War On Terror News

National Guard Partnership Program Leads to First Observer, Mentor, Liaison Team in Regional Command - East

Story by Sgt. Matthew Moeller Date: 03.27.2009

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - In Regional Command - East, a group of Michigan National Guardsmen and Latvian soldiers recently formed the command’s first multi-national training group, known as the Observer, Mentor, Liaison Team at Forward Operating Base Bostick in Konar province, Afghanistan.

The mentoring and advising the Afghan national army is usually lead by U.S. Military’s Embedded Training Teams. An OMLT, pronounced omelet, differs from an ETT because it is multi-national, and can vary in its size and purpose.

The idea for the combined OMLT with Latvia stemmed from the National Guard’s State Partnership for Peace Program, a concept designed to pair Guardsman from different states with former Cold War adversaries.

Sometimes an emergency means unbudgeted costs

3/26/2009  By Lance Cpl. Meloney R. Moses, Marine Corps Base Quantico 

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.  — 

On Feb. 14, when a Marine lost his brother to an improvised explosive devise in Afghanistan, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society was there to help.

To get to Alaska for the funeral, Staff Sgt. Matthew Hansen’s wife, Stefanie, had to seek help from NMCRS for last-minute travel costs.

Stefanie Hansen, who had dealt with NMCRS when she was an active-duty Marine, said she went in at 11 a.m. and by 1:30 p.m. had her itinerary in hand and was ready to go.

“Presha [Merritt] was great,” said Stefanie Hansen about the director of NMCRS. “She understood my

ANA Soldier Reportedly Kills Two Coalition Servicemembers, Wounds One

March 27, 2009

(MsMarti Received 12:03 PM Central Time)

 

KABUL, Afghanistan – One Coalition servicemember was killed today, another died of wounds, and a third was wounded by an Afghan National Army soldier who reportedly fired upon them.

White Paper of the Interagency Policy Group's Report on U.S. Policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The United States has a vital national security interest in addressing the current and potential security threats posed by extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  In Pakistan, al Qaeda and other groups of jihadist terrorists are planning new terror attacks.  Their targets remain

War In Afghanistan News - March 27, 2009

In this edition: MEDEVAC exercise prepares crew for busy summer

Eleven militants killed, one detained in Helmand Province

Afghan National Security Forces kill two militants, disrupt IED operations in Oruzgan

Military Police Start First District Level SWAT Team

ISAF, ANA troops strike at insurgents in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army (ANA) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops launched an operation to strike at insurgents in Marjah, central Helmand, on 19 March. The 700-strong force, involved in Operation AABI TOORAH, meaning “Blue Sword,” successfully targeted insurgents in a region where they were known to meet, equip and train their followers.

The operation was followed by a shura held by District Governor Habibullah and the Nad-E Ali District Community Council; with elders from Marjah. The shura was aimed at empowering the people of Marjah to express their wishes for development, through representatives on the Nad-E Ali District Community Council

“The enemy wanted to attack Nad-E Ali district but failed; our brave ANA, ANP and ISAF forces raided

Intramural three-gun competition adds excitement to routine shooting

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.-A shooter takes aim, closely followed by a scoring official, during a pistol event in the intramural three-gun competition at Weapons Training Battalion March 20. , Sgt. Judith Carver, 3/20/2009 5:23 AM

Iraq News - March 27, 2009

In this edition

Iraqi, U.S. Troops Offer Medical Aid, Supplies to Baghdad Community

U.S. Troops Restoring Iraqi Scout Program

Civil Engineer Team Trains Iraqi Firefighters

Iraqi Freedom Minute, March 27

Iraqi, U.S. Troops Offer Medical Aid, Supplies to Baghdad Community

Students at the New Iraq School smile at the sight of Iraqi and Coalition forces bringing medical supplies to the Shaab community in northeastern Baghdad, March 19. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Phillip Adam Turner.

Iraq Military News - March 27, 2009

In this edition

First Rounds Fired in Iraqi Tank Training

Iraqi Security Forces continue to take weapons from insurgent hands in southern Iraq (Baghdad)

Opening Ceremony of the Tactical Commanders Course

First Rounds Fired in Iraqi Tank Training

An M1A1 Abrams tank is fired for the first time by an Iraqi Army armor student being trained by Soldiers of Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq and contracted instructors at Besmaya range, March 21. Photo by Photo by Pfc. Evan Loyd, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs.

