 125 courses taught by hands-on faculty members from renowned organizations such as the CIA and FBI.
For more information on Henley-Putnam University, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu.
Hope for Future Highlights Afghanistan, Pakistan Talks
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - Providing better lives for future generations was a theme that ran through all the discussions yesterday as the presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan met with President Barack Obama at the White House yesterday, a senior administration official said. "The idea of doing things for the young people came up time and time again -- and with some emotion, I might add, on [the part of] some of the participants," National Security Advisor James L. Jones Jr. said. "This is about the future of two new, young democracies, and within those democracies we are talking, really, about the future of the next generation."
Obama, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari discussed a "whole-of-government" approach to solving the extremist threat the three nations share, Jones said, noting that in addition to an increased U.S. troop commitment, the U.S. policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan relies on economic and governance aid.
Jones said discussions also included the need for Afghanistan's upcoming elections to be free and fair while the fledgling democracy works to institute judicial reform, establish rule of law and eliminate corruption. "[Obama] encouraged [Karzai] to do whatever he could to stamp out corruption wherever he found it -- or the perception of corruption -- and asked that we see concrete results in that regard," Jones said.
Obama also emphasized that Afghanistan should continue to develop civil liberties and human rights.
"The Afghan president responded that one of the great pleasures of his administration was seeing the rise in education and the number of Afghan students participating in higher education," Jones said. He added that Karzai told Obama that in 2002, only 4,000 men were attended college in Afghanistan, compared to 75,000 Afghan men and women who attend college today.
Karzai told Obama that he completely supports the new U.S. strategy, Jones said, and asked for more focused assistance not only on military training, but also on civilian training for young people.
Obama told Karzai the United States is pleased by the improvement in Afghanistan's relations with Pakistan, the national security advisor said. "It's obvious that the two presidents get along well, and it's obvious that both governments ... have pledged to work together ... across a wide range of potential areas of cooperation, to include security measures, but also economic measures and the like," Jones said.
Turning to the Pakistan, Jones said Obama told Zardari that the United States not only wants to help Pakistan militarily, but also hopes to "institutionalize democracy and make progress, recognizing that these are difficult times and the threat of extremists to Pakistan requires concerted action."
That action must be prompt and multifaceted, the national security advisor noted. "The president pledged to do what we can as quickly as possible to help the Pakistani government, and said this type of aid would not just be restricted to military," he said. The United States also will provide help with health and education, institution-building, advisors and whatever the Pakistanis need to resist the extremist threat, he added.
The president also emphasized to Zardari that the extremists are a regional problem, and that solutions must also be regional.
"As you know," Jones said, "the 'Af-Pak' strategy review emphasized the fact that we have several countries, but we have one theater. And this is the way we're looking at it. And it's important to occasionally remind ourselves that this is a common struggle, and we're approaching it that way."
The central goal is to ensure all parties understand that the struggle requires a united front, Jones said. Zardari affirmed Pakistan's commitment to work within this regional context to preserve democracy in Pakistan and to do more economically for the people.
"He spoke of building schools and hospitals," Jones said. "But underlying all of his remarks was a pledge to meet the threat and to be successful."
Zardari assured Obama that Pakistan is properly focused on the threat. Pakistan is thankful for U.S. assistance, and his government looks forward to working with America in the weeks and months ahead, Jones said.
"Miracles will not happen, so this won't happen quickly, but with a common focus, we can make strides, hopefully in the near future," Jones said. He described the meeting of the three presidents as "very warm."
"They have embraced common themes, and they intend to work together," he said. "I think it was a very good start."
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - Providing better lives for future generations was a theme that ran through all the discussions yesterday as the presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan met with President Barack Obama at the White House yesterday, a senior administration official said. "The idea of doing things for the young people came up time and time again -- and with some emotion, I might add, on [the part of] some of the participants," National Security Advisor James L. Jones Jr. said. "This is about the future of two new, young democracies, and within those democracies we are talking, really, about the future of the next generation."
Obama, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari discussed a "whole-of-government" approach to solving the extremist threat the three nations share, Jones said, noting that in addition to an increased U.S. troop commitment, the U.S. policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan relies on economic and governance aid.
Jones said discussions also included the need for Afghanistan's upcoming elections to be free and fair while the fledgling democracy works to institute judicial reform, establish rule of law and eliminate corruption. "[Obama] encouraged [Karzai] to do whatever he could to stamp out corruption wherever he found it -- or the perception of corruption -- and asked that we see concrete results in that regard," Jones said.
Obama also emphasized that Afghanistan should continue to develop civil liberties and human rights.
"The Afghan president responded that one of the great pleasures of his administration was seeing the rise in education and the number of Afghan students participating in higher education," Jones said. He added that Karzai told Obama that in 2002, only 4,000 men were attended college in Afghanistan, compared to 75,000 Afghan men and women who attend college today.
Karzai told Obama that he completely supports the new U.S. strategy, Jones said, and asked for more focused assistance not only on military training, but also on civilian training for young people.
Obama told Karzai the United States is pleased by the improvement in Afghanistan's relations with Pakistan, the national security advisor said. "It's obvious that the two presidents get along well, and it's obvious that both governments ... have pledged to work together ... across a wide range of potential areas of cooperation, to include security measures, but also economic measures and the like," Jones said.
Turning to the Pakistan, Jones said Obama told Zardari that the United States not only wants to help Pakistan militarily, but also hopes to "institutionalize democracy and make progress, recognizing that these are difficult times and the threat of extremists to Pakistan requires concerted action."
That action must be prompt and multifaceted, the national security advisor noted. "The president pledged to do what we can as quickly as possible to help the Pakistani government, and said this type of aid would not just be restricted to military," he said. The United States also will provide help with health and education, institution-building, advisors and whatever the Pakistanis need to resist the extremist threat, he added.
The president also emphasized to Zardari that the extremists are a regional problem, and that solutions must also be regional.
"As you know," Jones said, "the 'Af-Pak' strategy review emphasized the fact that we have several countries, but we have one theater. And this is the way we're looking at it. And it's important to occasionally remind ourselves that this is a common struggle, and we're approaching it that way."
The central goal is to ensure all parties understand that the struggle requires a united front, Jones said. Zardari affirmed Pakistan's commitment to work within this regional context to preserve democracy in Pakistan and to do more economically for the people.
"He spoke of building schools and hospitals," Jones said. "But underlying all of his remarks was a pledge to meet the threat and to be successful."
Zardari assured Obama that Pakistan is properly focused on the threat. Pakistan is thankful for U.S. assistance, and his government looks forward to working with America in the weeks and months ahead, Jones said.
"Miracles will not happen, so this won't happen quickly, but with a common focus, we can make strides, hopefully in the near future," Jones said. He described the meeting of the three presidents as "very warm."
"They have embraced common themes, and they intend to work together," he said. "I think it was a very good start."
Face of Defense: Mother Sacrifices Tradition for Country
By Army Sgt. Debralee P. CrankshawSpecial to American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - While deployed mothers will miss out on their traditional Mother's Day celebrations May 10, some are making the best of the situation. "This is not forever. This is a temporary stomping ground in your overall life," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Angela Amundson, actions and awards noncommissioned officer in charge for 34th Infantry Brigade.
The Hastings, Minn., native is spending a year away from her 14-year-old stepson, Alex, and her 7-year-old daughter, BriAnna. But for her, Mother's Day is about more than just her children. Every year, the Amundsons have a tradition for Mother's Day.
"What I like to do is get all the mothers together and we all go to brunch on Mother's Day with all our children and my husband's sister, my sister – anybody we can get to go," she said. The family started this tradition because they were going to multiple houses for a short time, Amundson explained.
"We're all family, whether we're blood or not," she said. "So I said, 'Let's all get together.' That way, you don't have to go five different places, kind of like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's much nicer and easier to have everyone together."
This Mother's Day, while Amundson's family is having brunch, the deployed soldier will acknowledge other mothers here.
"I want to make sure to recognize other mothers this Mother's Day," she said. "Being a mother isn't about yourself – it's about everybody else."
Amundson credited being a mother with helping her with her skills as an NCO.
"I think being a mother really helps with being in charge," she said. "It helps you balance positive and negative discipline." Amundson said she mentors and guides her soldiers as she would her children, and that some of the soldiers even remind her of Alex.
Whether being a motherly figure to her soldiers or her children, Amundson said, she sees Mother's Day as an important holiday.
"[It] is special to me because I have the privilege to be a mother," she said. "I remember the day I got home with my daughter. I thought there was nothing better than being a mother, and I still think that."
(Army Sgt. Debralee P. Crankshaw serves in Multinational Division South.)
Doctors Provide Design Input for Hospital in Iraq
By Mike Scheck
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division used a partnership with emergency room doctors in designing a new hospital here. The Irbil resident engineer design team incorporated preconstruction input from the doctors into the construction plan for the $12.6 million, state-of-the-art medical facility.
"Many of our projects in the area involve end-user input, and this process has been extremely productive and a rewarding experience to me," said Gary York, Irbil resident engineer. "This cooperative process also builds trust and a lasting relationship with the ministry from the inception phase through the handover of a project."
The new hospital will be the area's primary access point for treating emergency patients. There is only one existing facility, and its dilapidated condition has caused major disruptions in service and represents a threat to public health, local health officials said.
