War On Terror News

Army Suicides through April

The Army released suicide data today for the month of April 2013.  During April, among active-duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides:  one has been confirmed as a suicide and 10 remain under investigation.  For March 2013, the Army reported 10 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers; six have been confirmed as suicides and four are under investigation.  For 2013, there have been 52 potential active-duty suicides:  22 have been confirmed as suicides and 30 remain under investigation.  Updated active-duty suicide numbers for 2012: 184 (159 have been confirmed as suicides and 25 remain under investigation). 

            During April 2013, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 16 potential suicides (13 Army National Guard and three Army Reserve):  none have been confirmed as suicides and 16 remain under investigation.  For March 2013, among that same group, the Army reported 12 potential suicides; however, subsequent to the report, another case was added bringing March's total to 13 (nine Army National Guard and four Army Reserve):  none have been confirmed as suicides and 13 cases remain under investigation.  For 2013, there have been 57 potential not on active duty suicides (36 Army National Guard and 21 Army Reserve): 21 have been confirmed as suicides and 36 remain under investigation.  Updated not on active duty suicide numbers for 2012: 140 (93 Army National Guard and 47 Army Reserve); 138 have been confirmed as suicides and two remain under investigation. 

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April Army Suicide Data

Army Reserve falls 10% behind recruiting goals

The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for fiscal 2013, through March.  

            Active Component.  

            Recruiting.  All four active services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2013, through March.  

                        •  Army -- 33,857 accessions, with a goal of 33,520; 101 percent

                        •  Navy -- 17,350 accessions, with a goal of 17,350; 100 percent

                        •  Marine Corps -- 13,010 accessions, with a goal of 12,978; 100 percent

                        •  Air Force -- 13,989 accessions, with a goal of 13,989; 100 percent 

            Retention.  The Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps exhibited strong retention numbers for the sixth month of fiscal 2013.  The Navy exhibited strong retention numbers in the mid-career and career categories. However, the Navy's achievement of 90 percent in the initial category is a result of reduced accessions from four to six years ago. 

            Reserve Component.   

            Recruiting.  Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their fiscal-year-to-date 2013 numerical accession goals.  The Army Reserve finished January 1,501 accessions short of its goal.  

                        •  Army National Guard -- 26,100 accessions, with a goal of 25,005; 104 percent

                        •  Army Reserve -- 12,976 accessions, with a goal of 14,477; 90 percent

                        •  Navy Reserve -- 2,700 accessions, with a goal of 2,700; 100 percent

                        •  Marine Corps Reserve -- 4,518 accessions, with a goal of 4,472; 101 percent

                        •  Air National Guard -- 4,875 accessions, with a goal of 4,875; 100 percent

                        •  Air Force Reserve -- 3,685 accessions, with a goal of 3,685; 100 percent 

            Attrition -- All Reserve Components have met their attrition goals.  Current trends are expected to continue

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Army Reserve misses Recruiting goals by 1,034; Jan 2013

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Army Reserve continues to miss Recruiting goals in August 2012

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55,342 Guard and Reserve on Active Orders

The Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated National Guard members and reservists while the Army National Guard and Army Reserve announced an increase of activated National Guard members and reservists.  The net collective result is 68 additional National Guard members and reservists activated in comparison to last week.

            At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease.  The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 39,757; Navy Reserve, 4,311; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 8,269; Marine Corps Reserve, 2,464; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 541.  This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 55,342, including both units and individual augmentees.

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58,244 Reserve/Guard on Active Duty 11 DEC 2012

54,755 Guard and Reserve on Active Duty

63,737 Guard/Reserve Mobilized for Active Duty as of Sep 2012

Army Suicides continue to rise March 2013

The Army released suicide data today for the month of March 2013.  During March, among active-duty soldiers, there were 10 potential suicides:  three have been confirmed as suicides and seven remain under investigation.  For February 2013, the Army reported 11 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers; four have been confirmed as suicides and seven are under investigation.  For 2013, there have been 41 potential active-duty suicides:  15 have been confirmed as suicides and 26 remain under investigation.  Updated active-duty suicide numbers for 2012:  184 (158 have been confirmed as suicides and 26 remain under investigation).

            During March 2013, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 12 potential suicides (eight Army National Guard and four Army Reserve):  none have been confirmed as suicides and 12 remain under investigation.  For February 2013, among that same group, the Army reported 14 potential suicides (eight Army National Guard and six Army Reserve); six have been confirmed as suicides and eight cases remain under investigation.  For 2013, there have been 40 potential not on active duty suicides (22 Army National Guard and 18 Army Reserve): 19 have been confirmed as suicides and 21 remain under investigation.  Updated not on active duty suicide numbers for 2012: 140 (93 Army National Guard and 47 Army Reserve); 138 have been confirmed as suicides and two remain under investigation.

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55,274 Guard and Reserve on Active Orders

The Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Air Force Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated reservists while the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Air National Guard and Coast Guard Reserve announced an increase of activated National Guard members and reservists. The net collective result is 328 additional National Guard members and reservists activated in comparison to last week.

            At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease.  The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 39,434; Navy Reserve, 4,335; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 8,495; Marine Corps Reserve, 2,466; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 544.  This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 55,274, including both units and individual augmentees.

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58,244 Reserve/Guard on Active Duty 11 DEC 2012

63,737 Guard/Reserve Mobilized for Active Duty as of Sep 2012

62,995 Guard & Reserve mobilized as of 16 Oct 2012

Video: GITMO hunger strikers - Let them eat...or NOT!

Out of GITMO comes word that there are 'clashes' between guards and detainees, as over 40 of them continue to stage a hunger strike.

 

From the BBC:

13 April 2013

Clashes at Guantanamo over hunger strike prisoners

Prisoners and guards have clashed at Guantanamo Bay as authorities moved inmates, many of whom are on hunger strike, out of communal cellblocks.

 

The move came after detainees covered surveillance cameras and windows, a US Army spokesman said.

 

He said some prisoners used "improvised weapons" and in response "four less-than-lethal rounds" were fired.

 

The Pentagon says 43 prisoners are on hunger strike, but lawyers for the detainees say the number is higher.

Drone Operators Medal repealed

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 By Jim Garamone, AFPS - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has eliminated the Distinguished Warfare Medal, DOD officials announced today.

Instead, the military will recognize service members who directly affect combat operations without being present through distinguishing devices that will be affixed to already existing awards.

Soon after being sworn in as defense secretary Feb. 27, 2013, Hagel asked Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to lead a review of the medal.

"The Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the concurrence of the service secretaries, have recommended the creation of a new distinguishing device that can be affixed to existing medals to recognize the extraordinary actions of this small number of men and women," Hagel said in a written release.

"I agree with the Joint Chiefs' findings, and have directed the creation of a distinguishing device instead of a separate medal," Hagel said in the release.

Hagel added: "The servicemen and women who operate and support our remotely piloted aircraft, operate in cyber, and others are critical to our military's mission of safeguarding the nation."

The distinguishing devices will serve to recognize these service members' achievements, he said.

The undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness will develop the award criteria in close coordination with the services and the Joint Staff, officials said.

DOD announced the creation of the Distinguished Warfare Medal Feb. 13, 2013.

"I've always felt -- having seen the great work that they do, day-in and day-out -- that those who performed in an outstanding manner should be recognized," then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during a news conference announcing the medal.

"Unfortunately," Panetta added, "medals that they otherwise might be eligible for simply did not recognize that kind of contribution."

Members of veterans' service organizations and others objected to the Distinguished Warfare Medal, officials said. The medal's order of precedence was to be just below the Distinguished Flying Cross and just above the Bronze Star. Some commentators objected that it would rank higher than the Purple Heart -- awarded to those wounded or killed in action.

