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US Allies Pledge More Troops for Afghanistan

25 NATO countries and other contributors to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan have pledged about 7,000 additional troops to supplement new U.S. force commitment to Afghanistan.

David Gollust | Brussels 04 December 2009

"There should be no misunderstanding. We are not going to leave Afghanistan to fall back into the hands of terrorists and the extremists who host them. It will not happen."

Twenty-five NATO countries and other contributors to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan have pledged about 7,000 additional troops to supplement the new U.S. force commitment to Afghanistan. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomed the new commitment to the Afghan conflict, which she termed a "critical test for NATO."

The pledges announced by NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rassmussen fall short of the 10,000 additional troops that Pentagon officials hoped for.

But the NATO chief said it underlines the solidarity of the 44 ISAF countries and will have a "powerful

AFG: IJC Operational Update for Dec. 3

IJC Operational Update, Dec. 3: Militants Detained in Wardak, Khwost

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs Courtesy Story 12.03.2009

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Wardak province while pursuing a Taliban sub-commander today.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Jamad Kheyl in the Sayed Abad district after intelligence sources indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained the suspected militants.

In another operation Wednesday, an Afghan-international security force detained a handful of suspected militants in Khowst province while pursuing a Taliban IED facilitator.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Khatekah in the Sabari District after intelligence sources indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the compound without incident

NATO, Afghan Troops Launch Major Offensive

US military says more than 1,000 NATO troops have launched major offensive against key Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan

VOA News 04 December 2009

The U.S. military says more than 1,000 NATO troops, mostly from the United States, have launched a major offensive against a key Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan.

Military officials say Afghan forces are also participating in the operation in Helmand province.

The operation comes three days after President Barack Obama promised to deploy an extra 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

Mr. Obama said the additional troops will help accelerate the transfer of security responsibility to Afghan forces and allow U.S. forces to begin leaving the country by July 2011.

RIP SGT Kenneth R. Nichols Jr.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. Kenneth R. Nichols Jr., 28, of Chrisman, Ill., died Dec. 1 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

"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)

Course on Financial Crimes Investigation Taught to Combat Corruption

Legal Team Trains Iraqi Investigators

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Story by Capt. Rebecca Walsh 12.03.2009

TIKRIT, Iraq—Twenty-one Iraqi investigators from Ninewa, Diyala, Salah ad Din and Kirkuk provinces attended a Financial Crimes Investigation Course on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Nov. 22-25.

The course was taught by members of the International Crime Investigation Training and Assistance Program, in partnership with the U.S. State Department's Salah ad Din Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Legal Office of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan.

The course was designed to advise investigators from Iraq's Commission of Integrity on a myriad of

Drawdown Allows for New Logistics Command Retrograde Facility

Marine Corps Logistics Command (Fwd) Opens Retrograde Lot Aboard Al Asad

II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) Story by Cpl. Triah Pendracki 12.03.2009

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – After several months of long convoys from Al Asad Air Base to Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, the Marines stationed aboard Al Asad now have the opportunity to turn in their gear to a convenient location on the base.

Marine Corps Logistics Command (Forward) opened a retrograde lot aboard Al Asad, Dec. 1.

"We were operational before the opening, but the official ribbon cutting for the lot is today," explained Col. James Clark, the Multi National Force - West assistant chief of staff for logistics. "The new MCLC lot is better than the facility at Taqaddum. There's more concrete and large sun shaded areas."

The new lot is significantly smaller than the previous one at Taqaddum, but with less gear to turn in, the

Project Designed to Honor Customs and Traditions of Iraqi Region

A Marsh Arab 'Mudhif' Rises on COB Adder

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Courtesy Story 12.03.2009 Story by: C. Brandt Smith Jr. & Nazar Alkass

COB ADDER, Iraq – Local architecture plays an important role in understanding the culture of the marsh Arabs of Southern Iraq and no structure captures the lifestyle and traditions of the region more than the 'mudhif.'

First constructed in the marshes of what is now southern Iraq over 5,000 years ago, the mudhif is a unique local meeting place assembled entirely of reeds, straw and other natural materials.

