War On Terror News

Nebraska Guard Soldier Contributes With Medical Aide

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Story by Pfc. Cassandra Monroe 02.25.2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – As a platoon of male combat Soldiers prepare for a mission, it is not difficult to spot out one petite female, preparing a large Army Combat Uniform patterned bag. A bag that's almost bigger than the person. That bag is what one would call a medical-aide bag, or "A- Bag," and that bag belongs to 21-year-old Sgt. Topacio Ortiz, a medic with the 313th Medical Company, Nebraska National Guard.

The Lincoln, Neb., native joined the Nebraska Guard because of the great benefits that the guard has to offer, such as full-tuition benefits for college as well as extra money. As a student, Ortiz continues to work toward becoming a nutritionist. As a civilian, she works in a lab at Pathology Medical Services where she processes blood samples. Because of her track record with the medical field, a military health-care profession seemed natural to choose.

"I was always interested in medical work," said Ortiz, who follows in the footsteps of her grandmother, who was a healthcare specialist in Mexico. "I was interested in sports medicine and therapy primarily. The Army has a program for a health care specialist, so I joined."

The young Soldier soon found herself enduring a rigorous training schedule at Fort Sam Houston, Texas,

RIP CPL Daniel T. O'Leary

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

 

    Cpl. Daniel T. O'Leary, 23, of Youngsville, N.C., died Feb. 23 in Fallujah, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. He was assigned to the 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

"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)

RIP Rifleman Martin Kinggett

Rifleman Martin Kinggett of A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles, part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 25 February 2010.

• Rifleman Martin Kinggett, 4th Battalion The Rifles, aged 19 from Dagenham

"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)

Operation Moshtarak Update for Feb. 25

Navy Visual News Service Courtesy Story 02.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Operations remain focused on protecting the population, enabling freedom of movement and allowing governance to take root. Bazaars continue to open and are stocking fresh food and electronics. More Afghan Gendarmerie (formerly known as the Afghan National Civil Order Police) and Afghan National Security Forces are arriving daily.

A growing number of people are returning to their homes in central Helmand, and fewer residents are registering as internally displaced persons. The total number of IDP's stands at 3,880, and more than 3,300 people have received assistance.

The Afghan flag was raised in Marjah during a ceremony yesterday attended by Helmand governor Gulab

DOD Releases Policy for Responsible and Effective Use of Internet-Based Capabilities

    Today the Department of Defense released a policy memorandum regarding the safe and effective use of Internet-based capabilities, including social networking services (SNS) and other interactive Web 2.0 applications. 

    The memorandum makes it policy that the DoD non-classified network be configured to provide access to

Afghan Meeting in Marja Attracts 200 Residents

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Courtesy Story 02.25.2010

WASHINGTON - Meetings of influential villagers have outnumbered military engagements over the last few days in Operation Moshtarak in the central portion of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported, Feb. 25.

At the invitation of Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal, the Nad-e Ali deputy district governor held such a meeting, called a "shura," in Marja that was attended by 200 residents.

Haji Zahir, the deputy district governor, spoke about improving security conditions and said that more

Rohbock Finishes Sixth in Olympic Bobsled Event

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by Tim Hipps

02.26.2010  WHISTLER, Canada - Army National Guard Outstanding Athlete Program bobsled pilot Sgt. Shauna Rohbock teamed with Michelle Rzepka to finish sixth in the Olympic women's bobsled event, Feb. 24, at the Whistler Sliding Centre here.

Rohbock, of Park City, Utah, finished 1.78 seconds off the winning pace at the treacherous, 16-turn venue with a four-run time of 3 minutes, 34.06 seconds in USA 1.

Canadians Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse broke the track record in their first three heats en route to winning the gold medal in

Joint Patrols Discover Weapon, Drug Caches

ISAF Joint Command  Courtesy Story 02.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force found several caches of weapons and drugs in the Gizab district of Daykundi province, Feb. 25.

The caches contained 500 kg of ammonium nitrate, 54 kilograms of opium, 1 kg of pure heroin, a small bag of opium seeds, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a shotgun, two AK-47s, a bolt-action rifle, and

Two Men Plead Not Guilty in NYC Bomb Plot

VOA  Victoria Cavaliere | New York 25 February 2010

Two men pleaded not guilty in a New York City court Thursday to charges that they participated in a plot to bomb the city's mass transit system.  The men were indicted just days after an Afghan-born immigrant pleaded guilty in the same foiled terror plot.

