American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces detained four suspected militants in Khost province overnight during an operation to capture a key Haqqani terrorist network leader in eastern Afghanistan. In the province's Sabari district, a combined force searched a rural compound after credible intelligence sources indicated the wanted man was located near Zambar village.
After entering the targeted compound, Afghan forces called for all occupants to come out, and without incident, forces detained the targeted man and three of his suspected associates.
A search of the compound revealed an AK-47 assault rifle and a magazine.
On June 2, while patrolling a bazaar in Paktika province's Bermel district, Afghan forces identified a suicide bomber moving toward a crowd of Afghan civilians. The security forces immediately moved to stop and detain the bomber, who jumped into a taxi and detonated his vest, killing himself and injuring the vehicle's driver and two of the pursuing Afghan security forces members.
Coalition forces in the area responded to a call for assistance, helping the Afghan forces treat and evacuate injured people to a nearby coalition medical facility. One Afghan security forces member later died.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Commentary: Paying Tribute to One Who Answered 'A Higher Calling'
By Air Force Lt. Col. Richard J. Hughes
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2009 - It's 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and we're in the shade of an aircraft silhouette. The wind is blowing steadily at about 25 knots. It's like standing in front of a giant hair dryer. The weather forecaster says there are gusts up to 35 knots. The wind is sending a steady stream of sand and dust whipping across the flightline into the faces of airmen and soldiers alike. There is silence, except for the wind.
Yet, we stand at attention in two straight lines, beginning at the ramp of a C-130 Hercules. We're waiting to render honors. We ignore the heat, the wind and the sand. We are humbled by the presence of one of our countrymen.
Thirty minutes prior on this Sunday morning, the day began very much like any other day, starting with physical training then off to the group to get planes and people moving. However, today I needed to get to the chapel for religious services -- time for personal prayer and reflection.
Exactly three minutes into the service, the chaplain assistant tapped me on the shoulder. "Sir, the command post needs to speak with you immediately."
"Damn," I thought. "I just signed off the net five minutes ago." After saying a quick prayer, I went to the chapel annex.
"Sir, we just got notified of an inbound 'hero' flight, due on the deck in 30 minutes," the on-duty emergency action controller said. "It was diverted in flight by the Combined Air Operations Center, and they're here to take a soldier home." I asked if the brigade and garrison commands had been notified. Our installation is a joint base, and the respective service usually handles all the coordination.
"Sir, they've been notified; however, we're unsure if they'll have a team in place," the EAC said. I said I'd be on the flightline ramp in 10 minutes.
Waiting on the ramp were three soldiers from the brigade mortuary affairs platoon. They had prepared the remains of a young soldier, killed the day before, for transport. Moreover, they were tired, having worked throughout the night to get him ready for his final journey.
The weather forecast indicated deteriorating conditions. The crew needed to be off the ground in 15 minutes to beat the weather, but would wait as long as possible. It was time to act quickly to get this soldier home – but with the honor he deserved.
Calling over the radio net, I asked a base chaplain to come quickly to the ramp. The aircrew was reconfiguring the aircraft to receive the fallen soldier. Several airmen from the terminal were nearby. I gathered them together and briefed them on the situation.
The chaplain pulled up; this was his first 'hero' flight. We didn't know the soldier's faith; the Army mortuary affairs team had only a name and unit. It didn't matter, because the chaplain knew exactly what needed to be done. Chaplains endeavor to meet the religious needs of every servicemember, regardless of faith.
"Group! Present arms!" Twenty arms rise simultaneously and hold the first of a series of final salutes to the soldier. The flag-draped casket, carried by three airmen and three soldiers, passes by silently and solemnly. The chaplain follows slowly, saying prayers as he walks. The pallbearers place the casket gently in the hold of the aircraft.
"Order arms!" Twenty arms slowly drop. The chaplain remains, continuing to say prayers for the soldier, his family, his friends and his comrades in arms. We pray silently to ourselves for this young man, who is far from home and away from those who know him and who are grieving their loss.
"Group! Dismissed!" The small formation takes a step back, does an about face, and marches off silently. I thank the crew for allowing us to take the time to render honors to this fallen soldier.
As airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines, we routinely endure hardship and sacrifice on behalf of our countrymen. Unlike any other profession, ours comes with the realization that we may pay the ultimate sacrifice thousands of miles away from home, in a foreign land. We are duty- and honor-bound to do whatever we must to protect and ensure the freedoms of our citizens.
When one of our own makes that final, ultimate sacrifice, we must do everything we can to make sure he or she is given the highest level of honor and respect. Nothing interferes with that obligation. That is why – despite the heat, the sand and the wind – we gathered on a flightline in southern Iraq. It is what needed to be done for a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice – one who met a "higher calling."
(Air Force Lt. Col. Richard J. Hughes serves as the 407th Air Expeditionary Group's deputy commander.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2009 - It's 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and we're in the shade of an aircraft silhouette. The wind is blowing steadily at about 25 knots. It's like standing in front of a giant hair dryer. The weather forecaster says there are gusts up to 35 knots. The wind is sending a steady stream of sand and dust whipping across the flightline into the faces of airmen and soldiers alike. There is silence, except for the wind.
Yet, we stand at attention in two straight lines, beginning at the ramp of a C-130 Hercules. We're waiting to render honors. We ignore the heat, the wind and the sand. We are humbled by the presence of one of our countrymen.
Thirty minutes prior on this Sunday morning, the day began very much like any other day, starting with physical training then off to the group to get planes and people moving. However, today I needed to get to the chapel for religious services -- time for personal prayer and reflection.
Exactly three minutes into the service, the chaplain assistant tapped me on the shoulder. "Sir, the command post needs to speak with you immediately."
"Damn," I thought. "I just signed off the net five minutes ago." After saying a quick prayer, I went to the chapel annex.
"Sir, we just got notified of an inbound 'hero' flight, due on the deck in 30 minutes," the on-duty emergency action controller said. "It was diverted in flight by the Combined Air Operations Center, and they're here to take a soldier home." I asked if the brigade and garrison commands had been notified. Our installation is a joint base, and the respective service usually handles all the coordination.
"Sir, they've been notified; however, we're unsure if they'll have a team in place," the EAC said. I said I'd be on the flightline ramp in 10 minutes.
Waiting on the ramp were three soldiers from the brigade mortuary affairs platoon. They had prepared the remains of a young soldier, killed the day before, for transport. Moreover, they were tired, having worked throughout the night to get him ready for his final journey.
The weather forecast indicated deteriorating conditions. The crew needed to be off the ground in 15 minutes to beat the weather, but would wait as long as possible. It was time to act quickly to get this soldier home – but with the honor he deserved.
Calling over the radio net, I asked a base chaplain to come quickly to the ramp. The aircrew was reconfiguring the aircraft to receive the fallen soldier. Several airmen from the terminal were nearby. I gathered them together and briefed them on the situation.
The chaplain pulled up; this was his first 'hero' flight. We didn't know the soldier's faith; the Army mortuary affairs team had only a name and unit. It didn't matter, because the chaplain knew exactly what needed to be done. Chaplains endeavor to meet the religious needs of every servicemember, regardless of faith.
"Group! Present arms!" Twenty arms rise simultaneously and hold the first of a series of final salutes to the soldier. The flag-draped casket, carried by three airmen and three soldiers, passes by silently and solemnly. The chaplain follows slowly, saying prayers as he walks. The pallbearers place the casket gently in the hold of the aircraft.
"Order arms!" Twenty arms slowly drop. The chaplain remains, continuing to say prayers for the soldier, his family, his friends and his comrades in arms. We pray silently to ourselves for this young man, who is far from home and away from those who know him and who are grieving their loss.
"Group! Dismissed!" The small formation takes a step back, does an about face, and marches off silently. I thank the crew for allowing us to take the time to render honors to this fallen soldier.
As airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines, we routinely endure hardship and sacrifice on behalf of our countrymen. Unlike any other profession, ours comes with the realization that we may pay the ultimate sacrifice thousands of miles away from home, in a foreign land. We are duty- and honor-bound to do whatever we must to protect and ensure the freedoms of our citizens.
When one of our own makes that final, ultimate sacrifice, we must do everything we can to make sure he or she is given the highest level of honor and respect. Nothing interferes with that obligation. That is why – despite the heat, the sand and the wind – we gathered on a flightline in southern Iraq. It is what needed to be done for a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice – one who met a "higher calling."
(Air Force Lt. Col. Richard J. Hughes serves as the 407th Air Expeditionary Group's deputy commander.)
More Than 20 Suspects Arrested in Recent Iraq Operations
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2009 - Coalition and Iraqi forces detained more than 20 suspects during several recent operations in Iraq's capital city and the country's Diyala province. Early June 1, U.S. soldiers working with Iraqi soldiers and police executed warrants and arrested two wanted men in northwestern Baghdad's Ghazaliya neighborhood.
The forces confiscated assault rifles from the men and moved them to secure locations for further questioning.
On May 31, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi police executed an arrest warrant on a Ghazaliya man who is believed to be responsible for an attack on coalition forces using a bomb specifically designed to pierce armor.
The previous day, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers on a combined patrol with Iraqi security forces in the Abu Ghraib district west of Baghdad saw two suspicious men who fled to a house as the convoy approached. The soldiers followed them, arresting the men and two women who were with them. Three of the suspects tested positive for handling bomb-making material.
In operations on May 28, an Iraqi emergency response force in Baqubah, working with coalition forces and acting under warrants, arrested 11 suspects believed responsible for violent attacks against local residents and Iraqi security forces in an effort to destabilize the improved security conditions of the Kanaan area. They also are believed to be directly responsible for funding terrorist operations and orchestrating an anti-Iraqi propaganda campaign designed to intimidate the local populace. The response force also confiscated items of interest during the Iraqi-planned and -led operation.
On May 26, the same emergency response force, working with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected high-level terrorist cell leader on a warrant. Two other suspects were detained during an operation in the Diyala province. All three are suspected of leading a terrorist cell responsible for funding anti-Iraqi operations and carrying out attacks against Iraqi security forces. They're also believed to be directly responsible for an attack that killed an Iraqi doctor and his family, officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 4, 2009 - Coalition and Iraqi forces detained more than 20 suspects during several recent operations in Iraq's capital city and the country's Diyala province. Early June 1, U.S. soldiers working with Iraqi soldiers and police executed warrants and arrested two wanted men in northwestern Baghdad's Ghazaliya neighborhood.
The forces confiscated assault rifles from the men and moved them to secure locations for further questioning.
On May 31, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi police executed an arrest warrant on a Ghazaliya man who is believed to be responsible for an attack on coalition forces using a bomb specifically designed to pierce armor.
The previous day, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers on a combined patrol with Iraqi security forces in the Abu Ghraib district west of Baghdad saw two suspicious men who fled to a house as the convoy approached. The soldiers followed them, arresting the men and two women who were with them. Three of the suspects tested positive for handling bomb-making material.
In operations on May 28, an Iraqi emergency response force in Baqubah, working with coalition forces and acting under warrants, arrested 11 suspects believed responsible for violent attacks against local residents and Iraqi security forces in an effort to destabilize the improved security conditions of the Kanaan area. They also are believed to be directly responsible for funding terrorist operations and orchestrating an anti-Iraqi propaganda campaign designed to intimidate the local populace. The response force also confiscated items of interest during the Iraqi-planned and -led operation.
On May 26, the same emergency response force, working with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected high-level terrorist cell leader on a warrant. Two other suspects were detained during an operation in the Diyala province. All three are suspected of leading a terrorist cell responsible for funding anti-Iraqi operations and carrying out attacks against Iraqi security forces. They're also believed to be directly responsible for an attack that killed an Iraqi doctor and his family, officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
General Cites Importance of Air Power for Afghanistan
By John HouseSpecial to American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2009 - The Afghan National Army Air Corps is a vital and rapidly growing component of Afghanistan's security forces and is building air power to deny terrorists a safe haven in Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force general here said. Afghanistan's vast and forbidding terrain, the threat posed by roadside bombs and the country's nearly total lack of rail transportation make air power essential, Brig. Gen. Walter D. Givhan told online journalists and bloggers May 26 during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable.
"This country begs for air power," the commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force and the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing said.
Givhan said his organization has taken an aggressive approach in the last two years to get Afghanistan's air corps into the air and into the fight.
"We did that two ways," he explained. "We got older, experienced pilots back up flying the aircraft they knew, which were primarily Russian-type aircraft. Our workhorses are the An-32 fixed-wing transport and the Mi-17 helicopter; these are familiar platforms for them."
At the same time, the transition force and the air corps are building for the long term. Plans for more modern airlifters, such as the C-27, are in the works. Air corps officials also are looking at acquiring a combination of fixed-winged trainers and light attack aircraft in the near future.
To fly and fight in the modern platforms, a new generation of pilots is being developed.
"We just sent 24 young Afghan officers off for advanced English language and pilot training in the United States," Givhan said. "And we're ready to send about 37 more."
But building sustainable capability and capacity within the air corps goes beyond pilots and aircraft, the general said.
"We are building facilities, bases and a logistics system all over the country to support and sustain those aircraft," Givhan said. "Also, we are creating command and control mechanisms so the Afghans will be able to employ this air power effectively."
The challenges to this mission are steep, but to Givhan, failure is not an option.
"Building an air force in the middle of a war is sort of like building an airplane in the middle of flight," he said. "But we've got to do it."
(John House works in the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan public affairs office.)
Portable USO Center Brings 'Piece of Home' to Soldiers
By Army Sgt. Amber RobinsonSpecial to American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2009 - Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Shank here gathered May 27 for the dedication of the first "USO in a Box." The facility was dedicated to the soldiers who serve, have served and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Task Force Spartan soldiers from the 710th Brigade Support Battalion hosted a formal ceremony for the grand opening. Army Col. Marcus Cochran, personnel assistance officer in charge for Combined Joint Task Force 101 was the event's keynote speaker.
"The USO is a place where any soldier can go and it feels like home," he said. "It's a place that offers a break."
Though it's small and enclosed within a metal container, the new USO facility comes with all amenities included, making it an oasis for relaxation and fun. It includes a large-screen television, two phones for morale calls, two computers for personal e-mail access and three video-game consoles.
"This facility is the first-ever to be established anywhere in the world," said Army Capt. Pena De Lucia of the CJTF 101 personnel office, who had a large role in planning the event.
"We saw the need for a facility in this area," said Kevin Meade, vice president for USO facilities throughout Southwest Asia. "We did extensive research, and this is where our research showed we should establish the first center."
More portable USOs soon will follow. Two other units have arrived at Bagram Airfield and await transport to destinations in Kunar and Paktia provinces.
"We plan to have 10 facilities set up across Afghanistan, including this one," Meade said. "Ten facilities will be set up here, and 10 will be sent to Iraq."
The facilities are part of what Meade refers to as a "three-prong effect," which includes the portable USO facilities, gaming systems and "USO to Go," a program that sends soldiers packages of goodies, clothing, board games, and musical instruments.
"What we want is to provide outreach to those soldiers that are out on the more obscure FOBs," Meade said, "which is why we have made these portable USO facilities so durable, compact and easy to set up."
After the ceremony, soldiers had a chance to tour the facility. Without a word, they settled down in front of the large TV, dialed up their families or sat down to compete on the gaming systems.
None had to be asked; they all knew what to do: just come in and put their minds at ease for a moment at "a little piece of home" in the middle of their dusty forward base.
(Army Sgt. Amber Robinson serves in the Task Force Spartan public affairs office.)
