War On Terror News

New Afghan Police Ready to Serve

Newly graduated Afghan National Police ready to serve communities in Helmand province

 

KABUL, Afghanistan – At the new Afghan National Police (ANP) Headquarters in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Governor Gulab Mangal recently congratulated 147 Afghan National Policemen who successfully completed their Focussed District Development (FDD) training. They will be deployed to Lashkar Gah to help provide stability and security to local communities.

Stated in February 2008 and driven by the Ministry of Interior and Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, FDD training is the national model for the re-vitalisation of the ANP. The training is provided by a combination of civilian and military personnel from the United States and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), who educate Afghan policemen on their core

LTG McChrystal Visits Kandahar, AFG

Commander ISAF visits Afghan village in Kandahar province  

Kandahar, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) new Commander in Afghanistan, U.S. General Stanley A. McChrystal and Kandahar Governor Tooryalai Wesa meet in a village in Dand District, June 25. The village is part of an initiative to secure and enable villages in southern Afghanistan. (ISAF Photo)

KABUL, Afghanistan - General Stanley A. McChrystal, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) met with Canadian Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance, Commander of Task Force Kandahar (TFK) and Mr. Ken Lewis, Representative of Canada in Kandahar (RoCK), June 25,in the Afghan village of Deh-E-Bagh.

The village, located in Dand District, south of Kandahar City, is the first village to benefit from

Enlisted Airman Protects Civilian Airliner

Face of Defense: Airman Defuses Commercial Airline Incident

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace, Special to American Forces Press Service

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., June 29, 2009 – It was enough to make even the calmest airline passengers nervous: an irate man pacing the aisles of a commercial flight shouting, “I want to slit the captain’s throat!”

Col. Thomas Kauth, Logistics Assessment Branch chief, presents Senior Airman Nicholas Barker, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, a certificate of appreciation for his excellence during Dover Air Force Base’s Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Program inspection. Two months later, Barker showed his excellence again by subduing an irate man on an international commercial flight. U.S. Air Force photo by Tom Randle   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

However, in the face of this peril on a June 9 U.S. borne flight to Italy, a Dover mechanic came to the rescue.

Though Senior Airman Nicholas Barker, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, looked like the many other passengers, by the end of the flight it was apparent he was different – he was a hero.

Barker was headed to Naples, where he was to report for maintenance readiness training. However, fate had a different plan for the crew chief that day and he soon found himself in a perilous situation, strong-arming and securing an enraged man speaking Italian.

“He was pacing up and down the aircraft almost as he was looking for something,” explained the Plymouth, Mich., native. “I wasn’t the only person to notice his strange behavior. People all around were looking at him as if he was drunk and the crew was trying to calm him down.”

Since Barker doesn’t speak Italian, he did not know the severity of the situation at first, but recalled

Iraqi SOF Capture Terrorist

Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrest suspected terrorist in Baghdad

Multi-National Corps – Iraq - BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with Coalition force advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist during a mission in the Iraqi capital June 28.

The Soldiers were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Iraq-Karkh.

The arrested man is suspected to be a low-level commander of an insurgent group responsible for coordinating the murder of a local citizen and an attack against Iraqi army forces.

“This successful operation highlights the Iraqi Special Operations Forces commitment to thwarting the terrorist operations happening in their country,” said Maj. Robert Bockholt, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula spokesman.

UnderSecretrary Carter Visits Diyala Iraq

Undersecretary visits Combat Out Post Zaganiyah in Diyala

Multi-National Division – North - DIYALA, Iraq – The Honorable Dr. Ashton Carter, Undersecretary of The Department of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, visited Combat Out Post Zaganiyah in Diyala Province on June 26.

During his visit, Carter was briefed by Col. Burt Thompson, commander of the 1st Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division along with leadership of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, on the process and logistics necessary in the closing of COPs while maintaining security.