The four-story, 165-bed hospital is scheduled to open in April 2010, just 450 days from the beginning of construction. It will have nine operating rooms, a comprehensive medical laboratory, and X-ray, CT scan and MRI capabilities. The hospital's burn unit will have the capacity to care for many of the more than 45 burn patients who are treated in Irbil hospital emergency rooms monthly.
Although it's common for hospitals in the United States, the Irbil hospital is the first in the area to have a helicopter pad on its roof. The hospital also is equipped with its own electrical generating unit, and the water for the hospital will be supplied by an on-site well.
One factor credited with the rapid pace of construction is the use of Ytong thermo-stone blocks. Unlike the usual cinder blocks used in most construction projects in Iraq, Ytong blocks are larger, lighter and easier to cut and mold into various shapes. A powdered variation of the blocks is used as mortar.
Construction workers don't have to deal with the backbreaking job of lugging heavy cinder blocks into the higher elevations of the site, thus cutting down on fatigue and injuries to workers, the on-site safety manager noted.
The U.S. Economic Support Fund is funding construction and all medical equipment for the facility. The current facility takes up three acres of a six-acre site, allowing room for future expansion. This project, which is being constructed by the Turkish-owned Tigris Co., is the first U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hospital project for in Irbil.
(Mike Scheck works at the Gulf Region North district for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division used a partnership with emergency room doctors in designing a new hospital here. The Irbil resident engineer design team incorporated preconstruction input from the doctors into the construction plan for the $12.6 million, state-of-the-art medical facility.
"Many of our projects in the area involve end-user input, and this process has been extremely productive and a rewarding experience to me," said Gary York, Irbil resident engineer. "This cooperative process also builds trust and a lasting relationship with the ministry from the inception phase through the handover of a project."
The new hospital will be the area's primary access point for treating emergency patients. There is only one existing facility, and its dilapidated condition has caused major disruptions in service and represents a threat to public health, local health officials said.
The four-story, 165-bed hospital is scheduled to open in April 2010, just 450 days from the beginning of construction. It will have nine operating rooms, a comprehensive medical laboratory, and X-ray, CT scan and MRI capabilities. The hospital's burn unit will have the capacity to care for many of the more than 45 burn patients who are treated in Irbil hospital emergency rooms monthly.
Although it's common for hospitals in the United States, the Irbil hospital is the first in the area to have a helicopter pad on its roof. The hospital also is equipped with its own electrical generating unit, and the water for the hospital will be supplied by an on-site well.
One factor credited with the rapid pace of construction is the use of Ytong thermo-stone blocks. Unlike the usual cinder blocks used in most construction projects in Iraq, Ytong blocks are larger, lighter and easier to cut and mold into various shapes. A powdered variation of the blocks is used as mortar.
Construction workers don't have to deal with the backbreaking job of lugging heavy cinder blocks into the higher elevations of the site, thus cutting down on fatigue and injuries to workers, the on-site safety manager noted.
The U.S. Economic Support Fund is funding construction and all medical equipment for the facility. The current facility takes up three acres of a six-acre site, allowing room for future expansion. This project, which is being constructed by the Turkish-owned Tigris Co., is the first U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hospital project for in Irbil.
(Mike Scheck works at the Gulf Region North district for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division.)
Gates Says Taliban 'Overreached' in Pakistan Offensive
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The Taliban "overreached" in their offensive in Pakistan's Buner district, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today in Kabul. The secretary met with leaders and troops in Afghanistan, and then held a news conference.
"We are entering a critical period with the deployment of significantly more American forces, as well as the upcoming Afghan presidential election," Gates said. Afghan reporters asked Gates what the Taliban actions in neighboring Pakistan portended for Afghanistan.
"I think that the Taliban in Pakistan overreached with their offensive in Buner district, coming within dozens of kilometers of Islamabad," Gates said. "It served as an alarm for the Pakistani government that these violent extremists in the western part of Pakistan are a significant danger to the government of Pakistan."
Gates said Pakistan has taken significant military action against the Taliban in Buner over the past week, as the Pakistani government and people realize an agreement between the government and the Taliban in the Swat Valley has failed, Gates said.
"I personally have been very satisfied with the strong response that the Pakistani government and army have taken in response to this," the secretary said. "I think there is very little chance of the Taliban in Pakistan achieving a level of success that will give them access to Pakistan's nuclear weapons." Gates said the reaction of the Pakistani army shows recognition of the danger that exists in the western part of the country.
American troops will not enter Pakistan from Afghanistan to challenge the Taliban, Gates said.
"Our goal is to work with Pakistan army and Pakistani government as they deal with this problem, and we are doing all that we can to help them," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 7, 2009 - The Taliban "overreached" in their offensive in Pakistan's Buner district, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today in Kabul. The secretary met with leaders and troops in Afghanistan, and then held a news conference.
"We are entering a critical period with the deployment of significantly more American forces, as well as the upcoming Afghan presidential election," Gates said. Afghan reporters asked Gates what the Taliban actions in neighboring Pakistan portended for Afghanistan.
"I think that the Taliban in Pakistan overreached with their offensive in Buner district, coming within dozens of kilometers of Islamabad," Gates said. "It served as an alarm for the Pakistani government that these violent extremists in the western part of Pakistan are a significant danger to the government of Pakistan."
Gates said Pakistan has taken significant military action against the Taliban in Buner over the past week, as the Pakistani government and people realize an agreement between the government and the Taliban in the Swat Valley has failed, Gates said.
"I personally have been very satisfied with the strong response that the Pakistani government and army have taken in response to this," the secretary said. "I think there is very little chance of the Taliban in Pakistan achieving a level of success that will give them access to Pakistan's nuclear weapons." Gates said the reaction of the Pakistani army shows recognition of the danger that exists in the western part of the country.
American troops will not enter Pakistan from Afghanistan to challenge the Taliban, Gates said.
"Our goal is to work with Pakistan army and Pakistani government as they deal with this problem, and we are doing all that we can to help them," he said.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Joint Investigation Aims to Get to Bottom of Afghanistan Incident
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - U.S. and Afghan officials here have launched an investigation into a May 4 engagement in Afghanistan's Farah province to determine the validity of claims of high civilian casualties – claims that the senior military officer here said don't initially appear to add up. Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, said the joint investigation team hopes to "have at least the initial truth of what has happened out there" within the next few days.
Some information emerging about the incident "leads us to distinctly different conclusions about the cause of those civilian casualties," he said, but declined to share details until they're confirmed.
McKiernan walked reporters through the events leading to the investigation, as known at this point. A large group of Taliban operatives entered the area, beheading three civilians in a village in the province's Bala Bulak district.
The Afghan police responded, which McKiernan said "might have been a trigger to ambush the police." The contact between the two groups grew, with the police calling in the Afghan army for reinforcements.
"Eventually, it got to the point where the governor asked for U.S. support," McKiernan said, so U.S. forces provided close-air and other support during an operation he said "went on for hours."
When it was over, about 25 Taliban were dead. What's not so clear is the civilian casualty toll – a number the investigation will help to determine.
Casualty numbers being reported by the media "fluctuate wildly," McKiernan said, and he raised suspicion that the Taliban are generating negative U.S. publicity to their gain.
"It is certainly a technique of the Taliban and other insurgent groups to claim civilian casualties at every event," he said. "So we just have to do the right investigation on this."
The United States has a small military presence in Farah province, McKiernan said. Those operating there are conducting counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the Afghan army and police.
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - U.S. and Afghan officials here have launched an investigation into a May 4 engagement in Afghanistan's Farah province to determine the validity of claims of high civilian casualties – claims that the senior military officer here said don't initially appear to add up. Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, said the joint investigation team hopes to "have at least the initial truth of what has happened out there" within the next few days.
Some information emerging about the incident "leads us to distinctly different conclusions about the cause of those civilian casualties," he said, but declined to share details until they're confirmed.
McKiernan walked reporters through the events leading to the investigation, as known at this point. A large group of Taliban operatives entered the area, beheading three civilians in a village in the province's Bala Bulak district.
The Afghan police responded, which McKiernan said "might have been a trigger to ambush the police." The contact between the two groups grew, with the police calling in the Afghan army for reinforcements.
"Eventually, it got to the point where the governor asked for U.S. support," McKiernan said, so U.S. forces provided close-air and other support during an operation he said "went on for hours."
When it was over, about 25 Taliban were dead. What's not so clear is the civilian casualty toll – a number the investigation will help to determine.
Casualty numbers being reported by the media "fluctuate wildly," McKiernan said, and he raised suspicion that the Taliban are generating negative U.S. publicity to their gain.
"It is certainly a technique of the Taliban and other insurgent groups to claim civilian casualties at every event," he said. "So we just have to do the right investigation on this."
The United States has a small military presence in Farah province, McKiernan said. Those operating there are conducting counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the Afghan army and police.
Afghanistan, Pakistan Vow to Increase Cooperation
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - The presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan vowed to work closely together to defeat the common threat to both countries: a resurgent Taliban. Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari spoke during meetings with U.S. government leaders at the State Department today. They are scheduled to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House later this afternoon.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the United States, Pakistan and Afghanistan have a common cause against the Taliban and must work together in many areas to defeat the extremist threat. Many members of the Obama Cabinet and other high-ranking U.S. government officials joined Clinton and the presidents.
