Memphis lab ready for research on infectious diseases, bioterrorism [TN]
"The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis has completed a new laboratory for research on infectious diseases and bioterrorism. Professor Gerald Byrne, the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory director, says the lab will help develop new vaccines and antibiotics. […] Research is already under way on cholera, tularemia, SARS and multi-drug resistant pathogens, including tuberculosis. The 30,315-square-foot facility is a 'level 3' biocontainment lab, one of 13 across the country supported by the National Institutes of Health as part of its Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases project. […] Because of the potential danger, the facility requires very specialized air handlers to make sure researchers and the surrounding community are safe. The lab is the first building in the planned UT Baptist Research Park that will also house a new College of Pharmacy building." (Knox News; 06Jul09; Source: AP) http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jul/06/memphis-lab-ready-research-diseases-bioterrorism/
Georgia poorly prepared for public health emergencies
"Tied for sixth-worst among 56 states and territories, Georgia ranked ahead of Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands, for example, while trailing Guam and American Samoa. This was just one among many measurements raising doubts about Georgia's preparedness to prevent, detect and contain most significant public health threats: outbreaks of pandemic influenza and foodborne illness, and acts of bioterrorism. Federal agencies, nonprofit groups and the state's own documents depict a public health system that lacks sufficient money and, at times, basic competencies. […] Georgia ranks 39th among the states in spending per resident on public health, despite having the nation's ninth-largest economic output. […]The state […] is not ready to manage large numbers of fatalities caused by a pandemic. It doesn't have adequate plans to keep government agencies running and to protect public employees. It isn't even prepared to provide one of the most basic, yet critical, needs in an
emergency: health care." (Atlanta Journal Constitution; 05Jul09; Alan Judd) http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/07/05/georgia_public_health.html
Chemical weapons incinerator now in final phase [Birmingham, AL]
"The Army's $1 billion chemical weapons incinerator in Alabama started its final phase of work by taking apart dozens of old mortars filled with mustard agent, officials said Friday. Explosive charges were removed from more than 60 of the shells, which will be drained later, said incinerator spokesman Mike Abrams. Workers will burn the liquid chemical once they have stored enough of it in tanks to operate an incinerator used to destroy liquids, he said, and they will incinerate the metal parts in a separate burner. […] In all, more than 200,000 mortars and artillery shells and a few 1-ton containers of mustard agent must be destroyed. […] They hold a total of 988 tons of the chemical. The last of thousands of weapons filled with the dangerous chemical should be emptied, chopped up and burned by early 2012, when workers will then begin decontaminating and decommissioning the complex, located about 50 miles east of Birmingham. […] Work to destroy the mustard-filled weapons began late Thursday. Anniston is home to the nation's only chemical weapons destruction plant located near a populated area, and the military provided safety gear to many of the 35,000 people who live within nine miles of the incinerator before work began. No major accidents have occurred." (Montgomery Advisor; 04Jul09; Source: Jay Reeves, AP) http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090704/NEWS02/907040315/Chemical+weapons+incinerator+now+in+final+phase
Bomb seizures spark far-right terror plot fear [England]
"A network of suspected far-right extremists with access to 300 weapons and 80 bombs has been uncovered by counter-terrorism detectives. Thirty-two people have been questioned in a police operation that raises the prospect of a right-wing bombing campaign against mosques. […] In England's largest seizure of a suspected terrorist arsenal since the IRA mainland bombings of the early 1990s, rocket launchers, grenades, pipe bombs and dozens of firearms have been recovered in the past six weeks during raids on more than 20 properties. […] Police are examining allegations that many of the guns were manufactured or reactivated, then sold over the internet to viewers of a right-wing website. […] Fears have been heightened by the discovery of an alleged plot involving ricin, a lethal poison; two men have been been charged with offences under the Terrorism Act." (Sunday Times Online; 05Jul09; David Leppard) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6638139.ece
Millions of Muscovites [Moscow natives] at risk of toxic waste poisoning
"Crowds of Muscovites are flocking city parks, but few are aware that a popular place of leisure used to be a testing ground for chemical and biological weapons and remnants from those experiments are still buried there. Thousands visit Moscow's Kuzminki park each day for a scenic walk or a good catch, and it doesn't look like a toxic graveyard at all. […] Despite its location, after World War I, Kuzminki was set up by the Soviets to test their newest chemical and biological weapons. When the authorities decided to move it further out in the 1940s, the clean-up operation was rudimentary at best. […] The removal of toxic chemicals would be expensive - an operation on a similar site in the US in 2005 cost over half a billion dollars. 'We need a study to evaluate the exact level of risk in order to understand what the exact risk of contamination is, and what we should do next,' says Efim Brodsky from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution." (Russia Today; 03Jul09) http://www.russiatoday.com/Top_News/2009-07-03/Millions_of_Muscovites_at_risk_of_toxic_waste_poisoning.html
NYPD gets radiation detectors to search for bombs
"The US Department of Homeland Security has given three state-of-the-art radiation detectors to the New York Police Department to patrol city streets in search of dirty bombs and other nuclear threats. The 450,000-dollar worth Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Monitors will be placed in three SUVs on Wednesday at entrances to tunnels, bridges and tollbooths. […] Officials believe they will be able to detect radioactive isotopes emanating from a dirty bomb in the back of a car. 'We think they'll be useful getting hits on vehicles on the road,' a NYPD official said. Recently, the department had also purchased 8,000 Dosimeters, pager-sized detectors to be given to police if there is a nuclear attack. Outfitted in protective gear, officers would use the Dosimeters to find 'hot spots' of radiation." (Police One; 05Jul09) http://www.policeone.com/news/1852913-NYPD-gets-radiation-detectors-to-search-for-bombs/
Defending against chemical, biological weapons [Dugway, UT]
"At a U.S. Army facility called the Dugway Proving Ground […] groups of scientists are researching how to defend against a wide variety of potentially lethal, or at least dangerous, 'agents.' 'Dugway's primary mission is testing United States and Allied chemical and biological (CB) defense systems and also performing nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contamination survivability testing of defense materiel,' a fact sheet about Dugway reads. […] '(Dugway) uses its state-of-the-art laboratories and chambers in concert with extensive field test grids to fully determine the performance characteristics of items being tested.' […] Dugway's primary mission is to test protective equipment against chemical and biological agents. […] The Army wants [people] to feel some comfort in the idea that it has put a group of seasoned professionals in charge of coming up with the data that the country's policymakers can use to guard our soldiers in the field and our civilians at home and abroad against the effects of non-conventional attacks." (Cnet News; 03Jul09; Daniel Terdiman) http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10278844-52.html
White powder sent to CBN [Christian Broadcasting Network] was whey powder [Virginia Beach, VA]
"Authorities say a white powder substance that was mailed to the Christian Broadcasting Network headquarters in Virginia, causing several employees to be isolated for six hours, was whey protein powder. Virginia Beach fire spokesman Tim Riley says lab work determined the powder was the kind used by body builders, not a biohazard such as anthrax or ricin. CBN spokesman Chris Roslan says two employees opened the envelope containing white powder Wednesday morning. Those employees, a CBN security guard, and a U.S. postal service inspector were placed on precautionary medical watch until officials received the test results." (One News Now; 04Jul09; Source: AP)
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=589292
Three KY congressmen receive threatening letters
"At least three congressional offices in Kentucky have received threatening letters that purported to contain anthrax [spores]. The offices of U.S. Reps. Geoff Davis, Brett Guthrie and Ed Whitfield received the letters in the mail Monday morning. Guthrie spokesman Nate Hodson said a staffer in the Bowling Green office opened one of the letters and immediately called authorities. Hodson said the first line of that letter said the envelope contained anthrax [sic]. Davis spokeswoman Alexandra Haynes said a similar letter arrived at the Fort Mitchell office. She said the letter apparently was sent by a prison inmate. She didn't know which prison. Hodson and Haynes said investigators determined that the anthrax threat was a hoax." (Lex18; 06Jul09; Source: AP) http://www.lex18.com/Global/story.asp?S=10649300
Man [Gary Collins] faces sentence for airport bomb hoaxes [England]
"A man who pleaded guilty to sending a series of bomb hoaxes and threats to Gatwick Airport is to be sentenced. Gary Collins, 57, committed the offences during a five-year period from October 2003 to October last year. He pleaded guilty to 34 counts of communicating false information when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court in May. Collins, of Garden Walk, West Green, Crawley, also admitted three counts of sending hoax noxious substances to the West Sussex airport. Prosecutor Amy Packham said all the charges related to Gatwick Airport 'either as bomb hoaxes or sending substances marked as anthrax or bio-material.' Sussex Police said that Collins sent more than 80 letters during his terror campaign. These included bomb hoaxes and sinister packages, including three anthrax threats containing powder and one package containing what appeared to be an explosive device." (Hastings Observer; 06Jul09) http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/latest-south-east-news/Man-faces-sentence-for-airport.5431499.jp
Monday, July 06, 2009
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 4 at Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked the outpost using small arms and indirect fires. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Killed were:
Pfc. Justin A. Casillas, 19, of Dunnigan, Calif.
Pfc. Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20, of Aberdeen, Wash.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.
Killed were:
Pfc. Justin A. Casillas, 19, of Dunnigan, Calif.
Pfc. Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20, of Aberdeen, Wash.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Alaska, public affairs office at (907) 384-1542.
Russia Allows Transit for Afghanistan-bound U.S. Troops
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - An agreement signed in Moscow today permits the United States to transit troops and weapons across Russian territory en route to Afghanistan. The pact, signed during President Barack Obama's visit to the Kremlin, permits 4,500 flights per year through Russian airspace, and saves the U.S. government $133 million annually in transportation costs while boosting logistical efficiency, according to a White House statement.
"This is a substantial contribution by Russia to our international effort, and it will save the United States time and resources in giving our troops the support that they need," Obama said during a news conference with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev.
Following today's meeting between the two presidents, Obama told reporters that he and Medvedev agreed on the need to combat the threat of violent extremism, particularly from al-Qaida. Access to Russian transit routes substantially increases the efficiency of efforts against violent extremism in Afghanistan, the White House statement said.
Obama said Russia's participation and contributions to the effort in Afghanistan have the potential to be "extraordinarily important." More broadly, he said, today's gesture indicates the degree in which Russian-U.S. cooperation could be applied to a host of other international issues.
Underscoring the two countries' mutual interests in Afghanistan, the president cited Moscow's concern about terrorism and the drug trade and their infiltration into Russia. Obama also praised Russia's capabilities in training police and armies, a task that multinational forces are undertaking with Afghanistan's growing national security forces.
Speaking about the future of U.S.-Russian efforts in Afghanistan, Obama expressed optimism that the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission agreement also signed today represents a prelude to closer cooperation.
"Our hope is that as part of the broader presidential commission structure that we've put in place, that we're going to further discuss both the military efforts in Afghanistan, but also the development efforts and the diplomatic efforts, so that we can make progress," he said.
Obama thanked the Russian government for agreeing to the transit arrangement that will "save U.S. troops both time and money."
"And it's, I think, a gesture that indicates the degree to which, in the future, Russian-U.S. cooperation can be extraordinarily important in solving a whole host of these very important international issues," he added.
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - An agreement signed in Moscow today permits the United States to transit troops and weapons across Russian territory en route to Afghanistan. The pact, signed during President Barack Obama's visit to the Kremlin, permits 4,500 flights per year through Russian airspace, and saves the U.S. government $133 million annually in transportation costs while boosting logistical efficiency, according to a White House statement.
"This is a substantial contribution by Russia to our international effort, and it will save the United States time and resources in giving our troops the support that they need," Obama said during a news conference with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev.
Following today's meeting between the two presidents, Obama told reporters that he and Medvedev agreed on the need to combat the threat of violent extremism, particularly from al-Qaida. Access to Russian transit routes substantially increases the efficiency of efforts against violent extremism in Afghanistan, the White House statement said.
Obama said Russia's participation and contributions to the effort in Afghanistan have the potential to be "extraordinarily important." More broadly, he said, today's gesture indicates the degree in which Russian-U.S. cooperation could be applied to a host of other international issues.
Underscoring the two countries' mutual interests in Afghanistan, the president cited Moscow's concern about terrorism and the drug trade and their infiltration into Russia. Obama also praised Russia's capabilities in training police and armies, a task that multinational forces are undertaking with Afghanistan's growing national security forces.
Speaking about the future of U.S.-Russian efforts in Afghanistan, Obama expressed optimism that the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission agreement also signed today represents a prelude to closer cooperation.
"Our hope is that as part of the broader presidential commission structure that we've put in place, that we're going to further discuss both the military efforts in Afghanistan, but also the development efforts and the diplomatic efforts, so that we can make progress," he said.
Obama thanked the Russian government for agreeing to the transit arrangement that will "save U.S. troops both time and money."
"And it's, I think, a gesture that indicates the degree to which, in the future, Russian-U.S. cooperation can be extraordinarily important in solving a whole host of these very important international issues," he added.
Tennessee Guard Agribusiness Team Sets Up Shop in Afghanistan
By Army Sgt. 1st Class George WintersSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - The Tennessee National Guard's agribusiness development team is up and running as the first of its kind in Afghanistan's Paktia and Paktika provinces. Team officials said their primary mission is to set the stage for the success of the teams that come after them.
The Tennessee team includes security force members, a headquarters element and about 15 technical experts with vast knowledge and experience in agriculture and livestock.
Army Staff Sgt. Roger B. Broach, one of the team's agricultural experts, has a bachelor's degree in agriculture and years of experience in vegetable production, having grown up on a small farm. Broach's civilian experience of initiating contracts as part of his job with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has proven beneficial to the team's work, officials said, noting that negotiations with Afghan businessmen and contractors is critical.
"If we can show the people the potential of their own capabilities to provide food and income for themselves, they will accomplish it," Broach said. "[Agribusiness development teams] have the potential of assisting the Afghan people to improve their overall quality of life through more modern agricultural technology and time-proven techniques of successful farming. Another key aspect will be to merge the minds of the Afghan people with Western water management [techniques] such as irrigation, flood control and water retention."
One of the team's responsibilities is to include the various levels of the Afghan government in every activity from the national level down through the provincial, district and village levels. The team deals primarily with the provincial director of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, who provides the Guardsmen with the province's priority list and coordinates with other provincial directors. He incorporates the use of his extension workers and a training facility recently built by a provincial reconstruction team.
Army Col. Jim D. Moore, the team's commander, is responsible for everything the unit does and does not accomplish, as well as the health and welfare of the Tennessee Guardsmen, he said.
"I believe that the overall mission of the Tennessee Agribusiness Development Team is to assist in renovating the agricultural economy by providing U.S. agricultural and engineer specialists to work with their Afghan counterparts in Paktia province," Moore said.
