By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2010 - The Pentagon's top policy official told Congress today she's "cautiously optimistic" about progress in Afghanistan as the new strategy there begins to show signs of success. "I believe we are achieving success. We are on the right road for the first time in a long time in Afghanistan," Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy told the House Armed Services Committee. "I would argue for the first time, we finally have the right mission, the right strategy, the right leadership team in place. And we have marshaled both the international and Afghan resources, civilian and military, to support this mission.
"Are we done yet? Absolutely not. Are there more challenges to be dealt with? Yes," Flournoy continued. "But we are on the right path, and things are starting to move in the right direction."
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Paxton Jr., operations director for the Joint Staff, echoed Flournoy's appraisal.
"We are starting to see conditions that we believe are necessary for success in Afghanistan," he said. "Among the most important of these conditions is having the right leadership and strategy in place."
Flournoy cited progress in the troop surge to support that strategy. Nearly half of the 30,000 additional U.S. forces committed to the mission are on the ground, with the rest to arrive by late August. In addition, NATO and other coalition partners have pledged 9,000 additional troops to support the mission.
Flournoy noted other factors contributing to the turnaround. These include changes in coalition tactics to reduce civilian casualties, intensified partnerships to promote the development of Afghan national security forces, and more nonmilitary assets on the ground focused on economic and political development.
"The administration's core goal in the region is to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaida and ensure the elimination of al-Qaida safe havens," she said. "A critical component of our strategy is a stable Afghanistan with the governance and capacity to ensure that Afghanistan can no longer be a safe haven for al-Qaida and insurgents."
She cited shared interests between the United States and Afghanistan that extend beyond combating violent extremism. "We are working to develop an enduring partnership that will serve both our nations for many years to come," she said.
The situation in Afghanistan was "pretty bleak" before President Barack Obama sent 38,000 additional troops there last spring, then ordered Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal's assessment last summer, she conceded.
Paxton told the committee that McChrystal's campaign plan, based on that assessment, is built on four requirements. It aims to protect the Afghan people, enable Afghan security forces, neutralize malign influences and support the extension of governments, he said.
"General McChrystal has gone to great lengths to ensure that all of our operations in Afghanistan ... are directly tied to achieving these aims," Paxton said.
Flournoy pointed to the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan national security force partnership during operations in Helmand – "the first large-scale effort to fundamentally change how we are doing business together -- as a sign of how much things have changed under this strategy.
"Preparations for the Helmand operation included extraordinary levels of civil-military planning and engagement with the Afghan partners at every level," she said. "And we feel that the collaborative operational planning process was critical to giving Afghans a sense of ownership and investment in the success of our joint efforts."
Operations in Kandahar will present fundamentally different challenges, she said, and will require coalition forces to adapt to changing conditions.
"I don't want to suggest that achieving success in Afghanistan will be simple or easy. Far from it," Flournoy emphasized. "Inevitably we'll face challenges, possibly setbacks, even as we achieve success. We need to recognize that things may get harder before they get better."
As the coalition confronts the insurgency in new ways, the enemy can be expected to find new ways to respond. "To maintain our momentum, we will need to continuously refine and adapt our own tactics," she said.
Flournoy expressed confidence that the elements required for them to succeed are in place and taking shape.
"Afghanistan is our No. 1 priority," she said. "General McChrystal knows that he can ask for what he needs. The president has given the secretary of defense [authority] to provide for additional forces, particularly for force protection as needed. And as we move forward, we will continue to refine our approach, and I believe we will continue to make progress."
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
'AfPak Hands' Begin Immersion Training
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta
International Security Assistance Force
May 5, 2010 - The first class of U.S. military servicemembers and civilians in the new "AfPak Hands" program arrived here last week to continue its training at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy Afghanistan. International Security Assistance Force officials are using the program in an effort to build better long-term relationships with the Afghan and Pakistan people, governments and militaries.
AfPak Hands is a new, "all-in" language and cultural immersion initiative developed last summer and stood up in the fall by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program is billed as a new way to build trust with the military and local populations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In Afghanistan, AfPak Hands will help ISAF accelerate the continual transition of more responsibility to the country's government and security forces.
"It is a positive change to the way we do business here," said Air Force Master Sgt. Irene Mason, an engineer and a member of the 1st AfPak Hands Cohort, "because the Afghans value personal relationships."
The Afghan army officers who attended counterinsurgency training with the first class of AfPak Hands were excited and surprised to hear Americans speaking to them in their native language.
"They know Dari and the Pashto, and we like that," 1st Lt. Ayamuden Sherzai of the Afghan army said. "I saw the coalition partners speaking Pashto [and] Dari. I was excited they were speaking our language.
"Without an interpreter or translator, they can solve the problem by themselves," Sherzai continued. "They can contact the [Afghan security forces] themselves."
The Afghan people don't expect coalition forces to want to speak their language, noted Army Maj. Geoff Kent, a project coordinator for AfPak Hands at the Pentagon.
"The moment that they have that first interaction with an AfPak Hand," he said, "the moment that someone speaks to them in their language and asks them about their family, the light bulbs are all going to come on, and it's not just going to come on for the Afghan; it's going to come on for that AfPak Hand, and [they] are going to realize, right then and there, the importance of what they are doing."
AfPak Hands is a group of experts specifically trained to become experts in the Afghan and Pakistani cultures, Kent explained. "These are the folks that are going to build relationships," he said. "These are the people that the Afghans are going to want to go to when they've got a problem, where they want to discuss an issue."
The first wave of 33 AfPak members completed an intensive 17-week Defense Language Institute course in Dari or Pashto in Arlington, Va., from October to March, and then service-specific pre-deployment training before their arrival in Kabul on April 24. Besides their language and counterinsurgency training, each AfPak Hands servicemember brings specific skill sets, including expertise in governance, engineering, intelligence, finance and force protection. They're also going to be assigned as mentors to government and military officials.
"They're going to be placed in strategic positions where they can make an immediate impact," Kent said.
The AfPak Hands cohorts completed the week-long Counterinsurgency Leadership Course at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy on April 29 and are now in four more weeks of immersion training with their Afghan government and security forces counterparts, including members of the ministries of Defense and Rural Rehabilitation and Development, as well as nongovernmental organizations. The AfPak Hands members will be disbursed to different units throughout Afghanistan, with a few stationed in Pakistan.
The newcomers are leading the way for the next two AfPak Hands cohorts, one currently in language training and one now in the process of being selected. Once all three cohorts are fully trained and functioning, they will rotate through Afghanistan and Pakistan.
They will deploy for 12 months before rotating back to the United States for a period of time before returning, ideally to the same area and position in Afghanistan or Pakistan. While in the United States, they will mentor other AfPak Hands. They will stay involved in AfPak issues at one of four major hub locations and further develop their language and culture skills with DLI instructors.
"I think it's a phenomenal program," said Air Force Maj. Christy Barry, a lawyer, who is part of the initial cohort. "I wish we'd done it sooner. I think this will turn the tide and bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. I'm honored to be part of it." Army Lt. Col. Ken Scheidt, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, was the commander of a mobilization training unit at Fort Lewis, Wash., before he was selected for AfPak Hands. He said he'll be working in a joint position in Nangahar province. "I would recommend it to the right person," Scheidt said. "You have to want to do it."
Another 125 AfPak personnel are scheduled to arrive between by the end of June, with another group arriving in September and one more around November. Of the 281 billets for the program, 253 will be stationed in Afghanistan, with 28 in Pakistan. It is equally important for ISAF to develop the relationships with the Pakistani military as it is with the Afghan people and army, Kent said.
At the most basic level, Mason, an Afghanistan veteran who will be stationed in an engineer office in Tarin Kowt, said she wanted to help make the AfPak Hands program better for the next group. She said she expects to use her engineer background in the field and to interact with local woman.
"I'm hoping that I can go beyond my normal job if I were to just deploy with the Air Force -- the normal day-to-day tasks," Mason said. "I'd like to have a little more interaction with the local population and see how using my talents -- in the engineering field, and now the language skills – may be tailored to what we can do for them based on what [the Afghan people] want from us."
International Security Assistance Force
May 5, 2010 - The first class of U.S. military servicemembers and civilians in the new "AfPak Hands" program arrived here last week to continue its training at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy Afghanistan. International Security Assistance Force officials are using the program in an effort to build better long-term relationships with the Afghan and Pakistan people, governments and militaries.
AfPak Hands is a new, "all-in" language and cultural immersion initiative developed last summer and stood up in the fall by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program is billed as a new way to build trust with the military and local populations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In Afghanistan, AfPak Hands will help ISAF accelerate the continual transition of more responsibility to the country's government and security forces.
"It is a positive change to the way we do business here," said Air Force Master Sgt. Irene Mason, an engineer and a member of the 1st AfPak Hands Cohort, "because the Afghans value personal relationships."
The Afghan army officers who attended counterinsurgency training with the first class of AfPak Hands were excited and surprised to hear Americans speaking to them in their native language.
"They know Dari and the Pashto, and we like that," 1st Lt. Ayamuden Sherzai of the Afghan army said. "I saw the coalition partners speaking Pashto [and] Dari. I was excited they were speaking our language.
"Without an interpreter or translator, they can solve the problem by themselves," Sherzai continued. "They can contact the [Afghan security forces] themselves."
The Afghan people don't expect coalition forces to want to speak their language, noted Army Maj. Geoff Kent, a project coordinator for AfPak Hands at the Pentagon.
"The moment that they have that first interaction with an AfPak Hand," he said, "the moment that someone speaks to them in their language and asks them about their family, the light bulbs are all going to come on, and it's not just going to come on for the Afghan; it's going to come on for that AfPak Hand, and [they] are going to realize, right then and there, the importance of what they are doing."
AfPak Hands is a group of experts specifically trained to become experts in the Afghan and Pakistani cultures, Kent explained. "These are the folks that are going to build relationships," he said. "These are the people that the Afghans are going to want to go to when they've got a problem, where they want to discuss an issue."
The first wave of 33 AfPak members completed an intensive 17-week Defense Language Institute course in Dari or Pashto in Arlington, Va., from October to March, and then service-specific pre-deployment training before their arrival in Kabul on April 24. Besides their language and counterinsurgency training, each AfPak Hands servicemember brings specific skill sets, including expertise in governance, engineering, intelligence, finance and force protection. They're also going to be assigned as mentors to government and military officials.
"They're going to be placed in strategic positions where they can make an immediate impact," Kent said.
The AfPak Hands cohorts completed the week-long Counterinsurgency Leadership Course at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy on April 29 and are now in four more weeks of immersion training with their Afghan government and security forces counterparts, including members of the ministries of Defense and Rural Rehabilitation and Development, as well as nongovernmental organizations. The AfPak Hands members will be disbursed to different units throughout Afghanistan, with a few stationed in Pakistan.
The newcomers are leading the way for the next two AfPak Hands cohorts, one currently in language training and one now in the process of being selected. Once all three cohorts are fully trained and functioning, they will rotate through Afghanistan and Pakistan.
They will deploy for 12 months before rotating back to the United States for a period of time before returning, ideally to the same area and position in Afghanistan or Pakistan. While in the United States, they will mentor other AfPak Hands. They will stay involved in AfPak issues at one of four major hub locations and further develop their language and culture skills with DLI instructors.
"I think it's a phenomenal program," said Air Force Maj. Christy Barry, a lawyer, who is part of the initial cohort. "I wish we'd done it sooner. I think this will turn the tide and bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. I'm honored to be part of it." Army Lt. Col. Ken Scheidt, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, was the commander of a mobilization training unit at Fort Lewis, Wash., before he was selected for AfPak Hands. He said he'll be working in a joint position in Nangahar province. "I would recommend it to the right person," Scheidt said. "You have to want to do it."
Another 125 AfPak personnel are scheduled to arrive between by the end of June, with another group arriving in September and one more around November. Of the 281 billets for the program, 253 will be stationed in Afghanistan, with 28 in Pakistan. It is equally important for ISAF to develop the relationships with the Pakistani military as it is with the Afghan people and army, Kent said.
At the most basic level, Mason, an Afghanistan veteran who will be stationed in an engineer office in Tarin Kowt, said she wanted to help make the AfPak Hands program better for the next group. She said she expects to use her engineer background in the field and to interact with local woman.
"I'm hoping that I can go beyond my normal job if I were to just deploy with the Air Force -- the normal day-to-day tasks," Mason said. "I'd like to have a little more interaction with the local population and see how using my talents -- in the engineering field, and now the language skills – may be tailored to what we can do for them based on what [the Afghan people] want from us."
Training the SWAT Mind
As SWAT Officers we train for and prepare to provide a tactical resolution to a variety of high risk incidents. Ultimately SWAT must be prepared to use their training, equipment, and expertise to go head to head with an armed suspect(s). This is where there are no second chances, and very limited time to act. How then do we prepare ourselves to think on our feet, make quick decisions, and have the winning mindset?
Read On
www.hitechcj.com/id242.html
Read On
www.hitechcj.com/id242.html
Servicemembers begin immersion training in Afghanistan
by Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlost
International Security Assistance Force
5/5/2010 - CAMP JULIEN, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- The first class of U.S. military servicemembers and civilians in the new AfPak Hands program arrived here last week to continue training at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy Afghanistan.