Accompanying Carter on his visit was Mr. Alan Estevez, acting Deputy Undersecretary of Defense in

GEN Odierno: Confident in Iraqis

Gen. Odierno: Military Has Met SOFA Deadline, Already Out of Iraqi Cities

Monday, 29 June 2009 By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON — The U.S. military will have no issues complying with the U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement, which requires all U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 30, the commander of Multi-National Force - Iraq said yesterday. “We’ve already met the deadline. We’ve already moved out of the cities,” Army Gen. Ray Odierno said from Baghdad during his appearance on Fox News Sunday. “We’ve been doing it slowly over the last eight months and the final units have moved out of the cities over the last several weeks.” The general also appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union.” With U.S. troops out of Iraq’s cities, the burden for securing them falls to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). Those forces are up to the challenge, Odierno said.

Khowst, AFG: 12+ Haqqani Killed

Coalition forces strike Haqqani command bunkers in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces launched precision airstrikes overnight against senior Haqqani commanders and command posts in the remote mountains of western Khost Province.

These militants are responsible for aiding in the movement of foreign fighters through the Khost-Gardez Pass and throughout Afghanistan.

Coalition forces planned and coordinated the airstrikes when intelligence sources indicated militant activity at this rugged location earlier in the day. Coalition force aircraft were called in and destroyed a pair of command bunkers, killing more than a dozen militants.

The Haqqani network remains one of the most lethal Taliban organizations operating out of Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Area. Haqqani leaders conduct operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the Government of the Islamic republic of Afghanistan and Afghan National Security Forces and seeks to expel coalition and NATO forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

SSG Chad Malmberg, DSC, Iraq

 

• Hometown: St. Paul, MN
• Awarded: Silver Star

On January 27, 2007, Malmberg’s convoy, which included more than 20 gun trucks and logistical vehicles, was traveling from Baghdad International Airport late at night when an IED exploded. The convoy stopped to assess the situation; it soon became clear, however, that the IED was only the beginning of the attack – the largest ambush during Malmberg’s 16-month deployment. Hostile forces melted out of the night and fired rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms. In the darkness, it was difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the fire. Malmberg knew he had to get closer, so he moved forward and engaged several enemy positions. He then exited his vehicle and attempted to direct the other trucks out of the kill zone. The concentration of enemy fire made this maneuver too difficult – which meant that Malmberg and the rest of the team would have to stand their ground and fight to the end.

Malmberg saw fire from behind and moved to support the rear elements. He dealt the attackers a blow with an AT-4 anti-tank shot – before calling in air support.

The enemy fire continued relentlessly, and in such close quarters, the aircraft did not have a clear shot. For the next half hour, Malmberg’s team of 15 soldiers continued to fight an enemy force that

RIP PVT Drees, PFC Cross

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

 

            Pvt. Steven T. Drees, 19, of Peshtigo, Wis., died June 28 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained June 24 in Konar Province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire and a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

 

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

 

                Pfc. Peter K. Cross, 20, of Saginaw, Texas, died June 26 at Combat Outpost Carwile, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. 

 

                The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

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

Czechs: Afghans Ready to Fly Mi-35

COMBINED SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND - AFGHANISTAN, KABUL - After an absence of nearly a decade from the battlefield, the Afghan Mi-35 is again flying the skies of Afghanistan, thanks to pilots from the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) and the Czech Republic.

On May 27, Afghan Mi-35 attack helicopters fired 12.7 MM cannon rounds and 57 MM rockets near Bagram Air Base. Each partnered Afghan and Czech Republic crew fired 200 rounds of ball ammunition and 16 rockets while practicing gunnery on the East River Range Complex. The practice gunnery session was the culmination of over a year's work to rebuild the ANAAC's Mi-35 program. This newly revived program gives the Afghan National Army dedicated, armed aircraft for the first time in eight years.

Air Force Bows to Budget, Environment

Air Force Announces Fiscal 2010 Force Structure Realignments

Today the U.S. Air Force announced its proposed force structure realignment for fiscal 2010. It reflects adjustments which will provide adequate resources to accomplish the Air Force mission.

 

"The force structure announcement reflects our best effort to meet the expanding Air Force mission areas and growing joint demands,” said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff.

 

It includes a summary of military and civilian personnel changes and reassignment of aircraft at Air Force bases for the upcoming fiscal year. It does not include programmatic actions in fiscal 2011 and beyond.

 

“We’ve made some hard choices,” Schwartz said. “However, we believe this is the best overall design to meet America's national security needs and support to the joint fight."