Afghan, Coalition Forces Clash With Enemy Fighters, Detain Suspects
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2009 - Afghan army commandos, assisted by coalition forces, were attacked today during a clearing operation in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, and a combined force in Khost province detained three suspected militants yesterday. In the Kapisa operation, the combined element was searching an area known for enemy activity in the province's Yakdan Valley region when it came under heavy small-arms fire from a nearby compound. The forces used small-arms and mortar fire to help neutralize the enemy.
Air strikes were called to defuse the enemy and cut off their retreat routes. Two militants were killed during the engagement.
On the eastern outskirts of Khost city yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces raided a compound to locate an insurgent wanted for trafficking weapons and supplies for Haqqani terrorist network leaders.
Afghan forces led a search of the compound, where they found a chest rack, a coalition forces assault pack and a large sum of U.S. dollars. Three men were detained for further questioning.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
June 3, 2009 - Afghan army commandos, assisted by coalition forces, were attacked today during a clearing operation in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, and a combined force in Khost province detained three suspected militants yesterday. In the Kapisa operation, the combined element was searching an area known for enemy activity in the province's Yakdan Valley region when it came under heavy small-arms fire from a nearby compound. The forces used small-arms and mortar fire to help neutralize the enemy.
Air strikes were called to defuse the enemy and cut off their retreat routes. Two militants were killed during the engagement.
On the eastern outskirts of Khost city yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces raided a compound to locate an insurgent wanted for trafficking weapons and supplies for Haqqani terrorist network leaders.
Afghan forces led a search of the compound, where they found a chest rack, a coalition forces assault pack and a large sum of U.S. dollars. Three men were detained for further questioning.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
82nd Airborne Assumes Command in Eastern Afghanistan
American Forces Press ServiceAfghanistan, June 3, 2009 - Fifteen months after transferring authority of Regional Command East in Afghanistan to the 101st Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division reassumed command during a ceremony here today. The ceremony marks the official transition from Combined Joint Task Force 101 to Combined Joint Task Force 82, with the new unit assuming responsibility for 14 provinces in eastern Afghanistan along the Pakistan border.
Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division and CJTF 82, praised 101st Airborne Division soldiers for their 15 months of service working to enhance the lives of the Afghan people.
"The leadership of the 101st forged an exceptional team that has proven an unparalleled understanding of, and performance in, this complex environment," Scaparrotti said. "In partnership with the people of Afghanistan, they have taken the fight to our common enemy and improved the lives of thousands of Afghan citizens."
Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, commander of the 101st Airborne Division and CJTF 101, reflected on the accomplishments made by the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, civilians and coalition partners in his task force during past 15 months while also looking to the future with CJTF 82.
"You can hold your head high at what you were able to accomplish," he said. "History will record your accomplishments here fighting those who would terrorize the world. While we say farewell to Afghanistan, another great task force returns to take our place.
"The 82nd Airborne Division -- no strangers to Afghanistan -- led by Major General Scaparrotti, will continue to assist the government, the Afghan national security forces, and the people of Afghanistan," he continued, "increasing security, improving governance and developing Afghanistan."
Regional Command East's mission is to bring development, governance and security to Afghanistan and ultimately to deny terrorists safe haven to launch attacks against the United States and its allies. CJTF 82 will work directly with NATO's International Security Assistance Force, U.S. Forces Afghanistan and the Afghan government to maintain security and development for the region.
The 82nd Airborne Division, deployed here from Fort Bragg, N.C., will maintain control of Regional Command East for about a year. The 101st Airborne Division, based out of Fort Campbell, Ky., has been deployed to Afghanistan since April 2008.
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Police Make Progress in Southern Afghanistan, U.S. Advisor Says
By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2009 - Though the Afghan National Police still face many challenges, they continue to make progress on a daily basis, a senior U.S. advisor said. "The police officers that I see and deal with on a daily basis are very dedicated to their cause and to their nation," Army Col. Dave Harris, commander of Regional Police Advisory Command South, said during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable May 29.
Harris oversees 19 teams in southern Afghanistan that mentor thousands of members of the Afghan National Police in the country's Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces. The mentors live, train and interact with members of the Afghan National Police to prepare them to be a self-sustaining force, Harris said.
"We have developed what we call a mission-essential task list for the police in southern Afghanistan," the colonel said. The police officers learn how to conduct cordon-and-search, response force, convoy search, site security and traffic control point operations. They also learn about community policing, criminal investigations and how to handle detainees, he explained.
Once the police are trained and their noncommissioned officers are developed, Harris said, the Afghans will be able to train their own soldiers and police in such tasks.
Prior to this rotation, Harris said, all NCOs were sent to Kabul for training. Now, an NCO academy is being built in southern Afghanistan, and it will pay big dividends, he added.
As the mentors continue to train the Afghan National Police, they also must deal with numerous challenges that include leadership, logistics, improvised explosive devices and engagement with enemy forces, he said.
"They're in contact with enemy forces practically on a daily basis," he said. "The IED threat is still the largest threat in the south."
Compensation for the police has been an issue, but the Afghan Interior Ministry is trying to address that now, the colonel said. The ministry is trying to pay everyone electronically, but banks are limited in Afghanistan, Harris explained.
Logistics also has been a problem, he said.
"It is designed to come down through the regional headquarters through their logistics center, which is then broken down to the provincial level and then distributed to the districts," Harris said.
"The process is in place," he added. "We just have to work with them daily to make sure it stays on track."
(Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2009 - Though the Afghan National Police still face many challenges, they continue to make progress on a daily basis, a senior U.S. advisor said. "The police officers that I see and deal with on a daily basis are very dedicated to their cause and to their nation," Army Col. Dave Harris, commander of Regional Police Advisory Command South, said during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable May 29.
Harris oversees 19 teams in southern Afghanistan that mentor thousands of members of the Afghan National Police in the country's Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces. The mentors live, train and interact with members of the Afghan National Police to prepare them to be a self-sustaining force, Harris said.
"We have developed what we call a mission-essential task list for the police in southern Afghanistan," the colonel said. The police officers learn how to conduct cordon-and-search, response force, convoy search, site security and traffic control point operations. They also learn about community policing, criminal investigations and how to handle detainees, he explained.
Once the police are trained and their noncommissioned officers are developed, Harris said, the Afghans will be able to train their own soldiers and police in such tasks.
Prior to this rotation, Harris said, all NCOs were sent to Kabul for training. Now, an NCO academy is being built in southern Afghanistan, and it will pay big dividends, he added.
As the mentors continue to train the Afghan National Police, they also must deal with numerous challenges that include leadership, logistics, improvised explosive devices and engagement with enemy forces, he said.
"They're in contact with enemy forces practically on a daily basis," he said. "The IED threat is still the largest threat in the south."
Compensation for the police has been an issue, but the Afghan Interior Ministry is trying to address that now, the colonel said. The ministry is trying to pay everyone electronically, but banks are limited in Afghanistan, Harris explained.
Logistics also has been a problem, he said.
"It is designed to come down through the regional headquarters through their logistics center, which is then broken down to the provincial level and then distributed to the districts," Harris said.
"The process is in place," he added. "We just have to work with them daily to make sure it stays on track."
(Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Iraqi Children's Hospital Nears Completion in Basra
By Army Sgt. Rodney FolienteSpecial to American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2009 - Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team visited and surveyed the progress of the children's hospital in Basra, Iraq, May 28. The 94-bed facility will be the first state-of-the-art pediatric specialty hospital in Iraq and is nearing completion, with outpatient services slated to start in September.
Inpatient oncology services are scheduled to begin in November, surgical services in January, and additional services, such as radiation oncology, will be available later.
"Having a specialized pediatric hospital will be beneficial for the children of Basra and the future generations to come," said Army Maj. (Dr.) Roger Brockbank, the brigade's surgeon.
"We participated in what I would consider a joint, multi-agency project, to provide a critical care facility for children in southern Iraq," said Army Maj. Peter Hesford, who manages water, electricity and infrastructure for the Commander's Emergency Relief Program. "Our contribution was the provision of treated water for the hospital. Our role was small, but our contribution was critical."
Spearheaded by the United States, the project also is financed by the Iraqi government, the United Nations and Project Hope, a nonprofit group dedicated to providing health care for people worldwide, said Gerald Ramos, the hospital's project manager for the Gulf Region South District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"In 2003, Project Hope evaluated the health care system in Iraq and found it to be broken," Ramos said. He explained that Iraq's infant mortality rate is one of the highest worldwide, and Project Hope determined that a significant contributing factor was pediatric cancer.
"The cancer rate is 10 times higher in Iraq than in developed countries," Ramos said. "In the south, it is twice the national average. It was decided to build the hospital in Basra because it is a major population center."
The specialized focus of the hospital is on cancer treatment, Ramos said. The hospital also will function as a training center, capable of improving and expanding the training and proficiency of health care professionals throughout Iraq.
"It's encouraging and exciting to see a project of this regional importance nearing completion," Hesford said. "It is important for the critical need the hospital will fill in the area of pediatric care [and] for the employment and economic stimulus it will provide to Basra."
Ramos said the hospital will stimulate the local economy and offer jobs for local residents, both at the hospital and in industries servicing the hospital.
In the construction alone, he estimated, about half of the $160 million for the building project will go to local laborers and contractors.
(Army Sgt. Rodney Foliente serves with the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.)
Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Matthew G. Reza, 27, of Austin, Texas, was killed May 31 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Khandahar province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S. C.
The incident is currently under investigation.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the MCAS Beaufort public affairs office at (843) 228-6028.
Lance Cpl. Matthew G. Reza, 27, of Austin, Texas, was killed May 31 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Khandahar province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S. C.
The incident is currently under investigation.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the MCAS Beaufort public affairs office at (843) 228-6028.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died June 1 in Nerkh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Fort Drum, N.Y.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Hall, 28, of Huntsville, Ala.
Pfc. Matthew D. Ogden, 33, of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Pfc. Matthew W. Wilson, 19, of Miller, Mo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Hall, 28, of Huntsville, Ala.
Pfc. Matthew D. Ogden, 33, of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Pfc. Matthew W. Wilson, 19, of Miller, Mo.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- June 3, 2009
New genomic science center will study infectious diseases [Baltimore, MD]
"Baltimore scientists will be on the front lines of the fight against new and emerging infectious disease, thanks to a $20 million federal grant establishing a new genomic sequencing center at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. [...] 'Our work under this project could lead to new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools in the fight against infectious diseases, from emerging diseases such as 2009 H1N1 to agents of bioterrorism,' said Claire Fraser-Liggett, director of the institute." Baltimore Sun; 03Jun09)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.briefs033jun03,0,33510.story
Tulane receives $7.07 million NIH [National Institutes of Health] grant to develop hemorrhagic fever virus detection kits
"Researchers at Tulane University, in collaboration with Corgenix Medical Corporation, a worldwide developer and marketer of diagnostic test kits, have received a five-year $7,073,538 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for continued development of detection kits for Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever, a serious disease spread by contact with infected rodents. [...] New outbreaks of the Lassa fever have been reported recently, including in Nigeria. 'We are now seeing much broader presence of this disease in Africa,' says Dr. Daniel Bausch, Director of the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Research and Training Program in West Africa. 'Within the past year alone we have seen a significant increase in the number of cases in Nigeria, with increased fatalities. It is critical that the assays we have already developed and are using in Africa, as well as others still in our development pipeline, become fully deployed to aid in this vital effort.'" (Medical News Today; 3Jun09)
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152289.php
Skokie [IL] mock drill prepares for health emergency
"The village Monday successfully hosted a mock exercise where regional health workers and others had to deliver medicine safely and efficiently in a short period of time. Many Niles West High School students participated in the drill, which was held from early morning to mid-afternoon in the school fieldhouse. 'It was the first fictional test for us of this kind, and it showed that we could successfully handle a situation like this,' said Skokie Director of Health Dr. Catherine Counard. [...] In total, Counard said, 2,861 students were 'treated' and 10,683 bottles of medicine were 'dispensed.' About 477 students were treated every hour, she said. The mock scenario had someone with a plague attending an event in Skokie and spreading disease. But Counard said it's not so important what triggered the call for dispensing medicine on a wide-spread basis; just that the need was there for one reason or another." (Skokie Review; 02Jun09; Mike Isaacs) http://www.pioneerlocal.com/skokie/news/1604576,skokie-emergdrill-060209-s1.article
PolyMedix develops antibiotic compounds to combat biowarfare pathogens
"PolyMedix, Inc., an emerging biotechnology company [...] has received a research contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in the amount of $1.6 million to develop new defensin-mimetic antibiotic compounds to combat biowarfare pathogens. [...] The work to be conducted by PolyMedix will include preclinical animal efficacy studies for intravenous defensin-mimetic antibiotic agents against Category A and B biopathogens, including the infectious agents which cause anthrax, plague, and tularemia." (Pharmaceutical Business Review; 02Jun09)
http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/news/polymedix_bags_dtra_contract_to_develop_antibiotic_compounds_against_biowarfare_pathogens_090602
Biodefense firm in running to develop anthrax vaccine
"An Annapolis biodefense firm said it is one of two companies left in the running for a government contract to develop 25 million doses of an anthrax vaccine. Employees of the Annapolis-based PharmAthene work together in a laboratory. The company said it is one of two firms competing for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contract to produce 25 million doses of an anthrax vaccine. Stacey Jurchison, spokeswoman for PharmAthene, said the only other firm competing for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contract is Emergent BioSolutions of Rockville. PharmAthene officials said the deal could be worth up to $500 million and is part of the government's effort to procure an anthrax vaccine for the national stockpile." (The Capital; 02Jun09; Katie Arcieri) http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/bus/2009/06/02-41/Biodefense-firm-in-running-to-develop-anthrax-vaccine.html
Response team seeks pharmacists to help prepare for response to bioterror[ism], pandemic [Livingston County, MI]
"The county is taking steps to ensure it's prepared in the event of a pandemic or biological attack by recruiting volunteer nurses and pharmacists. [...] Don Hayduk, Livingston County's emergency preparedness coordinator, said the county already has 200 nurses on its Public Health Volunteer Response Team, which was established in 2006, and it is just starting to recruit pharmacists, preferably those who live and work in the area. [...] In the event of an emergency, such as an anthrax attack or virus outbreak, the team will issue an alert with details as to how many volunteers are needed, where they will be sent and what skills or type of people are being requested. [...] The team was most recently partially activated during the recent H1N1 influenza outbreak, with several volunteers manning a phone bank and answering questions from the public. That resource allowed health officials to focus more closely on case investigations and day-to-day operations during the outbreak." (Livingston Daily; 02Jun09; Source: Kristofer Karol, Daily Press & Argus) http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090602/NEWS01/906020305/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Response+team+seeks+pharmacists+to+help+prepare+for+response+to+bioterror++pandemic
Army scientists explore new DNA vaccine delivery method [Fort Detrick, MD]