Moore has a bachelor's degree in agriculture and, as a civilian, is an executive in commercial lending at a community bank in central Georgia.
"Successful business owners, and agriculture as a business, spend as much time on marketing and gross sales opportunities as maximizing production yields," he explained. "Also, a growing business must have access to loans and/or banking institutions."
The farmers in eastern Afghanistan have more than 3 million potential customers for their agricultural products living nearby. Understanding of central Asian buyers' desires and needs is required to make the Afghan farmers successful, team officials said.
The Tennessee Guard team has been on the ground for about 90 days and has made at least two visits to the 14 districts within its province, working with local leaders to assess the agricultural situation. So far, nearly a dozen projects for funding through the Commander's Emergency Response Program have been created and submitted.
Several of these projects are in conjunction with the Paktia University's School of Agriculture. At one time, Afghan universities were competitive with institutions across the globe, but they were almost destroyed during the Soviet occupation and the subsequent Taliban regime. The local university depends on national funding, but lacks the resources to teach the current influx of students. The Tennessee Guard agribusiness team has agreed to assist the School of Agriculture in meeting its critical needs.
The team intends to implement up to 50 projects before the duty tour ends and they are relieved by a team from Oklahoma.
Some of the projects will be completed, some will be under way, and some will be waiting for the Oklahoma Guard to begin as soon as they hit the ground, officials said, noting that since the focus is on education and agriculture infrastructure development, most of the projects have a training focus or component.
The projects the Tennessee Guard team has developed or implemented include:
-- A furniture manufacturing training course for local military-aged men, who will learn a new trade, be given the tools to start a business, and donate the furniture to the university.
-- A livestock association course that will train farmers on basic animal husbandry techniques and teach them how to create and sustain an association to allow for future projects and increase the farmers' marketing strength.
-- A beehive construction course. Bees are critical to the province's fruit tree heritage and economy, and the students will learn proper methods of hive construction. They will be allowed to keep their tools to start a new business, and the hives they produce will initially be donated to district beekeeping associations. The associations will use the new hives to encourage new members, which will directly assist the numerous apple and apricot producers across the province, as well as provide increased revenue for honey sales.
-- Para-veterinary training program with the Afghan Veterinary Association. Afghanistan does not have enough adequately trained veterinarians, and must depend heavily on less formally trained para-vets, or vet technicians. This program will provide basic technical training in laboratory procedures and artificial insemination procedures. The program also will provide updated equipment for clinics, better quality dairy cattle semen and semi-annual de-worming clinics throughout the province.
-- Training on poultry, sheep and goat husbandry for disadvantaged women and youth at the village level. The courses will provide the knowledge and resources for the students to take home their own livestock or chickens. The training will include health, feeding, breeding, and marketing components.
Many agricultural projects can take a minimum of three to five years to begin producing quantitative results, as evidenced by America's forefathers as they painstakingly improved their plant and animal genetics, team officials noted. The common factor, they added, is to be a steward of the land and enhance it through training and technology, so as part of the training, it is vital to educate the Afghans on the conservation value of their natural resources.
"Living at 7,600 feet elevation with average annual rainfall of 12 inches isn't like anything in the [southeastern United States]," Moore said. "But the farmers in Afghanistan are similar to U.S. farmers -- interested in production quality and quantities [and] producing enough to feed, clothe and educate their family. They also respond to smiles and firm handshakes."
Thirty years ago, Afghanistan was known as a leading agricultural exporter. Agriculture accounted for nearly 80 percent of their economy, but the Russian invasion and the Taliban's fight for control have taken their toll on the country's farming capabilities. Although much technology and knowledge has been lost, various agribusiness development teams, in coordination with national and international officials, hope to overcome those losses allow the Afghanistan economy to thrive again.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class George Winters serves in the Tennessee National Guard Agribusiness Development Team public affairs office.)
USS Ronald Reagan Launches First Sorties in Relief of USS Eisenhower
American Forces Press ServiceJuly 6, 2009 - The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group relieved the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group today in command of Task Force 50 and launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 14 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, bound for Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces.
"I'm excited to get this started, because in essence, what we're doing is saving American and coalition lives," said Navy Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "The Eisenhower strike group did a fantastic job in theater, and we're ready to continue that level of support. We have a lot of experience on board Ronald Reagan and with the air wing. Our crew knows how to execute this mission effectively."
While Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing 14 are returning to a mission they performed a year ago, they understand that conditions in Afghanistan have changed, officials said, with stricter guidelines in place to minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage in Afghanistan.
Navy Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, the strike group's commander, said the group's more than 7,500 sailors are eager to carry out their mission.
"Our sailors are focused and serious-minded about what is ahead," he said. "They know the Navy and our country is counting on them. They are ready to demonstrate their impressive capabilities across the spectrum of our maritime strategy."
The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group had operated in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations since March.
"Our preparations last fall allowed us to deliver exactly what the fleet commander asked for: persistent U.S. naval power in perfect partnership with our joint and coalition partners [and] delivering security and stability for the good of all mariners in this vital area of the world," said Navy Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.
Eisenhower's embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 7, flew more than 2,000 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ships of the Eisenhower Carrier
Strike Group also were vital in counter-piracy operations, including the USS Bainbridge's direct role in the rescue of Richard Phillips, captain of the cargo ship Maersk Alabama.
"I am extremely proud of the 4,500 men and women on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. They have performed magnificently this entire deployment," said Navy Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Eisenhower's commanding officer. "They supported coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan with utmost professionalism while providing regional security and stability. Without question, their service made a difference."
USS Ronald Reagan is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville. Other Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group ships will support maritime security operations while deployed to the region. The guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur, USS Howard and USS Gridley and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach will help to deter destabilizing activities and ensure a lawful maritime order in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, officials said.
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the region. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the U.S. commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity, officials said.
(From a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command news release.)
Biden, Odierno Preside Over Naturalization Ceremony in Iraq
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden and Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, presided over a July 4 naturalization ceremony in which 237 servicemembers deployed to Iraq became American citizens. "You are the reason America is strong," Biden told the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who hailed from 59 countries, including Iraq, during the ceremony in the rotunda of former dictator Saddam Hussein's Al-Faw palace near here. "You are the source of our freedom – you and all who come before you."
Biden said he could think of no greater show of commitment than to serve thousands of miles away from one's adopted home, in harm's way, before becoming a citizen. He noted the sacrifices the troops have made and will continue to make during their deployment.
"Here in Iraq, you have done your country, and this country, proud," Biden told the group, citing progress, including the movement of U.S. combat troops from the cities before the June 30 deadline. "You know better than I that there is still a lot of hard work left to do," Biden conceded, promising to ensure deployed troops have "every single thing" they need to carry the mission forward.
Biden said the nature of the mission will change as Iraqis take on increasing responsibility and the United States ultimately leaves Iraq. "Next summer, our combat troops will leave Iraq itself, and we will be on track to remove all U.S. forces from Iraq at the end of 2011," he said.
Odierno praised the newest U.S. citizens for the role they have played in building Iraq's future. Pointing to their diversity, he called them "an example to the Iraqis of a country that welcomes men and women from everywhere."
Looking out over the group, Odierno said he'd be hard-pressed to describe them by the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, which begins, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses."
"To be honest, I'm not so sure that its legendary inscription is applicable to this group here today, because when I look at the men and women sitting out in front of me here, I'm having a hard time because I don't see them in terms of tired, poor or huddled," he said.
"If I had to write a description of the soon-to-be citizens in this rotunda," the general continued, "I would say, 'Give me your brightest and your bravest. Give me your warriors and your heroes who will enhance our great nation and strive to keep her safe.'"
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden and Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, presided over a July 4 naturalization ceremony in which 237 servicemembers deployed to Iraq became American citizens. "You are the reason America is strong," Biden told the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who hailed from 59 countries, including Iraq, during the ceremony in the rotunda of former dictator Saddam Hussein's Al-Faw palace near here. "You are the source of our freedom – you and all who come before you."
Biden said he could think of no greater show of commitment than to serve thousands of miles away from one's adopted home, in harm's way, before becoming a citizen. He noted the sacrifices the troops have made and will continue to make during their deployment.
"Here in Iraq, you have done your country, and this country, proud," Biden told the group, citing progress, including the movement of U.S. combat troops from the cities before the June 30 deadline. "You know better than I that there is still a lot of hard work left to do," Biden conceded, promising to ensure deployed troops have "every single thing" they need to carry the mission forward.
Biden said the nature of the mission will change as Iraqis take on increasing responsibility and the United States ultimately leaves Iraq. "Next summer, our combat troops will leave Iraq itself, and we will be on track to remove all U.S. forces from Iraq at the end of 2011," he said.
Odierno praised the newest U.S. citizens for the role they have played in building Iraq's future. Pointing to their diversity, he called them "an example to the Iraqis of a country that welcomes men and women from everywhere."
Looking out over the group, Odierno said he'd be hard-pressed to describe them by the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, which begins, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses."
"To be honest, I'm not so sure that its legendary inscription is applicable to this group here today, because when I look at the men and women sitting out in front of me here, I'm having a hard time because I don't see them in terms of tired, poor or huddled," he said.
"If I had to write a description of the soon-to-be citizens in this rotunda," the general continued, "I would say, 'Give me your brightest and your bravest. Give me your warriors and your heroes who will enhance our great nation and strive to keep her safe.'"
Soldiers Check on Progress of Iraqi Police Station
By Army Sgt. Jon SolesSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - In 2006, an insurgent's bomb destroyed the police station in Tarmiyah, Iraq -- near Taji, north of the Iraqi capital -- leaving a burning pile of rubble. Today, the station has risen from the ashes and is a new source of pride and an improvement for security for the town. Soldiers of the 591st Military Police Company, 93rd Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, are helping the Tarmiyah police to prepare for the grand re-opening of a new, modern building, funded by coalition forces.
Army 1st Lt. Brenda Beegle, a platoon leader with the brigade's 591st Military Police Company, met here July 3 with the Tarmiyah police commander, Col. Tawfiq Ahmad Hamid, to help to plan the station's opening and to check on security.
"We are here to find out when the grand opening of this station is and to check on the red alert they received," said Beegle, a native of San Mateo, Calif.
After an insurgent's car bomb left the old station in ruins, local council members arranged for the police to use a small house for their headquarters. The house was cramped and made carrying out security operations difficult, Beegle said.
"They couldn't do their job, because they didn't have enough space," she said. "This new station shows the public the [Iraqi police] are worth something."
The floors of the new station are shiny, and the halls are filled with the aroma of fresh paint. The new station not only is a town showpiece, but also has made police work much easier, Hamid said.
"Imagine yourself with one rented room, and then you go into a big house with many rooms," he said. "Of course, there is a difference."
But the new station, with its spacious rooms and high walls, does not alone make a good police force, Beegle noted. "Even though the building is really great, we are still trying to get them to do patrols without us and to be proactive," she said.
Standing inside a newly constructed steel tower, Army Pfc. Samuel Castaneda kept security watch. From the tower, he said, soldiers still worked with Iraqi police officers to provide security and train for security.
"If we see anything suspicious we let them know, 'Hey you need to do something about that,'" Castaneda said.
Beegle said she is working to involve the local Iraqi media and government officials from Baghdad in the Tarmiyah police station's re-opening. The American military police have supported the Iraqis throughout the construction of the new IP station, she added, and will continue to support them in training.
(Army Sgt. Jon Soles serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad public affairs office.)
Forces Thwart Outpost Attack, Destroy Bomb-making Facility
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces foiled an attack on a combat outpost, captured a key terrorist leader and destroyed a bomb-making facility in operations in Afghanistan today, military officials reported. Afghan soldiers and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers killed at least 10 militants and detained another after responding to an attack on a combat outpost in Paktika province this morning.
Insurgents attacked the outpost with indirect fire, including multiple rockets and mortars. The force responded with counter fire, close-air support and attack helicopters.
No civilian casualties were reported.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces assaulted a compound last night in the rural Baraki Barak district of Logar province in an effort to disrupt roadside bomb attacks led by the Haqqani terrorist group against coalition forces. The force detained a key leader of the terrorist network and his associate. The leader is believed to be involved in the recruitment of children as suicide bombers.
In Helmand province, Afghan National Police, assisted by coalition forces, discovered a roadside-bomb-making compound during a security patrol in Nad Ali district.
The force also discovered multiple roadside bombs and more than 100 pounds of explosive material. A perimeter was set around the compound, and the bombs were detonated in place.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
July 6, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces foiled an attack on a combat outpost, captured a key terrorist leader and destroyed a bomb-making facility in operations in Afghanistan today, military officials reported. Afghan soldiers and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers killed at least 10 militants and detained another after responding to an attack on a combat outpost in Paktika province this morning.
Insurgents attacked the outpost with indirect fire, including multiple rockets and mortars. The force responded with counter fire, close-air support and attack helicopters.
No civilian casualties were reported.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces assaulted a compound last night in the rural Baraki Barak district of Logar province in an effort to disrupt roadside bomb attacks led by the Haqqani terrorist group against coalition forces. The force detained a key leader of the terrorist network and his associate. The leader is believed to be involved in the recruitment of children as suicide bombers.
In Helmand province, Afghan National Police, assisted by coalition forces, discovered a roadside-bomb-making compound during a security patrol in Nad Ali district.
The force also discovered multiple roadside bombs and more than 100 pounds of explosive material. A perimeter was set around the compound, and the bombs were detonated in place.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)
Directive Re-emphasizes Protecting Afghan Civilians
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - A new tactical directive for coalition forces serving in Afghanistan re-emphasizes the importance of preventing civilian casualties. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, released the directive July 2. It builds on previous tactics and is much clearer about use of close-air support, searching Afghan houses and protecting Afghan cultural and religious sensitivities. All coalition forces in Afghanistan must follow the directive.
Taliban fighters use a tactic of engaging coalition forces from positions that expose Afghan civilians to danger. Close-air support of coalition and Afghan personnel engaged in a May 4 firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan's Farah province killed numerous civilians. The Taliban cite such incidents to lead people to believe the NATO-led force does not care for Afghan civilians.
McChrystal's tactical directive emphasizes that ISAF is in Afghanistan to protect the people from the insurgents. "Like any insurgency, there is a struggle for support and will of the population," he wrote. "Gaining and maintaining that support must be our overriding operational imperative – and the ultimate objective of every action we take."
Still, the directive does not prevent commanders from protecting the lives of their troops engaged in direct combat.
The directive is general because the nature of a counterinsurgency is complex and no one can foresee all eventualities, officials said. McChrystal expects commanders at all levels to understand the directive and use it when planning and conducting operations. "Following this intent requires a cultural shift within our forces – and complete understanding at every level," he wrote.