"The presence of this distinguished group of U.S. officials from different federal agencies reflects President Obama's and my strong belief that promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan must be an all-government effort," Clinton said. "This is not just the State Department's responsibility or the Defense Department's. But it is all of us working together."
Afghanistan and Pakistan are "conjoined twins," Karzai said. "Our suffering is shared. Our joys are always shared. The life that we live is affected by the opportunities that we have and the lack of opportunities that occur because of the circumstances in which we live today."
Pakistani-Afghan relations have not always been smooth, but Karzai pledged to work closely with Zardari to bring more confidence and trust to the relationship. He said he wants to create "a working environment in which the two countries together can wage a more effective struggle against the menace of terrorism and the violence that radicalism causes, both in Pakistan and in Afghanistan, and the danger that they pose to you in America and the rest of the world."
Speaking through a translator, Zardari called Karzai "my dear brother," and also vowed to nurture cooperation between the two countries. He said Pakistan carries the burden of confronting al-Qaida and the Taliban, but that democracies are up to the challenge.
Zardari thanked the United States for standing by the new democratically elected government in Pakistan.
"We thank the United States for its support for democracy, for security in Pakistan, and look forward to further support," he said. "Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States are all victims of terror – as is, indeed, the entire world. Our threat is common, and our responsibilities should be shared. I am here to assure you that we should share this world in which we are."
Zardari said that Pakistan will deliver.
"The people of Pakistan stand with the people of United States and the people of Afghanistan," he said. "We stand with our brother Karzai and the people of Afghanistan against this common threat, this menace, which I have called cancer. This is a cancer. It needs to be done away with."
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - The presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan vowed to work closely together to defeat the common threat to both countries: a resurgent Taliban. Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari spoke during meetings with U.S. government leaders at the State Department today. They are scheduled to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House later this afternoon.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the United States, Pakistan and Afghanistan have a common cause against the Taliban and must work together in many areas to defeat the extremist threat. Many members of the Obama Cabinet and other high-ranking U.S. government officials joined Clinton and the presidents.
"The presence of this distinguished group of U.S. officials from different federal agencies reflects President Obama's and my strong belief that promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan must be an all-government effort," Clinton said. "This is not just the State Department's responsibility or the Defense Department's. But it is all of us working together."
Afghanistan and Pakistan are "conjoined twins," Karzai said. "Our suffering is shared. Our joys are always shared. The life that we live is affected by the opportunities that we have and the lack of opportunities that occur because of the circumstances in which we live today."
Pakistani-Afghan relations have not always been smooth, but Karzai pledged to work closely with Zardari to bring more confidence and trust to the relationship. He said he wants to create "a working environment in which the two countries together can wage a more effective struggle against the menace of terrorism and the violence that radicalism causes, both in Pakistan and in Afghanistan, and the danger that they pose to you in America and the rest of the world."
Speaking through a translator, Zardari called Karzai "my dear brother," and also vowed to nurture cooperation between the two countries. He said Pakistan carries the burden of confronting al-Qaida and the Taliban, but that democracies are up to the challenge.
Zardari thanked the United States for standing by the new democratically elected government in Pakistan.
"We thank the United States for its support for democracy, for security in Pakistan, and look forward to further support," he said. "Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States are all victims of terror – as is, indeed, the entire world. Our threat is common, and our responsibilities should be shared. I am here to assure you that we should share this world in which we are."
Zardari said that Pakistan will deliver.
"The people of Pakistan stand with the people of United States and the people of Afghanistan," he said. "We stand with our brother Karzai and the people of Afghanistan against this common threat, this menace, which I have called cancer. This is a cancer. It needs to be done away with."
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- May 6, 2009
NABP [National Association of Boards of Pharmacy] position paper calls for action against proliferation of rogue internet drug outlets
"The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) released a position paper on May 5, 2009, examining the flagrant lawlessness of Web sites selling prescription medicine over the Internet.[…] In the document, NABP revisits the call to action of its 2003 'Position Paper on the Importation of Foreign Prescription Drugs,' which states that '[p]urchasing medications from unknown and illegal sources via the Internet and other means is compromising the US medication distribution system and making US citizens vulnerable to bioterrorism attacks.' The 2009 position paper notes that, '[i]n the six years since NABP called attention to this situation, little has changed.'" (Earthtimes; 06May09; Source: PR Newswire/USNewswire)
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/nabp-position-paper-calls-for,813182.shtml
[Dallas] county [TX] fears loss of federal funding
"After a 2006 public health preparedness drill showed that the Richardson Independent School District was not ready for a pandemic, Dallas County's chief medical officer wrote a detailed, step-by-step protocol to help them. […] Such emergency health drills have helped everyone […] prepare for the possibility of a pandemic, but now health officials say federal budget cuts are threatening to end or curtail such training exercises. […] A surge of federal support for public health emergency planning that followed bioterrorism fears in 2001 and the bird flu outbreak of 2004 ended last August. Now Dallas County health officials say they are struggling to prepare for unpredictable new bugs for which there's no vaccine, not nearly enough medicine, and a chance that throngs of patients could overwhelm hospitals." (Texarkana Gazette; 04May09; Source: Associated Press)
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/WireHeadlines/2009/05/04/county-fears-loss-of-federal-funding-77.php
Raynham [MA] health official readies for possible flu outbreak
"Earlier in the year, Raynham Health Agent Alan Perry met with public health officials to review pandemic preparedness of a theoretical kind: how to protect the masses against a bio-terrorist attack. Last week, they prepared for a more concrete problem: swine flu. With the worldwide declaration last week of a Phase 5 public health emergency over the newly erupted flu strain, local officials need to know what to do if illness breaks out in their communities. A bio-terrorism incident would require a mass distribution of prophylactics to prevent disease." (Wicked Local; 05May09; Susan Parkou Weinstein) http://www.wickedlocal.com/raynham/news/x2133270076/Raynham-health-official-readies-for-possible-flu-outbreak
Outbreak focuses states' flu plans
"The swine flu outbreak of the last two weeks gave states' pandemic preparation plans their biggest test yet, and by most accounts, response was good. But officials now anticipate tweaking their plans, particularly in dealing with when to close schools and how to control the spread of the disease by undocumented and migrant workers. States last updated their pandemic response plans in anticipation of an avian flu outbreak from Asia. The proximity of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and its quick jump into the U.S. gave officials less time to assess the situation and react to the illness, said Paul Jarris, executive director of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials." (Stateline; 06May09; Daniel C. Vock)
http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=397885
Critics question self-inspections for flu in pigs
"Kenny Brinker is on the front lines of the national drive to prevent an outbreak of swine flu on U.S. hog farms. But he's not a public health worker. He's a hog farmer in central Missouri. […] Critics question how effective this system of voluntary self-regulation can be. […]To contain outbreaks, the livestock industry hopes to speed communication once a virus is detected, Greiner said. Companies identify flu viruses by sending tissue or mucus samples to regional labs. After bioterrorism fears rose in 2002, the Agriculture Department linked those labs in a communications network. The labs alert each other of any outbreaks, through the USDA-administered National Animal Health Laboratory Network. USDA staffers inspect live pigs and carcasses for disease at slaughterhouses. But they don't visit farms." (Associated Press; 05May09; Christopher Leonard)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hnnj7U0vgUZFv_KY46utcS-jdv7wD9804HG81
UK sensor company Stratophase demonstrates reliable refractive index based compositional measurements at [trade show] ACHEMA 2009
"UK chemical measurement and biodetection expert Stratophase will be demonstrating its recently launched technology based on principles which measure changes in the refractive index of liquids. Capable of detecting even the most minute changes in the chemical composition of liquids SpectroSens offers chemical manufacturers a cost effective inline option for multipoint concentration tracking. […] Stratophase has developed the SpectroSens technology based on proven science from telecoms, optics and biotech. The sensor chips are customisable for specific applications and Stratophase is currently working with customers to develop bespoke and cost effective systems to suit industry specific highly specialized requirements. The technology also has applications in counter bioterrorism, pharmaceutical manufacturing and food and drink manufacturing." (Process and Control Today; 05May09)
http://www.pandct.com/media/shownews.asp?ID=21005
Canadians invent surgical mask that protects against airborne viruses
"Viral Defender Inc. today announced the worldwide launch of Triosyn disposable and self decontaminating surgical masks designed to provide increased protection against airborne viruses which includes Swine flu. This innovative respirator is a new and improved disposable facemask with a novel microbial filter that stops airborne diseases and viral threats. The technology, developed by Triosyn Research Laboratories of Quebec, designed to protect individuals against dangerous and deadly diseases in order to preserve health and safety and ensure the continuity of business and essential services in the event of pandemics, bioterrorism and environmental disasters." (Marketwire; 05May09) http://www.live-pr.com/en/canadians-invent-surgical-mask-that-protects-r1048274418.htm
[Op-Ed]: Getting chemical weapons destruction back on track
"One of the many arms-control challenges facing the Obama administration is to revitalize the sagging effort to destroy the vast U.S. stockpile of chemical weapons left over from the Cold War. […] U.S. efforts to dispose of its chemical weapons stockpile have been under way for more than two decades, yet as of April 2009 some 12,600 tons (40 percent) of the original 31,500 tons of blister and nerve agents remain to be destroyed and the program continues to lag far behind schedule. […] Finally, the United States should be more prompt in paying its $20 million annual dues to the CWC's international implementing body, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague, the Netherlands. Although U.S. funding covers only about 20 percent of the OPCW budget, Washington was 10 months late in paying its 2007 and 2008 dues, impairing the organization's effectiveness, and it has yet to pay any of its 2009 assessment." (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists; 27Apr09; Jonathan B. Tucker and Paul F. Walker)
http://www.thebulletin.org/web-edition/op-eds/getting-chemical-weapons-destruction-back-track
Chemical weapons disposal on fast track
"The Pentagon plans to speed the destruction of its aging chemical weapons by more than three years with a $1.2 billion acceleration of construction at two new disposal plants, budget documents show. The proposal represents a 60% increase in projected spending through 2015 to build the plants at the Pueblo (Colo.) Chemical Depot and the Blue Grass (Ky.) Army Depot, totaling more than $3.2 billion over that period, according to the documents, obtained by USA TODAY. Those sites will be the last to eliminate their stockpiles - and the only ones to use chemical neutralization instead of incinerators. Despite the acceleration, the Pentagon doesn't expect to eliminate all of its chemical weapons until 2021, well past the 2012 deadline set by the international Chemical Weapons Convention. To date, the military has destroyed 60% of the stockpile, which includes VX, GB and mustard gas produced before the weapons program was ended in 1969." (USA Today; 05May09; Peter Eisler) http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-05-05-chemicalweapons_N.htm
[Editorial]: Moving like molasses on chemical weapons cache
"For decades, Pueblo has waited for the Department of Defense to keep its promise and get rid of a huge cache of obsolete, leaky chemical weapons stored just 15 miles outside town. A recent leak of mustard agent vapor at the Pueblo Chemical Weapons depot, even though it was a minor event, underscores the need for the Pentagon to inject some urgency into solving what has long been a worrisome problem for southern Coloradans. We hope the Defense Department budgets the money necessary to safely dispose of the hazardous materials at the site by 2017, a date set by Congress." (Denver Post; 05May09) http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_12293380
Money needed for Russian chemical weapons disposal site, official says
"The president of Udmurtia, an internal republic within Russia, said yesterday that additional funding is needed for construction of a chemical weapons disposal plant there, Interfax reported. The storage depot at Kizner holds more than 14 percent of Russia's stockpile of chemical warfare materials, which once stood at 40,000 metric tons. Demilitarization operations are scheduled to begin there next year. […] Moscow has pledged to meet its April 2012 deadline for full elimination of materials banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention."