"Army scientists are studying a new DNA vaccine delivery method that will one day be needle-free and painless. […This] method relies on technology known as the 'gene gun,' which is capable of delivering the vaccine directly into cells. The needle-free vaccination method is more cost-effective and less painful for the recipient. […] Vaccines are in Phase I clinical testing, the first step toward licensure by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. […] USAMRIID [United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases] is producing a DNA vaccine for the Asian and European hanta viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. […] These viruses are found in many types of rodents, including rats, field mice and meadow voles. […] While the virus doesn't appear to affect the rodents' health, the virus does pose significant risk to humans." (Australia News; 01June09; Jennifer Cragg)
http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10542:army-scientists-explore-new-dna-vaccine-delivery-method-&catid=71:world-news&Itemid=201
Al Qaeda eyes bio attack [aimed at the U.S.] from Mexico
"U.S. counterterrorism officials have authenticated a video by an al Qaeda recruiter threatening to smuggle a biological weapon into the United States via tunnels under the Mexico border [...] The video aired earlier this year as a recruitment tool makes clear that al Qaeda is looking to exploit weaknesses in U.S. border security and also is willing to ally itself with white militia groups or other anti-government entities interested in carrying out an attack inside the United States, according to counterterrorism officials interviewed by The Washington Times. [...] The video first aired by the Arabic news network Al Jazeera in February and later posted to several Web sites shows Kuwaiti dissident Abdullah al-Nafisi telling a room full of supporters in Bahrain that al Qaeda is casing the U.S. border [...]." (Washington Times; 03Jun09; Sara A. Carter) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/03/al-qaeda-eyes-bio-attack-via-mexico-border/?source=newsletter_must-read-stories-today_photo_feature
Final hours [of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil-Eelam LTTE insurgency]
"Information gathered by this correspondent from a group of the last batch of 80,000 civilians to flee the LTTE-occupied zone reveals that the Tigers made a determination on May 10 that they had lost the war and that no purpose would be achieved by holding on to the civilians. However, it is not clear on what note they wanted to end the war. [...] TamilNet launched a no-holds-barred attack on the government and the international community hours after the LTTE's defeat. In a report the website said: 'Although [the Sri Lankan Government] initially claimed that the objective of the war was to defeat the LTTE, they have in fact killed and wounded several thousands of innocent Tamil civilians with heavy weapons. They used chemical weapons and cluster bombs on innocents, but they continue to deny the usage of such weapons. This war has claimed more than fifty thousand lives just within the last few months, but the Sri Lankan government is not going to open its mouth and tell this truth to the world.'" (Frontline, India; 06Jun09 edition; B. Muralidhar Reddy) http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20090619261200900.htm
Army: nerve gas leak contained at [Blue Grass Chemical] depot [KY]
"The Army says workers at the Blue Grass Army Depot have found the source of a nerve gas leak, detected last week. A news release stated a small amount of liquid sarin was coming from a rocket stored in an igloo. [...] U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency said the leak didn't pose a threat to people who live near the depot in Richmond [KY]." (Army Times; 03Jun09; Source: AP)
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/06/ap_nerve_gas_leak_060309/
No legal option for meeting chemical demilitarization deadline, report says
"A new report says that U.S. law prohibits the only realistic option for meeting the 2017 deadline set by Congress for complete elimination of the U.S. chemical-weapon stockpile [...] Demilitarization operations are under way or completed at most chemical weapons storage sites. However, the Defense Department is still building disposal plants at two installations. Even with a potential $1.2 billion in supplementary funding that could quicken the pace of work in coming years, operations are expected to conclude in 2017 at the Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado and four years later at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky." (Global Security Newswire; 02Jun09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090602_8404.php
Facility to destroy weapons opened [Shchuchye, Russia]
"On Friday, Russian and American officials formally dedicated the high-tech plant [Shchuchye, Russia], built with the help of $1 billion from the U.S. and designed to destroy about 2 million chemical weapons shells. [...] The 25-structure complex, the size of a small town, was largely funded by the U.S. under a program called the Cooperative Threat Reduction initiative, launched a year after the Soviet collapse. It is meant to help Russia cope with its vast Cold War arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. [...] The weapons at Shchuchye, loaded with nerve gases including VX and sarin, have a cataclysmic potential for terrorist attacks. [...] The Shchuchye facility significantly boosts destruction capacity. Russian officials claim it will allow the country to meet its treaty obligations of destroying all chemical weapons by 2012, although [U.S. Senator Richard Lugar] said that goal probably won't be met." (St. Petersburgh Times; 02Jun09; Jim Heintz)
http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=29150
Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot hiring security guards [OR]
"For the second time this year the Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot is hiring more security guards. The depot is hiring more guards because they are about to start another mission. They need more security while they dispose of a mustard chemical agent. About four million pounds of the chemical is stored there in large steel containers. [...] Guards will patrol the depot and protect the military chemicals. Leaders at the depot say it's an opportunity for veterans coming out of the service to continue using some of their skills." (NBC, KNDO/KNDU; 01Jun09)
http://www.kndo.com/Global/story.asp?S=10459943&nav=menu484_2
'Dirty bomb' scenario without the blasts [Albany, NY]
"The reaction to the exercise, part of a three-day effort called 'Empire 09,' was staged around the county hockey facility near Albany International Airport. It featured radiation screenings, officials in white 'space suit'-type outfits and aircraft to watch contaminated areas from the sky. The exercise, hosted by the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. It comes only weeks after the FBI arrested four alleged conspirators in a plot to blow up two synagogues in the Bronx and shoot down military planes at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh [NY]. [...] The drill showed the aftermath of the 'attack' -- two radioactive dirty bombs going off during the workday, one at Eagle and State streets, the other at Eagle Street and Madison Avenue. Projected maps show evacuations, from mandatory to voluntary, would stretch from a wide swath of downtown Albany across the Hudson River to the city of Rensselaer." (Times-Union; 03Jun09; Robert Gavin)
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=806113&category=REGIONOTHER
RST [Radiation Shield Technologies] introduces Demrontm-W Bomb Shield for nuclear/ballistic protection
"Miami-based Radiation Shield Technologies reports its Demrontm-W High Energy Nuclear/Ballistic IED RDD RED Shield offers complete protection against ballistics, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), radiological dispersive devices (RDDs), radiological emission devices (REDs), fragmentation bombs and nuclear spills. […] Demron […] is offered in two product lines including […] full-body suits, vests and blankets for first-responder and military applications. […] Its effectiveness in blocking gamma rays, x-rays and nuclear emissions has been proven by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Georgia Institute of Technology and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Demron-W fabrics are flame and acid-resistant and have received National Fire Protection Association Class 2 Certification for the 1994-2007 Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) Terrorism Incidents." (Textile World; 02June2009) http://www.textileworld.com/Articles/2009/June/RST_introduces_DemronW_bomb_shield.html
U.S. accidentally releases list of nuclear sites
"The federal government mistakenly made public a 266-page report, its pages marked 'highly confidential,' that gives detailed information about hundreds of the nation's civilian nuclear sites and programs, including maps showing the precise locations of stockpiles of fuel for nuclear weapons. [...] On Tuesday evening, after inquiries from The New York Times, the document was withdrawn from a Government Printing Office Web site. Several nuclear experts argued that any dangers from the disclosure were minimal, given that the general outlines of the most sensitive information were already known publicly. 'These screw-ups happen,' said John M. Deutch, a former director of central intelligence and deputy secretary of defense who is now a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 'It's going further than I would have gone but doesn't look like a serious breach.' But David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, a private group in Washington that tracks nuclear proliferation, said information that shows where nuclear fuels are stored 'can provide thieves or terrorists inside information that can help them seize the material, which is why that kind of data is not given out.'" (New York Times; 02Jun09; William J. Broad) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/us/03nuke.html?_r=3&hp
Pakistan rejects Indian reaction on JuD [Jama'at ud-Dawa and comments on nuclear security]
"When asked to comment on a press report that Pakistan was getting help from friendly countries for its nuclear security.' [...] Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said, our nuclear security, in general, and of our nuclear weapons, in particular, is completely indigenous. He said Pakistan has a well-established Nuclear Command and Control Authority, which is responsible for security of Pakistan's nuclear programme. 'Our command, control, safety and security systems are equal, if not better than other nuclear weapon states', he maintained." (Pakistan Observer; 03Jun09; Tanvir Siddiqi) http://pakobserver.net/200906/03/news/topstories06.asp
4 NY terror plot suspects plead not guilty
"Four men accused of crafting a terrorist plot targeting synagogues and military planes in New York have pleaded not guilty to additional charges. James Cromitie, Laguerre Payen (lah-GAYR' PAY'-en), David Williams and Onta (ON'-tay) Williams continue to be held without bail. [...] They were arrested May 20 after an elaborate FBI sting and charged with conspiracy counts. The new charges include attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and conspiracy to kill U.S. officers and employees." (Associated Press; 03Jun09)
http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/o/1110/06-03-2009/20090603105003_26.html
Guam's WMD-civil support team gets certified
"The Guam based 94th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) has been certified to handle WMD events. [...] That means that the 94th WMD team based in Barrigada is now fully ready to assist civil authorities in responding to any incident that may involve weapons of mass destruction and that they possess the skills, training, and equipment to do that. The 94th's certification brings the total number of teams certified by DOD [Department of Defense] up to 55, which completes the 55 authorized by congress to ensure one team is fielded in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia." (Pacific News Center; 03Jun09; Kevin Kerrigan)
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8357:guams-wmd-civil-support-team-gets-certified&catid=34:guam&Itemid=141
HazSWAT changed? Combining hazmat and SWAT [special weapons and tacics] training for tactical operators
"Although both entities [Hazmat and SWAT] are designated as first responders and bound by OSHA requirements, SWAT team operators have a different mission than a hazmat team when responding to potential hazards. During a normal SWAT call-out, we have to contain the human threat,' xplains Lt. Darin Dowe, Broward County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office (BCSO) SWAT operator and instructor, and tactical WMD program coordinator. 'With the suspected or actual hazmat/WMD threat we have two issues: Containing the person and containing the threat substance that person may or may not have.' Dowe says. '[In reference to] hostage rescue, we can't run into a house where it is suspected there is a CBRNE threat and put the operator in harm's way. We have to determine the level of protection we need before we can take action. Our goal is to ensure that the public and all public safety personnel are safe. [...].'" (Officer.com; May09; Michelle Perin)
http://www.officer.com/print/Law-Enforcement-Technology/HazSWAT-changed/1$46937
NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] concludes nuclear security training with Singapore emergency response teams
"The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today announced that it concluded a series of nuclear emergency training sessions involving more than 100 participants from the Singapore government and medical professions. The emergency training was designed to enhance Singapore's capabilities to respond to any nuclear or radiological incident. [...] During a training program in Singapore, NNSA officials provided briefings on its nuclear and radiological emergency response program at the sessions. [...] NNSA currently collaborates with over 60 foreign governments and 10 international organizations with projects ranging from providing assistance to foreign governments in improving their emergency preparedness and response programs, to joint collaborative activities to improve emergency management infrastructure worldwide." (National Nuclear Security Administration; 02Jun09) http://www.nnsa.energy.gov/news/2395.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
"Baltimore scientists will be on the front lines of the fight against new and emerging infectious disease, thanks to a $20 million federal grant establishing a new genomic sequencing center at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. [...] 'Our work under this project could lead to new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools in the fight against infectious diseases, from emerging diseases such as 2009 H1N1 to agents of bioterrorism,' said Claire Fraser-Liggett, director of the institute." Baltimore Sun; 03Jun09)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.briefs033jun03,0,33510.story
Tulane receives $7.07 million NIH [National Institutes of Health] grant to develop hemorrhagic fever virus detection kits
"Researchers at Tulane University, in collaboration with Corgenix Medical Corporation, a worldwide developer and marketer of diagnostic test kits, have received a five-year $7,073,538 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for continued development of detection kits for Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever, a serious disease spread by contact with infected rodents. [...] New outbreaks of the Lassa fever have been reported recently, including in Nigeria. 'We are now seeing much broader presence of this disease in Africa,' says Dr. Daniel Bausch, Director of the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Research and Training Program in West Africa. 'Within the past year alone we have seen a significant increase in the number of cases in Nigeria, with increased fatalities. It is critical that the assays we have already developed and are using in Africa, as well as others still in our development pipeline, become fully deployed to aid in this vital effort.'" (Medical News Today; 3Jun09)
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152289.php
Skokie [IL] mock drill prepares for health emergency
"The village Monday successfully hosted a mock exercise where regional health workers and others had to deliver medicine safely and efficiently in a short period of time. Many Niles West High School students participated in the drill, which was held from early morning to mid-afternoon in the school fieldhouse. 'It was the first fictional test for us of this kind, and it showed that we could successfully handle a situation like this,' said Skokie Director of Health Dr. Catherine Counard. [...] In total, Counard said, 2,861 students were 'treated' and 10,683 bottles of medicine were 'dispensed.' About 477 students were treated every hour, she said. The mock scenario had someone with a plague attending an event in Skokie and spreading disease. But Counard said it's not so important what triggered the call for dispensing medicine on a wide-spread basis; just that the need was there for one reason or another." (Skokie Review; 02Jun09; Mike Isaacs) http://www.pioneerlocal.com/skokie/news/1604576,skokie-emergdrill-060209-s1.article
PolyMedix develops antibiotic compounds to combat biowarfare pathogens
"PolyMedix, Inc., an emerging biotechnology company [...] has received a research contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in the amount of $1.6 million to develop new defensin-mimetic antibiotic compounds to combat biowarfare pathogens. [...] The work to be conducted by PolyMedix will include preclinical animal efficacy studies for intravenous defensin-mimetic antibiotic agents against Category A and B biopathogens, including the infectious agents which cause anthrax, plague, and tularemia." (Pharmaceutical Business Review; 02Jun09)
http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/news/polymedix_bags_dtra_contract_to_develop_antibiotic_compounds_against_biowarfare_pathogens_090602
Biodefense firm in running to develop anthrax vaccine
"An Annapolis biodefense firm said it is one of two companies left in the running for a government contract to develop 25 million doses of an anthrax vaccine. Employees of the Annapolis-based PharmAthene work together in a laboratory. The company said it is one of two firms competing for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contract to produce 25 million doses of an anthrax vaccine. Stacey Jurchison, spokeswoman for PharmAthene, said the only other firm competing for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contract is Emergent BioSolutions of Rockville. PharmAthene officials said the deal could be worth up to $500 million and is part of the government's effort to procure an anthrax vaccine for the national stockpile." (The Capital; 02Jun09; Katie Arcieri) http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/bus/2009/06/02-41/Biodefense-firm-in-running-to-develop-anthrax-vaccine.html
Response team seeks pharmacists to help prepare for response to bioterror[ism], pandemic [Livingston County, MI]
"The county is taking steps to ensure it's prepared in the event of a pandemic or biological attack by recruiting volunteer nurses and pharmacists. [...] Don Hayduk, Livingston County's emergency preparedness coordinator, said the county already has 200 nurses on its Public Health Volunteer Response Team, which was established in 2006, and it is just starting to recruit pharmacists, preferably those who live and work in the area. [...] In the event of an emergency, such as an anthrax attack or virus outbreak, the team will issue an alert with details as to how many volunteers are needed, where they will be sent and what skills or type of people are being requested. [...] The team was most recently partially activated during the recent H1N1 influenza outbreak, with several volunteers manning a phone bank and answering questions from the public. That resource allowed health officials to focus more closely on case investigations and day-to-day operations during the outbreak." (Livingston Daily; 02Jun09; Source: Kristofer Karol, Daily Press & Argus) http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090602/NEWS01/906020305/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Response+team+seeks+pharmacists+to+help+prepare+for+response+to+bioterror++pandemic
Army scientists explore new DNA vaccine delivery method [Fort Detrick, MD]