"When I came into office, concerns were raised to me about the Distinguished Warfare Medal's order of precedence by veterans' organizations, members of Congress and other stakeholders whose views are valued by this department's leadership," Hagel said.

The distinguishing devices can be affixed to awards at different levels, so, once written, the criteria for the awards must reflect that, officials said. For example, the criteria for affixing a device to an Army Commendation Medal would be different than those for a Meritorious Service Medal -- a higher award.

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Units to be deployed to Afghanistan

 The Department of Defense today identified four major units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.  The scheduled rotation involves one cavalry regiment with roughly 3,000 personnel; one armored brigade combat team (ABCT) with roughly 3,200 personnel; one infantry brigade combat team (IBCT) with roughly 2,200 personnel; and a division headquarters with roughly 450 personnel to rotate in summer 2013. The deploying units include:

            Brigade Combat Teams:          

                        2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

                        2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

                        3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky.

            Division Headquarters:

                        4th Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Carson, Colo.

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Army Reserve misses recruiting goals by 12%

The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the Active and Reserve Components for fiscal year (FY) 2013 through February.

          Active Component. 

• Recruiting.  All four active Services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for FY 2013 through February.

              Army – 26,978 accessions, with a goal of 26,795; 101 percent

              Navy – 14,007 accessions, with a goal of 14,007; 100 percent

              Marine Corps – 11,131 accessions, with a goal of 11,112; 100 percent

              Air Force – 11,874 accessions, with a goal of 11,874; 100 percent

• Retention.  The Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps exhibited strong retention numbers through the 5th month of FY 2013.  The Navy exhibited strong retention numbers in the mid-career and career categories.However, the Navy's achievement of 88 percent in the initial category is a result of the transition from a downsizing to a stabilizing posture.

         Reserve Component.

• Recruiting. Five of the six Reserve Components met or exceeded their Fiscal-Year-To-Date (FYTD) 2013 recruiting goals. The Army Reserve finished February 1,410 accessions short of its FYTD goal.

              Army National Guard – 21,186 accessions, with a goal of 20,664; 103 percent

              Army Reserve – 10,531 accessions, with a goal of 11,941; 88 percent

              Navy Reserve – 2,237 accessions, with a goal of 2,237; 100 percent

              Marine Corps Reserve – 3,894 accessions, with a goal of 3,853; 101 percent

              Air National Guard – 3,960 accessions, with a goal of 3,960; 100 percent

              Air Force Reserve – 3,085 accessions, with a goal of 3,085; 100 percent

• Attrition – All Reserve Components have met their FYTD attrition goals.  Current trends are expected to continue.  (Note: This indicator lags by a month due to data availability).

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Army suicides on pace for another record high

The Army released suicide data today for the month of February 2013.  During February, among active-duty soldiers, there were 11 potential suicides:  three have been confirmed as suicides and eight remain under investigation.  For January 2013, the Army reported 19 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers; however, subsequent to the report, another case was added bringing January's total to 20: seven have been confirmed as suicides and 13 are under investigation.  For CY 2013, there have been 31 potential active-duty suicides:  10 have been confirmed as suicides and 21 remain under investigation.  Updated active-duty suicide numbers for CY 2012: 183 (156 have been confirmed as suicides and 27 remain under investigation).

            During February, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 13 potential suicides (eight Army National Guard and five Army Reserve):  four have been confirmed and nine are still under investigation.  For January 2013, among that same group, the Army reported 14 potential suicides; nine have been confirmed and five cases remain under investigation.  For CY 2013, there have been 27 potential not on active duty suicides (14 Army National Guard and 13 Army Reserve): 13 have been confirmed as suicides and 14 remain under investigation.  Updated not on active duty suicide numbers for CY 2012: 140 (93 Army National Guard and 47 Army Reserve); 136 have been confirmed as suicides and four remain under investigation.

            Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Trained consultants are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and can be contacted by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by visiting their website at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org .

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Army Suicides exceed 2011 totals in November

Army Reserve misses Recruiting goals by 1,034; Jan 2013

The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for fiscal 2013, through January.

Active Component.

             Recruiting.  All four active services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2013, through October.

• Army – 20,273 accessions, with a goal of 20,175; 100 percent
• Navy – 10,990 accessions, with a goal of 10,990; 100 percent
• Marine Corps – 9,244 accessions, with a goal of 9,230; 100 percent
• Air Force – 9,589 accessions, with a goal of 9,589; 100 percent

            Retention.  The Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps exhibited strong retention numbers for the fourth month of fiscal 2013.  The Navy exhibited strong retention numbers in the mid-career and career categories. However, the Navy's achievement of 86 percent in the initial category is a result of the transition from a downsizing to a stabilizing posture.

Reserve Component.

            Recruiting.  Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their fiscal-year-to-date 2013 numerical accession goals.  The Army Reserve finished January 1,034 accessions short of its goal.

• Army National Guard – 17,100 accessions, with a goal of 16,314; 105 percent
• Army Reserve – 8,518 accessions, with a goal of 9,552; 89 percent
• Navy Reserve – 1,787 accessions, with a goal of 1,787; 100 percent
• Marine Corps Reserve – 3,270 accessions, with a goal of 2,995; 109 percent
• Air National Guard – 3,063 accessions, with a goal of 3,063; 100 percent
• Air Force Reserve – 2,513 accessions, with a goal of 2,513; 100 percent

            Attrition – All Reserve Components have met their attrition goals.  Current trends are expected to continue.  (This indicator lags by one month due to data availability.)

General Allen cleared of wrongdoing

By Cheryl Pellerin, AFPS, WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2013 - A Defense Department inspector general investigation into allegations of professional misconduct has cleared Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said yesterday.

In a statement, Little said Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta was pleased to learn the investigation did not substantiate the allegations and that the inspector general has closed the investigation.

On Oct. 10, President Barack Obama nominated Allen to serve as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and commander of U.S. European Command. Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, now in that position, is scheduled to retire.

In November, while Panetta was traveling in the Asia-Pacific region, the FBI referred a matter involving Allen to the Defense Department.

Panetta directed that the matter be referred to the DOD IG for investigation. He informed the chairman and ranking members of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee.

The secretary also asked the ranking members of the Senate Armed Services Committee to delay a confirmation hearing scheduled for Nov. 15 on Allen's pending NATO nomination until the matter was resolved.

On Dec. 3, the Senate confirmed Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., assistant Marine Corps commandant, as the next commander of ISAF and U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Panetta, Little said in his statement, "has complete confidence in the continued leadership of General Allen, who is serving with distinction in Afghanistan."

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CSgtMaj Battaglia: NCO leadership key to Suicide Prevention

By Claudette Roulo, AFPS, KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss., Jan. 16, 2013 - The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today that he can't succeed at his job without the help of enlisted service members, and he called on noncommissioned officers to know their troops well enough to head off problems.

Air Force and Marine Corps first sergeants assigned to Keesler Air Force Base met with Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia and talked about several challenges faced by the enlisted force.

"You have a hard job," he told the noncommissioned officers. "I wish I could give you a pay raise."

Over breakfast, Battaglia answered questions about suicide prevention efforts and whether the position of senior enlisted advisor to the chairman would become an enduring one.

The fact that the military suicide rate is lower than that of the population at large shouldn't be considered a compliment or accolade, Battaglia said. "We don't use society as a bar," he noted, adding that instead, the military should stand as a model for society.

The military suicide prevention effort will succeed only if suicide is taken out of the decision-making process for service members, Battaglia said. "This is easier said than done," he acknowledged, but he told the first sergeants they are up to the challenge.

"You really have to know your folks," he said. "I just can't overemphasize this."

