War On Terror News

SecState Clinton Attempts to Jumpstart MidEast Peace Talks

Clinton Holding Mideast Peace Talks
By VOA News 31 October 2009

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is holding talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials on relaunching the Middle East peace process.

Clinton, joined by U.S. envoy George Mitchell, met Saturday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi.

She also is scheduled to hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel.

Bagram, AFG: Air Force SSgt Dansby Wins Army Singing Competition

Bagram Airman Wins Singing Competition

455th Air Expeditionary Wing by Senior Airman Susan Tracy 10.30.2009 01:55

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - This is the first year of "Operation Rising Star" in Afghanistan according to Army Sgt. 1st Class Marvin Williams, the host and coordinator of the show. Operation Rising Star is a joint American Idol-type singing competition. Much like the original show, contestants sing weekly, receive feedback from a panel of judges and then at the end of the show the audience votes for their favorite singer.

The winner of the competition was Staff Sgt. Kenny Dansby, a supply Airman in the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Support Squadron deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The Stockton, Calif., native had impressed the audience from his very first song, "I'll Make Love to You" originally by Boyz II Men in the impromptu concert hall here at Bagram.

UN Questions Delay in Reinforcements as Afghans Capture Six Talib Involved in Attack

Afghanistan Announces Arrests in UN Guesthouse Attack
By VOA News 31 October 2009

Afghan authorities say they have arrested at least six people believed to have been involved in Wednesday's deadly attack on a United Nations guesthouse in Kabul.

Afghan intelligence chief Amrullah Saleh announced the arrests Saturday.

DHS Intensifies Cyber War Defenses

Department of Homeland Security Opens Cyber Security Center
By Elizabeth Lee VoA News Washington 31 October 2009

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano opened the new National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. The $9 million center houses a team of government and private sector computer experts to monitor and prevent breaches in cyber security by hackers or foreign governments.

From communication to finances and healthcare, every aspect of American life is connected to a computer.

The dependence on technology puts the United States at risk of a cyber attack.

POTUS Lifts Ban On HIV Travelers to US

Obama to Lift US Ban on Entry of HIV Positive Travelers
By Kent Klein VoA News White House 30 October 2009

President Barack Obama is lifting the ban on travel to the United States for people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The U.S. is one of only about a dozen countries that still bars travelers with HIV from entering the country.

President Obama says it is time for the 22-year travel ban to end.

"If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it," said President Obama. "And that is why on Monday, my administration will publish a final rule that eliminates the travel ban, effective just after the new year."

The president says the ban was based on fear rather than fact.

"We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we have treated a visitor living with it as a threat," said Mr. Obama. "We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people with HIV from entering our own country.

Iraqi Businessmen Learn Army Red Tape

U.S. Military Expanding Opportunities for Erbil Businesses

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs by Pfc. Justin Naylor 10.30.2009 10:57

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— Approximately 70 businessmen from around Erbil, Iraq, took part in a conference there to learn how to become contractors for the United States Military, Oct. 26.

This conference was intended as an opportunity to introduce business to the process of becoming contractors through the U.S. Military's Joint Contracting Command.

"The JCC writes contracts for supplies, services and minor construction to fill a combatant commander's requirements," said Maj. Jarrett Moffitt, a Gilbert, Ariz., native and a chief contractor for the Regional Contracting Center in Kirkuk, Iraq.

Bush: Defeat Means Tyranny of Afghans

Bush Calls Afghanistan Mission 'Necessary for Peace'
By VOA News 31 October 2009

Former U.S. President George W. Bush, in a rare public appearance, said Saturday the mission in Afghanistan is "necessary for peace and stability."

Speaking at a leadership conference in India's capital, New Delhi, Mr. Bush warned that if the Taliban and al-Qaida take control of Afghanistan, the people there will "face a return to a brutal tyranny."

Mr. Bush ordered U.S. troops into Afghanistan in late 2001, after the September 11 attacks on the United States. The invasion to fight militants quickly ousted the hardline Taliban government.

The former president has made few public appearances since leaving office in January.

Soldiers Anticipate Arrival of Support; True #SOT

Comforts of Home Packaged, Delivered

1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment by Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver 10.30.2009 05:54

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WILSON, Afghanistan – Everytime the whir of a helicopter is heard, Soldiers located here at Forward Operating Base Wilson hope it's the sound of the "mail bird" flying in some of the comforts of home.