The tactical guidance takes the new strategy for Afghanistan as its base, recognizing that ISAF and Afghan forces may win tactical victories against the Taliban, but lose the war. "We must avoid the trap of winning tactical victories – but suffering strategic defeats – by causing civilian casualties or excessive damage and thus alienating the people," McChrystal wrote.
Specifically, the directive calls on commanders "to scrutinize and limit the use of force like close air support against residential compounds and other locations likely to produce civilian casualties." Bombing residential compounds will be allowed only under very limited conditions, the directive says. For example, if a coalition force comes in contact with Taliban fighters and the enemy takes cover in a residential compound, the NATO force can break contact and wait out the enemy rather than calling for close-air support.
Another portion of the directive states that any search of Afghan homes will be done by Afghan security forces with the support of local authorities.
"No ISAF forces will enter or fire upon, or fire into a mosque or any religious or historical site except in self-defense," McChrystal wrote in the directive. "All searches and entries for any other reason will be conducted by the Afghan National Security Forces."
The directive is not a departure from past practices, officials said, noting that killing civilians never has been an International Security Assistance Force tactic.
"Working together with our Afghan partners, we can overcome the enemy's influence and give the Afghan people what they deserve: a country at peace for the first time in three decades, foundations of good governance and economic development," McChrystal said.
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - A new tactical directive for coalition forces serving in Afghanistan re-emphasizes the importance of preventing civilian casualties. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, released the directive July 2. It builds on previous tactics and is much clearer about use of close-air support, searching Afghan houses and protecting Afghan cultural and religious sensitivities. All coalition forces in Afghanistan must follow the directive.
Taliban fighters use a tactic of engaging coalition forces from positions that expose Afghan civilians to danger. Close-air support of coalition and Afghan personnel engaged in a May 4 firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan's Farah province killed numerous civilians. The Taliban cite such incidents to lead people to believe the NATO-led force does not care for Afghan civilians.
McChrystal's tactical directive emphasizes that ISAF is in Afghanistan to protect the people from the insurgents. "Like any insurgency, there is a struggle for support and will of the population," he wrote. "Gaining and maintaining that support must be our overriding operational imperative – and the ultimate objective of every action we take."
Still, the directive does not prevent commanders from protecting the lives of their troops engaged in direct combat.
The directive is general because the nature of a counterinsurgency is complex and no one can foresee all eventualities, officials said. McChrystal expects commanders at all levels to understand the directive and use it when planning and conducting operations. "Following this intent requires a cultural shift within our forces – and complete understanding at every level," he wrote.
The tactical guidance takes the new strategy for Afghanistan as its base, recognizing that ISAF and Afghan forces may win tactical victories against the Taliban, but lose the war. "We must avoid the trap of winning tactical victories – but suffering strategic defeats – by causing civilian casualties or excessive damage and thus alienating the people," McChrystal wrote.
Specifically, the directive calls on commanders "to scrutinize and limit the use of force like close air support against residential compounds and other locations likely to produce civilian casualties." Bombing residential compounds will be allowed only under very limited conditions, the directive says. For example, if a coalition force comes in contact with Taliban fighters and the enemy takes cover in a residential compound, the NATO force can break contact and wait out the enemy rather than calling for close-air support.
Another portion of the directive states that any search of Afghan homes will be done by Afghan security forces with the support of local authorities.
"No ISAF forces will enter or fire upon, or fire into a mosque or any religious or historical site except in self-defense," McChrystal wrote in the directive. "All searches and entries for any other reason will be conducted by the Afghan National Security Forces."
The directive is not a departure from past practices, officials said, noting that killing civilians never has been an International Security Assistance Force tactic.
"Working together with our Afghan partners, we can overcome the enemy's influence and give the Afghan people what they deserve: a country at peace for the first time in three decades, foundations of good governance and economic development," McChrystal said.
Iraqi, Coalition Forces Capture Suspected Terrorists
American Forces Press Service
July 6, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. soldiers and coalition forces, arrested several suspected terrorists in operations in Iraq over the past five days, military officials reported. Iraqi soldiers, aided by U.S. soldiers, detained a wanted insurgent July 4 in Hawijah in Kirkuk province. Mahdi Saleh Khalil is believed to be associated with vehicle-bomb detonations June 30 and April 15, both in Kirkuk city, that killed 37 people and wounded 114 Iraqi civilians.
Elsewhere, the Beiji special weapons and tactics team, aided by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 3 in Salahuddin province. The man is suspected of murder and is believed to be a member of a terrorist cell that conducts roadside-bomb attacks in the province.
Northwest of Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, assisted by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 2 during an intelligence-driven operation in Tikrit. The man is believed to be a key leader of an insurgent cell responsible for criminal activities.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
July 6, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by U.S. soldiers and coalition forces, arrested several suspected terrorists in operations in Iraq over the past five days, military officials reported. Iraqi soldiers, aided by U.S. soldiers, detained a wanted insurgent July 4 in Hawijah in Kirkuk province. Mahdi Saleh Khalil is believed to be associated with vehicle-bomb detonations June 30 and April 15, both in Kirkuk city, that killed 37 people and wounded 114 Iraqi civilians.
Elsewhere, the Beiji special weapons and tactics team, aided by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 3 in Salahuddin province. The man is suspected of murder and is believed to be a member of a terrorist cell that conducts roadside-bomb attacks in the province.
Northwest of Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, assisted by coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist July 2 during an intelligence-driven operation in Tikrit. The man is believed to be a key leader of an insurgent cell responsible for criminal activities.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Added U.S. Troops Enable Afghanistan Strategy, Mullen Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2009 - Additional American troops in Afghanistan are making it possible to institute the new strategy in the country, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Speaking on CNN's State of the Union program, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said Operation Khanjar, which means Strike of the Sword, will challenge the Taliban and al-Qaida in the Helmand River valley in southern Afghanistan. The area has been a terrorist safe haven and which has most of the opium poppy cultivation in the country.
"This is really the most concentrated area for opium growing and we expect a significant combat challenge from the Taliban," he said.
About 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan soldiers are conducting operations in the river valley. The fighting is going on in the area of Garmsir and Khan Neshin, Mullen said.
In the past, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force has not been able to hold the area to allow assistance efforts to have an impact on the economy and government, he said.
"It's this extra footprint of Marines that will allow us to not just secure the are for the Afghan people, but also to hold it and start to move in the right direction economically and from a governance perspective," the admiral said.
The resistance has been what planners expected, he said.
"There's been some pretty tough fighting, but it really ties into the expectations that we had," Mullen said. "This has been a significant Taliban stronghold for a long period of time. It's grown over the past two or three years. What the Marines are there for is to really concentrate on that defeat the Taliban, clear it, hold it so we can start to build."
The fight will be tough for "a fair amount of time – weeks or months," he said.
Officials are working to ensure coordination with the Pakistani military. The fear is that Taliban fighters will melt into the populace and seek safe havens across the Afghan border with Pakistan. Mullen said the Pakistani military has had recent success against the Taliban in fighting in the Swat Valley and Dir province. They are now engaged in other areas.
"We realize there will be tension, but we have to work our way through that," Mullen said.
The chairman said he looks forward to receiving the 60-day assessment from the new NATO and U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal. "His guidance from me and from (Defense) Secretary (Robert M.) Gates is to make your assessment and then come back and tell us what you need," Mullen said.
McChrystal must make sure that there is no waste in the troops he has in country – all of the troops must be engaged in the proper missions.
There has been a merging of the Taliban and al-Qaida in the country over the past few years, Mullen said.
"We've seen leaders from these organizations move in a federated way," he said. "Al-Qaida is supportive of the Taliban."
Coming up with the number of enemy in the country is tough, "but they are significant, and they are growing, and it's the kind of insurgency that the additional troops that we put in there have to get at so we can focus on security," he said.
"It's less about killing the enemy than it is providing security and protecting Afghan civilians," he said.
American Forces Press Service
July 5, 2009 - Additional American troops in Afghanistan are making it possible to institute the new strategy in the country, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. Speaking on CNN's State of the Union program, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said Operation Khanjar, which means Strike of the Sword, will challenge the Taliban and al-Qaida in the Helmand River valley in southern Afghanistan. The area has been a terrorist safe haven and which has most of the opium poppy cultivation in the country.
"This is really the most concentrated area for opium growing and we expect a significant combat challenge from the Taliban," he said.
About 4,000 Marines and 650 Afghan soldiers are conducting operations in the river valley. The fighting is going on in the area of Garmsir and Khan Neshin, Mullen said.
In the past, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force has not been able to hold the area to allow assistance efforts to have an impact on the economy and government, he said.
"It's this extra footprint of Marines that will allow us to not just secure the are for the Afghan people, but also to hold it and start to move in the right direction economically and from a governance perspective," the admiral said.
The resistance has been what planners expected, he said.
"There's been some pretty tough fighting, but it really ties into the expectations that we had," Mullen said. "This has been a significant Taliban stronghold for a long period of time. It's grown over the past two or three years. What the Marines are there for is to really concentrate on that defeat the Taliban, clear it, hold it so we can start to build."
The fight will be tough for "a fair amount of time – weeks or months," he said.
Officials are working to ensure coordination with the Pakistani military. The fear is that Taliban fighters will melt into the populace and seek safe havens across the Afghan border with Pakistan. Mullen said the Pakistani military has had recent success against the Taliban in fighting in the Swat Valley and Dir province. They are now engaged in other areas.
"We realize there will be tension, but we have to work our way through that," Mullen said.
The chairman said he looks forward to receiving the 60-day assessment from the new NATO and U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal. "His guidance from me and from (Defense) Secretary (Robert M.) Gates is to make your assessment and then come back and tell us what you need," Mullen said.
McChrystal must make sure that there is no waste in the troops he has in country – all of the troops must be engaged in the proper missions.
There has been a merging of the Taliban and al-Qaida in the country over the past few years, Mullen said.
"We've seen leaders from these organizations move in a federated way," he said. "Al-Qaida is supportive of the Taliban."
Coming up with the number of enemy in the country is tough, "but they are significant, and they are growing, and it's the kind of insurgency that the additional troops that we put in there have to get at so we can focus on security," he said.
"It's less about killing the enemy than it is providing security and protecting Afghan civilians," he said.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Security Manager's Guide to Video Surveillance
John Honovich
This book is designed for the security manager who uses video surveillance/CCTV systems. You should be able to understand this book if you have used a DVR system. The book's goal is to help you make better decisions about evaluating and selecting video surveillance systems. Integrators and manufacturers should also be able to learn from this, especially to gain a better appreciation of drivers for security managers.
READ ON
www.police-technology.net/myfiles/SecurityManagerGuideVideoSurveillance.pdf
This book is designed for the security manager who uses video surveillance/CCTV systems. You should be able to understand this book if you have used a DVR system. The book's goal is to help you make better decisions about evaluating and selecting video surveillance systems. Integrators and manufacturers should also be able to learn from this, especially to gain a better appreciation of drivers for security managers.
READ ON
www.police-technology.net/myfiles/SecurityManagerGuideVideoSurveillance.pdf
Michael Jackson and other Crime Scenes
Editor's Note: The article is about crime scenes. It is good information for domestic as well as military personnel invovled in responding to and investigating terrorism.
Michael Jackson is dead, but the controversies have just begun. Among the growing issues surrounding his death are the actions of the first responders and investigators. On July 3, 2009, the Associated Press ran an article which asked several pointed questions; “Why didn’t the police seal the mansion where he had been living? Why didn’t they get immediate search warrants? Why did they tow away a doctor’s car right after the death but not declare the home a crime scene?” These questions point to serious question for all law enforcement personnel - what is a crime scene?
READ ON
www.police-writers.com/articles/definition_crime_scene.html
Michael Jackson is dead, but the controversies have just begun. Among the growing issues surrounding his death are the actions of the first responders and investigators. On July 3, 2009, the Associated Press ran an article which asked several pointed questions; “Why didn’t the police seal the mansion where he had been living? Why didn’t they get immediate search warrants? Why did they tow away a doctor’s car right after the death but not declare the home a crime scene?” These questions point to serious question for all law enforcement personnel - what is a crime scene?
READ ON
www.police-writers.com/articles/definition_crime_scene.html
Friday, July 03, 2009
Marines, Afghans Establish Bases in Helmand
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2009 - U.S. Marines and Afghan security forces are continuing Operation Khanjar in Afghanistan's Helmand province, NATO officials said today. Almost 4,000 personnel from the Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan have moved into cities and towns along the Helmand River and are digging in for the long haul.
The addition of nearly 22,000 American personnel in Afghanistan will allow the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force to institute a "clear, hold, build" counterinsurgency strategy. Before, small numbers of coalition forces would enter an area and clear it of Taliban, but the shortage of forces meant that when they pulled out, the Taliban flowed back in.
Now, Marines and Afghan personnel are clearing the region of Taliban and establishing bases among the people. They will stay to ensure the Taliban or other terrorist groups do not move back in.
The strategy calls for experts to move into the region and work with local residents to build the economy and governance.
The forces are operating in the districts of Nawa and Garmsir in central Helmand province. The Marines are operating as far south as the vicinity of Khan Neshin, the capital of Rig district in the region of the Helmand River valley known as "The Fishhook."
The effort is part of a larger strategy in Regional Command South. British and Afghan forces also are operating in Helmand and Kandahar provinces.
Few coalition or Afghan government forces have been in Helmand province. It is a center for the poppy trade, and has been a safe haven for the Taliban who used violence and other methods to intimidate the people.
"The Marines and Afghan forces are continuing to patrol and have begun engaging with key leaders in the districts to better understand the concerns and needs of Afghans in the area," said Marine Corps Capt. Bill Pelletier, a spokesman for the command. "Once security is established, civil affairs personnel and other nongovernmental organizations and agencies will begin establishing programs aimed at building long-term governance and development throughout the Helmand River valley."
One Marine has been killed in action, and several others have been injured or wounded since the operation began. Officials in Kabul said the Taliban have not directly confronted the massive operation, but rather are melting into the populace.
Also, an Afghan was wounded when he failed to heed warnings to halt as he approached a Marine position south of Garmsir. No need has arisen for close-air support, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
July 3, 2009 - U.S. Marines and Afghan security forces are continuing Operation Khanjar in Afghanistan's Helmand province, NATO officials said today. Almost 4,000 personnel from the Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan have moved into cities and towns along the Helmand River and are digging in for the long haul.
The addition of nearly 22,000 American personnel in Afghanistan will allow the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force to institute a "clear, hold, build" counterinsurgency strategy. Before, small numbers of coalition forces would enter an area and clear it of Taliban, but the shortage of forces meant that when they pulled out, the Taliban flowed back in.
Now, Marines and Afghan personnel are clearing the region of Taliban and establishing bases among the people. They will stay to ensure the Taliban or other terrorist groups do not move back in.
