War On Terror News

ANSF instructors train Afghanistan’s future

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr.

08.29.2010  CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Security throughout Helmand province has steadily increased due to the constant push of formally-trained Afghan National Police officers out to cities. These police officers are receiving their training from coalition forces-run academies, like the Joint Security Academy Southwest located at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Cpl. Tyler M. Rousselle, a JSAS instructor, volunteered to train police recruits how to protect their communities. The infantryman, from Huntington Beach, Calif., was offered the year-long position while serving as a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. Although the details of his future job were not provided, he jumped at the chance to deploy to Afghanistan when the opportunity arose. He found his new role as an instructor was not a far cry from being an infantryman.

“Being a squad leader at 1/7 and transferring over here really wasn’t much of a change,” said the 22-year-old. “The job is like training new Marines.”

Iraq Recovers Most of Missing Donated Computers

VOA News   Sunday, August 29th, 2010

The head of Iraq’s customs authority said Sunday it had recovered 90 percent of the U.S.-donated computer equipment worth $1.9 million that was intended for Iraqi schoolchildren but auctioned off by a senior Iraqi official.

Nawfal Saleem said authorities had canceled the sale and were sending the shipment back to the southern port of Umm Qasr, where it had been auctioned. He said, however, that the equipment was sold off legally because it had sat in the port for more than 90 days, and items not claimed within three months can be legally confiscated and publicly auctioned.

Brit-Libya: Oil for Terrorist Program?

Reported one year ago, today: Report Cites Libyan Oil Deal in Lockerbie Bomber Release
By VOA News 30 August 2009

A published report says Britain decided in 2007 to make the Lockerbie bomber eligible for a return to Libya, after talks stalled between Libya and British petroleum giant BP over a huge oil exploration deal.

Britain's Sunday Times reports that Justice Minister Jack Straw in December 2007 dropped attempts to exclude convicted bomber Abdel Basset al-Megrahi from a prisoner transfer agreement. Weeks later, both sides ratified a Libyan oil exploration deal potentially worth nearly $25 billion.

The newspaper said it based its report on leaked correspondence between Straw and Scottish Justice

Afghan Police making mark in Arghandab

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center
Story by Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp

08.29.2010  ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan – It was only a year ago that the Afghan national civil order police had a 60 to 80 percent attrition rate among its policemen due to low morale, equipment issues, lack of basic resources and corruption.

But things have made a turn for the better as attrition rates are down across the country.

For example, since partnering with coalition forces, desertion is nearly nonexistent for the 3rd Battalion, 3rd ANCOP Brigade, stationed in the Arghandab River Valley.

The battalion is partnered with members of

North Korea’s Kim Continues China Tour

VOA News  Sunday, August 29th, 2010

North Korea’s reclusive leader, Kim Jong Il, continued his secretive tour of China Monday, after Sunday’s visit to the industrial city of Harbin.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reports that a special train believed to be carrying Mr. Kim left Harbin Monday morning, believed to be headed south.

His visit to Harbin was expected to be his last stop in China before traveling back to Pyongyang.

Libyan Leader Visits Italy to Mark Improved Relations

VOA  Sabina Castelfranco | Rome 29 August 2010

Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gadhafi is on a three-day visit to the Italian capital to mark the second anniversary of a pact between the two countries that normalized relations and closed the painful chapter of Italian colonization.

Photo by blogs.state.gov 

Colonel Gaddafi has pitched a giant traditional Bedouin tent for his three-day visit to the Italian capital. The tent has been placed in the garden of the residence of the Libyan Ambassador to Italy, Abdulhafed Gaddur.

AFG Civilian Casualties in Baghlan Confirmed

Joint assessment team confirms possibility of civilian casualties in Baghlan

ISAF Joint Command

08.29.2010  KABUL - In response to Baghlan provincial governor's concerns about civilian casualties, a joint assessment team composed of representatives from the ministries of interior and defense, and International Security Assistance Force officials, conducted a full assessment of an operation on Aug. 22 in Talah wa Barfak District, Baghlan province.

The team determined that several rounds from coalition helicopters fell short, missing the intended target and instead striking two buildings, which may have resulted in civilian casualties.