AfPak Hands is a new, "all-in" language and cultural immersion initiative developed last summer and stood up in the fall by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program is billed as a new way to build trust with the military and local populations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
International Security Assistance Force officials are using the program in an effort to build better long-term relationships with the Afghan and Pakistan people, governments and militaries.
In Afghanistan, AfPak Hands will help ISAF officials accelerate the continual transition of more responsibility to the country's government and security forces.
"It is a positive change to the way we do business here because the Afghans value personal relationships," said Master Sgt. Irene Mason, an engineer and a member of the 1st AfPak Hands Cohort.
The Afghan army officers who attended counterinsurgency training with the first class of AfPak Hands were excited and surprised to hear Americans speaking to them in their native language.
"They know Dari and the Pashto, and we like that," 1st Lt. Ayamuden Sherzai of the Afghan army said. "I saw the coalition partners speaking Pashto (and) Dari. I was excited they were speaking our language.
"Without an interpreter or translator, they can solve the problem by themselves," Lieutenant Sherzai added. "They can contact the (Afghan security forces) themselves."
The Afghan people don't expect coalition forces to want to speak their language, said Army Maj. Geoff Kent, a project coordinator for AfPak Hands at the Pentagon.
"The moment that they have that first interaction with an AfPak Hand; the moment that someone speaks to them in their language and asks them about their family, the light bulbs are all going to come on, and it's not just going to come on for the Afghan; it's going to come on for that AfPak Hand," he said. "(They) are going to realize, right then and there, the importance of what they are doing." AfPak Hands is a group of experts specifically trained to become experts in the Afghan and Pakistani cultures, Major Kent explained. "These are the folks that are going to build relationships. These are the people that the Afghans are going to want to go to when they've got a problem, where they want to discuss an issue."
The first wave of 33 AfPak members completed an intensive 17-week Defense Language Institute course in Dari or Pashto in Arlington, Va., from October to March, and then service-specific pre-deployment training before their arrival in Kabul April 24. Besides their language and counterinsurgency training, each AfPak Hands servicemember brings specific skill sets, including expertise in governance, engineering, intelligence, finance and force protection. They're also going to be assigned as mentors to government and military officials.
"They're going to be placed in strategic positions where they can make an immediate impact," Major Kent said.
The AfPak Hands cohorts completed the week-long Counterinsurgency Leadership Course at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy April 29 and are now in four more weeks of immersion training with their Afghan government and security forces counterparts, including members of the ministries of Defense and Rural Rehabilitation and Development, as well as nongovernmental organizations. The AfPak Hands members will be disbursed to different units throughout Afghanistan, with a few stationed in Pakistan.
The newcomers are leading the way for the next two AfPak Hands cohorts, one currently in language training and one now in the process of being selected. Once all three cohorts are fully trained and functioning, they will rotate through Afghanistan and Pakistan.
They will deploy for 12 months before rotating back to the United States for a period of time before returning, ideally to the same area and position in Afghanistan or Pakistan. While in the United States, they will mentor other AfPak Hands. They will stay involved in AfPak issues at one of four major hub locations and further develop their language and culture skills with DLI instructors.
"I think it's a phenomenal program," said Maj. Christy Barry, a lawyer, who is part of the initial cohort. "I wish we'd done it sooner. I think this will turn the tide and bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. I'm honored to be part of it."
Army Lt. Col. Ken Scheidt, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, was the commander of a mobilization training unit at Fort Lewis, Wash., before he was selected for AfPak Hands. He said he'll be working in a joint position in Nangahar province.
"I would recommend it to the right person," Colonel Scheidt said. "You have to want to do it."
Another 125 AfPak personnel are scheduled to arrive between by the end of June, with another group arriving in September and one more around November. Of the 281 billets for the program, 253 will be stationed in Afghanistan, with 28 in Pakistan. It is equally important for ISAF to develop the relationships with the Pakistani military as it is with the Afghan people and army, Major Kent said.
At the most basic level, Sergeant Mason, who will be stationed in an engineer office in Tarin Kowt, said she wanted to help make the AfPak Hands program better for the next group.
She expects to use her engineer background in the field and to interact with local woman, she said.
"I'm hoping that I can go beyond my normal job if I were to just deploy with the Air Force -- the normal day-to-day tasks," Sergeant Mason said. "I'd like to have a little more interaction with the local population and see how using my talents -- in the engineering field, and now the language skills -- may be tailored to what we can do for them based on what (the Afghan people) want from us."
International Security Assistance Force
5/5/2010 - CAMP JULIEN, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- The first class of U.S. military servicemembers and civilians in the new AfPak Hands program arrived here last week to continue training at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy Afghanistan.
AfPak Hands is a new, "all-in" language and cultural immersion initiative developed last summer and stood up in the fall by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program is billed as a new way to build trust with the military and local populations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
International Security Assistance Force officials are using the program in an effort to build better long-term relationships with the Afghan and Pakistan people, governments and militaries.
In Afghanistan, AfPak Hands will help ISAF officials accelerate the continual transition of more responsibility to the country's government and security forces.
"It is a positive change to the way we do business here because the Afghans value personal relationships," said Master Sgt. Irene Mason, an engineer and a member of the 1st AfPak Hands Cohort.
The Afghan army officers who attended counterinsurgency training with the first class of AfPak Hands were excited and surprised to hear Americans speaking to them in their native language.
"They know Dari and the Pashto, and we like that," 1st Lt. Ayamuden Sherzai of the Afghan army said. "I saw the coalition partners speaking Pashto (and) Dari. I was excited they were speaking our language.
"Without an interpreter or translator, they can solve the problem by themselves," Lieutenant Sherzai added. "They can contact the (Afghan security forces) themselves."
The Afghan people don't expect coalition forces to want to speak their language, said Army Maj. Geoff Kent, a project coordinator for AfPak Hands at the Pentagon.
"The moment that they have that first interaction with an AfPak Hand; the moment that someone speaks to them in their language and asks them about their family, the light bulbs are all going to come on, and it's not just going to come on for the Afghan; it's going to come on for that AfPak Hand," he said. "(They) are going to realize, right then and there, the importance of what they are doing." AfPak Hands is a group of experts specifically trained to become experts in the Afghan and Pakistani cultures, Major Kent explained. "These are the folks that are going to build relationships. These are the people that the Afghans are going to want to go to when they've got a problem, where they want to discuss an issue."
The first wave of 33 AfPak members completed an intensive 17-week Defense Language Institute course in Dari or Pashto in Arlington, Va., from October to March, and then service-specific pre-deployment training before their arrival in Kabul April 24. Besides their language and counterinsurgency training, each AfPak Hands servicemember brings specific skill sets, including expertise in governance, engineering, intelligence, finance and force protection. They're also going to be assigned as mentors to government and military officials.
"They're going to be placed in strategic positions where they can make an immediate impact," Major Kent said.
The AfPak Hands cohorts completed the week-long Counterinsurgency Leadership Course at the Counterinsurgency Training Academy April 29 and are now in four more weeks of immersion training with their Afghan government and security forces counterparts, including members of the ministries of Defense and Rural Rehabilitation and Development, as well as nongovernmental organizations. The AfPak Hands members will be disbursed to different units throughout Afghanistan, with a few stationed in Pakistan.
The newcomers are leading the way for the next two AfPak Hands cohorts, one currently in language training and one now in the process of being selected. Once all three cohorts are fully trained and functioning, they will rotate through Afghanistan and Pakistan.
They will deploy for 12 months before rotating back to the United States for a period of time before returning, ideally to the same area and position in Afghanistan or Pakistan. While in the United States, they will mentor other AfPak Hands. They will stay involved in AfPak issues at one of four major hub locations and further develop their language and culture skills with DLI instructors.
"I think it's a phenomenal program," said Maj. Christy Barry, a lawyer, who is part of the initial cohort. "I wish we'd done it sooner. I think this will turn the tide and bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. I'm honored to be part of it."
Army Lt. Col. Ken Scheidt, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, was the commander of a mobilization training unit at Fort Lewis, Wash., before he was selected for AfPak Hands. He said he'll be working in a joint position in Nangahar province.
"I would recommend it to the right person," Colonel Scheidt said. "You have to want to do it."
Another 125 AfPak personnel are scheduled to arrive between by the end of June, with another group arriving in September and one more around November. Of the 281 billets for the program, 253 will be stationed in Afghanistan, with 28 in Pakistan. It is equally important for ISAF to develop the relationships with the Pakistani military as it is with the Afghan people and army, Major Kent said.
At the most basic level, Sergeant Mason, who will be stationed in an engineer office in Tarin Kowt, said she wanted to help make the AfPak Hands program better for the next group.
She expects to use her engineer background in the field and to interact with local woman, she said.
"I'm hoping that I can go beyond my normal job if I were to just deploy with the Air Force -- the normal day-to-day tasks," Sergeant Mason said. "I'd like to have a little more interaction with the local population and see how using my talents -- in the engineering field, and now the language skills -- may be tailored to what we can do for them based on what (the Afghan people) want from us."
Rolling Thunder, Wounded Warriors Honor 9/11 Victims
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2010 - Rolling Thunder motorcyclists joined Warrior Games athletes in a wreath-laying ceremony today at the Pentagon Memorial here to honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. The two parties came together with the Pentagon Memorial Fund as a reminder of the possibilities to which one can aspire when faced with hardships. As difficult as some challenges may seem, it's important to remember that "life goes on," James Laychak, Pentagon Memorial Fund president, said.
"It's always good to kind of stop and remember what happened," Laychak said. "When things happen that you don't expect, you can still beat it and go on. That's what the Warrior Games is all about, right? The Warrior Games and this memorial remind you that life goes on."
The ceremony marked the second leg for Rolling Thunder in a five-day trek across the country, in which the group that devotes itself to veterans issues and the nation's prisoners of war and servicemembers missing in action is transporting American flags to be flown at next week's inaugural Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The flags were flown over military locations around the globe, including the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Korea's demilitarized zone and Germany's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Rolling Thunder also is carrying flags that flew over Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
Rolling Thunder members transported the flags here from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack in New York, and tomorrow will pay their respects at the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pa. From there, the flags will be delivered to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the Warrior Games opening ceremony. Each of the flags will be flown for one day during the five-day competition.
Rolling Thunder's journey is a symbol of freedom in the purest form, said Dale "Wrong Way" Williams from the group's Maryland chapter.
"The fact that we don't sit back on our haunches and let somebody walk all over us, and that we have men and women willing to go out there ensure our freedom – the [Warrior Games] symbolizes freedom in the sincerest way," Williams said.
The inaugural Warrior Games kick off May 10 and will feature disabled veterans and wounded active duty athletes in Paralympics-style competition.
Rolling Thunder is a nonprofit organization with more than 88 chapters in all 50 states. It works year-round to ensure the nation never forgets that American prisoners of war and missing in action still remain unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. The organization raises funds to help veterans and provides legislative advocacy on veterans' issues. Members volunteer to visit local veterans' hospitals and educate people about the POW/MIA issue.
Recruitment, Training and Fighting for extremist groups
Chanhassen Man Pleads Guilty to Lying to the FBI During Investigation of Missing Somali Men
May 5, 2010 - A 26-year-old Chanhassen man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Minneapolis to lying to the FBI during the investigation into the recruitment of young men in the U.S. to train with and fight for extremist groups in Somalia. Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge James M. Rosenbaum, Abdow Munye Abdow pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice in connection to his crime. He was indicted on October 13, 2009.
In his plea agreement, Abdow admitted that on October 8, 2009, he obstructed an FBI investigation by making false statements to agents. Specifically, Abdow told agents that although other men accompanied him in a rental car from Minnesota to Las Vegas and back in early October, he did not know their names, nor did he know who paid for the rental vehicle. In truth, four men were traveling with Abdow in a rental car at that time. They drove from Minnesota to San Diego, where three of the men were dropped off. Abdow knew the names or nicknames of all of the men accompanying him as well as the name of the person who paid for the rental vehicle. In fact, the car was rented with a debit card issued to Abdow himself.
This case arose from a traffic stop made by the Nevada Highway Patrol on October 6, 2009, about ten miles north of Las Vegas. According to a FBI affidavit, the patrol officer at the scene later reported to the FBI that Abdow had four men with him in the car. He said they claimed to be on their way to San Diego to attend a friend’s wedding. However, they gave him inconsistent explanations as to how they knew one another, and they seemed confused as to the identity of the person getting married as well as the location of their lodging in San Diego. As a result, the officer asked for and obtained permission to search the vehicle. He found a passport and $4,000 in cash. He also was able to identify two of the men with Abdow.
On October 8, those two men were further identified by a U.S. Customs Border Patrol officer as two of three people dropped off by a taxi at the U.S.-Mexico border crossing in San Ysidro, just south of San Diego. The men had airline tickets and told the officer they were flying
On that same day, back in Minnesota, Abdow was interviewed at his place of work by FBI agents. Prior to the interview, the agents reportedly informed Abdow that they were conducting an investigation into the disappearance of local Somali men. They also informed him that he was not under arrest and could stop the interview at any time. Nevertheless, Abdow agreed to speak.