 

                The announcement specifies the force structure changes experienced by the Total Force-Air Force active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. Implementation of these actions will occur only after completion of appropriate environmental analyses.

 

For more details about the fiscal 2010 Force Structure realignment go to http://www.defenselink.mil/news/d20090626FY2010tab1.pdf and

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/d20090626FY2010tab2.pdf .

AFG: Multiple Bad Guys Killed/Captured

Afghanistan safer after Afghan and coalition forces interrupt Taliban and Haqqani activities

 
USFOR-A KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by coalition forces, conducted multiple operations in Khost, Ghazni and Kandahar provinces June 28. The operations were intended to disrupt the flow of foreign fighters, weapons and explosives in the country, and to provide security to Afghan citizens.

In the Sabari district, about 15 kilometers north of Khost city in Khost province, the combined force searched a compound where intelligence sources indicated militant

Tuz, Iraq: Construction Enhanced as Transition Nears

Tuz Joint Communication Center focal point of the “Way Ahead”

Multi-National Division – North PAO: FORWARD OPERATING BASE BERNSTEIN, TUZ, Iraq – As concern over Tuz’s security situation dwindles, efforts to improve the police station and Joint Communication Center are redoubling. 

Workspace improvements will lead to better functionality, according to Lt. Col. David Snodgrass, Deputy Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, who visited the Tuz JCC June 21.

“This place can serve as the single point of contact for all emergency services,” said Snodgrass, “and the ISF are ready, willing and able to take over.”

Construction has begun on a new building, which will be located in the Tuz Mayor’s Compound. In the

Samarra, Iraq: Planning Departures

The “Silo” begins its transition

Multi-National Division – North:

FORWARD OPERATING BASE BRASSFIELD-MORA, SAMARRA, Iraq – U.S. Forces met with a Salah ad-Din provincial director general June 20 to discuss the transfer of Forward Operating Base Brassfield-Mora back to the citizens of Iraq.

FOB Brassfield-Mora, known by local Iraqis as the ‘Silo,’ will be transitioned from U.S. forces back to the citizens of Samarra.  The meeting between Bahaa Naja Ali, the director general of seeds and grains, and Lt. Col. Sam Whitehurst, commander, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, was the first step forward.

The landmark meeting helped to begin planning the removal of U.S. Forces from the Silo.

“It is important that the (next) unit realizes that they need to be out of the Silo by early 2010.  The

Outpost Turned over to Iraq

Combat Outpost Mullalah transferred to Iraqi Army

Multi-National Division – North:

DIYALA, Iraq – Combat Outpost Mullalah in Diyala province was transferred from U.S. Forces to the 5th Iraqi Army Division June 25, signifying the progress which has been made in recent months and years in the region’s battle against terrorists and insurgents.

The COP, originally established in 2005, had been the home of Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, since September 2008.

A major staging area for Soldiers with 2-8 FA, the outpost will continue to facilitate Coalition forces when teaming with their Iraqi counterparts, but it will be Coalition forces, not the Iraqis, who will be visitors while staging in Mullalah.

Lt. Col. Matthew Anderson, 2-8 FA commander, spoke during the ceremony, and said the transfer was a significant event in history.

“Now is the right time for [COP Mullalah] to be turned over to the very capable 4th Battalion (5th Iraqi Army Division),” said Anderson.  “This is symbolic of a much bigger change.”

Closing out the ceremony, Iraqi Lt. Col. Amur, Commander of the 4-5 IA, thanked the coalition for their support and for establishing security in the region.  He then promised to the audience that his battalion would continue to provide the security needed for the people of the area.

Two Shoes - A Journey's End

I left off with trail time updates on Two Shoes back at the end of March, the 30th to be exact.  At that point the weather had not been cooperating very well.  Many if not most of his days had been rainy, thus preventing him from taking some really cool photos.

(If you haven't read the previous two articles on Two Shoes then skip to the bottom of this article and follow the links under related articles to find them.)

Tikrit, Iraq: New Construction for US Army

Tikrit Resident Office projects improve life on COB Speicher

By Mike Scheck, Gulf Region North: COB SPEICHER, TIKRIT, Iraq – Construction of a new flight line passenger terminal, two Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and three new theater command tactical operation centers are under way at Contingency Operating Base Speicher.

The Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq is working diligently to make life better for Soldiers and civilians working on the base through the management of the six ongoing projects. Engineers of the Gulf Region North’s Tikrit Resident Office are supervising the construction.

“These projects were designed to improve the morale and effectiveness of the forces here at Speicher,” said Glenn Myrick, the TRO resident engineer. “We are managing the construction to replace facilities that have outlived their intended life expectancy.”

The three TOCs will replace current aging temporary structure with steel frame buildings that will each house an administrative office, an operations center, planning rooms, a conference room and communications room, according to TRO engineers.

The TOCs have a two-fold advantage, according to Maj. Mike Caraballo, executive officer of the 211th

Diyala: Iraq Celebrates Transition

Ceremony Highlights Security Transition

Multi-National Division – North Release: DIYALA — A ceremony to celebrate the transition of security in the cities from Coalition forces to Iraqi Security Forces was held in Baqubah, June 25.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials in the Diyala province along with Coalition leadership from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the 25th Infantry Division.

During the ceremony, Diyala governor Abd-al-Nasir al-Mahdawi, spoke of the transition in security and the efforts by many to gain and hold stability in Diyala. 

Former Diyala Governor Ra’ad, Brig. Gen. James Nixon, deputy commanding general for operations,

Generosity Bridges US-Iraq Efforts

Abu Ghraib Orphanage Receives Food

BAGHDAD — U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers conducted a combined patrol through Abu Ghraib to deliver supplies, disrupt insurgents and foster relationships, June 25.

The area they patrolled is called the "1st of June," as Iraqis often name areas after significant dates in their history.

Leading the patrol was a platoon from the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. As a result of the agreement between Coalition forces and the Government of Iraq, all combat operations are now conducted jointly.

One of the goals of these joint operations is training; another is to show the people that there is a transition happening as Coalition forces begin pulling back.

Part of today's mission was to take a small step in attempting to improve those relationships.

Under the guidance of Company C of the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment "Paxton Rangers," dozens of bags of beans, rice, canned meat, bottled water and other supplies were given to the Iraqi Army Soldiers. As they began their patrol, they stopped at a number of houses handing out the bags and holding brief conversations with the residents.

They were surprised as they came to an unofficial orphanage and were surrounded by kids.

Baghdad: Iraqi SOF Capture 3 Terrorists

Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrest 3 suspected terrorists in Baghdad

Multi-National Corps – Iraq: BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with Coalition force advisors, arrested three alleged terrorists during an intelligence-driven mission in the Iraqi capital June 26.

During the early-morning operation, the Soldiers with the Iraqi Special Operations Forces were operating under the authority of warrants issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Iraq-Karkh.

The apprehended individuals are suspected to be responsible for conducting attacks against the Iraqi Security Forces operating in the Baghdad area.

“Once again, the elite Soldiers of the ISOF have highlighted their commitment to providing the people of Iraq with the safety, security and stability they deserve by taking three more terrorists off the streets,” said Maj. Robert Bockholt, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula spokesman.

Tikrit: Iraqis Capture 7 Terrorists

Iraqi Security Forces arrest seven suspected terrorists

Multi-National Corps – Iraq: TIKRIT, Iraq – The 7th Regional Commando Battalion, with Coalition force advisors, arrested seven suspected terrorists June 27, during an operation in the Ninewa province with warrants issued by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq-Karkh.

The arrested men are suspected of operating in a terrorist cell, which conducts attacks against the Iraqi people and Iraqi Security Forces in Ninewa.

“The 7th RCB led this operation and is continuing to prove to the Iraqi people that they are a competent and legitimate security force,” said Navy Lt. Gustavo Perez, a CF spokesperson familiar with the operation.

‘Dawg Medic’ Lives Up to Call Sign

Army SGT Laurence Cameron, left, administers intravenous fluids to a military working dog with Army SGT James Harrington south of Baghdad, June 20, 2009. U.S. Army photo by SGT Mary Phillips

By Army SGT Mary Phillips
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, June 22, 2009 – Army SGT Laurence Cameron was given the radio call sign “Dawg Medic” by other soldiers during this deployment, but it wasn’t until a recent mission that the Rock Hill, S.C., native actually lived up to the nickname.