"Army scientists are studying a new DNA vaccine delivery method that will one day be needle-free and painless. […This] method relies on technology known as the 'gene gun,' which is capable of delivering the vaccine directly into cells. The needle-free vaccination method is more cost-effective and less painful for the recipient. […] Vaccines are in Phase I clinical testing, the first step toward licensure by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. […] USAMRIID [United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases] is producing a DNA vaccine for the Asian and European hanta viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. […] These viruses are found in many types of rodents, including rats, field mice and meadow voles. […] While the virus doesn't appear to affect the rodents' health, the virus does pose significant risk to humans." (Australia News; 01June09; Jennifer Cragg)
http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10542:army-scientists-explore-new-dna-vaccine-delivery-method-&catid=71:world-news&Itemid=201
Al Qaeda eyes bio attack [aimed at the U.S.] from Mexico
"U.S. counterterrorism officials have authenticated a video by an al Qaeda recruiter threatening to smuggle a biological weapon into the United States via tunnels under the Mexico border [...] The video aired earlier this year as a recruitment tool makes clear that al Qaeda is looking to exploit weaknesses in U.S. border security and also is willing to ally itself with white militia groups or other anti-government entities interested in carrying out an attack inside the United States, according to counterterrorism officials interviewed by The Washington Times. [...] The video first aired by the Arabic news network Al Jazeera in February and later posted to several Web sites shows Kuwaiti dissident Abdullah al-Nafisi telling a room full of supporters in Bahrain that al Qaeda is casing the U.S. border [...]." (Washington Times; 03Jun09; Sara A. Carter) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/03/al-qaeda-eyes-bio-attack-via-mexico-border/?source=newsletter_must-read-stories-today_photo_feature
Final hours [of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil-Eelam LTTE insurgency]
"Information gathered by this correspondent from a group of the last batch of 80,000 civilians to flee the LTTE-occupied zone reveals that the Tigers made a determination on May 10 that they had lost the war and that no purpose would be achieved by holding on to the civilians. However, it is not clear on what note they wanted to end the war. [...] TamilNet launched a no-holds-barred attack on the government and the international community hours after the LTTE's defeat. In a report the website said: 'Although [the Sri Lankan Government] initially claimed that the objective of the war was to defeat the LTTE, they have in fact killed and wounded several thousands of innocent Tamil civilians with heavy weapons. They used chemical weapons and cluster bombs on innocents, but they continue to deny the usage of such weapons. This war has claimed more than fifty thousand lives just within the last few months, but the Sri Lankan government is not going to open its mouth and tell this truth to the world.'" (Frontline, India; 06Jun09 edition; B. Muralidhar Reddy) http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20090619261200900.htm
Army: nerve gas leak contained at [Blue Grass Chemical] depot [KY]
"The Army says workers at the Blue Grass Army Depot have found the source of a nerve gas leak, detected last week. A news release stated a small amount of liquid sarin was coming from a rocket stored in an igloo. [...] U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency said the leak didn't pose a threat to people who live near the depot in Richmond [KY]." (Army Times; 03Jun09; Source: AP)
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/06/ap_nerve_gas_leak_060309/
No legal option for meeting chemical demilitarization deadline, report says
"A new report says that U.S. law prohibits the only realistic option for meeting the 2017 deadline set by Congress for complete elimination of the U.S. chemical-weapon stockpile [...] Demilitarization operations are under way or completed at most chemical weapons storage sites. However, the Defense Department is still building disposal plants at two installations. Even with a potential $1.2 billion in supplementary funding that could quicken the pace of work in coming years, operations are expected to conclude in 2017 at the Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado and four years later at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky." (Global Security Newswire; 02Jun09) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090602_8404.php
Facility to destroy weapons opened [Shchuchye, Russia]
"On Friday, Russian and American officials formally dedicated the high-tech plant [Shchuchye, Russia], built with the help of $1 billion from the U.S. and designed to destroy about 2 million chemical weapons shells. [...] The 25-structure complex, the size of a small town, was largely funded by the U.S. under a program called the Cooperative Threat Reduction initiative, launched a year after the Soviet collapse. It is meant to help Russia cope with its vast Cold War arsenal of weapons of mass destruction. [...] The weapons at Shchuchye, loaded with nerve gases including VX and sarin, have a cataclysmic potential for terrorist attacks. [...] The Shchuchye facility significantly boosts destruction capacity. Russian officials claim it will allow the country to meet its treaty obligations of destroying all chemical weapons by 2012, although [U.S. Senator Richard Lugar] said that goal probably won't be met." (St. Petersburgh Times; 02Jun09; Jim Heintz)
http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=29150
Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot hiring security guards [OR]
"For the second time this year the Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot is hiring more security guards. The depot is hiring more guards because they are about to start another mission. They need more security while they dispose of a mustard chemical agent. About four million pounds of the chemical is stored there in large steel containers. [...] Guards will patrol the depot and protect the military chemicals. Leaders at the depot say it's an opportunity for veterans coming out of the service to continue using some of their skills." (NBC, KNDO/KNDU; 01Jun09)
http://www.kndo.com/Global/story.asp?S=10459943&nav=menu484_2
'Dirty bomb' scenario without the blasts [Albany, NY]
"The reaction to the exercise, part of a three-day effort called 'Empire 09,' was staged around the county hockey facility near Albany International Airport. It featured radiation screenings, officials in white 'space suit'-type outfits and aircraft to watch contaminated areas from the sky. The exercise, hosted by the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. It comes only weeks after the FBI arrested four alleged conspirators in a plot to blow up two synagogues in the Bronx and shoot down military planes at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh [NY]. [...] The drill showed the aftermath of the 'attack' -- two radioactive dirty bombs going off during the workday, one at Eagle and State streets, the other at Eagle Street and Madison Avenue. Projected maps show evacuations, from mandatory to voluntary, would stretch from a wide swath of downtown Albany across the Hudson River to the city of Rensselaer." (Times-Union; 03Jun09; Robert Gavin)
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=806113&category=REGIONOTHER
RST [Radiation Shield Technologies] introduces Demrontm-W Bomb Shield for nuclear/ballistic protection
"Miami-based Radiation Shield Technologies reports its Demrontm-W High Energy Nuclear/Ballistic IED RDD RED Shield offers complete protection against ballistics, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), radiological dispersive devices (RDDs), radiological emission devices (REDs), fragmentation bombs and nuclear spills. […] Demron […] is offered in two product lines including […] full-body suits, vests and blankets for first-responder and military applications. […] Its effectiveness in blocking gamma rays, x-rays and nuclear emissions has been proven by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Georgia Institute of Technology and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Demron-W fabrics are flame and acid-resistant and have received National Fire Protection Association Class 2 Certification for the 1994-2007 Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) Terrorism Incidents." (Textile World; 02June2009) http://www.textileworld.com/Articles/2009/June/RST_introduces_DemronW_bomb_shield.html
U.S. accidentally releases list of nuclear sites
"The federal government mistakenly made public a 266-page report, its pages marked 'highly confidential,' that gives detailed information about hundreds of the nation's civilian nuclear sites and programs, including maps showing the precise locations of stockpiles of fuel for nuclear weapons. [...] On Tuesday evening, after inquiries from The New York Times, the document was withdrawn from a Government Printing Office Web site. Several nuclear experts argued that any dangers from the disclosure were minimal, given that the general outlines of the most sensitive information were already known publicly. 'These screw-ups happen,' said John M. Deutch, a former director of central intelligence and deputy secretary of defense who is now a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 'It's going further than I would have gone but doesn't look like a serious breach.' But David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, a private group in Washington that tracks nuclear proliferation, said information that shows where nuclear fuels are stored 'can provide thieves or terrorists inside information that can help them seize the material, which is why that kind of data is not given out.'" (New York Times; 02Jun09; William J. Broad) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/us/03nuke.html?_r=3&hp
Pakistan rejects Indian reaction on JuD [Jama'at ud-Dawa and comments on nuclear security]
"When asked to comment on a press report that Pakistan was getting help from friendly countries for its nuclear security.' [...] Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said, our nuclear security, in general, and of our nuclear weapons, in particular, is completely indigenous. He said Pakistan has a well-established Nuclear Command and Control Authority, which is responsible for security of Pakistan's nuclear programme. 'Our command, control, safety and security systems are equal, if not better than other nuclear weapon states', he maintained." (Pakistan Observer; 03Jun09; Tanvir Siddiqi) http://pakobserver.net/200906/03/news/topstories06.asp
4 NY terror plot suspects plead not guilty
"Four men accused of crafting a terrorist plot targeting synagogues and military planes in New York have pleaded not guilty to additional charges. James Cromitie, Laguerre Payen (lah-GAYR' PAY'-en), David Williams and Onta (ON'-tay) Williams continue to be held without bail. [...] They were arrested May 20 after an elaborate FBI sting and charged with conspiracy counts. The new charges include attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and conspiracy to kill U.S. officers and employees." (Associated Press; 03Jun09)
http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/o/1110/06-03-2009/20090603105003_26.html
Guam's WMD-civil support team gets certified
"The Guam based 94th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) has been certified to handle WMD events. [...] That means that the 94th WMD team based in Barrigada is now fully ready to assist civil authorities in responding to any incident that may involve weapons of mass destruction and that they possess the skills, training, and equipment to do that. The 94th's certification brings the total number of teams certified by DOD [Department of Defense] up to 55, which completes the 55 authorized by congress to ensure one team is fielded in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia." (Pacific News Center; 03Jun09; Kevin Kerrigan)
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8357:guams-wmd-civil-support-team-gets-certified&catid=34:guam&Itemid=141
HazSWAT changed? Combining hazmat and SWAT [special weapons and tacics] training for tactical operators
"Although both entities [Hazmat and SWAT] are designated as first responders and bound by OSHA requirements, SWAT team operators have a different mission than a hazmat team when responding to potential hazards. During a normal SWAT call-out, we have to contain the human threat,' xplains Lt. Darin Dowe, Broward County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office (BCSO) SWAT operator and instructor, and tactical WMD program coordinator. 'With the suspected or actual hazmat/WMD threat we have two issues: Containing the person and containing the threat substance that person may or may not have.' Dowe says. '[In reference to] hostage rescue, we can't run into a house where it is suspected there is a CBRNE threat and put the operator in harm's way. We have to determine the level of protection we need before we can take action. Our goal is to ensure that the public and all public safety personnel are safe. [...].'" (Officer.com; May09; Michelle Perin)
http://www.officer.com/print/Law-Enforcement-Technology/HazSWAT-changed/1$46937
NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] concludes nuclear security training with Singapore emergency response teams
"The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today announced that it concluded a series of nuclear emergency training sessions involving more than 100 participants from the Singapore government and medical professions. The emergency training was designed to enhance Singapore's capabilities to respond to any nuclear or radiological incident. [...] During a training program in Singapore, NNSA officials provided briefings on its nuclear and radiological emergency response program at the sessions. [...] NNSA currently collaborates with over 60 foreign governments and 10 international organizations with projects ranging from providing assistance to foreign governments in improving their emergency preparedness and response programs, to joint collaborative activities to improve emergency management infrastructure worldwide." (National Nuclear Security Administration; 02Jun09) http://www.nnsa.energy.gov/news/2395.htm
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Justin J. Duffy, 31, of Cozad, Neb., died June 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Sgt. Justin J. Duffy, 31, of Cozad, Neb., died June 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Forces Capture 45 Suspected Militants in Kirkuk
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - Iraqi and coalition forces captured 45 suspected militants and killed one during operations May 31 in Kirkuk, Iraq, military officials said. Combined forces killed the suspected terrorist and wounded another while attempting to arrest them during an operation in Kirkuk.
Both of the men were believed to be terrorist cell leaders involved in multiple kidnappings, murders and car bombings targeting Iraqi forces in Kirkuk province.
After moving toward the targeted building with an arrest warrant, the security forces received rifle fire that wounded one Iraqi soldier. Combined forces returned fire, killing one of the individuals and wounding the other, who was later found to be the wanted suspect. The slain enemy fighter was the suspect's associate, military officials said.
In a highly coordinated operation the same day, combined troops detained 44 suspected insurgents in the Aruba district of Kirkuk city.
In the largest detention mission since the U.S. unit and Kirkuk city police began joint operations in February, the troops captured detainees suspected of supporting crimes such as high-profile terrorist attacks against civilians and Iraqi forces, extortion, kidnapping and drug sales, military officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 2, 2009 - Iraqi and coalition forces captured 45 suspected militants and killed one during operations May 31 in Kirkuk, Iraq, military officials said. Combined forces killed the suspected terrorist and wounded another while attempting to arrest them during an operation in Kirkuk.
Both of the men were believed to be terrorist cell leaders involved in multiple kidnappings, murders and car bombings targeting Iraqi forces in Kirkuk province.
After moving toward the targeted building with an arrest warrant, the security forces received rifle fire that wounded one Iraqi soldier. Combined forces returned fire, killing one of the individuals and wounding the other, who was later found to be the wanted suspect. The slain enemy fighter was the suspect's associate, military officials said.
In a highly coordinated operation the same day, combined troops detained 44 suspected insurgents in the Aruba district of Kirkuk city.
In the largest detention mission since the U.S. unit and Kirkuk city police began joint operations in February, the troops captured detainees suspected of supporting crimes such as high-profile terrorist attacks against civilians and Iraqi forces, extortion, kidnapping and drug sales, military officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Troops in Afghanistan Combat Militants
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - Coalition and Afghan forces conducted operations against militants and defeated them today in Afghanistan, military officials said. Combined forces killed several militants in a firefight in Paktika province during a mission to capture a Taliban commander operating in the northern region of the province.
In the area's Mata Khan district, forces identified a vehicle carrying the wanted Taliban commander and other suspected militants at a remote location near Abd Ol Kala village.
When the combined force approached the militants' location, the armed combatants began firing on the force from a grove of trees. Forces returned fire and called for close-air support to suppress the enemy attack, ending the engagement in less than an hour. All six enemy combatants died in the fight.
In a separate operation in Wardak province, coalition and Afghan forces killed several more militants responsible for attacks in the province.
In the province's Nirkh district, a combined force patrolled a compound where militants had been tracked following an attack against security forces.
The militants are connected to a Taliban sub-commander involved in multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces using heavy weaponry, mines and suicide bombers, military officials said.
At the compound housing the known militants, two enemy combatants mounted on rooftops engaged Afghan forces. The Afghan troops returned fire, killing the combatants. The forces encountered and killed four armed militants inside the compound.
Troops found weapons and military equipment after the firefight.
Forces found multiple AK-47 assault rifles, chest racks, IED-making materials and grenades on the compound. Forces destroyed the grenades a safe distance off the compound and removed other weapons and associated materials.
A local citizen identified one of the dead combatants to be Shah Agha, a known Taliban sub-commander whom coalition forces had been targeting. He was responsible for facilitating attacks against security forces and for kidnapping government officials and contractors working in support of the Afghan government.
June 2, 2009 - Coalition and Afghan forces conducted operations against militants and defeated them today in Afghanistan, military officials said. Combined forces killed several militants in a firefight in Paktika province during a mission to capture a Taliban commander operating in the northern region of the province.
In the area's Mata Khan district, forces identified a vehicle carrying the wanted Taliban commander and other suspected militants at a remote location near Abd Ol Kala village.
When the combined force approached the militants' location, the armed combatants began firing on the force from a grove of trees. Forces returned fire and called for close-air support to suppress the enemy attack, ending the engagement in less than an hour. All six enemy combatants died in the fight.
In a separate operation in Wardak province, coalition and Afghan forces killed several more militants responsible for attacks in the province.
In the province's Nirkh district, a combined force patrolled a compound where militants had been tracked following an attack against security forces.
The militants are connected to a Taliban sub-commander involved in multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces using heavy weaponry, mines and suicide bombers, military officials said.
At the compound housing the known militants, two enemy combatants mounted on rooftops engaged Afghan forces. The Afghan troops returned fire, killing the combatants. The forces encountered and killed four armed militants inside the compound.
Troops found weapons and military equipment after the firefight.
