Afghan Police Transform Into Professional, Equipped Force

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2008 - When Army Col. Thomas J. McGrath arrived in Kandahar, Afghanistan, last year as the commander of the Afghan Regional Security Integration Command, he stopped in on a police checkpoint. Of the 25 Afghan police manning the point, only one had a police shirt on, only one had a weapon, and they all were high on hashish, the colonel said today in a conference call with members of veteran service organizations.

"They were totally disorganized, but that was your police department," McGrath said. "It was pretty scary to think about what wasn't there."

Now, the same checkpoint is manned by 25 fully equipped police officers, all in uniform and professionally trained under a new program called focused district development.

McGrath called the program's inception a "flash of brilliance" and said it has changed the course of the fight in many of Afghanistan's rural districts, where the police once either worked with the Taliban or simply turned a blind eye to their activities.

The training program's goal is to form a standardized, uniformed police force across the country. District by district, all the officers are removed and taken to a regional training facility. They are backfilled in the meantime with members of the Afghan National Civil Order Police, a highly trained national police force.

The local police go through eight weeks of training in security and infantry tactics. They are given uniforms, weapons, radios and vehicles, and then return to their district as a transformed force, still under the watchful eye of a squad-sized coalition-force mentor team.

"It's the first time ... they've understood their roles as policemen and how to support their constitution, how to protect lives and protect property of the Afghan populace," the colonel said.

The first district to go through the program was from the Zabol province in the country's south, and so far five districts have completed the program. Three more districts are in training, and McGrath said he plans to have a dozen districts trained in the next few months. The police also, for the first time, are learning to work with their army counterparts.

This has led to an Afghan police force in those areas capable of taking on the Taliban head-to-head. In March and April, police killed about 70 Taliban fighters, McGrath noted.

"That's the first time, and we have the Taliban confused, because they were usually getting along well with the police, or the police were closing their eyes as they passed through," he said. "That changes the entire landscape of the operational design. This is an incredible movement forward for the Afghan people and the Afghan security forces."

The recent arrival of about 1,000 Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, from Camp Pendleton, Calif., will help boost the training efforts. The Marines will be in Afghanistan for the next seven months, providing police mentorship and security training. McGrath said they will train more than 1,000 police officers before they leave. Across the region, McGrath said, he expects to have up to 3,000 newly trained police officers by fall.

The Marines will move into "hot spots" now controlled by the Taliban where there are few, if any, coalition troops or Afghan National Police, he said.

The Marine unit had a similar mission in Iraq before this deployment. "They bring a lot of experience to the fight. And it's going to be a fight. These are tough areas that they're going into," McGrath said.

Recruiting is up for the police, McGrath said, even in areas with no current police presence. He called the police "fearless" citizens who simply want to train and fight. "I've fought with them in combat, shoulder to shoulder, and I have nothing but the best respect for them."

As successful as focused district development has been, McGrath said, the effort could progress more quickly with more trainers. "My biggest challenge is getting the right number of trainers," he said. "I could move forward even faster if I had more police trainers down here."

Lima Company Memorial Honors Fallen Marines

By Marine Corps Sgt. G.S. Thomas
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2008 - Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and other senior officials began the Memorial Day weekend by participating in a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse here May 23 that included the unveiling of a memorial honoring 22 Marines and a Navy corpsman killed in Iraq. The memorial consists of eight panels with life-sized portraits of the Marines and corpsman from Company L, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, who lost their lives while serving in Iraq from February to September 2005.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Shawn Delgado, who deployed with the company as the weapons platoon commander, was among those who spoke at the unveiling. He held back his emotions as he shared personal stories about many of the fallen.

"None of us want these Marines or anyone from Lima Company to be remembered for their death," Delgado said. "Please never forget why Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen go forward, and that's to push the cause of freedom."

England praised the courage of the Lima Company Marines who he said followed in the footsteps of Americans who have defended freedom for more than 230 years, including the "Greatest Generation" from World War Two.

"Just as the 'Greatest Generation' answered the call almost 70 years ago and changed the course of history, today's 'Greatest Generation,' Lima Company, has preserved for us this marvelous, precious gift," he said.

"In honoring them, let us all never forget their sacrifices," he said. "Let us all recommit ourselves to the preservation of freedom for future generations, so those generations will wake each morning as free Americans."

England said it's not by accident or chance that Americans live in freedom, but because patriots like Lima Company Marines have stepped forward to defend it when it was threatened.

"Lima Company -- and especially those honored today and their families -- knows that the American people are grateful for your sacrifice, your tireless service, your dedication, and especially your gift of freedom," he said.

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Magnus shared words sent to the Lima Company Marines by Deb Dunham. Her late son, Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, became the first Marine since Vietnam to earn the Medal of Honor when he threw himself on a live terrorist grenade in Iraq to protect his fellow Marines.

"My message is Deb Dunham's message for those who honor the fallen angels of Lima 3/25 today and for those who carry on and celebrate the meaning of their lives," Magnus said. "Just like her boy Jason, who volunteered after 9/11 to do an important mission and to take care of his Marines, we say, 'Thank you, keep doing what you are doing, and take care of each other.'

"God bless the angels for the lives that they lived," he said. "God bless all who celebrate their lives. God bless those who do the difficult and often dangerous work of serving. God bless all who support them and their families. God bless America. Semper fidelis."

The eight canvas panels of the Lima Company Memorial honoring the fallen Marines were painted by Columbus artist Anita Miller, who said the idea came to her in a dream. The panels are arranged in an octagon, with each fallen warrior's boots and an ever-living candle beneath his likeness.

The memorial will stay in the statehouse before traveling across the country.

"These paintings tell a story of courage and strength and hope," Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said during the dedication ceremony. "The paintings will stand in our state house from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, but the Lima Company will remain in our hearts every day."

Depicted in the paintings are:

-- Lance Cpl. Eric J. Bernholtz, 23. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 27, 1981. His hometown is Grove City, Ohio, where he attended school from first grade through high school. Bernholz was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an improvised explosive device.