Federal officials charged Adis Medunjanin and Zarein Ahmedzay, both 25-years-old, with conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction in connection with the plot to bomb New York City subways last September.

Federal officials say the two men were accomplices of

Iran, Hezbollah Leaders Meet in Syria

VOA News 26 February 2010

The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group has met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Syria.

Part of their Thursday evening meeting aired on Syrian television.

The Syrian Arab News Agency said the men met at a dinner hosted by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.  Hezbollah's Al-Manar television says Mr. Ahmadinejad and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah discussed "the latest developments" in the region, and Israeli threats against Lebanon and Syria.

Earlier this month, Iranian state media reported Mr. Ahmadinejad vowed to stand by Hezbollah and urged the militant group to "get rid" of Israel once and for all if a war breaks out.

RIP Senior Aircraftman Luke Southgate

Senior Aircraftman Luke Southgate, II Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, part of the Kandahar Airfield Defence Force, was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday 24 February 2010.

• Senior Aircraftman Luke Southgate, II Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, aged 20 from Bury St Edmunds

"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)

48th Brigade Escorts ANA

48th Brigade, Ga. National Guard Courtesy Story 02.25.2010  Story by: Senior Chief Petty Officer Kevin Elliott

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan--The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Protective Service Detachment worked hand in hand with the U.S. Marine Corps Feb. 12 at the start of a four-day mission escorting 122 vehicles and nearly 300 Afghan National Army soldiers half way to their new command at Forward Operating Base Deleram in western Helmand Province.

Moving the 5th Battalion (Kandak), 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps of the Afghan National Army from Camp Blackhorse, through Kabul, down Hwy 1 to Camp Leatherneck/Shorabak and later to FOB Deleram was not an easy task but a challenge the 48th Brigade PSD was ready to meet.

"I thought it went well considering that we've never worked with the Marines before," said 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Operations Sgt. Maj. Bryan Tyler.

"Keeping on the same route and coming out on the other side of Kabul with everyone in order and accounted for was good," Tyler said. "It took three hours just to get through Kabul. Keeping the ANA moving was a big challenge. Some of those guys only had two weeks

Early Morning Explosions Kill 17 in Afghan Capital

VOA  Sean Maroney | Islamabad 26 February 2010

Afghan authorities say attackers struck in central Kabul early Friday, killing at least 17 people and wounding 32 others in a series of explosions and gunfire.  The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying five suicide bombers were involved.  This is the latest assault in Kabul since last month when Taliban insurgents carrying automatic weapons and wearing suicide vests attacked several heavily guarded Afghan government buildings. 


Residents in central Kabul say they

184 Teachers Graduate in Ghowr Province

ISAF Joint Command Courtesy Story 02.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Lithuanian Provincial Reconstruction Team participated in a graduation ceremony for 184 teachers at the Chaghcharan Teachers Training Centre in Ghowr province, Saturday.

Sayed Mohammad Eqbal Munib, governor of Ghowr province, department heads of the local administration, Linas Linkevicius, Lithuanian PRT civilian element head, and Lt. Col. Arturas Jasinskas, Lithuanian PRT chief of staff, attended the ceremony.

"We are happy the people of Ghowr understand the importance of education to the future of their

Deadly Explosions Rock Afghan Capital

VOA News 26 February 2010

Afghan police say at least 17 people, including foreigners, have been killed in a suicide bombing and other explosions in the capital, Kabul.

Investigators say at least 32 people have been wounded in the attacks that occurred near a nine-story shopping area and two residential hotels that are frequented by foreigners.

Afghan officials say at least four of the dead are Indian nationals.   Authorities say at least one Italian national was either killed or wounded and that police shot and killed two suspected attackers.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has condemned the attacks "in the strongest terms" and extended his

Italian PRT Renovates Silk Factory

ISAF Joint Command Courtesy Story 02.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Italian Provincial Reconstruction Team attended a ceremony marking the completion of renovations to a silk factory in the Zenda Jan District, Herat province, Tuesday.

The PRT provided factory upgrades including a new roof, internal and external wall maintenance, fitting and testing of electrical wiring, and installation of doors and windows.

The factory will be used for rearing silkworms for silk production. The silk will mainly be used for the production of fine fabrics for furniture and clothing.