Cameron, a combat medic with the North Carolina National Guard’s B “Dawg” Battery, 113th Field Artillery, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, was on patrol with two military working dogs June 20, when one of the dogs became overheated.

Baghdad: Iraqi SOF Capture Terrorist

Iraqi Special Operations Soldiers arrest suspected terrorist in Baghdad

Multi-National Corps – Iraq - BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with Coalition force advisors, arrested an alleged terrorist in the Iraqi capital during an intelligence-driven operation June 26.

During the early-morning operation, the Soldiers with the Iraqi Special Operations Forces were operating under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Iraq-Karkh.

The apprehension of the suspected terrorist will hinder terrorist activities occurring in the greater Baghdad area.

“This successful operation sends a message to the Iraqi people that the ISOF is committed to the security of the Government of Iraq and its people,” said Maj. Robert Bockholt, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula spokesman. 

Georgia Honors its Fallen

 

Tipped to me from a tweeter. H/T to http://truthonlyplease.tumblr.com/ for having found it before I did, this is too great to not republish here.  This is greater than any one person.  It requires an organized effort to let citizens know.  It cannot be mandated, each person acted on their own accord.  It is a demonstration of the earned Honor of SSG Beale and that the people of Georgia are grateful to him and for him and for the sacrifice he made for them, for America, and for freedom itself.

I would like to thank the people of Georgia, and my Brothers in Blue, to thank the Citizens and the Firefighters for honoring my Fallen Brother.  Thank you not only for Honoring My Brother, but for helping to restore Honor, for helping to restore in American Troops the faith that Our Citizens appreciate them and their sacrifice.

My online journey began in 2006 to combat the opposite, the perception that Our

Playing Into the Hand of the Enemy - 3 Banning Generosity

by WOTN Editor

 

There are multiple excuses used for banning the generous actions of individual troops.  In a report from Iraq, the excuse for a ban on throwing candy from a moving vehicle was that it "endangered kids."  In a report on a complete ban of handing out toys, the excuse was that the recipients and their families were targeted by the Taliban.  These are excuses for a lack of deliberate planning to overcome a specific challenge.

As my role in convoys had been often the designated candy/pencil thrower, I can tell you it is very easy to do this safely.  Kids always lined the sides of the streets and candy was never thrown into the street.  For More on throwing candy and pencils, see "Dust Devils Spawned of Candy Sins"

The total ban on toys is however the biggest play into the hands of the enemy I think I've seen yet.  This one simply astounds me.  No one wants their gift to be used by the atrocious as a means of targeting, but banning the sharing of smiling hearts of Afghan kids and American Troops is not the right answer.  This simple act of kindness is one of the highlights of an American Soldier's time in some of the worst conditions known to man.  See Beanies for Baghdad by MsMarti for the effects and how you can help.

The excuse rests on this targeting of Afghan Children by the Taliban and it is at the very heart of the difference between US Troops and the enemy we fight.  We give kids toys which brings a smile to a kid's face, a Soldier's face, and the parents of the kids.  Supposedly, the Taliban then rides in and slaughters this happy family for having received the toys and the smiles from Americans.

The Taliban knows as well as anyone that parents' hearts and minds are warmed by this act that brings happiness to their child.  Word spreads of the generosity across the village and the tribe.  People begin to realize that Americans aren't so bad as they've been told.  Contrast that to the enemy that then kills Afghans for having the audacity to smile and embrace the happiness of their kids.

Deliberate Planning on this one would have determined the knee jerk response was backwards and counter-productive.  It would demonstrated that increased cooperation with locals to secure their own safety was needed to overcome the threat.  It would have demonstrated that the proper response was not an end to the smiles of kids but a plan to eradicate those that would harm kids.

The Taliban, like other tyrant wannabes, attempt to win the Counter-COIN match with fear.  It is a short term strategy that banks on the perception that the government cannot prevent their atrocities.  US COIN strategy is long term and rests on building the trust of the people, turning against those that inflict fear on them.  This example is one which plays directly into the enemy's tactic of preventing ours.