Thanks to the combined efforts of one the Soldier's wife and several stateside businesses, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment have received more than 250 packages addressed to "Any Soldier" since arriving to Afghanistan in June.

Surprise: Iran Rejects Nuclear Proposal

Iranian Lawmakers Reject Nuclear Deal
By VOA News 31 October 2009

Senior Iranian lawmakers have rejected a U.N.-backed uranium enrichment deal designed to ease concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

The head of the parliament's national security committee, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, told state media Saturday the committee is opposed to the plan to have Iran ship its uranium abroad for further enrichment.

Iraqi Justice Learns Forensics

Iraqi Lawyers, Judges See How Police Investigators Solve Crimes

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

Story by Pfc. Justin Naylor

Date: 10.30.2009
Posted: 10.30.2009 09:48

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— Using high-tech microscopes to inspect bullets fired from a suspect's weapon, or testing an old soda can for fingerprints are just the beginning of what a modern police lab can do to solve cases.

But getting the evidence isn't everything; a judge still has to be willing to use it in court.

That is why a group of 18 judges and lawyers from Kirkuk, Salah ad-Din and Erbil provinces visited the Criminal Forensics Lab in Erbil, Oct. 27, where police investigators showed them how the collection of this evidence works, and how it can be effectively used in a court.

Pakistani Troops Were Fighting AQ Internationals As SecState Chided Nation For Half-stepping Effort

Pakistani Military Pushes Deeper in Militant Territory
By Sean Maroney VoA News Islamabad 30 October 2009

Pakistani troops fighting militants along the Afghan border have seized passports that may be linked to suspects involved in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The discovery came as visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton chided the Pakistani government for failing to vigorously pursue al-Qaida inside Pakistan. In the latest fighting in the South Waziristan region, government troops reportedly killed two dozen militants while losing two of their own soldiers.

Pakistani military officials say troops continued to advance deep inside the South Waziristan tribal region Friday.

The reported advances near the Afghan border come a day after army officials took journalists into the region for the first time since the operation started in mid-October.

Candidate Abdullah Signals Threat to Withdraw from #Afghan09 Runoff if Independent Election Chief Not Fired

Reports: Abdullah May Boycott Afghan Presidential Runoff
By VOA News 31 October 2009

Sources close to Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah say he may pull out of next week's runoff election against President Hamid Karzai, due to concerns about the credibility of the poll.

Mr. Abdullah had given President Karzai until Saturday to remove the country's Independent Election Commission chief, Azizullah Lodin.

It was one of several conditions that Mr. Abdullah had voiced this week to avoid a repeat of the massive fraud that marred the August 20 presidential election.

GA Guard Bring Civilian Skills to Afghan Police Mentor Mission

Georgia Guardmembers Build Success With Sacrifice in Afghanistan

National Guard Bureau  by Master Sgt. Mike Smith 10.30.2009 10:02

ARLINGTON, Va. – Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers from the 48th Infantry Brigade are building lifetime relationships in Afghanistan, the brigade commander told local reporters in a video interview from Kabul, Oct. 27.

"It's not only the training and mentoring, but building relationships," said Army Brig. Gen. Lawrence Dudney Jr., who leads about 2,500 Soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade, which deployed earlier this year.

Dudney told reporters that their purpose is to train and mentor the Afghanistan national security forces, which includes building relations with the national army, police and border police there.

Taliban Blast Kills 7 Pakistani Troops

Bomb Blast Kills 7 in Northwest Pakistan
By VOA News 31 October 2009

Officials in Pakistan say a bomb blast killed seven Pakistani soldiers and wounded 11 others Saturday in the northwest.

The incident took place in the Khyber region, which is the main route for moving supplies to international forces fighting in Afghanistan.

The violence comes a day after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ended her confrontational visit to the country.

During her three-day trip, Clinton questioned why Pakistan has not captured al-Qaida leaders, saying "somebody, somewhere in Pakistan" must know where they are.

The secretary of state also defended U.S. policy to Pakistanis who voiced frustration with increasing violence in the region, including U.S. (drone) missile attacks on suspected militant hide-outs in the northwest.

Clinton left for the Middle East on Friday. 

RIP SPC Joseph Gallegos

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

 

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

 

    SPC Joseph L. Gallegos, 39, of Questa, N.M., died Oct. 28 in Tallil, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 720th Transportation Company, New Mexico Army National Guard, in Las Vegas, N.M.

