War On Terror News

Cpl Lichtenberger Preps for Columbia

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – After a successful tour in the Marine Corps, one 23-year-old corporal has begun preparing himself for his life’s next big challenge: earning a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, an Ivy League school in New York.

Cpl. Kyle Lichtenberger left home from Missouri, July 30, 2007, to step on the yellow footprints at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, with the goal of earning the title Marine, as three previous generations of his family have done.

Pictured: Cpl. Kyle Lichtenberger poses for a photograph in his home in Jacksonville, N.C. July 15. Lichtenberger is on terminal leave awaiting his Expiration of Active Service date, July 29. He has been accepted by Columbia University in New York

Before joining the Marine Corps, Lichtenberger attended Moberly Area Community College in Columbia, Mo., on a two-year scholarship. As the end of his academic program drew near, he said he realized he wanted to experience something different.

USS Sam Roberts Brings Tools of Education to Kenya

Samuel B. Roberts sailors participate in Kenyan community relations
By Petty Officer 2nd Class William Jamieson, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

MOMBASA, Kenya – Sailors from USS Samuel B. Roberts built and painted blackboards for a community relations project at Marenje Primary School, July 21.

This project is just one of the many ways Samuel B. Roberts is participating in Africa Partnership Station East’s Kenya “Hub.”

Marenje Primary School, located in one of the poorest areas of Kenya, serves more than 295 students at four grade levels with just four full-time teachers. The difficult task of providing students with a quality education is even more difficult with the lack of adequate teaching materials.

Taliban Talks Raise Fears of Talibanization

Phil Ittner VoA News, Kabul, Afghanistan: Recent calls to end the war in Afghanistan come with complications.

This is the fighting season, the summer months when poppy farmers are not in their fields and mountain paths are clear of snow. And the fighting is particularly intense as the Taliban look to retain control of territory, particularly in the east and south.

Attempting a negotiated settlement

For NATO and U.S. forces that means fresh offensive operations.  For the Taliban -  a series of assassinations and high profile attacks.

Talib Strike Afghan Controlled Helmand Capital: 11 Killed

VoA News: Officials in Afghanistan say a suicide car bombing Sunday in southern Helmand province has killed 11 people and wounded a dozen more.

A provincial spokesman says 10 police officers and a child were killed in the blast near police headquarters in the city of Lashkar Gah. He said three civilians were among the wounded.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security for Lashkar Gah was handed over this month from foreign to Afghan forces, part of the first stage of a plan to have all of Afghanistan under the oversight of Afghan security forces by the end of 2014.  

Taliban Finds Retreat From Marines More Palatable

3/4 Marines take, return fire near Gereshk, Afghanistan
by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith RCT-8 2nd MarDiv

PATROL BASE KAKAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan - In the low lands of Gereshk, Afghanistan, the Marines of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, know they are being watched by the insurgency.

This becomes apparent on many patrols and convoys moving between Patrol Base Kakar and Patrol Base 302, which the Marines have emplaced to disrupt enemy activity in the area.

On July 24 and 25, the Marines of 3rd Platoon, Company K, found out about the enemy surveillance and readied their guns for a possible fight.  The fight soon found them.

Helmand Farmers Look to Bees for the Answer

Honey equals money in Helmand province
by Cpl. Katherine Keleher RC-SW

GARESHK, Afghanistan – Beekeeping is the latest buzz in Helmand province, Afghanistan, after a three-day course during which nearly 20 Afghans learned the perks of farming bees rather than poppy.

The course, hosted July 26-28 in Gereshk, took place at the province’s master beekeeping teaching farm.

Pictured: Afghan farmers listen to a lecture about beekeeping, July 26, in Gereshk, Helmand province. The course was hosted by a local beekeeper with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, British Royal Army and Danish Army.

Texas Marines Smitten by Afghan Kids

Texas battalion’s good neighbor policy helps keep Helmand base secure
by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ross RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with the Houston-based Lone Star Battalion, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, have been conducting security and counterinsurgency operations in the vicinity of the Camp Leatherneck-Camp Bastion complex since deploying to Afghanistan in January.

The battalion is responsible for the area surrounding the bases, which are the largest coalition installations in Helmand province.

Libyan Rebels Shakeup Forces After Assassination

VoA News: The head of Libya's Transitional National Council says the opposition group has ordered all militia factions to disband and come under its control in the wake of the murder of the group's military chief.

Mustafa Abdel Jalil announced the decision on Saturday after military chief Abdel Fattah Younes and two of his aides were gunned down on their way to Benghazi on Thursday.