In the interview, Abdow initially told the agents he had traveled out west earlier that month with one friend only. He said they drove to Las Vegas and back again. After the agents repeatedly asked him if he was telling the truth, Abdow conceded that others may have been in the car, but he did not know how many or their real names. He also said he had no idea who paid for the rental vehicle. All that information was false.
For his crime, Abdow faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Judge Rosenbaum will determine his sentence at a future hearing not yet scheduled.
Investigation into the recruitment of young men to train with and fight for al-Shabaab has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The investigation into this specific case was assisted by the Carver County Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by W. Anders Folk, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Minnesota, and William M. Narus, from the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.
May 5, 2010 - A 26-year-old Chanhassen man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Minneapolis to lying to the FBI during the investigation into the recruitment of young men in the U.S. to train with and fight for extremist groups in Somalia. Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge James M. Rosenbaum, Abdow Munye Abdow pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice in connection to his crime. He was indicted on October 13, 2009.
In his plea agreement, Abdow admitted that on October 8, 2009, he obstructed an FBI investigation by making false statements to agents. Specifically, Abdow told agents that although other men accompanied him in a rental car from Minnesota to Las Vegas and back in early October, he did not know their names, nor did he know who paid for the rental vehicle. In truth, four men were traveling with Abdow in a rental car at that time. They drove from Minnesota to San Diego, where three of the men were dropped off. Abdow knew the names or nicknames of all of the men accompanying him as well as the name of the person who paid for the rental vehicle. In fact, the car was rented with a debit card issued to Abdow himself.
This case arose from a traffic stop made by the Nevada Highway Patrol on October 6, 2009, about ten miles north of Las Vegas. According to a FBI affidavit, the patrol officer at the scene later reported to the FBI that Abdow had four men with him in the car. He said they claimed to be on their way to San Diego to attend a friend’s wedding. However, they gave him inconsistent explanations as to how they knew one another, and they seemed confused as to the identity of the person getting married as well as the location of their lodging in San Diego. As a result, the officer asked for and obtained permission to search the vehicle. He found a passport and $4,000 in cash. He also was able to identify two of the men with Abdow.
On October 8, those two men were further identified by a U.S. Customs Border Patrol officer as two of three people dropped off by a taxi at the U.S.-Mexico border crossing in San Ysidro, just south of San Diego. The men had airline tickets and told the officer they were flying
On that same day, back in Minnesota, Abdow was interviewed at his place of work by FBI agents. Prior to the interview, the agents reportedly informed Abdow that they were conducting an investigation into the disappearance of local Somali men. They also informed him that he was not under arrest and could stop the interview at any time. Nevertheless, Abdow agreed to speak.
In the interview, Abdow initially told the agents he had traveled out west earlier that month with one friend only. He said they drove to Las Vegas and back again. After the agents repeatedly asked him if he was telling the truth, Abdow conceded that others may have been in the car, but he did not know how many or their real names. He also said he had no idea who paid for the rental vehicle. All that information was false.
For his crime, Abdow faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Judge Rosenbaum will determine his sentence at a future hearing not yet scheduled.
Investigation into the recruitment of young men to train with and fight for al-Shabaab has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The investigation into this specific case was assisted by the Carver County Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by W. Anders Folk, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Minnesota, and William M. Narus, from the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Ralph Mena, 27, of Hutchinson, Kan., died May 4 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to 72nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 7th Signal Brigade, 5th Signal Command, Mannheim, Germany.
For more information the media may contact the 5th Signal Command public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-8033.
Sgt. Ralph Mena, 27, of Hutchinson, Kan., died May 4 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to 72nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 7th Signal Brigade, 5th Signal Command, Mannheim, Germany.
For more information the media may contact the 5th Signal Command public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-8033.
Iraqi Forces Arrest 8 Terrorism Suspects
From a U.S. Forces Iraq News Release
May 5, 2010 - Iraqi security forces arrested eight terrorism suspects in operations today and yesterday, military officials reported.
In a combined operation with U.S. advisors northeast of Baghdad today, Iraqi forces arrested five suspected al-Qaida in Iraq criminal associates.
The Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspect in roadside-bomb attacks and arrested the five associates based on information and evidence gathered at the scene.
In Mosul yesterday, Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors arrested a suspected high-level al-Qaida in Iraq leader who allegedly is involved in bribery and extortion of judicial officials in northern Iraq, along with two suspected associates.
The suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader allegedly has contact with other high-level terrorist members, and is the leader of Islamic State of Iraq terrorist group's efforts to bribe judicial officials and facilitate the release of accused terrorists from detention facilities, officials said.
May 5, 2010 - Iraqi security forces arrested eight terrorism suspects in operations today and yesterday, military officials reported.
In a combined operation with U.S. advisors northeast of Baghdad today, Iraqi forces arrested five suspected al-Qaida in Iraq criminal associates.
The Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspect in roadside-bomb attacks and arrested the five associates based on information and evidence gathered at the scene.
In Mosul yesterday, Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors arrested a suspected high-level al-Qaida in Iraq leader who allegedly is involved in bribery and extortion of judicial officials in northern Iraq, along with two suspected associates.
The suspected al-Qaida in Iraq leader allegedly has contact with other high-level terrorist members, and is the leader of Islamic State of Iraq terrorist group's efforts to bribe judicial officials and facilitate the release of accused terrorists from detention facilities, officials said.
Yellow Ribbon event provides rest, eases redeployment
514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
(5/3/10) - Rest and relaxation mixed with reintegration seminars and veteran resources, coupled with plenty of chocolate was the theme for the 60-day Yellow Ribbon Event April 16 to 18 at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa. Yellow Ribbon coordinators from the 514th Air Mobility Wing planned this event for more than 60 military members who recently returned from deployment.
The Reserve and Guard members from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Maryland Air National Guard, Charleston Air Force Base and New Castle Delaware, took advantage of this opportunity to spend quality time with their families while simultaneously getting information to smooth their transition back into civilian life.
The Secretary of Defense initiated the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program in 2008. Its mission is to provide National Guard and Reserve members and their families with information, services, referral and proactive outreach programs through all phases of the deployment, according to the Department of Defense Yellow Ribbon website. Events are held nationwide.
"As both a commander and deployed member I thought this event was worthwhile," said Maj. Joseph Dell'Arciprete, the commander of the 88th Aerial Port Squadron. "It was good that family members could come to keep them informed."
The program prepares Airmen and guardsmen for mobilization, sustains families during mobilization and reintegrates military members with their families, communities and employers upon redeployment. Events are mandated for 30, 60, and 90-day post-deployment.
The event held in Hershey included briefings on current benefits and resources available to help overcome the challenges of reintegration. Workshops were held on family communication and reunion, marriage/spouse reunion, singles and reintegration and teen stress. Military Family Life consultants were on hand to conduct the seminars and give offline counseling.
Representatives from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Veterans Administration, American Red Cross, Tricare, Military One-Source, DeVry University, Keller Graduate Schools and Everest University Online, finance and personnel were also on hand to share resources.
"It's easy for active-duty members when they return to the base from a deployment; they have these resources right there for them," said a volunteer at the event.
"It was important to have counselors on hand to talk about post deployment issues and help individuals dealing with reintegration issues or post traumatic stress," said Master Sgt. Alexander Lepore, the event coordinator. "These events aid in identifying these issue immediately and people can take advantage of the resources available to them."
Volunteers for the Corporate Kids Events, Inc. and Operation Military Kids provided daycare for the children while their parents attended breakout sessions.
"Whether it was sitting together in a briefing or enjoying the local attractions, the families really seemed to enjoy just spending time with one another," Sergeant Lepore said.
"This is the best event by far with helping the military member and their family adjusting to life (post-deployment)," an attendee wrote on an event survey.
"I'm grateful my sister was here," said Carolyn Faison, a flight nurse with the 514th Aerospace Evacuation Squadron recently returned from her fourth deployment. "Now I can talk to someone who kinda understands what I've gone through."
"This program was extremely useful and beneficial to both the members and family," Maj. Bonnie Bosler said. "I feel this is an important aspect of the post deployment experience.
After the seminars concluded, members were free to explore Hershey and share bonding experiences with their families.
I heard about the Yellow Ribbon Program from someone in my unit who participated in another event, said Matthew Flanagan, of the 315th Mission Support Group at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. The sergeant is back from a six-month deployment to Kirkuk, Iraq.
"I came looking for an opportunity to get away and spend time with my family stress free," he said. "This is a cool place for kids and adults."
For more information about Yellow Ribbon and to find a re-integration event near you, visit http://www.yellowribbon.mil/.
Times Square Investigation: The Criminal Complaint
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Charges Faisal Shahzad with Attempted Car Bombing in Times Square
PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, GEORGE VENIZELOS, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), and RAYMOND W. KELLY, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York, announced that FAISAL SHAHZAD was charged today with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and other federal crimes for allegedly driving a car bomb into Times Square on the evening of May 1, 2010. SHAHZAD, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Pakistan, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport on May 3, 2010, after he was identified by the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection while attempting to leave the United States by means of a commercial flight to Dubai.
According to the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court:
In April 2010, SHAHZAD contacted the seller of a Nissan Pathfinder after seeing an advertisement posted on a website. Thereafter, on April 24, 2010, SHAHZAD and the seller of the Pathfinder agreed to meet in a supermarket parking lot in Connecticut, where SHAHZAD paid the seller $1300 for the Pathfinder.
On May 1, 2010, a Pathfinder was discovered, abandoned, on the street in Times Square. Inside the Pathfinder were multiple, filled propane tanks, gasoline canisters, and fertilizer—as well as fireworks, clocks, wiring, and other items, including a key to an Isuzu and residential keys. When emergency services workers arrived on the scene, the Pathfinder was visibly smoking. The items in the back of the Pathfinder were smoldering; it appeared that the occupant of the Pathfinder had attempted to initiate an explosion. Hours later, when lawenforcement officers entered the Pathfinder, a number of keys were recovered, including a key to an Isuzu automobile.
Over the past few days, the investigation has revealed that SHAHZAD bought the Pathfinder with cash on April 24, 2010; that he drove an Isuzu; and that one of the keys in the Pathfinder opened the door to SHAHZAD's Connecticut residence. In addition, and among other things, the investigation has revealed that SHAHZAD used a pre-paid cellular telephone—which has not been used since April 28—both to call a fireworks store and to receive a series of calls from Pakistan following his purchase of the Pathfinder.
After his arrest, SHAHZAD stated that he had recently received bomb-making training in Waziristan, Pakistan. In addition, SHAHZAD admitted that he had brought the Pathfinder to Times Square—and attempted there to detonate it. SHAHZAD also noted that he had driven a particular car to John F. Kennedy International Airport on May 3, 2010, and stated that the car contained a gun. Law enforcement officers then identified SHAHZAD's car and located a gun inside.
SHAHZAD is charged with one count of use of weapons of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of use of a destructive device in connection with a crime of violence, which carries a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of transporting and receiving explosives, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and one count of damaging and destroying property by means of fire and explosives, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
SHAHZAD, 30, resides in Shelton, Connecticut.
U.S. Attorney PREET BHARARA stated: "I would like to thank the ordinary and alert Americans, who first sounded the alarm upon observing the startling sight of a smoking Nissan Pathfinder in the middle of Manhattan last Saturday night. As a result of a lot of good old-fashioned police work, that smoking car turned into the smoking gun that led to the capture of Faisal Shahzad, who allegedly put a bullseye on Times Square, which lies at the heart of our city and the crossroads of the world. This Office, with all of the agencies who work hand-in-glove, day after day, on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, will not rest until every last terrorist is neutralized and held to account."
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge GEORGE VENIZELOS said: "The FBI and our partners have the primary responsibility for preventing and apprehending those who would do us harm. The agents and officers who brought about the swift and safe resolution of the Times Square incident are to be commended for their diligence and determination. Faisal Shahzad now faces the grim prospect of a future in prison. But this fast-breaking investigation shows the paramount importance of ordinary people being vigilant while going about their lives. In an open society, the rule of law and the preservation of liberty depend on everyone."
Police Commissioner RAYMOND W. KELLY stated: "New York can breathe a little easier today. That's due in large measure to the investigative muscle and alacrity of NYPD detectives and FBI agents, not to mention the eagle-eyed customs personnel on duty last night at JFK. I also want to commend United States Attorney Preet Bharara and his able assistants. They worked closely with the NYPD, not only in this case, but in prosecuting many others to make certain that criminals in the Southern District of New York face justice. The NYPD bomb squad risked their lives to dismantle a lethal assembly that turned the pathfinder into one big hurt locker. While we can all breath a little easier, we have to stay vigilant because in the eyes of terrorists, New York is America, and they keep coming back to kill us."
Mr. BHARARA praised the investigative efforts of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in New York and Connecticut, especially those JTTF members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. Mr. BHARARA thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol for their assistance. He also expressed his gratitude to the trial attorneys with the United States Department of Justice's National Security Division, as well as the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.
Assistant United States Attorneys BRENDAN R. MCGUIRE, RANDALL W. JACKSON, and JOHN P. CRONAN from the Office's Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, GEORGE VENIZELOS, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), and RAYMOND W. KELLY, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York, announced that FAISAL SHAHZAD was charged today with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and other federal crimes for allegedly driving a car bomb into Times Square on the evening of May 1, 2010. SHAHZAD, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Pakistan, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport on May 3, 2010, after he was identified by the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection while attempting to leave the United States by means of a commercial flight to Dubai.