 

    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 Brother, you have not been forgotten. (William Shakespeare)

Music or Machineguns, This Psych Grad is Ready

Trading a Guitar for a Gun

28th Combat Aviation Brigade by Sgt. Neil Gussman 10.30.2009 03:53

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Seven years ago, then 18-year-old Nicholas Raia of Altoona, Pa., brought his trumpet to an audition for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard band. He aced the audition and until last summer was a member of several performance groups within the band. Over those seven years he performed more and more with the band and ensembles playing the guitar for recruiting events and celebrations. For more formal military ceremonies he now plays the baritone—a small tuba.

After seven years in the band, Raia, now a sergeant, decided to take a year away from performing and volunteer for a combat tour. Since mobilization in January, Raia has served as a door gunner on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment.

"I felt that after 7 years in the Guard, it was my turn to do my part overseas," said Raia.

To get ready for the transition from full time student and weekend band member, Raia volunteered for additional training in weapons. In June 2008, Raia attended the Small Arms Master Gunner course at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. To prepare for hand to hand combat he completed the week long Level One Combatives Course in July. At the end of September, he was one of 10 Soldiers in the first class trained in the new Live-Fire Shoot House, also at Fort Indiantown Gap.

AFG: Multiple Bad Guys Give Up Without a Fight

Combined Force Detains Suspected Militants

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs 10.30.2009 12:50

WASHINGTON - Afghan and international security forces detained several suspected militants in Afghanistan's Paktia and Helmland provinces Oct. 29-30, military officials reported.

A combined force detained a group of suspected militants in Paktia province today after searching buildings known to be used by a Haqqani network leader responsible for the financing and supply of terrorist camps in the Khowst-Gardez Pass area.

Oct. 24 airpower: C-130s

10/25/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft provide intra-theater airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.)

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed reconnaissance in the Jalalabad area for friendly forces. When the location of a downed helicopter was confirmed and coordinates passed, a precision-guided munition was released on the wreckage to prevent the enemy from obtaining information or parts from the wreckage.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper was in the vicinity of Chahar Bagh providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces patrol when enemy forces were spotted carrying a large weapon and a request for air power assistance was made. Coordinates for the enemy position were confirmed and a rocket was fired eliminating, the threat.

Ex-President G.H.W Bush Honored with Others for Role in Fall of the Wall

Former World Leaders Remember Fall of Berlin Wall
By VOA News 31 October 2009

Three world leaders who had key roles in the reunification of Germany gathered Saturday to share their memories of the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

Germany's ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl, former U.S. president George Herbert Walker Bush, and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev were honored at a gathering in Berlin for their efforts in reunifying Germany.

Tired Old Arguments to Erode American Resolve - Part 3

"It's another Viet Nam." This slogan has been used by both parties in every war started by their opposition since Congress forced Our Military to retreat from the battlefield and abandon an ally.  Predictions of "the next Viet Nam" were used in Desert Storm and I believed them.  That I was mentally prepared for a combat tour of a year probably helped me last the 4 days of the Ground War, but the mental anguish in anticipation was not helpful. 

The other party used it to predict results in Somalia, Bosnia, & Kosovo. Little did we know, Somalia was the first battle in the War On Terror, against an enemy we did not know existed, and the minions he trained and equipped.  They weren't "freedom fighters" either.  Our Body Politic did cut and run in the same confusion as did we in 1983 Lebanon.  The results were similar in that in both we faced a new enemy that we did not understand nor even recognize as a real entity. 

Soldier's Army Career Broadens Perspective, Serves as Stepping Stone

Gaining Perspective

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

Story by Spc. Shantelle Campbell

10.29.2009 TIKRIT, Iraq – Following in the steps of many of his family members, including both of his grandfathers, Spc. Ryan P. Leclair, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team joined the military because he wanted to do something for his country.

"I've always took pride in the people who have served," said the Southbridge, Mass., native.

As for why he chose to be an intelligence analyst, Leclair said he chose the job because he was good at working with computers and liked analyzing data.

"I want to do [this] when I get out of the Army," he said. "So, I figured it would be a good stepping stone

Iraq: USMC Marathon "26.2 mile test of willpower'

4th Marine Corps Marathon (Forward) Unites Armed Forces Far and Wide

II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) Story by Cpl. Joshua Murray

10.29.2009 AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Men and women looking down an empty stretch of road, dimly lit by street lamps and emergency vehicle lights, anticipated their upcoming challenge. Not more than a few hundred meters of pavement stretched in front of them, but rounding the turn at the end of this road began a 26.2-mile test of willpower.