Forces found multiple AK-47 assault rifles, chest racks, IED-making materials and grenades on the compound. Forces destroyed the grenades a safe distance off the compound and removed other weapons and associated materials.
A local citizen identified one of the dead combatants to be Shah Agha, a known Taliban sub-commander whom coalition forces had been targeting. He was responsible for facilitating attacks against security forces and for kidnapping government officials and contractors working in support of the Afghan government.
Army Reserve Chief Seeks Input From Troops in Afghanistan
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - The top Army Reserve officer arrived in Afghanistan today to hear firsthand how his deployed soldiers are faring, particularly in light of continued demand for their capabilities in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz told American Forces Press Service he's not interested in shaking hands with general officers or other top officials as he travels around Afghanistan. "I am interested in shaking hands with soldiers out on the battlefield and finding out what is going on in their minds," he said.
Stultz recalled past visits to the combat theater, where he admits he threw a curve ball to his handlers on the ground, who had scheduled a lineup of Power Point presentations and high-level meetings. "Don't put on some dog and pony show," he told them. "I want to get out and talk with soldiers."
Stultz sought out soldiers wherever he could find them, opting for impromptu encounters he hoped might elicit more candid viewpoints. Once, for example, as he was riding along in a Humvee, Stultz got his driver to make a sudden stop so he could chat with a group of soldiers whose convoy had pulled to the roadside.
"When you sit down and start talking and ask them where they're from and what's going on back home, you can start to get a sense from the soldier of how they are feeling," he said.
Time and time again, Stultz said, he hears a similar response. "The soldiers are proud of what they are doing," he said. "Soldiers feel good about what they are doing. They feel good that we are not wasting their time. We are taking care of their families. That is why our retention rates are through the roof."
Noting that deployed reservists typically express concern about their families' well being rather than their own, Stultz said the Army Reserve's increased emphasis on family support is paying big dividends. "I think they feel better now than two years ago that ... we are doing everything we can to take care of families," he said.
As he visits with deployed reservists, Stultz said he'll make it clear that the drawdown in Iraq doesn't mean there will be less demand for Army Reserve capabilities – at least not in the near term.
"Don't expect our operational tempo to slow down," he said he'll tell the troops. "We are the enabler force. And so, as you draw down brigade combat teams in Iraq, the enablers associated with that don't necessarily decrease simultaneously.
"You still have to have an infrastructure there that supports whatever is going on," the general said. Logistical, transportation, medical, military police and other related support are still needed by the Army Reserve. "The enablers still have to remain there for some time," he said.
Meanwhile, Stultz said, the buildup in Afghanistan means the combat troops arriving there will need more combat support and combat service support that the Army Reserve provides.
In light of those requirements, Stultz said he'll tell troops he's working to get them more predictable deployment schedules as quickly as possible. The Army Force Generation model, once fully implemented, will provide a five-year cycle for reservists to deploy, return home, then get more dwell time before preparing for the next deployment.
This model will bring more predictability not only to reservists and their families, but also to their civilian employers, Stultz said.
An increase in the Army Reserve end strength, now at 207,000, also promises to reduce stress on the force, he said. But because most of the newest reservists are junior enlisted soldiers, Stultz said the payoff won't be immediate.
"It's an investment for the future, but what we need now it to focus on growing our [non-commissioned officer] corps and growing our captains and majors," he said.
One way Stultz intends to do that is by recruiting more prior-service soldiers. "The Marines say, Once a Marine, always a Marine," he said. "I like to say, Soldier for Life. We find a lot of soldiers out there who have left the uniform but the uniform hasn't left them. And when we talk to them, they say they miss it. We're recouping some of them now."
As he talks with soldiers about their needs and shares with them what's ahead for the Army Reserve, Stultz said he'll also pass along the support of the American people as a whole, as well as Congress. "I want to reassure them that ...the men and women in uniform have the ultimate respect of this nation for what they are doing," he said.
"And in my dealings with Congress – whether office calls or in congressional testimony, and whether or not they agree or disagree with the war – one thing always rings true," he said. "They want to support soldiers. So they always say, 'Tell me what the soldiers need.'"
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - The top Army Reserve officer arrived in Afghanistan today to hear firsthand how his deployed soldiers are faring, particularly in light of continued demand for their capabilities in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz told American Forces Press Service he's not interested in shaking hands with general officers or other top officials as he travels around Afghanistan. "I am interested in shaking hands with soldiers out on the battlefield and finding out what is going on in their minds," he said.
Stultz recalled past visits to the combat theater, where he admits he threw a curve ball to his handlers on the ground, who had scheduled a lineup of Power Point presentations and high-level meetings. "Don't put on some dog and pony show," he told them. "I want to get out and talk with soldiers."
Stultz sought out soldiers wherever he could find them, opting for impromptu encounters he hoped might elicit more candid viewpoints. Once, for example, as he was riding along in a Humvee, Stultz got his driver to make a sudden stop so he could chat with a group of soldiers whose convoy had pulled to the roadside.
"When you sit down and start talking and ask them where they're from and what's going on back home, you can start to get a sense from the soldier of how they are feeling," he said.
Time and time again, Stultz said, he hears a similar response. "The soldiers are proud of what they are doing," he said. "Soldiers feel good about what they are doing. They feel good that we are not wasting their time. We are taking care of their families. That is why our retention rates are through the roof."
Noting that deployed reservists typically express concern about their families' well being rather than their own, Stultz said the Army Reserve's increased emphasis on family support is paying big dividends. "I think they feel better now than two years ago that ... we are doing everything we can to take care of families," he said.
As he visits with deployed reservists, Stultz said he'll make it clear that the drawdown in Iraq doesn't mean there will be less demand for Army Reserve capabilities – at least not in the near term.
"Don't expect our operational tempo to slow down," he said he'll tell the troops. "We are the enabler force. And so, as you draw down brigade combat teams in Iraq, the enablers associated with that don't necessarily decrease simultaneously.
"You still have to have an infrastructure there that supports whatever is going on," the general said. Logistical, transportation, medical, military police and other related support are still needed by the Army Reserve. "The enablers still have to remain there for some time," he said.
Meanwhile, Stultz said, the buildup in Afghanistan means the combat troops arriving there will need more combat support and combat service support that the Army Reserve provides.
In light of those requirements, Stultz said he'll tell troops he's working to get them more predictable deployment schedules as quickly as possible. The Army Force Generation model, once fully implemented, will provide a five-year cycle for reservists to deploy, return home, then get more dwell time before preparing for the next deployment.
This model will bring more predictability not only to reservists and their families, but also to their civilian employers, Stultz said.
An increase in the Army Reserve end strength, now at 207,000, also promises to reduce stress on the force, he said. But because most of the newest reservists are junior enlisted soldiers, Stultz said the payoff won't be immediate.
"It's an investment for the future, but what we need now it to focus on growing our [non-commissioned officer] corps and growing our captains and majors," he said.
One way Stultz intends to do that is by recruiting more prior-service soldiers. "The Marines say, Once a Marine, always a Marine," he said. "I like to say, Soldier for Life. We find a lot of soldiers out there who have left the uniform but the uniform hasn't left them. And when we talk to them, they say they miss it. We're recouping some of them now."
As he talks with soldiers about their needs and shares with them what's ahead for the Army Reserve, Stultz said he'll also pass along the support of the American people as a whole, as well as Congress. "I want to reassure them that ...the men and women in uniform have the ultimate respect of this nation for what they are doing," he said.
"And in my dealings with Congress – whether office calls or in congressional testimony, and whether or not they agree or disagree with the war – one thing always rings true," he said. "They want to support soldiers. So they always say, 'Tell me what the soldiers need.'"
Face of Defense: NYPD Officer's Service Spans from Vietnam to Iraq
American Forces Press ServiceJune 2, 2009 - From the jungles of Vietnam to the streets of New York City to the deserts of Iraq, one Army noncommissioned officer has proved his dedication to the country through decades of service. A 58-year-old veteran of the Vietnam War, Sgt. 1st Class Luis R. Laluz, 321st Sustainment Brigade, said he remembers spending 1969 and 1970 face down in a rice paddy with an NCO by his side. Now, 40 years later, he's the veteran NCO all young soldiers look up to for inspiration and advice.
Laluz, who started his service as a member of the Army Reserve in New York City, admitted he thought he was done with overseas deployments; he did his time in a combat zone and that was enough.
"But how can you put a limit to it?" said the Staten Island, N.Y., native. "You can do five years, 20 years, 30 years -- is it really enough when your country needs you?"
The war on terrorism hit close to home for the New York City police officer, who lost two relatives on 9/11.
With a harsh, rapid-fire New York City accent and a stocky, muscular build, Laluz stands out from most soldiers in the 321st, a Reserve unit from Louisiana. The amateur bodybuilder, who started lifting weights when he was 12 years old, won the Mr. New Jersey Shore and Mr. America titles in 1983 and 1989, respectively.
Laluz said he was selected to promote physical fitness training in his unit because of his extensive background in bodybuilding. He's personally taken soldiers under his guidance to show them how to exercise properly, eat healthy and change years of bad lifestyle habits.
One such soldier is Sgt. Joshua S. Moak, a senior land manager from Baton Rouge, La.
Moak lost 40 pounds in two-and-a-half months under Laluz's tutelage. He described his first day working out with Laluz as one of excruciating pain.
"When we were done, we couldn't raise our arms above our heads," he said. "The next day, I couldn't move my arms at all, but we kept at it."
An NCO's duty, Laluz said, is to look out for the welfare of his soldiers. His proudest moment was helping a soldier pass her physical fitness test for the first time in years. They would exercise and eat together, to ensure she ate only healthy, all-natural foods.
"The more they ask me questions, the more I get motivated, the more I want to help them," Laluz said. "Anybody can learn how to work out. I could teach a chimpanzee how to pick up a dumbbell."
The most important aspect to physical fitness, Laluz stresses over and over again to his soldiers, is proper nutrition and lifestyle choices. That's the key to getting in shape and staying in shape, he said.
Moak said he tried to lose weight and get in shape for years. It took the proper guidance and motivation from Laluz to put him on the path to success.
"I had no idea you could get in shape so quickly. His program's way better than anything I could have done on my own," Moak said, adding that he was told to exchange his uniforms for a smaller size because his were too big.
(From a 3rd Sustainment Command Expeditionary news release).
Taliban Increasingly Target Civilians in Eastern Afghanistan, Commander Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - Conditions in eastern Afghanistan have been challenging, but coalition efforts have paid off with improved security and development, the commander of Regional Command – East said today. One major challenge that remains is the Taliban targeting innocent civilians, Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser said during a videoconference with reporters at the Pentagon. While there is a growing realization among the Afghan people that the Taliban deliberately target civilians, it still doesn't elicit the outrage as when coalition forces accidentally kill civilians, he noted.
Schloesser, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force 101, turns over command for Regional Command – East to Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, tomorrow.
The Taliban and their allies continue to target and launch attacks on the Afghan people every day, the general said. "Where the enemy is attacking, they are clearly aiming for softer targets, like civilians, as well as Afghan institutions, like district centers, that represent governance at the lowest levels," Schloesser said.
He said he has been surprised by the willingness of the Taliban to attack innocent civilians, including killing women and children.
While there is clearly outrage in many areas of Afghanistan when ISAF mistakenly kill civilians, "I don't see the level of moral outrage" when insurgents kill civilians, he said. "The deliberate targeting of [them] is incredible to me, and I would have thought that the world would find it despicable."
Roughly 75 percent of the attacks in eastern Afghanistan occur in just 25 percent of the 158 districts. "We have a lot of districts in eastern Afghanistan where the level of violence just does not affect the people," he said.
Still, there has been an increase in violence in the region for the past three years, Schloesser said. This year so far, the level of violence is up about 25 percent over last year.
"Unlike last year, most of that violence I attribute to the operations that we're conducting with our Afghan partners, as well as those new forces," he said. "The bottom line is we're in areas that we were not before. We've increased forces sometimes tenfold in those areas, and it's making a heck of a difference to the insurgents, and I know eventually it will make a difference to the Afghan people in those areas."
The command has grown from two brigade combat teams to five, Schloesser said. There are more Afghan army and national police units in the region. The command has worked hard on the counterinsurgency campaign that highlights security and development at the district level. "We try to do all this with and by and through our Afghan partners," he said.
There is more development aid and growing Afghan government capabilities to help the people, the general added. "There's no doubt in my mind there's been substantial improvement across the board with some of these resources or all of these resources," he said. "But I do want to highlight that we're nowhere near the tipping point yet, and I also will say that progress is fragile."
The progress has been tough and not without sacrifice. "We've lost 178 soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and civilians killed in action up till this afternoon, and 810 wounded – some of them grievously," Schloesser said. "There's no way we can bring them back; there's no way that we can express enough grief to their loved ones. But I do want them to know that there's not a day that goes by that we don't think about their sacrifices or the sacrifices of their families."
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - Conditions in eastern Afghanistan have been challenging, but coalition efforts have paid off with improved security and development, the commander of Regional Command – East said today. One major challenge that remains is the Taliban targeting innocent civilians, Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser said during a videoconference with reporters at the Pentagon. While there is a growing realization among the Afghan people that the Taliban deliberately target civilians, it still doesn't elicit the outrage as when coalition forces accidentally kill civilians, he noted.
Schloesser, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force 101, turns over command for Regional Command – East to Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, tomorrow.
The Taliban and their allies continue to target and launch attacks on the Afghan people every day, the general said. "Where the enemy is attacking, they are clearly aiming for softer targets, like civilians, as well as Afghan institutions, like district centers, that represent governance at the lowest levels," Schloesser said.
He said he has been surprised by the willingness of the Taliban to attack innocent civilians, including killing women and children.
While there is clearly outrage in many areas of Afghanistan when ISAF mistakenly kill civilians, "I don't see the level of moral outrage" when insurgents kill civilians, he said. "The deliberate targeting of [them] is incredible to me, and I would have thought that the world would find it despicable."
Roughly 75 percent of the attacks in eastern Afghanistan occur in just 25 percent of the 158 districts. "We have a lot of districts in eastern Afghanistan where the level of violence just does not affect the people," he said.
Still, there has been an increase in violence in the region for the past three years, Schloesser said. This year so far, the level of violence is up about 25 percent over last year.
"Unlike last year, most of that violence I attribute to the operations that we're conducting with our Afghan partners, as well as those new forces," he said. "The bottom line is we're in areas that we were not before. We've increased forces sometimes tenfold in those areas, and it's making a heck of a difference to the insurgents, and I know eventually it will make a difference to the Afghan people in those areas."
The command has grown from two brigade combat teams to five, Schloesser said. There are more Afghan army and national police units in the region. The command has worked hard on the counterinsurgency campaign that highlights security and development at the district level. "We try to do all this with and by and through our Afghan partners," he said.
There is more development aid and growing Afghan government capabilities to help the people, the general added. "There's no doubt in my mind there's been substantial improvement across the board with some of these resources or all of these resources," he said. "But I do want to highlight that we're nowhere near the tipping point yet, and I also will say that progress is fragile."
The progress has been tough and not without sacrifice. "We've lost 178 soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and civilians killed in action up till this afternoon, and 810 wounded – some of them grievously," Schloesser said. "There's no way we can bring them back; there's no way that we can express enough grief to their loved ones. But I do want them to know that there's not a day that goes by that we don't think about their sacrifices or the sacrifices of their families."
U.S. Forces Afghanistan Launches Social Networking Pages
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - The command overseeing U.S. operations in Afghanistan today announced the official launch of its social networking strategy with pages on three online sites. The social networking pages are the first-ever effort by the military in Afghanistan to engage online audiences directly with news, videos, pictures and other information from Operation Enduring Freedom, military officials said.