According to the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court:
In April 2010, SHAHZAD contacted the seller of a Nissan Pathfinder after seeing an advertisement posted on a website. Thereafter, on April 24, 2010, SHAHZAD and the seller of the Pathfinder agreed to meet in a supermarket parking lot in Connecticut, where SHAHZAD paid the seller $1300 for the Pathfinder.
On May 1, 2010, a Pathfinder was discovered, abandoned, on the street in Times Square. Inside the Pathfinder were multiple, filled propane tanks, gasoline canisters, and fertilizer—as well as fireworks, clocks, wiring, and other items, including a key to an Isuzu and residential keys. When emergency services workers arrived on the scene, the Pathfinder was visibly smoking. The items in the back of the Pathfinder were smoldering; it appeared that the occupant of the Pathfinder had attempted to initiate an explosion. Hours later, when lawenforcement officers entered the Pathfinder, a number of keys were recovered, including a key to an Isuzu automobile.
Over the past few days, the investigation has revealed that SHAHZAD bought the Pathfinder with cash on April 24, 2010; that he drove an Isuzu; and that one of the keys in the Pathfinder opened the door to SHAHZAD's Connecticut residence. In addition, and among other things, the investigation has revealed that SHAHZAD used a pre-paid cellular telephone—which has not been used since April 28—both to call a fireworks store and to receive a series of calls from Pakistan following his purchase of the Pathfinder.
After his arrest, SHAHZAD stated that he had recently received bomb-making training in Waziristan, Pakistan. In addition, SHAHZAD admitted that he had brought the Pathfinder to Times Square—and attempted there to detonate it. SHAHZAD also noted that he had driven a particular car to John F. Kennedy International Airport on May 3, 2010, and stated that the car contained a gun. Law enforcement officers then identified SHAHZAD's car and located a gun inside.
SHAHZAD is charged with one count of use of weapons of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of use of a destructive device in connection with a crime of violence, which carries a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of transporting and receiving explosives, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and one count of damaging and destroying property by means of fire and explosives, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
SHAHZAD, 30, resides in Shelton, Connecticut.
U.S. Attorney PREET BHARARA stated: "I would like to thank the ordinary and alert Americans, who first sounded the alarm upon observing the startling sight of a smoking Nissan Pathfinder in the middle of Manhattan last Saturday night. As a result of a lot of good old-fashioned police work, that smoking car turned into the smoking gun that led to the capture of Faisal Shahzad, who allegedly put a bullseye on Times Square, which lies at the heart of our city and the crossroads of the world. This Office, with all of the agencies who work hand-in-glove, day after day, on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, will not rest until every last terrorist is neutralized and held to account."
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge GEORGE VENIZELOS said: "The FBI and our partners have the primary responsibility for preventing and apprehending those who would do us harm. The agents and officers who brought about the swift and safe resolution of the Times Square incident are to be commended for their diligence and determination. Faisal Shahzad now faces the grim prospect of a future in prison. But this fast-breaking investigation shows the paramount importance of ordinary people being vigilant while going about their lives. In an open society, the rule of law and the preservation of liberty depend on everyone."
Police Commissioner RAYMOND W. KELLY stated: "New York can breathe a little easier today. That's due in large measure to the investigative muscle and alacrity of NYPD detectives and FBI agents, not to mention the eagle-eyed customs personnel on duty last night at JFK. I also want to commend United States Attorney Preet Bharara and his able assistants. They worked closely with the NYPD, not only in this case, but in prosecuting many others to make certain that criminals in the Southern District of New York face justice. The NYPD bomb squad risked their lives to dismantle a lethal assembly that turned the pathfinder into one big hurt locker. While we can all breath a little easier, we have to stay vigilant because in the eyes of terrorists, New York is America, and they keep coming back to kill us."
Mr. BHARARA praised the investigative efforts of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in New York and Connecticut, especially those JTTF members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. Mr. BHARARA thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol for their assistance. He also expressed his gratitude to the trial attorneys with the United States Department of Justice's National Security Division, as well as the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.
Assistant United States Attorneys BRENDAN R. MCGUIRE, RANDALL W. JACKSON, and JOHN P. CRONAN from the Office's Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Daniel D. Roberts
Assistant Director, Criminal Justice Information Services
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Statement Before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
May 5, 2010
Good morning Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins, and members of the committee. It is my pleasure to address you today regarding the FBI’s efforts to respond to attempted purchases of firearms from licensed dealers and applications for firearms and explosives permits from state agencies by Known or Appropriately Suspected Terrorists (KSTs) listed on the nation’s consolidated watch list.
First, I want to make it clear that the FBI takes a proactive approach to investigating persons suspected of being involved or associated with terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) are engaged every day, across the country, in following up leads, monitoring intelligence, and otherwise pursuing information about suspected terrorists who may be trying to obtain the means by which they or their associates can do harm to this country and its citizens.
Our efforts to identify watchlisted KSTs attempting to obtain firearms includes, but is not limited to, use of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) process. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 (Brady Act) requires a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to contact NICS before any firearm transfer to a non-licensee, so NICS can perform a background check to determine whether the receipt of a firearm by the prospective transferee would violate federal or state law. (Applicants for explosives-related licenses or alternate firearms permits are also subject to NICS checks.) Background checks are initiated through one of three NICS contracted call centers, a state designated state point-of-contact, or through the NICS E-Check website via the Internet.
Once the descriptive information for the proposed transferee is entered, NICS conducts a name search for matching records in three databases. The databases are the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which contains, among other things, information on wanted persons and protection orders; the Interstate Identification Index (III), which contains criminal history records; and the NICS Index, which contains the names and information concerning persons subject to one or more of the disqualifiers contained in the Brady Act. The NICS Index includes individuals who have been determined to be prohibited from possessing a firearm by federal law for reasons that are not reflected in the NCIC or III systems. If the transferee indicates that he or she is not a U.S. citizen, then NICS also queries databases of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to ensure that the transferee’s immigration status does not preclude them from obtaining a firearm.
One of the files queried by NICS contained within NCIC is the KST File. The KST File is populated by the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) with descriptive identities maintained on persons who are known terrorists or for whom there is a reasonable suspicion that they are terrorists. This file is a subset of the full consolidated watchlist managed by the TSC, known as the Terrorist Screening Database, or TSDB. The TSDB also exports other subsets to other authorized screening points—such as the no-fly list used at U.S. and foreign airports. Any NICS query that results in a “hit” in the KST File automatically causes that transaction to be transferred to a NICS Legal Instruments Examiner (examiner).
Following the hit in the KST, the NICS contracted call center provides to the FFL the NICS Transaction Number (NTN) and transfers the call to a NICS examiner while the FFL remains on the phone. Upon transfer, the NICS examiner, located at the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia, then compares the data on the NICS search screen to the subject’s information to determine whether the hit is, in fact, a valid match. If the hit appears to be a valid match, the NICS examiner informs the FFL the transaction is delayed for further research and transfers the transaction to the NICS Command Center. The FFL is not informed that the reason for the initial delay is because of a potential KST match. If the NICS examiner in the NICS Command Center discovers independent reasons to deny the transaction—for example, a record of a felony conviction, the FFL will be informed of the denial, but research on the KST hit will continue. If there are no independent reasons for denial, the transaction will be delayed, the FFL will be advised of the delay, and the process below will be followed. In this case, the FFL is not permitted to transfer the firearm until after three business days from the date the transaction was created.
The NICS Command Center examiner who retrieves the KST-related transaction will contact the FFL to gain additional information to assist in the identification of the individual such as the individual’s address, driver’s license, social security number, or alien registration number as applicable. The NICS Command Center examiner will also contact the TSC to inform them a NICS hit to an NCIC KST record has occurred and to attempt to confirm the transferee’s identity to further validate an accurate match has been made. If a coordinated effort by the TSC and the NICS Section determines the subject of the NTN does not appear to be a match, based on the subject’s name and descriptive information, the NICS Section will continue to research all remaining databases on the transaction and complete the transaction.
If the TSC and the NICS Section determine the subject of the NTN does appear to be a match, then the TSC will forward the information to the Terrorist Screening Operations Unit (TSOU) who, in turn, will forward the information to the Counterterrorism Watch Unit (CT Watch)/case agent. Once the CT Watch/case agent has been notified, the CT Watch/case agent must contact the NICS Section within 72 hours from the time the transaction was made.
Once contact has been made with the CT Watch/case agent, the NICS Command Center Examiner advises a match to a KST record has occurred and seeks further information to assist in making a final determination. The CT Watch/case agent coordinates with the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to provide the NICS Section any additional information the JTTF may have that indicates the KST is prohibited from receiving a firearm or explosives.
The attempt by a KST to buy a firearm or obtain an alternate permit constitutes a positive "encounter." An encounter is simply a contact by a watchlisted person that is reported to the TSC and, in turn, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division (CTD). There are many other forms of encounters the FBI tracks including, e.g., border checks by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and visa applications at U.S. Embassies abroad. An attempt to purchase a firearm from an FFL resulting in a NICS check is just one form of encounter.
Within the CTD, the first step—performed immediately—is to determine if there is an FBI investigation on the KST. If there is, the FBI case agent is immediately notified and placed in direct contact with a NICS examiner to determine whether there is any information in the case file, or known to the case agent, that would disqualify the KST under the Gun Control Act from possessing a firearm. As previously mentioned, contact with the NICS Section is expected to occur within 72 hours, the three business days NICS is permitted to delay the transaction. If there is no investigation, the FBI case sgent will open one based on the encounter in the United States of a watchlisted KST attempting to possess a firearm and/or explosives. Since this process was initiated in 2004, approximately 1,200 (+) such encounters have occurred and in approximately 90 percent of those, no prohibiting information was found to deny the transfer.
While waiting for this contact/information from the CT Watch/case agent, if the NICS Section identifies prohibitive information, in any of the databases searched by the NICS, the transaction is denied. If the NICS Section does not identify prohibitive information in any of its research, the NICS Section must not proceed with the transaction until contact is completed with the CT Watch/case agent, regardless of the existence of or lack of other records returned during the search. The NICS Section will await telephone contact with the CT Watch/case agent before making a final status determination.
If the CT Watch/case agent does not provide any state or federally prohibitive information and no prohibitive information was returned from the query of the NICS databases, then the NICS Command Center examiner contacts the FFL and changes the transaction status from delay to proceed. If prohibiting information is discovered and the transaction has not been denied for other reasons, then the NICS Command Center examiner contacts the FFL and changes the transaction status from delay to deny. If the determination cannot be made in three business days, the FFL is entitled by law to transfer the firearm. If prohibiting information is discovered after the three business days and the firearm has been transferred, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is contacted and initiates a separate process to retrieve the firearm. In a case involving a watchlisted KST, this would occur in coordination with the JTTF.
Regardless of whether the transaction is given the green light to proceed or is denied, the encounter is noted at the time and its import is assessed in the same manner as all newly discovered pieces of intelligence about the subject of the investigation. In this situation, in a given investigation, the attempt may, in combination with other factors, lead to enhanced investigative methods, such as surveillance. What the attempt to buy a firearm means in a counterterrorism investigation, and as a result the subsequent actions it warrants, necessarily must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, this new piece of intelligence is provided to the National Counterterrorism Center and, in turn, to the U.S. Intelligence Community. Federal and state law enforcement partners are also notified as appropriate.
In summary, the FBI, working with its partner agencies through the JTTF, has and will use every lawful and appropriate investigative and analytical tool at its disposal to scrutinize and monitor any attempt by a watchlisted KST to acquire a firearm or obtain an alternate firearm or an explosives permit. While those tools and techniques have their limits, we believe they have been highly effective when dealing with the regulated sale of firearms.
Assistant Director, Criminal Justice Information Services
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Statement Before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
May 5, 2010
Good morning Chairman Lieberman, Ranking Member Collins, and members of the committee. It is my pleasure to address you today regarding the FBI’s efforts to respond to attempted purchases of firearms from licensed dealers and applications for firearms and explosives permits from state agencies by Known or Appropriately Suspected Terrorists (KSTs) listed on the nation’s consolidated watch list.
First, I want to make it clear that the FBI takes a proactive approach to investigating persons suspected of being involved or associated with terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) are engaged every day, across the country, in following up leads, monitoring intelligence, and otherwise pursuing information about suspected terrorists who may be trying to obtain the means by which they or their associates can do harm to this country and its citizens.
Our efforts to identify watchlisted KSTs attempting to obtain firearms includes, but is not limited to, use of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) process. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 (Brady Act) requires a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to contact NICS before any firearm transfer to a non-licensee, so NICS can perform a background check to determine whether the receipt of a firearm by the prospective transferee would violate federal or state law. (Applicants for explosives-related licenses or alternate firearms permits are also subject to NICS checks.) Background checks are initiated through one of three NICS contracted call centers, a state designated state point-of-contact, or through the NICS E-Check website via the Internet.