The strategy calls for experts to move into the region and work with local residents to build the economy and governance.
The forces are operating in the districts of Nawa and Garmsir in central Helmand province. The Marines are operating as far south as the vicinity of Khan Neshin, the capital of Rig district in the region of the Helmand River valley known as "The Fishhook."
The effort is part of a larger strategy in Regional Command South. British and Afghan forces also are operating in Helmand and Kandahar provinces.
Few coalition or Afghan government forces have been in Helmand province. It is a center for the poppy trade, and has been a safe haven for the Taliban who used violence and other methods to intimidate the people.
"The Marines and Afghan forces are continuing to patrol and have begun engaging with key leaders in the districts to better understand the concerns and needs of Afghans in the area," said Marine Corps Capt. Bill Pelletier, a spokesman for the command. "Once security is established, civil affairs personnel and other nongovernmental organizations and agencies will begin establishing programs aimed at building long-term governance and development throughout the Helmand River valley."
One Marine has been killed in action, and several others have been injured or wounded since the operation began. Officials in Kabul said the Taliban have not directly confronted the massive operation, but rather are melting into the populace.
Also, an Afghan was wounded when he failed to heed warnings to halt as he approached a Marine position south of Garmsir. No need has arisen for close-air support, officials said.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle June 29, in Baghdad, Iraq. They were assigned to the 120th Combined Arms Battalion, Wilmington, N.C.
Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Edward C. Kramer, 39, of Wilmington, N.C.
Sgt. Roger L. Adams Jr., 36, of Jacksonville, N.C.
Sgt. Juan C. Baldeosingh, 30, of Newport, N.C.
Spc. Robert L. Bittiker, 39, of Jacksonville, N.C.
For more information media may contact the North Carolina Army National Guard public affairs office at (919) 664-6242.
Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Edward C. Kramer, 39, of Wilmington, N.C.
Sgt. Roger L. Adams Jr., 36, of Jacksonville, N.C.
Sgt. Juan C. Baldeosingh, 30, of Newport, N.C.
Spc. Robert L. Bittiker, 39, of Jacksonville, N.C.
For more information media may contact the North Carolina Army National Guard public affairs office at (919) 664-6242.
Soldiers Say Goodbye to Iraqi Orphans With Party, Gifts
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Joe ThompsonSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - The 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, 2nd Battalion, couldn't leave here without a special goodbye to some local children they likely will never forget. The battalion is winding down its time here in Wasit province and as one of its last services to the community, the soldiers treated the children from the Kut orphanage to an evening of games, gifts and entertainment at the Rehanah al-Haydaryah Family Park on June 26.
"It was an idea to have an event before the American forces left that they could say goodbye to the Iraqi children, and it should be in an open area like the park," said Nisreen Abdul Raoof, the orphanage director.
Lt. Col. Timothy Bush, 2nd Battalion commander, and the Deep Strike soldiers have been working with the communities and Iraqi Security Forces throughout Wasit province.
The orphans enjoyed an evening of performances by the 34th Infantry Division band and games including musical chairs, water balloon toss, three-legged race and soccer. Deep Strike Soldiers also supplied snacks, drinks and gifts for the event.
"Before we met with Lieutenant Colonel Bush, we had a bad picture of American forces because of the media," Raoof said. "Before, they used to say the Americans were invaders and occupation forces. But after we met with them and talked with them, we found out that they have big hearts and are very human, especially Lieutenant Colonel Bush. He has a big heart and he has helped us a lot. He gave us backpacks and soccer balls for the school."
The evening's events were wonderful for the children and soldiers, Raoof said, but the biggest gift the soldiers gave was the gift of democracy.
"I would like to send my regard to all American citizens and the American army because they sacrificed a lot of soldiers in Iraq to bring Iraq its democracy," she said. "We have free speech. We can say whatever we want. We have political freedoms and can say our opinion.
"Right now, we have stability and we have good security in this province with the help of the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police. Right now, thanks to God, we are living free, and living in a democracy. We will always remember the Americans for helping us to set up the country like this."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson serves with the 41st Fires Brigade public affairs office).
Criminal Justice Online: CCTV Evidence Challenges
Editor's Note: Increasling domestic law enforcement as well as the military are using various types of digital imagery as a means to complete their homeland security and/or counterterrorism missions.
Criminal Justice Online: CCTV Evidence Challenges
Criminal Justice Online: CCTV Evidence Challenges
Agriculture Team Trains Afghans on Grain Storage
By Army 1st Lt. Lory StevensSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - A U.S.-led agriculture development team is helping Afghan farmers capitalize on their investments. The Task Force Warrior agribusiness development team trained farmers from nearby provinces here June 24, showing them how to store seed for the next planting season. Farmers from Parwan, Panjshir and Kapisa provinces learned how to assemble grain bins, which will keep harvested grain from spoiling.
"Our team set up the bottom ring, top ring, and some roof pieces," said Army Master Sgt. John Herron, an agronomist and hydrologist with the team, who helped to set up the training site with more than a dozen Afghan workers. Herron and his team showed the Afghans how to assemble the grain bins, using silicone caulk at the seams to keep moisture out during the harsh Afghan winters.
"A local truck was contracted to transport [the] bins to several locations in Kapisa," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon Kuntzelman, a team agronomist who coordinated with a group in Nebraska to have the bins shipped to Afghanistan.
The grain bins will be built at eight locations throughout Parwan, Kapisa and Panjshir. The farmers received tool sets to use to assemble their grain bins once they arrive, officials said.
(Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens serves in the Task Force Warrior public affairs office.)
U.S., Afghan Forces Launch Offensive Into Taliban Stronghold
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - Thousands of American servicemembers and hundreds of Afghan soldiers launched Operation Khanjar today to provide security to the Helmand River Valley in southern Afghanistan, according to officials here and in Kabul. Some 4,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers and 650 Afghan soldiers launched nearly simultaneous air and ground assaults all along the river, officials said.
The forces, under the command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, are entering areas where few – if any – coalition forces have been in the past. Helmand province is a stronghold of the Taliban, and the coalition mission is to secure the area and make it safe for Afghans to live without the threats of militant groups.
"The operation in Nawa is going to be very effective," Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal said. "The security forces will build bases to provide security for the local people so that they can carry out every activity with this favorable background and take their lives forward in peace."
The troops are from the Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. Marine Aircraft Group 40 and Task Force Pegasus -- the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade -- provided aviation support.
This is the first operation to use the troops President Barack Obama ordered to the area after taking office.
The operation is part of an overall NATO effort in to extend security to the Afghan people in southern Afghanistan. Similar operations are under way in other parts of Helmand and in Kandahar province, including the British-led Operation Panchai Palang, which began last week.
The effort is designed to connect local Afghans with their legitimate government while establishing stable and secure conditions for national elections scheduled for August, as well as enhanced security for the future, officials said.
"What makes Operation Khanjar different from those that have occurred before is the massive size of the force introduced, the speed at which it will insert, and the fact that where we go we will stay, and where we stay, we will hold, build and work toward transition of all security responsibilities to Afghan forces," said Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the brigade commander.
Officials said the focus remains true to counterinsurgency doctrine: ensuring the safety, security and stability of the area. Once secure, the British-run Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Lashkar Gah, working with Afghan government officials, will follow up security gains with economic and governance projects.
"The Taliban offer no future, no hope, and we will work to provide immediate security gains to the local citizens of the Helmand River Valley," Nicholson said in a written statement.
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - Thousands of American servicemembers and hundreds of Afghan soldiers launched Operation Khanjar today to provide security to the Helmand River Valley in southern Afghanistan, according to officials here and in Kabul. Some 4,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers and 650 Afghan soldiers launched nearly simultaneous air and ground assaults all along the river, officials said.
The forces, under the command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, are entering areas where few – if any – coalition forces have been in the past. Helmand province is a stronghold of the Taliban, and the coalition mission is to secure the area and make it safe for Afghans to live without the threats of militant groups.
"The operation in Nawa is going to be very effective," Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal said. "The security forces will build bases to provide security for the local people so that they can carry out every activity with this favorable background and take their lives forward in peace."
The troops are from the Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. Marine Aircraft Group 40 and Task Force Pegasus -- the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade -- provided aviation support.
This is the first operation to use the troops President Barack Obama ordered to the area after taking office.
The operation is part of an overall NATO effort in to extend security to the Afghan people in southern Afghanistan. Similar operations are under way in other parts of Helmand and in Kandahar province, including the British-led Operation Panchai Palang, which began last week.
The effort is designed to connect local Afghans with their legitimate government while establishing stable and secure conditions for national elections scheduled for August, as well as enhanced security for the future, officials said.
"What makes Operation Khanjar different from those that have occurred before is the massive size of the force introduced, the speed at which it will insert, and the fact that where we go we will stay, and where we stay, we will hold, build and work toward transition of all security responsibilities to Afghan forces," said Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the brigade commander.
Officials said the focus remains true to counterinsurgency doctrine: ensuring the safety, security and stability of the area. Once secure, the British-run Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Lashkar Gah, working with Afghan government officials, will follow up security gains with economic and governance projects.
"The Taliban offer no future, no hope, and we will work to provide immediate security gains to the local citizens of the Helmand River Valley," Nicholson said in a written statement.
'So Far, So Good' in Iraq, Odierno Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - It's "so far, so good" in Iraq since U.S. combat forces withdrew from the country's cities and towns, the commander of Multinational Force Iraq said yesterday. "It's going fine -- no problem at all," Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said on the PBS program "Newshour With Jim Lehrer."
Iraqi troops and police are manning checkpoints and stations by themselves, the general added.
Baghdad and Kirkuk have seen bomb attacks, but Iraqi forces have been able to handle the situations, Odierno told news anchor Judy Woodruff. U.S. forces have been moving out of the cities and towns for months. June 30 was the deadline under the U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement for all coalition forces to leave the cities.
American forces continue to work with Iraqi security forces, the general said, and 131,000 U.S. servicemembers are in Iraq. "We have U.S. forces in joint coordination centers all over Iraq, inside of the cities, and they are there doing training, advising, assisting, and they also are coordinating with the Iraqis," Odierno said.
The relationships between Iraqi and American forces at all levels are key to good communications, Odierno said, and if the Iraqis need help, a process is in place for U.S. forces to provide it.
American advisory and coordination cells are still in the cities, the general said, but in small numbers "and they're not related to combat formations, such as brigades and battalions."
American combat forces now are in the belts surrounding the cities. These belts often are the area where terrorists set up support bases for operations inside the cities. "We occupy those key areas to provide security and stability, which will make it more difficult for freedom of movement of the insurgent and extremist organizations," Odierno explained.
The number of violent incidents in Iraq is up over the last 10 days, the general said. "But when I look at security incidents around the country, they're still very low," he added. In fact, the past month saw the fewest violent incidents since the Iraqis began keeping records, he noted.
Still, terror groups are conducting attacks, and they are hoping to attract recruits. The Iraqi people have not reacted to this terror offensive. "We see no signs of return to sectarian violence," Odierno said. "We see all the right comments being made by the leadership."
The Iraqi security forces are up to the challenge, the general told Woodruff. "They have been in the fight," he said. "They have been working very closely with our forces. We've had a close partnership with them. We have seen a great improvement in the leadership. We've seen great improvement in their will and their ability to fight."
Problems still exist with logistics and air support, and U.S. forces will continue to work with the Iraqi army and police to make up those shortfalls and build those capabilities, Odierno said.
"By and large, their army units are performing well," he said. "They have eliminated much of the sectarian issues they had in 2006. They continue to work that. We believe they continue to make progress. We think we need to be with them for a couple more years, as is outlined in the security agreement, and we think, as we continue to move forward, they will continue to improve, and they'll be able to do what we think is necessary."
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - It's "so far, so good" in Iraq since U.S. combat forces withdrew from the country's cities and towns, the commander of Multinational Force Iraq said yesterday. "It's going fine -- no problem at all," Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said on the PBS program "Newshour With Jim Lehrer."
Iraqi troops and police are manning checkpoints and stations by themselves, the general added.
Baghdad and Kirkuk have seen bomb attacks, but Iraqi forces have been able to handle the situations, Odierno told news anchor Judy Woodruff. U.S. forces have been moving out of the cities and towns for months. June 30 was the deadline under the U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement for all coalition forces to leave the cities.
American forces continue to work with Iraqi security forces, the general said, and 131,000 U.S. servicemembers are in Iraq. "We have U.S. forces in joint coordination centers all over Iraq, inside of the cities, and they are there doing training, advising, assisting, and they also are coordinating with the Iraqis," Odierno said.
The relationships between Iraqi and American forces at all levels are key to good communications, Odierno said, and if the Iraqis need help, a process is in place for U.S. forces to provide it.
American advisory and coordination cells are still in the cities, the general said, but in small numbers "and they're not related to combat formations, such as brigades and battalions."
American combat forces now are in the belts surrounding the cities. These belts often are the area where terrorists set up support bases for operations inside the cities. "We occupy those key areas to provide security and stability, which will make it more difficult for freedom of movement of the insurgent and extremist organizations," Odierno explained.
The number of violent incidents in Iraq is up over the last 10 days, the general said. "But when I look at security incidents around the country, they're still very low," he added. In fact, the past month saw the fewest violent incidents since the Iraqis began keeping records, he noted.
Still, terror groups are conducting attacks, and they are hoping to attract recruits. The Iraqi people have not reacted to this terror offensive. "We see no signs of return to sectarian violence," Odierno said. "We see all the right comments being made by the leadership."
The Iraqi security forces are up to the challenge, the general told Woodruff. "They have been in the fight," he said. "They have been working very closely with our forces. We've had a close partnership with them. We have seen a great improvement in the leadership. We've seen great improvement in their will and their ability to fight."
Problems still exist with logistics and air support, and U.S. forces will continue to work with the Iraqi army and police to make up those shortfalls and build those capabilities, Odierno said.
"By and large, their army units are performing well," he said. "They have eliminated much of the sectarian issues they had in 2006. They continue to work that. We believe they continue to make progress. We think we need to be with them for a couple more years, as is outlined in the security agreement, and we think, as we continue to move forward, they will continue to improve, and they'll be able to do what we think is necessary."
Forces Capture Suspected Senior Terrorist, Others in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, detained an alleged senior leader of a terrorist group along with other suspected terrorists June 29 and 30 in operations in Iraq, military officials reported.
In June 30 operations:
-- The Emergency Response Brigade and coalition advisors arrested a suspected senior leader in Taji, north of Baghdad. The leader is believed to be responsible for organizing sophisticated operations against coalition forces in the area.
-- In Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, along with coalition advisors, arrested an alleged terrorist during an Iraqi-led operation. The man is believed to be a member of a group responsible for murder and roadside-bomb attacks.