Service members from all over Iraq came to Al Asad Air Base to participate in the 4th Annual Marine Corps Marathon (Forward), Oct. 25, and every participant brought their own personal ambitions to the course. Some came to test their endurance, others to participate in their first marathon and a few even

Soldiers' Balance Professional Mission and Personal Connections

264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Staying Connected While Deployed

15th Sustainment Brigade Story by Staff Sgt. Rob Strain

10.29.2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion here strive to remain connected to their friends and family back home while deployed.

The 264th CSSB from Fort Bragg, N.C., began their deployment in May and recently became a subordinate battalion under the 15th Sustainment Brigade.

The Soldiers of the 264th CSSB have already spent approximately six months in theater, and these Soldiers continue to focus on their mission while also maintaining an open line of communication with loved ones, ensuring to keep a balance between professional and personal lives during deployment, said Spc. Larry D. Wesley Jr., the battalion's chaplain's assistant.

Iraq Joint Training Strengthens Traffic Procedures, Builds Relationships

Iraqi Army Soldiers Train on TCP Procedures

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Courtesy Story

10.29.2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, along with 53rd Military Transition Team conducted joint traffic control point training with Soldiers from the 53rd Iraqi Army Brigade. The objective of the training was to not only train the 53rd IA Bde., but also to strengthen relationships.

The primary instructors for the training were Sgt. 1st Class Vladimir Querales, 53rd MiTT and Staff Sgt. Sean Brown, an infantryman from Corona, Calif., assigned to Co. B, 1st Bn., 117th AR. The training emphasized the importance of strong traffic control point operations.

"We also explained the importance of being proficient in conducting searches at TCPs, and how it

2 RIFLES support wheat distribution in Sangin

A Military Operations news article

29 Oct 09 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 RIFLES) are currently returning home from Afghanistan. One of their last missions in Helmand was to provide security for an Afghan Government-run shura to take place in the town of Sangin.

 

Afghans take part in local shura, supported by British soldiers of 2 RIFLES
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]

The aim of the shura was to allow Gulab Mangal, the Governor of Helmand province, to present the gift of wheat seed to over 2,000 farmers, as part of the Helmand Food Zone Programme.

Spc Best Wants to Be "part of the American dream"

Truly an American Soldier

15th Sustainment Brigade Story by Staff Sgt. Rob Strain

10.29.2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq – "I am an American Soldier."

It is the first line of the Soldier's Creed and something that many Soldiers take for granted.

According to Spc. Yochanah Best, a paralegal specialist with the 395th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, the words really stuck out in her mind when she first joined the Army.

When she got to basic training and learned the Soldier's Creed, she thought to herself, "I am a Soldier – serving in the American Army, not an American Soldier."

Best was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and eventually moved to New York, but she didn't become a U.S.

Tactical Operations Important to Soldier, but Ground is Where His Heart Is.

Infantryman Prefers Dirt to Desk

30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team Story by Pfc. Kelly LeCompte

10.29.2009 BAGHDAD, Iraq– Working in a tactical operations center is an important part of maintaining a unit's area of responsibility during a deployment in a combat zone, but for Sgt. Brian Kuntzman, a grunt at heart, being outside and sweating it out sounded much more fun.

"I've never been the kind of guy that worked indoors or had an office job before in my life. I'm more of an outside kind of guy," said Kuntzman, a painting contractor from Charlotte, N.C. "I just like to be outside doing missions. The TOC is a vital role of the mission, but it's just not my make up."

Kuntzman joined North Carolina's National Guard two years ago as an infantryman, after having been out

Plane Becomes Invaluable, Long Term Training Aid for Iraqi Air Crews

Parts From Wrecked Plane Become Training Aids

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

 

10.29.2009 SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi airmen moved parts of a wrecked C-130 Hercules transport from here to New Al Muthana Air Base, where they will be used as training aids for Iraqi aircraft maintainers.

Elements of the 447th Expeditionary Air Group, the 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Iraqi airmen moved the parts, Oct. 27.