In the two weeks since beta testing began, social networking has become a major focus of U.S. Forces Afghanistan's communication efforts, rapidly delivering an unfiltered view of the war from troops on the ground and opening a two-way dialogue with people around the world interested in the Afghanistan mission, officials said.
Since testing began May 12, the USFOR-A Facebook page has drawn more than 4,700 fans, and more than 1,400 people and organizations have signed up to follow its "tweets" on Twitter. There was no active marketing of either site during the beta testing period.
Those who become Facebook fans or sign up to follow USFOR-A tweets will receive a firsthand look at reports, videos and images from troops on the ground, including products that are not available in the mainstream media, like exclusive video from Afghan special operations forces, officials said.
Video of a four-day operation last week to disrupt drug production and smuggling by insurgents was first featured on the command's Facebook and YouTube sites. The operation led to the deaths of 64 militants and netted more than 100 tons of narcotics – the biggest bust in more than seven years of war in Afghanistan, officials said.
Importantly for the war effort, the pages have quickened the pace at which commanders can get information to the public, allowing them to preempt extremist propaganda. The Taliban regularly make false claims of military victories to the Afghan press, which more often quotes insurgent groups than western spokespeople, officials said.
While U.S. Forces Afghanistan's social networking activities aren't focused on countering insurgent claims in the Afghan press, public affairs personnel said they hope the sites help strip militants of their attempt to influence the international press.
(From a U.S. Forces Afghanistan news release.)
June 2, 2009 - The command overseeing U.S. operations in Afghanistan today announced the official launch of its social networking strategy with pages on three online sites. The social networking pages are the first-ever effort by the military in Afghanistan to engage online audiences directly with news, videos, pictures and other information from Operation Enduring Freedom, military officials said.
In the two weeks since beta testing began, social networking has become a major focus of U.S. Forces Afghanistan's communication efforts, rapidly delivering an unfiltered view of the war from troops on the ground and opening a two-way dialogue with people around the world interested in the Afghanistan mission, officials said.
Since testing began May 12, the USFOR-A Facebook page has drawn more than 4,700 fans, and more than 1,400 people and organizations have signed up to follow its "tweets" on Twitter. There was no active marketing of either site during the beta testing period.
Those who become Facebook fans or sign up to follow USFOR-A tweets will receive a firsthand look at reports, videos and images from troops on the ground, including products that are not available in the mainstream media, like exclusive video from Afghan special operations forces, officials said.
Video of a four-day operation last week to disrupt drug production and smuggling by insurgents was first featured on the command's Facebook and YouTube sites. The operation led to the deaths of 64 militants and netted more than 100 tons of narcotics – the biggest bust in more than seven years of war in Afghanistan, officials said.
Importantly for the war effort, the pages have quickened the pace at which commanders can get information to the public, allowing them to preempt extremist propaganda. The Taliban regularly make false claims of military victories to the Afghan press, which more often quotes insurgent groups than western spokespeople, officials said.
While U.S. Forces Afghanistan's social networking activities aren't focused on countering insurgent claims in the Afghan press, public affairs personnel said they hope the sites help strip militants of their attempt to influence the international press.
(From a U.S. Forces Afghanistan news release.)
Stavridis Stresses Transatlantic Alliance in Afghanistan at Senate Hearing
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - The nominee for the top NATO command job told Congress he would urge European allies to continue standing "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Afghanistan if confirmed for the position. Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, commander of U.S. Southern Command, appeared before the Senate Armed Service Committee today for his confirmation hearing. Stavridis has been tapped by President Barack Obama as the new supreme allied commander for Europe and commander of U.S. European Command, pending Senate confirmation.
In opening remarks, Stavridis emphasized the importance of a transatlantic alliance, especially regarding the joint U.S.-NATO mission in Afghanistan where 54,000 U.S. forces and 33,000 NATO troops are currently deployed.
"I hope to be a positive force...in convincing our allies to continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in important missions throughout the world and in particular in Afghanistan," he told senators.
The admiral vowed to take the same approach in Europe that he has at U.S. Southern Command – emphasizing collegiality, multilateralism, international solutions and the so-called "whole of government" approach that complements military efforts with diplomacy, economic aid and other instruments of state power.
"These are challenging times in Europe; they're challenging times in Afghanistan and the world," he said. "If confirmed, I will do my best."
For Stavridis, an appointment to the dual-hatted European duty would represent a return to the continent where he lived as a child and studied as a doctoral student at the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. His resume includes experience working alongside NATO allies in previous conflicts and knowledge of three European languages.
"I have a fair amount of background in Europe, in addition to having lived there as a child. I've traveled Europe extensively over the years," he said. "I've operated with NATO off of Haiti, the Balkans, in the Gulf, studied NATO as part of my academic work that the Navy sent me to at the Fletcher School years ago."
Stavridis, who would replace Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, would be the first naval officer to hold the command in Europe.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who announced Stavridis's nomination in March, praised the admiral as one of the nation's best military officers.
"I would say that Jim Stavridis, both in terms of knowledge of how things work in the inter-agency here in Washington, but also in terms of his diplomatic skills, is probably one of the best senior military officers we have," Gates said at a March 18 Pentagon news conference.
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - The nominee for the top NATO command job told Congress he would urge European allies to continue standing "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Afghanistan if confirmed for the position. Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, commander of U.S. Southern Command, appeared before the Senate Armed Service Committee today for his confirmation hearing. Stavridis has been tapped by President Barack Obama as the new supreme allied commander for Europe and commander of U.S. European Command, pending Senate confirmation.
In opening remarks, Stavridis emphasized the importance of a transatlantic alliance, especially regarding the joint U.S.-NATO mission in Afghanistan where 54,000 U.S. forces and 33,000 NATO troops are currently deployed.
"I hope to be a positive force...in convincing our allies to continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in important missions throughout the world and in particular in Afghanistan," he told senators.
The admiral vowed to take the same approach in Europe that he has at U.S. Southern Command – emphasizing collegiality, multilateralism, international solutions and the so-called "whole of government" approach that complements military efforts with diplomacy, economic aid and other instruments of state power.
"These are challenging times in Europe; they're challenging times in Afghanistan and the world," he said. "If confirmed, I will do my best."
For Stavridis, an appointment to the dual-hatted European duty would represent a return to the continent where he lived as a child and studied as a doctoral student at the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. His resume includes experience working alongside NATO allies in previous conflicts and knowledge of three European languages.
"I have a fair amount of background in Europe, in addition to having lived there as a child. I've traveled Europe extensively over the years," he said. "I've operated with NATO off of Haiti, the Balkans, in the Gulf, studied NATO as part of my academic work that the Navy sent me to at the Fletcher School years ago."
Stavridis, who would replace Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, would be the first naval officer to hold the command in Europe.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who announced Stavridis's nomination in March, praised the admiral as one of the nation's best military officers.
"I would say that Jim Stavridis, both in terms of knowledge of how things work in the inter-agency here in Washington, but also in terms of his diplomatic skills, is probably one of the best senior military officers we have," Gates said at a March 18 Pentagon news conference.
Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team Certified For Guam and the United States Virgin Islands
The Department of Defense (DoD) notified Congress yesterday that the Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD-CST) of the Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard are now certified.
The 94th WMD-CST of Barrigada, Guam, and the 23rd WMD-CST of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, are fully ready to assist civil authorities in responding to a domestic weapon of mass destruction incident, and possesses the requisite skills, training, and equipment to be proficient in all mission requirements.
The teams certified today bring the total number of teams certified by DoD to 55, which completes the 55 authorized by Congress to ensures one team is fielded in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
The 94th WMD-CST of Barrigada, Guam, and the 23rd WMD-CST of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, are fully ready to assist civil authorities in responding to a domestic weapon of mass destruction incident, and possesses the requisite skills, training, and equipment to be proficient in all mission requirements.
The teams certified today bring the total number of teams certified by DoD to 55, which completes the 55 authorized by Congress to ensures one team is fielded in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
Afghan Strategy Requires 'Holistic' Approach, General Tells Senate
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - Despite impressive progress in many areas, the situation in Afghanistan remains serious, the nominee to become the next commander of both the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan said during his Senate confirmation testimony today. "Afghans face a combination of challenges – a resilient Taliban insurgency, increasing levels of violence, [a] lack of governance capability, persistent corruption, lack of development in key areas, illicit narcotics and malign influences from other countries," said Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal. "There is no simple answer. We must conduct a holistic counterinsurgency campaign and we must do it well."
A key component to a holistic campaign is people, McChrystal said. More than 21,000 additional U.S. military personnel will deploy to Afghanistan by October. McChrystal admitted he didn't know if that would be enough and might not for some time.
"What I do know is a military-centric strategy will not succeed," he said.
As part of a broader approach, the State Department and other federal agencies are preparing to train and deploy additional civilian personnel with vital governance and development expertise, the general said said. In fact, there is ongoing development of an integrated civil-military plan with Karl Eikenberry, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, and his team to unite efforts across security, governance and development, he said.
Counterinsurgency is difficult and demands resources, courage and commitment over time, as each step of the "shape, clear, hold, build, process presents challenges," McChrystal said.
"We face serious challenges, but the insurgents who threaten the Afghan people offer no vision for a better future, and thus remain vulnerable to a government in Afghanistan that can provide one.
"This must be Afghanistan's effort, with our committed support," he added.
Central to counterinsurgency is protecting the people, and how the United States conducts operations is vital to success, McChrystal said.
"This is a critical point. It may be the critical point," he said. "This is a struggle for the support of the Afghan people.
"Our willingness to operate in ways that minimize casualties or damage, even when doing so makes our task more difficult, is essential to our credibility," he added.
While McChrystal said he anticipates a tough fight ahead, the measuring stick used to judge effectiveness will not be the number of enemy killed, but the number of Afghans shielded from violence.
That shielding is best done by the Afghans, he added. To that end, the development of both the Afghan National Army and national police is his highest priority.
"Presently, ISAF forces are conducting security and stability operations, providing senior leadership in all five regional commands, and are directly involved in the mentoring, training and equipping of the Afghan National Army," McChrystal said. "At this point, I also believe the Afghan national security forces will likely need to grow beyond the currently approved strengths to proved adequate security."
McChrystal, the current director of the Joint Staff, also touched on the topic of interrogation and the treatment of detainees. Considerable time and energy has been invested and improvement in this area has been continuous, he said.
"As this committee knows, since 9/11 our forces have learned valuable lessons regarding the treatment of detainees and made mistakes along the way," he said. "If confirmed, I will strictly enforce the highest standards of detainee treatment consistent with international and U.S. law."
The 1976 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point completed the Special Forces Officer Course in April 1979. He had several assignments before reporting to the Naval War College in June 1989. For the five years before he became the director of the Joint Staff in 2008, McChrystal served as the commanding general of Joint Special Operations Command.
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2009 - Despite impressive progress in many areas, the situation in Afghanistan remains serious, the nominee to become the next commander of both the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan said during his Senate confirmation testimony today. "Afghans face a combination of challenges – a resilient Taliban insurgency, increasing levels of violence, [a] lack of governance capability, persistent corruption, lack of development in key areas, illicit narcotics and malign influences from other countries," said Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal. "There is no simple answer. We must conduct a holistic counterinsurgency campaign and we must do it well."
A key component to a holistic campaign is people, McChrystal said. More than 21,000 additional U.S. military personnel will deploy to Afghanistan by October. McChrystal admitted he didn't know if that would be enough and might not for some time.
"What I do know is a military-centric strategy will not succeed," he said.
As part of a broader approach, the State Department and other federal agencies are preparing to train and deploy additional civilian personnel with vital governance and development expertise, the general said said. In fact, there is ongoing development of an integrated civil-military plan with Karl Eikenberry, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, and his team to unite efforts across security, governance and development, he said.
Counterinsurgency is difficult and demands resources, courage and commitment over time, as each step of the "shape, clear, hold, build, process presents challenges," McChrystal said.
"We face serious challenges, but the insurgents who threaten the Afghan people offer no vision for a better future, and thus remain vulnerable to a government in Afghanistan that can provide one.
"This must be Afghanistan's effort, with our committed support," he added.
Central to counterinsurgency is protecting the people, and how the United States conducts operations is vital to success, McChrystal said.
"This is a critical point. It may be the critical point," he said. "This is a struggle for the support of the Afghan people.
"Our willingness to operate in ways that minimize casualties or damage, even when doing so makes our task more difficult, is essential to our credibility," he added.
While McChrystal said he anticipates a tough fight ahead, the measuring stick used to judge effectiveness will not be the number of enemy killed, but the number of Afghans shielded from violence.
That shielding is best done by the Afghans, he added. To that end, the development of both the Afghan National Army and national police is his highest priority.
"Presently, ISAF forces are conducting security and stability operations, providing senior leadership in all five regional commands, and are directly involved in the mentoring, training and equipping of the Afghan National Army," McChrystal said. "At this point, I also believe the Afghan national security forces will likely need to grow beyond the currently approved strengths to proved adequate security."
McChrystal, the current director of the Joint Staff, also touched on the topic of interrogation and the treatment of detainees. Considerable time and energy has been invested and improvement in this area has been continuous, he said.
"As this committee knows, since 9/11 our forces have learned valuable lessons regarding the treatment of detainees and made mistakes along the way," he said. "If confirmed, I will strictly enforce the highest standards of detainee treatment consistent with international and U.S. law."
The 1976 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point completed the Special Forces Officer Course in April 1979. He had several assignments before reporting to the Naval War College in June 1989. For the five years before he became the director of the Joint Staff in 2008, McChrystal served as the commanding general of Joint Special Operations Command.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Marko M. Samson, 30, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 31 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 277th Aviation Support Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For further information contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Spc. Marko M. Samson, 30, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 31 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 277th Aviation Support Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For further information contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Samuel D. Stone, 20, of Port Orchard, Wash., died May 30 in Tallil, Iraq, of injuries suffered during a non-combat related vehicle roll-over. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment, Bremerton, Wash.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information contact the Washington Army National Guard public affairs office at (253) 512-8481 or (253) 512-8989.
Pfc. Samuel D. Stone, 20, of Port Orchard, Wash., died May 30 in Tallil, Iraq, of injuries suffered during a non-combat related vehicle roll-over. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment, Bremerton, Wash.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information contact the Washington Army National Guard public affairs office at (253) 512-8481 or (253) 512-8989.
U.S. Projects Pay Sadr City Residents to Promote Peace
By Army Staff Sgt. Mark BurrellSpecial to American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2009 - At an Iraqi army base in the Sadr City district here, 302 civil project workers put on fresh clothes for their monthly payday May 28. Their project, funded by the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, paid out about $100,000 to workers from the district's Jamilla neighborhood, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Kurt Blankenship, an infantryman and operations noncommissioned officer assigned to the battalion's joint operations cell.
Each civil project worker earns about $300 a month, Blankenship said.
"It's a win-win situation," he added. "We're providing jobs for local [residents], and we're also having them clean up their own areas while at the same time, we're getting tips and leads."
The workers clean up their neighborhoods and help out with security by functioning as a neighborhood watch, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Marc Dixon, a tanker platoon sergeant assigned to the battalion's Company B.
"To help coalition forces, they man various checkpoints throughout their neighborhoods, or muhallas," Dixon said. "As they man their checkpoints, they are the eyes and ears for coalition forces. When we conduct patrols throughout the day or night, we stop off at the checkpoints, and they'll inform us if there's any suspicious activity, and they'll also let their local Iraqi army and Iraqi police know if there's anything suspicious going on."