And for the Troops that benefit from the act of giving, it is one that annoys me more than most knee jerk reactions.

Part 1: Playing Into the Hand of the Enemy

And it is not only in the information arena that we are now playing into the hands of the enemy.

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

Playing Into the Hands of the Enemy - 2 Body Counts

by WOTN Editor

A lesson derived of the Viet Nam war was that "body counts don't ensure victory."  In that war, we inflicted much greater losses on the enemy than we took, yet the American people were turned against the Troops, the Military, and the War, either forcing or allowing Congress to legislate a loss. 

Farah Aidid, Osama bin Ladin, and Saddam Hussein studied that lesson.  The Media itself is a part of the lesson.  The Media misportrayed the facts on the ground.  At some point, it became politically incorrect to report enemy body counts, while even today we are given not only a daily friendly body count, but also the running total.  The rise of the Milblogger, the Soldier-Journalist, is due at least in part to the frustration to hard fought Victories not being reported by the MSM (main stream media, including Fox.)

As I pointed out in "How to Win a War," one must convince the opponent that the fight is futile, one must break the will of the enemy to continue the fight.  The media role in this is the creation of the misperception that we are losing.  We are

PO1 Marcus Luttrell, Navy Cross, Afghanistan

• Hometown: Huntsville, TX
• Awarded: Navy Cross

Surrounded and severely outnumbered in combat, you can either give up or fight to the death. Petty Officer Luttrell and three other SEALs faced that decision in the hills of Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. A SEAL never gives up.

The team, which included Lt. Michael Murphy and Petty Officers Matt Axelson and Danny Dietz, had been sent on a covert mission to find and kill a Taliban leader. As the SEALs scoured the area, they encountered three civilians who Luttrell believes alerted Taliban fighters. About an hour later, approximately 80-100 Taliban fighters appeared and began a ferocious assault. As the small team fought back, a Chinook helicopter arrived in support – but was shot down by the enemy, killing all 16 men on board.

The SEALs realized that their odds of survival were slim – but their training and sense of honor told them to take out as many enemies as they could. By the end of a two-hour gunfight that careened through the hills and over cliffs, Murphy, Axelson, and Dietz had fallen. An estimated 35 Taliban were also dead. Luttrell managed to escape the carnage – badly injured – and slowly crawl away down the side of a cliff.

Dehydrated, with a bullet wound to one leg, shrapnel embedded in both legs, three vertebrae cracked; the situation for Luttrell was grim. Rescue helicopters were sent in, but he was too weak and injured

Tweet Quotes That Make it Worth It!

A Message to the Dictator Khameni that should be read by all tyrants and islamists:

Sura 42;40 "Whoever forgives & makes reconciliation has a reward with Allah. Verily, He likes NOT Zalimun (oppressors)" #IranElection (from an unidentified tweeter)

This is an important recognition, though directed at one Tyrant, that Our Enemies are also the enemies of Islam.  The Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and all islamist terrorists are Zalimun (Oppressors).  This is an important verse that demonstrates why Muslims must oppose islamists.

But, a few key quotes, are particularly rewarding to me and War On Terror News because they provide the feedback to let us know that we've made a positive impact.

"Let's just get this done. I'll fund it if you guys deliver it. Where do I go and do it?" (Private Message concerning a specific effort by one of our contributors.)

The effort was not an official WOTN effort but one from one of our contributors which we were fortunate enough to be able to "retweet" with knowledge that it was from a noble endeavor.  MsHope of Hope Radiocame up with a specific method of Support.  She is to be acknowledged for a successful effort.  We're glad that we could assist, but we weren't the force behind it.  She did it!

"thanks for the link to Op Gratitude....got a few dozen DVD's i watched only once... now i know what to do with them" from @TOMinWPB in response to Operation Gratitude Article

This is what our Support Our Troops Category is all about! There are so many ways and so

Afghan Police Expands Ahead of Elections

10,000 Provincial ANP Growth Approved

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan (June 27, 2009) - CSTC-A Public Affairs - At a recent meeting of the International Police Coordination Board, the international community approved Afghan National Police growth of up to 10,000 to meet security needs for the upcoming August elections in 14 key provinces.