In a project designed to honor the customs and traditions of the region, members of Human Terrain Team 8 recently served as advisors on the construction of a mudhif on Contingency Operating Base Adder at the 4th Brigade's Regional Center of

Postal Patriots Do What They Can for Soldiers

Cookies for the Troops: Care Package Quartermasters Supply Soldiers With Treats

34th Red Bull Infantry Division Story by Pfc. J.P. Lawrence 12.04.2009

COB BASRA, Iraq – Few things put a smile on a Soldier's face faster than getting a care package during a deployment.

For Soldiers, these boxes are a reminder of home, a wanton luxury, a treasure chest filled with cookies and cakes and treats.

While many boxes come from family and friends, some boxes hail from unfamiliar addresses, from men and women back home who chose to adopt and supply Soldiers they do not know.

These men and women are "care package quartermasters," home front philanthropists who mail their appreciation overseas. These postal patriots want to do what they can for Soldiers, like the

"Our mission is to build strong and ready soldiers and families"

Making Better Spouses in Combat

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Story by Spc. Luisito Brooks 12.04.2009

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division are doing everything they can to become better spouses and combat the high divorce rate among service members.

Each month at the Engineer Chapel the unit conducts a four week class on "The Five Love Languages," using short videos, literature and experienced advice from marriage counselors on how Soldiers can become better partners to their spouses back home.

"Our mission is to build strong and ready Soldiers and families, better prepared to meet the mental, emotional and spiritual challenges of deployment and military life," said Chaplain (Capt.) Chester Olson,

Tennessee ANG's 1-230th Air Cavalry Keeps It Going 24/7

Tennessee Army National Guard Maintains, Operates Critical Northern Iraq Aviation Asset

25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. Mike Alberts12.03.2009

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Nestled in a remote location, by design, is a special aviation operation in northwest Iraq.

Soldiers of the Tennessee Army National Guard's 1-230th Air Cavalry Squadron maintain and operate a Forward Arming and Refueling Point, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

According to 2nd Lt. Jason Shaffer, platoon leader and FARP officer in charge, Troop G, 1-230th ACS, Soldiers who work on the FARP are responsible for refueling and rearming various types of helicopters at multiple "points" or helipads.

Shaffer, husband and father of two, is a native of Nashville, Tenn., and has served in the Tennessee

90 yr old Medal of Honor recipient Col. Van T. Barfoot told to remove flag pole!!

Just felt like I had to share this with you.

 

Fox news and CNN are running a story that caught my heart.  This story is about a 90 year old veteran, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor in WWII, and has been told by his HOA that his use of a flag pole to display the American Flag is in violation of the HOA rules.

Tennessee ANG Troops Getting it Done

Tennessee ANG's Troop G Keeps Northern Iraq Aviation 'moving'

25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Story by Sgt. Mike Alberts 12.03.2009

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Four, 10–ton MRAP's hum in the dark.

As motors idle, Soldiers with headlamps crawl in and around each metal beast, conducting oft-performed pre-combat checks and inspections.

Moments later, approximately 20 Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers of Troop G, 1st Battalion, 230th Air Cavalry Squadron, Task Force Wings, gather around their convoy commander for safety and mission briefs. Some participate in a brief prayer.

Within the hour, additional vehicles join the mission as the troop embarks on another Combat Logistics Patrol, one of dozens conducted since their arrival in Iraq in July, 2009.

The CLPs provide food, water, fuel and fresh personnel to a small outpost near the Syrian border called FOB Nimur where other Troop G Soldiers are engaged in forward arming and refueling operations for the region's military helicopters.

Maj. Daniel F. Pugh, commander, Troop G, and a 20-year military veteran and native of Franklin, Tenn.,

Gunmen Attack Rawalpindi Mosque in Pakistan

Police reported gunfire and at least one explosion at the mosque soon after prayers on Friday morning.

VOA News   04 December 2009

Pakistani soldiers take up position outside a besieged mosque in Pakistan's garrison city Rawalpindi,

04 Dec 2009

Gunmen have attacked a mosque near Pakistan's military headquarters in the city of Rawalpindi, killing at least 30 people.