Space operations units assume control of new GPS satellite

2nd, 19th SOPS assume control of new GPS satellite

A Delta II rocket carrying the Air Force's GPS IIR-20(M) satellite lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 4:34 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time March 24. Space systems operators with the 2nd and 19th Space Operations squadrons at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., took control of the new satellite 68 minutes after launch. (United Launch Alliance photo/Carleton Bailie)

Cherry Point Top Chefs Cook Off

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C.-Cpl. Kevin Deandre Lyons shows off his culinary masterpiece after being awarded first place in the Chef of the Quarter competition March 19 at the Cherry Point mess hall. Lyons' winning cuisine consisted of fried pork chops smothered in onions, string beans, potatoes, corn bread and chocolate-frosted yellow cake., Lance Cpl. Rashaun X. James, 3/18/2009 8:36 PM

19-year-old says he’s ready to make a difference and help his own people

19-year-old Afghan Abuzer Beheshti waits for a ceremony where he and 242 fellow countrymen became the first members of the Afghan Public Protection Force. The three-week initial training course was held at Camp Mether Lam, an Afghan National Police training facility in eastern Afghanistan. Veteran Afghan police officers conduct the training, which includes first aid, Improvised Explosive Device detection and vehicle checkpoint procedures. Beheshti and the other trainees were nominated by community leaders in their home province of Wardak, then vetted through extensive security checks. They will work closely with Afghan National Army, Police and Coalition forces. Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian Naranjo (Released) 

Progressive Escalation

The Administration has allowed an "unauthorized leak" of its new Afghanistan "Strategy."  It's not a new political strategy to float the balloon on the eve of a big announcement, to test the waters and work out the kinks before the official announcement.

The biggest problem is that this administration is more about talk and changing labels than on action.  It's great at forming Blue Ribbon Panels to address issues the Chief Executive has been campaigning on for years.  As noted previously in this publication, the White House didn't even have an Afghanistan, Pakistan, nor Terrorism Policy.

So, here's some feedback for the Administration:

1) Same as when you were a candidate: Listen to the Generals, give them the tools they need to get the job done.

"Obama plans to send 4,000 more U.S. military troops whose mission will be to train and expand the Afghan army to take the lead on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency." AP 3/27/2009

2) 4,000 Troops is a drop in the bucket.  I understand there are limitations to Military manning.  We

A leg to stand on: Amputee pilot completes third deployment

C-130 Amputee Pilot

 

Maj. Alan Brown, 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, is a amputee C-130 pilot deployed from the 187th Air Lift Squadron, Wyoming Air National Guard, Cheyenne, Wyo. Major Brown had lost his leg in a hunting accident 10 years ago, before the accident had been flying for five years. It took Major Brown seven years to regain his flying qualifications but before he could get back into the cockpit, he had to do a testimonial flight to make sure he was not a liability. He is finishing up his third deployment since the accident. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Erik Cardenas)(Released)

Medical Adventure Race a Rewarding Challenge - Local Airmen Use Self-Aid, Buddy Care Skills in a Competitive Setting

Team Air Force One pose for a picture before the start of the Medwar race.

AFRICOM March 17 - 25, 2009 In Review

In this edition

CJTF-HOA to Assist in Uganda Recovery Operations

Ward Testifies to House Appropriations Committee: 'Africans see us as partners ... not as part of their problem'

Africa Partnership Medical Teams Lending a Helping Hand

CJTF-HOA Receives 15,000 Donated Books for Djibouti Schools

United States Extends Friendly Hand to East Africa

U.S. President Obama Names Special Envoy for Sudan

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Service Members Participate in Medical Civil Action Project

Nigeria Next Stop for Africa Partnership Station Nashville

Africom Commander Describes Conditions for U.S. Involvement

Remote Kenyan High School Supplied with Water

Ward Updates Senate on U.S. Africa Command

Airmen demonstrate unmanned aircraft not merely 'drones'

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.)


by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wilson
AFCENT Combat Camera News Team

3/25/2009 - KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- The door to the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron features a drawing of an MQ-1 Predator armed with Hellfire missiles underscored with the words "We're not drones - we fire back."