-- In Ninevah province, a Mosul special weapons and tactics team, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspect believed to be a weapons instructor for a terrorist group operating in the province. He also is suspected of detonating roadside bombs against coalition forces and conducting other attacks against Iraqi security forces.
In June 29 operations:
-- The 4th Emergency Response Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested five suspected terrorists in Salahuddin province. One of the arrested men is suspected of leading a terrorist cell, and the other four are suspected of terrorism. The cell is responsible for making magnetic bombs for use against Iraqi civilians and security forces.
-- The 8th Regional Commando Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in Diyala province. The suspect is believed to be a member of a violent terrorist cell operating in the Balad Ruz area. The cell is responsible for murder and emplacing roadside bombs against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the province.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
July 2, 2009 - Iraqi forces, aided by coalition advisors, detained an alleged senior leader of a terrorist group along with other suspected terrorists June 29 and 30 in operations in Iraq, military officials reported.
In June 30 operations:
-- The Emergency Response Brigade and coalition advisors arrested a suspected senior leader in Taji, north of Baghdad. The leader is believed to be responsible for organizing sophisticated operations against coalition forces in the area.
-- In Baghdad, the Emergency Response Brigade, along with coalition advisors, arrested an alleged terrorist during an Iraqi-led operation. The man is believed to be a member of a group responsible for murder and roadside-bomb attacks.
-- In Ninevah province, a Mosul special weapons and tactics team, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspect believed to be a weapons instructor for a terrorist group operating in the province. He also is suspected of detonating roadside bombs against coalition forces and conducting other attacks against Iraqi security forces.
In June 29 operations:
-- The 4th Emergency Response Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested five suspected terrorists in Salahuddin province. One of the arrested men is suspected of leading a terrorist cell, and the other four are suspected of terrorism. The cell is responsible for making magnetic bombs for use against Iraqi civilians and security forces.
-- The 8th Regional Commando Battalion, with coalition advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist in Diyala province. The suspect is believed to be a member of a violent terrorist cell operating in the Balad Ruz area. The cell is responsible for murder and emplacing roadside bombs against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the province.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Iraqis Ready to Accept Modern Inspectors General, Advisor Says
By Ian Graham
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - Iraqi officials are learning to accept modern inspectors general in their government, and the coalition-backed investigative program is ready to stand on its own, a senior leader in that effort said. Marine Corps Col. Robert Schroeder, inspector general special staff assistant to the commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, spoke with bloggers and online journalists during a June 30 "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable about the support his office provides.
The command has dedicated IG advisors to Iraq's ministries of Defense and Interior, Joint Headquarters Staff and Counter-terrorism Bureau, Schroeder said. "Each of the advisors and our Iraqi counterparts have experienced different successes and faced different, but similar, challenges," he said.
Schroeder explained the development of a modern, professional IG capability in Iraq, with noted successes and challenges. Three factors determine an advisor's success, he said.
"One would be the degree with which the Iraqi counterpart strives to achieve professionalization of his office policies and practices," Schroeder explained. "The second would be the degree to which the Iraqi inspector general has influence within the ministry. And the third would be ... the extent of the integrity in the office place."
The acceptance of the modern inspector general, he said, is one of the overall determining factors in evaluating an advisor's success. In his work with the command, Schroeder said, he's confident the program is working, especially considering the removal of U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities and villages June 30.
"I would say that there's a high degree of confidence that the time is right and that the ... Iraqi forces, both on the military side and on the police side, are prepared to meet any foreseeable threats," he said.
But that confidence doesn't come without potential hardships. Because of the immaturity of some Iraqi ministries, Schroeder said, certain processes aren't reined in. Handling logistics for Iraq's security forces, for example, is one of the primary areas of focus for security transition command advisors.
"These are ongoing, and there's not going to be any quick fix," he said. "It's already been foreseen that the logistics capability and capacity is the long pole in the tent."
In that same vein, procurement is a major issue inspectors general in Iraq are going to tackle. As they build a military, they'll need to obtain a lot of equipment to arm and protect their troops.
But while the ministries still are in the early stages of existence, there's no place yet for decentralized decision-making, Schroeder said, and the decision-making process isn't transparent. Ideally, the inspector general will create procurement and logistics policies and programs, but as yet they aren't able to do that, he acknowledged.
"Effectively ... there's no mechanism by which IGs can insert themselves in [the decision-making] process," he said.
Schroeder explained, though, that command programs are in place that will help Iraqi ministries expand their capabilities for personnel and processes so inspectors general can perform their duties. Included are the Military Training Development Center in Iraq's Defense Ministry, which trains civilians, Iraqi troops and joint headquarters Iraqi officers. Schroeder said the school has course work "as broad and as wide as you can envision for a full-scale ministry." The ministry took over the operation several months ago, he said.
The Interior Ministry has two campuses of the Baghdad Police Academy, which trains both uniformed officers and civilian officials. A large problem is the lack of qualified professionals, Schroeder said.
This is the third generation of Iraqis who have been affected by the policies of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, Schroeder said, and that's left a gap in credible and professional government officials. Filling the 31 Iraqi ministries with qualified candidates has proven difficult.
"Since Saddam took power in 1958, there has been not just a brain-drain, but also a professional bureaucrat drain," Schroeder said. "They do have hiring criteria for these bureaucrat positions, but they're way ... behind in terms of manning with competent, professional bureaucrats.
"The success story is we've actually turned over the education and professionalization process to the Iraqis," he added.
The continuing mission of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq advisors isn't easy to define, Schroeder noted, because each office and each official is so different. One can't broadly describe the advisor's role, he said.
"It almost will proceed on a case-by-case basis," he said. "As key offices are further identified, ... you can't just paint it with a broad brush. That is one of the things we continually evaluate: ... the continuing requirement and the changing requirement."
(Ian Graham works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - Iraqi officials are learning to accept modern inspectors general in their government, and the coalition-backed investigative program is ready to stand on its own, a senior leader in that effort said. Marine Corps Col. Robert Schroeder, inspector general special staff assistant to the commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, spoke with bloggers and online journalists during a June 30 "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable about the support his office provides.
The command has dedicated IG advisors to Iraq's ministries of Defense and Interior, Joint Headquarters Staff and Counter-terrorism Bureau, Schroeder said. "Each of the advisors and our Iraqi counterparts have experienced different successes and faced different, but similar, challenges," he said.
Schroeder explained the development of a modern, professional IG capability in Iraq, with noted successes and challenges. Three factors determine an advisor's success, he said.
"One would be the degree with which the Iraqi counterpart strives to achieve professionalization of his office policies and practices," Schroeder explained. "The second would be the degree to which the Iraqi inspector general has influence within the ministry. And the third would be ... the extent of the integrity in the office place."
The acceptance of the modern inspector general, he said, is one of the overall determining factors in evaluating an advisor's success. In his work with the command, Schroeder said, he's confident the program is working, especially considering the removal of U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities and villages June 30.
"I would say that there's a high degree of confidence that the time is right and that the ... Iraqi forces, both on the military side and on the police side, are prepared to meet any foreseeable threats," he said.
But that confidence doesn't come without potential hardships. Because of the immaturity of some Iraqi ministries, Schroeder said, certain processes aren't reined in. Handling logistics for Iraq's security forces, for example, is one of the primary areas of focus for security transition command advisors.
"These are ongoing, and there's not going to be any quick fix," he said. "It's already been foreseen that the logistics capability and capacity is the long pole in the tent."
In that same vein, procurement is a major issue inspectors general in Iraq are going to tackle. As they build a military, they'll need to obtain a lot of equipment to arm and protect their troops.
But while the ministries still are in the early stages of existence, there's no place yet for decentralized decision-making, Schroeder said, and the decision-making process isn't transparent. Ideally, the inspector general will create procurement and logistics policies and programs, but as yet they aren't able to do that, he acknowledged.
"Effectively ... there's no mechanism by which IGs can insert themselves in [the decision-making] process," he said.
Schroeder explained, though, that command programs are in place that will help Iraqi ministries expand their capabilities for personnel and processes so inspectors general can perform their duties. Included are the Military Training Development Center in Iraq's Defense Ministry, which trains civilians, Iraqi troops and joint headquarters Iraqi officers. Schroeder said the school has course work "as broad and as wide as you can envision for a full-scale ministry." The ministry took over the operation several months ago, he said.
The Interior Ministry has two campuses of the Baghdad Police Academy, which trains both uniformed officers and civilian officials. A large problem is the lack of qualified professionals, Schroeder said.
This is the third generation of Iraqis who have been affected by the policies of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, Schroeder said, and that's left a gap in credible and professional government officials. Filling the 31 Iraqi ministries with qualified candidates has proven difficult.
"Since Saddam took power in 1958, there has been not just a brain-drain, but also a professional bureaucrat drain," Schroeder said. "They do have hiring criteria for these bureaucrat positions, but they're way ... behind in terms of manning with competent, professional bureaucrats.
"The success story is we've actually turned over the education and professionalization process to the Iraqis," he added.
The continuing mission of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq advisors isn't easy to define, Schroeder noted, because each office and each official is so different. One can't broadly describe the advisor's role, he said.
"It almost will proceed on a case-by-case basis," he said. "As key offices are further identified, ... you can't just paint it with a broad brush. That is one of the things we continually evaluate: ... the continuing requirement and the changing requirement."
(Ian Graham works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Biden Visits U.S. Troops in Iraq, Meets With Iraqi Leaders
merican Forces Press Service
July 2, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden has arrived in Iraq to visit U.S. troops and meet with Iraqi leaders, White House officials said. Biden is scheduled to meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Speaker of the Council of Representatives Ayad al-Samarrai, according to a White House news release.
The news release said the vice president will reiterate the United States' commitment to fully implement the U.S.-Iraqi security and strategic framework agreements, and to carry out President Barack Obama's plan to draw down U.S. forces there.
He also will discuss with Iraq's leaders the importance of achieving the political progress that is necessary to ensure the nation's long-term stability, according to the news release.
It is Biden's second trip to Iraq in a year, and his first as vice president.
July 2, 2009 - Vice President Joe Biden has arrived in Iraq to visit U.S. troops and meet with Iraqi leaders, White House officials said. Biden is scheduled to meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Speaker of the Council of Representatives Ayad al-Samarrai, according to a White House news release.
The news release said the vice president will reiterate the United States' commitment to fully implement the U.S.-Iraqi security and strategic framework agreements, and to carry out President Barack Obama's plan to draw down U.S. forces there.
He also will discuss with Iraq's leaders the importance of achieving the political progress that is necessary to ensure the nation's long-term stability, according to the news release.
It is Biden's second trip to Iraq in a year, and his first as vice president.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Pentagon Official Explains Force Structure in Afghanistan
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 1, 2009 - It would be easy to confuse Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan with the NATO International Security Assistance Force there. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal commands both organizations. The biggest difference, officials say, is the mission.
Operation Enduring Freedom was the U.S.-led operation that toppled the Taliban in 2001. American and coalition servicemembers worked with the Afghan Northern Alliance soon after the terror attack in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Part of Operation Enduring Freedom retains that mission: to find and kill or capture terrorists.
Since 2001, servicemembers assigned to Operation Enduring Freedom also have been responsible for training Afghan security forces. Americans assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan operate under Operation Enduring Freedom, controlled by U.S. Central Command.
While Operation Enduring Freedom troops are focused on forcing out the enemy and training and equipping Afghan forces, NATO forces are focused on Afghan civilians.
"The focus of the International Security Assistance Force is security for the Afghan people, so reconstruction, governance and development work can take place," Army Lt. Col. Mark Wright, a Pentagon spokesman, said. "The focus of Operation Enduring Freedom personnel is training Afghan security forces and counter-terrorism."
About 85 percent of the Operation Enduring Freedom effort now is centered on training and equipping Afghan forces, Wright said.
The United Nations established ISAF in 2001. The force was responsible for security in and around the Afghan capital of Kabul and various nations volunteered to command the force on six-month rotations. NATO took command of the force on Aug. 11, 2003. Control expanded to Regional Command North in 2004, Regional Command West in 2005, Regional Command South in 2006 and Regional Command East in 2006. The ISAF mission is to assist the Afghan government by providing a secure and stable environment.
"ISAF and Afghan forces conduct operations throughout the country to defend the people from the Taliban and other terrorist groups," Wright said.
American forces assigned to ISAF come under the control of U.S. European Command.
Of the 57,000 U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan, 28,850 are in ISAF.
American Forces Press Service
July 1, 2009 - It would be easy to confuse Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan with the NATO International Security Assistance Force there. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal commands both organizations. The biggest difference, officials say, is the mission.
Operation Enduring Freedom was the U.S.-led operation that toppled the Taliban in 2001. American and coalition servicemembers worked with the Afghan Northern Alliance soon after the terror attack in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Part of Operation Enduring Freedom retains that mission: to find and kill or capture terrorists.
Since 2001, servicemembers assigned to Operation Enduring Freedom also have been responsible for training Afghan security forces. Americans assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan operate under Operation Enduring Freedom, controlled by U.S. Central Command.
While Operation Enduring Freedom troops are focused on forcing out the enemy and training and equipping Afghan forces, NATO forces are focused on Afghan civilians.
"The focus of the International Security Assistance Force is security for the Afghan people, so reconstruction, governance and development work can take place," Army Lt. Col. Mark Wright, a Pentagon spokesman, said. "The focus of Operation Enduring Freedom personnel is training Afghan security forces and counter-terrorism."
About 85 percent of the Operation Enduring Freedom effort now is centered on training and equipping Afghan forces, Wright said.
The United Nations established ISAF in 2001. The force was responsible for security in and around the Afghan capital of Kabul and various nations volunteered to command the force on six-month rotations. NATO took command of the force on Aug. 11, 2003. Control expanded to Regional Command North in 2004, Regional Command West in 2005, Regional Command South in 2006 and Regional Command East in 2006. The ISAF mission is to assist the Afghan government by providing a secure and stable environment.
"ISAF and Afghan forces conduct operations throughout the country to defend the people from the Taliban and other terrorist groups," Wright said.
American forces assigned to ISAF come under the control of U.S. European Command.
Of the 57,000 U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan, 28,850 are in ISAF.