(Global Security Newswire; 05May09; Source: Interfax) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090505_4709.php
Homeland Security summit finds need for comprehensive radiological threat reduction policy
"Today, the Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition held its Homeland Security Policy Summit in Washington D.C. In attendance were a wide-range of top homeland security specialists, government officials, members of the private sector, first responders, and policy experts. The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) was formed in 2008 to lessen the gap in preparedness through education and awareness campaigns. Today's Summit was the second in a series of conferences meant to bring together key stakeholders and policymakers in the national security field and discuss what is needed to make America safer." (PR Newswire/US Newswire; 05May09) http://sev.prnewswire.com/homeland-security/20090505/DC1157505052009-1.html
Smiths Detection rolls-out handheld chemical and biological agent detectors
"It may be a sad reflection of the times we live in, but there's a growing worldwide demand for devices capable of detecting chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. […] Bio-Seeq PLUS is a handheld biological testing unit designed for global military and emergency response applications to biological threats. The system provides on-site detection and identification of trace amounts of biological warfare agents such as Anthrax (pX01 & pX02), Tularemia, Plague and Pan Orthopox [sic]. The units were not only designed for portability, but also for ease of use by those who may have little to no biological testing experience. An interface guided by easy-to-follow software prompts makes the Bio-Seeq PLUS easy to use with one hand, even when wearing protective gear." (Gizmag; 05May09)
http://www.gizmag.com/smiths-detection-hazardous-agent-detection/11607/
Threat convergence: subversion, destabilization and insecurity [Excerpt from speech delivered by David M. Luna at George Mason University, School of Public Policy, Washington, D.C.]
"President Barack Obama in remarks at the National Defense University (NDU) discussed many of the challenges facing the country and international community alike - from terrorism to violent extremism to the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) [said David M. Luna]. […] Regional insecurity respects no borders and its spillover effects ripple across many regions. We are under a threat from a growing wave of crime and transnational illicit activities that, if not contained, has the potential to destroy our cities and subvert governments. […] Finally, increasing terrorist-criminal ventures are also of particular concern to the international community, especially because some of these criminal syndicates may facilitate for terrorists the acquisition of radioactive materials, chemical and biological weapons, or technologies used for weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)." (Department of State; 05May09; David M. Luna, Director for Anticrime Programs, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs) http://www.state.gov/p/inl/rls/rm/122662.htm
Indian army conclude[s] military games in Punjab amidst nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare environment
"The Indian Army's Strike Corps conducted a three day exercise named 'Hindi Shakti' [Indian Power] in the plains of Punjab to validate the capability in the network centric warfare, as also in a nuclear biological chemical warfare environment. The Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor and GOC in C Western Command Lt Gen T.K. Sapru witnessed the games. The Kharga Corps supported by tanks and other heavy equipment conducted maneuvers near Barnala and Jagraon in the Punjab plains, a defence spokesman said." (Associated Press of Pakistan; 05May09)
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75271&Itemid=2
Obama helping reduce Indo-Pak tension
"A top Obama Administration official advocated the need to build 'strategic partnership' with both India and Pakistan and at the same time working to reduce the tension between the two South Asian neighbours.'We must forge strong strategic partnerships with both India and Pakistan, while striving to reduce the tensions between the two,' the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Michele Flournoy, said addressing a meeting of the Army Leader Forum. Commenting on the global security challenges, Flournoy said in this globalized world, there is increased risk that non-state actors will find ways to obtain nuclear, chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction. Al Qaeda, she said continues to morph and is now regaining strength in Pakistan's tribal areas and spreading elsewhere." (Rising Kashmir; 06May09)
http://www.risingkashmir.com/?option=com_content&task=view&id=12694
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 National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) released a position paper on May 5, 2009, examining the flagrant lawlessness of Web sites selling prescription medicine over the Internet.[…] In the document, NABP revisits the call to action of its 2003 'Position Paper on the Importation of Foreign Prescription Drugs,' which states that '[p]urchasing medications from unknown and illegal sources via the Internet and other means is compromising the US medication distribution system and making US citizens vulnerable to bioterrorism attacks.' The 2009 position paper notes that, '[i]n the six years since NABP called attention to this situation, little has changed.'" (Earthtimes; 06May09; Source: PR Newswire/USNewswire)
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/nabp-position-paper-calls-for,813182.shtml
[Dallas] county [TX] fears loss of federal funding
"After a 2006 public health preparedness drill showed that the Richardson Independent School District was not ready for a pandemic, Dallas County's chief medical officer wrote a detailed, step-by-step protocol to help them. […] Such emergency health drills have helped everyone […] prepare for the possibility of a pandemic, but now health officials say federal budget cuts are threatening to end or curtail such training exercises. […] A surge of federal support for public health emergency planning that followed bioterrorism fears in 2001 and the bird flu outbreak of 2004 ended last August. Now Dallas County health officials say they are struggling to prepare for unpredictable new bugs for which there's no vaccine, not nearly enough medicine, and a chance that throngs of patients could overwhelm hospitals." (Texarkana Gazette; 04May09; Source: Associated Press)
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/WireHeadlines/2009/05/04/county-fears-loss-of-federal-funding-77.php
Raynham [MA] health official readies for possible flu outbreak
"Earlier in the year, Raynham Health Agent Alan Perry met with public health officials to review pandemic preparedness of a theoretical kind: how to protect the masses against a bio-terrorist attack. Last week, they prepared for a more concrete problem: swine flu. With the worldwide declaration last week of a Phase 5 public health emergency over the newly erupted flu strain, local officials need to know what to do if illness breaks out in their communities. A bio-terrorism incident would require a mass distribution of prophylactics to prevent disease." (Wicked Local; 05May09; Susan Parkou Weinstein) http://www.wickedlocal.com/raynham/news/x2133270076/Raynham-health-official-readies-for-possible-flu-outbreak
Outbreak focuses states' flu plans
"The swine flu outbreak of the last two weeks gave states' pandemic preparation plans their biggest test yet, and by most accounts, response was good. But officials now anticipate tweaking their plans, particularly in dealing with when to close schools and how to control the spread of the disease by undocumented and migrant workers. States last updated their pandemic response plans in anticipation of an avian flu outbreak from Asia. The proximity of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and its quick jump into the U.S. gave officials less time to assess the situation and react to the illness, said Paul Jarris, executive director of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials." (Stateline; 06May09; Daniel C. Vock)
http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=397885
Critics question self-inspections for flu in pigs
"Kenny Brinker is on the front lines of the national drive to prevent an outbreak of swine flu on U.S. hog farms. But he's not a public health worker. He's a hog farmer in central Missouri. […] Critics question how effective this system of voluntary self-regulation can be. […]To contain outbreaks, the livestock industry hopes to speed communication once a virus is detected, Greiner said. Companies identify flu viruses by sending tissue or mucus samples to regional labs. After bioterrorism fears rose in 2002, the Agriculture Department linked those labs in a communications network. The labs alert each other of any outbreaks, through the USDA-administered National Animal Health Laboratory Network. USDA staffers inspect live pigs and carcasses for disease at slaughterhouses. But they don't visit farms." (Associated Press; 05May09; Christopher Leonard)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hnnj7U0vgUZFv_KY46utcS-jdv7wD9804HG81
UK sensor company Stratophase demonstrates reliable refractive index based compositional measurements at [trade show] ACHEMA 2009
"UK chemical measurement and biodetection expert Stratophase will be demonstrating its recently launched technology based on principles which measure changes in the refractive index of liquids. Capable of detecting even the most minute changes in the chemical composition of liquids SpectroSens offers chemical manufacturers a cost effective inline option for multipoint concentration tracking. […] Stratophase has developed the SpectroSens technology based on proven science from telecoms, optics and biotech. The sensor chips are customisable for specific applications and Stratophase is currently working with customers to develop bespoke and cost effective systems to suit industry specific highly specialized requirements. The technology also has applications in counter bioterrorism, pharmaceutical manufacturing and food and drink manufacturing." (Process and Control Today; 05May09)
http://www.pandct.com/media/shownews.asp?ID=21005