-- Lance Cpl. Wesley G. Davids, 20. He was born in San Jose, Calif., on May 10, 1985. Davids was a freshman in high school when his family moved to Dublin, Ohio, where he rowed with a team on the Scioto River. Davids was killed in action May 11, 2005, in Qaim, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Christopher Jenkins Dyer, 19. He was born in Cincinnati on March 13, 1986. Dyer considered both Evendale and Glendale, Ohio, as hometowns. He was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Christopher P. Lyons, 24. He was born in Charleston, S.C., on Sept. 26, 1980. His hometown is Shelby, Ohio, where he worked as an advertising salesman for the Mansfield News Journal before he was deployed. Lyons was killed in action July 28, 2005, in Cykla, Iraq, from enemy fire.

-- Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed, 21. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on Aug. 23, 1983. Reed was killed in action on Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Sgt. David N. Wimberg, 24. He was born in Louisville, Ky., on Jan. 24, 1981. Wimberg was killed in action on May 25, 2005, in Haditha, Iraq, while leading his squad in a firefight.

-- Pfc. Christopher R. Dixon, 18. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 24, 1986, Dixon called Obetz, Ohio, home. He was killed in action May 11, 2005, in Qaim, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes, 25. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on June 25, 1980. Cifuentes called Fairfield, Ohio, home. He was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Nicholas William Baart Bloem, 20. Born in Bellevue, Wash., on Aug. 2, 1985, he called Belgrade, Mont., home. He was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Erdy, 21. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 22, 1983, and called Owensville, Ohio, home. He was killed in action May 11, 2005, in Qaim, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Cpl. Dustin A. Derga, 24. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 18, 1980. His hometown is Pickerington, Ohio. He was killed in action May 8, 2005, in New Ubaydi, Iraq, from enemy fire.

-- Cpl. Andre´ "Dre´" L. Williams, 23. He was born in Lima, Ohio, on Aug. 9, 1981, and called Galloway, Ohio, home. He was killed in action July 28, 2005, in Cykla, Iraq, from enemy fire.

-- Lance Cpl. Grant B. Fraser, 22. Fraser was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Feb. 3, 1983. He was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Staff Sgt. Kendall H. Ivy II, 28. He was born in Galion, Ohio, on Sept. 15, 1976. He was killed in action May 11, 2005, in New Ubaydi, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis L. Youngblood, 26. Born at Pensacola Naval Base, Fla., on June 5, 1979, Youngblood called Ivor, Va., home. He died July 21, 2005, from IED wounds suffered in Hit, Iraq, on July 15, 2005.

-- Lance Cpl. William Brett Wightman, 22. He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, on Jan. 11, 1983, and called Sabina, Ohio, home. Wightman was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Edward August "Augie" Schroeder II, 23. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on April 10, 1982, and his hometown is South Orange, N.J. Schroeder was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Staff Sgt. Anthony L. Goodwin, 33. He was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on May 28, 1971, and called Shirley, Mass., his home. He was killed in action May 8, 2005, in New Ubaydi, Iraq, from enemy fire.

-- Sgt. Justin F. Hoffman, 27. He was born in Orange, Calif., on Nov. 9, 1977, and his hometown is Delaware, Ohio. He was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Sgt. David Kenneth John Kreuter, 26. He was born in Cincinnati on June 25, 1979, and was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Jourdan Lin Grez, 24. He was born in Little Silver, N.J., and called Richmond, Va., home. He was killed in action May 11, 2005, in Qaim, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Bell Jr., 22. He was born in Kansas City, Mo., on May 11, 1983, and his hometown is West Chester, Ohio. Bell was killed in action Aug. 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq, by an IED.

-- Lance Cpl. Jonathan W. Grant, 23. Born on April 15, 1982, he called Espanola, N.M., home. He was killed in action May 11, 2005, in Qaim, Iraq, by an IED.

(Marine Corps Sgt. G.S. Thomas is media chief for Marine Forces Reserve. Donna Miles from American Forces Press Service contributed to this article.)

Brigade Stabilizes Iraqi Province, Moves Into Support Role

By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2008 - Iraq's Diyala province is now secure and stable enough for people to return to work and for the government and civil services to conduct business, an official there told online journalists and bloggers in a teleconference May 23. "Operations in concert with the Iraqi security forces have made the province a safer and more stable area, providing a place for the government and civil services to conduct business and for the Iraqi people to live and work," said Army Col. Jon Lehr, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which has occupied Diyala province for the past 14 months.

"Overall, Diyala has seen a 70 percent reduction in violence over the past year," Lehr said.

The dramatic reduction in violence was achieved through 10 large-scale offensive operations targeting insurgent leadership and infrastructure in the province, Lehr said. He added that Iraqi security forces were involved in all the operations alongside coalition forces.

Through these operations, 220 "high-value individuals" were removed from Diyala's population, Lehr said. In addition, he said, more than 1,700 insurgents were detained, and another 500-plus insurgents were killed.

He said coalition and Iraqi forces also destroyed enemy safe havens and hindered their logistical means while conducting operations in Diyala. More than 550 weapons caches were discovered and confiscated, 25,000 miles of roadways were cleared, and more than 2,100 roadside bombs were found and destroyed, he said.

To maintain the security created by coalition and Iraqi security forces, Lehr said, a concerned-citizens program, known as "Sons of Iraq," has been established in Diyala province. "The premise of the program is to contract local Iraqi males to provide security for their villages and neighborhoods as augmentation to security forces," he explained.

Lehr said the Sons of Iraq have a "three-fold" effect in the province. First, he said, they drive al-Qaida from their sanctuaries. Secondly, he said, they free up combat power from the security forces. And the short-term employment of the Sons of Iraq has helped "jump start" local economies, he said.

"Overall, the Sons of Iraq played an integral role in the improved security situation in Baghdad and Diyala province and increased the economic activities," Lehr said.

He said the Iraqi police also are gaining strength and efficiency.

"We have partnered with, trained and supported 17,300 Iraqi police in Diyala province," Lehr said. "That's 64 stations and 12 separate district headquarters."

A police academy set up by 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team recently graduated its first class, Lehr said. The academy -- now under the Iraqi Interior Ministry -- will continue to generate trained police forces for the province, he said, graduating about 500 new police officers a month.