"This is something they'll have here for many years to come, and they'll be able to train like we do in our Air Force," said Air Force Master Sgt. Dellet Weaver, New Al Muthana production superintendent. The parts removed include the left wing, a dry bay and fuel cell sections, landing gear struts and electrical

RIP SPC Robert K. Charlton

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

 

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

 

    Spc. Robert K. Charlton, 22, of Malden, Mo., died Oct. 27 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident Oct. 23 in Wardak, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

"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)

Airpower Summary for October 23

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

 

10.27.2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Oct. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area providing friendly forces' convoy escort. A friendly forces patrol reported activity of anti-Afghan forces at an enemy position with an anti aircraft gun in place and requested air power assistance to deter hostile action. Aircrews immediately responded and confirmed coordinates of the enemy position releasing numerous precision guided munitions and destroying the target. The aircraft continued to search for enemy personnel in the vicinity and to provide ongoing surveillance for the convoy.

Coalition aircraft were in the vicinity of Surkhabad providing armed overwatch for friendly forces that reported receiving enemy heavy machine gun fire. A request for air power assistance was made

Iraq "Any Marine, no matter what his MOS, can accomplish a mission..."

 

Melting Pot of Marines Closes Chapter on Successful Deployment

II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd)

Story by Cpl. Triah Pendracki

10.29.2009 AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Since the earliest days of the Marine Corps, all Marines have been taught they are riflemen first. This philosophy shines true with the Marines of Task Force East, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward). As they depart Iraq, they do so knowing the basic training they received was the cornerstone for the experiences they shared here. With their deployment at its end, the Marines of TFE reflect on their overall experiences and lessons learned.

"Task Force East has Marines from 42 different [military occupational specialties]," explained Capt. Patrick Boyce, the officer-in-charge of Al Asad Air Base's Provost Marshal Office. "Our Marines are from the infantry, military police, supply, administration and even the band. It goes to show that any Marine,

Iraq They Call Him "Duck"

Job Offers Opportunities for Iraqi Interpreter

Multi-National Division-South Story by J.P. Lawrence

10.29.2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – They call him Duck.

Duck is an interpreter, the guy in the middle of every conversation gesturing with his hands and using his linguistic skills to bridge the gap between cultures.

As American forces hand over more and more responsibility to the Iraqi people, interpreters like Duck are the conduit between Soldier and Iraqi.

When American Soldiers need to talk to the Iraqi people, interpreters like Duck are there. They go where the Soldiers go and they do what the Soldiers do, whether that means walking through dangerous neighborhoods, standing out in the stifling heat or climbing into Humvees for long missions.

"I can't do anything without the translators," said Maj. Scott Virgil, team chief for the 14th Provisional Transport Regiment Military Transition Team. "Actually, we don't call them translators. We call them interpreters, and even that doesn't really sum up what they do."

"In my mind, a translator just repeats words," said Virgil, a native of Bartlett, Ill. "An interpreter

British soldiers beat hundreds in first Helmand Marathon

A

People In Defence news article

28 Oct 09 Two British soldiers have emerged victorious from the first ever Helmand Marathon, held on the desert roads of Camps Leatherneck and Bastion, after beating off tough competition from personnel from the United States, Denmark and Estonia.

ISAF and Afghan troops take part in the inaugural Helmand Marathon
[Picture: Corporal Steve Bain, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]

Captain Alex Lockett from 652 Squadron, a Lynx pilot from 1 Regiment Army Air Corps based at Gutersloh in Germany, won the race by crossing the finish line in a highly respectable 3 hours 8 minutes.

Lance Corporal Jon Rogers from 7 Signal Regiment, attached to 1st (UK) Armoured Division and Signal Regiment, completed the race just one minute after Capt Lockett and was first in the 18-22 age category.

The pair beat 300 fellow competitors who were representing the military forces based in Helmand as part of the International Security Assistant Force for southern Afghanistan.

Soldiers from the Afghan National Army, based in Camp Shorabak, adjacent to Camps Leatherneck and Bastion, also competed in the race.

Clinton Welcomes Negotiations Proposal, Questions Pakistan Ability to Hand Over AQ

Clinton Justifies US Policy to Pakistani Tribal Leaders
By VOA News 30 October 2009

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has again defended U.S. policy to Pakistanis who are growing frustrated with growing violence in the region.

Clinton spoke in Islamabad Friday to a group of tribal leaders from the troubled northwest region. One lawmaker urged Clinton to seek to negotiate an end to the conflict in Afghanistan and then to extend the effort to Pakistan.