Iraq News - March 26, 2009

In this edition

Iraqi Children Showered with Toys

Initiatives Aim to Employ Iraqi Women

Tigris to Wasit Water Canals Cleaned

VBC service members invest time, effort to bring back scout program

IA, MiTT members bring hope to al-Shaab

Building education for the future of Iraq

MoI sponsors Baghdad Infrastructure conference

Iraqi Children Showered with Toys

Col. Margaret W. Burcham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, hands donated toys to kindergarten students during a recent visit to the House of Angels School in Dahuk, Iraq. USACE photo.

Iraq Military News - March 26, 2009

In this edition

Joint Iraqi cordon, search operation results in 13 detainees

Promise Fulfilled: Former Sons of Iraq Continue Vocational Skills Training

Iraqi Freedom Minute, March 26

Freedom Journal Iraq, March 26

Iraqi Army finds two weapons caches near Karmah

Iraqi ERB officers ready to rid streets of IED threat

Senior Iraqi Officials enhance career and language skills

Joint Iraqi cordon, search operation results in 13 detainees

Multi-National Corps – Iraq

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Mosul Special Weapons and Tactics, with Coalition forces advisors,  detained 13 suspected terrorists near Ashurah, Iraq, during an Iraqi-planned and led operation in the Ninewah Province, March 19.

Identity theft topic of upcoming seminar

3/26/2009  By Art Powell, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany 

Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany  —  An identity theft and awareness campaign at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., is underway that is designed to provide personnel with information that could help protect them against identity theft.

War In Afghanistan News - March 26, 2009

In this edition

Afghan Commandos destroy two weapons caches in Herat

ANSF bolster security in terrorized Oruzgan villages

Marine Helo Mechanics Repair Damaged Hornet in Afghanistan

Afghan Commandos destroy two weapons caches in Herat

Afghan National Army Commandos of the elite 207th Commando Corps unearth a weapons cache in Herat province March 24. (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Marie Schult)

 

Immersive technology melds Hollywood, warrior training

The "FlatWorld Wide Area Mixed Reality" demonstration was a 3-D gaming environment that didn't require Soldiers to wear a visor that would tether them to a computer. The environment melds concepts of stagecraft from Hollywood, including real-world props, with technology and projection screens, to make a virtual world Soldiers can move around in and interact with.  Photo credit Institute of Creative Technology

March 23 airpower summary

A C-130 Hercules taxis at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, after an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission. The C-130 provides intra-theater heavy airlift throughout Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tony R. Tolley)

March 23 airpower summary: C-130s provide support

AFRICOM March 7 - 16, 2009 In Review

In this edition

Upcoming Symposium Addresses Air Domain, Safety in Africa

Ambassador Yates: Africa Command Plays Supporting Role to Development Agencies' Work in Afric

Africa Command's Ambassador Yates Meets Belgian Defense Officials

Africa Endeavor Planning Conference Offers African Nations Opportunity for Open Dialogue

Cameroon Planning Conference Sets Stage for Africa Endeavor 09

APS Nashville Team Celebrates Ghana Independence Day

Sailors Participate in Community Relations Projects during Africa Partnership Station Visit to Kenya

Kenya Accepts Seven Alleged Pirates from U.S. Navy for Trial

Ugandan Students, Faculty Celebrate Construction of New School Facilities

Ghanaian Sailors Team Up for Hospital Restoration Project

New Name: War On Terror

For a few minutes, I thought we had found the new name of the War On Terror.  Now the Administration are denying that they've changed it to "Other Contingency Operations."  Personally, I think they floated the balloon through a civil servant, and now realize it's an utterly ridiculous name and description.

It was reported by This Ain't Hell,  quoting The Washington Post, which says:

"In a memo e-mailed this week to Pentagon staff members, the Defense Department's office of security review noted that "this administration prefers to avoid using the term 'Long War' or 'Global War on Terror' [GWOT.] Please use 'Overseas Contingency Operation.' "

 Uncle Jimbo of Blackfive was less politically correct in calling this what it is: ignorant naivete. 

This sounds a bit like calling the Korean War a "Police Action," but with less clarity.  When Troops are being shot at by the enemy, it is War.

I wonder, since the new Administration has decided it will no longer be called The Global War on Terrorism, even if they are denying they've chosen the name "Overseas Contingency Operation" will they stop issuing the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) and Global War On Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM).  Will they develop a new medal, the OCOEM and OCOSM?  Perhaps the ORGASM (Overseas Relatively Global Activation of Service Medal)?

Who wouldn't want to put on their Class A's, if it included the ORGASM?

And do Our Troops get another service star on the National Defense Service Medal, if this is no longer the GWOT, but the OCO or ORGA? 

Perhaps it's past time for the new Administration to assemble a new Expert Panel to examine the issue?  It's pretty clear that we need to call this thing something.  I don't think he'll put us on the Panel.  I'd recommend a clear cut name like the Global War on Terrorism.  This would be a clear break from the previous administration by adding the "ism."

Perhaps we should call it the "International War On Terrorism."  Or the "International War Against Islamism."  Perhaps World War III? 

Or perhaps we should call it the "Battle Diplomatic Advance of Political Correctness Against Clarity" (DAPCAC) or "Diplomatic Interests of Politics Supporting High Interest Targets" (DIPSHIT).

Frankly, whatever the new Administration wants to call it does not change what needs to be done.  That is actively pursue the organizations and terrorists that wish to harm Our Citizens while supporting our Allies that help us, diplomatically, and giving no quarter to the enemy.

War on Terror News©2009, ARM, all rights reserved.

We Invite readers to weigh in with their best names for the GWOT

Invite Your Congressman

Proving that an NCO is limited by, well very little when they set their mind to it, 1SG Troy Steward has organized a special movie screening for members of Congress and asks that each of us invites our Congressmen:

"Invite a Congressman

Posted By Bouhammer on March 24, 2009

I am writing this post to my wonderful blog readers in order to ask you help me contact members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (or any Congressman) and invite them to come watch the Screening of At War in Washington D.C. at the start of the Milblog Conference. See I knew I had the best blog readers out of anyone and over the last few days you proved it. What I am asking of you now, does not cost you anything but some time.

The Screening will be at the Westin Arlington Gateway hotel on April 24th starting promptly at 6PM.

They can read reviews of the film at the following places:

http://www.bouhammer.com/2009/03/nys-national-guard-pao-review-of-at-war/
http://www.bouhammer.com/2009/03/bouhammer-review-of-at-war/ "

While one would hope that Our Representatives were paying attention to the News on The War on Terror, aka, Overseas Contingency Operations, there is little indication that they are.  Feel free to copy and paste this entire article to them, or to draft your own invitation to your Congressmen.

Dear Congress:

You are cordially invited to a special screening of the Movie Documentary "At War" at 6PM on 24 April 2009 at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel.  Troy Steward, a 2+ decade member of the Army, and Veteran of the War in Afghanistan has gone to great lengths including the willingness to pay for this opportunity for you out of his own pocket.  It is that important to him that the decision makers, our elected representatives, see the other side of their actions.

There is no partisan agenda in the movie nor at the event.  This will provide you an inside look of greater depth than any trip to the front could provide you, without the dangers associated.

Sincerely,

Editor,

War On Terror News

Soldiers, college students work side-by-side to build homes for homeless

Pfc. Vincent Tomasino, a volunteer in the 11th Engineer Battalion, trims the j-channel, which he must lay down before adding siding to the Habitat for Humanity house Friday.

Mar 23

By Cheryl Rodewig

Nineteen Soldiers from the 11th Engineer Battalion helped build several Habitat for Humanity houses last week in south Columbus. They partnered with college students on spring break to provide housing for low-income families at a low, interest-free cost.

March 22 airpower summary

The highly maneuverable A-10 Thunderbolt II, like this one, can employ massive firepower to protect coalition troops on the ground supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kenny Kennemer

March 22 airpower summary: A-10s hit targets

Afghanistan News - March 25, 2009

Articles: Meeting held to discuss restoring peace, bringing prosperity to Alasai District                Contracted aircraft makes hard landing      

Lucky dog keeps soldiers safe, identifies IEDs

Written by Army Spc. Matthew Thompson, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment  BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (March 25, 2009) – She takes a few steps forward and then glances over her shoulder. A few meters up the road she stops and lies down on the ground.   Her name is Lady and she is a German shepherd trained to sniff out explosive devices and their components. Her handler is Army Sgt. Stephen Netzley, a scout with 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment at Forward Operating Base Altimur.