Once the descriptive information for the proposed transferee is entered, NICS conducts a name search for matching records in three databases. The databases are the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which contains, among other things, information on wanted persons and protection orders; the Interstate Identification Index (III), which contains criminal history records; and the NICS Index, which contains the names and information concerning persons subject to one or more of the disqualifiers contained in the Brady Act. The NICS Index includes individuals who have been determined to be prohibited from possessing a firearm by federal law for reasons that are not reflected in the NCIC or III systems. If the transferee indicates that he or she is not a U.S. citizen, then NICS also queries databases of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to ensure that the transferee’s immigration status does not preclude them from obtaining a firearm.
One of the files queried by NICS contained within NCIC is the KST File. The KST File is populated by the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) with descriptive identities maintained on persons who are known terrorists or for whom there is a reasonable suspicion that they are terrorists. This file is a subset of the full consolidated watchlist managed by the TSC, known as the Terrorist Screening Database, or TSDB. The TSDB also exports other subsets to other authorized screening points—such as the no-fly list used at U.S. and foreign airports. Any NICS query that results in a “hit” in the KST File automatically causes that transaction to be transferred to a NICS Legal Instruments Examiner (examiner).
Following the hit in the KST, the NICS contracted call center provides to the FFL the NICS Transaction Number (NTN) and transfers the call to a NICS examiner while the FFL remains on the phone. Upon transfer, the NICS examiner, located at the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia, then compares the data on the NICS search screen to the subject’s information to determine whether the hit is, in fact, a valid match. If the hit appears to be a valid match, the NICS examiner informs the FFL the transaction is delayed for further research and transfers the transaction to the NICS Command Center. The FFL is not informed that the reason for the initial delay is because of a potential KST match. If the NICS examiner in the NICS Command Center discovers independent reasons to deny the transaction—for example, a record of a felony conviction, the FFL will be informed of the denial, but research on the KST hit will continue. If there are no independent reasons for denial, the transaction will be delayed, the FFL will be advised of the delay, and the process below will be followed. In this case, the FFL is not permitted to transfer the firearm until after three business days from the date the transaction was created.
The NICS Command Center examiner who retrieves the KST-related transaction will contact the FFL to gain additional information to assist in the identification of the individual such as the individual’s address, driver’s license, social security number, or alien registration number as applicable. The NICS Command Center examiner will also contact the TSC to inform them a NICS hit to an NCIC KST record has occurred and to attempt to confirm the transferee’s identity to further validate an accurate match has been made. If a coordinated effort by the TSC and the NICS Section determines the subject of the NTN does not appear to be a match, based on the subject’s name and descriptive information, the NICS Section will continue to research all remaining databases on the transaction and complete the transaction.
If the TSC and the NICS Section determine the subject of the NTN does appear to be a match, then the TSC will forward the information to the Terrorist Screening Operations Unit (TSOU) who, in turn, will forward the information to the Counterterrorism Watch Unit (CT Watch)/case agent. Once the CT Watch/case agent has been notified, the CT Watch/case agent must contact the NICS Section within 72 hours from the time the transaction was made.
Once contact has been made with the CT Watch/case agent, the NICS Command Center Examiner advises a match to a KST record has occurred and seeks further information to assist in making a final determination. The CT Watch/case agent coordinates with the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to provide the NICS Section any additional information the JTTF may have that indicates the KST is prohibited from receiving a firearm or explosives.
The attempt by a KST to buy a firearm or obtain an alternate permit constitutes a positive "encounter." An encounter is simply a contact by a watchlisted person that is reported to the TSC and, in turn, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division (CTD). There are many other forms of encounters the FBI tracks including, e.g., border checks by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and visa applications at U.S. Embassies abroad. An attempt to purchase a firearm from an FFL resulting in a NICS check is just one form of encounter.
Within the CTD, the first step—performed immediately—is to determine if there is an FBI investigation on the KST. If there is, the FBI case agent is immediately notified and placed in direct contact with a NICS examiner to determine whether there is any information in the case file, or known to the case agent, that would disqualify the KST under the Gun Control Act from possessing a firearm. As previously mentioned, contact with the NICS Section is expected to occur within 72 hours, the three business days NICS is permitted to delay the transaction. If there is no investigation, the FBI case sgent will open one based on the encounter in the United States of a watchlisted KST attempting to possess a firearm and/or explosives. Since this process was initiated in 2004, approximately 1,200 (+) such encounters have occurred and in approximately 90 percent of those, no prohibiting information was found to deny the transfer.
While waiting for this contact/information from the CT Watch/case agent, if the NICS Section identifies prohibitive information, in any of the databases searched by the NICS, the transaction is denied. If the NICS Section does not identify prohibitive information in any of its research, the NICS Section must not proceed with the transaction until contact is completed with the CT Watch/case agent, regardless of the existence of or lack of other records returned during the search. The NICS Section will await telephone contact with the CT Watch/case agent before making a final status determination.
If the CT Watch/case agent does not provide any state or federally prohibitive information and no prohibitive information was returned from the query of the NICS databases, then the NICS Command Center examiner contacts the FFL and changes the transaction status from delay to proceed. If prohibiting information is discovered and the transaction has not been denied for other reasons, then the NICS Command Center examiner contacts the FFL and changes the transaction status from delay to deny. If the determination cannot be made in three business days, the FFL is entitled by law to transfer the firearm. If prohibiting information is discovered after the three business days and the firearm has been transferred, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is contacted and initiates a separate process to retrieve the firearm. In a case involving a watchlisted KST, this would occur in coordination with the JTTF.
Regardless of whether the transaction is given the green light to proceed or is denied, the encounter is noted at the time and its import is assessed in the same manner as all newly discovered pieces of intelligence about the subject of the investigation. In this situation, in a given investigation, the attempt may, in combination with other factors, lead to enhanced investigative methods, such as surveillance. What the attempt to buy a firearm means in a counterterrorism investigation, and as a result the subsequent actions it warrants, necessarily must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, this new piece of intelligence is provided to the National Counterterrorism Center and, in turn, to the U.S. Intelligence Community. Federal and state law enforcement partners are also notified as appropriate.
In summary, the FBI, working with its partner agencies through the JTTF, has and will use every lawful and appropriate investigative and analytical tool at its disposal to scrutinize and monitor any attempt by a watchlisted KST to acquire a firearm or obtain an alternate firearm or an explosives permit. While those tools and techniques have their limits, we believe they have been highly effective when dealing with the regulated sale of firearms.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Call for Nominations: Four $25,000 Homeland Security Awards
May 4, 2010 - The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is awarding four $25,000 Homeland Security Awards to American individuals or companies who are making measurable and constructive contributions in basic or advanced research in the area of homeland security.
The mission of the awards is to promote and encourage cutting edge innovation in the vast arena of homeland security, including but not limited to the detection, prevention, or response to threats to the United States.
All nominations are must be submitted online by Friday May 7, 2010 . The award website also includes information on the competition rules, regulations, and past recipients. You may nominate yourself and/or another worthy candidate.
A $25,000 Homeland Security Award will be presented in each of the following four fields:
1) Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Chemical and Explosive Attacks – Including utilities (air, water, telephone), aviation, business vulnerabilities, sensors, and lack of situational awareness.
2) Border and Transportation Security – Airport security, trucks, rail, and containers authorization, certification and tracking.
3) Cyber Security and Information Sharing – Cyber security, vertical and horizontal (Federal, State and private) communications, ways to encourage information sharing, privacy issues, and criminal and terrorist watch lists.
4) Emergency Response to Natural and Man-made Disasters – Interoperability, emergency command centers, mobile devices (PDAs, cell phones, pagers, Internet.)
In 2003, Dr. Frances Ligler, Senior Scientist for Biosensors and Biomaterials at the Naval Research Laboratory, won the award for pioneering the development of ultra-sensitive antibody-based detection systems for biological agents and other hazardous materials. This work has had a profound impact on the development of biosensor-based detection of biological warfare agents, leading to significant improvements in the nation’s capability for early and accurate detection.
The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is an independent Federal government agency established by Congress in 1992 to “encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind.
The mission of the awards is to promote and encourage cutting edge innovation in the vast arena of homeland security, including but not limited to the detection, prevention, or response to threats to the United States.
All nominations are must be submitted online by Friday May 7, 2010 . The award website also includes information on the competition rules, regulations, and past recipients. You may nominate yourself and/or another worthy candidate.
A $25,000 Homeland Security Award will be presented in each of the following four fields:
1) Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Chemical and Explosive Attacks – Including utilities (air, water, telephone), aviation, business vulnerabilities, sensors, and lack of situational awareness.
2) Border and Transportation Security – Airport security, trucks, rail, and containers authorization, certification and tracking.
3) Cyber Security and Information Sharing – Cyber security, vertical and horizontal (Federal, State and private) communications, ways to encourage information sharing, privacy issues, and criminal and terrorist watch lists.
4) Emergency Response to Natural and Man-made Disasters – Interoperability, emergency command centers, mobile devices (PDAs, cell phones, pagers, Internet.)
In 2003, Dr. Frances Ligler, Senior Scientist for Biosensors and Biomaterials at the Naval Research Laboratory, won the award for pioneering the development of ultra-sensitive antibody-based detection systems for biological agents and other hazardous materials. This work has had a profound impact on the development of biosensor-based detection of biological warfare agents, leading to significant improvements in the nation’s capability for early and accurate detection.
The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is an independent Federal government agency established by Congress in 1992 to “encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind.
Weathermen enable special operations forces in Afghanistan
by Senior Airman Elliott Sprehe
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan Media Operations Center
5/4/2010 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- "We're being engaged by effective small-arms and RPG fire," yelled a special forces team leader in his radio back to the operations center.
"Requesting close-air support at this time," he continued.
But the dark sky above, laced with the promise of an impending storm, hooded the hostile territory and threatened the possibility of air support.
The special operations weatherman embedded with the team carefully analyzed the weather data he collected and advised the commander and the combat controller: there would be a small weather window of opportunity where close-air support and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets could be synchronized before conditions would turn unfavorable.
These critical enablers are components of the Air Force's Special Tactics teams and are attached to special operations force elements for deployment in non-permissive and politically sensitive areas of operation.
In events where inclement weather and environmental conditions can impact military operations or the local populace, special operations weathermen provide on-scene data collection and mission enhancing forecasts. These Airmen possess highly technical skill sets combined with the latest military technology, enabling them to integrate environmental effects to ongoing operations and planning. This fusion of joint terminal attack controllers and special operations weatherman ensure the successful synchronization of air assets in complex battlefield conditions.
The weather career field roots began in 1917 originating as the U.S. Army Weather Service before being transferred in 1947 to the Air Force with the provision that the Air Force would still provide meteorological services to the Army.
Special operations weather technicians were active in World War II to provide observations from deep inside enemy-held territory to advise bombing missions traveling hundreds of miles toward data-sparse objectives. In every conflict to this day, Air Force special operations weather technicians still provide data collection and weather forecasts for the Army, but it wasn't until May 5, 2008 the Air Force approved a new Air Force specialty code (known in the Army as a military occupational specialty) for special operations weather. This ensured that the SOWT recruits were given a selection and assessment and a standardized training pipeline the parallels the Air Force combat controller plan.
The creation of the new position helps to serve as an opportunity for new recruits to join the career field, as they were drawn from conventional weather units previously. After completion of the two year pipeline, newly trained special operations weather technicians become part of one of the smallest and most highly trained units in the Department of Defense and subsequently are the only Air Force weathermen trained and equipped to operate with special operations forces "outside the wire."
More specifically, special operations weather technicians support special forces, most of which are located in austere areas, including locations across Afghanistan, in support of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan.
Special operations weather technicians are Air Force meteorologists trained and equipped to operate in hostile or denied territory to gather data and environmental intelligence in forward deployed locations in direct support of strategic and tactical objectives.
"They collect, analyze and integrate environmental intelligence," said Capt. Jonathan Sawtelle, the CJSOTF-A SOWT liaison officer.
Captain Sawtelle works as a conduit for the SOWTs located at forward operating bases. These forward deployed SOWTs provide vital intelligence, which can directly affect air movement including close-air support, resupply, infiltration and exfiltration, and ISR platforms as well as ground movements for special and conventional forces.
"Weather can constrain MEDEVAC missions or force (MQ-1) Predators to be re-tasked," Captain Sawtelle said.
SOWTs also assist in establishing some scientific data regarding climate, precipitation and more, especially in Afghanistan. Because of the limited resources in Afghanistan, forward deployed SOWTs, provide climate data in different areas of the country; data that would otherwise not be collected.
The information provided includes annual precipitation in certain areas, river speeds, depths and water temperatures, avalanche risk, wind readings and more.
"The terrain is so complex and there are little to no existing meteorological data on record," Capt. Sawtelle said. "Each valley has its own micro-climate, specific terrain features and agricultural resources."
SOWTs providing daily situational awareness to the CJSOTF-A commander including weather forecasts that can at times dictate the effectiveness of missions, both air and ground. Their job is to advise air and ground force commanders of timelines and impacts and enable them to mitigate or exploit the expected conditions.
One aspect of their duties, environmental reconnaissance, shows how SOWTs assist in maintaining operational success.
"We provide foresight to ground force commanders for any impact to mission," said a SOWT Airman at a FOB in western Afghanistan. "While conveying impacts on future operations to a ground force commander goes a long way, providing alternative courses of action solidifies our place in any theatre of war."