Insurgents were using the building as a base of operations; however, it was not the intended target.

19 Dead in Chechen Shootout

VOA News 29 August 2010

Russian authorities say 19 people have been killed in a shootout between Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov's bodyguards and suspected insurgents.

At least five civilians were reported among the dead in the southeastern village of Tsentori, along with 12 attackers and two security officers. The village, located near the border with Dagestan, is the ancestral Kadyrov home.

Kadyrov was in the village at the time and his spokesman says

Real, fake IEDs put Afghans at risk

ISAF Joint Command

08.28.2010  KABUL - Coalition forces found and removed an improvised explosive device that insurgents planted in the wall of a mosque in Arghandab District, Kandahar province, Monday.

After discussions with elders, coalition forces had no option but to use small charges to dislodge the IED. This resulted in minor damage to an exterior wall but not to the mosque itself.

The IED was a hoax IED - a device planted without any explosives and possibly intended to lure coalition forces to blow up the mosque in order to neutralize the perceived threat, according to a coalition official on the scene.

"This hoax event appears to be an insurgent operation designed to discredit

30 AUG 2010 Moments of Silence #HonorTheFallen 1PM EDT - 1:21 PM EDT

1 PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM

"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)

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday beginning 1:00 PM, Eastern Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of notification since prior Monday.  1PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM.  This time accommodates those in London, Baghdad & Kabul as well as Congress and across the United States.

• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1PM to 1:02 EDT: PFC #Bowe Bergdahl, Kidnapped by Taliban, Two Minutes until he comes home #MIA #SOT #MoS
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:02-1:03 EDT: SPC Christopher S. Wright, Tollesboro KY 08/19/10 Pech AFG 75th Ranger Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: PFC Alexis V. Maldonado, Wichita Falls TX 08/21/10 Kandahar Air Field AFG 36th Engineer Brigade
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: LCpl Nathaniel J.A. Schultz, Safety Harbor FL 08/21/10 Helmand AFG 2/6, 2D MarDiv
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: Lance Corporal Jordan D. Bancroft, Burnley GB 08/21/10 AFG The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:06-1:07 EDT: SGT Steven J. Deluzio, South Glastonbury CT 08/22/10 Paktika AFG 172nd ID, 86th Inf BCT
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:07-1:08 EDT: SPC Tristan H. Southworth, West Danville VT 08/22/10 Paktika AFG 172nd ID, 86th Inf BCT
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:08-1:09 EDT: SGT Brandon E. Maggart, Kirksville MO 08/22/10 Basrah Iraq 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:09-1:10 EDT: SPC Pedro A. Millet Meletiche, Elizabeth NJ 08/22/10 Arghandab River Valley AFG 66th Armor Reg, 4th ID
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:10-1:11 EDT: Sgt Jason D. Calo, Lexington KY 08/22/10 Helmand AFG 2/6, 2D MarDiv
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:11-1:12 EDT: Sgt Ronald A. Rodriguez, Falls Church VA 08/23/10 Helmand AFG 1/11, 1 MarDiv
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:12-1:13 EDT: LCpl Robert J. Newton, Creve Coeur IL 08/23/10 Helmand AFG 3/7, 1 MarDiv
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:13-1:14 EDT: Törzsormester Judit Pappné Ábrahám, Hungary 08/23/10 Baghlan AFG Hungarian Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:14-1:15 EDT: Lieutenant Lorenzo Mezzasalma, France 08/23/10 Kapisa AFG French Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:15-1:16 EDT: Caporal Jean-Nicolas Panezyck, France 08/23/10 Kapisa AFG French Army
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:16-1:17 EDT: SPC Justin B. Shoecraft, Elkhart IN 08/24/10 Tarin Kowt AFG 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:17-1:18 EDT: Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney, Australia 08/24/10 Uruzgan AFG The Royal Australian Regiment
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:18-1:19 EDT: Alférez Abraham L. Bravo Picallo, Spain 08/25/10 Badghis AFG Spanish Guardia Civil
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:19-1:20 EDT: Capitán José María Galera Córdoba, Spain 08/25/10 Badghis AFG Spanish Guardia Civil
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:20-1:21 EDT: PO3 James M. Swink, Yucca Valley CA 08/27/10 Helmand AFG 2D MarDiv

Please Remember, the Moments of Silence are in Honor of Our Fallen.  It is a collaborative effort in recognition of their sacrifice and the families affected by it.  It is encouraged to tweet only the above during their INDIVIDUAL moments.