“I know the discomfort of not knowing if there is an IED out there while patrolling the roads,” said Netzley, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the K-9 section at FOB Altimur. “Now I have a chance to make the roads safer.”  The 2-year-old German shepherd and Netzley have been working together for six months, which includes the month and a half long training they went through at Vohne Liche Kennels, in Peru, Ind.  “Learning how to work with a K-9 is challenging, but once you learn how to do it, it becomes easier,” Netzley said.

The pair works together as a team helping each other. “She’ll pick up a scent, and if I know or see something, I’ll lead her to it or she’ll lead me to it, and I’ll watch her reaction,” Netzley said. “Through training, she has learned how to determine where the odor is coming from.”  Netzley and Lady work with the route clearance patrol and the counter IED teams. 

“They help us a lot because they can pinpoint exactly where something is,” said Army Cpl. Adam Kodras, a member of the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment counter IED team.  “They’ll find the secondary IED, caches or anything that you wouldn’t normally see with the naked eye.”

When Lady finds something and it is confirmed positive, her reward is a tennis ball and lots of petting. But more importantly, the K-9s are saving lives.   “We’re happy to know that we are going to save people,” said Kordas. “We’ve probably saved a humvee full of Soldiers with what the dogs have helped us find.”   “I like being a

War In Afghanistan News - March 25, 2009

Articles: Eight Civilians killed in IED Attack                  Joint Operation Successful in Helmand

Afghan National Police arrest two Taliban commanders in Oruzgan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police arrested two Taliban commanders in Tarin Kowt District, Oruzgan Province, Sunday. Three other militants were also arrested during the operation.

Villagers in Kandahar Province notified the ANP on Saturday that Qari Azizullah, Khas Oruzgan Taliban district commander, and Mullah Hamidullah, a Khas Oruzgan Taliban district sub-commander, had driven from Pakistan and were on their way to Khas Oruzgan. An ANP commander ordered the establishment of checkpoints and patrols along the route they were traveling and disseminated a description of the militants' vehicle to police elements on the ground.

The vehicle was positively identified and stopped by ANP at a checkpoint in Tarin Kowt. As the vehicle

Iraq Military News - March 25, 2009

Articles: Incorporating new ideas goal of Iraqi medical training                                                     Iraqi Sergeant Major Council Formed at Taji      An Enduring Partnership to Sustain the Iraqi Army  SMA Preston talks on Army’s way ahead, Soldiers’ concerns

Tip leads NP, Paratroopers to EFP cache

Multi-National Division – BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police officers and Multi-National Division–Baghdad Paratroopers discovered a weapons cache March 22 while conducting combat operations in the 9 Nissan  district of eastern Baghdad.
 
Acting on a tip from a concerned local citizen, NPs from 1st Battalion, 4th NP Brigade, 1st NP Division and Paratroopers from Company C, 2nd Bn., 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division discovered four explosively formed projectiles, one PKC machine gun, one rocket propelled grenade launcher, six 120mm mortar rounds, one 60mm mortar round, one handgun, one bag of TNT, one grenade and additional bomb-making components.    
 
A Coalition Force explosive ordnance disposal team safely secured the cache for further investigation.

Iraqi Sergeant Major Council Formed at Taji

TAJI, Iraq – The Taji Sergeant Major Council held their inaugural meeting at the Camp Taji Military Base on March 16, 2009. The event was hosted by the Taji Sergeants Major and included speeches by

Paratroopers Put Iraqi Kids in Wheelchairs

Iraqi Children Receive New Wheelchairs

 By Staff Sgt. Alex Licea, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

 

Capt. Jesse Stewart, a Troop commander with the 82nd Airborne Division, carries a disabled Iraqi girl in the Rusafa District of eastern Baghdad, March 23. The girl’s mother carried her daughter for two miles before almost collapsing near the wheelchair distribution site. Courtesy photo.

BAGHDAD — Eighty-two Iraqi kids found a new reason to smile, thanks to efforts from Iraqi National Police (NP) officers and U.S. Paratroopers in the Rusafa district here, March 23.

Dubbed ‘Operation Enhanced Mobility’, the 2nd NP Division officers and 82nd Airborne Division Soldiers presented new wheelchairs to disabled children during a humanitarian effort in the northeast section of the city.