Dixon said the program has been a success, and is one of the main factors behind a sharp decrease in violence in the area.
"It keeps [them] doing something positive for their community, for themselves and for their families," Dixon said as his company's soldiers pulled security duty for the payday event. "If we offer them good jobs, it keeps them off the streets, plus it lets them see us, as Americans, not being the bad guys -- that we're in their country trying to help them earn that respect and responsibility while we're here."
A table was set up and manned by a local sheik and soldiers as the Iraqi workers queued up outside with their identification cards, waiting to be paid.
"We worked hard and earned the money by helping security and helping clean the community up," said Sheik Mohammed Ali Mutar, a contracting officer for the project. The contracting officer supplies the workers with food while on guard and other equipment they need to perform their duties, Blankenship said.
Mohammed said that during the past month, the vigilant workers have reported suspicious people and improvised explosive devices, found illegal weapons caches and reported high-value targets.
"If they're not watching out for the neighborhood, they're cleaning up, picking up trash and making sure their area is squared away," Dixon said. He also commented on the large improvements his soldiers have seen in the area regarding litter.
"It gives them responsibility," he said. "Instead of carrying a weapon, ... the broom symbolizes that right now, it's time to clean up their areas ... to show their neighbors it's time to pick up the community and raise ourselves back up to where we were."
Blankenship agreed. "I'm not saying that these guys are perfect," he said. "But I'll tell you, the majority of them want to help. They want to be there to help you, and they want to be right beside us on patrol if they could."
But even though they're not carrying weapons, Blankenship added, the workers are making a key contribution to security.
"Instead of carrying weapons," he said, "they're manned with brooms and shovels." But, those aren't their only tools. The workers also are armed with their eyes and ears, he added, and most importantly, with their pride.
(Army Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad public affairs office.)
U.S. Combat Troops on Pace to Leave Iraqi Cities by June 30
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2009 - American combat troops are on pace to leave Iraqi cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated by the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, U.S. officials in Baghdad said yesterday. Army Brig. Gen. Keith Walker, commander of the Iraq Assistance Group, said in a news conference that security throughout the country has continued to improve.
The security agreement calls for all coalition combat forces to be out of the cities by the end of the month. "We will adhere to the security agreement," Walker said. "So, all combat forces will be out of the cities unless there is a specific invitation from the government of Iraq."
U.S. forces will be available in advisory roles and to provide enabler capabilities, the general said.
In 2007, there was an average of 900 attacks per week. In 2008, that number dropped to 200 attacks per week. In 22 of the 26 weeks this year, fewer than 100 attacks have taken place per week nationwide, Walker said.
This improvement in security happened as the number of U.S. forces in Iraq declined by more than 20 percent from the height of the surge. "We have returned over 100 bases to Iraq since October," the general said. "The provisions of the security agreement make our partnership with Iraqi forces that much more important."
Today, Iraqi security forces conduct all operations. Coalition forces participate only with Iraqi concurrence. The coalition-Iraqi partnership "is characterized by combined planning, preparation and execution with Iraqi security forces in the lead," he said. "It is enabled by a close working relationship and the collocation of partnership units and transition teams."
The partnership's coalition units help the Iraqi units with enablers, logistics and to ensure situational awareness between Iraqi forces and coalition forces.
Coalition transition units are now shifting attention to beefing up Iraqi command and control capabilities, sustainment and enabler units. "We have reached the point where partnership units are the core of what Multinational Corps Iraq does," Walker said.
The corps will take over the partnership chores from the Iraq Assistance Group. "It no longer makes sense to have two organizations doing the same thing," Walker said, so the mission of the group is folding into the corps.
Multinational Corps Iraq will handle the military and police transition teams and training for Iraqi forces in addition to operational responsibilities. The Iraqi Assistance Group will case its colors June 3.
Even once the U.S. units move out of the cities, they will remain associated with their Iraqi partners, Walker said. "They'll have to drive a bit more, but they will be available," he said.
The security agreement covers the entire country, so coalition forces will move out of areas such as Mosul, which have been fairly hot in the past months, the general said.
More than 600,000 Iraqis serve in the country's security forces.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2009 - American combat troops are on pace to leave Iraqi cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated by the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, U.S. officials in Baghdad said yesterday. Army Brig. Gen. Keith Walker, commander of the Iraq Assistance Group, said in a news conference that security throughout the country has continued to improve.
The security agreement calls for all coalition combat forces to be out of the cities by the end of the month. "We will adhere to the security agreement," Walker said. "So, all combat forces will be out of the cities unless there is a specific invitation from the government of Iraq."
U.S. forces will be available in advisory roles and to provide enabler capabilities, the general said.
In 2007, there was an average of 900 attacks per week. In 2008, that number dropped to 200 attacks per week. In 22 of the 26 weeks this year, fewer than 100 attacks have taken place per week nationwide, Walker said.
This improvement in security happened as the number of U.S. forces in Iraq declined by more than 20 percent from the height of the surge. "We have returned over 100 bases to Iraq since October," the general said. "The provisions of the security agreement make our partnership with Iraqi forces that much more important."
Today, Iraqi security forces conduct all operations. Coalition forces participate only with Iraqi concurrence. The coalition-Iraqi partnership "is characterized by combined planning, preparation and execution with Iraqi security forces in the lead," he said. "It is enabled by a close working relationship and the collocation of partnership units and transition teams."
The partnership's coalition units help the Iraqi units with enablers, logistics and to ensure situational awareness between Iraqi forces and coalition forces.
Coalition transition units are now shifting attention to beefing up Iraqi command and control capabilities, sustainment and enabler units. "We have reached the point where partnership units are the core of what Multinational Corps Iraq does," Walker said.
The corps will take over the partnership chores from the Iraq Assistance Group. "It no longer makes sense to have two organizations doing the same thing," Walker said, so the mission of the group is folding into the corps.
Multinational Corps Iraq will handle the military and police transition teams and training for Iraqi forces in addition to operational responsibilities. The Iraqi Assistance Group will case its colors June 3.
Even once the U.S. units move out of the cities, they will remain associated with their Iraqi partners, Walker said. "They'll have to drive a bit more, but they will be available," he said.
The security agreement covers the entire country, so coalition forces will move out of areas such as Mosul, which have been fairly hot in the past months, the general said.
More than 600,000 Iraqis serve in the country's security forces.
Iraqi Authority Grows with U.S. Handoffs
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2009 - The United States continues to hand over authority to Iraqis in keeping with the terms of an agreement between Washington and Baghdad that took effect Jan. 1.
American forces in Iraq last week transferred responsibility of a security base manned by coalition and Iraqi personnel and a vehicle maintenance center. "The U.S. forces leaving this base are giving the opportunity to the Iraqi forces to take their place and to take complete control of this base, which indicates a new era for the Iraqi armed forces," Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Majid said in a May 28 transfer-of-power signing.
During the ceremony, the U.S. 2nd Battalion of the 20th Field Artillery Regiment ceded control of Joint Security Station Mutanabe in Iraq's Wasit province, one of the 13 provinces under Iraqi control.
The broad security deal stipulates that all of Iraq's 18 provinces be under national authority and all U.S. combat brigades withdraw from Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010. U.S. forces are required to leave major Iraqi cities by the end of this month.
Army Lt. Col. Timothy Bush, the battalion commander, signaled the U.S. troops' solidarity with their Iraqi counterparts amid the handoff.
"We are leaving the [joint security station] in accordance with the security agreement, but we will never step away from our friends, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you against our common enemies," Bush said. The battalion is slated to hand over two other stations this month.
At Camp Taji a day earlier, the U.S. command responsible for training Iraqi security forces handed over to the Iraqi army an armored-vehicle maintenance center. The center will house and maintain the Badger, a 10-person light armored vehicle that features an armored hull for protection against mines, explosive devices and small-arms fire. Iraqi security forces boast a fleet of nearly 500 Badgers.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commanding general of the Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq Advisory Training Team, addressed an audience at the May 27 ceremony.
"You should be proud today," Salazar said. "This is a very capable vehicle. But with a great gift comes great responsibility. You must take care and maintain these vehicles."
Iraqi army Staff Maj. Gen. Muniem, deputy chief of staff for electrical mechanized engineering, expressed confidence in his staff's ability to take the reins of the center.
"We are ready to take care of this facility," he said. "We will repair and maintain our vehicles and keep them running strong."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 1, 2009 - The United States continues to hand over authority to Iraqis in keeping with the terms of an agreement between Washington and Baghdad that took effect Jan. 1.
American forces in Iraq last week transferred responsibility of a security base manned by coalition and Iraqi personnel and a vehicle maintenance center. "The U.S. forces leaving this base are giving the opportunity to the Iraqi forces to take their place and to take complete control of this base, which indicates a new era for the Iraqi armed forces," Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Majid said in a May 28 transfer-of-power signing.
During the ceremony, the U.S. 2nd Battalion of the 20th Field Artillery Regiment ceded control of Joint Security Station Mutanabe in Iraq's Wasit province, one of the 13 provinces under Iraqi control.
The broad security deal stipulates that all of Iraq's 18 provinces be under national authority and all U.S. combat brigades withdraw from Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010. U.S. forces are required to leave major Iraqi cities by the end of this month.
Army Lt. Col. Timothy Bush, the battalion commander, signaled the U.S. troops' solidarity with their Iraqi counterparts amid the handoff.
"We are leaving the [joint security station] in accordance with the security agreement, but we will never step away from our friends, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you against our common enemies," Bush said. The battalion is slated to hand over two other stations this month.
At Camp Taji a day earlier, the U.S. command responsible for training Iraqi security forces handed over to the Iraqi army an armored-vehicle maintenance center. The center will house and maintain the Badger, a 10-person light armored vehicle that features an armored hull for protection against mines, explosive devices and small-arms fire. Iraqi security forces boast a fleet of nearly 500 Badgers.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commanding general of the Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq Advisory Training Team, addressed an audience at the May 27 ceremony.
"You should be proud today," Salazar said. "This is a very capable vehicle. But with a great gift comes great responsibility. You must take care and maintain these vehicles."
Iraqi army Staff Maj. Gen. Muniem, deputy chief of staff for electrical mechanized engineering, expressed confidence in his staff's ability to take the reins of the center.
"We are ready to take care of this facility," he said. "We will repair and maintain our vehicles and keep them running strong."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Troops in Afghanistan Kill 17 Militants
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2009 - Coalition and Afghan forces killed 17 militants, including several high-ranking Taliban members, in operations in Afghanistan over the past five days, military officials said. Afghan National Police and coalition forces killed five armed militants in the Andar district of Ghazni province yesterday.
Afghan police officers came under attack from small-arms, machine-gun and rocket-propelled-grenade fire while patrolling an area known for rampant militant activity. While under fire, police officers alerted a joint Afghan police and coalition forces element, which joined in the firefight.
Ground troops called in air strikes after determining there were no civilians in the area, military officials said. The aerial attack killed five.
In a separate operation in the Shaheed Hasas district of Oruzgan province yesterday, Afghan police officers and coalition forces killed two militants after enemy fighters attacked two police checkpoints. After the firefight, the joint force searched the area and confiscated several weapons with ammunition.
During two operations in Farah province conducted yesterday and May 28, combined forces killed four Taliban commanders and eight fighters. Among the Taliban leaders killed was one responsible for commanding about 50 enemy fighters and another who oversaw Taliban logistics and weapons trafficking with ties to top-ranking officials, military officials said.
Following one of the raids, the combined forces seized firearms, explosives, ammunition and other military equipment.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
June 1, 2009 - Coalition and Afghan forces killed 17 militants, including several high-ranking Taliban members, in operations in Afghanistan over the past five days, military officials said. Afghan National Police and coalition forces killed five armed militants in the Andar district of Ghazni province yesterday.
Afghan police officers came under attack from small-arms, machine-gun and rocket-propelled-grenade fire while patrolling an area known for rampant militant activity. While under fire, police officers alerted a joint Afghan police and coalition forces element, which joined in the firefight.
Ground troops called in air strikes after determining there were no civilians in the area, military officials said. The aerial attack killed five.
In a separate operation in the Shaheed Hasas district of Oruzgan province yesterday, Afghan police officers and coalition forces killed two militants after enemy fighters attacked two police checkpoints. After the firefight, the joint force searched the area and confiscated several weapons with ammunition.
During two operations in Farah province conducted yesterday and May 28, combined forces killed four Taliban commanders and eight fighters. Among the Taliban leaders killed was one responsible for commanding about 50 enemy fighters and another who oversaw Taliban logistics and weapons trafficking with ties to top-ranking officials, military officials said.
Following one of the raids, the combined forces seized firearms, explosives, ammunition and other military equipment.
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Bradley W. Iorio, 19, of Galloway, N.J., died May 29 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident May 27 in Tallil, Iraq. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Bliss public affairs office at (915) 568-4505.