Police reported gunfire and at least one explosion at the mosque soon after prayers on Friday morning.

Security workers cordoned off the scene while ambulances rushed to take victims to the hospital. 

It is the latest in a series of attacks that have rocked Pakistan since the government launched an

Overcoming personal tragedy, inspiring others

by Senior Airman Joshua Stevens  28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

3/5/2008 (Updated 7/16/2009 ) - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Upon seeing him, one would never suspect a difference between him and any other uniformed servicemember.

He stands tall, exhibiting a more-than-personable attitude and fervor for military professionalism.

However, there is more to this Airman than anyone would immediately suspect. 
 
In May 2007, Master Sgt. Ronald Heller, 28th Operations Support Squadron intelligence flight superintendent, lost the lower half of one leg due to cardiovascular blood complications, but gained a renewed vigor for his outlook on life.

Master Sgt. Ronald Heller, 28th Operations Support Squadron intelligence flight superintendent, stretches with his coworkers during a group physical training session at the Pride Hanger March 20.

The Problem Arises

During a deployment to Guam in the first half of 2006, Sergeant Heller began to notice he was having odd sensations in his foot.

Army Sergeant Builds Morale Through Art

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Capt. Thomas Cieslak

 

12.02.2009 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - A service member from Task Force Protector is using his skills to add unit pride and espirit de corps to an office inside a refurbished shipping container.

The many talents of U.S. Army Sgt. Henry Harrell, a counterinsurgency non-commissioned officer with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 16th Military Police Brigade, are evident on the office door of Col. John F. Garrity, the Task Force Protector commander.

"I have been working with art in general since I was five. I just started drawing one day and never stopped," said Harrell about developing his skill. "I took ten art classes in high school and turned down a full art scholarship to come in the Army."

Two shipping containers placed side-by-side in the Combined Joint Task Force- 82 Champion Main the offices of the Task Force Protector commander, deputy commander, command sergeant major and the counterinsurgency section.

Wooden walls and doors inside the shipping containers were painted white years ago and remained plain until Garrity noticed Harrell's talents and eye for color.

WWE Superstars Help Raise Air Cav Morale With Visit

1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Story by Sgt. Alun Thomas

12.02.2009  CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Professional wrestlers from World Wrestling Entertainment are used to being cheered by thousands of fans, night after night, during their grueling schedules every year in arenas throughout the world.

Seven WWE superstars found themselves receiving the same cheers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Dec. 2, when they visited Soldiers, here, as part of a WWE Morale, Welfare and Recreation tour, which comes to deployed areas every year since 2003.

The wrestlers, including Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin, Fit Finlay and Mark Henry, signed autographs and posed for photos with 1st ACB Soldiers at the Forward Arming and Refueling Point and the 615th Aviation Support Battalion maintenance hangar to an enthusiastic response.

Mizanin said the tour is his second trip to Iraq, but still an eye opener.

"It's funny because you always see news clips about what's going on out here, so you have an idea ... but you don't really know until you're actually here," Mizanin said.

Top US Officials Questioned on Afghanistan for Day 2

Congressional leaders express concern over troops levels, mission importance

VOA News 03 December 2009

Top U.S. defense and diplomatic officials are facing a second day of tough questioning in the U.S. Congress over President Barack Obama's revised Afghan war strategy that includes the deployment of an additional 30,000 troops.

Congress will need to approve an additional $30 billion needed to fund the strategy over the next year.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Democrat John Kerry expressed concern about whether there are enough Afghan troops to partner with American troops.

Senator Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the committee, said more discussion is needed on whether the mission is so important to national security that it requires huge spending increases,

20 NATO Countries to Send More Troops to Afghanistan

NATO says more than 20 countries plan to increase troop levels in Afghanistan, following US President Obama's increased commitment to the war.

VOA  Lisa Bryant | Brussels 03 December 2009  

NATO spokesman James Appathurai told reporters NATO members had shown a clear determination to support President Barack Obama's strategy in Afghanistan - not just through rhetoric, but by dispatching more troops.

"I can confirm we have now well over 20 countries that are indicating or have already indicated they intend to increase the amounts of forces they have in the country - in Afghanistan.  This is on top of the 38,000 (troops from other NATO members and allies) that are already there, taking into account a doubling over the past two years," he said.

Apparthurai said that based on discussions over the past two days, non-U.S. troop contributions to Afghanistan would easily surpass

AFG Salerno Sustained by Indiana Soldiers

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Spc. William Henry

12.02.2009  KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Indiana National Guard Soldiers from the 38th Infantry Division's Task Force Cyclone ensure Forward Operating Base Salerno is taken care of and maintained properly on a daily basis.

Located in the Khowst province of eastern Afghanistan, Salerno is near the Pakistan border and is home to four different elements of the Indiana National Guard.

The 1-19th Indiana Agri-business Development Team, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, the 177th Finance Company and 38th Infantry Division's Task Force Cyclone, who run base operations, reside at Salerno during their deployment.

Ex-AU Official Calls for a Special Summit on Somalia

A former African Union (AU) official is calling for an extraordinary summit of African heads of state and government to address the escalating violence in Somalia.

VOA  Peter Clottey | Washington, DC 03 December 2009

Ambassador Nicholas Bwakira, Ex-AU Special Representative to Somalia

Ambassador Nicholas Bwakira, the AU’s former special representative to Somalia, said it’s unfortunate countries that pledged troops to help end the violence have yet to live up to their promise.

"I think Kenya as a neighbor of Somalia has refrained from direct involvement that I think was in line with a… resolution taken by the AU. However, today, they (Kenya) are free to intervene at the request of

Soldier Finds Current Deployment Safer

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

12.02.2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - A Soldier who was badly wounded in a 2005 roadside-bomb explosion is serving in Iraq again, and he's finding deployed life easier this time around.

The road back to Iraq has been arduous for Spc. David Broome. In all, he was a patient in four hospitals for nearly two months before going home to begin the rehabilitation process. After several surgeries and treatments, he regained the use of his right leg, but some of his thigh muscle is missing, so he has limitations.

Lebanon Government Lets Hezbollah Keep Weapons

Lebanon's government has endorsed Hezbollah's right to keep its weapons for defense against Israel.

VOA News 02 December 2009

Lebanon's government has endorsed Hezbollah's right to keep its weapons for defense against Israel.

The decision is written into a policy statement released Wednesday by the new government of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri.

Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, recently reaffirmed the group's intention to continue building its weapons arsenal to defend the country against Israel.

Afghanistan, Iraq Drive Landmark Defense Review

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by Donna Miles

NEW YORK - The Quadrennial Defense Review under way within the Defense Department will be unlike any other: the first to be driven by current wartime requirements, to balance conventional and nonconventional capabilities, and to embrace a "whole of government" approach to national security, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today.

"This is a landmark QDR," Lynn told aerospace executives at the Aerospace and Defense Conference. "And it comes at a time when the nature of war is changing in ways that we need to adapt to. ... The QDR seeks to identify these changes and the challenges they present to our security."

The fiscal 2010 budget provided an important running start to the QDR, Lynn said. Difficult funding decisions made during the budget process reflect President Barack Obama's and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' strategic priorities, he said, and the QDR will build on this as it projects the way ahead.

Unlike previous QDRs, the current review puts the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq front and center, Lynn said.

"Secretary Gates has made clear that the conflicts we're in should be at the very forefront of our agenda," and set the priorities, Lynn told the executives. "He wants to make sure we're not giving up capabilities needed now for those needed for some unknown future conflict. He wants to make sure the Pentagon is truly on war footing."

Iraq Guard's all-female medical evacuation crew makes history

By Army Sgt. Neil Gussman Pennsylvania National Guard

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq, (12/1/09) -- Four soldiers serving here with the New Hampshire National Guard earned a special distinction last week when they became their company's first all-female medical evacuation crew.

From left, Sgt. Debra Lukan, Capt. Trish Barker, Staff Sgt. Misty Seward and Chief Warrant Officer Andrea Galatian, of the New Hampshire Army National Guard's 3-238th Medevac, C company, became the company's first all-female crew just before Thanksgiving. They are serving in Iraq as part of Task Force Keystone. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Neil Gussman, Pennsylvania National Guard)

In the three days before Thanksgiving, Capt. Trish Barker, Chief Warrant Officer Andrea Galatian, Staff Sgt. Misty Seward and Sgt. Debra Lukan, all of the 3-238th Medevac, C Company, comprised one of the on-alert crews for Task Force Keystone.

Service Members Track Travel at JBB Passenger Terminals

13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)  Story by Spc. Michael Camacho

12.02.2009 JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Just as equipment and sensitive items are tracked for accountability, units with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) track and maintain accountability of personnel, both at Joint Base Balad and throughout Iraq every day.

The mission of the reception, replacement, return-to-duty, redeployment, and rest and recuperation team with the 487th Human Resource Company, 90th Special Troops Battalion, 90th Sustainment Brigade, 13th ESC is to track service members and civilian contractors in transit arriving at or departing from JBB

, said Staff. Sgt. William MacNeil, a noncommissioned officer in charge of the passenger terminal, R5 team with the 487th and a Fayetteville, N.C., native.

Iraqi Police Arrest 8 Terror Suspects

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

12.02.2009 WASHINGTON - Iraqi police arrested eight terrorism suspects today, and an air strike during one of the operations killed an enemy fighter, military officials in Iraq reported.

A Salahuddin provincial police unit and U.S. advisors searched two buildings in a rural area north of Baghdad for a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq member coordinating suicide bombings in the region. Based on preliminary questioning and evidence discovered, police arrested four criminal suspects.

In a separate operation near Sadiyah, northwest of Baghdad, Iraqi police arrested four suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members.

Strike's Top Guns Makes Families a Part of the Team

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs Story by Spc. Joe Padula

FORT CAMPBELL, KY – An army who recognizes the importance of its Soldier, as well as its Soldier's family, will be a stronger army. The Soldiers of today's Army go through a vigorous training schedule, endure lengthy missions and perform tasks that are physically and mentally strenuous, but that Soldier is not the only one who has to deal with these harsh conditions.

At home awaiting for that Soldier with a hot meal and a warm heart is a loving spouse. Looking out of the front window is a child anticipating its favorite part of the day, jumping into the arms of its Soldier-parent as soon as they cross the threshold of the front door.

Captured British Sailors Tell Their Stories About Time in Iranian Detention

Five British yachtsmen who were detained by Iranian authorities for nearly a week after their boat drifted into the country's waters say their situation was dealt with in a professional manner.

VOA  Phillip Wellman | Dubai 03 December 2009

 The recently freed men arrived in Dubai by boat on Wednesday night, smiling and waving at cameras.
 
They explained how they had been arrested, blindfolded and interrogated by Iran's Revolutionary Guards who originally had suspected them of having ill intentions.  The Revolutionary Guards now say the yachtsmen entered Iranian waters by mistake.

Soldiers Engage Afghan Tribal Leaders

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

 

12.01.2009 NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. soldiers and their Afghan partners bedded down for the night at the Afghan National Police Achin District Center here, Nov. 18, in preparation for a meeting with Shinwari tribal elders and Afghan security personnel.

The meeting at the compound was something never done before, and it proved historic for the soldiers of the Georgia National Guard's 1st Squadron, 108th Regiment.

Lynn Cites Aerospace Role in Afghanistan Strategy

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by Donna Miles

12.02.2009 NEW YORK - Aerospace assets will be critical to the success of stepped-up operations in Afghanistan – from delivering troops to ferrying logistical support to providing lifesaving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to ground forces, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn told industry executives here, Dec. 2.

Lynn told several hundred Aerospace and Defense Conference attendees that he firmly supports President Barack Obama's new force commitment and revised strategy in Afghanistan, announced last night at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

"The situation there is serious," Lynn said. "New terrorist attacks against our homeland are being planned there now,