Battaglia said he recently came to the realization that "maybe we're studying the wrong thing" in the suicide prevention effort. Instead of studying what the military is doing wrong, he said, he is now focusing on what it's doing right.

For example, he told the NCOs, the suicide rate in U.S. Forces Korea is nearly zero. Discussions with the senior enlisted leaders there have shown him that command climate and operational focus are essential tools in battling suicide.

As to whether the job of senior enlisted advisor to the chairman continues to exist after he leaves it, Battaglia told the service members it depends on how he performs. The position is resonating well throughout the force, he said, adding that he hopes it continues.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey's first official act as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was to swear in his enlisted advisor, the sergeant major said. "That was huge," he added, because it indicated the value the chairman places on enlisted service members.

"I don't know why he selected me," Battaglia joked. "I don't plan on asking. Some things are better left unsaid."

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Army Reserves miss recruiting goals Nov 2012

The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for fiscal 2013, through November.

Active Component.

            Recruiting.  All four active services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2013, through November.

• Army – 11,685 accessions, with a goal of 11,550; 101 percent
• Navy – 5,299 accessions, with a goal of 5,299; 100 percent
• Marine Corps – 4,293 accessions, with a goal of 4,307; 100 percent
• Air Force – 4,452 accessions, with a goal of 4,452; 100 percent

           Retention.  The Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps exhibited strong retention numbers for the second month of fiscal 2013.  While the Navy exhibited strong retention numbers in the mid-career and career categories, the Navy's achievement of 88 percent in the initial category is a result of the transition from a downsizing to a stabilizing posture.

Reserve Component.

           Recruiting. Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their fiscal-year-to-date 2013 recruiting goals.  The Army Reserve finished November 654 short of their goal.

• Army National Guard – 8,453 accessions, with a goal of 7,146; 118 percent
• Army Reserve – 4,013 accessions, with a goal of 4,667; 86 percent
• Navy Reserve – 877 accessions, with a goal of 877; 100 percent
• Marine Corps Reserve – 1,768 accessions, with a goal of 1,569; 113 percent
• Air National Guard – 1,414 accessions, with a goal of 1,414; 100 percent
• Air Force Reserve – 1,279 accessions, with a goal of 1,279; 100 percent

           Attrition – All reserve components have met their fiscal-year-to-date attrition goals.  Current trends are expected to continue.  (This indicator lags by a month due to data availability).

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June 2012 Military Recruiting

Duke Univ part of DoD pie increases to $30 Million

By Amaani Lyle, American Forces Press Service, WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2013 - The Defense Department sponsors Duke University researchers to conduct projects in mathematics, engineering and biology that advance military capabilities and strengthen national security, a university official said in a recent phone interview.

Duke University researchers actively participate in DOD programs and awards, and projects are designed to help the warfighter enhance intelligence gathering, avoid battlefield hazards and maintain medical readiness, said Dr. Jim Siedow, the university's vice provost for research.

"There's always been an interest in Duke scientists for projects that might be defense related," Siedow said. "It's an important element of research for us, given that a lot of what the military does today involves gathering intelligence -- so the better you're able to do that, the safer the world is likely to be."

Although the research projects typically do not bear fruit for decades, Siedow described relatively short-term success stories from past and current projects.

"[An electrical engineer professor] developed algorithms applied to the function of cochlear implants that allow people to hear, so there's a computer technology associated with [it]," he said.

The U.S. Army, Siedow said, now uses the same algorithms, or step-by-step calculations, transforming them into handheld and ground standoff mine detection systems able to detect explosive objects.

"That came out of military-funded work on cochlear implants, which then evolved into helping to detect explosives and landmines in Afghanistan," he explained.

Another project, pre-symptomatic detection and diagnostics, improves the detection of illnesses caused by pathogens before they become severe, Siedow said.

"In the military, you've got a lot of people, often crammed into close quarters, who may be headed out to battle," Siedow said. "If one of them is coming down with something contagious, whether naturally or from enemy actions, you want to know that before you send 99 [troops] and one infected person into the field. This could ultimately lead to more than 50 of them becoming infected."

Siedow said the challenge is to detect when someone has been exposed to or is carrying a disease.

"You can understand the importance of that, but you can also understand the complexity of that," Siedow said of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency-funded venture.

Perhaps one of the more futuristic and science fiction-inspired projects is research in an engineering area known as metamaterials, dubbed the "invisibility cloak," Siedow said.

And Duke University is one of the world's leaders in metamaterials research, he said.

Siedow explained that researchers can modify an object's electromagnetic properties to actually change the nature of the material and its capability of being perceived.

"Think about the old television series 'Star Trek,'" he said. "The Klingons could 'cloak' their spacecraft so they couldn't be seen ... and with metamaterials we can do the same thing."

Siedow knows of a variety of military uses for such technology.

"It's one thing to have a stealth fighter that's hard to see," he said. "It's another thing to have an aircraft that literally can't be seen -- by radar or the naked eye, depending on how you align it -- even though it's there."

The magic behind the science is simple in theory.

"You and I envision something not because we see it, but because light gets refracted off of it," he said. "You can set up these mechanisms where nothing gets reflected so there isn't any way of seeing it."

Siedow believes the metamaterials project is on the verge of bringing about widespread change in how the military operates.

"Within the decade, metamaterials will become an inherent part of our standard military operations," he said. "We're very well positioned to take advantage of that and we'll continue to see DOD funding any number of things."

The university gets research funding from a variety of DOD agencies, and many projects have heavily integrated the National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation.

But as funding for NIH and NSF has stabilized or at times even declined, researchers and engineers have also been able to rely on DOD, where science, health and technology projects abound, Siedow said.

DOD partnerships with Duke University as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University have, in many instances, led to grants and contracts from the Army Research Office, Siedow said.

DOD-sponsored research expenditures at Duke University increased from $17.7 million in fiscal year 2008 to more than $30 million by 2011, according to the university's financial reports.

"Many of these projects funded by DOD are interdisciplinary, so they're being done not only in conjunction with Duke scientists but scientists elsewhere," Siedow said.

He said even basic research makes the funding and partnerships worthy ventures.

"In the early stages, you've got a lot of primary physics and engineering principles that need to be well understood to turn that into a working product," Siedow said. "Universities have historically been positioned at the early, not latter, stages of that research continuum."

With hundreds of collaborative research projects in the works over the last several decades, Siedow asserts that scholarly and military research endeavors can coexist and complement each other.

"Most nuclear engineers in this country who work in nuclear power plants got their start on a submarine -- that's the big training ground," Siedow said. "Service to your country and practicing as a scientist are not incompatible."

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RIP GEN H "Stormin" Norman Schwarzkopf

Retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf, born 22 AUG 1934, who commanded the U.S.-led international coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait in 1991, has died.  He was 78.

Schwarzkopf died Thursday, 27 DEC 2012, from complications from pneumonia in Tampa, Florida.

"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it." General H. Norman Scwarzkopf

Schwarzkopf lived in Tehran, while his father Major General Schwarzkopf was stationed there, when he was a teenager.

A highly-decorated combat soldier in Vietnam, Schwarzkopf was known popularly as “Stormin' Norman.''   In 1990-91, he led Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, which protected Saudi Arabia from invasion and then liberated Kuwait from Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's forces.

"As far as Saddam Hussein being a great military strategist, he is neither a strategist, nor is he schooled in the operational arts, nor is he a tactician, nor is he a general, nor is he a soldier. Other than that, he's a great military man, I want you to know that." General H. Norman Schwarzkopf

General Schwarzkopf had a reputation for fiercely fighting for his men, and taking risks to ensure their survival.