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, July 1, 2009
Biological weapons pose realistic threat, say former senators [Bob Graham and Jim Talent]
"Weapons of mass destruction may not be a phrase the public hears as frequently anymore, but they are still a major issue according to former Senators Bob Graham (D-Fla.) and Jim Talent (R-Mo.). The politicians participated in a discussion Monday at the Heritage Foundation where they reported that the U.S. is uneasily vulnerable to a biological terrorist attack. 'It is more likely that that weapon of mass destruction will be a biological weapon rather than a nuclear weapon. I mentioned that there has been an explosion in the biological area of capabilities…The thing that has kept us from a biological weapon thus far has been the unreliable defense of ignorance,' said Graham. The findings come from the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. […] Talent added that […] terrorists will recruit life scientists to utilize bio weapons. However, he added that a biological attack is easier to prepare for than a nuclear attack. Graham and Talent believe Vice President Joe Biden should be put in charge of combating the use of WMD and assuring that all precautions are made." (Talk Radio News Service; 29Jun09; Courtney Ann Jackson) http://talkradionews.com/2009/06/biological-weapons-pose-realistic-threat-say-former-senators/
Pennsylvania department of health workshops will help businesses prepare for flu pandemic [Harrisburg, PA]
"The Department of Health will hold a series of pandemic planning workshops in July to help ensure businesses are ready for the current influenza pandemic and the possible resurgence of the 2009 Novel Influenza A/H1N1 virus this fall. 'The workshops will provide Pennsylvania's business and industry leaders with valuable tools they can use to keep their employees healthy and their businesses open during influenza pandemics.' [said WHO Secretary Everette James]. The workshops are designed for those involved in pandemic and continuity of operations planning. […] Panel and interactive table discussions will allow participants to share best practices and pandemic planning ideas. […] The workshops, which are being funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are coordinated by the Office of Public Health Preparedness, which supports the Department of Health's efforts to prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from all acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies." (Fox Business; 30Jun09) http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/pennsylvania-department-health-workshops-help-businesses-prepare-flu-pandemic/
Pentagon: stop biothreats before they spread
"The Pentagon is looking to turbocharge the response to pathogens, stopping the bugs before they even start. Darpa [Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency] is soliciting proposals for a four-step program to stop bio-threats before they spread. […] Infectious microorganisms are on the rise, and it's not just terrorist threats we should be wary of. […] Darpa's worried about bio-sabotage [and] the potential loss of closely-guarded pathogens. […] Darpa wants 'biomedical intervention' that can immediately immunize at-risk personnel or quickly kill the virus. If it's too late for that, phase two - 'sustaining survival' - would interfere with viral pathways or use 'pathogen competitive microorganisms' to keep an infected person alive. Phase three is […] if someone's already infected, Darpa wants to take advantage of their antibodies, transplanting them into the uninfected population to promote immunity and minimize the risk of widespread outbreak. […] The goal is to speed up long-term resistance to new and unknown pathogens. […] The advances would likely transform global response to the next H1N1. […] For now, the Pentagon's mostly watching their own back. No group is at greater risk of exposure to new international pathogens, to bio-sabotage of food supply lines, or of attack from biological threat agents, then the U. S. Military." (Wired; 29Jun09; Katie Drummond) http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/pentagon-stop-biothreats-before-they-spread/
2 hurt, but no chemicals released, in Pueblo depot rail accident [CO]
"The U.S. Army said two people are hurt but no dangerous chemicals released in an accident at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. The accident happened Tuesday when a delivery truck hit an empty railroad car. […] The driver, an unnamed male, was taken by helicopter to a local hospital. His condition was not released. [Army spokesman Kenneth] Roque said a brakeman on the train got minor injuries trying to help the delivery driver. […] The Depot stores some chemical weapons, including mustard agent. But Roque said no chemicals were released in the accident." (Fox 31 KDVR; 30Jun09; Source: AP)
http://www.kdvr.com/news/sns-ap-co--chemicaldepotaccident,0,261312.story
Chemical security efforts spread
"The EU and the US are simultaneously taking action in a bid to secure chemical facilities and prevent their misuse by terrorists. The chemical industries in both regions are backing the two parallel efforts, but they are also cautioning against overly prescriptive regulations. The European Commission approved a new policy to enhance chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security on 24 June. The package proposes a broad approach to CBRN security, focusing on preventing unauthorised access to materials of concern, enhancing detection capabilities, and improving preparedness and response capabilities. […] It remains unclear which aspects of the proposal will be adopted, but up to 100 million euros (86 million pounds) will be allocated from existing financial programmes to support the implementation process, due to take place between 2010 and 2013. […] Chemical industry representatives say voluntary codes are likely to be more manageable than mandatory requirements. […] There is concern that any new policies implemented could be onerous for the chemical industry. 'As a globally active industry, it is important that security-related trade and production controls on chemicals is administratively manageable, continues to facilitate legitimate trade, is not overly burdensome in terms of costs and manpower, safeguards confidential business information and respects the principle of a level playing field by being evenly applied across all chemical producing regions,' [said René van Sloten, a senior official with the European Chemical Industry Council]." (Royal Society of Chemistry, London; 01Jul09) http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/July/01070901.asp
High court confirms Iraq chemicals sentence [for Frans van Anraat]
"The high court on Tuesday upheld the jail sentence imposed on [Dutch] businessman Frans van Anraat for his involvement in supplying chemicals to make mustard gas in Iraq. The court found Van Anraat guilty of supplying large quantities of chemicals to Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1980s which were then used to make chemical weapons. He was found not guilty of genocide. Van Anraat was originally sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005. That sentence was increased to 17 years on appeal and has now been cut to
16.5 years. […] But the court refused to award damages to 16 claimants, saying it was too complicated, news agency AP reported." (Dutch News; 30Jun09)
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2009/06/high_court_confirms_iraq_chemi.php
Department of Defense releases further funding to Cleveland biolabs under $8.8 million contract for development studies on protectan CBLB502 [mitigates radiation sickness]
"Cleveland BioLabs […] today announced that the Chemical Biological Medical Systems Medical Identification and Treatment Systems Joint Product Management Office (CBMS-MITS JPMO) of the Department of Defense (DoD) has exercised the contract option and released a second phase of funding under a contract calling for developmental studies valued at up to $8.8 million. […] Cleveland BioLabs recently announced that data from more than 50 subjects in an initial Phase I safety and tolerability study indicated that [radioprotective drug] CBLB502 was well tolerated and that normalized biomarker results corresponded to previously demonstrated activity in animal models of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). A pattern of biomarker production was observed in humans consistent with those patterns seen in animals during mitigation of radiation-induced injury by dosing with CBLB502. This study will be followed by a second, larger safety study in healthy human volunteers, building on the results of the initial study.
These studies are being conducted under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Animal Efficacy Rule to treat ARS from any exposure to radiation such as a nuclear or radiological weapon/dirty bomb, or from a nuclear accident." (CNN Money; 01Jul09) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0515534.htm
Ctrl Asians agree to secure radioactive waste [Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan]
"The four Central Asian nations agreed Monday to secure 800 million tons of radioactive and toxic uranium waste sludge that could be used to make a 'dirty' radiological bomb, a U.N. agency said. 'It has been explained to us that the kind of material that exists can be used for dirty bombs. That's the kind of risk that exists today,' Jans Wandel, deputy regional director of the U.N. Development Program, told journalists. Waste from uranium mines exploited during the Soviet era is held in the open behind fragile dams. The waste threatens water supplies for millions of people in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. […] The four central Asian countries and several international and regional agencies agreed on a joint declaration to cooperate in tackling the problem during a meeting in Geneva. […] Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov warned that without securing storage as a first step, the health and environmental consequences would 'be as dangerous as the use of any weapons.' He told journalists that international control or monitoring of storage would also act as 'a guarantee.'" (Wall Street Journal; 30Jun09) http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090630-705303.html
Global Insights: Cuba joins nuclear terrorism convention
"Cuba became the 54th national government to accede to the U.N.'s Nuclear Terrorism Convention on June 17, in a move meant to burnish the island nation's counterterrorist credentials. […] In depositing Havana's instrument of accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism […] the Cuban mission to the U.N. issued a statement affirming the Cuban government's 'irrevocable commitment to the fight against terrorism under in all its forms and manifestations.' The Cuban government also exploited the occasion to contest the legality of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, where hundreds of suspected terrorists have been detained since 9/11. The statement said that Cuban authorities could not enforce the convention on the base since it is located in Cuban territory 'illegally occupied by the United States,' over which the Cuban state 'does not exercise its rightful jurisdiction.' […] As a result, [the Cuban government] could not verify whether the U.S. 'has installed, possesses, keeps or has the intention to install nuclear materials, or even, nuclear weapons' in that part of the island.[…] The convention criminalizes acts involving the threatened or actual terrorist use of nuclear and radioactive materials by non-state actors. […] The [UN] has adopted twelve other multilateral legal agreements that, like the convention, seek to fight terrorism." (World Politics Review; 30Jun09; Richard Weitz)
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=4005
RDECOM [Research, Development and Engineering Command] seeks requests for proposals on $485m contract vehicle for CBRNE defense community [MD]
"The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center (RDECOM CC) issued requests for proposals Wednesday, June 24, for a $485 million contract vehicle that will streamline the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) defense development cycle. The new contract vehicle will be used to support the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center's (ECBC) research, development, acquisition, analysis, experimentation, product engineering and integration, testing, safety, surety, security, health and environmental requirements. […] 'This new contract mechanism will give RDECOM, ECBC and client organizations the flexibility to acquire a very broad range of contract support from basic laboratory research through CBRNE defense systems design acquisition, engineering, development and testing,' said Charles Comaty of the RDECOM CC. […] The new vehicle is designed to replace two existing contract vehicles and has the potential to replace others in the CBRNE community. 'Right now there is an artificial break in the development cycle of CBRNE defense technologies that occurs when they transition from the research portion of the development cycle to the engineering portion. That break occurs because there are two sets on contracts,' Comaty said." (Wall Street Journal Market Watch; 30Jun09; Source: Edgewood Chemical Biological Center)
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rdecom-seeks-requests-for-proposals-on-485m-contract-vehicle-for-cbrne-defense-community
7th CST [Civil Support Team] supports Vigilant Guard [Camp Dodge, IA]
"The 7th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team garnered valuable training June 18 and 19 in support of Vigilant Guard. The Fort Leonard Wood-based Missouri National Guard unit was one of three civil support teams to train at the event, along with a plethora of local first responders, the Iowa Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package and several other government agencies. […] 'It was a valuable exercise to test how neighboring civil support teams would integrate into another state,' said Lt. Col. Raymond White, the team commander. 'The purpose of the exercise for civil support teams was to test the state headquarters and deploy a team to another state to support them.' […] This team's mission is to assess suspected or known terrorist threats, advise civilian authorities of appropriate responses, and assist local emergency responders in incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. The 22-person team, made up of both Army and Air National Guardsmen, must be capable of sending out an advance team within 90 minutes at all times to investigate potential hazards, including mass sickness, mysterious powders and unidentified contaminations." (Daily Guide, MO; 01Jul09; Matthew J. Wilson) http://www.waynesvilledailyguide.com/news/x135735234/7th-CST-supports-Vigilant-Guard
L.A. county gets $23m in security funding [CA]
"The county Tuesday received $23.3 million in federal grants to enhance its ability to respond to terrorism and natural disasters. The funds, distributed through the California Emergency Management Agency, are meant to help the county respond to incidents of terrorism, particularly those involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons, and also natural disasters. Of the total, $16.7 million will be retained by the county for use by its own departments and $6.6 million will be distributed to city governments within the county." (Press Telegram, Long Beach; 01Jul09)
http://www.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_12727401
Canada puts up cash to prevent nukes' proliferation
"Canada announced Friday it would put up 180 million dollars (156 million US) to help prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons, expanding a Russian nukes decommissioning program. […] 'Projects under the Global Partnership Program will significantly reduce the threat that terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction poses to Canadians and to the entire international community," [Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon] said. The funding announcement came on the sidelines of a G8 foreign ministers meeting in Trieste, Italy. […] The funds, to be spent largely on securing nuclear and biological materials in Russia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, bring Canada's total pledge to the program to one billion dollars (868 million US) since 1999. Specifically, it will be spent on upgrading seven nuclear facilities in Russia; designing a central repository for dangerous pathogens in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; redirecting 828 former weapons scientists to work on some 90 research projects; and dismantling five decommissioned Russian nuclear submarines in the Arctic and Far East." (Agence France Press; 29Jun09)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hXpPsFXt0BUGvmnXS6C__am0TOcA
NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] announces removal of last highly enriched uranium from Romania; air shipment of Russian-origin spent fuel
"The National Nuclear Security Administration [NSSA] today announced the final shipments of Russian-origin highly enriched uranium (HEU) nuclear fuel from Romania. The material was removed and returned to Russia by air for storage at two secure nuclear facilities, making Romania the first country to remove all HEU since President Obama outlined his commitment to securing all vulnerable nuclear material around the world within four years. […] The shipments are part of NNSA's Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI), which also removed all U.S.-origin HEU from Romania in 2008. NNSA worked in close cooperation with Romania, Russia, and the International Atomic Energy Agency to return the material. […] With the completion of these shipments, Romania is the 14th country to have all of its HEU removed." (National Nuclear Security Administration; 30Jun09) http://nnsa.energy.gov/news/2408.htm
Update: suspicious substance sent to Judge Tim Hinkfuss identified as calcium sulfate [WI]
"A letter containing a suspicious white powder that led to evacuation of the third floor of the Brown County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon was determined to be calcium sulfate, a mineral used in drywall. The letter was addressed to Circuit Court Judge Tim Hinkfuss from an inmate of the state prison system, according to Brown County Sheriff's Department Capt. David Konrath. 'There were threats made in the letter to the judge and the white powder was in that same letter,' Konrath said. Hinkfuss, his judicial assistant and another person who also came in contact with the powder were quarantined and underwent decontamination procedures Tuesday afternoon. […] They were cleared about 2:25 p.m. […] The envelope is being investigated, but was not flagged for containing hazardous materials, Konrath said. The letter reportedly went through postal biohazard screening that would have alerted officials to a hazardous substance. Konrath said the incident will be investigated as a criminal threat." (Greenbay Press Gazette; 30Jun09; Mike Hoeft) http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090630/GPG0101/90630103/1207/GPG01/Update--Police-say-suspicious-powder-sent-to-Judge-Tim-Hinkfuss-by-inmate
"Weapons of mass destruction may not be a phrase the public hears as frequently anymore, but they are still a major issue according to former Senators Bob Graham (D-Fla.) and Jim Talent (R-Mo.). The politicians participated in a discussion Monday at the Heritage Foundation where they reported that the U.S. is uneasily vulnerable to a biological terrorist attack. 'It is more likely that that weapon of mass destruction will be a biological weapon rather than a nuclear weapon. I mentioned that there has been an explosion in the biological area of capabilities…The thing that has kept us from a biological weapon thus far has been the unreliable defense of ignorance,' said Graham. The findings come from the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. […] Talent added that […] terrorists will recruit life scientists to utilize bio weapons. However, he added that a biological attack is easier to prepare for than a nuclear attack. Graham and Talent believe Vice President Joe Biden should be put in charge of combating the use of WMD and assuring that all precautions are made." (Talk Radio News Service; 29Jun09; Courtney Ann Jackson) http://talkradionews.com/2009/06/biological-weapons-pose-realistic-threat-say-former-senators/