"I'm a pinpoint on a map, but I'm not just a team asset," the special operations weatherman said. "We present weather products to coalition forces for the big picture of operations. We provide information on terrain and soil density, which determine the ability to support traffic ability of large vehicle movements."
Collection of this data paves the way for future operations by conventional and special operations force elements.
SOWTs have a variety of resources at his disposal to include weather satellites, forecasting products and tools such as riverine kits, which measure temperature and speed of crucial crossing points. They also use the RQ-11B Raven, an unmanned aircraft system with onboard electro-optical sensors, providing real-time reconnaissance with the ability to survey enemy activity and terrain from safe distances.
By using tools such as the above mentioned, SOWTs can provide information to SOF and non-SOF forces regarding the ability to ford rivers for troop movements on the ground.
"River data can mean the difference between a successful river crossing and a vehicle getting stuck," Captain Sawtelle said.
"We're the only job in the Department of Defense that does what we do," the Airman said. "We paint a picture for moving through terrain, establishing landing zones, and by doing so, help provide mission success."
Other aspects of environmental recon include talking to the Afghan people to get a better grasp of the environmental history.
"There are farmers in this country that have been working this land their entire lives. So we ask them how the harvest was compared to previous years; what they are farming; has it flooded; how often does it flood," the Airman said.
By doing so, SOWTs gain access to a wealth of information to help assist them in their duties in gaining atmospheric data to complement civil-military mission effectiveness.
"The info we provide serves dual roles," the Airman said. "We help establish lasting empirical data for long-term mission success about the climate of Afghanistan and also provide timely, accurate and relevant info for short-term outlook for operational success."
SOWTs are another facet the Air Force brings to supporting SOF; enabling mission success and continuing to provide tactical and strategic information to provide for the future success of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan Media Operations Center
5/4/2010 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- "We're being engaged by effective small-arms and RPG fire," yelled a special forces team leader in his radio back to the operations center.
"Requesting close-air support at this time," he continued.
But the dark sky above, laced with the promise of an impending storm, hooded the hostile territory and threatened the possibility of air support.
The special operations weatherman embedded with the team carefully analyzed the weather data he collected and advised the commander and the combat controller: there would be a small weather window of opportunity where close-air support and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets could be synchronized before conditions would turn unfavorable.
These critical enablers are components of the Air Force's Special Tactics teams and are attached to special operations force elements for deployment in non-permissive and politically sensitive areas of operation.
In events where inclement weather and environmental conditions can impact military operations or the local populace, special operations weathermen provide on-scene data collection and mission enhancing forecasts. These Airmen possess highly technical skill sets combined with the latest military technology, enabling them to integrate environmental effects to ongoing operations and planning. This fusion of joint terminal attack controllers and special operations weatherman ensure the successful synchronization of air assets in complex battlefield conditions.
The weather career field roots began in 1917 originating as the U.S. Army Weather Service before being transferred in 1947 to the Air Force with the provision that the Air Force would still provide meteorological services to the Army.
Special operations weather technicians were active in World War II to provide observations from deep inside enemy-held territory to advise bombing missions traveling hundreds of miles toward data-sparse objectives. In every conflict to this day, Air Force special operations weather technicians still provide data collection and weather forecasts for the Army, but it wasn't until May 5, 2008 the Air Force approved a new Air Force specialty code (known in the Army as a military occupational specialty) for special operations weather. This ensured that the SOWT recruits were given a selection and assessment and a standardized training pipeline the parallels the Air Force combat controller plan.
The creation of the new position helps to serve as an opportunity for new recruits to join the career field, as they were drawn from conventional weather units previously. After completion of the two year pipeline, newly trained special operations weather technicians become part of one of the smallest and most highly trained units in the Department of Defense and subsequently are the only Air Force weathermen trained and equipped to operate with special operations forces "outside the wire."
More specifically, special operations weather technicians support special forces, most of which are located in austere areas, including locations across Afghanistan, in support of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan.
Special operations weather technicians are Air Force meteorologists trained and equipped to operate in hostile or denied territory to gather data and environmental intelligence in forward deployed locations in direct support of strategic and tactical objectives.
"They collect, analyze and integrate environmental intelligence," said Capt. Jonathan Sawtelle, the CJSOTF-A SOWT liaison officer.
Captain Sawtelle works as a conduit for the SOWTs located at forward operating bases. These forward deployed SOWTs provide vital intelligence, which can directly affect air movement including close-air support, resupply, infiltration and exfiltration, and ISR platforms as well as ground movements for special and conventional forces.
"Weather can constrain MEDEVAC missions or force (MQ-1) Predators to be re-tasked," Captain Sawtelle said.
SOWTs also assist in establishing some scientific data regarding climate, precipitation and more, especially in Afghanistan. Because of the limited resources in Afghanistan, forward deployed SOWTs, provide climate data in different areas of the country; data that would otherwise not be collected.
The information provided includes annual precipitation in certain areas, river speeds, depths and water temperatures, avalanche risk, wind readings and more.
"The terrain is so complex and there are little to no existing meteorological data on record," Capt. Sawtelle said. "Each valley has its own micro-climate, specific terrain features and agricultural resources."
SOWTs providing daily situational awareness to the CJSOTF-A commander including weather forecasts that can at times dictate the effectiveness of missions, both air and ground. Their job is to advise air and ground force commanders of timelines and impacts and enable them to mitigate or exploit the expected conditions.
One aspect of their duties, environmental reconnaissance, shows how SOWTs assist in maintaining operational success.
"We provide foresight to ground force commanders for any impact to mission," said a SOWT Airman at a FOB in western Afghanistan. "While conveying impacts on future operations to a ground force commander goes a long way, providing alternative courses of action solidifies our place in any theatre of war."
"I'm a pinpoint on a map, but I'm not just a team asset," the special operations weatherman said. "We present weather products to coalition forces for the big picture of operations. We provide information on terrain and soil density, which determine the ability to support traffic ability of large vehicle movements."
Collection of this data paves the way for future operations by conventional and special operations force elements.
SOWTs have a variety of resources at his disposal to include weather satellites, forecasting products and tools such as riverine kits, which measure temperature and speed of crucial crossing points. They also use the RQ-11B Raven, an unmanned aircraft system with onboard electro-optical sensors, providing real-time reconnaissance with the ability to survey enemy activity and terrain from safe distances.
By using tools such as the above mentioned, SOWTs can provide information to SOF and non-SOF forces regarding the ability to ford rivers for troop movements on the ground.
"River data can mean the difference between a successful river crossing and a vehicle getting stuck," Captain Sawtelle said.
"We're the only job in the Department of Defense that does what we do," the Airman said. "We paint a picture for moving through terrain, establishing landing zones, and by doing so, help provide mission success."
Other aspects of environmental recon include talking to the Afghan people to get a better grasp of the environmental history.
"There are farmers in this country that have been working this land their entire lives. So we ask them how the harvest was compared to previous years; what they are farming; has it flooded; how often does it flood," the Airman said.
By doing so, SOWTs gain access to a wealth of information to help assist them in their duties in gaining atmospheric data to complement civil-military mission effectiveness.
"The info we provide serves dual roles," the Airman said. "We help establish lasting empirical data for long-term mission success about the climate of Afghanistan and also provide timely, accurate and relevant info for short-term outlook for operational success."
SOWTs are another facet the Air Force brings to supporting SOF; enabling mission success and continuing to provide tactical and strategic information to provide for the future success of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
New MC-12 unit activated at Kandahar Airfield
by Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
5/4/2010 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Officials activated the Air Force's newest MC-12 Liberty squadron in a ceremony here May 1.
The 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron has been reactivated many times in the squadron's fairly unique history, said Col. John A. Cherrey, the commander of the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group and host of the ceremony.
"It started in 1943 in World War II when the members of the unit flew B-17 (Flying Fortresses) and B-24 (Liberators)," he said. "Later, they were reactivated during Vietnam when they flew EC-47s and did a lot of work with a special operations wing back then. In 2002, the unit was reactivated again, flying other aircraft."
The commander of the newly-activated squadron, Lt. Col. Darren Halford, shared his enthusiasm with the 80-member unit.
"This is a tremendous team perfectly suited for the challenges ahead," Colonel Halford said.
"The MC-12 is a critical capability, fielded at a critical time," he said. "Your actions will drastically improve joint and combined counterinsurgency capabilities, assist Afghanistan with defeating the insurgency, and ultimately save American and coalition lives."
Article sponsored by computer repair online.
Obama: Failed Attack Underscores Need for Vigilance
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2010 - President Barack Obama today called the failed weekend terror attack in New York's Times Square a sobering reminder of the need to remain vigilant against terrorists committed to destroying America's way of life.
"Around the world and here at home, there are those who would attack our citizens and who would slaughter innocent men, women and children in pursuit of their murderous agenda," Obama said at the start of his address to the Business Council here.
Terrorists "will stop at nothing to kill and disrupt our way of life," the president said.
Obama praised citizens' vigilance in reporting suspicious activity to authorities, and quick-responding state and federal officials who helped avert a potential disaster.
As the FBI questions suspect Faisal Shahzad and authorities continue to investigate the case, the president offered assurance that they have the tools and experience needed to determine if Shahzad has accomplices or ties to any terrorist group.
Justice will be served, Obama said, and critical intelligence that's gathered through the investigation will help prevent future attacks.
Meanwhile, Obama vowed to do what's needed to protect the United States from terrorism.
"As Americans and as a nation, we will not be terrorized," he said. "We will not cower in fear, [and] we will not be intimidated.
"We will be vigilant, we will work together, and we will protect and defend the country we love to ensure a safe and prosperous future for our people," the president continued. "That's what I intend to do as the president, and that is what we will do as a nation."
Pakistani-born Shahzad, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport last night as his flight was about to take off for Dubai. He is expected to be formally charged today.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2010 - President Barack Obama today called the failed weekend terror attack in New York's Times Square a sobering reminder of the need to remain vigilant against terrorists committed to destroying America's way of life.
"Around the world and here at home, there are those who would attack our citizens and who would slaughter innocent men, women and children in pursuit of their murderous agenda," Obama said at the start of his address to the Business Council here.
Terrorists "will stop at nothing to kill and disrupt our way of life," the president said.
Obama praised citizens' vigilance in reporting suspicious activity to authorities, and quick-responding state and federal officials who helped avert a potential disaster.
As the FBI questions suspect Faisal Shahzad and authorities continue to investigate the case, the president offered assurance that they have the tools and experience needed to determine if Shahzad has accomplices or ties to any terrorist group.
Justice will be served, Obama said, and critical intelligence that's gathered through the investigation will help prevent future attacks.
Meanwhile, Obama vowed to do what's needed to protect the United States from terrorism.
"As Americans and as a nation, we will not be terrorized," he said. "We will not cower in fear, [and] we will not be intimidated.
"We will be vigilant, we will work together, and we will protect and defend the country we love to ensure a safe and prosperous future for our people," the president continued. "That's what I intend to do as the president, and that is what we will do as a nation."
Pakistani-born Shahzad, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport last night as his flight was about to take off for Dubai. He is expected to be formally charged today.
Detainee Transfers Announced
May 4, 2010 - The Department of Defense announced today that two detainees were transferred yesterday from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, one each, to the custody and control of the governments of Bulgaria and Spain.
As directed by the President's January 22, 2009, executive order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of these cases. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, the detainees were approved for transfer by unanimous consent among all the agencies involved in the task force. In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer the detainees at least 15 days before their transfer.
The identities of the individuals are being withheld for security and privacy reasons at the request of the governments of Bulgaria and Spain. The United States is very grateful to the governments of Bulgaria and Spain for their willingness to support U.S. efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The United States coordinated with the governments of Bulgaria and Spain to ensure the transfers took place under appropriate security measures, and consultations regarding these individuals will continue.
Since 2002, more than 590 detainees have departed Guantanamo Bay for other destinations, including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, Georgia, France, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palau, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Somalia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.
Today, 181 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay.
Article sponsored by computer repair online.
As directed by the President's January 22, 2009, executive order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of these cases. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, the detainees were approved for transfer by unanimous consent among all the agencies involved in the task force. In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer the detainees at least 15 days before their transfer.
The identities of the individuals are being withheld for security and privacy reasons at the request of the governments of Bulgaria and Spain. The United States is very grateful to the governments of Bulgaria and Spain for their willingness to support U.S. efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The United States coordinated with the governments of Bulgaria and Spain to ensure the transfers took place under appropriate security measures, and consultations regarding these individuals will continue.
Since 2002, more than 590 detainees have departed Guantanamo Bay for other destinations, including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, Georgia, France, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palau, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Somalia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.
Today, 181 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay.
Article sponsored by computer repair online.
THE TIMES SQUARE CASE
05/04/10 --- The naturalized U.S. citizen born in Pakistan arrested last night for his alleged role in the attempted car bombing in Times Square last Saturday was a terrorist whose goal was to murder Americans “in one of the busiest places in this country,” Attorney General Eric Holder said today in Washington.
The arrest of Faisal Shahzad just over 53 hours after an explosives-filled SUV was discovered abandoned in the middle of New York City’s famous tourist area could not have happened without the cooperative efforts of federal and state law enforcement working around the clock.