Clinton welcomed the idea of negotiations. But she noted that the U.S. had to take action after the Taliban had refused to hand over al-Qaida leaders responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks.

A day earlier, in Lahore, Clinton told a group of university students that she found it hard to believe that

CIC Meeting with JCS; AFG Troop Numbers, Strategies Discussed

Obama Consults Military Leaders, Nears Afghan Troop Decision
By VOA News 30 October 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama is consulting with top military officials Friday as he considers whether to send additional forces to Afghanistan.

Mr. Obama will meet at the White House with the Joint Chiefs of Staff - military leaders from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines.

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said the meeting comes as the president reaches the "end stage" of his decision-making process.

Mr. Obama has been reviewing strategy options for the war in Afghanistan, including a request from the

AFG: Operational Update, Oct. 29

Operational Update, Oct. 29: Militants Detained International Security Assistance Force HQ

10.29.2009 KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and international security force detained a few suspected militants today in Lashkar Gah District, Helmand province, during a compound search operation.

The compound is known to be used by a senior Taliban commander with numerous connections to other Taliban commanders and leaders of the Taliban shadow government in the region.

The security force searched the compound near the village of Barang after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained the suspected militants. No shots were fired, and no one was injured.

Afghan and international security forces consistently combine their experience, skills and resources to eliminate the Taliban threat and to ensure the safety and well-being of all Afghan people.

Iraq: "Wagonmasters" Find 2.9 M in Excess Equipment

Wagonmasters Save Taxpayers Millions

15th Sustainment Brigade Story by Sgt. Matthew Cooley

10.29.2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq – The 15th Sustainment Brigade "Wagonmasters" began Operation Clean Sweep here in mid Oct. by finding $2.9 million in excess equipment to place back into the military supply system for reuse.

"Army and Air Force personnel came together for the kickoff of the 15th's program to rid Multi-National Division – North's units of unneeded equipment while saving the military time and money," Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Adkins, the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)'s clean sweep representative for the 15th Sust. Bde., said.

"The 15th Sust. Bde., which is in charge of sustainment operations in MND-North, actually began operation clean sweep at their home station, Fort Hood, Texas," Adkins said.

"We brought our program from Fort Hood to Iraq to support responsible drawdown," Adkins explained.

"The program also helps units to reduce their footprint," he said, which should make it easier for them to leave Iraq when the time comes.

AFG "Super Breed" Engineers Make for IED Free Roads

2nd Combat Engineer Battalion Continues the Fight

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

10.29.2009 CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Engineers play a vital role in Afghanistan. Over the past seven months, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, a.k.a. the Super Breed, Marine Expeditionary Brigade- Afghanistan has found over 175 roadside bombs and cleared over 750 miles of road. As 1st CEB's tour comes to an end, 2nd CEB prepares to continue operations.

Before departing, the Super Breed passed on their operational knowledge to the Marines relieving them.

"What we did was put the Marines with the same jobs together and showed them the exact things we did every day," said Cpl. Jonathan M. Pralour, a

Iraq 515th CSSB Carries on Name and Legacy of Bataan Soldiers

Soldiers Build History With Bataan Memorial Park

13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Story by Sgt. Ryan Twist

10.29.2009 CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION, MAREZ, MOSUL, Iraq – The Bataan Memorial Park is scheduled to officially open, Oct. 30, in a dedication ceremony at Contingency Operating Location Marez, Mosul, Iraq.

"The Bataan Memorial Park is being named for the Soldiers of the 515th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard, that fought in the Philippines in World War II," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Nava, the 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion commander. "My unit, the 515th CSSB, carries on the name and legacy of these men."

Staff Sgt. Miguel Padilla, the maintenance non-commissioned officer with the 515th CSSB out of Rio Grande, N.M., said the Soldiers here represent

Airpower Summary for October 22

U.S. Central Command Air Forces

10.27.2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed reconnaissance in the Asadabad area for a friendly forces' foot patrol. When the reconnaissance revealed hot spots indicating a possible ambush, the aircrew confirmed coordinates of the enemy positions and precision guided munitions was released, destroying the target. The aircraft continued to search for enemy personnel in the vicinity and to provide ongoing surveillance for the friendly forces' patrol.
 
Coalition aircraft were in the vicinity of Chahar Bagh providing armed overwatch for friendly forces that reported enemy small arms fire. A request for air power assistance was made and a show of force selected as the option available to allow the friendly forces to withdraw from the area due to possible civilians