This initiative aims to support business activity in the district and boost economic development in the province.

The project cost $13,000 and was funded by the Italian Department of Defence.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dawood Saha, district governor, Mr. Fakhraddin and Mr. Dastagir, members of the provincial Department of Agriculture, and other local authorities and elders.

Afghan Precision Air Assualt

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David R. Quillen 02.25.2010

When it comes to all successful military operations, precise execution is the name of the game, which is the key point being taught in a new air assault course being taught at the Afghan National Army Air Corps base in Kabul. The new course is designed to create fully qualified and capable air crews with the ability to conduct air assault missions designed to accurately insert and retrieve grounds forces from an

ISAF Supports Western Afghan Village

ISAF Joint Command Courtesy Story 02.25.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF forces are fighting rocket fire with aid and respect in a western Afghan village.

The most recent support came in the form of supplies consisting of nearly 400 blankets, 150 clothing kits for children, 250 backpacks for school children, chalk, stationary, mosquito nets and other supplies which were delivered this week.

The village of Sanaw Gerd, Gozarah district, Herat province has been the site of rocket fire towards ISAF's nearby Camp Arena. With the encouragement and guidance of the district governor and Afghan National Police, ISAF leadership decided that rather than searching the village for insurgents they would instead provide more support for the residents in hopes of earning trust and respect so they reject the insurgency.

So far the effort has paid off. No attacks have come from the village since Feb. 1.

Russia Calls on Iran to Act Responsibly With Nuclear Program

Russian President is quoted as saying Iran should conduct its nuclear activities in a transparent manner

VOA News 25 February 2010

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has called on Iran to act responsibly to help end an international dispute over its nuclear program.

Russian media quote Mr. Medvedev as saying Iran should conduct its nuclear activities in a transparent manner.  He also warned of a humanitarian disaster if, in his words, "something very serious happens."

In Sudan, A Step Toward Ending Darfur Conflict

VOA  Kim Lewis 25 February 2010

The Sudanese government this week signed a truce with the most powerful rebel group in Darfur, as part of a pledge to end the region's seven-year conflict.

Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir signed the cease-fire with the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) last night in Qatar.

The truce is part of a recent pledge by Sudan and Chad to end hostilities along the border region. Each had accused the other of backing rebels in their countries.

As part of the deal, Sudan has agreed to assign rebels to government posts, cancel death sentences against them and release 30 percent of imprisoned rebels.

Pentagon: Taliban Is Under Heavy Pressure on Two Fronts

VOA  Suzanne Presto | Pentagon 25 February 2010

A U.S. Department of Defense spokesman says U.S. and NATO efforts in Afghanistan, and Pakistani efforts on its side of the border, could be putting more pressure on the Taliban than it has experienced for several years.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell says as coalition and Afghan forces battle the Taliban inside Afghanistan, Pakistani forces have rounded up Taliban leaders on their soil.  The U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, has said his troops have stopped the deterioration of the security situation by confronting Taliban forces in the southern part of the country.  Morrell says he sees a similar trend in Pakistan.

"I think people with regards to Pakistan are hopeful that the same trend is taking place there, that their efforts are paying dividends, and that the Taliban feels as though they are under more pressure than they have been under certainly within the last few years," said Geoff Morrell.

Morrell says the key is to change the dynamic on the ground so

Blast Rocks Kabul Afghanistan

Officials have not yet confirmed the target of the explosions that rocked the capital of Afghanistan this Friday morning.  Abdul Ghafor Sayedzada who is an investigator with the Kabul police did confirm that there were multiple explosions.

Residents living near the Kabul City Center

Iraqi Non-com Officer Education System Met With Challenges, Successes

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)
02.24.2010 By Sgt. Lindsey Bradford

 

Although it seems unrealistic for an Army to be comprised of Soldiers who were unable to read, it was one problem facing the Iraq ground forces command and the Iraq training and advisory mission-army as they attempted to develop and implement a structured non-commissioned officer education system for Iraq's soldiers.

In October of 2007, Carlos Legoas was asked by the coalition and Iraqi army to come up with a strategy to develop the Iraqi NCO corps. Legoas, a retired U.S. Army command sergeant major, said he was selected for the position because of his wealth of experience shaping the NCO corps throughout the world, to include holding the position of United States Southern Command senior enlisted advisor.