"They are working hard to create a better force," Lehr said, "a force that is nonsectarian, noncorrupt."

Lehr also said 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which is preparing to redeploy to the United States, is in a support role now, with the Iraqi army leading operations.

"Our redeployment from Iraq is part of a planned surge strategy in the campaign plan that maps out eventual conduct of independent Iraqi security force operations," Lehr explained.

"The 5th Iraqi Army Division is capable of conducting unilateral operations with little assistance," he said. "Due to their success, we have moved into a tactical over-watch mode of operation, where we follow the Iraqi army and support as needed."

(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of the Defense Media Activity.)

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. David L. Leimbach, 38, of Taylors, S.C., died May 25 near Bala Baluk, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry, South Carolina Army National Guard, Fountain Inn, S.C., and attached to the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition), New York Army National Guard.

For more information the media may contact the South Carolina National Guard public affairs office at (803) 806-4327.

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Kyle P. Norris, 22, of Zanesville, Ohio, died May 23 in Balad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during a patrol May 22 in Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.

Forces in Iraq Catch 48 Suspects, Seize Scores of Weapons

American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces detained 48 suspects and seized multiple caches of weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. Coalition forces captured a wanted man and 20 other suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists during separate operations in Baghdad and Mosul that concluded today. The wanted man is linked to a car-bombing cell involved in an attack that killed four Iraqi police, according to military officials.

"Iraqi and coalition forces are sharing information so our operations defeat the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist networks that threaten the Iraqi people," said Army Maj. John Hall, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

In another operation today, coalition forces captured the suspected member of an Iranian-backed "special group" in Suwayrah, about 30 miles southeast of Baghdad. The suspect is an explosives expert believed to be responsible for coordinating and carrying out attacks on coalition forces in Wasit province, officials said.

Coalition and Iraqi forces yesterday and May 25 seized scores of mortar rounds, homemade bombs and explosive-making materials, a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and ammunition, assault rifles, and other military equipment in several separate raids around Baghdad.

In other May 25 operations in Iraq:

-- Coalition forces captured a wanted man and six other suspects in Mosul. Military officials believe the wanted man is linked to foreign-terrorist smuggling operations. Meanwhile, about 55 miles south of Mosul, troops in Sharqat caught another four suspects.

-- Troops seized seven suspected terrorists and a cache of weapons in the Baghdad area. Military officials said the suspects are linked to the al-Qaida in Iraq bombing network in the Iraqi capital.

-- Iraqi police detained five suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq members in Mosul and seized a large weapons cache. At the time of the operation, the uncovered weapons marked the eighth cache found in the Ninevah province within 72 hours.

-- Iraqi special operations forces captured the mid-level leader of an Iranian-backed group in Baghdad's Shuala area. Military officials believe the suspect led a 300-member group responsible for kidnapping and murdering Iraqi citizens.

-- Troops caught a wanted man in Tikrit, about 100 miles north of Baghdad. Military officials believe he is associated with al-Qaida in Iraq leaders in the Tigris River valley.

-- Coalition forces captured a wanted man suspected of involvement with an al-Qaida in Iraq bombing network in the Tigris River valley.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Frank J. Gasper, 25, of Merced, Calif., died May 25 in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo.

For further information, media should contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005, or visit the following Web site: http://news.soc.mil/

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Blake W. Evans, 24, of Rockford, Ill., died May 25 in Al Jazeera Desert, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

For more information media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at (270) 798-9966.

Coalition Troops Target Enemy Fighters in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

May 25, 2008 - Several extremists were killed and six were detained May 23 during a coalition operation to disrupt anti-government operations in Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported. Coalition forces searched several compounds in the province's Garmser district, targeting an extremist cell conducting financing, weapons and foreign fighter operations in the area, officials said.

During their search, coalition forces identified several extremists maneuvering against the force and responded with small-arms fire and an air strike.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 101 news release.)

General Notes Role of Iraqi Forces, U.S. Agencies in Iraq Upswing

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

May 25, 2008 - Increasingly capable Iraqi security forces and increased participation by nonmilitary U.S. agencies have been instrumental in improving conditions in Iraq, a top coalition commander there said in a "CNN Late Edition" interview with Wolf Blitzer. In the interview, taped May 23 and aired today, Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander of Multinational Division North, acknowledged that in the summer of 2007 he believed the U.S. military was "carrying the burden of this conflict on our shoulders."
"What I've seen since I've been over here now is we now have partners over here," he said. "The State Department has filled up the provincial reconstruction teams. [The U.S. Agency for International Development] is starting to do some significant work out here. The Department of Agriculture [and] the Department of Treasury are all contributing workers over here. So I think we're seeing other governmental organizations contribute, and that has been significant."

Hertling, who also commands the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He noted the improvement he's seen in Iraqi security forces.

"I partner with four different Iraqi divisions up here now," he said. "And over the nine months we've been here, we have seen just an unbelievable improvement in those forces."

In providing an assessment of conditions in his northern Iraq area of responsibility, the general explained that his forces have been securing major cities and pursuing a variety of enemies.

"And we have done that in Hawijah, in Samarra, in Kirkuk, and turned over to, in that particular city, the Iraqi police, which is really a centerpiece now," he said.

In Mosul, he said, his troops have had to contend with a number of al-Qaida-led extremist and terrorist groups, along with criminal activity. "It really is a group of individuals up there, led by al-Qaida," he said.

Southward toward Baghdad, in cities such as Diyala, Baqouba and Muqdadiyah, Multinational Division North forces have been continuing to pursue al-Qaida, Hertling said. But often, he noted, when al-Qaida leaves an area, other criminal agents begin to intimidate the population.

"So we've been attempting to do that balancing act -- a very complex situation in Diyala province, which is our southernmost province, bumping up against Baghdad," he said. "It has been just a complex counterinsurgency operation. And you throw in a little bit of criminal activity as well, and we're fighting on several fronts with our Iraqi partners."

Northern Iraq has become more volatile in the last six months, Hertling said, because enemy fighters have been flowing in as they've been routed from Baghdad and other areas.

"As Baghdad has become more secure, some of the insurgents, specifically AL-Qaida, have moved to the north," he said. "As Anbar [province] has gone through the awakening, ... al-Qaida has moved to the east and then up. We've seen foreign fighters crossing the borders with Syria. And Mosul is a very historic and popular place, and it has ebbed and flowed in terms of the amount of insurgent actions up there.

"We have seen an increase, a huge spike in the last several months up there," he continued. "And over, oh, the last three or four months or so, we have done some things in that city with both coalition forces and the Iraqi security forces to improve the security for the people."

The general noted that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki asked the Iraqi army commander in northern Iraq to mount an operation against insurgents in Mosul.

"It was originally called 'Lion's Roar,' as it's been reported," hurtling said. "It's now called 'Umm al-Rabiain,' or 'Mother of Two Springs,' which is the nickname for the city. ... Over the last several months, there have been a lot of contentious fights, both with coalition forces and Iraq security forces against the insurgents in that city and in all of Ninevah province, quite frankly."

As for Iranian involvement in his area, Hertling said he can't say he's seen evidence of Iranian government involvement.

"I can certainly say we have seen some Iranian-made weapons, certainly not as much as I'd seen in the south or even in Baghdad. But we have seen some Iranian-made weapons in the northern part of the country."

With the United States observing the Memorial Day holiday May 26, Hertling expressed the hope that Americans would take time to consider the holiday's meaning. He noted that before the interview he had attended a memorial service for a U.S. soldier who had been killed near Samarra.

"I just happened to look at my watch and I said, 'Hey, there are probably a lot of people back in the United States right now trying to figure out how to get out of work early so they can start their long weekend, and here we are, memorializing this young soldier ... who gave his life for this cause. And I'm wondering if people truly understand that.

"And I hope during this Memorial Day weekend that people pause and reflect how much service their soldiers, Marines, airmen and Navy sailors are giving, not only to protect the freedoms of the United States, but to help -- really help -- the freedoms of this new emerging country over here in Iraq," he continued. "So I hope everybody just takes a few minutes on this Memorial Day to thank a soldier or, more importantly, thank a family member of a soldier, because they are sacrificing just as much."

Mullen Remembers Sacrifices, Praises Troops During Memorial Day Interviews

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

May 26, 2008 - Americans can be proud of the men and women in uniform and must remember the sacrifices military personnel have made, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told television morning shows today. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also said there has been dramatic progress in Iraq, but that any withdrawal of American troops remains rooted in the actions on the ground.

Mullen spoke with NBC, CBS, CNN and FOX news networks from the Pentagon. The highest-ranking member of the U.S. military said morale among the troops is high and they are proud of the work they are doing.

"They are the best troops I've ever been around and I have almost 40 years of service," Mullen said. "They are serving a noble cause, and serving it exceptionally well."

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but it should also be a day to remember and help those wounded in service to America, Mullen said.

Thousands of American servicemembers have been wounded in the war on terror and have returned home, he noted.

"We need to reach out as a country take care of them, take care of their families," he said. "We have the resources and to do it in a way that recognizes their great sacrifices for our country."

In addition to the young men and women lost in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mullen personally remembers uncles who served in World War Two and classmates from high school and the Naval Academy who died in Vietnam.

He urged Americans that if they see Americans in uniform, "simply go up and say thank you. It means a lot."

The morning anchors asked Mullen about conditions in Iraq. The past week saw the lowest number of incidents in the country since 2004, according to Defense officials.

"Things are better in Iraq, and it's principally because the troops have performed so well in the surge," he said. "We're at a point now where they've created security so the politicians can move forward, and that's happened. I'm modestly optimistic right now."

The chairman stressed that any further withdrawal of American troops after July will only take place if conditions on the ground merit it.

Al-Qaida in Iraq's capabilities have been significantly degraded. But the terrorists "remain a very lethal enemy, very dangerous and they are certainly not gone," Mullen said. "But we've had them on the run now for the better part of several months and we will continue to press."

Iraqi military operations in Basra, Sadr City and Mosul have been going very well, the chairman said. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered the operations against criminals and Special Groups in Shiia areas and al-Qaida.

The Iraqi troops have done well, Mullen said. "They may have turned a corner in that regard," he said. "They've executed some good operations so I'm a little bit more optimistic than I was a year ago.

"The prime minister himself clearly has generated political support that he didn't have before," he added. "He's taken charge of his military – they are more successful."

Iran is still a troublemaker in the Middle East, Mullen said. The United States has to use all elements of national power – economic, financial, diplomatic and political, as well as military.

"I think we need to bring pressure on the Iranians to change their behavior in that part of the world," he said.

Mullen has visited Iraq and Afghanistan a number of times and met with military personnel from all levels. He said troop morale is high.

"They know they are on important missions and they are performing exceptionally well," he said.

Afghan Border Police Learn Weapons-Repair Skills

By Army Spc. Gregory J. Argentieri
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 23, 2008 - Afghan border police officers learned advanced small-arms repair and maintenance skills from U.S. soldiers of Company B, 173rd Support Battalion, at Forward Operating Base Fenty in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, May 1-8. The U.S. Advanced Instructed Small-Arms Repair Course is the second course this group of border police attended. The month-long basic course was held in March.

The weapons maintenance course included instruction on repair, cleaning and inspection procedures on nine different types of small arms.

The Afghan border police officers trained mainly on U.S.-made weapons, said the primary instructor, Army Sgt. Micaiah T. Ragins. Many of the weapons used by the border police and Afghan National Army soldiers are being swapped out for the U.S. standard-issue weapons such as the M-16 rifle and M4 carbine.

"We are very attentive and focused during the weapons class, and we try to memorize everything so we can always remember," said Staff Sgt. Ghaljay, a border patrol officer from Kunar province. "This is exactly the training we need. Our instructor is very good, and he gets along well with us."

The goal of this training is similar to many other U.S.-led Afghan-training classes. Upon graduation, this group of specially schooled border police officers will return to their separate units and train their Afghan counterparts in weapons repair and maintenance.

Ghaljay said the border police had little weapons-repair experience before this training, but will now set aside every Thursday for weapons cleaning.

"Weapons repair and maintenance is very important to us, because this is our profession," said Pvt. Mohammad Taheer, a border patrol officer from Jalalabad. "This weapons course is a great help to us in defending our country and for the future security of Afghanistan."

As a result of weapons-repair training, this group of border patrol officers might have as much knowledge in small-arms maintenance as the average U.S. soldier, Ragins said.

"I think we are doing our part in increasing cultural awareness and relations between the U.S. and Afghan [forces]," Ragins said. "Our objective is to keep more weapons in the fight by basically maximizing the reliability of the ABP weapon systems."

After the students completed their week-long advanced course and passed the final exam, they received certificates of proficiency in small-arms repair and two weapon-repair tool kits.

"The ABP officers will talk to their neighbors about the weapons training by the U.S. and how it is very different from when Russia was here," Najeebullah Halem, a border police interpreter.

The course allowed the curious border patrol officers to witness some U.S. culture, Halem added, a side benefit he said will attract more people to the border police ranks.

(Army Spc. Gregory J. Argentieri serves in 173rd Airborne Brigade Public Affairs.)

Troops in Iraq Kill Six, Detain 54

American Forces Press Service

May 23, 2008 - Coalition forces killed six wanted men, detain 54 suspects, and discover multiple weapons caches throughout Iraq, military officials said. Coalition forces captured six wanted men and detained an additional 15 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaida in Iraq from Baghdad to Mosul along the Tigris River valley.

During operations yesterday:

-- Iraqi soldiers found substantial weapons caches containing a wide range of weapons, rounds of various sizes, and other types of equipment in the Sadr City district of Baghdad.

-- Encouraged by tribal leaders to end a standoff with coalition forces, more than 140 suspected turned themselves in at the Joint Coordination Center in Balad.

-- Iraqi soldiers found multiple weapons caches and makeshift bombs in Sadr City as part of Operation Peace.

-- In southeastern Baghdad, soldiers discovered a weapons cache. The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, soldiers, acting on a tip from a local citizen, found the cache in the Diyala area of New Baghdad and seized various weapons and rounds.
In operations May 21:

-- Coalition forces killed six men after they refused to follow instructions to surrender and exhibited hostile intent. Troops also detained two wanted individuals and detained 28 other suspected terrorists in separate operations.

-- Iraqi special operations forces captured a suspected insurgent financier in Zubayr. He is suspected of weapons smuggling along the Iraq-Iran border.

-- An Iraqi special weapons and tactics team captured two suspected terrorists in Mosul, including a high-ranking al-Qaida leader responsible for bombing attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. Iraqi officials had issued a warrant for his arrest.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- May 23, 2008

CSU [Colorado State University] regional biocontainment lab first to start research [on the West Nile virus]
“The Rocky Mountain Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at Colorado State University has formally received ‘select agent’ research approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it the first lab of its kind in the country to begin studying these highly regulated bioterrorism agents. The university is among the world's leaders in researching West Nile virus, drug-resistant tuberculosis, yellow fever, dengue, hantavirus, plague, tularemia and other diseases. The new facility provides the university with improved and safer equipment to research ways to protect the United States from bioterrorism and emerging diseases such as avian influenza. Researchers will investigate and develop new treatments and vaccines to protect against these agents.” (High Plains Journal; 23May08) http://www.hpj.com/archives/2008/may08/may26/CSUregionalbiocontainmentla.cfm?title=CSU%20regional%20biocontainment%20lab%20first%20to%20start%20research

Evolva SA [Basel, Switzerland] Subsidiary Signs $22.8 Million Antibacterial Contract with US Army Research Office, Builds Out US Operations
“Genetic Chemistry Inc. (Palo Alto, [California] USA), a subsidiary of Evolva SA (Basel, Switzerland) announced today that it has signed a contract with the US Army Research Office (ARO), working in conjunction with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), to discover novel therapeutics against the gram negative bacterial pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei (a CDC [Center for Disease Control] category B bioterrorism agent that causes the disease melioidosis). Over the contract period funding could amount to $22.8 million.” (Fierce Biotech; 23May08) http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/evolva-sa-subsidiary-signs-22-8-million-antibacterial-contract-us-army-research-offic

CSWAB [Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger] Leverages Limitations on Open Detonation of Deadly WWII Munitions on Saipan [Mariana Islands]
“EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] Region 9 has agreed to prohibit open detonation of chemical, radiological, and biological munitions that might be found on Saipan, the largest island and capital of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a chain of 15 tropical islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The prohibition is the direct result of intervention by concerned community members. The designated detonation area is located on Marpi Point, a public lands property on Saipan that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. CNMI plans to clear nearby tropical rain forest lands and grant them to over 500 indigenous individuals and families for new homesteads.” (Pacific Magazine; 22May08) http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/05/22/cswab-leverages-limitations-on-open-detonation-of-deadly-wwii-munitions-on-saipan

Is Milwaukee [Wisconsin] Prepared For A Bio-Terrorism Attack?
“The federal government is quietly monitoring the air in Milwaukee for evidence of a bio-terrorism attack, but 12 News’ Kent Wainscott uncovered some holes in the government’s secret safety net, including late detection time, delayed response and a lack of funding for response initiatives.”
(WISN; 22May08; Kent Wainscott)
http://www.wisn.com/news/16363828/detail.html?rss=mil&psp=news

E. coli Outbreak in [North Bergen] New Jersey?
“Over the course of two hours on a recent Friday, 20 people arrived, one by one, for emergency care at the Palisades Medical Center here. Each separately complained of various gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea. A coincidence? Or the harbinger of a brewing epidemic, potentially threatening a larger swath of the Garden State? Fortunately, the onslaught of patients was actually part of a disaster drill conducted by the medical facility that also involved the Hudson Regional Health Commission, the public health agency serving parts of Northern New Jersey. The purported scenario was an E. coli outbreak at a local restaurant, and the patients were actually volunteers from a nearby high school pretending to be ill. […] That early warning of developing threats to public health can give public health professionals a valuable head start in recognizing and managing disease spread and epidemic outbreaks, as well as possible bioterrorism, a surge in criminal assaults and even tainted street drugs.” (Yahoo Finance; 22May08)
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080522/neth065.html?.v=49

THV [News] Extra: Past, Present, and Future of Pine Bluff [Arkansas] Arsenal
“Big changes are coming to the Jefferson County communities of White Hall and Pine Bluff; some are even considering it an economic crisis. That's because more than 1,000 jobs are about to be cut at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. […] The deadly chemical weapons are what have grabbed the public's attention about the Pine Bluff Arsenal. Workers are on a mission to store and destroy them. They handle VX rockets and landmines. Just a pin drop of the chemical is deadly within minutes. The Army also stored and destroyed GB rockets there.” (Today’s THV; 21May08; Melissa
Dunbar-Gates)
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=66186&catid=2

Pueblo [Colorado] Chemical Depot builds new plant to neutralize chemical weapons
“East of Pueblo, construction is underway on a new multi-billion dollar processing plant at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. When completed the Department of Defense will use it to destroy 2,600 tons of chemical weapons currently stored in igloos at the depot. The project is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs to Pueblo.” (KOAA; 21May08; David Ortiviz) http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1331637897

Nerve agent destruction passes 90 percent mark [Newport Chemical Depot, Indiana]
“A billion-dollar project to destroy a deadly nerve agent stored in western Indiana is entering its final stages now that workers have eliminated more than 90 percent of its cache of the Cold War-era chemical weapon. By late August, Army contractors expect to destroy the last of the 1,269 tons of VX nerve agent the Newport Chemical Depot once housed, said Jeff Brubaker, the Army's onsite manager.” (Chicago Tribune; 21May08; Rick Callahan)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-nerveagent,0,4373714.story

Taming toxic waste
“Deleting e-mails and recycling newspapers are most people's biggest concerns when it comes to getting rid of waste. But what if you're a world leader and have a stash of forbidden deadly chemicals on hand? Or what if terrorists suddenly swoop down and let loose with toxic nerve agents? Who you gonna call? Well, Queen's University [Ontario, Canada] researchers Stan Brown and Alexei Neverov, specialists in catalytic chemistry, may be just the pair. The two have developed a method for rapidly and safely destroying toxic agents, ranging from chemical weapons to pesticides.”
(CBC News; 22May08; Georgie Binks)
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/05/09/f-science-queenstoxicwaste.html

U.N. [United Nations] nuclear agency helping China minimize threat of 'dirty bomb' at Beijing Olympics
“The U.N. nuclear agency said Friday it is helping China minimize the threat of a terrorist targeting the Beijing Olympics with a radiological ‘dirty bomb,’ although officials stressed they have no intelligence pointing to such an attack. Anita Nilsson, head of nuclear security for the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, said agency experts were assisting the Chinese authorities with simulated exercises designed to test their response.” (USA Today; 23May08; William J. Kole) http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-05-23-2920776148_x.htm

National Guard performs hazmat exercise at Coliseum [Bloomington](Illinois)
“U.S. Cellular Coliseum was the site of a practice session Wednesday, but the professionals weren’t using hockey sticks or footballs and wore very different kinds of protective gear. Twenty-two members of the Bartonville-based Illinois National Guard 5th Civil Support Team were being evaluated during a formal training exercise simulating a hazardous event at the Coliseum. Guardsmen were clad in hazardous materials suits, and an array of emergency trucks and trailers filled a lot northwest of the building. In Wednesday’s scenario, a ‘dissident group’ attacked people attending a volleyball match the night before, said Lt. Col. Larry Ritter, from U.S. Army North in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.” (Pantagraph; 22May08; Greg Cima) http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/05/22/news/doc48342ca5094f3713593696.txt

Response force trains for attacks [Mead, Nebraska]
“Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) attacks on United States soil require aid from specially trained national guard men and women. Special disaster training was administered last week on the National Guard's training ground near Mead. The men and women who respond to CBRNE attacks are validated members of the CBRNE enhanced response force package (CERFP).” (Bellevue Leader; 21May08; DeManda Arkfeld)
http://www.bellevueleader.com/site/tab8.cfm?newsid=19710158&BRD=2712&PAG=461&dept_id=557010&rfi=6

China’s Nonproliferation Practices [Patricia McNerney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Security and Nonproliferation]
“The Government of China has come to recognize that it has a fundamental security interest in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. In many ways, it has demonstrated its interest in becoming a responsible nonproliferation partner. It is now a party to many international nonproliferation instruments, including the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and is also a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Zangger Committee. China has adopted export controls similar to the Australia Group control lists on chemical and biological related items, and has enacted missile-related export controls. And, the Government of China has approved a series of new laws and regulations designed to establish comprehensive national export control regulations.” (U.S. Department of State; 20May08) http://www.state.gov/t/isn/rls/rm/105084.htm

Al Qaeda now tougher to defeat: U.S. defense chief
“The United States' initial military success against al Qaeda and other Islamist extremists has yielded a diffuse organization of independent elements that are now more difficult to defeat, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday. […] Gates also said the threat of those groups using chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or cyber weapons is growing.” (Reuters; 21May08; Kristin Roberts)
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSB65044320080522

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

Officials Celebrate Government Center Groundbreaking in Iraqi City

American Forces Press Service

May 23, 2008 - Habbaniyah Mayor Hussein Ali Hussein, city council members and directors-general celebrated the groundbreaking of the Habbaniyah Government Center in Iraq's Anbar province May 21. The center, in the Khalidiyah neighborhood west of Camp Habbaniyah, is centrally located to address the demands of people from Husaybah east to Fallujah.

"This is a step in the right direction -- a place for people to go if they need help from their government," Hussein said. "We are all very grateful for the hard work that everyone has put into these projects, as well as the help that we have received from the Marines in improving the area."

Among those in attendance were Marine Corps Lt. Col. Francis Charlonis, commander of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, whose area of operations includes Habbaniyah; and Col. Khalid, the Habbaniyah district's chief of police.

During the groundbreaking, Mayor Hussein announced the awarding of several contracts to local firms that will result in improvements in basic services and infrastructure in the greater Habbaniyah area.

Some of the improvement projects highlighted included one that will connect the emergency electricity line in Khalidiyah with the water-treatment facility across the Euphrates River, another that will supply trash bins to the neighborhoods of Husaybah, Sharqiyah, Mudiq and Abu Dimina, and a project to pave the uneven streets of East Habbaniyah's civil camp neighborhood.

Khalidiyah also will host two new courthouses -- one for criminal cases, the other for civil action and other matters -- as well as a new police station that will serve as the area's anchor for law enforcement and jurisprudence.

Renovations also are being planned for the Khalidiyah water-treatment facility as part of efforts to improve the area's delivery of basic services by the city in partnership with Fox Co.

"The people here have long expressed [a desire for] improvements in water and other critical infrastructure," said Marine Corps Maj. Guillermo Rosales, commander of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines.

Rosales' unit is working closely with Iraqi security forces in Husaybah, Jazeera and Habbaniyah to achieve provincial Iraqi control. "Hopefully this will give the people more confidence that their government -- local, provincial and federal -- can help them," he said.

(From a Multinational Force West news release.)

Iraqi Security Forces Approach Full Manning, British Officer Says

By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 23, 2008 - Iraq's security forces should be manned to near capacity by the end of the year, a senior coalition official said yesterday. "Force generation has been the focus of our efforts and still really remains the focus of our efforts up to now," British army Brigadier Johnny Torrens-Spence, deputy commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, said in a teleconference with online journalists and bloggers.

Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq's job is to generate and sustain Iraqi security forces, not to be directly involved in combat operations, Torrens-Spence said.

"Our job is to help the Iraqis grow, ... sustain ... and develop their military forces," said Torrens-Spence. "Once grown and developed, in effect what we do is pass those forces across to the field commanders, and they then conduct operations on behalf of the fight."

Torrens-Spence said the command has come up with four conditions to help the Iraqi Interior and Defense ministries increase the capability of their security forces: generating more forces, developing the Iraqi forces' capability to operate independently, improving the institutional capability of the ministries, and continuing to focus on professionalism and minimizing sectarian trends.

"We've been very happy with the way [the force generation] has gone in general terms," he said.

The Iraqi army had 100,000 soldiers in January 2007, Torrens-Spence said. By the end of 2008, officials expect the Iraqi army will have grown to more than 200,000 soldiers, he said. The Iraqi army will have grown by 220 percent in two years, he added. Growth rates in the Iraqi police, navy, and air force have been equivalent to that of the army, Torrens-Spence said.

The rapid growth has caused some stresses and strains in other areas, Torrens-Spence acknowledged, but he said he believes that will end soon because of less focus on force generation.

"There's generally an acceptance that the raw growth in the security forces will start to tail off at the back end of this year, and we are already shifting our focus. ... We'll be focusing more on the second one of those four categories – growing enablers," he explained.

"A big priority now for us is developing the logistics capability, rather than the command and control, and developing the surveillance and target acquisition capability," he said. "The shift in focus [is] from just growing the force, into turning it into a more coherent force."

By focusing on the first two conditions, Torrens-Spence said, he believes the third condition will develop as a result.

"[The Iraqis'] budget is improving fast. ... Their strategic planning capability is also improving fast, and there are growing signs that [the interior and defense] ministries are turning into functioning institutions," he said.

Finally, he said, the professionalism condition could take generations of effort.

"The worst of the sectarian violence in the country has declined, we have seen increasing signs of improvements and reductions in the ministries," Torrens-Spence said. "In fact, I think the Ministry of Defense is leading the charge in this area. We now have an increasing, coherent inspector general, and internal procedures and regimens to manage aspects of nonprofessional behavior."

Torrens-Spence also explained that the money used in the war is very important to accomplishing and completing the mission.

"We are able to apply this money where it has a quick and immediate effect to accelerate Iraqi growth, [and] where it's needed to provide the maximum value for us and for the Iraqi military and police," he said. "So the money is valuable; we need to continue to use it, use it wisely, and I think it's fair to say, over time, less of it will be required."

(Navy MCSN William Selby works for the New Media branch of the Defense Media Activity.)

Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Howard A. Jones, Jr., 35, of Chicago, died May 18 in Chicago from injuries sustained when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while on leave from the Iraq theater of operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

For more information media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.

Gates Says Lack of Patience Could Cost Victory

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 - U.S. strategic objectives "are within reach" in Afghanistan and Iraq, but a lack of patience could doom those prospects, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said last night. Gates spoke to the second Special Operations Forces International Conference at Tampa, Fla., the home of U.S. Special Operations Command.

Afghanistan and Iraq are the most important battlefields in the fight today, the secretary said, and his priority has been "getting us to a point where our strategic objectives are within reach in those two countries."

America's best opportunity to discredit and deflate the extremist ideology is in Afghanistan and Iraq, Gates said.

"Just as the hollowness of communism was laid bare by the collapse of the Soviet Union, so too would success in those countries strike a decisive blow against the ideological underpinnings of extremist movements," he said.

While not an easy task, it is not impossible, but it will take time, the secretary said. "In congressional testimony a few weeks back, I noted that we are now seeing what the end game in Iraq looks like, with our forces drawing down over time in a series of very complex battlefield rearrangements that slowly cede more responsibility for day-to-day security operations to the Iraqis," he said. "It is a slow process – slower than many would have wished, including myself. But it is necessary if we are to get the end game right."

Experience has shown that patience is necessary, he said.

"Earlier in the war, we tried to turn over provinces and areas to Iraqis before they were ready -- based on overly rosy predictions that didn't necessarily line up with reality," Gates said. "It was a set-up for failure, and in the end a setback for progress."

The reality is that al-Qaida is a cancer "always looking to metastasize and regenerate," Gates said. Iranian-backed Shiite "special groups" and armed militias still undermine the rule of law in Iraq. The Iraqi government still has a lot to learn about how to deliver basic services and security to its people, he said.

"I fear that frustration over slow progress and dismay over sacrifices already made may result in decisions that are gratifying in the short term but very costly to us in the long term," Gates said. "We are at war in Afghanistan today because of mistakes we made -- I, among others, made -- in the end game of the anti-Soviet war there in the late 1980s. If we get the end game wrong in Iraq, I predict the consequences will be significantly worse."

The best force against a shadowy terrorist enemy is a group of men and women called "the silent professionals," the secretary said. Special operators understand the fight and know they are engaged in "prolonged, messy engagements where tactical success does not necessarily yield strategic success; where cultural knowledge and language skills often mean a great deal more than raw fire power; where victory ultimately is not measured by how well we do the job but how well we can train and empower other nations to defend themselves," he said.

The number of American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan will gradually decline, Gates said, but that doesn't mean the special operations missions in those countries will end.

"Even as our regular troops reduce their presence and are replaced by Iraqis, special operations force levels will remain fairly constant and be the connective tissue of the overall mission," he said. "They will be in Iraq and Afghanistan for an extended period of time -- as a force to hunt and kill terrorists, and also as a force to help train Iraqis and Afghans."

At its heart, the fight against extremists also must include eliminating local and popular support for sectarian militias and terrorists by bringing economic development and by bringing people into the political process, Gates said.

"In that respect, Iraq has been a crucible for learning what we have to do elsewhere to destroy terrorist networks while simultaneously promoting development and good governance – to reduce the risk of attack while also altering the human landscape so that extremists cannot gain a foothold in the first place," he said.

In this effort, the special operations mission is leaking into American conventional forces, he said.

"Many of these are skills and tasks used to be the province of special operators, but are now a core mission for the regular forces as a whole," he said. "One of the things we are trying to do in the U.S. military is better integrate and reconcile those roles and missions."

The special operations conference attracted attendees from more than 70 nations.

"The United States has special operators in more than 60 countries today, in an arc that sweeps from Mindanao to Mosul and beyond," the secretary said. "Working alongside partners from many of the nations represented tonight, they are carrying out their duties with honor and courage under some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

"Across the Middle East and across the globe," he continued, "special operators under many flags will continue their mission: to go where others cannot or will not go, to partner with and train our friends to defend themselves, and to hunt down terrorists relentlessly and without reservation."

Gates thanked the special operations personnel for their service and noted their sacrifices.

"These are challenging times for our military and for our nation," he said. "We are counting on you to take on the assignments, to accept the great burden of fighting the war on terror for as long as it takes to win.

"Rangers, Green Berets, SEALs, members of Delta Force, and Marine and Air Force commandos, along with all their comrades-in-arms from across the globe, will continue to inspire in the hearts of our countrymen a deep sense of pride and patriotism -- just as they inspire in the hearts of our enemies an abiding sense of fear and unease," he said. "For as long as our special operators are out there, those who wish to do our nations harm will never rest easy."

Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lt. Jeffrey A. Ammon, 37, of Orem, Utah, died May 20, as a result of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device in the Aband District, Afghanistan. The sailor was attached to Commander Navy Region Northwest, Bangor, Wash., and serving in Afghanistan as a member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni.

For further information related to this release, contact Commander Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs at (360) 396-4973 or (360) 340-5384.

Face of Defense: Guardsman Trains, Deploys With Active-Duty Division

By Army Spc. April Campbell
Special to American Forces Press Service

May 22, 2008 - Most National Guardsmen train and mobilize together as a whole unit before deploying to Iraq, but some deploy individually and are attached to active-duty units. Such is the case for Army Maj. Barry Hafer, a Marshall, Texas, native and a member of the Texas National Guard's 5th Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, who serves as the "Red Team" leader with 4th Infantry Division and Multinational Division Baghdad.

In early 2007, 4th Infantry Division initiated plans for the first division-level Red Team, a team designed to work with different staff sections performing critical reviews and challenging cultural assumptions. The position on the Red Team caught Hafer's attention, and he volunteered for the job.

"I thought it was a great opportunity," he said. "It's a leading-edge concept."

Since his civilian job in industry and manufacturing requires the ability to get to root causes and bring up sensitive questions along with helping to find solutions, the prospect interested him very much, Hafer added.

At the time, Lt. Col. Mike Runey, an Exeter, N.H., native who now serves as chief of plans with 4th Infantry Division and Multinational Division Baghdad, was asked to lead the team and help choose two Guardsmen who would best fit the role.

"There were several candidates put forward by the Texas National Guard at the time," Runey said. "They thought Major Hafer would be a good fit, and we thought so too. It worked out well for us."

With less than a week's notice, Hafer began training for the new position. In April, he attended the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. There, he met the other two soldiers, including Runey, who make up the division's Red Team. This would be the first step in Hafer's deployment.

He initially had planned to deploy with 4th Infantry Division shortly after completing the course, the division's deployment date was pushed back until November. Hafer went to Fort Hood, Texas, and trained with the division until that time.

While Hafer has spent many long hours working to accomplish his mission during this deployment, the hard work with the division is not the only sacrifice he has made. As a family man, businessman and leader in his community, he had to put his civilian life on hold without much preparation time.

"I left a lot of good people with almost no notice, and everyone in Marshall stepped up and was incredibly supportive," he said.

Hafer was actively involved in the Marshall Rotary Club, the Marshall Chamber of Commerce and the Harrison County Manufacturing Council. He was also the director of operations for Mecar USA, a military ammunitions manufacturer, he added.

While he and his wife did not know when or where he would deploy, Hafer said, he knew he most likely would deploy. This helped to mentally prepare the Hafers for the deployment.

"We talked a lot. Careerwise, I knew I would be deploying," he said. "As a family, we were ready. Not everything was taken care of, but we were ready."

Hafer also received support from his employer.

"Mecar USA supported me with no notice and has kept in contact with me and my family since I've been gone," he said.

Hafer said he makes sure that he does his part as well to keep in contact with his loved ones and community back home. As is the case with many soldiers deployed to Iraq, this correspondence with those at home helps lift Hafer's spirits.

"Staying in touch with his family and community back home has been key to keeping his morale up," Runey said. "Major Hafer is one of the hardest-working guys I've seen."

Hafer will be able to reconnect with his family and friends back home when he redeploys in July. The homecoming, though long awaited, will be bittersweet, Hafer said, as he will be leaving many new friends in Iraq. He said he will not soon forget his deployment with the Ivy Division.

"I think it was a great opportunity to work with an extremely professional active-duty unit with a great reputation," he said. "I've learned an immense amount just being here -- being around this unit, the people and the professionalism."

(Army Spc. April Campbell serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)