Pennsylvania department of health workshops will help businesses prepare for flu pandemic [Harrisburg, PA]
"The Department of Health will hold a series of pandemic planning workshops in July to help ensure businesses are ready for the current influenza pandemic and the possible resurgence of the 2009 Novel Influenza A/H1N1 virus this fall. 'The workshops will provide Pennsylvania's business and industry leaders with valuable tools they can use to keep their employees healthy and their businesses open during influenza pandemics.' [said WHO Secretary Everette James]. The workshops are designed for those involved in pandemic and continuity of operations planning. […] Panel and interactive table discussions will allow participants to share best practices and pandemic planning ideas. […] The workshops, which are being funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are coordinated by the Office of Public Health Preparedness, which supports the Department of Health's efforts to prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from all acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies." (Fox Business; 30Jun09) http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/pennsylvania-department-health-workshops-help-businesses-prepare-flu-pandemic/
Pentagon: stop biothreats before they spread
"The Pentagon is looking to turbocharge the response to pathogens, stopping the bugs before they even start. Darpa [Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency] is soliciting proposals for a four-step program to stop bio-threats before they spread. […] Infectious microorganisms are on the rise, and it's not just terrorist threats we should be wary of. […] Darpa's worried about bio-sabotage [and] the potential loss of closely-guarded pathogens. […] Darpa wants 'biomedical intervention' that can immediately immunize at-risk personnel or quickly kill the virus. If it's too late for that, phase two - 'sustaining survival' - would interfere with viral pathways or use 'pathogen competitive microorganisms' to keep an infected person alive. Phase three is […] if someone's already infected, Darpa wants to take advantage of their antibodies, transplanting them into the uninfected population to promote immunity and minimize the risk of widespread outbreak. […] The goal is to speed up long-term resistance to new and unknown pathogens. […] The advances would likely transform global response to the next H1N1. […] For now, the Pentagon's mostly watching their own back. No group is at greater risk of exposure to new international pathogens, to bio-sabotage of food supply lines, or of attack from biological threat agents, then the U. S. Military." (Wired; 29Jun09; Katie Drummond) http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/06/pentagon-stop-biothreats-before-they-spread/
2 hurt, but no chemicals released, in Pueblo depot rail accident [CO]
"The U.S. Army said two people are hurt but no dangerous chemicals released in an accident at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. The accident happened Tuesday when a delivery truck hit an empty railroad car. […] The driver, an unnamed male, was taken by helicopter to a local hospital. His condition was not released. [Army spokesman Kenneth] Roque said a brakeman on the train got minor injuries trying to help the delivery driver. […] The Depot stores some chemical weapons, including mustard agent. But Roque said no chemicals were released in the accident." (Fox 31 KDVR; 30Jun09; Source: AP)
http://www.kdvr.com/news/sns-ap-co--chemicaldepotaccident,0,261312.story
Chemical security efforts spread
"The EU and the US are simultaneously taking action in a bid to secure chemical facilities and prevent their misuse by terrorists. The chemical industries in both regions are backing the two parallel efforts, but they are also cautioning against overly prescriptive regulations. The European Commission approved a new policy to enhance chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security on 24 June. The package proposes a broad approach to CBRN security, focusing on preventing unauthorised access to materials of concern, enhancing detection capabilities, and improving preparedness and response capabilities. […] It remains unclear which aspects of the proposal will be adopted, but up to 100 million euros (86 million pounds) will be allocated from existing financial programmes to support the implementation process, due to take place between 2010 and 2013. […] Chemical industry representatives say voluntary codes are likely to be more manageable than mandatory requirements. […] There is concern that any new policies implemented could be onerous for the chemical industry. 'As a globally active industry, it is important that security-related trade and production controls on chemicals is administratively manageable, continues to facilitate legitimate trade, is not overly burdensome in terms of costs and manpower, safeguards confidential business information and respects the principle of a level playing field by being evenly applied across all chemical producing regions,' [said René van Sloten, a senior official with the European Chemical Industry Council]." (Royal Society of Chemistry, London; 01Jul09) http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/July/01070901.asp
High court confirms Iraq chemicals sentence [for Frans van Anraat]
"The high court on Tuesday upheld the jail sentence imposed on [Dutch] businessman Frans van Anraat for his involvement in supplying chemicals to make mustard gas in Iraq. The court found Van Anraat guilty of supplying large quantities of chemicals to Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1980s which were then used to make chemical weapons. He was found not guilty of genocide. Van Anraat was originally sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005. That sentence was increased to 17 years on appeal and has now been cut to
16.5 years. […] But the court refused to award damages to 16 claimants, saying it was too complicated, news agency AP reported." (Dutch News; 30Jun09)
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2009/06/high_court_confirms_iraq_chemi.php
Department of Defense releases further funding to Cleveland biolabs under $8.8 million contract for development studies on protectan CBLB502 [mitigates radiation sickness]
"Cleveland BioLabs […] today announced that the Chemical Biological Medical Systems Medical Identification and Treatment Systems Joint Product Management Office (CBMS-MITS JPMO) of the Department of Defense (DoD) has exercised the contract option and released a second phase of funding under a contract calling for developmental studies valued at up to $8.8 million. […] Cleveland BioLabs recently announced that data from more than 50 subjects in an initial Phase I safety and tolerability study indicated that [radioprotective drug] CBLB502 was well tolerated and that normalized biomarker results corresponded to previously demonstrated activity in animal models of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). A pattern of biomarker production was observed in humans consistent with those patterns seen in animals during mitigation of radiation-induced injury by dosing with CBLB502. This study will be followed by a second, larger safety study in healthy human volunteers, building on the results of the initial study.
These studies are being conducted under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Animal Efficacy Rule to treat ARS from any exposure to radiation such as a nuclear or radiological weapon/dirty bomb, or from a nuclear accident." (CNN Money; 01Jul09) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0515534.htm
Ctrl Asians agree to secure radioactive waste [Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan]
"The four Central Asian nations agreed Monday to secure 800 million tons of radioactive and toxic uranium waste sludge that could be used to make a 'dirty' radiological bomb, a U.N. agency said. 'It has been explained to us that the kind of material that exists can be used for dirty bombs. That's the kind of risk that exists today,' Jans Wandel, deputy regional director of the U.N. Development Program, told journalists. Waste from uranium mines exploited during the Soviet era is held in the open behind fragile dams. The waste threatens water supplies for millions of people in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. […] The four central Asian countries and several international and regional agencies agreed on a joint declaration to cooperate in tackling the problem during a meeting in Geneva. […] Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov warned that without securing storage as a first step, the health and environmental consequences would 'be as dangerous as the use of any weapons.' He told journalists that international control or monitoring of storage would also act as 'a guarantee.'" (Wall Street Journal; 30Jun09) http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090630-705303.html
Global Insights: Cuba joins nuclear terrorism convention
"Cuba became the 54th national government to accede to the U.N.'s Nuclear Terrorism Convention on June 17, in a move meant to burnish the island nation's counterterrorist credentials. […] In depositing Havana's instrument of accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism […] the Cuban mission to the U.N. issued a statement affirming the Cuban government's 'irrevocable commitment to the fight against terrorism under in all its forms and manifestations.' The Cuban government also exploited the occasion to contest the legality of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, where hundreds of suspected terrorists have been detained since 9/11. The statement said that Cuban authorities could not enforce the convention on the base since it is located in Cuban territory 'illegally occupied by the United States,' over which the Cuban state 'does not exercise its rightful jurisdiction.' […] As a result, [the Cuban government] could not verify whether the U.S. 'has installed, possesses, keeps or has the intention to install nuclear materials, or even, nuclear weapons' in that part of the island.[…] The convention criminalizes acts involving the threatened or actual terrorist use of nuclear and radioactive materials by non-state actors. […] The [UN] has adopted twelve other multilateral legal agreements that, like the convention, seek to fight terrorism." (World Politics Review; 30Jun09; Richard Weitz)
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=4005
RDECOM [Research, Development and Engineering Command] seeks requests for proposals on $485m contract vehicle for CBRNE defense community [MD]
"The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center (RDECOM CC) issued requests for proposals Wednesday, June 24, for a $485 million contract vehicle that will streamline the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) defense development cycle. The new contract vehicle will be used to support the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center's (ECBC) research, development, acquisition, analysis, experimentation, product engineering and integration, testing, safety, surety, security, health and environmental requirements. […] 'This new contract mechanism will give RDECOM, ECBC and client organizations the flexibility to acquire a very broad range of contract support from basic laboratory research through CBRNE defense systems design acquisition, engineering, development and testing,' said Charles Comaty of the RDECOM CC. […] The new vehicle is designed to replace two existing contract vehicles and has the potential to replace others in the CBRNE community. 'Right now there is an artificial break in the development cycle of CBRNE defense technologies that occurs when they transition from the research portion of the development cycle to the engineering portion. That break occurs because there are two sets on contracts,' Comaty said." (Wall Street Journal Market Watch; 30Jun09; Source: Edgewood Chemical Biological Center)
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rdecom-seeks-requests-for-proposals-on-485m-contract-vehicle-for-cbrne-defense-community
7th CST [Civil Support Team] supports Vigilant Guard [Camp Dodge, IA]
"The 7th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team garnered valuable training June 18 and 19 in support of Vigilant Guard. The Fort Leonard Wood-based Missouri National Guard unit was one of three civil support teams to train at the event, along with a plethora of local first responders, the Iowa Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package and several other government agencies. […] 'It was a valuable exercise to test how neighboring civil support teams would integrate into another state,' said Lt. Col. Raymond White, the team commander. 'The purpose of the exercise for civil support teams was to test the state headquarters and deploy a team to another state to support them.' […] This team's mission is to assess suspected or known terrorist threats, advise civilian authorities of appropriate responses, and assist local emergency responders in incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. The 22-person team, made up of both Army and Air National Guardsmen, must be capable of sending out an advance team within 90 minutes at all times to investigate potential hazards, including mass sickness, mysterious powders and unidentified contaminations." (Daily Guide, MO; 01Jul09; Matthew J. Wilson) http://www.waynesvilledailyguide.com/news/x135735234/7th-CST-supports-Vigilant-Guard
L.A. county gets $23m in security funding [CA]
"The county Tuesday received $23.3 million in federal grants to enhance its ability to respond to terrorism and natural disasters. The funds, distributed through the California Emergency Management Agency, are meant to help the county respond to incidents of terrorism, particularly those involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons, and also natural disasters. Of the total, $16.7 million will be retained by the county for use by its own departments and $6.6 million will be distributed to city governments within the county." (Press Telegram, Long Beach; 01Jul09)
http://www.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_12727401
Canada puts up cash to prevent nukes' proliferation
"Canada announced Friday it would put up 180 million dollars (156 million US) to help prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons, expanding a Russian nukes decommissioning program. […] 'Projects under the Global Partnership Program will significantly reduce the threat that terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction poses to Canadians and to the entire international community," [Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon] said. The funding announcement came on the sidelines of a G8 foreign ministers meeting in Trieste, Italy. […] The funds, to be spent largely on securing nuclear and biological materials in Russia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, bring Canada's total pledge to the program to one billion dollars (868 million US) since 1999. Specifically, it will be spent on upgrading seven nuclear facilities in Russia; designing a central repository for dangerous pathogens in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; redirecting 828 former weapons scientists to work on some 90 research projects; and dismantling five decommissioned Russian nuclear submarines in the Arctic and Far East." (Agence France Press; 29Jun09)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hXpPsFXt0BUGvmnXS6C__am0TOcA
NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] announces removal of last highly enriched uranium from Romania; air shipment of Russian-origin spent fuel
"The National Nuclear Security Administration [NSSA] today announced the final shipments of Russian-origin highly enriched uranium (HEU) nuclear fuel from Romania. The material was removed and returned to Russia by air for storage at two secure nuclear facilities, making Romania the first country to remove all HEU since President Obama outlined his commitment to securing all vulnerable nuclear material around the world within four years. […] The shipments are part of NNSA's Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI), which also removed all U.S.-origin HEU from Romania in 2008. NNSA worked in close cooperation with Romania, Russia, and the International Atomic Energy Agency to return the material. […] With the completion of these shipments, Romania is the 14th country to have all of its HEU removed." (National Nuclear Security Administration; 30Jun09) http://nnsa.energy.gov/news/2408.htm
Update: suspicious substance sent to Judge Tim Hinkfuss identified as calcium sulfate [WI]
"A letter containing a suspicious white powder that led to evacuation of the third floor of the Brown County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon was determined to be calcium sulfate, a mineral used in drywall. The letter was addressed to Circuit Court Judge Tim Hinkfuss from an inmate of the state prison system, according to Brown County Sheriff's Department Capt. David Konrath. 'There were threats made in the letter to the judge and the white powder was in that same letter,' Konrath said. Hinkfuss, his judicial assistant and another person who also came in contact with the powder were quarantined and underwent decontamination procedures Tuesday afternoon. […] They were cleared about 2:25 p.m. […] The envelope is being investigated, but was not flagged for containing hazardous materials, Konrath said. The letter reportedly went through postal biohazard screening that would have alerted officials to a hazardous substance. Konrath said the incident will be investigated as a criminal threat." (Greenbay Press Gazette; 30Jun09; Mike Hoeft) http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090630/GPG0101/90630103/1207/GPG01/Update--Police-say-suspicious-powder-sent-to-Judge-Tim-Hinkfuss-by-inmate
Saddam Hussein Talks to the FBI
Twenty Interviews and Five Conversations with "High Value Detainee # 1" in 2004
For more information contact:
Joyce Battle - 202/994-7145
http://www.nsarchive.org
Washington, DC, July 1, 2009 - FBI special agents carried out 20 formal interviews and at least 5 "casual conversations" with former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein after his capture by U.S. troops in December 2003, according to secret FBI reports released as the result of Freedom of Information Act requests by the National Security Archive and posted today on the Web at www.nsarchive.org.
Saddam denied any connections to the "zealot" Osama bin Laden, cited North Korea as his most likely ally in a crunch, and shared President George W. Bush's hostility towards the "fanatic" Iranian mullahs, according to the FBI records of conversations from February through June 2004 between Saddam and Arabic-speaking agents in his detention cell at Baghdad International Airport.
For more information on today's posting, please visit
http://www.nsarchive.org
For more information contact:
Joyce Battle - 202/994-7145
http://www.nsarchive.org
Washington, DC, July 1, 2009 - FBI special agents carried out 20 formal interviews and at least 5 "casual conversations" with former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein after his capture by U.S. troops in December 2003, according to secret FBI reports released as the result of Freedom of Information Act requests by the National Security Archive and posted today on the Web at www.nsarchive.org.