Once in Iraq, Legoas quickly realized the challenges ahead of him and the ITAM-Army team. In a little more than two years, the IGFC and ITAM-Army, with support from other directorates, turned those challenges into successes.

Not only did reports from the field indicate that a large number of the NCOs were illiterate, but they were being used to accomplish menial tasks such as gardening and caring for the upkeep of headquarters buildings, Legoas said. In addition, there was a shortage of 32,000 NCOs in the IA.

"Officers did not empower their NCOs. NCOs were perceived by soldiers as 'spies' for officers," Legoas said.

Bobsledding Soldiers Turn to Four-man Event

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by Tim Hipps

02.25.2010  WHISTLER, Canada - As the four-man bobsled event draws closer here, Vermont National Guardsman and Army World Class Athlete Program bobsled pilot Sgt. John Napier said he feels more at home with WCAP brakeman 1st Lt. Chris Fogt in his Olympic four-man sled at the Whistler Sliding Centre here.

The pair began training together aboard USA II on Feb. 23 with civilian teammates Chuck Berkeley of Clayton, Calif., and Steve Langton of Melrose, Mass., aboard for the Olympic four-man event scheduled for tomorrow and Feb. 27.

"I love four-man," said Napier, 23, of Lake Placid, N.Y. "I don't know why, I can't explain it, but it's just so

Passion of an NCO

 

1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Story by Staff Sgt. Christina Turnipseed 02.24.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq — When he tried to get up, he quickly realized he could not move his left arm. The heavy crew hatch door had him pinned to the ground in a ditch as he was partially on the ground and partially still in the M113.

After seven years, Staff Sgt. Bell does not recall all the names of Soldiers involved in the event, but he will never forget. Bell woke in darkness, squinting at the few rays of glaring sunlight leaking through the

Partnership: U.S., Iraqi Engineers Create New Baghdad Road Together

United States Division-Center Courtesy Story 02.24.2010 By Sgt. Brian Moore

BAGHDAD –American and Iraqi engineers from 317th Engineer Company and 17th Iraqi Army Division worked together to finish construction of a road leading into Joint Security Station Deason in February, and took advantage of some training in the process.

Upon arrival to Joint Security Station Deason early in the month, the American Soldiers met their partners from 17th IA, soldiers they would be working with throughout the duration of the project.

"Some of our Soldiers had never met Iraqi Soldiers. The Iraqis were eager to learn what we had to say and teach. And we were eager to learn from

Key Iraqi Sunni Politician Decides Not to Boycott March Election

VOA  Edward Yeranian | Cairo 25 February 2010

With a little more than a week before Iraq holds parliamentary elections on March 7, a key Sunni politician announced Thursday that he would not to boycott the vote and the government decided to allow members of Saddam Hussein's military to rejoin the army. 

Key Sunni politician Saleh al-Mutlaq announced that he was suspending last week's decision to boycott the election and rejoining the non-sectarian coalition of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

After many meetings with leaders of the coalition, and after input from his supporters, al-Mutlaq said he decided not to give in to those who are trying to ruin his coalition's plans.  He said, he would resume campaigning alongside former Prime Minister Allawi.

Mr. Allawi, whose Iraqiya coalition was poised to make a strong showing in the election if the electoral process runs smoothly, thanked al-Mutlaq for his decision and

AFG Flood Control Project Begins in Herat Province

 

ISAF Joint Command Courtesy Story 02.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – With a simple but meaningful ceremony and a prayer for good luck, a project to help prevent flooding in a small village in Herat province began earlier this week.

Elders from the village of Robat Oqcia, Gozarah District asked for assistance due to regular flooding of their village. The local Afghan National Army unit then contacted the nearby Italian Operational Mentoring Liaison Team to see if they could take on the project, which was approved almost immediately.

About 350 meters of containment levees are being built to divert water from homes. ISAF is funding the project and the work is being completed by local companies and workers. The project is expected to take about 15 days to complete at a cost of approximately €55,000.

30 Days Through Afghanistan-Day 17 Vlog and Blog

The Afghan Face

Written by Nathan Gallahan
Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Camp Marmal | Day 17 – It was a little bit of a quiet day today, since Ken and I headed back to the airport. Yes, I admit it, I called Camp Marmal, Mazer-e Sharif in my Day 15 blog. I could have just changed it, but that would be cheating. Mazer-e Sharif is about a 15 minute drive from here.