According to Colonel Bradley K. Nelson, the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A) ANP Force Integration Officer, the training for the additional police will be divided into two phases, much like the training for the additional 4,800 police that are already being trained for duty in Kabul. The officers will attend three weeks of training prior to the elections and will receive an additional five weeks of training after the elections.

"This is a critical component in election security," stated Nelson, "as we continue to build police

Khowst, AFG: Haqqani Targeted, 6 Captured

Afghan, coalition forces conduct operations against the Haqqani network in Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces conducted two operations in the Musa Khel District of Khost Province yesterday, targeting a key commander in one operation and searching a compound in another.

Coalition forces used precision air strikes in a remote area of Musa Khel District targeting a key Haqqani commander responsible for planning militant attacks against coalition forces.

Intelligence sources indicated his location in this mountainous district, approximately 45 km northwest of the city of Khost. Coalition forces observed and

Huilla, Iraq: 2 Terrorists Captured

Hillah SWAT arrests 2 suspected terrorists in Baghdad

Multi-National Corps – Iraq - BAGHDAD – The Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team, along with Coalition force advisors, arrested two suspected terrorists near Latafiyah, Iraq, during an Iraqi-led operation June 26.

During the early-morning operation, the SWAT team, also known as the 3rd Battalion of the Emergency Readiness Brigade, was operating under the authority of locally issued warrants.

The individuals were apprehended for their alleged involvement with violent extremistsoperating in and around the southern belt of the capital. The arrest of these alleged terrorists will disrupt the

Operation Gratitude

 

 

After 9-11 Carolyn Blashek, a mother of 2, "felt a passionate desire to help fight the war on terrorism."  She first thought of joining the military, but at 46 she was too old.  However, she volunteered to help at the military lounge in the LA airport.  One chance encounter at the military lounge, had a profound effect on Carolyn.

" One day in March 2003, a soldier came into the office and broke down at her desk. He was on leave from a war zone for his mother's funeral, his wife had left him and his only child died as an infant--he had no one else in his life. "I'm going back over there; I don't think I'll make it back this time, but it really doesn’t matter because no one would even care” he told her. Right then Blashek realized that when bullets are flying, it's critical for troops to know that someone cares about them as an individual. That's when Operation Gratitude was born."

Baghdad: Terrorist Captured

June 28, 2009 Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrest suspected terrorist in Baghdad Multi-National Corps – Iraq BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with Coalition force advisors, arrested an alleged terrorist during an intelligence-driven operation in the Iraqi capital June 26. Acting under the authority of a warrant issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Iraq-Karkh, the ISOF arrested the individual who is believed to be responsible for a roadside bomb attack against Iraqi army forces.   “The professionalism demonstrated by the Iraqi Special Operations Forces during this mission reflects their commitment to taking terrorists off the streets in order to make Iraq a safer place,” said Maj. Robert Bockholt, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula spokesman.

Ninevah: Iraqis Get Special Security Training

Special Forces train Iraqi personal security detail

Multi-National Corps – Iraq - MOSUL, Iraq – In order to provide added capabilities for Iraqi Security Forces in Ninewa Province, U.S. Special Forces trained two Iraqi personal security details to protect elected officials in the province May 24 and June 7.

The five-day course, conducted on Forward Operating Base Marez, covered personal security techniques, immediate medical care and basic marksmanship skills.

“The overall intent is to teach the detail to protect and secure their democratically elected officials,” said the primary course instructor, who preferred to be called “Sergeant Lex” due to operational security reasons.

The students had a wide range of experience in military and PSD service. By the end of the course,

Diyala, Iraq Celebrates Security

Baqubah ceremony highlights transition in security in Diyala

Multi-National Division – North  - DIYALA, Iraq – A ceremony to celebrate the transition of security in the cities from Coalition forces to Iraqi Security Forces was held in Baqubah on June 25.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials in the Diyala province along with Coalition leadership from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the 25th Infantry Division.