Those partnerships were evident by the people standing with the attorney general at a press conference held earlier today at the Department of Justice: FBI Deputy Director John Pistole, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Assistant Attorney General for National Security David Kris, and the U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of New
Our collective success unraveling this plot comes down to traditional investigative skills and intelligence collection,” Pistole said. “We used traditional law enforcement techniques, such as federal court-authorized search warrants, along with intelligence-based authorities, to maximize our evidence and intelligence gathering.”
Working with New York Police Department detectives, the FBI identified Shahzad as the person who purchased the SUV. Based on that information, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were able to uncover Shahzad’s extensive travel to Pakistan, which eventually led to his arrest at JFK airport as he was trying to leave the country.
“Our Joint Terrorism Task Force agents and officers interviewed Shahzad early this morning,” Pistole said, and he was “cooperative and provided valuable intelligence and evidence.”
Shahzad is in custody and faces a variety of terrorism charges, but the case is ongoing. The Bureau continues to investigate leads here and internationally, and we are conducting a forensic examination of all evidence collected by the NYPD. “We also want to test the potential impact of the device to ascertain what would have happened had it worked as intended,” Pistole said.
Pistole and others thanked vigilant citizens, like the vendor in Times Square who reported the suspicious vehicle to authorities. “This investigation, like others we have handled in the past year, once again reminds us that our work is not finished” with regard to terrorists, he added. “We will continue to work side by side with our partners—and with citizens across the country—to find and stop those who would do us harm.”
Anyone who believes they may have additional information that could assist in this investigation, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip to the FBI electronically, or call the New York Police Department at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Air Force Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Airman 1st Class Austin H. Gates Benson, 19, of Hellertown, Pa., died May 3 of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident near Khyber, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 54th Combat Communications Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
For more information related to this release, please contact the Robins Air Force Base public affairs office at 478-926-2137.
Airman 1st Class Austin H. Gates Benson, 19, of Hellertown, Pa., died May 3 of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident near Khyber, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 54th Combat Communications Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
For more information related to this release, please contact the Robins Air Force Base public affairs office at 478-926-2137.
Press Conference Regarding Times Square Investigation
May 4, 2010
John S. Pistole
Deputy Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
* Remarks as prepared for delivery.
Good afternoon. I want to commend the men and women who have worked around the clock since Saturday to find those responsible for what could have been a deadly attack—a host of agencies, departments, and individuals working together toward a single goal. Our collective success unraveling this plot comes down to traditional investigative skills and intelligence collection.
We used traditional law enforcement techniques, such as federal court-authorized search warrants, along with intelligence-based authorities, to maximize our evidence and intelligence gathering. Using these techniques, we were able to identify Faisal Shahzad as the person who purchased the 1993 Pathfinder. Customs and Border Protection identified Shahzad’s extensive travel to Pakistan, which led to expanded investigative steps enabling us to fully identify, locate, and eventually arrest Shahzad. A key step in this process occurred around noon yesterday, when we placed Shahzad on the no-fly list. Customs and Border Protection then did an outstanding job identifying Shahzad as the person on the JFK flight last night.
JTTF agents and officers interviewed Mr. Shahzad last night/early this morning under the public safety exception to the Miranda rule. He was cooperative and provided valuable intelligence and evidence. He was eventually transported to another location, Mirandized, and continued talking.
We in the FBI, with our law enforcement and intelligence partners here at home and around the world, continue to investigate this matter. We are conducting a forensic examination of all evidence collected by the NYPD at the scene. Much of this evidence has been transferred to the FBI Laboratory so that we can test the individual chemical composition of the materiel in the explosive device. We also want to test the potential impact of the device to ascertain what would have happened had it worked as intended.
We are working with our law enforcement and intelligence partners to uncover all possible ties this particular individual has or may have had to radical extremism or terrorist organizations, both at home and overseas, and we are pursuing every lead in that regard. And, as always, we are seeking out all those who would orchestrate these kinds of attacks.
Prevention will continue to be our end-game. And we offer thanks to vigilant citizens, like the vendors in Times Square who first noticed this suspicious vehicle. This investigation, like others we have handled in the past year, once again reminds us that our work is not finished. And we will continue to work side by side with our partners—and with citizens across the country—to find and stop those who would do us harm.
John S. Pistole
Deputy Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
* Remarks as prepared for delivery.
Good afternoon. I want to commend the men and women who have worked around the clock since Saturday to find those responsible for what could have been a deadly attack—a host of agencies, departments, and individuals working together toward a single goal. Our collective success unraveling this plot comes down to traditional investigative skills and intelligence collection.
We used traditional law enforcement techniques, such as federal court-authorized search warrants, along with intelligence-based authorities, to maximize our evidence and intelligence gathering. Using these techniques, we were able to identify Faisal Shahzad as the person who purchased the 1993 Pathfinder. Customs and Border Protection identified Shahzad’s extensive travel to Pakistan, which led to expanded investigative steps enabling us to fully identify, locate, and eventually arrest Shahzad. A key step in this process occurred around noon yesterday, when we placed Shahzad on the no-fly list. Customs and Border Protection then did an outstanding job identifying Shahzad as the person on the JFK flight last night.
JTTF agents and officers interviewed Mr. Shahzad last night/early this morning under the public safety exception to the Miranda rule. He was cooperative and provided valuable intelligence and evidence. He was eventually transported to another location, Mirandized, and continued talking.
We in the FBI, with our law enforcement and intelligence partners here at home and around the world, continue to investigate this matter. We are conducting a forensic examination of all evidence collected by the NYPD at the scene. Much of this evidence has been transferred to the FBI Laboratory so that we can test the individual chemical composition of the materiel in the explosive device. We also want to test the potential impact of the device to ascertain what would have happened had it worked as intended.
We are working with our law enforcement and intelligence partners to uncover all possible ties this particular individual has or may have had to radical extremism or terrorist organizations, both at home and overseas, and we are pursuing every lead in that regard. And, as always, we are seeking out all those who would orchestrate these kinds of attacks.
Prevention will continue to be our end-game. And we offer thanks to vigilant citizens, like the vendors in Times Square who first noticed this suspicious vehicle. This investigation, like others we have handled in the past year, once again reminds us that our work is not finished. And we will continue to work side by side with our partners—and with citizens across the country—to find and stop those who would do us harm.
Afghanistan Operations Yield Weapons, Drugs
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
May 4, 2010 - Afghan and international forces captured suspected militants and seized illegal weapons and drugs in recent Afghanistan operations, military officials reported.
-- An Afghan civilian notified a combined security patrol of unexploded ordnance this morning in Helmand province's Musa Qalah district. The patrol found two rocket-propelled grenades, a suicide-bombing vest and a detonation cord.
-- In Uruzgan province's Tarin Kot district today, an International Security Assistance Force patrol found a grenade, two RPG rounds, an RPG launcher, an assault rifle and small-arms ammunition.
-- An Afghan-international patrol saw two people running from a moped yesterday in Helmand's Nad-e Ali district and found several machine guns, three RPGs, an RPG launcher and 300 rounds of machine-gun ammunition on the moped.
-- In Uruzgan's Chorah district yesterday, a combined patrol found a grenade, an assault rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and small-arms ammunition.
-- Afghan forces working with ISAF partners conducted an operation May 1 in Helmand's Baghran Valley intended to capture insurgents responsible for roadside-bombing attacks. The combined force detained several men and seized 55 pounds of wet opium, two assault rifles with two boxes of 7.62 mm ammunition, two RPGs, a pistol and several bomb detonators and components.
Thirteen women and 15 children were protected throughout the operation, in which no civilians were injured, officials said.
May 4, 2010 - Afghan and international forces captured suspected militants and seized illegal weapons and drugs in recent Afghanistan operations, military officials reported.
-- An Afghan civilian notified a combined security patrol of unexploded ordnance this morning in Helmand province's Musa Qalah district. The patrol found two rocket-propelled grenades, a suicide-bombing vest and a detonation cord.
-- In Uruzgan province's Tarin Kot district today, an International Security Assistance Force patrol found a grenade, two RPG rounds, an RPG launcher, an assault rifle and small-arms ammunition.
-- An Afghan-international patrol saw two people running from a moped yesterday in Helmand's Nad-e Ali district and found several machine guns, three RPGs, an RPG launcher and 300 rounds of machine-gun ammunition on the moped.
-- In Uruzgan's Chorah district yesterday, a combined patrol found a grenade, an assault rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and small-arms ammunition.
-- Afghan forces working with ISAF partners conducted an operation May 1 in Helmand's Baghran Valley intended to capture insurgents responsible for roadside-bombing attacks. The combined force detained several men and seized 55 pounds of wet opium, two assault rifles with two boxes of 7.62 mm ammunition, two RPGs, a pistol and several bomb detonators and components.
Thirteen women and 15 children were protected throughout the operation, in which no civilians were injured, officials said.
Arrest in the Times Square Investigation
Statement of the U.s. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New York City Police Department on an Arrest in the Times Square Investigation
"At approximately 11:45 P.M. EDT, Faisal Shahzad was taken into custody. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives of the New York City Police Department arrested Shahzad for allegedly driving a car bomb into Times Square on the evening of May 1, 2010. Shahzad, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Pakistan, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport after he was identified by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection while attempting to take a flight to Dubai.
The defendant will appear in Manhattan federal court (500 Pearl Street, 5th Floor, New York, N.Y.) on May 4, 2010, at a currently undetermined time to be presented on formal charges. No further details are available at this time.
We applaud the collective work of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and the prosecutors and investigators in the Southern District of New York, who have worked around-the-clock for the last two days in this investigation. We would also like to recognize the diligent work of the Customs and Border Protection agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
The investigation remains very much ongoing, and the dedicated agents, detectives, and prosecutors on this case will continue to follow every lead and use every tool to keep the people of New York City safe. We will not rest until every terrorist, whether homegrown or foreign-based, is neutralized and held to account," said United States Attorney Preet Bharara, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge George Venizelos, and New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.
"At approximately 11:45 P.M. EDT, Faisal Shahzad was taken into custody. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives of the New York City Police Department arrested Shahzad for allegedly driving a car bomb into Times Square on the evening of May 1, 2010. Shahzad, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Pakistan, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport after he was identified by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection while attempting to take a flight to Dubai.
The defendant will appear in Manhattan federal court (500 Pearl Street, 5th Floor, New York, N.Y.) on May 4, 2010, at a currently undetermined time to be presented on formal charges. No further details are available at this time.
We applaud the collective work of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and the prosecutors and investigators in the Southern District of New York, who have worked around-the-clock for the last two days in this investigation. We would also like to recognize the diligent work of the Customs and Border Protection agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
The investigation remains very much ongoing, and the dedicated agents, detectives, and prosecutors on this case will continue to follow every lead and use every tool to keep the people of New York City safe. We will not rest until every terrorist, whether homegrown or foreign-based, is neutralized and held to account," said United States Attorney Preet Bharara, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge George Venizelos, and New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.
Times Square Investigation
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the Times Square Investigation
May 4, 2010 - Earlier this evening, Faisal Shahzad was arrested in connection with the attempted car bombing in New York on Saturday. Mr. Shahzad, an American citizen, was taken into custody at JFK Airport in New York as he attempted to board a flight to Dubai.
Since this plot was first uncovered on Saturday night, the FBI, prosecutors and intelligence lawyers in the National Security Division of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys Offices in Manhattan and Connecticut, along with the NYPD have worked night and day to find out who was responsible for what would have been a deadly attack had it been successful. Over the course of the day today, we have gathered significant additional evidence that led to tonight’s arrest, which was made by agents from Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection.
This investigation is ongoing, as are our attempts to gather useful intelligence, and we continue to pursue a number of leads. But it’s clear that the intent behind this terrorist act was to kill Americans.
FBI agents are working with their state and local counterparts in New York, Connecticut and other jurisdictions to gather evidence and intelligence related to this case. We are also coordinating with other members of the President’s national security team to ensure we use every resource available to the United States to bring anyone responsible to justice.
We continue to gather leads in this investigation, and it’s important that the American people remain vigilant. The vehicle in Times Square was first noticed on Saturday by a citizen who reported it to authorities, and, as always, any American who notices suspicious activity should report it to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
This investigation is ongoing, it is multi-faceted, and it is aggressive. As we move forward, we will focus on not just holding those responsible for it accountable, but also on obtaining any intelligence about terrorist organizations overseas.
Because of the fast-moving nature of this investigation, I am not able to make any further information public at this time. But the American people should know that we are deploying every resource available, and we will not rest until we have brought everyone responsible to justice.
May 4, 2010 - Earlier this evening, Faisal Shahzad was arrested in connection with the attempted car bombing in New York on Saturday. Mr. Shahzad, an American citizen, was taken into custody at JFK Airport in New York as he attempted to board a flight to Dubai.
Since this plot was first uncovered on Saturday night, the FBI, prosecutors and intelligence lawyers in the National Security Division of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys Offices in Manhattan and Connecticut, along with the NYPD have worked night and day to find out who was responsible for what would have been a deadly attack had it been successful. Over the course of the day today, we have gathered significant additional evidence that led to tonight’s arrest, which was made by agents from Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection.
This investigation is ongoing, as are our attempts to gather useful intelligence, and we continue to pursue a number of leads. But it’s clear that the intent behind this terrorist act was to kill Americans.