Since we weren’t out on any missions today, I thought it would be a good time to talk about development in northern Afghanistan. This story really starts when Ken and I were in Western Afghanistan in January. We were on a mission through these big mountains and we were talking about natural resources in this country. Yes, Ken and I really do live and breathe this country. We both agreed that in order for real development to start the Afghans need to do it, they need the resources to do it and they need a way to

EMEDS Take Part in Building Future of Iraq

 

506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs Story by Senior Airman Mindy Bloem 02.24.2010 By Senior Airman Mindy Bloem 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

KIRKUK, Iraq -- With millions of dollars of equipment invested into an Iraqi medical clinic, it's imperative for its personnel to know how to use it to save lives.

The members of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron realize this fact and are doing their part to assist in the Iraqi Expert Field Medical Batch training at the K-1 Iraqi medical clinic so that Iraqi medics better understand basic emergency procedures.

The EFMB is a four-week course offered to Iraqi medics in order to provide the experience they will need in real-world situations.

"They're not fully trained so it gives them the foundation they need to be able to function independently

RIP SGT Marcos Gorra

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

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

 

    Sgt. Marcos Gorra, 22, of North Bergen, N.J., died Feb. 21 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained while supporting combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

"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)

AFG 57 Graduate From PD-12 Public Education Center

 

ISAF Joint Command

 02.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Fifty-seven students recently graduated from the Province District-12 Public Education Center in Kabul, Sunday, Feb. 21.

Among the graduates, 37 received diplomas for sewing, 10 for rug making and 10 for knitting courses.

Ms. Huma Nuristani, Ministry of Education executive, Brig. Gen. Levent Colak, Regional Command-Capital commander, Sait Timur Şah Tahavur, mayor of PD-12, along with executives of the PD-12 Public Education Center participated in the graduation ceremony.

Turkish CIMIC (Civil-Military Co-operation) teams provide materials, furnish instructors and provide

Major Douglas Zembiec, USMC, Silver Star, Corvallis, OR

“If you took 100 Doug Zembiecs to war with you, you could conquer the world.” That is how Maj. Zembiec’s high-school wrestling coach characterized him – though the men who served with him captured his spirit more succinctly: He was reverently called the “Lion of Fallujah.” A magnetic commander, an “unapologetic warrior,” Zembiec believed in leading by deeds rather than words. As a result, his men would tell you that they would follow Zembiec to the gates of hell – or, at the very least, into the treacherous urban battlefield of Fallujah.

In early April of 2004, Zembiec’s company was sent in to help pacify Fallujah and restore order in a city where violence had spiraled out of control. During the month-long battle to claim Fallujah, Zembiec’s Echo Company was often the first one in and the last one out.

On April 6, Zembiec, a captain at the time, found himself deep in insurgent territory in Fallujah’s Jolan district.

A Marine patrol was taking heavy fire, and Zembiec’s unit was called in to lead a retaliatory assault. Right after arriving, Echo Company rushed toward the enemies, who launched a heavy volley of fire toward the new arrivals. Instead of directing from the back, Zembiec himself led the men toward the fire, determined to help the trapped patrol.

Female Officer Has Wings

1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Story by Staff Sgt. Christina Turnipseed 02.24.2010

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— Patricia Sellers has wings now.On Feb. 3, Lt. Col Patricia Sellers, the battalion commander of Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, was added to the honorable ranks of the U.S. Army's full-bird colonels.

"It is a glorious day," said Sellers, who has served for 22 years. "I've been truly blessed all my life. This is truly the icing on the cake."

Sellers states that it has been "a wonderful career with great Soldiers every minute of every day."

However one is not to assume that earning wings in the U.S. Army has been an easy task for this

The Making of a Leader

 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Sgt. Scott Tant  02.24.2010  U.S. Army Sgt. Scott Tant

Task Force Falcon Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan– Twenty-four members from Task Force Brawler participated in the "Leadership Certification" program, designed to test physical and mental prowess while under stress, in early February.

Taking part of this program was a rite of passage, and it challenged the "Brawlers" to make decisions under less-than-desirable conditions.

It was meant to instill the leadership traits described in the field manual of Army leadership - that an ideal leader "has strong intellect, physical presence, professional competence, high moral character and serves as a role model."