Canadians invent surgical mask that protects against airborne viruses
"Viral Defender Inc. today announced the worldwide launch of Triosyn disposable and self decontaminating surgical masks designed to provide increased protection against airborne viruses which includes Swine flu. This innovative respirator is a new and improved disposable facemask with a novel microbial filter that stops airborne diseases and viral threats. The technology, developed by Triosyn Research Laboratories of Quebec, designed to protect individuals against dangerous and deadly diseases in order to preserve health and safety and ensure the continuity of business and essential services in the event of pandemics, bioterrorism and environmental disasters." (Marketwire; 05May09) http://www.live-pr.com/en/canadians-invent-surgical-mask-that-protects-r1048274418.htm
[Op-Ed]: Getting chemical weapons destruction back on track
"One of the many arms-control challenges facing the Obama administration is to revitalize the sagging effort to destroy the vast U.S. stockpile of chemical weapons left over from the Cold War. […] U.S. efforts to dispose of its chemical weapons stockpile have been under way for more than two decades, yet as of April 2009 some 12,600 tons (40 percent) of the original 31,500 tons of blister and nerve agents remain to be destroyed and the program continues to lag far behind schedule. […] Finally, the United States should be more prompt in paying its $20 million annual dues to the CWC's international implementing body, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague, the Netherlands. Although U.S. funding covers only about 20 percent of the OPCW budget, Washington was 10 months late in paying its 2007 and 2008 dues, impairing the organization's effectiveness, and it has yet to pay any of its 2009 assessment." (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists; 27Apr09; Jonathan B. Tucker and Paul F. Walker)
http://www.thebulletin.org/web-edition/op-eds/getting-chemical-weapons-destruction-back-track
Chemical weapons disposal on fast track
"The Pentagon plans to speed the destruction of its aging chemical weapons by more than three years with a $1.2 billion acceleration of construction at two new disposal plants, budget documents show. The proposal represents a 60% increase in projected spending through 2015 to build the plants at the Pueblo (Colo.) Chemical Depot and the Blue Grass (Ky.) Army Depot, totaling more than $3.2 billion over that period, according to the documents, obtained by USA TODAY. Those sites will be the last to eliminate their stockpiles - and the only ones to use chemical neutralization instead of incinerators. Despite the acceleration, the Pentagon doesn't expect to eliminate all of its chemical weapons until 2021, well past the 2012 deadline set by the international Chemical Weapons Convention. To date, the military has destroyed 60% of the stockpile, which includes VX, GB and mustard gas produced before the weapons program was ended in 1969." (USA Today; 05May09; Peter Eisler) http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-05-05-chemicalweapons_N.htm
[Editorial]: Moving like molasses on chemical weapons cache
"For decades, Pueblo has waited for the Department of Defense to keep its promise and get rid of a huge cache of obsolete, leaky chemical weapons stored just 15 miles outside town. A recent leak of mustard agent vapor at the Pueblo Chemical Weapons depot, even though it was a minor event, underscores the need for the Pentagon to inject some urgency into solving what has long been a worrisome problem for southern Coloradans. We hope the Defense Department budgets the money necessary to safely dispose of the hazardous materials at the site by 2017, a date set by Congress." (Denver Post; 05May09) http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_12293380
Money needed for Russian chemical weapons disposal site, official says
"The president of Udmurtia, an internal republic within Russia, said yesterday that additional funding is needed for construction of a chemical weapons disposal plant there, Interfax reported. The storage depot at Kizner holds more than 14 percent of Russia's stockpile of chemical warfare materials, which once stood at 40,000 metric tons. Demilitarization operations are scheduled to begin there next year. […] Moscow has pledged to meet its April 2012 deadline for full elimination of materials banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention."
(Global Security Newswire; 05May09; Source: Interfax) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090505_4709.php
Homeland Security summit finds need for comprehensive radiological threat reduction policy
"Today, the Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition held its Homeland Security Policy Summit in Washington D.C. In attendance were a wide-range of top homeland security specialists, government officials, members of the private sector, first responders, and policy experts. The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) was formed in 2008 to lessen the gap in preparedness through education and awareness campaigns. Today's Summit was the second in a series of conferences meant to bring together key stakeholders and policymakers in the national security field and discuss what is needed to make America safer." (PR Newswire/US Newswire; 05May09) http://sev.prnewswire.com/homeland-security/20090505/DC1157505052009-1.html
Smiths Detection rolls-out handheld chemical and biological agent detectors
"It may be a sad reflection of the times we live in, but there's a growing worldwide demand for devices capable of detecting chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. […] Bio-Seeq PLUS is a handheld biological testing unit designed for global military and emergency response applications to biological threats. The system provides on-site detection and identification of trace amounts of biological warfare agents such as Anthrax (pX01 & pX02), Tularemia, Plague and Pan Orthopox [sic]. The units were not only designed for portability, but also for ease of use by those who may have little to no biological testing experience. An interface guided by easy-to-follow software prompts makes the Bio-Seeq PLUS easy to use with one hand, even when wearing protective gear." (Gizmag; 05May09)
http://www.gizmag.com/smiths-detection-hazardous-agent-detection/11607/
Threat convergence: subversion, destabilization and insecurity [Excerpt from speech delivered by David M. Luna at George Mason University, School of Public Policy, Washington, D.C.]
"President Barack Obama in remarks at the National Defense University (NDU) discussed many of the challenges facing the country and international community alike - from terrorism to violent extremism to the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) [said David M. Luna]. […] Regional insecurity respects no borders and its spillover effects ripple across many regions. We are under a threat from a growing wave of crime and transnational illicit activities that, if not contained, has the potential to destroy our cities and subvert governments. […] Finally, increasing terrorist-criminal ventures are also of particular concern to the international community, especially because some of these criminal syndicates may facilitate for terrorists the acquisition of radioactive materials, chemical and biological weapons, or technologies used for weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)." (Department of State; 05May09; David M. Luna, Director for Anticrime Programs, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs) http://www.state.gov/p/inl/rls/rm/122662.htm
Indian army conclude[s] military games in Punjab amidst nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare environment
"The Indian Army's Strike Corps conducted a three day exercise named 'Hindi Shakti' [Indian Power] in the plains of Punjab to validate the capability in the network centric warfare, as also in a nuclear biological chemical warfare environment. The Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor and GOC in C Western Command Lt Gen T.K. Sapru witnessed the games. The Kharga Corps supported by tanks and other heavy equipment conducted maneuvers near Barnala and Jagraon in the Punjab plains, a defence spokesman said." (Associated Press of Pakistan; 05May09)
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75271&Itemid=2
Obama helping reduce Indo-Pak tension
"A top Obama Administration official advocated the need to build 'strategic partnership' with both India and Pakistan and at the same time working to reduce the tension between the two South Asian neighbours.'We must forge strong strategic partnerships with both India and Pakistan, while striving to reduce the tensions between the two,' the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Michele Flournoy, said addressing a meeting of the Army Leader Forum. Commenting on the global security challenges, Flournoy said in this globalized world, there is increased risk that non-state actors will find ways to obtain nuclear, chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction. Al Qaeda, she said continues to morph and is now regaining strength in Pakistan's tribal areas and spreading elsewhere." (Rising Kashmir; 06May09)
http://www.risingkashmir.com/?option=com_content&task=view&id=12694
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.
Obama Encouraged By Afghan, Pakistani Cooperation
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - President Barack Obama said today he is encouraged by the spirit of cooperation between the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan as the two nations confront extremists. Obama spoke at the White House at the end of meetings with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari.
Obama said the strategy unveiled last month after long consultations with allies in the region calls for denying extremists the space needed to threaten the Afghan, Pakistani or American people. "We must also advance security and opportunity so that Pakistanis and Afghans can pursue the promise of a better life," the president said.
The strategy in the region reflects a basic truth that the security of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States are linked, and the events of the past month reinforce that truth, Obama said. Al-Qaida and the Taliban have killed many people in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and they continue to challenge the democratically elected governments of the region.