"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)

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday beginning 1:00 PM, Eastern Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of notification since prior Monday.  1PM Eastern is Kabul 22:30/10:30PM, Baghdad 20:00/8PM, London 18:00/6PM, San Diego 10AM.  This time accommodates those in London, Baghdad & Kabul as well as Congress and across the United States.

Please Remember, the Moments of Silence are in Honor of Our Fallen.  It is a collaborative effort in recognition of their sacrifice and the families affected by it.  It is encouraged to tweet only the above during their INDIVIDUAL moments.

Band provides security for Leatherneck

1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Daniel Blatter

08.28.2010  CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The 1st Marine Division Band is known for performing hundreds of ceremonies each year. In 2007, they were awarded the "Col. George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands,” however, here in Afghanistan, many of them can be found providing security for the thousands of service members and contractors deployed to Helmand province’s Camp Leatherneck in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Instead of just playing music all the time, we also do the Marine side of the house as well,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Reheard, a trumpet player for the band. “I have yet to meet a Marine bandsman who didn’t want to deploy. A lot of Marine musicians look forward to going to 1st Marine Division just to deploy.”

Whether working at the gate searching vehicles, or standing post manning a 50 caliber heavy machine gun, these 12 musicians, who deployed with 1st Marine Division (Forward), can be found pulling their weight.

3rd MAW (Fwd) Hosts MEU Helos Preparing for Pakistan

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla

08.28.2010  The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) proved its versatility and flexibility as they stepped up to support the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit on its way to Pakistan – without compromising its already-intense combat operations support.

The Marines of 3rd MAW (Fwd) spent about a week preparing before the first helicopter and Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 26th MEU, arrived, Aug. 22. The 26th MEU is on its way to relieve the 15th MEU and bring humanitarian aid to the people of Pakistan. When the call came into 3rd MAW (Fwd) for support, there was no hesitation.

“When you receive a task, you don’t say ‘it’s impossible’ or ‘we can’t,’ we say ‘we’ll make it happen,’” said Sgt. Maj. Anthony Spadaro, the 3rd MAW (Fwd) sergeant major. “There is no such thing as the impossible for us. There are only challenges and challenges that are met.”

Expectant Afghan mothers to receive medical care

Story by: Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

08.28.2010  ORUZGAN, Afghanistan – A meeting was held recently between village elders and Coalition forces medical personnel at a joint forces military outpost to discuss a potential partnership that would provide medical care to expectant Afghan mothers.

The partnership will provide enhanced prenatal care for Afghan women in Oruzgan, an area where few medical options exist.

An ultrasound machine and

Playing Dirty in Iraq

1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Story by Pfc. Jared Eastman

08.28.2010  BAGHDAD—On a blistering hot Iraq day, most soldiers would find some excuse to remain indoors, citing the risk of heat exhaustion. But for two softball teams comprised of soldiers with 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, the heat of the desert couldn’t compare to the rivalry between them and the love of the game.

The Bombers, from

Soldiers Develop Professional Friendship

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. 1st Class John Queen

08.28.2010  HEYRATAN, Afghanistan – The office Cpl. Gary Prager was sitting in felt warm to him – not due to sweltering temperatures of the Afghan summer, or that air conditioning had gone on the fritz, but because of the welcome mood he receives from his Afghan host day after day.

Prager is visiting with Maj. Mohammed Zahir, Head of Travelers and supervisor of the vehicle search area for the Afghan National Border Police at the Friendship Bridge checkpoint bordering Northern Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Casually they laugh and discuss how Prager’s fiancé and Zahir’s wife run the show at home. This is usually how their conversations start – family, friends, food, and drink.

Report: Egypt Arrests 30 African Migrants

VOA News  Sunday, August 29th, 2010

An Egyptian news agency says authorities have arrested 30 African migrants who were trying to cross into Israel.