The wheelchairs, donated by ‘Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids,’ are adjustable and designed for growing children. Officials said that unlike low-quality wheelchairs, which often do not fit a person correctly, these wheelchairs will adjust with the child’s growth thus allowing the chairs to be used for several years.

Brad Blauser, founder of Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids, said individuals and organizations in the U.S. donated the funding that made the delivery of pediatric wheelchairs possible.

More than half of the wheelchairs donated during the day were funded by 10-year-old Ben Werdegar, of Woodside, Calif.

“Ben decided he would play his guitar and raise money for the Iraqi children on the streets of San Francisco,” said Blauser. “Since that time, Ben has played most weekends for more than 52 weeks, raising over $13,000 to help the children of Iraq. He deserves a huge amount of recognition for his

Iraq News - March 25, 2009

Articles: Gulf Region Division announces new initiatives for Iraqi women-owned businesses               Iraqi leaders support their community          Kindergarten students showered with toys

Samarra Mayor: Tear Down That Wall

 

A young Iraqi man hooks chains on the lifting points of a concrete barrier as the barriers are removed from a market in Samarra, March 23. Photo by Sgt. Ian Terry, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs.

FOB BRASSFIELD-MORA — Scores of Samarra citizens joined provincial and community leaders March 23 as concrete barriers were removed during a ceremony reminiscent of the opening of the Berlin wall nearly twenty years ago.

The concrete barriers, commonly known as T-walls, surround several government and military buildings throughout Samarra to provide a layer of protection against insurgent attacks.  While T-walls have become a familiar site in Iraq, they are a sign of more dangerous times, and most citizens agree it’s time for them to go.

Samarra’s mayor, Mahmood Khalaf Ahmed, joined Lt. Col. Sam Whitehurst, commander, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, to witness the first step in a city-wide barrier removal project.

“Samarra has become very peaceful,” said Omar Khaled, a local produce shop owner. “The barriers remind us of bad times, but it is time to look toward the future and enjoy our peace. It is time to reopen Samarra.”

To the sound of cheering and clapping, a young Iraqi man dressed in sweatpants and sandals strapped

Commentary: What you hear in a war zone

Mar 23

By 1st Sgt. Anthony Martinez, MND-B PAO

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - While living in Portsmouth, Ohio a few years ago, I had an apartment located no more than 150 feet from a rail yard. My first few weeks living there presented a small challenge. I had a hard time sleeping through the screeches, bangs, bumps and grumbles in the night as rail workers prepared trains for their departures across the country.

Innovative brain therapies offer hope to injured troops

Dr. Philip A. DeFina, chief executive and scientific officer at the non-profit International Brain Research Foundation Inc., in Edison, N.J., responds to questions from reporters at the Reserve Officers Association-sponsored seminar on military mental healthcare held in Washington, D.C., March 23. Dr. DeFina, an Army veteran, was one of several civilian and military guest speakers who attended the seminar. (Defense Department photo/Gerry J. Gilmore)

by Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

3/24/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Innovative therapies that have assisted previously comatose patients regain consciousness may be incorporated on a greater scale to treat troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, a brain injury expert said here March 23.

Dr. Philip A. DeFina, chief executive and scientific officer at the not-for-profit International Brain Research Foundation Inc., in Edison, N.J., said that, over the past four years, electronic brain stimulation, oxygen-induction, drugs and other therapies were used to bring 43 people, including five injured Soldiers, out of minimally-conscious or vegetative states.

March 21 airpower summary

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan. The F-15E provides close-air support and armed aerial overwatch to deter enemy activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway)

March 21 airpower summary: F-15Es target anti-Afghan forces

SSG David Bellavia, Army, Fallujah, Iraq, Buffalo, NY

NARRATIVE NOMINATING SSG DAVID BELLAVIA FOR THE MEDAL OF HONOR DURING OPERATION PHANTOM FURY

FALLUJAH, IRAQ: On the night of 10 November 2004 Third Platoon, A Company, Task Force 2-2 IN near OBJ Wolf in Fallujah, Iraq, was ordered to attack to destroy six to eight Anti Iraqi Forces (AIF). 1LT Edward Iwan, the A Company Executive Officer, had identified six to eight AIF who had entered a block of twelve buildings. These AIF had engaged A55 and tanks from Team Tank with automatic weapons and rocket fire. Having a 25 mm cannon malfunction, 1LT Edward Iwan cordoned off the area and called Third Platoon to enter and clear all buildings until the AIF were killed or captured.