Schwarzkopf lived in Tampa, where he served in his last military assignment as commander-in-chief of the U.S. Central Command, the headquarters responsible for U.S. military and security concerns in nearly 20 countries from the eastern Mediterranean and Africa to Pakistan.

Schwarzkopf retired from active service in late 1991.  Following Desert Storm, many pressed the General to run for political office, but he preferred to stay out of the limelight.

The White House said of Schwarzkopf's passing that the general's “legacy will endure in a nation that is more secure because of his patriotic service.”

He was a member of Mensa.

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Eighty Sexual Assaults reported at Military Academies

The Department of Defense (DoD) today released key findings from the Academic Program Year (APY) 2011-2012 "Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies."  As part of this year's review, the superintendents of the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy assessed their academy's policies, training, and procedures for effectiveness of prevention and response to sexual harassment and violence.  The report also contains the results from the "2012 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey." 

            Consistent with department-wide efforts to increase victim reporting, the academies saw an overall increase in the number of sexual assault reports made to authorities in APY 2011-2012.  During the evaluation period, a total of 80 reports of sexual assault involved cadets and midshipmen compared to a total of 65 reports in the prior APY. Thirteen of the reports made this year were for sexual assaults that occurred prior to the cadets and midshipmen entering military service, as compared to five such reports made in the previous year.  All who reported a sexual assault were provided with access to support services through their sexual assault response coordinators.

            "We recognize there is more work to do on sexual assault prevention across the Department of Defense as well as at the military academies," said Maj. Gen. Gary S. Patton, director, DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. 

            Anonymous survey results showed the overall rate of unwanted sexual contact at the service academies has not changed since 2010.  The Service Academy Gender Relations Survey found a slight increase in the prevalence rate of unwanted sexual contact among female cadets at the United States Military Academy.  There was no statistical change in the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact among male cadets and midshipmen.

            Survey results also showed a significant decrease in the prevalence of sexual harassment experienced by women at the U.S. Air Force Academy and men at the U.S. Naval Academy.  There were no other statistically significant changes in prevalence rates of sexual harassment at the academies.

            Citing the need for greater progress, the secretary has directed the services to review and enhance their academy programs:  http://www.defense.gov/news/ServiceAcademiesSecDefMemo.pdf .  The service secretaries are to report back to him in 90 days with plans to advance a climate of dignity and respect and to more completely integrate sexual assault and harassment prevention into the full spectrum of academy life and learning. 

            "My staff and I plan to work with each academy and service in the months ahead to find new ways to incorporate prevention of sexual assault and harassment into academy culture," said Patton.

            The complete report is available at http://www.sapr.mil

It is estimated that 25% of all civilian college students are involved in a sexual assault.

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58,244 Reserve/Guard on Active Duty 11 DEC 2012

The Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and the Coast Guard Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated Guard members and reservists while the Army National Guard and Navy Reserve announced an increase of activated Guard members and reservists.  The net collective result is 469 more reservists and National Guard members activated in comparison to last week.

            At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease.  The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 42,013; Navy Reserve, 4,946; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 8,241; Marine Corps Reserve, 2,386; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 658.  This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 58,244, including both units and individual augmentees.

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Army Suicides exceed 2011 totals in November

 The Army released suicide data today for the month of November.  During November, among active-duty soldiers, there were 12 potential suicides:  one has been confirmed as a suicide and 11 remain under investigation.  For October, the Army reported 20 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers; since the release of that report, one case has been removed for a total of 19 cases: nine have been confirmed as suicides and 10 remain under investigation.  For 2012, there have been 177 potential active-duty suicides:  113 have been confirmed as suicides and 64 remain under investigation.  Active-duty suicide number for 2011: 165 confirmed as suicides and no cases under investigation.

            During November, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 15 potential suicides (12 Army National Guard and three Army Reserve):  two have been confirmed as suicide and 13 remain under investigation.  For October, among that same group, the Army reported 13 potential suicides; since the release of that report, one case has been removed for a total of 12 cases (eight Army National Guard and four Army Reserve); six have been confirmed as suicides and six remain under investigation.  For 2012, there have been 126 potential not on active-duty suicides (84 Army National Guard and 42 Army Reserve):  97 have been confirmed as suicides and 29 remain under investigation.  Not on active-duty suicide numbers for 2011:  118 (82 Army National Guard and 36 Army Reserve) confirmed as suicides and no cases under investigation.

            "As part of the Army's team-based and holistic approach to suicide prevention and stigma reduction, Army chaplains remain committed to fostering a resilient and ready force by enhancing strength, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behaviors," said the Army's Maj. Gen. Donald L. Rutherford, Chief of Chaplains.  "Our soldiers, families and civilians are our most precious resource, and the chaplaincy embodies the best of our Army values when it proclaims hope, embraces community, and stands with those who feel they stand alone."

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Army Reserve misses November recruiting goals

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2012 - All four active-duty services and five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in the first month of fiscal 2013, Defense Department officials announced today.

Here are the active-duty services' accessions for October:

-- Army: 5,080 accessions, 101 percent of its goal of 5,050;

-- Navy: 2,256 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 2,256;

-- Marine Corps: 2,482 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 2,471; and

-- Air Force: 1,985 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 1,985.

All four services exhibited strong retention numbers for the first month of fiscal 2013, officials said.

As a result of the Navy's transition from a downsizing to a stabilizing posture, Zone A (Initial) is at 92 percent. However, the other two zones continue to exhibit strong retention numbers, officials said.

Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for the first month of fiscal 2013.

-- Army National Guard: 4,211 accessions, 123 percent of its goal of 3,424;

-- Army Reserve: 2,098 accessions, 89 percent of its goal of 2,360;

-- Navy Reserve: 418 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 418;

-- Marine Corps Reserve: 996 accessions, 117 percent of its goal of 850;

-- Air National Guard: 647 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 647; and

-- Air Force Reserve: 691 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 691.

The Army Reserve finished short of its goal for the month "as a result of precision recruiting," which was implemented in "an attempt to rebalance the force." Increased job announcements should help mitigate this shortfall, officials explained.

All reserve components met their fiscal 2012 attrition goals, officials said. This indicator lags by one month due to data availability.

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Obama notes nuke search by terrorists

President Barack Obama says nuclear terrorism is still one of the world's greatest security threats, despite success in cutting U.S. and Russian nuclear stockpiles.

Mr. Obama said Monday that terrorists and criminal gangs are doing everything to get their hands on nuclear, biological and chemical materials. He said these materials are being stored without enough protection.

He said the world cannot allow the 21st century to be darkened by the worst weapons of the 20th century.

Mr. Obama also called for an updated agreement with Russia, which has announced it will not renew its participation in the Nunn-Lugar pact — the 20-year-old law that eliminates nuclear missiles and chemical weapon stockpiles in the former Soviet Union.

President Obama said that thanks to Nunn-Lugar, thousands of missiles, bombers and submarines have been destroyed or deactivated.

The Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program was the brainchild of former Democratic Senator Sam Nunn and retiring Republican Senator Richard Lugar.  VoA.

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Manning attempts to plead guilty to lesser charges

A U.S. Army analyst, charged in the largest security breach in U.S. military history, has taken the stand for the first time in a pre-trial hearing on his detention conditions.

Bradley Manning testified Thursday about restrictions he endured while in custody at an army base in Kuwait and later in Quantico, Virginia (near Washington). During his three-hour testimony, Manning complained the time he spent alone in his cell was draining. He claimed there were times he thought he was going to die.

Manning downloaded thousands of diplomatic cables and other Top Secret material onto compact discs that were sent to the anti-American website WikiLeaks. He has offered to accept responsibility for the leak by pleading guilty to reduced charges. A decision on that offer has not been made.

The defendant has said that while at Quantico he was locked up alone in a windowless cell for 23 hours a day and forced to sleep naked. The military notes the treatment was necessary because he posed a suicide risk.  Manning made multiple threats of suicide, including to hang himself by his underwear waistband.

Lawyers for Manning are asking for his charges to be dropped, saying the pretrial conditions were harsh enough.  Manning has claimed that he was too gay to be given a Security Clearance in the first place, much less access to classified material.  Prior to Clinton's DADT policy, homosexuals were denied a security clearance or entry into the military.

Manning could spend the rest of his life in prison if found guilty.

The leaked diplomatic cables and military reports, published by WikiLeaks starting in July 2010, infuriated the international community, often providing blunt and unflattering U.S. views of world leaders' private and public lives and placing the lives of Iraqi and Afghani, as well as US Soldiers and Dipomats in danger.

U.S. officials say WikiLeaks' publication of the stolen documents put lives in danger, threatened national security and undermined U.S. efforts to work with other countries. VoA.

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China to use armed ships to enforce its claim on neighbor's islands

Communist China will soon order border police to board and search non-Chinese ships that enter what Beijing claims as its territorial waters in the disputed South China Sea.

In a move likely to raise regional tensions, state media say police in the southern island province of Hainan will soon be authorized to “land on, check, seize, and expel foreign ships” that enter the area 'illegally," despite international recognition that the area belongs to other nations.

The official China Daily says “illegal” activities include entering the province's waters without permission and “engaging in publicity that endangers China's national security.” It says the new rules will take effect January 1.

Hainan, China's southernmost province, administers nearly two million square kilometers of the sea. In July, the Chinese military angered its neighbors by setting up a garrison in Hainan's newly established Sansha City, in an effort to enforce its claims in the region.

Many of China's rival claimants, which include the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan, are concerned about what they see as Beijing's increasing assertiveness in defending its claims in the energy-rich South China Sea.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said in a regular briefing Thursday that China has the right to implement the new regulations.

“Carrying out maritime management according to law is the justified right of a sovereign country.”

The China Daily also said new maritime surveillance ships will soon join Beijing's South China Sea patrol fleet, which has been expanded following recent high-profile standoffs with the Philippines and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Thursday called on China to withdraw three ships from the site of an April standoff.

Del Rosario told ABS-CBN television that Beijing has not fulfilled its promise to remove its ships from the disputed Scarborough Shoal, as agreed by both countries six months ago. VoA.

Communist China has doubled its military budget in the last 10 years, updating its Navy and Air Forces, while maintaining 4.5 Million troops. 

58,962 Guard & Reserve on Active Duty

The Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and the Coast Guard Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated Guard members and reservists while the Navy Reserve, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve announced an increase of activated guard members and reservists. The net collective result is 597 fewer reservists and National Guard members activated in comparison to last week.

             At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease.  The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 42,175; Navy Reserve, 4,594; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 8,970; Marine Corps Reserve, 2,562; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 661.  This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 58,962, including both units and individual augmentees.

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Chinese Navy lands fighters on Aircraft Carrier

Chinese state media say the country's navy has successfully landed a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier for the first time, in the latest sign of China's growing military and economic power.

In reports published Sunday, state-run news agencies said the navy landed several Chinese-made J-15 jets on the carrier Liaoning in the past week. The reports said the warplanes also took off successfully.

A senior Chinese military researcher told the China Daily newspaper that the daytime landings and take-offs are a “landmark” in the navy's efforts to develop the combat capability of the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier.

But Du Wenlong also said more tests must be done before the carrier-based J-15 jets are ready for combat. He said the J-15 pilots have not yet performed landings and take-offs at night or in complex situations.

China Daily quoted another military researcher as saying it will take at least two years for the J-15s to become fully operational. He also predicted the Liaoning will need four to five years to achieve full combat capability.

China bought the vessel as an unfinished Soviet aircraft carrier from Ukraine in 1998 and spent years refurbishing it. The Liaoning entered military service on September 25.

Beijing has been expanding its military capabilities while also making increasingly assertive claims to disputed maritime territories. Those claims have caused growing concern in some of China's neighbor countries. VoA.

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Navy to name submarine "USS Delaware"

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced yesterday that the next Virginia-class attack submarine will be named the USS Delaware.  Dr. Jill Biden will sponsor the USS Delaware.  The Vice-President's wife is a longtime Delaware educator.

            Mabus named the future USS Delaware in honor of the first state in the Union.  The name honors the great contributions and support Delaware has given the military through the years and pays homage to the state's more than two centuries of naval heritage. 

            "I chose the name Delaware to honor the long-standing relationship between the Navy and our nation's first state," said Mabus.  "It has been too long since there has been a USS Delaware in the fleet and this submarine will remind future deployed service members and state residents of their strong ties and many shared values for decades to come."

WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2012) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus and ship's sponsor, Dr. Jill Biden, watch as Vice President Joe Biden puts on a USS Delaware ball cap at the Pentagon announcing the name the future Virginia-class attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791). Delaware state officials were on hand in the Pentagon Briefing Room to participate in the announcement. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sam Shavers/Released)

            "As a proud military mom, and a proud Delawarean, I am honored to sponsor the USS Delaware," said Dr. Biden.  "Our men and women in uniform and their families represent the very best of America, and wherever the Delaware goes, it will take with it the strength, resilience, and bravery of military families in Delaware and across the country."  

            The Virginia-class submarine will be the seventh ship of the U.S. Navy to be named the USS Delaware.  Previously named ships include a frigate launched in 1776, a merchant ship guarding convoys during the Quasi-War with France, a ship-of-the-line decommissioned during the Civil War, a side-wheel steamer decommissioned at the Washington Navy Yard in 1865, a screw-steamer renamed Delaware in 1869, and a battleship that served during WWI and was decommissioned in 1923.

            This next-generation attack submarine will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.  It will have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

            The USS Delaware will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces.  Other missions include anti-submarine, anti-ship, and mine warfare. 

            The Virginia-class submarine is 7,800-tons and 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.  The USS Delaware will be built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in partnership with the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Newport News, Va.

 

General Characteristics, Virginia class

Builder: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. - Newport News Shipbuilding.

Propulsion: One nuclear reactor, one shaft

Length: 377 feet (114.8 meters)

Beam: 33 feet (10.0584 meters)

Displacement: Approximately 7,800 tons (7,925 metric tons) submerged

Speed: 25+ knots (28+ miles per hour, 46.3+ kph)

Crew: 132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted

Armament: Tomahawk missiles, twelve VLS tubes, MK48 ADCAP torpedoes, four torpedo tubes.

Ships:

SSN 791 - Under contract.

USS Virginia (SSN 774), Portsmouth, N.H.

USS Texas (SSN 775), Pearl Harbor, HI

USS Hawaii (SSN 776), Pearl Harbor, HI

USS North Carolina (SSN 777), Pearl Harbor, HI

USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), Groton, CT

USS New Mexico (SSN 779), Groton, CT

USS Missouri (SSN 780), Groton, Conn.

USS California (SSN 781), Groton, CT

USS Mississippi (SSN 782), Groton, CT.

Minnesota (SSN 783), No homeport - Construction began February 2008.

North Dakota (SSN 784), No homeport - Construction began March 2009.

John Warner  (SSN 785), No homeport  - Construction began March 2010

Illinois (SSN 786) - No homeport, construction began in March 2011

Washignton  (SSN 787) - No homeport, construction began in September 2011

Colorado (SSN 788) - No homeport, construction began in March 2012.

Indiana (SSN 789) - Under contract

South Dakota (SSN 790) - Under contract.