The state-run Middle East News Agency says the migrants are Eritreans and Sudanese, and include a woman and three children.

The report Sunday says authorities found the migrants while inspecting a truck from South Sinai.

Afghan troops receive award for first combat operation

ISAF Joint Command

08.28.2010  KABUL - Soldiers from the Afghan National Army's 2nd Company, 8th Commando Kandak, received the Combat Action Badge Tuesday for their actions in the unit's first combat operation since completing their extensive training.

The commando-led mission into the village of Qalab Shale was planned with the intention of disrupting Taliban operations in the area and loosening their hold on the village.

Tanks on display boost morale at division headquarters

196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Sgt. Kimberly Johnson

08.28.2010  BAGHDAD – United States Division – Center now has two armored vehicles parked in front of its headquarters, thanks to coordination between 1st Armored Division and 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division leaders.

An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle were delivered, Aug. 25, and now welcome soldiers of USD-C as they enter the front doors of the headquarters.

Assessment team finds terrorist link to ANP shooter in Badghis

ISAF Joint Command

08.28.2010  KABUL - A joint incident assessment team returned to Kabul today following a trip to Badghis province where two Spanish military instructors, a Spanish interpreter, and an Afghan National Police member were killed following a gun fight on Wednesday.

Following their assessment, it was confirmed that the ANP service member killed the Spanish military instructors and the Spanish interpreter in an unprovoked attack.

In a report, the team determined that the ANP service member who shot two Spanish military instructors and a Spanish interpreter, had been arrested and disarmed a year ago for links to terrorists.

ISF Arrest 2 AQI Criminal Associates South of Baghdad

ISF arrest 2 suspected AQI criminal associates during joint operation

Written by United States Forces – Iraq PAO

Aug. 28, 2010  BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested two suspected Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) criminal associates during a joint security operation conducted approximately 12km south of Baghdad Saturday.

ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected AQI member who allegedly belongs to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device terrorist cell.

Information and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest two suspected AQI criminal associates.

All joint operations are pursuant to a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge.

Iraqi and U.S. advisors conduct joint operations in accordance with the Security Agreement and in coordination with the Iraqi government to target terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq.

Carlos Hathcock Interviewed: General Shot

The most controversial story of Carlos' career involved a 3 day stalk in deep enemy territory to take a 700 yard shot, killing an enemy General.  He tells the story and follows up with tips for Quality training and other sniper qualities:

War in Afghanistan News 29 Aug 2010

News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command regarding operations conducted in the following provinces:  Kandahar, Logar, Paktiya, Helmand, Faryab and Paktika. 

Coalition medical personnel treated five Afghan civilians wounded by improvised explosive devices in the Maiwand District of Kandahar province yesterday.

According to the U.S. Special Forces commander working in the area, three Afghan civilians were riding a tractor when they hit a pressure-plate IED.

In a separate incident,

Taliban commanders are top priority in ongoing Kandahar operation

ISAF Joint Command

08.28.20101  KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Friday searching for a Taliban commander and weapons expert.

The commander serves as the chief of staff for a former senior Taliban commander killed earlier this month in a coalition precision air strike.

Rival Rallies Held on Anniversary of MLK Speech

VOA News | Washington 28 August 2010

Competing rallies have been held in Washington on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, offering different visions for America's future. Hundreds of thousands of people attended the bigger protest, a conservative rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the same spot where the civil rights speech was made 47 years ago.

VOA Photo - N. Colombant  A competing rally in Washington Saturday highlighted a different vision for America's future

VOA Photo - N. Colombant  A competing rally in Washington Saturday highlighted a different vision for America's future

Former Republican party vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was the headline speaker at the conservative event called "Restoring Honor".

She said she was honored to speak at the same historic spot as Martin Luther King Jr.. He was assassinated in 1968, after leading non-violent protests for civil rights.

Kirkuk operation nets 2 suspected AQI criminal associates

Written by United States Forces – Iraq PAO

Aug. 28, 2010  BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested two suspected Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) criminal associates during a joint security operation conducted near Kirkuk Saturday.

ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected AQI member allegedly involved in the financial and operational coordination of the terrorist organization.

Information and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest two suspected AQI criminal associates.