Saddam denied any connections to the "zealot" Osama bin Laden, cited North Korea as his most likely ally in a crunch, and shared President George W. Bush's hostility towards the "fanatic" Iranian mullahs, according to the FBI records of conversations from February through June 2004 between Saddam and Arabic-speaking agents in his detention cell at Baghdad International Airport.
For more information on today's posting, please visit
http://www.nsarchive.org
Troops Reach Out to Afghan Villagers
By Army Spc. Jaime' DeLeonSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 1, 2009 - Coalition forces in this eastern Afghanistan province have learned that outreach to local residents can make a big difference in their ability to accomplish military operations and exercises. U.S., Czech and Afghan soldiers recently made a trip to Altimur village in what has become a routine way of building relationships with local residents that officials say is mission-critical.
Dozens of children rushed to their doors and windows to look out at the two lines of troops walking cautiously up the sides of the dirt road leading into their village. As the troops approached, their uniforms stood out against the lush green backdrop of the fields. Most of the soldiers veered off the side of the road and knelt in a security posture while a few went ahead to find the village elders. They had important matters to discuss and goods to give away.
Members of the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, along with Afghan National Police officers and Czech soldiers, made the trip to the village outside of Forward Operating Base Altimur to distribute humanitarian aid, speak with elders about the village's needs and warn of the next day's artillery exercise, in which the troops would shoot rounds onto a nearby mountainside.
As word spread that the visitors were there to speak with the elders, old men with long beards and crisp, white clothes slowly made their way out of their homes. With the elders obviously not wary of the visitors, children quickly descended from their perches and circled the crowd.
At the sight of so many small children, many carrying their even smaller siblings, Army Staff Sgt. Dwaine Hood, a squadron team chief, dropped to one knee and carefully pulled some candy from his bag.
"My family sends me so much, I figure I can at least share some with the children," said Hood, a Kansas native whose wife was due to give birth to their second child any day. "Seeing the kids here reminds me of my daughter back home."
The children reached out with eager hands and shouted,
"Manana!" the Pashtu word for "thank you," along with an occasional "Thank you!" sprinkled in by some familiar with English. While the children swarmed around Hood, Army 1st Lt. Barry Klinger, a platoon leader with the squadron, discussed more serious matters with the village elders.
"How do you get your water? Do you have wells, or do you use the surface water?" Klinger asked with the help of an interpreter.
Potentially improving the village's water management was only one of the many future projects considered during the day's trip to Altimur. After a quick discussion, the elders excused themselves and went into a nearby field to pray.
Klinger took the opportunity to speak with the children, who took an interest in the Colorado native.
"How many children go to your school?" Klinger asked with the interpreter's help. He listened patiently to the absurd answers served up to him with mischievous smiles.
"Four hundred," one child shouted in perfect English. The small village appears to have maybe that many total residents.
Realizing questions of numbers probably were best left for the elders, Klinger taught his captive audience how to shake hands and give high fives. Initially shy boys soon anxiously awaited their turn to slap the American's hand after the interpreter demonstrated.
Following prayers, the elders took the American, Czech and Afghan soldiers on a tour of their well-maintained village, where the centrally located mosque and school stand side by side. The school was locked, and the man with the key far away, so the elders offered to break the lock.
"No, no, that's OK," Klinger assured them as they gathered in front of the building's porch instead.
Children were sent away so the adults could discuss the village's needs. The elders were excited to talk about possible improvements, but they were sceptical, citing past experiences with foreigners promising grand things and not producing.
"I understand how they feel," Hood said. "But I know our [head of civil affairs] personally, and I'm sure he'll win them over."
After distributing supplies, the soldiers discussed with the elders their plans for the next day's fire exercise.
"We have to make sure our neighbors know what's going on," Hood said. "We not only want to make sure they are not afraid when the artillery rounds start to hit, but we want to make sure there are no people or livestock accidentally in our impact area when the rounds start to hit."
In the past, wars have been fought with an emphasis on fighting and battle readiness. In today's war, nonkinetic lines of effort are just as important as shooting artillery and killing the enemy. The support of the population can be invaluable when fighting against an enemy like the Taliban.
"Lots of Afghans are still afraid of the Taliban and what they may do to them if they find out they support our efforts to help," Klinger said. "We have to work hard to gain their trust, which is why we go to such great lengths prior to an exercise. Telling them we will be shooting is a common courtesy we extend to neighbors, but it's important we go the extra mile by handing out humanitarian aid and assessing their needs."
(Army Spc. Jaime' DeLeon serves with the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
On the Ground: U.S. Forces Foster Security, Growth in Afghanistan
American Forces Press ServiceJuly 1, 2009 - U.S. forces demonstrated their ongoing commitment to improving security and development throughout Afghanistan in recent days, as several units took on new tasks and a reconstruction team helped to celebrate the opening of a new school. The 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, of Fort Carson, Colo., took responsibility for a key region of Konar province June 27 in a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Blessing in the Pech district. The unit relieved the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, from Fort Hood, Texas.
"Eighteen 'Blue Spaders' gave their lives making Konar province a better place for Afghanistan," said Army Lt. Col. Brian L. Pearl, commander of the 2nd Battalion. "Collectively, we will continue to transform Konar province into the pride of Afghanistan."
The "Lethal Warriors" of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, are scheduled to operate in Konar for the next 12 months.
In eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team handed over responsibility for their operational area to the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team on June 26 at Forward Operating Base Fenty.
The 4th Brigade Combat Team, known as Task Force Mountain Warrior, assumed responsibility for missions to improve security and development in the Nangarhar, Nuristan, Konar and Laghman provinces. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, or Task Force Duke, had been conducting operations in the area for the past 15 months.
"We have trained hard in the mountains of Colorado for the demanding terrain of this mission," said Army Col. Randy A. George, the brigade commander. "Task Force Mountain Warrior is ready to get to work."
During a June 20 ceremony, the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, assumed responsibility for operations in eastern Nuristan province at Forward Operating Base Bostick, relieving the 1st Infantry Division's 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, from Fort Hood, Texas.
Army Lt. Col. Robert B. Brown, 3rd Squadron commander, thanked the 6th Squadron and spoke on the way ahead. "All of our soldiers look forward to working over the next year with the Afghan army, the Afghan security guards and our police partners," he said.
Also looking ahead, Army Capt. Booker Wilson, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division Special Troops Battalion, Company B, met with local Afghan leaders June 20 to discuss issues affecting residents of Dandar village in Parwan province's Kohe Safi district. Local leaders' concerns include quality of drinking water, dilapidated irrigation systems and roads, lack of jobs, security, schools and school supplies.
According to the Central Intelligence Agency, the unemployment rate in Afghanistan is about 40 percent.
"Almost everyone in our village is jobless, so they go to Iran and Pakistan for work," said Naqibullah, a village elder and teacher in Sanjali.
Wilson offered potential solutions. "Find us contractors from across the province and hire [workers] from your village, and ... we will pay you to build schools and fix the irrigation systems and roads," he told Naqibullah.
On the topic of security, Wilson said he would "look into bringing a larger security presence to Lalabamba village."
"We are trying to incorporate area support groups with police mentorships and U.S. soldiers to increase security in the village," said Army 1st Sgt. Ramah Wilson of Company B.
As U.S. and Afghan leaders plan for the future, a plan has come to fruition in Panjshir province with the opening of a new girls' school.
Members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team joined Gov. Haji Bahlol; Zulami Saheen, the province's director of education; and other distinguished guests to celebrate the opening of the Haish Saidqi Girls' School on June 23.
Bahlol dedicated the ceremony to Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, the team commander. Stratton was killed May 26
when a suicide bomber detonated a roadside bomb by the convoy he was riding in.
The school, funded by the provincial reconstruction team, had been under construction for a year. The residents of Rokha and the nearby villages of Shast, Pai Chinar and Molakhel formally petitioned for the school. In an academic year, more than 500 girls will attend classes there, officials said, many going to school for the first time.
Although Haish Saidqi is designated as a girls' school, a small number of boys will attend as well. In this area of Panjshir, local custom dictates that boys and girls can attend class together until third grade. After that, classrooms must be separated by gender.
"This school means a lot to the future of these girls," Saheen said through an interpreter. "They used to study in destroyed buildings and temporary facilities. Now they have things like good desks and blackboards."
Following the ceremony, the reconstruction team signed responsibility for the school over to the director of education.
The team is working on 12 education projects worth $2.8 million, including nine schools, two dormitories and a multipurpose building that will be used as a library and laboratory.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases. Contributors to the reports include: Army 2nd Lt. Liz Silver of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, Army Spc. Eugene Cushing of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, Army Pfc. Cody A. Thompson of the 40th Public Affairs Detachment and Air Force Capt. Stacie N. Shafran of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team.)
Task Force's Final Visit Shows Better Health Care in Iraqi Province
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Joe ThompsonSpecial to American Forces Press Service
July 1, 2009 - Soldiers serving with a medical task force here completed nearly a year's worth of missions last week satisfied that they've helped to improve health care in Iraq's Wasit province. Soldiers from Task Force Gunner Med wrapped up Operation "Bring on the Docs" with a visit to the Jassan Health Clinic for a cooperative medical engagement June 23.
"It was great. The security was amazing," said Army Capt. Jason Smith, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 41st Fires Brigade. "We had a great time working with the Iraqi physicians, meeting the pharmacists, talking to all the civilians and giving them good care."
Bring on the Docs started in August, and was a joint medical civil-military operation between the Wasit director of general of health and the 41st Fires Brigade. It was designed to restore the medical capacity in Wasit and bring clinics up to regional standards.
Initially headed by Col. Italo Bastianelli, 41st Fires Brigade surgeon, and carried on by Maj. N.I. Okpokwasili when Bastianelli redeployed, Task Force Gunner Med's approach to improving the health care in Wasit was multifaceted.
The medical visits help to identify each clinic's problems so the Iraqi health care system can fix those problems and bring health care standards up to the same level as other Gulf region countries.
Task Force Gunner Med identified ways coalition forces could help with facility improvements at clinics and hospitals. Medical training also was conducted here for physicians and Iraqi security forces medics to attend.
The last Bring on the Docs mission was a little less hectic than the previous medical engagement, as the doctors saw about 100 patients instead of the normal 250 to 300, Smith said.
The last mission was one of the first medical engagements for one medic, who said it was a good experience for him and that he'll continue these types of missions, if possible.
"I would like to continue it. It depends on what kind of support we get," said Army Sgt. Hiran Patel, a 1st Battalion, 150th Assault Helicopter Battalion medic. "If we have the proper support for it, I'll keep on doing it."
Both Patel and Smith said they were impressed with the operations at the Jassan Health Clinic.
"I think this clinic is in great shape. I got to look through their pharmacy, and they have a bunch of good medications," Smith said. "I got to work hand-in-hand with an Iraqi physician and she did an outstanding job seeing and treating people."
"I just have a different comparison just coming over here," Patel said. "The biggest, toughest thing is the language barrier, but they seem to be doing pretty well for themselves."
Operation Bring on the Docs came to a close after 11 months of missions as the 41st Fires Brigade prepares to redeploy to Fort Hood, Texas.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson serves in the 41st Fires Brigade public affairs office.)
On the Ground: Forces Strengthen Support Role in Iraq
American Forces Press ServiceJuly 1, 2009 - U.S. forces in Iraq helped to bolster Iraqi sovereignty in recent days with the opening of a new health care center and the return of two combat outposts to Iraqi control. A new center is bringing access to health care closer for the 30,000 residents of the Humer Kwer area of Sulaimaniyah province.
Ousman Younes, minister of health for the Kurdistan Regional Government, presided over a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ruzh Hallat Primary Health Care Center.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division managed the $540,000 construction project. The U.S. Economic Support Fund provided money for the project, and Gulf Region North's Sulaimaniyah office was the on-site construction manager.
"Most of the Humer Kwer residents currently have to travel an indirect route of approximately seven kilometers to access the nearest existing primary health care center," said Lucy Tamlyn, team leader of the U.S. Regional Reconstruction Team Kurdistan Region. "This project is a great example of the partnership between the United States and the Kurdish region. We look forward to continuing that partnership."
Army Col. Margaret Burcham, commander of the Gulf Region's North District, praised the project team for working hard to deliver the health care center.
"The Corps of Engineers is very pleased to coordinate a partnership to provide such a high-quality medical clinic that will last for many years," she said. "This is real value for the money, ... a stunning facility."
Amenities at the new health center include three doctors' offices, two patient rooms, an X-ray room, laboratory, administrative offices and a pharmacy.
The United States has allocated more than $40 million for the health sector in Iraq's Kurdish region, of which $10 million is earmarked for the Sulaimaniyah province.
Elsewhere, the Service Battery of 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 172nd Brigade Combat Team, handed over control of Combat Outpost Summers, near Suwayrah, to the 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade on June 29.
Summers was the fifth and final security station in Wasit province to be returned to Iraqi control under the U.S.-Iraq security agreement, which called for all U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities by yesterday.
"Tomorrow you should be standing very tall," Army Col. Dick Francey, 41st Fires Brigade commander and commander of U.S. troops in Wasit province, told Iraqi soldiers at the ceremony.
"Iraqi security forces are capable of protecting their people," he said. "We stand by you as friends and realize you are in the lead."
In compliance with the agreement, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, soldiers moved to Forward Operating Base Delta after the ceremony. The battalion will take authority of the base and U.S. troops in Wasit when the 41st Fires Brigade redeploys to Fort Hood, Texas, in early August.
The Service Battery soldiers had lived and worked with their Iraqi partners on Summers since January.
In Basra, elements of the 21st Military Police Company and 178th Military Police Company, attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, withdrew all supplies and personnel and returned control of Combat Outpost Perry and the Old State Building to the Iraqi army June 28.
"This is a symbolic moment for the people of Iraq. It's exciting to watch the Iraqi army step up and protect their people," said Army 1st Lt. Jeremy Poisson, platoon leader for the 178th Military Police Company.
Army Col. Butch Kievenaar, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, said two other locations will continue to have a U.S. presence to coordinate, train and advise Iraqi security forces at the request of provincial leaders.
(From U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division and Multinational Division South news releases. Army Sgt. Allison Churchill of the 41st Fires Brigade and Army Staff Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II of the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team contributed to this report.)
CCTV & IP Surveillance Newsletter Jun 2009
Editor's Note: This type of technology is commonly used by domestic law enforcement in its homeland security and counterterrorism missions.
The June 2009 issue of the newsletter is available here:
http://www.police-technology.net/id46.html
The June 2009 issue of the newsletter is available here:
http://www.police-technology.net/id46.html
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