 

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Army Reserve misses Recruiting goal in FY 2012; Active meets reduced goals

The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for fiscal 2012. 

            Active Component. 

                        Recruiting.  All four active services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2012. 

• Army - 60,490 accessions, with a goal of 58,000; 104 percent
• Navy - 36,329 accessions, with a goal of 36,275; 100 percent (-)
• Marine Corps - 30,514 accessions, with a goal of 30,500; 100 percent
• Air Force - 29,037 accessions, with a goal of 29,037; 100 percent

                        Retention.  The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force all exhibited strong retention through fiscal 2012. 

            Reserve Component.  

                        Recruiting.  Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2012.  The Army Reserve shortfall was the result of precision recruiting which was implemented in an effort to rebalance the force.

• Army National Guard - 47,997 accessions, with a goal of 46,000; 104 percent
• Army Reserve - 26,041 accessions, with a goal of 26,875; 97 percent
• Navy Reserve - 8,269 accessions, with a goal of 8,255; 100 percent
• Marine Corps Reserve - 8,910 accessions, with a goal of 8,910; 100 percent
• Air National Guard - 9,437 accessions, with a goal of 8,210; 115 percent
• Air Force Reserve - 8,116 accessions, with a goal of 8,031; 101 percent

            Attrition - All reserve components are on target to achieve their fiscal attrition goals.

General Ward demoted; to repay $82k

A four-star general who once led the U.S. military's Africa Command has been demoted for misusing taxpayer money.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said this week General William “Kip” Ward, former head of AFRICOM, will lose one of his four stars and will be forced to repay $82,000 to the military.

Investigators have concluded Ward misused funds, military aircraft and staff, bringing his wife along on trips and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on travel and accommodations.

He was also found to have accepted favors from a Defense Department contractor.

Ward denies the accusations.  Since serving as head of Africa Command from 2007 to 2011, he has worked as special assistant to the Army vice chief of staff.

The demotion to three-star general means that Ward will retire at a lower pay grade.  VoA.

DoD investigates GEN Allen in Petraeus affair

By Cheryl Pellerin, AFPS, ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Nov. 13, 2012 - The Defense Department inspector general has opened an investigation of Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today in a statement.

The statement said the FBI referred a matter involving Allen to the Defense Department on Nov. 11.

Today, Panetta directed that the matter be referred to the DOD IG for investigation and informed the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The House Armed Services Committee also has been notified, he said.

"While the matter is under investigation and before the facts are determined, General Allen will remain ISAF commander," the secretary said.

"His leadership has been instrumental in achieving the' significant progress' that ISAF, working alongside our Afghan partners, has made in bringing greater security to the Afghan people," Panetta added, "and in ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists. He is entitled to due process in this matter."

Allen took over as ISAF commander and commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan in July 2011. President Barack Obama recently nominated him to succeed Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis as commander of U.S. European Command and as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe.

Obama also nominated Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., now assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, to succeed Allen in Afghanistan. Panetta said he has asked the president, who has agreed, to put Allen's nomination on hold until the relevant facts are determined.

The secretary also said he has asked the ranking members of the Senate Armed Services Committee – Sen. Carl Levin, a Democrat from Michigan, and Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona -- that they delay tomorrow's scheduled confirmation hearing on Allen's pending nomination.

"I respectfully requested that the Senate act promptly on [Dunford's] nomination," Panetta added.

Obama has plans announced for sale of planes to Saudi Arabia

The Pentagon has announced plans to sell $6.7 billion in military aircraft and other equipment to Saudi Arabia.

The sale would include 20 C-130 cargo planes and five refueling aircraft.

The Pentagon says Saudi Arabia requested the planes.  Officials say the sale would contribute to U.S. national security by helping improve the security of a friendly country.  They call Saudi Arabia an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The Pentagon also says the Saudi fleet is becoming obsolete and needs modernization.

Congress must approve the sale.

Court Martial begins for SSG Bales

A U.S. Army soldier accused of an Afghan village massacre is due to appear in a military courtroom Monday, where prosecutors will for the first time lay out their case against him.

Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, who is 39 years old and the father of two, is alleged to have walked out of his southern Afghanistan military base under the cover of darkness March 11, gunning down 16 people, including nine children, in nearby villages. Some of the bodies were set afire.

U.S. forces have paid compensation to families of the dead and to those wounded in the attack.

The preliminary hearing Monday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the state of Washington is an Article 32 hearing designed to determine if Bales should face a court martial.

Relatives of the victims and witnesses are expected to testify via videolink from southern Afghanistan.

Bales' wife and his civilian lawyer, John Browne, have said the soldier cannot remember anything about the killings.

Browne has admitted that his client had something to drink before the shooting spree, despite a military alcohol ban.

Browne has said his client was "likely suffering from combat stress."  While PTSD is the defense of choice in the media and court, there is no evidentary link between those with PTSD and acts of criminal violence.

Bales, who served three tours of duty in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan last December, is reported to have suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq in 2010. 

News reports have emerged that Bales has had past brushes with the law in the U.S. involving alcohol.  He also had a $1.5 million securities fraud judgement issued against him several years ago.

Bales could face the death penalty if convicted of the shootings.  The U.S. military has not executed a service member in five decades. VoA.

DoD admits Obama Budget cuts driving "strategy'

By Amaani Lyle, AFPS, WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2012 - The Army will continue to customize its mission objectives based on budget and force structure changes, a senior defense official said here yesterday during the 2012 Association of the U.S. Army's annual conference.

Todd Harvey, director of force development for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, said a defense strategy drafted in January to meet severe [Obama Admin] spending cuts over the next decade reflected DOD's analysis of the preceding decade.

"We saw a transformation of a number of operations and activities that we had been engaged in over the past 10 years, [leading] us to believe we could begin shifting our focus to broader vistas," he said.

In addition to drawing down operations in Iraq, DOD steadily fostered the Afghan security lead transition as the fracturing of al-Qaida's central control and leadership of terrorist operations persisted, Harvey said. [WOTN Editor notes in bold & brackets: 75% of all violence in Afghanistan has occurred since Jan 2009 and al-Qaeda and the Taliban are stronger now than they have been at any point since 9/11/2001.]

Although the potential to examine future challenges emerged, Harvey said, the partial list of what was to come was "daunting."

"The variety, complexity and types of challenges we expected to face were remaining at least constant, and in some cases, even increasing," he said. [Egypt and Tunisia have fallen to Islamism.  Iran remains as belligerent as ever.  Turkey and Iraq are trending towards Islamism.  Syria continues in an 18 month civil war which includes Hamas, Hezbollah, al-Qaeda, Ba'athists, and Iran.  Meanwhile the Obama Admin is calling for cuts in Troops, Budgets, & Equipment while refocusing the remainder in the vast Pacific, far from the Our Embassies in Cairo & Consulates in Benghazi.  Islamist terrorists have expanded into Kenya, Mali, & Nigeria, as well as other African countries.]

Harvey cited upheavals in North Africa and the Middle East and the "volatile" standoff with Iran, in which economic sanctions created an increasingly unpredictable situation, as examples. He also explained that a "shrouded leadership transition" in North Korea created its own dynamic of potential unpredictability, while al-Qaida local franchises mushroomed throughout the world.

Harvey also noted China's increasing devotion to economic and military resources as the nation continued determining how it will interact among its closest neighbors and with the United States. [China has quadrupled its Military Budget since 2000.]

This changing geopolitical landscape and the rise of asymmetric capabilities such as weapons of mass destruction and cyber issues are not entirely new, but their concurrence has potential to create particularly volatile situations for the United States, he said. Meanwhile, he added, Middle Eastern and North African upheavals continue to provide opportunities for local radicals to establish a foothold.