All joint operations are pursuant to a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge.

Iraqi and U.S. advisors conduct joint operations in accordance with the Security Agreement and in coordination with the Iraqi government to target terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq.

5 Kidnapped Afghan Campaign Workers Found Dead

Authorities say the bodies were found Sunday in the western province of Herat

VOA News 29 August 2010

Afghan officials say they have found the bodies of five kidnapped campaign workers for a female parliamentary candidate. Authorities say the bodies were found Sunday in the western province of Herat.

The workers for Fawzya Galani - one of the few female candidates in Afghanistan's September 18 parliamentary election - were kidnapped by armed men Wednesday.

Anti-Graft Afghan Prosecutor Says He Was Fired

VOA News  Saturday, August 28th, 2010

A senior prosecutor in Afghanistan said Saturday he was fired by President Hamid Karzai because he insisted on pursuing corruption allegations against top government officials.

Former deputy attorney general Fazel Ahmed Faqiryar told The New York Times and the Associated Press he was forced from his job Thursday after he sent a junior prosecutor to speak about public corruption on Afghan television.

RIP PO3 James M. Swink

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

    Petty Officer 3rd Class James M. Swink, 20, of Yucca Valley, Calif., died Aug. 27 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  Swink was a hospital corpsman assigned to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Forces.

"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 Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft

Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, part of Combined Force Nad 'Ali, was killed during an exchange of fire with insurgents in Afghanistan on 21 August 2010.

• Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft, 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 25 from Burnley

"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)

Iraqi PM Issues High Security Alert

VOA News 28 August 2010

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has issued a high security alert for possible terror attacks, as the U.S. moves to formally end its combat mission in the next few days.

Mr. Maliki issued a statement Friday urging security forces and civilians to "exercise the highest degree of caution."  He said a "criminal alliance" between al-Qaida forces and members of former leader Saddam Hussein's outlawed Baath party is plotting a wave of attacks across the country.

Toolkit Helps Separating Service members Land Jobs

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Lisa Daniel

08.28.2010  WASHINGTON - Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines separating from the military can get extra help in finding a job from a new Defense Department resource.

The Pentagon's Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy Office, part of the Office of Personnel and Readiness, recently developed the Career Decision Toolkit to help the 400,000-plus servicemembers who separate from the military each year have a smoother transition into civilian work, John R. Campbell, deputy undersecretary for wounded warrior care and transition policy, said in an interview with American Forces Press Service Aug. 27.

Team completes assessment of Jowzjan incident

ISAF Joint Command

08.28.2010  KABUL - A joint incident assessment team recently found no evidence to conclude coalition force helicopters were responsible for the deaths of three Afghan National Police members, Aug.
21.

In initial reporting, it was believed the deaths were caused by an International Security Assistance Force coalition air weapons team, but closer examination indicates there is no evidence to support the air weapons team caused the ANP casualties, according the team's report.

101st CAB remembers the TET Offensive

101st Combat Aviation Brigade
Story by Staff Sgt. Sadie Bleistein

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - While many Vietnamese were taking the time to pay homage to their ancestors and looking forward to a year where the opportunity of peace might prevail, the 101st Aviation Battalion, Attack Helicopter commander and air mission commander, Lt. Col. John R. McGregor, was called to lead what some may call, the most unique airmobile combat assault mission in the Vietnam War.

The year was 1968, during the Asian Lunar New Year known as “Tet,” observed from Jan. 30 until Feb. 1. It is a holiday, which in many ways, is comparable to the American Thanksgiving and New Years. Tet is a time of family reunions, and signifies the start of the spring planting season and time to make self improvements.

Jan. 21, 1968, Maj. Gen. Olinto M. Barsanti, 101st Airborne Division commander, published a memorandum. “During this three-day holiday period, we must be especially watchful and security conscious. The enemy will take advantage of any opportunity to conduct subversive activities among the people and raid our base camps. The Viet Cong have broken truces before. We must therefore maintain the maximum degree of vigilance in our security posture.”

These predicted subversive activities began a period known as the TET Offensive.