Younes had been part of leader Moammar Gadhafi's inner circle before joining the rebels, but Jalil denied reports that he may have been killed for suspected treason.

War In Afghanistan News - 31 July 2011

  At least 3 Talib thugs feed the worms today.

At  least Eight Talib thugs including a leader surrendered Friday.  An Haqqani Leader led two of his minions into surrender as well.

Afghan Forces responded to an attack in Tarin Kowt, defeating the Taliban handily while freeing 10 hostages.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News
ISAF Details Follow:

Sniper Taylor's "Non-Combat" Combat

Soldier calls for support, disrupts enemy activity

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – To maintain the safety of fellow service members traveling through northern Iraq, U.S. soldiers conduct counter-improvised explosive device operations, ensuring the removal of roadside bombs and the apprehension of those planting them.

Spc. Patrick Taylor, assigned to the sniper section, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, was engaged by enemy fire while conducting counter-IED operations near Tikrit, Iraq, July 12.

CA Rotorheads Leave Iraq

1-140th AHB says goodbye Iraq, hello California
by 1st Lt. Jason Sweeney 40th CAB

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The California Army National guardsmen of the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, have left the blistering heat of Iraq behind and are en route to the cool ocean breezes of the California coast.

The battalion wrapped up its yearlong tour in Iraq in late July and is expected to arrive at its home station of Los Alamitos, Calif. around Aug. 1.

Snipers: Feared by the Enemy

Task Force Talon snipers a valuable asset
by Spc. April York 4th ID

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, have been conducting extensive partnered security operations with Afghan National Security Forces in western Kandahar City over the past month to disrupt and destroy Taliban networks and secure the population.

A vital enabler to these missions has been Headquarters and Headquarters Company’s sniper team. These operations have included everything from human terrain mapping to large-scale clearance operations.

MidEast Roundup 30 July 2011

The turmoil of the MidEast continues as Islamists in Egypt, Turkey, and Yemen make gains in attacks, political or violent, against democratic rule.

In Libya, the "justification" for specific attacks is becoming even more specious as NATO suggests that Qaddaffi's words threaten civilians physically.  Meanwhile, "Who shot the General?" points to several potential reasons for the assassination of the top rebel commander.  The death of the former confidant of Qaddaffi turned Rebel Military leader casts suspicion on Qaddaffi spies, rivals, and Rebel leadership.

In Syria, the oppression of protestors remains violent as many more civilians are killed by government forces.

And the government run press in Iran is speculating that the American hikers illegally imprisoned there may finally be released at the beginning of Ramadan.

Previously reported: Iraq has decided 46 Ministers of Government is 50% too many to effectively run a government, while it weighs whether or not to request that US Troops stay, in accordance with pleas by the Obama Administration.  Security in Iraq continues to deteriorate, as evidence of Iran-Al-Qaeda connections continues to mount.

 In Egypt, Tens of Thousands of Egyptians turned out for an Islamist Protest for Sharia Law

Iraq Cuts Government; Weighs Obama Request to Keep US Troops

VoA News: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has reached an agreement with parliament that calls for reducing the size of his national unity government.

The plan, which was announced Saturday, cuts the size of the Cabinet by at least 12 ministers.

Earlier, Mr. Maliki had outlined a proposal that called for reducing the size of the Cabinet from 46 to 30 ministers. He said the government's size had become a “burden” that caused delays in decision-making.

Afghan Forces Seek Means of Sufficiency

ANSF works to improve operations

CJTF-1: PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – With guidance from coalition forces advisers, Afghan National Security Forces in Regional Command-East used July to discuss challenges within their organizations and ways to improve.

The Afghan efforts began with a logistics conference at the 203rd Thunder Corps headquarters near Gardēz July 17-20. Representatives from various regions came to the base to be instructed on Afghan National Army doctrine and express concerns.

Islamist Momentum Builds in Egypt

Al Pessin, VoA News, Cairo: Tens of thousands of Egyptians supporting a variety of political movements rallied on Cairo’s Tahrir Square Friday.  The groups don’t necessarily agree on what kind of country to build in the wake of the revolution five months ago, but their leaders decided to try to show solidarity during Friday’s protest.

Busloads of devout Muslims from around the country swelled the crowd and chanted for the establishment of Islamic Sharia law in Egypt.  Transportation for the demonstrators was arranged by several Islamist political groups that are eager to assert their influence after being largely sidelined during the revolution.

^{Video clip of today's protest:}

USS Doyle last wave

MAYPORT, Fla. (July 29, 2011) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) disembark the ship for the last time during the ship's decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Mayport. Doyle, named in honor of Vice Adm. James H. Doyle, has been in service with the U.S. Navy since May 1983. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr./Released)

SGT Fortkamp: One Last Tour of Medicine

TF Duke medic heals, develops fellow soldiers
by Staff Sgt. John Zumer 1st ID

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan — As a young non-commissioned officer, U.S. Army Sgt. Elizabeth Fortkamp enjoys an enviable position. One of her biggest supporters happens to be her battalion commander, yet as far as Fortkamp is concerned, the feelings of professional respect in her unit have always been a two-way street.

Fortkamp, a senior medic with the Fort Knox, Ky.-based Company C, 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, is a five-year Army veteran presently serving in eastern Afghanistan on her second deployment.

Benefits of Service: 1st Grade Literacy

ANSF celebrates its 100,000th graduate of literacy training program
by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael James NTM-A

KABUL – The Afghan National Army graduated 1,287 soldiers from Basic Warrior Training at Kabul Military Training Center, July 28, including a special commemoration marking the graduation of the 100,000th Afghan National Security Force literacy program trainee.

ANA soldier Mohammed Khalil, graduating with BWT Kandak 162, was chosen to represent the 100,000th literacy graduate. He was awarded a commemorative certificate and writing pen.

Pictured: Afghan National Army Pvt. Mohammed Khalil, the 100,000th Basic Warrior Training graduate to go through literacy training, is awarded a plaque and pen by Brig. Gen. Amlaqullah Patyani, the Kabul Military Training Center Commander, at Kabul Military Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan, July 28, 2011, in recognition of the Afghan National Security Force's accomplishments in the realm of education and literacy. Basic Warrior Training Kandak 162 graduated 1,287 soldiers, all of whom will continue training at various Afghan National Army Branch Schools or the Consolidated Fielding Center in Kabul, either of which training routes will offer further literacy training to the soldiers.

US Triples Shindand AB in Afghanistan for $18.2 Million

Partial completion of apron provides additional capability for US Air Force at Shindand
by Joan Kibler US Corps-Engineers

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The partial completion of a strategic airlift apron at Shindand Airbase gives the U.S. Air Force added capability as it supports Afghan air force and coalition efforts in western Afghanistan’s Herat province.

Shindand Airbase provides air mobility support for coalition operations, with C-17 aircraft regularly landing on a single runway, and it serves as a training ground for the Afghan air force.

“We will start training Afghan pilots here in September,” said Air Force Col. John Hokaj, commander of the U.S. Air Force’s 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group based at Shindand.

Islamists Slaughter 11 Paki Muslims

Gunmen Kill 11 Shi’ite Muslims in SW Pakistan

VoA News: Police in southwestern Pakistan say gunmen opened fire on a minibus Saturday, killing 11 Shi'ite Muslims, including one woman.

Officials say at least two people were wounded in the suspected sectarian attack in Quetta, the provincial capital of Baluchistan.

Hundreds of people staged a demonstration outside a Quetta medical complex to protest the attack, torching two cars and two motorcycles. Authorities say the police have regained control of the situation.

Pakistan has a history of sectarian violence. Although most majority Sunnis and Shi'ites live peacefully together, small extremist groups on both sides often target each other.

A separatist insurgency and criminal groups also are active in Baluchistan.

On Friday, unknown gunmen killed seven people at a bus terminal in Quetta. The victims were waiting for a bus heading to neighboring Iran, and included some people of non-Baluch origin.

Forward Operating Base Deh Dadi II continues expansion

  by Sgt. 1st Class Peter Mayes 101st AA

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DEH DADI II, Afghanistan – From what he’s been told, 1st Lt. Robert Schnabel said Forward Operating Base Deh Dadi II is a great place to be.

“I don’t get a chance to get off the FOB much, but I’ve been told it’s well laid out,” the FOB DDII mayor said.

Pictured: Sgt. William Paulk of the 900th Maintenance Company, Alabama National Guard, eats his first slice of Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza at the grand opening of the facility at Forward Operating Base Deh Dadi II. The Pizza Hut completes the food court on the FOB, as the 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion continues to expand construction projects there.