"Nobody leads here because it is owed to them," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Ault, TF Brawler commander. "The stakes are too high in this war. We need leadership that can effectively lead in unusual and challenging circumstances. Whether or not they are called on to do that is a different thing, but they need to be prepared to do that."

Being a member of TF Brawler, according to Ault, is based off a philosophy with three main pillars:

Soldiers Pledge Volunteer Support at Qatar School

Area Support Group Qatar Public Affairs Office  Story by Dustin Senger

02.23.2010  DOHA, Qatar – Twenty-five service members read children's books with more than 300 students from pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade, at the American School of Doha, Qatar, Feb. 23. The troops had arrived from Camp As Sayliyah, a U.S. military installation located on the outside edge of Doha.

"Community volunteering helps strengthen host nation relationships," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. April Plante from Indianola, Miss., who contacted ASD officials to coordinate the volunteer work. She has pledged monthly volunteer support for the elementary school's academic calendar.

"Reading at the school is good for the kids, as well as the Soldiers," said Plante.

Skepticism Remains on Pakistani Anti-Taliban Efforts

VOA  Gary Thomas | Washington 25 February 2010

The U.S. offensive in the Afghan town of Marjah coincides with new Pakistani moves against Afghan Taliban figures, which U.S. officials say aids counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan.  But there is still skepticism about Islamabad's depth of commitment to rooting out the Afghan Taliban in Pakistan.

Afghan Taliban leaders have been using Pakistani territory as a sanctuary and staging ground from which to attack NATO forces in Afghanistan.  U.S. officials have long asserted that operations in Kandahar and Helmand Province, where Marjah is located, are directed from the Pakistani city of Quetta.  

Former CIA officer Bruce Riedel, who chaired the Obama administration's Afghan policy review, said as recently as last year Pakistani officials continued to deny the presence of Afghan Taliban figures on their soil.

"When I was chairing the strategic review

Bomb Squad Passes on That 'Boom, Boom, Pow' to Iraqis

By Senior Airman Mindy Bloem 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

KIRKUK, Iraq -- The members of the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conduct training with the Iraqi police and Iraqi army three times a week to familiarize them in ordnance identification, demo and detection procedures, and robot operations.

"We will set out different types of ordnance," said Tech. Sgt. Bridget Crudden, an EOD member deployed from FE Warren AFB, Wyoming. "We want to make sure they can tell a projectile, rocket, bomb and other types of ordnance. After that, we'll have them main line, branch line the basic demo procedures."

She explained that these procedures involve spreading out ordnances and teaching them the best way to lay out the detonation cord with explosives so everything can be safely detonated at the same time.

During the last part of the training, robot operations, the EOD members set up improvised explosive devices in different scenarios and locations and have the IPs and IAs perform remote procedures with the robot to safely deactivate the device.

"They are doing very well in their training," said Staff Sgt. Casey Chambers, EOD member deployed from

US Military Chiefs Concerned About Allowing Gays to Serve

VOA  Al Pessin | Pentagon 24 February 2010

The commanders of the U.S. military services expressed concern this week about President Barack Obama's desire to change the law to allow homosexuals to serve openly in their forces.  The senior officers said they will follow whatever laws and orders come their way, but each was cautious when asked whether he thinks the plan is a good idea. 

The Obama Administration announced early this month it would conduct a nearly year-long study to determine the potential impact of a change in the law, and how to best implement such a change.  With that approach, the president hopes to avoid the backlash among senior military officers that President Bill Clinton experienced when he tried to end the ban on open homosexuals 17 years ago.

Congressional hearings this week provided the first opportunity to hear from today's military service chiefs on the plan. "I do have serious concerns

Spanish PRT Trains ANP Firefighters

 

ISAF Joint Command Courtesy Story 02.24.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - Aircraft services squadron personnel from The Spanish Provincial Reconstruction Team recently mentored a group of Afghan national police firefighters in a fire prevention workshop in Qala-e Now, Afghanistan.

The objective of the workshop was to strengthen the ANPs abilities to deal with fire incidents, especially at the Qala-e Now airport.

At the end of the workshop, the firefighters demonstrated their abilities by putting out a fire caused by highly flammable materials. A diploma ceremony for workshop completion followed shortly after the demonstration.

The Spanish PRT continues to partner with the ANP, providing them the training necessary to help improve operational security and services for the Qaleh-ye Now airport and the people of Afghanistan.