"As government-controlled stockpiles of sensitive technologies and capabilities began to decline, those systems become available to radicals and other disruptive forces," Harvey said.
With such potentially pendulous swings and a high degree of unpredictability, the Army and the Defense Department must adjust their strategies to best prime for future missions, Harvey added.

But what to cut isn't always cut and dry, officials discovered in determining how to absorb the spending cuts, Harvey said. "There really wasn't anything that we had been doing that we felt secure enough to risk at adequate levels ... to throw something overboard," he explained. Even in the realm of humanitarian assistance, he added, a senior leader might struggle with the decision to cut such a mission, opting instead to preserve the option to react to earthquakes, floods and other disasters.

Harvey noted that Pentagon officials have discovered no "free lunch" in functional missions or regional engagement.

"The force needs to be agile, versatile and ready to perform a range of missions," he said.

These demands pose unique challenges for each of the services, Harvey added, particularly the Army, in light of force structure constraints.

"The challenges are as broad as they've ever been," he said, adding that the Army will continue to seek the right balance among investments in force structure, readiness and modernization.

"We're trying to stretch a shrinking force across as least as much mission as we've had to date," he said.

Sep 2012 Army Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data today for the month of September.  During September, among active-duty soldiers, there were 15 potential suicides:  one has been confirmed as suicide and 14 remain under investigation.  For August, the Army reported 16 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers.  Since the release of that report, one case was removed for a total of 15 cases: five have been confirmed as suicides and 10 remain under investigation.  For 2012, there have been 146 potential active-duty suicides:  91 have been confirmed as suicides and 55 remain under investigation.  Active-duty suicide number for 2011: 165 confirmed as suicides and no cases under investigation.  

            During September, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 16 potential suicides (13 Army National Guard and three Army Reserve):  one has been confirmed as suicide and 15 remain under investigation.  For August, among that same group, the Army reported nine potential suicides.  Since the release of that report two cases were added for a total of 11 cases (seven Army National Guard and four Army Reserve):  five have been confirmed as suicides and six remain under investigation.

            For 2012, there have been 101 potential not on active-duty suicides (67 Army National Guard and 34 Army Reserve):  67 have been confirmed as suicides and 34 remain under investigation.  Not on active-duty suicide numbers for 2011:  118 (82 Army National Guard and 36 Army Reserve) confirmed as suicides and no cases under investigation.

62,995 Guard & Reserve mobilized as of 16 Oct 2012

The Army Reserve, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated Guard members and reservists while the Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Coast Guard Reserve announced an increase.  The net collective result is 12 more reservists and National Guard members activated in comparison to last week.

            At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease.  The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 45,485; Navy Reserve, 4,535; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 9,266; Marine Corps Reserve, 3,011; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 698.  This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 62,995, including both units and individual augmentees.

            A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found online at http://www.defense.gov/news/MobilizationWeeklyReport101612.pdf .

NIU offers Masters Degree in Emerging Threats

By Cheryl Pellerin, AFPS, WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2012 - A new graduate program approved by Education Secretary Arne Duncan will help intelligence officers to study and research a growing range of emerging threats, DIA officials said today.

"Intelligence professionals must be able to address any threat and avoid surprises," said Brian Shaw, dean of the National Intelligence University's Anthony G. Oettinger School of Science and Technology Intelligence.

"With our adversaries' increased emphasis on technology," he added, "it is imperative that institutions like ours better equip intelligence professionals to deal with these ever-evolving challenges."

NIU President David Ellison said the new one-year, full-time graduate program will culminate in a master of science and technology intelligence degree.

The first class, which graduated July 27, included some students from the previous academic year, when the program was in development, NIU Provost Susan Studds said. The curriculum has been in place since the last academic year, she explained, even as the review and approval processes were under way.

"As part of the approval determination," she said, "the Department of Education has allowed NIU to 'grandfather' qualified students who were enrolled in the pilot year of the curriculum in 2010-2011."

Ellison said all applicants must be U.S. citizens who hold active top-secret clearances, and must be military service members or federal government employees.

"Students must meet NIU academic standards as determined by the faculty," he added. "NIU admissions screening includes a review of previous academic work at other colleges and universities, graduate record examination scores and a writing sample."

Students who meet basic eligibility requirements and are academically qualified must be nominated by their parent organizations to attend, Ellison said.

The importance of the degree program was highlighted in a recent Department of Education report acknowledging that for intelligence officers the highly classified nature of the subject matter limits equivalent study in the nonfederal education community.

NIU is positioned to offer the advanced curriculum and has the facilities to teach and conduct research at the highest classification levels, DIA officials said.

Ellison said the program fills an identified void in the education of science and technology intelligence officers.

"Many training programs are available, but none that can be conducted in a classified learning environment," he said. "This is one of the main reasons Department of Education officials were unanimous in their recommendation decision."

Shaw said students enrolled in the new program will get hands-on experience in everything from experimental laboratory programs run cooperatively with Energy Department national laboratories, to developing advanced analytical techniques for intelligence analysis, systems theory and science and technology threat architectures.

"Students who write science–based intelligence theses have a chance to interact with scientists at one of our national laboratories," he added, "and may conduct up to three months of funded research on joint topics of interest with a scientist at one of our national labs."

Students also will develop theoretical and analytical frameworks for understanding adversarial threats associated with changing S&T-related geopolitical and strategic intelligence issues affecting national security, Shaw said.

Related Sites:
Defense Intelligence Agency
Master of Science and Technology Intelligence Degree Program

Chinese Military spending quadruples

A new study shows that over the past decade, five Asian powers have increased military spending to levels among the highest in the world, with China leading the way.

The study released Monday by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies says China has quadrupled its defense budget since 2000.  It also says India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have dramatically increased their military spending.

That trend is in contrast with the United States and European Union, whose defense budgets have been declining in recent years.

Defense spending in the five analyzed Asian, according to the CSIS study, says it will surpass Europe's military expenditures this year.

The CSIS study says the five Asian governments spent about $224 billion in 2011, which is almost twice what they collectively spent in 2000.  China's estimated defense spending has grown from about $22.5 billion to almost $90 billion in the past decade.  But the authors say that some estimates put Chinese spending at a much higher level.

Japan's military budget was close to $60 billion last year.  India's defense spending reached $37 billion.  South Korea invested about $29 billion on its armament, while Taiwan's defense budget stood at $10 billion in 2011.

China now ranks second behind the United States in total military spending, although the Pentagon's budget still outpaces Beijing's defense spending at more than $600 billion year. VoA.

Regardless of the total amount, China pays less per soldier than do the other Nations.  Hence the increase in spending by China has gone to upgrade his Navy and Air Forces with aircraft carriers, advanced guidance systems on its nuclear missiles, and stealth jet fighters.  Much of the technological advances was stolen from the US Military (stealth), given to it by the Clinton Administration (guidance systems), or purchased from Russia (naval technology), reducing its cost for development. 

This is the wrong time to be cutting the US Department of Defense, yet the Obama Administration has requested a Trillion dollars in cuts to the DoD, along with 100,000 Troops to be thrown into the unemployment lines.  If implemented, the US would have the smallest Navy since 1916, and the smallest Army since prior to WWII.

"Hope is NOT a Strategy!"

 

Many have expressed concern that the current Presidential campaign has been devoid of National Security/Foreign Policy issues, myself included.  I've said very little about Romney, because he has previously said very little about National Defense.  I've picked up a few encouraging snippets in the last few weeks, but finally he has added some substance, on the topic Obama considers his strong suit.

"Hope is not a strategy."  Romney is not the first I've heard say that.  My old team Sergeant said it on a regular basis, when he felt complacency was setting in, when he thought someone wasn't planning or preparing properly, when someone forgot to plan.  He was right "Hope is NOT a strategy."  You can't just hope the right supplies and equipment will be available when you need it, where you need it, or that the other units involved are on the same sheet of music.  You have to have a plan and you have to have thought out all the details of that plan, including what the enemy may do in response to your moves.

Romney is right.  Hope is not a strategy.  You have to have a plan for how to help your friends, and how to defeat your enemy.

Romney has pledged to roll back the Obama cuts to the Troops, to the restore the Navy from its current 1916 strengths.  He has pledged to lead the Free World, not just hope others will do the right thing.  He stated his recognition that a strong military prevents war, and that the world is more dangerous today than it was in 2008.

He noted that our Friends, our Allies, want American leadership, that the people of the Middle East, and the world want the Freedoms we have here.  He pointed out that Libyans rejected the presence of the Islamist terrorists that had killed our diplomats, from remaining in their midst.

In the short 22 minutes of Romney's speech he points out many failures of the current Administration, such as Obama's silence when the Iranian people risked, and sacrificed their lives, in hopes that the world would help them overthrow their tyrannical regime, in 2009.

And when the civilian fatalities stood at half of the now 30,000, Obama sent Panetta & General Dempsey to Congress where his Secretary of Defense stated he would not get Congressional permission to go to war in Syria, but would wait on UN or NATO approval, despite the Constitution.  And when the civilian fatalities stood at 1/3rd, the Administration said they didn't know who the rebels were, even after a year of combat.  Now, al-Qaeda has made inroads, along with Hamas into the Syrian Civil War against Bashar Assad, his Russian and Communist Chinese allies, his Iranian allies, and their Hezbollah underlings.  Lost in the crossfire are Syrians, who want Freedom, and democracy.

Though the Obama Administration denied the obvious for weeks, it has finally admitted that the attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi was the work of Al-Qaeda, or at least its Islamist allies, and not just an overreaction to a two bit video no one had heard of or would have heard of, if it hadn't of been for the attack on our Embassy in Cairo.  In fact, the attack on the Embassy in Cairo was advertised and supported by the Islamist Nour Party there, an ally of the Muslim Brotherhood ruling party, and the attack on the Consulate in Benghazi appears to have been led by a terrorist released prematurely from GITMO, and directed to occur by Al-Qaeda's leader, al-Zawahari.

And the attack came days before Obama announced he was releasing a 1/3rd of the remaining terrorists left at GITMO, and turning over the terrorists at Bagram, along with the prison to Afghanistan.

 

The Romney speech comes on the heels of Lara Logan's speech to the Better Governance Association in Chicago, where she told them that Islamism, the Taliban, and Al-Qaeda have grown stronger in the last few years (of the Obama Administration).  She knows.  She's been there.  She was in the middle of the events in Cairo, and has the lumps to prove it.  She has interviewed General Allen, President Karzai, and members of the Taliban.  She wore no scarf with Karzai or Allen, semi-covered her hair with Karzai's underlings, and had to scarf the camera as well with the Taliban.

 

We now know there were many Islamists in that crowd that day.

Obama has abandoned the Middle East, and Latin America, while ignoring Africa, while ordering the Military to focus instead on the vast ocean of the Pacific, with fewer Troops.  His Administration pulled back on security forces in Libya, when his Ambassador there asked for more, and intelligence noted a pending attack.  And the Marine response team that should have been on a moment's notice, was days away.  His Ambassador, OUR Ambassador there was murdered as a result.  Yes, it is the fault of the Islamist Terrorists that conducted the attacks, but it is the Administration which is to blame for ignoring the intelligence and the requests of the Ambassador on the ground.

Romney has struck a stark difference between his policies in Foreign Affairs and the current Administration's.  Romney says he won't publish an enemy emboldening timeline of retreat, but will instead use the Diplomacy of Strength.  He won't abandon allies, or back down from enemies, but instead ensure that allies and enemies alike will know we mean what we say, and have the means to back it up, and the will to do so.

Romney has said he won't allow America to be tossed about on the waves of world events, but will lead from the front, and shape those events.

I'm not necessarily excited about Romney but I am impressed with his speech.  And I'm glad he has finally stated some positions on National Security and Foreign Policy.  I will hold him to those words if he wins, just as I have pointed out that Obama's were empty when he said "Afghanistan would be his top priority," in the 2008 campaign.

It is time to turn the tide back in the favor of Freedom, and to push the rise of Islamism back on its heels.

Army Reserve continues to miss Recruiting goals in August 2012

Active Component.

            Recruiting.  All four active services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2012, through August.

• Army - 51,333 accessions, with a goal of 51,889; 100 percent (minus)
• Navy - 33,579 accessions, with a goal of 33,035; 102 percent
• Marine Corps - 31,996 accessions, with a goal of 31,681 100 percent
• Air Force - 26,738 accessions, with a goal of 26,738; 100 percent

            Retention.  The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force all exhibited strong retention through the eleventh month of fiscal 2012.

Reserve Component.

            Recruiting.  Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal 2012, through August.  The Army Reserve is down 567 for the year; this was intentional as they work to rebalance the force.

• Army National Guard - 44,067 accessions, with a goal of 42,503; 104 percent
• Army Reserve - 23,783 accessions, with a goal of 24,350; 98 percent
• Navy Reserve - 7,471 accessions, with a goal of 7,471; 100 percent
• Marine Corps Reserve - 8,606 accessions, with a goal of 8,423; 102 percent
• Air National Guard - 8,294 accessions, with a goal of 7,753; 107 percent
• Air Force Reserve - 7,839 accessions, with a goal of 7,839; 100 percent

             Attrition - All reserve components are on target to achieve their fiscal year attrition goals.

63,737 Guard/Reserve Mobilized for Active Duty as of Sep 2012

 The Army National Guard, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard announced this week a decrease in activated Guard members and reservists while the Army Reserve and Air Force announced an increase.  The net collective result is 101 less reservists and National Guard members activated in comparison to last week.

            At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease.  The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 45,728; Navy Reserve, 4,464; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 9,854; Marine Corps Reserve, 3,127; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 564.  This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 63,737, including both units and individual augmentees.

Army Suicides: August 2012

The Army released suicide data today for the month of August.  During August, among active-duty soldiers, there were 16 potential suicides:  three have been confirmed as suicides and 13 remain under investigation.  For July, the Army reported 26 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers: 13 have been confirmed as suicides and 13 remain under investigation.  For 2012, there have been 131 potential active-duty suicides:  80 have been confirmed as suicides and 51 remain under investigation.  Active-duty suicide number for 2011: 165 confirmed as suicides and no cases under investigation.  

            During August, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were nine potential suicides (five Army National Guard and four Army Reserve):  none have been confirmed as suicide and nine remain under investigation.  For July, among that same group, the Army reported 12 potential suicides (nine Army National Guard and three Army Reserve); four have been confirmed as suicides and eight remain under investigation.  For 2012, there have been 80 potential not on active-duty suicides (49 Army National Guard and 31 Army Reserve):  59 have been confirmed as suicides and 21 remain under investigation.  Not on active-duty suicide numbers for 2011:  118 (82 Army National Guard and 36 Army Reserve) confirmed as suicides and no cases under investigation.

            "The loss of any life is a tragedy, and this loss is preventable," said Sergeant Major of the Army Ray Chandler.  "As an organization, we've taken huge strides in providing our Soldiers, Department of Army Civilians and Family members the needed resources to aid in suicide prevention, but our work isn't done.  Army leaders will continue to do everything we can to reverse these trends."

            To that end, 27 September 2012, leaders throughout our Army conducted suicide prevention training, resilience-building, and mentoring in observance of Army Suicide Stand Down Day.