US Civilian Engineers Join Afghan Counter-Drug Mission

US Army Corp of Engineers Contribute to the Counternarcotics Mission in Afghanistan

From left to right: U.S. Ambassador Hans G. Klemm, Herat Provincial Governor Daud Sab and Counternarcotics Vice Minister Baz Mohammed Ahmadi celebrate the opening of the new regional counternarcotics law enforcement center in Herat July 23. (Photo by Rachel Cooke) US Army Corp of Engineers, Afghanistan Engineer District- South Story By: Karla Marshall KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (July 30, 2011)— Afghanistan’s illegal narcotics industry undermines the country’s lawful economic development, erodes government legitimacy and threatens the nation’s stability and security. One of the key components of the U.S. Government’s counternarcotics strategy, outlined in March 2010, is helping the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan develop self-reliant and effective counternarcotics law enforcement entities.

Obama Chooses Carter: “Campaign to Cut Waste.”

...we will deliver the kind of transparency and accountability for federal spending that the public deserves and expects,” Vice President Joe Biden...

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2011 – A senior Defense Department official who has a lead role in Pentagon cost-saving and efficiency efforts has been named to a new White House board to cut waste in federal spending.

President Barack Obama yesterday appointed Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, to the 11-member Government Accountability and Transparency Board, a body he created last month as part of the administration’s “Campaign to Cut Waste.”

Kuwait, Iraq on joint exercise in Perisian Gulf

BOATS WITHOUT BORDERS. Iraq, Kuwait perform joint exercise in Persian Gulf

Written by Pvt. Andrew C. Slovensky, 362nd MPAD, USD-S Public Affairs July 29, 2011

UMM QASR, Iraq - On a warm morning over calm waters, the horizon is lined with small fishing boats. A Kuwaiti Coast Guard cutter discovers an Iraqi fisherman operating illegally in Kuwait’s territorial waters and the crew detains him. The Iraqi Navy arrives to take custody of the apprehended fisherman and return him to friendlier seas.

At least 17 civilians killed in Helmand bomb blast

VOA News July 29 2011

Afghan police say a roadside bomb blast has killed at least 17 civilians in southern Helmand province.

Authorities say the victims were killed Friday morning when their minivan ran over a bomb in the Nahri Sarraj district.

Officials say security forces who responded to the explosion were attacked by insurgents. It was not immediately clear is any of the responders were killed.

War In Afghanistan News - 30 July 2011

Another crossdressing Talib "leader" was killed recently, trying to hide amongst women and fearing his demon filled afterlife.

A family was freed from their Talib kidnappers in Paktika, and the thugs sent to their demonic overlords.

Multiple Haqqani and Talib thugs again chose the Iron Bar Motel over the possibility of 72 virgin demons.

Previously reported:
LTG Caldwell IV was cleared of all wrongdoing as alleged by Rolling Stone.
The enemy murdered another 17 civilians.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News
ISAF Details Follow:

 

Helmand memorial honours Royal Artillery fallen

A History and Honour news article

28 Jul 11

A new memorial to the fallen gunners of the Royal Artillery was dedicated at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, last week.

The Royal Artillery memorial in Camp Bastion
[Picture: Flight Lieutenant Liz Price, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

 

On Monday, 18 July 2011, members of the Royal Artillery's 29 Commando Regiment gathered at Camp Bastion in Helmand province, to witness the dedication of the first memorial to the Royal Artillery's fallen gunners.

During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Smith, Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment, read aloud the names of the seventeen Royal Artillery gunners who have lost their lives in Afghanistan; six of whom were from his own regiment.

"The battle groups had their own memorials, but there was never one place that collected together all the members of the Royal Artillery who have fallen during the campaign here, so it was right and proper to bring them together in a single place," said Lt Col Smith.

Active duty Army general nominated to lead Northern Command

By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. (7/28/11) – An active duty Army general has been nominated to lead Northern Command.

Army Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr. was nominated to lead the Colorado Springs, Colo., based command and its sister North American Aerospace Defense Command, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced Tuesday.

The combatant command’s fifth commander, Jacoby would replace Navy Adm. James Winnefeld, who has been nominated as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The National Guard supports all the combatant commanders, and it has a particularly close relationship with NORTHCOM, where more than 40 full-time Guard members serve.

“Simply said, we could not do our missions without the National Guard,” Winnefeld told the House Armed Services Committee in March, mentioning the Guard 15 times in a 15-page statement.

Founded in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, NORTHCOM conducts homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.

NORAD, its 53-year-old sister command, conducts aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning in the defense of North America.

3rd ID test Iraqi Army Medics

3rd Infantry Division Soldiers test Iraqi Army medics for their Iraqi Field Medic Badge. Produced by Staff Sgt. Crystal Cook, Al Asad, Iraq.