During the ceremony Diyala governor Abd-al-Nasir al-Mahdawi spoke of the transition in security and the efforts by many to gain and hold stability in Diyala.  Former Diyala Governor Ra’ad, Brig. Gen. James Nixon deputy commanding general for operations 25th Infantry Division, and Col. Burt

Tikrit, Iraq: Assassin Captured

Iraqi Security Forces arrest suspected assassin

Multi-National Corps – Iraq - TIKRIT, Iraq – The 8th Regional Commando Battalion, with Coalition force advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist June 27, during an operation in the Diyala province.

The suspect is linked to a terrorist cell responsible for kidnapping and rocket attacks against the people of Diyala. The cell is allegedly responsible for the assassination of a sheik in the Hamrin Dam area.

“The RCB is a premier security force in the region, and operations such as this showcase their ability to provide reliable safety and security for the people of Iraq,” said Navy Lt. Gustavo Perez, a CF spokesperson familiar with the operation.

Tikrit, Iraq: Terrorist Leader Captured

Iraqi Security Forces arrest suspected terrorist leader

Multi-National Corps – Iraq- TIKRIT, Iraq – The 7th Regional Commando Battalion, with Coalition force advisors, arrested a suspected terrorist leader June 26 during an operation in the Ninewa province, with a warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq-Karkh.

The arrested individual is suspected of leading a group of terrorists in killings, armed attacks and terrorist operations against the Iraqi people and Iraqi Security Forces in Ninewa.

“This arrest will result in a safer environment for the people of Ninewa,” said Navy Lt. Gustavo Perez, a CF spokesperson familiar with the operation. “The 7th RCB is a professional and well trained organization that is committed to the safety and security of Ninawa province.”

Red Dragons Light the Iraqi Nights

‘Red Dragons’ and IA turn night into day in support of combined patrol

Multi-National Division – North PAO -

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – Artillerymen in Iraq often perform duties similar to infantrymen, conducting patrols with Iraqi Police and Soldiers; however, .Soldiers from 82nd Field Artillery Regiment  had the rare opportunity to dust off their artillery skills by firing illumination rounds in support of a combined Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, and U.S. Army patrol in the Iraqi village of Sara Swais, Kirkuk province, June 20.

“This was a complex operation involving two M109A6 Paladin self-propelled 155mm howitzers from 3rd Battalion, 82nd FA, 2nd Brigade Combat Team,, a dismounted scout platoon from 4th Squadron, 9th Cav. Regt., 2nd BCT, a mortar platoon from the 15th IA Brigade and an IP detachment from the nearby town of Rashaad,” said Lt. Col Andy Shoffner, commander of 4th Squadron, 9th Cav. Regt.

There has been an increased use of improvised-explosive devices during the low lunar illumination

Iraqi Helos Upgraded

Acceptance testing completed on Iraqi helicopters

BAGHDAD – Two Mi-17 helicopters returned June 14 from Amman, Jordan after undergoing aircraft modifications and upgrades to Mi-17/171 multi-role helicopters for use by the Iraqi Air Force.

The Iraqi Air Force accomplished the helicopter upgrades by establishing a team which represented members from Jordan, Germany, U.S. and Iraq. The helicopter upgrades were necessary to enhance the multi-role capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force and to support the mission of counter terrorism. The upgrades improved the on-board  Missile Launch Detection System and Flare Dispenser, and the Internal Communications System.

The acceptance testing team consisted of members from Headquarters Iraqi Air Force Baghdad, Iraqi Air Force Squadron 15 and the Coalition’s 721st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron from Taji, and the

Baghdad: 5 Terrorists Captured

Iraqi Special Operations Forces arrest 5 suspected terrorists in Baghdad

Multi-National Corps – Iraq - BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, along with Coalition force advisors, arrested five suspected terrorists during an intelligence-driven, early-morning operation in the Iraqi capital June 27.

During the Iraqi-led operation, the Soldiers of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces were operating under the authority of warrants issued by the Criminal Investigative Court of Iraq-Karkh.

The suspects are allegedly responsible for conducting improvised explosive attacks, kidnapping Iraqi citizens and murder.

“The capture of these ruthless men who are linked to sectarian murders demonstrates that Iraqi Security Forces are committed to providing security for Iraq and the Iraqi people,” said Maj. April Olsen, a spokesperson for Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula