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It's #MilitaryMon in Kabul

It's officially #MilitaryMon on Twitter again! Last week we had 1000+ Tweeters using the hashtag with positive messages, quotes, pics, and links to Milblogs, Miltweeters, MilSupport and more.  We reached nearly 10,000 #MilitaryMon tweets with a large number coming from a small group that worked feverishily to get Our Troops the positive attention they deserve.

I, in no way have any claim to credit for the creation of the hashtag or the definition of what it stands for.  To be honest, I'm not entirely clear on who has that distinction, but I'm happy to support the concept, and the consensus to consolidate multiple tags into one to increase its effectiveness.  It does not matter to me who came up with the great idea, nor is it needed to belabor such a point.

I would encourage every tweeter on my contact list, every reader with a tweeter

Diyala, Iraq: US Air Force Completes New OpCenter

U.S. Air Force builds new Diyala Operations Center

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO - BAGHDAD – Diyala, Iraq – After years of cooperation between Iraqi and U.S. security forces at the Diyala Operations Center, local ISF leaders and senior leaders of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th  Infantry Division agreed to move the DOC to a new location outside Baqubah’s city limits.

In conjunction with the June 30 deadline for U.S. combat forces to move out of Iraq’s cities, the DOC, a combined Iraqi – Coalition base located within the Diyala Governance Center, needed to be moved outside the provincial capital. The relocation allows the CF to continue build relationships and work alongside the Iraqi Security Forces against insurgents and violent extremists.

“We had to move the DOC from its previous location to Forward Operating Base Lion, and we couldn’t get the infrastructure set up fast enough,” said Lt. Col Paul Sarat, the 1-25 SBCT’s deputy commander.

In order to rapidly build the much needed infrastructure for the new, combined, facility, the 1-25 SBCT

Iraqis Take Control of Detainees in Diyala

U.S. Forces release detainees to Iraqi authorities

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO - DIYALA, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces received 16 detainees from U.S. forces during a brief handover held at the Baqubah Provincial Police Headquarters, July 8.

"As part of the Security Agreement, we agreed that we would return all detainees in Coalition forces custody to Iraqi custody in a safe, secure and orderly manner,” said Sgt. 1st Class Edmund P. Jarveaux, provost sergeant, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

Jarveaux said detainees are brought before local officials, generally police chiefs, government officials and local sheikhs, and are required to answer basic questions about themselves, primarily to verify their identity. 

During the questioning, presiding officials attempt to identify people each former detainee knew, such as a business leader or sheikh, who can then provide opportunities and encourage the released individual to make a positive contribution in the community, said Jarveaux.

Iraq: Engineers Build Relationships

Engineer Symposium Fosters Emerging U.S.-Iraq Partnership

BAGHDAD -- Senior Iraqi engineers from several government ministries attended a five-day symposium in Norfolk, Va., in June.

The Ministries of Defense and Interior and the Baghdad municipality sent representatives to the Iraqi Senior Engineer Symposium.

The symposium was developed as a cooperative effort between the J7 Engineering Directorate of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq and senior engineer advisors from Iraq Training Advisory Mission with support from U.S. Joint Forces Command and the U.S. Department of State.

This symposium educated senior Iraqi engineers on planning, developing and implementing a “way ahead” for supporting its capabilities and responsibilities in military and civil defense (police, fire and border control) throughout the country.

Maj. Gen. Nazar, senior engineer for the Ministry of Interior, said  he was very pleased with the opportunity to see military construction processes in the United States. He formally trained as a

Iraqi Air Force Delivers

Iraqi Air Force, Army Deliver Supplies to Local Communities

Saturday, 11 July 2009-NAJAF — With the recent help of many organizations back in the United States, the Iraqi Provincial Government received three pallets of humanitarian relief supplies June 21 for distribution to the local populace here. “Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing whether in your home town or across the world,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, deputy team leader for provincial reconstruction and project coordinator at Najaf. “Overall, these shipments send a message that bridges the cultural divide. In the more immediate impact, they simply help those who need it.” “It is important because it is a capacity-building effort,” added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade, project coordinator in the United States. “It not only helps one person, but helps the whole mission war effort. Hopefully this can change the Iraqi citizens’ perception on Coalition forces.” The humanitarian relief supplies, which consisted of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, blankets and clothing, will also enable the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Army to work together. “This was significant because it was an opportunity to have the Iraqi Air Force and the Iraqi Army working together for a mission that benefits the Iraqi people,” said Harmon, who is deployed from the 413th Civil Affairs Battalion.

Iraq: Army Leaders Host Women's Conference

30th Brigade Reps Discuss Women's Issues at Conference

By Spc. Ruth McClary, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team

An Iraqi woman proudly shows Lt. Col. Kelly Jackson, center, certificates of achievement from classes she completed in the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat team's area of operations as Capt. Katherine Swistak, left, and Capt. Melissa Hale, watch. The woman and and 10 other Iraqis were invited to the women's initiative conference at Camp Victory June 27, representing the southern Baghdad region. Photo by Spc. Ruth McClary.

BAGHDAD — Soldiers and civilians of 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team attended the Iraqi Women's Initiatives Quarterly Conference on Camp Victory, June 27.

The seminar, a forum in which the challenges facing Iraqi women can be openly discussed, was hosted by Multi-National Corps – Iraq and attended by representatives from its divisions, public reconstruction team leaders and three members of the Iraqi government.

About 100 people, mainly women, attended the conference.

"I believe that if the divisions work as partners, mapping everything, we can focus on the issues important to the Iraqi women," Lt. Col. Lucia Searcy, the women's initiative coordinator, for Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

The seminar included briefings from three members of the Iraqi government: Ms. Azhar al-Sharbaf, legal advisor for the Minister of State Public Affairs; Dr. Sallama al-Khafajii, advisor for Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih; and Dr. Sameerah al-Mosawi, a member of the Council of Representatives for Women, Family and Children.

Each of them spoke on empowering the women of Iraq, issues challenging women and Iraqi

Candidates For Astronaunt

2 Airmen chosen as astronaut candidates

by Master Sgt. Paul Dean
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

7/9/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS)  -- Two Air Force officers have been chosen by NASA officials for the 2009 Astronaut Candidate Class July 9.

Lt. Col. Mike Hopkins and Maj. Jack Fischer will attend the first iteration of a program designed to ready astronaut candidates for new missions and settings.

With NASA's space shuttle program scheduled to wind down next year, training for new astronaut candidates is changing dramatically to better prepare crewmembers for future space missions. 

Microgrants Successful In Iraq

1st Lt. Daniel Braud checks on a cell phone store owned by Ali Abbas Muhsin in Daquq, July 7. Muhsin used a U.S.-issued microgrant to revitalize his business. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas, 1st Cavalry Division.

IR Multiple Arrests Of Terrorists

Iraqi Security Forces Take Lead, Detain Two Suspected Terrorists

Friday, 10 July 2009

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Release WASHINGTON — Members of an Iraqi Emergency Response Brigade, aided by Coalition advisers, arrested two suspected terrorists, including an insurgent cell leader, in operations here July 8, military officials reported. The Iraqi Emergency Response Brigade, along with Coalition advisers, arrested a suspected key leader of an insurgent cell in Ladafiyah. The suspect is believed to be tied to terrorist activities against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in the area. Elsewhere, the Iraqi National Police Justice Battalion, with Coalition advisers, arrested a suspected terrorist in Salahuddin province. The suspect is believed to have emplaced roadside bombs and supplied terrorists in the province with grenades used against the Iraqi people and Security Forces.

 

Afghan flag raises above Khan Neshin

KHAN NESHIN, Afghanistan -The Afghan national flag was raised above Khan Neshin castle in the Rig District Center, July 8, for the first time, signaling the arrival of Afghan governance in the southern reaches of Helmand province. Cpl. Aaron Rooks, 7/8/2009 1:52 AM

Marines Get 'Early Release'

Early out for Marines to pursue education 

7/10/2009  By Cpl. Margaret Clark Hughes,

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.  — 

Though Marines have the chance to deploy, travel and have multiple opportunities most people never experience in their lives, many still miss out on the more common ones, like going to college.

However, deployments, secondary schools, family obligations or inconsistent working hours, may restrict a Marine’s ability to attend college.  Some are already four or more years behind many of their peers, but the military does help those who are preparing to separate from active duty and want to pursue a higher degree.

G.I.'s Without Smokes?

Report urges timeline for tobacco-free military

by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

7/10/2009 - WASHINGTON,  -- The military has come a long way from the time when it packaged cigarettes in with rations, but more must be done, according to an Institute of Medicine report.

The report, titled "Combating Tobacco in Military and Veteran Populations," calls for Defense Department officials to set a timeline to eliminate smoking on military installations.

Officials from the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs asked the institute to prepare the report in 2007. It was released June 28.

More than

RIP SPC Joshua Farris

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Joshua R. Farris, 22, of La Grange, Texas, died July 9 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.  He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

"Lt. Dan Band" rock Team Osan

Gary Sinise of "The Lt. Dan Band" interacts with the audience as the band plays for a standing room only crowd, June 28, at the Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, base theater. The band's mission is to do what it can to draw attention to military service members, their families and veterans and to make sure they know they are remembered and appreciated. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

Gary Sinise and the "Lt. Dan Band" rock Team Osan

by Master Sgt. Paul Kilgallon
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/30/2009 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Gary Sinise and the "Lt. Dan Band" rock and rolled with more than 400 Team Osan Airmen and family members at the base theater here June 28.

During their two-hour performance, the "Lt. Dan Band" played a wide variety of music hits from the 50's, 60's, Motown hits, rock and roll classics and even modern music heard today.

Not Just Any Number Cruncher

Army Spc. Russell Madden, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade, goes over a sensitive-items inventory sheet, July 8, 2009. Madden received his battalion’s first battlefield promotion during his deployment to Multinational Division Baghdad. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Janeene Yarber 

Face of Defense: Soldier Crunches Numbers to Equip Comrades

By Army 1st Lt. Janeene Yarber

Special to American Forces Press Service

'Camouflage Angel' With Them 'Til The End

Army Sgt. Jennifer Watson, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the Casualty Liaison Team at Joint Base Balad, stands in Hero's Highway. Each patient brought via helicopter to the Air Force Theater Hospital passes through Hero's Highway. Watson, a native of Peru, Ind., is deployed here from Fort Campbell, Ky. Photo by Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.

‘Camouflage Angel’ Spends Last Moments With U.S. Combat Casualties

Friday, 10 July 2009

JOINT BASE BALAD — The emergency-room trauma call and the medical staff's immediate action upon his arrival is only a memory to her now; sitting quietly at the bedside of her brother-in-arms, she carefully takes his hand, thanking him for his service and promising she will not leave his side.

Afghan Army Takes Care Of Its Own

Soldiers from the ANA's 207th Corps are providing for the families of those soldiers who have been killed in combat.  This is one way to show the other soldiers that their families will be taken care of should they themselves die in service.

3HBCT at National Training Center

 

A noncommissioned officer assigned to Company E,1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, coaches his Soldier as he attempts to disarm a mock improvised explosive device with the mechanical arm of his Buffalo Mine Protected Route Clearing Vehicle at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., July 6. The Soldiers assigned to the 3rd HBCT will spend 30 days at Fort Irwin honing their combat skills in preparation for their upcoming deployment overseas.

 

 

 

 

Radio Training Iraqi Soldiers

Spc. Anthony Wilson, 1st Cavalry Division, instructs two Iraqi Army Soldiers on their new single channel ground and airborne radio system on Forward Operating Base Marez, July 8. Photo by Pfc. Sharla Perrin, 1st Cavalry Division.

AFG Herat Weapons Cache Destroyed

Afghan, Coalition Forces destroy large weapons cache in Herat province

 
July 11, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by coalition forces, discovered a large weapons cache in Herat province, in the early morning hours of July 11.

Craddock Speaks About NATO

Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, the recent NATO supreme allied commander for Europe and former commander of U.S. European Command, speaks July 9, 2009, at the Reserve Officers Association in Washington, D.C., as part of a presentation titled "NATO and Afghanistan: Equitable Burden Sharing." U.S. Army photo by C. Todd Lopez

Craddock: NATO Must Find Better Ways for Nations to Participate

'Black Wednesday' at Camp Leatherneck

'Black Wednesday' hits Camp Leatherneck

Cpl. Aaron Rooks     

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan –The scene at the grand opening of the Marine Corps Exchange here July 1 was reminiscent of a controlled “Black Friday,” the biggest, and arguably wildest, shopping day of the year in the United States.

Crossing danger areas

Cpl. Thomas J. Hermesman

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines and sailors from Company D, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, flew to Kandahar Air Field recently to retrieve newly-acquired Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and drive them back to Camp Leatherneck.

The Marines from Company D, who are trained as Amphibious Assault Vehicle operators and crewmen, were originally set to deploy to Iraq until they were redirected here.

AFG - IMA Computer Training

International Military Affairs (IMA) Staff receive computer connections and software training to include instruction on Microsoft XP, Outlook, Office applications, safe usage, file recovery and more during a 40 hour small group training.

Free Concert Tickets.....

Def Leppard, Raven Drum Foundation Offer Free Concert Tickets

Story by Sharon Foster  Date: 07.10.2009

WASHINGTON -- To honor the military and provide a little fun and excitement over the summer months, the rock group Def Leppard and Raven Drum Foundation have started giving away 100 free concert tickets to military members and veterans with military ID for each show in the 2009 Def Leppard summer concert tour.

Poison and Cheap Trick also will perform on the entire tour.

"Def Leppard's involvement came through a desire to give something back, and

NATO's Stavridis Posts A Blog

Stavridis at Forward Edge as Military Embraces Social Media

By Donna Miles  American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2009 – The very day he assumed his post as NATO’s supreme allied commander for Europe last week, Navy Adm. James Stavridis reached out in a way none of the previous 15 NATO commanders since Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower had: he posted a blog.

Stavridis has had a lot of firsts in his military career. He’s the first

July 7 airpower: A-10s

To defeat a wide variety of targets, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs can employ conventional munitions that include general purpose bombs, laser guided bombs, joint direct attack munitions, Maverick and Sidewinder missiles, rockets, illumination flares and the GAU-8/A 30mm cannon, capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Bill Gomez)

July 7 airpower summary: A-10s end enemy attacks

7/8/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, in the vicinity of Gereshk, an Air Force B-1B Lancer quelled an enemy attack point hidden in

Marine speaks on the price of freedom

1st Lt. Caleb D. Eames, public affairs officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Ga., speaks to a large crowd gathered at the Turner County Civic Center July 1 about the value and cost of freedom. Pamela Jackson, 7/1/2009 3:31 PM

7/9/2009  By Pamela Jackson, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga.  — 

1st Lt. Caleb D. Eames, public affairs officer for the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., was the guest speaker for the 18th annual Salute to Veterans and America event in Ashburn, Ga., July 1.

The annual event is hosted by the South Georgia Bank Prime Timers and was attended by more than 600 people, including veterans from various conflicts and branches of service.

Eames told the crowd, “What a privilege it is to talk about the day we celebrate this weekend, Independence Day.  We live in a great land, a country where hard work and honest efforts are rewarded.  In this country of ours, a person low on the totem pole of life can work their way to the top and a person of humble beginnings can influence a nation.”

Photos Out of Afghanistan

With all the recent activity taking place in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, I thought it might be nice to gather of some photos from Afghanistan.  Some are from Helmand.  Thanks again to our combat photograhers for providing us with some good insights to the area.

Take time to think about what you are seeing in these photos.  The people, the places, the beauty, the greater awareness of the "load" our military carry.....

 

HELPING HAND

A U.S. Marine helps his buddy up as they prepare to board helicopters for a mission on Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009. The Marines are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Philippe E. Chasse