"Meanwhile, al-Qaida plots against the American people and people around the world from their safe haven along the border," Obama said.
The president said Karzai and Zardari fully appreciate the threat and have reaffirmed their commitments to overcoming it. He said the two leaders have pledged to work with each other and the United States. The president called the pledges "unprecedented" and said they will benefit all people.
The White House meeting was the second among the three nations and is designed to coordinate efforts across agencies and international borders. Pakistani and Afghan officials will meet with their U.S. counterparts as part of the process. Obama said the meetings will be held regularly.
"There is much to be done," the president said. "Along the border where insurgents often move freely, we must work together with a renewed sense of partnership to share intelligence and to coordinate our efforts to isolate, target and take out our common enemy."
But it is not just force that will win the day in the region, the president said.
"We must meet extremism with a positive program of growth and opportunity," Obama said. The administration will continue to work with Congress to create opportunity zones to spark development in the region. The president said he is pleased with a landmark trade agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan that will open both countries to more commerce.
The challenges in both countries are different. "In Afghanistan, we must help grow the economy while developing alternatives to the drug trade by tapping the resilience and the ingenuity of the Afghan people," Obama said. He also said the United States will work with officials to eliminate corruption.
"I also made it clear that the United States will work with our Afghan and international partners to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties as we help the Afghan government combat our common enemy," he said.
In Pakistan, the United States must help to shore up democratic institutions "while helping the government confront the insurgents who are the single greatest threat to the Pakistani state," Obama said.
America also must help the Pakistanis build and develop their own economy and institutions. "That is why I've asked Congress for sustained funding to build schools and roads and hospitals," he said. "I want the Pakistani people to understand that America is not simply against terrorism. We are on the side of their hopes and their aspirations, because we know that the future of Pakistan must be determined by the talent, innovation and intelligence of its people."
While the United States is providing funding, it also is sending its greatest treasure – the young men and women of the armed forces and civilian experts. The president reiterated the decision to send 21,000 more servicemembers to Afghanistan. Obama said the challenges will be tough and that there will be more violence and some setbacks, but the United States is in the fight for the long haul.
"The United States has made a lasting commitment to defeat al-Qaida, but also to support the democratically elected sovereign governments of both Pakistan and Afghanistan," he said. "That commitment will not waver. And that support will be sustained."
Events around the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan show what life would be like under the Taliban and their al-Qaida allies. "It's a future filled with violence and despair," Obama said. "It's a future without opportunity or hope. That's not what the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan want, and it's not what they deserve."
Obama said it's in the interest of all three nations to work together. "We have learned time and again that our security is shared," he said. "It is a lesson that we learned most painfully on 9/11. And it is a lesson that we will not forget."
No matter the challenges, "we will not be deterred," Obama said. "And the aspirations of all our people – for security, for opportunity and for justice – are far more powerful than any enemy."
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - President Barack Obama said today he is encouraged by the spirit of cooperation between the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan as the two nations confront extremists. Obama spoke at the White House at the end of meetings with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari.
Obama said the strategy unveiled last month after long consultations with allies in the region calls for denying extremists the space needed to threaten the Afghan, Pakistani or American people. "We must also advance security and opportunity so that Pakistanis and Afghans can pursue the promise of a better life," the president said.
The strategy in the region reflects a basic truth that the security of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States are linked, and the events of the past month reinforce that truth, Obama said. Al-Qaida and the Taliban have killed many people in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and they continue to challenge the democratically elected governments of the region.
"Meanwhile, al-Qaida plots against the American people and people around the world from their safe haven along the border," Obama said.
The president said Karzai and Zardari fully appreciate the threat and have reaffirmed their commitments to overcoming it. He said the two leaders have pledged to work with each other and the United States. The president called the pledges "unprecedented" and said they will benefit all people.
The White House meeting was the second among the three nations and is designed to coordinate efforts across agencies and international borders. Pakistani and Afghan officials will meet with their U.S. counterparts as part of the process. Obama said the meetings will be held regularly.
"There is much to be done," the president said. "Along the border where insurgents often move freely, we must work together with a renewed sense of partnership to share intelligence and to coordinate our efforts to isolate, target and take out our common enemy."
But it is not just force that will win the day in the region, the president said.
"We must meet extremism with a positive program of growth and opportunity," Obama said. The administration will continue to work with Congress to create opportunity zones to spark development in the region. The president said he is pleased with a landmark trade agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan that will open both countries to more commerce.
The challenges in both countries are different. "In Afghanistan, we must help grow the economy while developing alternatives to the drug trade by tapping the resilience and the ingenuity of the Afghan people," Obama said. He also said the United States will work with officials to eliminate corruption.
"I also made it clear that the United States will work with our Afghan and international partners to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties as we help the Afghan government combat our common enemy," he said.
In Pakistan, the United States must help to shore up democratic institutions "while helping the government confront the insurgents who are the single greatest threat to the Pakistani state," Obama said.
America also must help the Pakistanis build and develop their own economy and institutions. "That is why I've asked Congress for sustained funding to build schools and roads and hospitals," he said. "I want the Pakistani people to understand that America is not simply against terrorism. We are on the side of their hopes and their aspirations, because we know that the future of Pakistan must be determined by the talent, innovation and intelligence of its people."
While the United States is providing funding, it also is sending its greatest treasure – the young men and women of the armed forces and civilian experts. The president reiterated the decision to send 21,000 more servicemembers to Afghanistan. Obama said the challenges will be tough and that there will be more violence and some setbacks, but the United States is in the fight for the long haul.
"The United States has made a lasting commitment to defeat al-Qaida, but also to support the democratically elected sovereign governments of both Pakistan and Afghanistan," he said. "That commitment will not waver. And that support will be sustained."
Events around the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan show what life would be like under the Taliban and their al-Qaida allies. "It's a future filled with violence and despair," Obama said. "It's a future without opportunity or hope. That's not what the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan want, and it's not what they deserve."
Obama said it's in the interest of all three nations to work together. "We have learned time and again that our security is shared," he said. "It is a lesson that we learned most painfully on 9/11. And it is a lesson that we will not forget."
No matter the challenges, "we will not be deterred," Obama said. "And the aspirations of all our people – for security, for opportunity and for justice – are far more powerful than any enemy."
McKiernan Views Incoming Troops as Opportunity in Afghanistan
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - The new U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, with more troops and nonmilitary resources to flow into Afghanistan to support it, opens a window of opportunity to break a security "stalemate" here, the senior coalition military official in Afghanistan said today. "It's a time where there remain some deep-rooted, definite challenges in this region and this country," Army Gen. David D. McKiernan told reporters traveling here with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. "But it is also a time, I think, this year, when there are some opportunities with the increased emphasis that this administration has placed on Af-Pak as a region and the resources that are coming with that."
McKiernan commands NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan.
Gates arrived here today to get a direct assessment of how the new strategy is starting to take shape and what gaps remain to be filled to ensure its success. Before arriving here, he said he plans to spend much of his time here in the field, asking troops directly: "What do you need out here that you are not getting?"
McKiernan, who had pressed for additional forces, said the additional 21,000 U.S. troops to arrive in the coming month will go a long way toward breaking "a stalemate" in the security conditions here.
The first of those forces already are in Afghanistan, he said, with the rest slated to arrive throughout the summer, bringing the U.S. force from about 38,000 now to between 60,000 and 68,000 troops in time for Afghanistan's fall elections.
In preparation for their arrival, U.S. Forces Afghanistan is "furiously expanding" infrastructure in Regional Command South and Regional Command West to accommodate them. "We are setting the conditions to introduce the flow of forces," he said.
McKiernan offered no illusions of the plus-up being a short-term proposition, and said the time to reassess if yet more troops will be needed won't occur until at least after the elections. He predicted the increased troops will be required for "at least the next two to three years," but said there's no way to assess now exactly how long.
But at the same time, the leaders here are keeping Afghan public opinion in mind, recognizing the dangers of deploying too many troops. "We have to be careful not to put too much of a foreign security face on Afghanistan," McKiernan said.
Ultimately, the goal boils down to building the Afghan security forces' capacity and capability so they can provide for their own security and support their own government institutions, McKiernan said.
Among encouraging developments he pointed to is the new Afghan Public Protection Program, an Afghan-initiated and Afghan-run effort in Wardak province that's been compared to the "Sons of Iraq" program in Iraq. The program applies a "bottom-up approach" to security, with residents serving as a local security force in support of the police. A 243-member class has graduated from the three-week training program led by the Afghans with U.S. support, and a second slightly smaller class is under way now.
McKiernan called the salaries the United States pays Public Protection Program members – less than a police officer's starting salary – a good investment with a potentially big payoff. "And that's security," he said.
As Gates assesses this and other efforts under way here, President Barack Obama is in Washington meeting with the Afghan and Pakistani presidents today. McKiernan said he hopes the talks bode positively for the trilateral approach he said is needed here.
The regional problem is going to take regional solutions, he said. And can Afghanistan reach a stable, secure state while neighboring Pakistan is in turmoil? "The answer is probably no," the general said.
As he anticipated closer trilateral cooperation and the influx of additional combat power he has long sought here, McKiernan emphasized that success in Afghanistan will require more than military forces.