Pvt. Bradley W. Iorio, 19, of Galloway, N.J., died May 29 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident May 27 in Tallil, Iraq. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Bliss public affairs office at (915) 568-4505.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Thomas E. Lee, III, 20, of Dalton, Ga., died May 29 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an explosive device struck his vehicle. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Pvt. Thomas E. Lee, III, 20, of Dalton, Ga., died May 29 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an explosive device struck his vehicle. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- June 1, 2009
$45 million granted for infectious disease research at [University of California at Irvine]
"UC Irvine's award of $45 million for infectious disease research is a breath of fresh air for Alan Barbour, director of the recipient program, the Pacific-Southwest Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research (PSW RCE) at UCI. The contribution is the largest renewal grant the campus has ever received. [...] There are currently 10 other institutions in the United States designated as Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease similar to the PSW RCE at UCI. Grants distributed to these institutions are allocated by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). To receive a grant, Barbour explained that an extensive application process is involved. In the process of earning this particular grant, 700 pages of applications material involving detailed descriptions of the research to be conducted in 30 individual labs had to be completed. [...] Diseases studied by the institution are among those listed by the federal government as diseases of high priority. Since this includes responding to bioterrorism threats and infectious disease emergencies, there is flexibility in what the institution researches with its efforts focused on issues requiring urgent attention." (New University; 01Jun09; Tiffany Liu)
http://www.newuniversity.org/main/article?slug=$45_million_granted_for193
UPMC [University of Pittsburgh Medical Center] researcher's book explores eradication of smallpox
"In a new book slated for release tomorrow, Dr. [D.A.] Henderson, who, as head of the World Health Organization's smallpox eradication unit, led the global effort to eliminate the disease 30 years ago, is now opening up about the personal challenges he faced in the 1960s and '70s. Dr. Henderson will discuss his book Thursday at 5 p.m. in the J. W. Connolly Ballroom at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. A professor at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health, Dr. Henderson planned the release of his book to coincide with the May opening of the UPMC Center for Global Health, center Director Joanne Russell said. [...] His book, 'Smallpox: The Death of a Disease,' is significantly more 'personal' than anything Dr. Henderson has written about the smallpox eradication process before, he said Friday. In the book, Dr. Henderson said he describes bureaucratic and governmental obstructions that threatened to extinguish global efforts to permanently wipe out the disease." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; 01Jun09; Victor Zapana and Martine Powers) http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09152/974138-44.stm
Amateurs use Google Earth to uncover [North Korean President] Kim's sinister secrets
"A set of images - 'North Korea Uncovered', released by Curtis Melvin, a keen American amateur - includes a tantalising view of the site where the North Koreans detonated a nuclear device last week that diplomatic sources say may have been based on a Chinese design. Melvin's satellite map of the country, collated from Google Earth, reveals palaces, labour camps, mass graves and the entrance to the subterranean test base in the remote northeast of the country. [...] The mappers are confident that they have identified the Vinalon complex, a plant connected with hideous chemical warfare experiments." (Times, U.K.; 31May09; Michael Sheridan) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6396012.ece
A history of violence on the antiabortion fringe [butyric acid]
"Clinics and clinic workers were subject to vandalism, bombings and death threats through the 1980s, but it was not until March 1993 that the United States saw the first known political slaying of an abortion provider. [...] In response, Congress passed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which President Clinton signed in May 1994. The law outlawed 'force, threat of force or physical obstruction' to patients and clinic workers. [...] Less lethal tactics have included the release of foul-smelling butyric acid at clinics. In 2001, when the nation was gripped with fear stemming from legitimate anthrax threats [sic], more than 500 clinics received letters with fake anthrax [spores], according to NARAL Pro-Choice America." (Los Angeles Times; 01Jun09; Richard Fausset) http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-abortion-violence1-2009jun01,0,1335069.story
ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asia] leaders gather for summit with South Korea
"Southeast Asian leaders are gathered in South Korea's southern island of Jeju for a two-day summit with South Korea's President, Lee Myung Bak, on Monday. This is part of the president's 'New Asia Initiative', which is aimed at bringing South Korea and the ASEAN grouping closer as they celebrate 20 years of partnership. [...] The summit at Jeju Island comes amid growing concerns over North Korea's nuclear threat. To ensure leaders are safe, South Korea has deployed a set of anti-aircraft guns and a special anti-chemical warfare vehicle at the meeting venue." (Channel News Asia; 01Jun09; Lim Yun Suk) http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/433153/1/.html
[Deputy Defense Minister Matan] Vilna'i: Israelis must ready for missile attack [by participating in an air raid drill]
"Israel is facing a 'real live missile threat' from surrounding Arab countries and needs to be prepared for possible missile attacks at a moment's notice, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilna'i told The Jerusalem Post Saturday, ahead of the nationwide emergency drill that begins on Sunday. [...] The largest civil-defense exercise since the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Turning Point 3, will begin on Sunday and last until Thursday. The highlight will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, when air-raid sirens will sound nationwide. Citizens are asked during the siren to enter nearby bomb shelters and protective rooms. [...] Israel, he said, would continue to drill its civil defense forces as well as the public. He said that plans were already in place to hold a similar drill in the summer of 2010. [...] On Sunday, the Home Front Command will unveil a new rapid-alert technology that it plans to begin using to warn civilians of incoming enemy missiles via cell phones. Cell phone users will receive text messages that will warn of an incoming missile and its estimated fall site. 'Most Israelis have cell phones and this is a fast and easy way to warn people of an incoming missile,' a defense official explained." (Jerusalem Post; 30May09; Yaakov Katz)
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1243346506725&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull
No nukes for militias: Egypt cleric [Grand Mufti 'Ali Goma'a]
"Egypt's top government-appointed Muslim leader said on Sunday the use of weapons of mass destruction by armed groups or individuals against non-Muslim states is not religiously sanctioned. According to the state news agency, Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa's fatwa, or religious edict, came in response to reports that some groups have sanctioned the use of weapons of mass destruction against non-Muslim nations. It is not clear who these groups were and what countries they were referring to. Goma said those edicts were 'false...and a slander of religion.' [...] In his fatwa, Gomaa said it is legitimate for Muslim nations to have nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons as a deterrent, and only the leaders of those countries have the right to decide when to use them. The use of these weapons by groups against non-Muslim nations would violate Islamic teachings, he said, because it would harm Muslims living in those nations, noncombatants, and neighboring countries who are not involved." (Khaleej Times; 01Jun09; Source: AP) http://www.khaleejtimes.com/darticlen.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2009/June/middleeast_June5.xml§ion=middleeast&col=
Terrorist use [of nuclear weapons] feared
"Korea's second nuclear test, followed by a renunciation of the 1953 armistice agreements, and more missile firings, is the latest red flag on a dark nuclear horizon. Nuclear terrorism, unthinkable during the Cold War, has become the most immediate fear of the experts. [...] Korea is just one of the nuclear nightmares haunting the world stage. Pakistan, in the throes of near civil war, is feverishly adding to its nuclear arsenal of 80 to 100 weapons. Roedad Khan, the former head of the Pakistani civil service who has turned pundit, wrote: 'These are critical days in Pakistan. There is no steady hand on the tiller of government. [...] I shall not be surprised at any event that may happen. [...] If the nation doesn't wake up, we will all go down like the Titanic. History will remember both that [President Asif Ali] Zardari failed to hear the warning bells and the politicians failed to ring them loudly enough.' Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen says he is satisfied that Pakistan's nukes are under a goofproof, [sic] guaranteed-not-to-fail system and that warheads and their missile-delivery vehicles are stored in separate places in different parts of a country of 175 million Muslims. But no U.S. officer has been allowed to see any of the storage sites." (Washington Times; 01Jun09; Arnaud de Borchgrave) http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/01/terrorist-use-feared/
Simulation helps agencies hone disaster response [Wausau and Marathon County, WI]
"After a controversy in recent weeks surrounding local governments' abilities to respond to disasters, Wausau and Marathon County appear to be better prepared. [...] Marathon County Emergency Management and Wausau police and firefighters held a mock disaster Friday afternoon at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. The simulation also involved Aspirus Wausau and Saint Clare's hospitals, and members of local hazardous materials teams, bomb squads and other local fire and police departments. In the scenario, a supposedly disgruntled student detonated a bomb and released the poison ricin, injuring and killing bystanders. [...] The mock disaster was the culmination of more than a year of work, with help from Pre-Emergency Planning in Poynette, the county's training consultant, said Bryan Hilts, Wausau's deputy police chief. Friday's event built on those more theoretical exercises, which highlighted weaknesses, including incompatible radio equipment." (Wausau Daily Herald; 30May09; Amy Olson)
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20090530/WDH0101/905300581
International pressure on Puerto Rico to stop monkey breeding farm
"Animal protection organizations across the world have launched a campaign calling on the government of Puerto Rico to stop the construction of a major monkey farm following reports that the monkeys will be supplied to the international research industry; in particular the USA. It is understood that the farm in Guayama City will be established using macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from the island of Mauritius. [...] The common fate of many primates in the research industry is to be used in toxicity testing which involves the forced ingestion, inhalation or injection of potentially lethal and poisonous chemicals. After sometimes years of this type of abuse, the animals are then killed. There are also concerns that these monkeys may be destined for federal programs on chemical and biological warfare. In the past, the government of India banned the export of rhesus macaques after learning of the radiation experiments that they were being subjected to in the USA." (Caribbean Net News; 01Jun09) http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-16815--21-21--.html
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.
"UC Irvine's award of $45 million for infectious disease research is a breath of fresh air for Alan Barbour, director of the recipient program, the Pacific-Southwest Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research (PSW RCE) at UCI. The contribution is the largest renewal grant the campus has ever received. [...] There are currently 10 other institutions in the United States designated as Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease similar to the PSW RCE at UCI. Grants distributed to these institutions are allocated by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). To receive a grant, Barbour explained that an extensive application process is involved. In the process of earning this particular grant, 700 pages of applications material involving detailed descriptions of the research to be conducted in 30 individual labs had to be completed. [...] Diseases studied by the institution are among those listed by the federal government as diseases of high priority. Since this includes responding to bioterrorism threats and infectious disease emergencies, there is flexibility in what the institution researches with its efforts focused on issues requiring urgent attention." (New University; 01Jun09; Tiffany Liu)
http://www.newuniversity.org/main/article?slug=$45_million_granted_for193
UPMC [University of Pittsburgh Medical Center] researcher's book explores eradication of smallpox
"In a new book slated for release tomorrow, Dr. [D.A.] Henderson, who, as head of the World Health Organization's smallpox eradication unit, led the global effort to eliminate the disease 30 years ago, is now opening up about the personal challenges he faced in the 1960s and '70s. Dr. Henderson will discuss his book Thursday at 5 p.m. in the J. W. Connolly Ballroom at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. A professor at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health, Dr. Henderson planned the release of his book to coincide with the May opening of the UPMC Center for Global Health, center Director Joanne Russell said. [...] His book, 'Smallpox: The Death of a Disease,' is significantly more 'personal' than anything Dr. Henderson has written about the smallpox eradication process before, he said Friday. In the book, Dr. Henderson said he describes bureaucratic and governmental obstructions that threatened to extinguish global efforts to permanently wipe out the disease." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; 01Jun09; Victor Zapana and Martine Powers) http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09152/974138-44.stm
Amateurs use Google Earth to uncover [North Korean President] Kim's sinister secrets
"A set of images - 'North Korea Uncovered', released by Curtis Melvin, a keen American amateur - includes a tantalising view of the site where the North Koreans detonated a nuclear device last week that diplomatic sources say may have been based on a Chinese design. Melvin's satellite map of the country, collated from Google Earth, reveals palaces, labour camps, mass graves and the entrance to the subterranean test base in the remote northeast of the country. [...] The mappers are confident that they have identified the Vinalon complex, a plant connected with hideous chemical warfare experiments." (Times, U.K.; 31May09; Michael Sheridan) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6396012.ece
A history of violence on the antiabortion fringe [butyric acid]
"Clinics and clinic workers were subject to vandalism, bombings and death threats through the 1980s, but it was not until March 1993 that the United States saw the first known political slaying of an abortion provider. [...] In response, Congress passed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which President Clinton signed in May 1994. The law outlawed 'force, threat of force or physical obstruction' to patients and clinic workers. [...] Less lethal tactics have included the release of foul-smelling butyric acid at clinics. In 2001, when the nation was gripped with fear stemming from legitimate anthrax threats [sic], more than 500 clinics received letters with fake anthrax [spores], according to NARAL Pro-Choice America." (Los Angeles Times; 01Jun09; Richard Fausset) http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-abortion-violence1-2009jun01,0,1335069.story
ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asia] leaders gather for summit with South Korea
"Southeast Asian leaders are gathered in South Korea's southern island of Jeju for a two-day summit with South Korea's President, Lee Myung Bak, on Monday. This is part of the president's 'New Asia Initiative', which is aimed at bringing South Korea and the ASEAN grouping closer as they celebrate 20 years of partnership. [...] The summit at Jeju Island comes amid growing concerns over North Korea's nuclear threat. To ensure leaders are safe, South Korea has deployed a set of anti-aircraft guns and a special anti-chemical warfare vehicle at the meeting venue." (Channel News Asia; 01Jun09; Lim Yun Suk) http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/433153/1/.html
[Deputy Defense Minister Matan] Vilna'i: Israelis must ready for missile attack [by participating in an air raid drill]
"Israel is facing a 'real live missile threat' from surrounding Arab countries and needs to be prepared for possible missile attacks at a moment's notice, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilna'i told The Jerusalem Post Saturday, ahead of the nationwide emergency drill that begins on Sunday. [...] The largest civil-defense exercise since the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Turning Point 3, will begin on Sunday and last until Thursday. The highlight will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, when air-raid sirens will sound nationwide. Citizens are asked during the siren to enter nearby bomb shelters and protective rooms. [...] Israel, he said, would continue to drill its civil defense forces as well as the public. He said that plans were already in place to hold a similar drill in the summer of 2010. [...] On Sunday, the Home Front Command will unveil a new rapid-alert technology that it plans to begin using to warn civilians of incoming enemy missiles via cell phones. Cell phone users will receive text messages that will warn of an incoming missile and its estimated fall site. 'Most Israelis have cell phones and this is a fast and easy way to warn people of an incoming missile,' a defense official explained." (Jerusalem Post; 30May09; Yaakov Katz)
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1243346506725&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull
No nukes for militias: Egypt cleric [Grand Mufti 'Ali Goma'a]
"Egypt's top government-appointed Muslim leader said on Sunday the use of weapons of mass destruction by armed groups or individuals against non-Muslim states is not religiously sanctioned. According to the state news agency, Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa's fatwa, or religious edict, came in response to reports that some groups have sanctioned the use of weapons of mass destruction against non-Muslim nations. It is not clear who these groups were and what countries they were referring to. Goma said those edicts were 'false...and a slander of religion.' [...] In his fatwa, Gomaa said it is legitimate for Muslim nations to have nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons as a deterrent, and only the leaders of those countries have the right to decide when to use them. The use of these weapons by groups against non-Muslim nations would violate Islamic teachings, he said, because it would harm Muslims living in those nations, noncombatants, and neighboring countries who are not involved." (Khaleej Times; 01Jun09; Source: AP) http://www.khaleejtimes.com/darticlen.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2009/June/middleeast_June5.xml§ion=middleeast&col=
Terrorist use [of nuclear weapons] feared
"Korea's second nuclear test, followed by a renunciation of the 1953 armistice agreements, and more missile firings, is the latest red flag on a dark nuclear horizon. Nuclear terrorism, unthinkable during the Cold War, has become the most immediate fear of the experts. [...] Korea is just one of the nuclear nightmares haunting the world stage. Pakistan, in the throes of near civil war, is feverishly adding to its nuclear arsenal of 80 to 100 weapons. Roedad Khan, the former head of the Pakistani civil service who has turned pundit, wrote: 'These are critical days in Pakistan. There is no steady hand on the tiller of government. [...] I shall not be surprised at any event that may happen. [...] If the nation doesn't wake up, we will all go down like the Titanic. History will remember both that [President Asif Ali] Zardari failed to hear the warning bells and the politicians failed to ring them loudly enough.' Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen says he is satisfied that Pakistan's nukes are under a goofproof, [sic] guaranteed-not-to-fail system and that warheads and their missile-delivery vehicles are stored in separate places in different parts of a country of 175 million Muslims. But no U.S. officer has been allowed to see any of the storage sites." (Washington Times; 01Jun09; Arnaud de Borchgrave) http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/01/terrorist-use-feared/
Simulation helps agencies hone disaster response [Wausau and Marathon County, WI]
"After a controversy in recent weeks surrounding local governments' abilities to respond to disasters, Wausau and Marathon County appear to be better prepared. [...] Marathon County Emergency Management and Wausau police and firefighters held a mock disaster Friday afternoon at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. The simulation also involved Aspirus Wausau and Saint Clare's hospitals, and members of local hazardous materials teams, bomb squads and other local fire and police departments. In the scenario, a supposedly disgruntled student detonated a bomb and released the poison ricin, injuring and killing bystanders. [...] The mock disaster was the culmination of more than a year of work, with help from Pre-Emergency Planning in Poynette, the county's training consultant, said Bryan Hilts, Wausau's deputy police chief. Friday's event built on those more theoretical exercises, which highlighted weaknesses, including incompatible radio equipment." (Wausau Daily Herald; 30May09; Amy Olson)
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20090530/WDH0101/905300581
International pressure on Puerto Rico to stop monkey breeding farm
"Animal protection organizations across the world have launched a campaign calling on the government of Puerto Rico to stop the construction of a major monkey farm following reports that the monkeys will be supplied to the international research industry; in particular the USA. It is understood that the farm in Guayama City will be established using macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from the island of Mauritius. [...] The common fate of many primates in the research industry is to be used in toxicity testing which involves the forced ingestion, inhalation or injection of potentially lethal and poisonous chemicals. After sometimes years of this type of abuse, the animals are then killed. There are also concerns that these monkeys may be destined for federal programs on chemical and biological warfare. In the past, the government of India banned the export of rhesus macaques after learning of the radiation experiments that they were being subjected to in the USA." (Caribbean Net News; 01Jun09) http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-16815--21-21--.html
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.
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