The first nine buildings yielded many AK47s, Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, rockets, assorted ammunition, and flak vests. When they came to the tenth home, SSG Colin Fitts, 1st Squad Leader, led his squad of soldiers into the house, with four soldiers from SSG Bellavia’s 2nd Squad. SGT Hugh Hall, 1st Squad, B Team Leader and SGT Warren Misa 1st Squad, A Team Leader, established a quick foothold in the interior of the house. When SGT Misa attempted to clear the second room he encountered heavy enemy fire. Two AIF were under a stairwell, well covered behind a three-foot

Ego & Self-Importance vs. OPSEC

"It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Proverbs

There exist many pundits that wish to demonstrate just how smart they are by telling the world about the latest secret or obscure fact  they've learned.  Sometimes, they really do know something about the subject they enlighten the world on.  Sometimes, they know little about it.  Sometimes, it was a secret told them in trust.  Sometimes, they are right and sometimes they are wrong.

"Loose Lips Sink Ships"  WWII OPSEC Slogan

Words can kill.  Underestimating the enemy can kill.  There is a direct, provable relationship to the false allegations printed in Time Magazine regarding the actions of Marines in Haditha, the resulting protests across the Islamic world, and the deaths caused by those protests.  There is a direct,

Airmen help aircrews return if all goes awry

Staff Sgt. Eric Zwoll demonstrates the use of a PRC-112 survival radio March 17 at an air base in Southwest Asia. The radio is used to contact recovery forces if a member of an aircrew should become isolated in enemy territory. Sergeant Zwoll is a a survival, evasion, resistance, and escape specialist with the Combined Air and Space Operations Center. He is a native of Orma, W. Va., and is deployed from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joshua Garcia)
by Tech. Sgt. Shad Eidson 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

3/23/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS)  -- When Staff Sgt. Eric Zwoll presents his briefing, aircrew members preparing for a mission listen carefully because they know if a mission goes awry then their lives will depend on his every word. 

Sergeant Zwoll is one of a handful of survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists here who support missions throughout the region by briefing theater preparation and SERE refreshers, planning and execution of reintegration operations, and serve as advocates for isolated personnel. 

"In the U.S. Central Command theater, we don't actually train anybody," Sergeant Zwoll said.

War In Afghanistan Combat News - March 24, 2009

Articles: Troops Slow Down Taliban Movement With Traffic Control Points

Afghan civilian killed in escalation of force incident

Coalition, Afghan Forces Kill Six, Detain 14 in Afghanistan Operations American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 23, 2009 – Coalition and Afghan forces have killed six enemy fighters and detained 14 others in operations in Afghanistan in recent days, military officials reported. This morning, combined forces detained three suspects during an operation to disrupt a bomb-making network in eastern Afghanistan. In the Sabari district of Khowst province, about 70 miles southeast of Kabul, Afghan and coalition forces searched a compound where the three suspects were detained without incident. One rifle, two chest racks and ammunition were found and removed from the compound. Six women and 10

Iraq Military News - March 24, 2009

Articles: Iraqi Army assumes control of COP Ayres, Iraqi Trainers hone their skills

Iraqi Police, U.S. Soldiers Sweep University for Unexploded Ordnance

By Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell, Multi-National Division - Baghdad

“Stryker” Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and Iraqi policemen clear one of many fields surrounding the Baghdad University College of Agriculture in Abu Ghraib, March 21. Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell.

 

BAGHDAD — On the first day of spring, Baghdad University College of Agriculture in Abu Ghraib needed some cleaning. Instead of brooms and dustpans, Iraqi Police and U.S. Soldiers used detection dogs, shovels and mine detectors to sweep for unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices and weapons caches March 21.

In preparation for University Day, April 5, troops from 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, received reports that the area needed to be cleared before it could open its doors to the public for Baghdad University’s annual event.

“It’s almost like a college day open house back home,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Welfley, noncommissioned officer in charge. “They think there’s UXO out in the fields and we need to clear it before University Day.”

The branch of Baghdad University has several large plots of land with rows of verdant crops and greenhouses surrounding the college buildings.

“It’s an agricultural college so the Iraqi students might be planting something and come across a