He admitted to being "very concerned" about those civilian assets and capabilities arriving to complement military operations, and at the required pace to support the shape-clear-hold-build counterinsurgency approach. Lacking them, he said, risks throwing operations into a continuous cycle of shape-clear-hold in the event the all-important "build" part of the equation doesn't come through.
McKiernan also emphasized the importance of the mission remaining an international effort. Forty-two countries currently support the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
He expressed frustration that NATO hasn't come through fully with the additional troops it had promised to have in place for the Afghan elections, leaving ISAF two battalions short of what it had expected.
Those nations who choose for whatever reason not to send troop formations, McKiernan said, should "contribute in other ways" by sending mentors or civilians with specialized skills or other critical support.
"But contribute, and stay committed to this mission," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - The new U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, with more troops and nonmilitary resources to flow into Afghanistan to support it, opens a window of opportunity to break a security "stalemate" here, the senior coalition military official in Afghanistan said today. "It's a time where there remain some deep-rooted, definite challenges in this region and this country," Army Gen. David D. McKiernan told reporters traveling here with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. "But it is also a time, I think, this year, when there are some opportunities with the increased emphasis that this administration has placed on Af-Pak as a region and the resources that are coming with that."
McKiernan commands NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan.
Gates arrived here today to get a direct assessment of how the new strategy is starting to take shape and what gaps remain to be filled to ensure its success. Before arriving here, he said he plans to spend much of his time here in the field, asking troops directly: "What do you need out here that you are not getting?"
McKiernan, who had pressed for additional forces, said the additional 21,000 U.S. troops to arrive in the coming month will go a long way toward breaking "a stalemate" in the security conditions here.
The first of those forces already are in Afghanistan, he said, with the rest slated to arrive throughout the summer, bringing the U.S. force from about 38,000 now to between 60,000 and 68,000 troops in time for Afghanistan's fall elections.
In preparation for their arrival, U.S. Forces Afghanistan is "furiously expanding" infrastructure in Regional Command South and Regional Command West to accommodate them. "We are setting the conditions to introduce the flow of forces," he said.
McKiernan offered no illusions of the plus-up being a short-term proposition, and said the time to reassess if yet more troops will be needed won't occur until at least after the elections. He predicted the increased troops will be required for "at least the next two to three years," but said there's no way to assess now exactly how long.
But at the same time, the leaders here are keeping Afghan public opinion in mind, recognizing the dangers of deploying too many troops. "We have to be careful not to put too much of a foreign security face on Afghanistan," McKiernan said.
Ultimately, the goal boils down to building the Afghan security forces' capacity and capability so they can provide for their own security and support their own government institutions, McKiernan said.
Among encouraging developments he pointed to is the new Afghan Public Protection Program, an Afghan-initiated and Afghan-run effort in Wardak province that's been compared to the "Sons of Iraq" program in Iraq. The program applies a "bottom-up approach" to security, with residents serving as a local security force in support of the police. A 243-member class has graduated from the three-week training program led by the Afghans with U.S. support, and a second slightly smaller class is under way now.
McKiernan called the salaries the United States pays Public Protection Program members – less than a police officer's starting salary – a good investment with a potentially big payoff. "And that's security," he said.
As Gates assesses this and other efforts under way here, President Barack Obama is in Washington meeting with the Afghan and Pakistani presidents today. McKiernan said he hopes the talks bode positively for the trilateral approach he said is needed here.
The regional problem is going to take regional solutions, he said. And can Afghanistan reach a stable, secure state while neighboring Pakistan is in turmoil? "The answer is probably no," the general said.
As he anticipated closer trilateral cooperation and the influx of additional combat power he has long sought here, McKiernan emphasized that success in Afghanistan will require more than military forces.
He admitted to being "very concerned" about those civilian assets and capabilities arriving to complement military operations, and at the required pace to support the shape-clear-hold-build counterinsurgency approach. Lacking them, he said, risks throwing operations into a continuous cycle of shape-clear-hold in the event the all-important "build" part of the equation doesn't come through.
McKiernan also emphasized the importance of the mission remaining an international effort. Forty-two countries currently support the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
He expressed frustration that NATO hasn't come through fully with the additional troops it had promised to have in place for the Afghan elections, leaving ISAF two battalions short of what it had expected.
Those nations who choose for whatever reason not to send troop formations, McKiernan said, should "contribute in other ways" by sending mentors or civilians with specialized skills or other critical support.
"But contribute, and stay committed to this mission," he said.
Guard Members From Eight States Practice Contamination Response
By Army Pfc. Brian J. HolloranSpecial to American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - Sirens wail as a fire truck speeds to a school in response to a reported incident. Dozens of students are sent to area hospitals. The radiation alarm on one of the firemen begins to scream. It is every parent's nightmare and every citizen's biggest fear, but for the 14th Civil Support Team of the Connecticut National Guard this is just another day on the job.
That scenario was presented to the 14th CST here May 4, the opening day of CONN-EX 09, an exercise involving CST teams from across New England, New York and New Jersey.
The Connecticut National Guard is the host of the exercise, which is being held at various sites throughout southeastern Connecticut, with headquarters at Camp Rell in Niantic, Conn.
The regional, multi-state, multi-agency exercise is conducted by U.S. Army North and is designed to test agency responses and strengthen the participants' collective ability to address complex incidents by subjecting them to simulated scenarios involving weapons of mass destruction over a protracted period of time.
It consists of a full 24-hour deployment cycle for each CST, and is tailored to the various training needs of the other participating agencies.
Participants include nine CSTs from eight states, including Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. Other agencies involved are Connecticut's Military Department, State Police Emergency Services Unit, Department of Public Health, the departments of Environmental Protection and Emergency Management, as well as federal agencies that include the Homeland Security and Energy departments, the FBI, the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in New London, Conn., and the U.S. Coast Guard's Long Island sector. Explosive ordinance disposal teams from various states also are participating.
The exercise is designed to test and evaluate the teams on their effectiveness and preparedness, Army Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Van Damme, the 14th CST's decontamination noncommissioned officer, said.
As one simulated scenario unfolded, the fire department called the 14th CST for help after it found radiation at the school. The 14th CST is made up of 22 full-time soldiers and airmen.
"After we get the call, our main first task is to get a reconnaissance team on site as soon as possible," Army Staff Sgt. Karl Rhynhart, survey team member for the 14th CST, said. The recon team is tasked with gathering as much information as possible and determining if the area is safe or if evacuation is necessary.
"Once the recon team assesses the situation, the rest of the team arrives and starts setting up," Rhynhart said.
The CST consists of a survey team, communications vehicle, a command vehicle and a decontamination area.
"Once the team arrives on site, our first priority is to get each area operational," Van Damme said. "Once that is accomplished, the survey team gets geared up and begins a sweep of the area."
During the sweep, the survey team checked every window, door and any other opening that led outside for any signs of a contaminate leak.
"We use devices which check for radiation, the amount of oxygen in the air and other contaminants," Army Sgt. John Barton said. "We look for anything that indicates the toxin has escaped the building."
After the team sweeps the exterior, it moves indoors.
"Once inside, things slow down a little," Rhynhart said. "After we get inside, we have to find out where the contaminant is."
The team swept the inside, door-by-door, searching for the origin point, and came across what appeared to be an explosive device.
"When the device was found, we had to evacuate the building and go through decontamination," Barton said. "Now, we have to wait until explosive ordnance disposal gets here to give us the all-clear."
Once EOD arrives and clears the team to re-enter the building, they will locate the source and control it. They'll then remain on the site until another CST relieves them in the morning.
"Training like this is meant to keep us on our toes and make sure we have all of our ducks in a row, and that's exactly what this exercise has been doing all day long -- making us stay on our toes," Van Damme said. "This is what we train for; it's why we look forward to this event."
(Army Pfc. Brian J. Holloran serves with the Connecticut National Guard.)
Gates Lauds U.S. Efforts to Boost Saudi Military Capacity
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today called the mentorship that U.S. forces are providing the Saudi Arabian military a key factor in maintaining stability in the region and an example of the capacity-building efforts he'd like to see more of elsewhere in the world. Gates held a town hall session with a few hundred residents of this complex south of Riyadh that's served since 1996 as the base for U.S. forces assigned to the U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia and the Office of the Program Manager-Saudi Arabian National Guard.
With about 800 U.S. members total, about 500 of them military advisors, the organizations focus on helping to build and modernize capability within the Saudi armed forces and Saudi national guard, explained Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul M. "Dutch" Van Sickle, USMTM-SA commander. The troops lend expertise in training, supply, maintenance, operations, medical, construction, equipment fielding and other related activities.
Gates emphasized the importance of what these troops -- many of whom have served in Iraq or Afghanistan -- do in the big Middle East security picture.
"I want to tell you that although you do not work in a direct combat zone, your mission remains essential to America's security," he told a crowd of several hundred servicemembers and Defense Department civilian employees who packed an auditorium here. "Multiple administrations of both parties, including all eight presidents I have worked for, have believed that America's prosperity and security is closely tied to the prosperity and security of this part of the world."
Gates, who arrived here yesterday to discuss mutual security issues with the Saudi leadership, said the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia "has been one of the mainstays of stability in the Middle East for more than 60 years."
The U.S. security mission in Saudi Arabia dates back to the 1940s, he noted, with Saudi Arabia remaining an important partner on a broad range of security issues.
Gates praised the role of the U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia and the Office of the Program Manager-Saudi Arabian National Guard -- known as OPM-SANG -- in increasing Saudi military capabilities.
Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Tucker, the program manager, said the mentors bring combat experience from Iraq and Afghanistan and important lessons learned to the mission that they, in turn, share with the Saudi military.
"The Saudi armed forces have become a more professional and effective organization, due to the work of the U.S. military training mission," Gates said, noting its planning, organizational, training and equipment support.
In addition, the OPM-SANG mission is helping to modernize the Saudi national guard as it develops into "a more full-spectrum force," he said.
Gates cited a new development within OPM-SANG, in which it will help to train and equip a new Saudi security assistance force to focus specifically on protecting the country's oil, water, electricity and other infrastructure. These forces, to be assigned to the Saudi Interior Ministry, are projected to grow from about 5,000 to about 35,000 – "an ambitious and impressive effort," Gates said.
Meanwhile, Gates credited the 64th Air Expeditionary Group based here, which, building on work started a generation ago, "has built a formidable Saudi air force and forged close military-to-military ties between our two air services."
"Your work here is ... an example of the kind of capacity -building effort that we would like to see more of by the U.S. military in other parts of the world," Gates told the group. "The United States will increasingly look to rely more on the capabilities of our partners than direct U.S. military action to deal with the diverse array of security challenges."
Those threats, he said, range from the transition of responsibility to Iraqi forces to the ramp-up of military forces, as well as civilian initiatives in Afghanistan, the "potential perils posed by Iran's nuclear program" and the broader campaign against violent terrorist networks.
"All of those challenges, to varying degrees, are affected by the work you do here to sustain and strengthen our partnership with Saudi Arabia and build their security capabilities," Gates told the group. "They provide a crucial measure of stability and deterrence in the Gulf."
Gates cited changes ahead in the training and mentoring missions here: the change of Saudi Arabia from a combat to a noncombat duty area designation, the opportunity for adult family members to accompany servicemembers assigned here and the possibility of building a new training compound.
Also on the horizon is the potential sale of more U.S. military equipment to Saudi Arabia.
Gates told reporters after the town hall meeting that he shares the Saudis' frustration about the sluggish pace of the foreign military sales program. "It's not just a problem here in Saudi Arabia," he said. "It's a problem in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and anywhere we want to sell systems."
Gates said he intends to get to the bottom of that question to find out what regulatory, policy or bureaucratic obstacles stand in the way of "getting weapons into the hands of our friends and allies far faster than we are able to do now."
"And I have some suggestions," he said.
Gates said he also talked with the Saudis about Pakistan, and "what more we can all do together to strengthen the support to the civilian government" there. He also encouraged more Saudi diplomatic engagement with Iraq, including assigning a Saudi ambassador there.
The discussions with the Saudis also touched on the possibility of transferring Yemeni detainees at Guantanamo Bay to Saudi repatriation programs, but Gates said the talks were general in nature and no decisions were made. "I didn't ask them to do anything, and they didn't volunteer," he said.
Troops at Eskan Village said they were gratified that Gates took time to see their operation firsthand.
"It shows the value of the mission and the importance of it," said Army Maj. Michael Elliott, a medical advisor who has been training and advising Saudi military medical forces for the past year. "It reinforces that this mission is important and a key element in the fight on terrorism."
Army Maj. Eric Fowler, a mentor here who has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, said the mission underscores U.S. interest in helping partner militaries build capacity. "We want to raise their capabilities so they're better able to provide for their own security," he said. "We want them to be capable and competent."
Wes Farmer, a Department of the Army civilian who serves as executive officer for OPM-SANG, said Gates' visit helps bring visibility to a mission that has gone relatively overlooked in the shadow of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We've been here for 36 years as a moderating force for stability in the region," he said. "It's always great to have the senior leadership come show they appreciate the work we're doing here."
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fernandez, a communicator assigned to knowledge operations here, said he hopes Gates takes home from his visit here one key message. "We are doing our job out here, and doing it right," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today called the mentorship that U.S. forces are providing the Saudi Arabian military a key factor in maintaining stability in the region and an example of the capacity-building efforts he'd like to see more of elsewhere in the world. Gates held a town hall session with a few hundred residents of this complex south of Riyadh that's served since 1996 as the base for U.S. forces assigned to the U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia and the Office of the Program Manager-Saudi Arabian National Guard.
With about 800 U.S. members total, about 500 of them military advisors, the organizations focus on helping to build and modernize capability within the Saudi armed forces and Saudi national guard, explained Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul M. "Dutch" Van Sickle, USMTM-SA commander. The troops lend expertise in training, supply, maintenance, operations, medical, construction, equipment fielding and other related activities.
Gates emphasized the importance of what these troops -- many of whom have served in Iraq or Afghanistan -- do in the big Middle East security picture.
"I want to tell you that although you do not work in a direct combat zone, your mission remains essential to America's security," he told a crowd of several hundred servicemembers and Defense Department civilian employees who packed an auditorium here. "Multiple administrations of both parties, including all eight presidents I have worked for, have believed that America's prosperity and security is closely tied to the prosperity and security of this part of the world."
Gates, who arrived here yesterday to discuss mutual security issues with the Saudi leadership, said the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia "has been one of the mainstays of stability in the Middle East for more than 60 years."
The U.S. security mission in Saudi Arabia dates back to the 1940s, he noted, with Saudi Arabia remaining an important partner on a broad range of security issues.
Gates praised the role of the U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia and the Office of the Program Manager-Saudi Arabian National Guard -- known as OPM-SANG -- in increasing Saudi military capabilities.
Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Tucker, the program manager, said the mentors bring combat experience from Iraq and Afghanistan and important lessons learned to the mission that they, in turn, share with the Saudi military.
"The Saudi armed forces have become a more professional and effective organization, due to the work of the U.S. military training mission," Gates said, noting its planning, organizational, training and equipment support.
In addition, the OPM-SANG mission is helping to modernize the Saudi national guard as it develops into "a more full-spectrum force," he said.
Gates cited a new development within OPM-SANG, in which it will help to train and equip a new Saudi security assistance force to focus specifically on protecting the country's oil, water, electricity and other infrastructure. These forces, to be assigned to the Saudi Interior Ministry, are projected to grow from about 5,000 to about 35,000 – "an ambitious and impressive effort," Gates said.
Meanwhile, Gates credited the 64th Air Expeditionary Group based here, which, building on work started a generation ago, "has built a formidable Saudi air force and forged close military-to-military ties between our two air services."
"Your work here is ... an example of the kind of capacity -building effort that we would like to see more of by the U.S. military in other parts of the world," Gates told the group. "The United States will increasingly look to rely more on the capabilities of our partners than direct U.S. military action to deal with the diverse array of security challenges."
Those threats, he said, range from the transition of responsibility to Iraqi forces to the ramp-up of military forces, as well as civilian initiatives in Afghanistan, the "potential perils posed by Iran's nuclear program" and the broader campaign against violent terrorist networks.
"All of those challenges, to varying degrees, are affected by the work you do here to sustain and strengthen our partnership with Saudi Arabia and build their security capabilities," Gates told the group. "They provide a crucial measure of stability and deterrence in the Gulf."
Gates cited changes ahead in the training and mentoring missions here: the change of Saudi Arabia from a combat to a noncombat duty area designation, the opportunity for adult family members to accompany servicemembers assigned here and the possibility of building a new training compound.
Also on the horizon is the potential sale of more U.S. military equipment to Saudi Arabia.
Gates told reporters after the town hall meeting that he shares the Saudis' frustration about the sluggish pace of the foreign military sales program. "It's not just a problem here in Saudi Arabia," he said. "It's a problem in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and anywhere we want to sell systems."
Gates said he intends to get to the bottom of that question to find out what regulatory, policy or bureaucratic obstacles stand in the way of "getting weapons into the hands of our friends and allies far faster than we are able to do now."
"And I have some suggestions," he said.
Gates said he also talked with the Saudis about Pakistan, and "what more we can all do together to strengthen the support to the civilian government" there. He also encouraged more Saudi diplomatic engagement with Iraq, including assigning a Saudi ambassador there.
The discussions with the Saudis also touched on the possibility of transferring Yemeni detainees at Guantanamo Bay to Saudi repatriation programs, but Gates said the talks were general in nature and no decisions were made. "I didn't ask them to do anything, and they didn't volunteer," he said.
Troops at Eskan Village said they were gratified that Gates took time to see their operation firsthand.
"It shows the value of the mission and the importance of it," said Army Maj. Michael Elliott, a medical advisor who has been training and advising Saudi military medical forces for the past year. "It reinforces that this mission is important and a key element in the fight on terrorism."
Army Maj. Eric Fowler, a mentor here who has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, said the mission underscores U.S. interest in helping partner militaries build capacity. "We want to raise their capabilities so they're better able to provide for their own security," he said. "We want them to be capable and competent."
Wes Farmer, a Department of the Army civilian who serves as executive officer for OPM-SANG, said Gates' visit helps bring visibility to a mission that has gone relatively overlooked in the shadow of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We've been here for 36 years as a moderating force for stability in the region," he said. "It's always great to have the senior leadership come show they appreciate the work we're doing here."
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fernandez, a communicator assigned to knowledge operations here, said he hopes Gates takes home from his visit here one key message. "We are doing our job out here, and doing it right," he said.
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