FBI agents are working with their state and local counterparts in New York, Connecticut and other jurisdictions to gather evidence and intelligence related to this case. We are also coordinating with other members of the President’s national security team to ensure we use every resource available to the United States to bring anyone responsible to justice.
We continue to gather leads in this investigation, and it’s important that the American people remain vigilant. The vehicle in Times Square was first noticed on Saturday by a citizen who reported it to authorities, and, as always, any American who notices suspicious activity should report it to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
This investigation is ongoing, it is multi-faceted, and it is aggressive. As we move forward, we will focus on not just holding those responsible for it accountable, but also on obtaining any intelligence about terrorist organizations overseas.
Because of the fast-moving nature of this investigation, I am not able to make any further information public at this time. But the American people should know that we are deploying every resource available, and we will not rest until we have brought everyone responsible to justice.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Ali Airmen and Iraqi soldiers team up to keep electricity flowing
by Master Sgt. Darrell Habisch
407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
5/3/2010 - ALI BASE, Iraq (AFNS) -- Three Airmen from the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Civil Engineer Squadron Power Production shop traveled to Camp Ur, Iraq, April 19 through 21, to train Iraqi army mechanics on proper procedures for preventative maintenance of four diesel generators providing electrical power to the base.
At Camp Ur, two 1.9 megawatt-producing generators churn out power for Iraqi soldiers whose air conditioners demand more electricity during the summer months when temperatures routinely reach more than 100 degrees.
Keeping the crankshafts turning is a round-the-clock task for 10 Iraqi technicians and two engineers. Although the soldiers are trained diesel mechanics, they are not as well versed as their American counterparts in certain procedures, such as keeping a log book of hours running and mishaps.
Every bit of information the Americans can provide is valuable, said Mr. Maitham, a mechanical engineer trained at a Baghdad University and tasked with keeping the power on.
"We like that the Americans are here to help," said Mr. Maitham while observing an Airman explain to an Iraqi mechanic the importance of the correct mixture of anti-freeze to water.
Two of the 40 foot-long generators are experiencing problems primarily due to lack of proper maintenance schedules, said Tech. Sgt. David Salas, the 407th ECES power production NCO in charge. When they fix one issue, another piece of the generator breaks.
"They can never get ahead," Sergeant Salas said. "They need manuals for these generators in Arabic, and they need an inspection schedule to avoid these problems."
The problems he referred to are a possible seized crankshaft in one generator while another is undergoing critical fluid changes. Power is being produced by a third generator and a new 'stand-by' generator.
Camp Ur is waiting to be connected to the Iraq national power grid to supply its electrical requirements, said Tech. Sgt. Nelson Reyes, a member of the Logistics Military Advisory Team that facilitates training visits by Ali Base Airmen.
"The Iraqis here are desperately waiting to get on the grid," he said. "If another generator goes out, they're going to have real problems."
The generators, new in 2004, are designed to operate for a minimum of 10 years before undergoing a major overhaul, said Tech. Sgt. Samuel Matthews, 407th ECES power production journeyman. "They need it now," he said.
Helping the Iraqis establish methods to best run their power plant is one of the objectives of the coalition training. Maintenance schedules and log books are designed to avoid most major mechanical problems and to keep the electricity flowing.
"We look to see where the gaps are in their procedures," Sergeant Matthews said. "They don't have everything they need. We're here to put more tools in their toolbox."
Money and supplies are a major part of the power production challenge, commented Sergeant Reyes.
Some critical components like anti-freeze are available, but the mechanics "are reluctant to use it not knowing when they will receive more," he said. "They also need new high quality oil to change on a regular basis to keep these generators running at their full capacity."
Switching to the national power grid will give these generators a rest and allow the Iraqi's to get the power plant up to standards, Sergeant Salas said.
"The guys that are keeping them running are doing a great job and are eager to learn," he added.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Anthony O. Magee, 29, of Hattiesburg, Miss., died April 27 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, of wounds sustained April 24 when enemy forces attacked his unit with indirect fire at Contingency Operating Base Kalsu, Iskandariyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at 706-545-6674.
Sgt. Anthony O. Magee, 29, of Hattiesburg, Miss., died April 27 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, of wounds sustained April 24 when enemy forces attacked his unit with indirect fire at Contingency Operating Base Kalsu, Iskandariyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
For more information the media may contact the Fort Benning public affairs office at 706-545-6674.
New York City Street Vendor Receives Call from the President During a Visit to the FBI’s JTTF in New York
During Mr. Jackson’s visit this afternoon, he received a phone call from President Barack Obama thanking him for his tremendous contribution to community service.
“Everybody has a responsibility to keep the city safe. On Saturday, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and I am happy that no one was injured in this attempted attack on our city,” said Mr. Jackson.
“The citizens of New York serve as one of the primary defenses in protecting our city from a terrorist attack. Duane Jackson saw something suspicious and immediately reported it to the authorities. We hope the people of New York will continue to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement,” said SAC Fowler.
FBI New York’s JTTF Seeking Information in Attempted Times Square Bombing
The individual pictured (center of photo, red shirt, black bag) is described as a white male. He may be able to assist the FBI with information pertaining to this investigation.
“The investigation into this case continues. The JOC is operating 24/7 with agents, detectives, analysts, and SDNY attorneys. Evidence has been sent to the FBI Lab for analysis. Anyone who believes they may have additional information that could assist in this investigation, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip on www.fbi.gov or call the NYPD at 1-800-577-TIPS,” said Special Agent Richard Kolko.
Iraqi Forces Arrest 24 Terrorist Suspects
Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq News Releases
May 3, 2010 - Iraqi security forces with U.S. advisors today arrested the suspected leader of the Ansar al-Islam terrorist group, bringing to two dozen the number of terrorist suspects apprehended in Iraq in recent days, military officials said.
Iraqi forces arrested the man and seven of his associates after searching several buildings with U.S. forces advisors in Baghdad's Mansour and Adhamiyah areas. The wanted man is believed to have links to senior al-Qaida leadership.
In other news from Iraq:
-- Iraqi forces arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq associate during a series of combined operations in western Baghdad today.
-- Iraqi forces arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member and four associates in Kirkuk yesterday. The wanted man is a suspect in terrorist attacks.
-- Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors searched in Mosul for a wanted al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to have been involved in terrorist attacks. Three suspected terrorists were arrested.
-- Iraqi forces arrested four suspected al-Qaida in Iraq associates during a combined operation east of Tikrit on April 30. The combined force was searching for a suspect in several bombing attacks in the Sulayman Bak area. Information and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the four suspected associates.
-- Also on April 30, Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors searching for a suspected senior al-Qaida in Iraq leader in Mahmudiyah arrested five suspected criminal associates of the wanted man.
May 3, 2010 - Iraqi security forces with U.S. advisors today arrested the suspected leader of the Ansar al-Islam terrorist group, bringing to two dozen the number of terrorist suspects apprehended in Iraq in recent days, military officials said.
Iraqi forces arrested the man and seven of his associates after searching several buildings with U.S. forces advisors in Baghdad's Mansour and Adhamiyah areas. The wanted man is believed to have links to senior al-Qaida leadership.
In other news from Iraq:
-- Iraqi forces arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq associate during a series of combined operations in western Baghdad today.
-- Iraqi forces arrested a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member and four associates in Kirkuk yesterday. The wanted man is a suspect in terrorist attacks.
-- Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors searched in Mosul for a wanted al-Qaida in Iraq member believed to have been involved in terrorist attacks. Three suspected terrorists were arrested.
-- Iraqi forces arrested four suspected al-Qaida in Iraq associates during a combined operation east of Tikrit on April 30. The combined force was searching for a suspect in several bombing attacks in the Sulayman Bak area. Information and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the four suspected associates.
-- Also on April 30, Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors searching for a suspected senior al-Qaida in Iraq leader in Mahmudiyah arrested five suspected criminal associates of the wanted man.
Afghan Border Patrol Seizes Weapons, Explosives
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
May 3, 2010 - An Afghan border patrol unit confiscated 4 tons of a substance suspected of being ammonium nitrate -- the principle ingredient in roadside bombs in Afghanistan -- after stopping a truck at a random checkpoint today, military officials reported.
The seizure followed several days of coalition success in confiscating weapons. In other news from Afghanistan:
-- A combined Afghan-international patrol found more than 65 rockets in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province yesterday, after receiving a tip from an Afghan civilian.
-- A combined patrol in Uruzgan province's Chorah district found a weapons cache yesterday containing a homemade bomb, a 107 mm rocket, three rocket-propelled grenades, small-arms ammunition and a 107 mm round casing and motor.
-- In Paktika province's Yahya Khel district yesterday, an International Security Assistance Force patrol found a bomb made from five 82 mm mortar rounds.
-- In Herat province's Shindand district yesterday, a combined patrol found nine hand grenades, 600 rounds of small-arms ammunition, an anti-personnel mine, three boxes of launcher charges, 14 fuses and more than 20 pounds of ammonium nitrate.
-- A combined force in Kabul province's Mosahi district yesterday detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban militant.
-- Afghan forces found 520 pounds of homemade explosives in Kandahar on May 1.
-- Also May 1, an Afghan-international patrol in Helmand's Nad-e Ali district found four rocket-propelled-grenade boosters, two hand grenades, three fuses, 10 radio antennas, a rifle, bomb-making materials and documents.
-- ISAF forces detained several suspected bomb-attack facilitators in Helmand's Garm Ser district May 1.
No shots were fired and no civilians were harmed during these operations, officials said.
May 3, 2010 - An Afghan border patrol unit confiscated 4 tons of a substance suspected of being ammonium nitrate -- the principle ingredient in roadside bombs in Afghanistan -- after stopping a truck at a random checkpoint today, military officials reported.
The seizure followed several days of coalition success in confiscating weapons. In other news from Afghanistan:
-- A combined Afghan-international patrol found more than 65 rockets in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province yesterday, after receiving a tip from an Afghan civilian.
-- A combined patrol in Uruzgan province's Chorah district found a weapons cache yesterday containing a homemade bomb, a 107 mm rocket, three rocket-propelled grenades, small-arms ammunition and a 107 mm round casing and motor.
-- In Paktika province's Yahya Khel district yesterday, an International Security Assistance Force patrol found a bomb made from five 82 mm mortar rounds.
-- In Herat province's Shindand district yesterday, a combined patrol found nine hand grenades, 600 rounds of small-arms ammunition, an anti-personnel mine, three boxes of launcher charges, 14 fuses and more than 20 pounds of ammonium nitrate.
-- A combined force in Kabul province's Mosahi district yesterday detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban militant.
-- Afghan forces found 520 pounds of homemade explosives in Kandahar on May 1.
-- Also May 1, an Afghan-international patrol in Helmand's Nad-e Ali district found four rocket-propelled-grenade boosters, two hand grenades, three fuses, 10 radio antennas, a rifle, bomb-making materials and documents.
-- ISAF forces detained several suspected bomb-attack facilitators in Helmand's Garm Ser district May 1.
No shots were fired and no civilians were harmed during these operations, officials said.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
FBI JTTF and NYPD Conduct Investigation into Times Square Vehicle Incident
On May 1, 2010, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York, along with the NYPD, responded to Times Square in response to a suspicious vehicle and device. Bomb technicians, Evidence Response Team members, and investigators were on scene and a command post was established. Both the device and the vehicle are currently being examined by the FBI and NYPD. Numerous FBI offices have been tasked with leads to assist with the investigation and every lead will be followed.
FBI and NYPD investigators are aware of the various reports of claims for placing the car and device in Times Square. As we’ve seen previously, it is not uncommon after any similar event for claims of responsibility to be made—and those claims will be investigated. Knowingly providing false information can be a crime.
Since the beginning of the investigation, there have been numerous reports in the public domain, many of which will eventually be determined to be inaccurate. More information will be forthcoming as soon as it is available and appropriate for release. George Venizelos, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York FBI has pledged, “All of the resources of the New York FBI will be made available to assist with this ongoing investigation.”
FBI and NYPD investigators are aware of the various reports of claims for placing the car and device in Times Square. As we’ve seen previously, it is not uncommon after any similar event for claims of responsibility to be made—and those claims will be investigated. Knowingly providing false information can be a crime.
Since the beginning of the investigation, there have been numerous reports in the public domain, many of which will eventually be determined to be inaccurate. More information will be forthcoming as soon as it is available and appropriate for release. George Venizelos, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York FBI has pledged, “All of the resources of the New York FBI will be made available to assist with this ongoing investigation.”
FBI JTTF and NYPD Respond to Suspicious Vehicle in Times Square
May 2, 2010 - The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York, along with the NYPD, has responded to Times Square in response to the vehicle and device. Bomb technicians, Evidence Response Team members, and investigators are on scene and a command post has been established. All of the resources of the New York FBI office are available to assist with this ongoing investigation. Numerous initial reports will be checked and authenticated and the appropriate leads will be set. More information will be forthcoming as soon as it is available and appropriate for release.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
1st Lt. Salvatore S. Corma, 24, of Wenonah, N.J., died April 29 at Forward Operating Base Bullard, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using improvised explosive devices. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0662.
1st Lt. Salvatore S. Corma, 24, of Wenonah, N.J., died April 29 at Forward Operating Base Bullard, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using improvised explosive devices. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at 910-432-0662.
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