Afghan Security Guard member shot by Taliban after attempted kidnapping

Story by: Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

08.28.2010  ORUZGAN, Afghanistan – An Afghan Security Guard member was shot by a member of the Taliban after an attempted kidnapping in Deh Rawod Aug. 27.

While meeting with local Afghans, the ASG member was confronted by four members of the Taliban. After a brief discussion, the Taliban unsuccessfully attempted to kidnap the local Afghan. He escaped the group, but was later shot.

Pakistani Army Ends Hostage Drama in NW City

VOA News 28 August 2010

Pakistani officials say security forces have raided an army building in northwestern Pakistan and freed two guards held hostage by militant prisoners who overpowered them.

Officials say there were no fatalities during the operation and that the militants surrendered.

They say the incident began when about three or four prisoners overpowered their guards early Saturday in a military intelligence office in Peshawar, capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Precision air strike conducted after attack at FOB Salerno

 

ISAF Joint Command

08.28.2010  KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike on a truck occupied by three Haqqani Network fighters after they attempted to attack Forward Operating Base Salerno in Khost province today.

Mudasir, a Haqqani Network facilitator for improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers, was killed in the strike along with two additional insurgents. Mudasir, who is also known as Qari Ishaq, had direct ties to Haqqani Network senior leadership based in Pakistan and was a teacher at a madrassa known to facilitate suicide bombers.

Combat hunter course teaches proactive basics

III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs
Story by Lance Cpl. Abigail Wharton

08.27.2010  The 10-day course is broken into three major building blocks designed to increase situational awareness, said Gunnery Sgt. Richard Gonzalez, staff non-comissioned officer in charge, Mobilization Training Battalion, School of Infantry West, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The concept of the combat hunter course was originated by Gen. James Mattis, commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command in 2007, who saw the need for Marines to be in the mindset of predators instead of prey, Gonzalez said.

"We train the Marines to have enhanced observation skills using optics and observation posts," he added. "We will also teach them tracking by showing them how to read the ground, and lastly, we will give them the tools to profile people by reading mannerisms and situations."

Many Marines are now required to participate in a combat hunter course prior to a combat deployment, Gonzalez commented.

"This is a good concept for Marines to embrace," said Cpl. John D. Starnowski, fire team leader, 1st Platoon, 1st Squad, Military Police Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd MarDiv. "In the combat hunter mindset, you think about the enemy as prey; then, you take away their food, logistics and water. If you do that, then you win the battle."

South Dakota Guardsman Refused to Give Up, Now in Afghanistan

South Dakota Guardsman overcomes medical challenges to serve in Afghanistan

196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Story by Sgt. Matthew Nedved

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – For people with medical conditions wanting to serve in the U.S. military, their afflictions can sometimes pose challenges, and in many cases, limit their ability to perform their duties or join the armed forces altogether. However, for Spc. John Hanson, these limitations were not an option. After 11 years of fighting to join the military, this soldier never gave up hope and is now serving his country in Afghanistan.

Hanson, 33, faces the everyday challenges of cerebral palsy – a condition that can affect brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing and thinking. As a member of the Sioux Falls, S.D., based 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Dakota Army National Guard, Hanson’s condition doesn’t restrict his ability to perform and support the mission of his unit in Afghanistan.

“When people saw me, they saw something that was not normal and they figured that I was exactly that,” said Hanson, of Sioux Falls. “Instead of finding out what I could do, they assumed I couldn’t do anything – until I proved them wrong.”

Keeping US Cash out of Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan

The EagleCash Nest: Soldiers and Civilians in Kuwait Work to Keep Cash out of Combat

1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Public Affairs
Story by Natalie Cole

08.27.2010  As bases close in Iraq and Operation New Dawn begins, soldiers and civilians on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, are helping keep the cash out of combat. Finance soldiers with the 1st Sustainment Brigade are a part of a larger group that monitors and redistributes EagleCash Cards and kiosks in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The EagleCash program is a part of the U.S. Army’s Near Cashless Campaign, which aims to promote electronic transactions and lessen the amount of U.S. currency in combat areas.

Air Force combat medics serve critical role on PRT

Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Capt. Tristan Hinderliter

08.27.2010  FORWARD OPERATING BASE MEHTAR LAM, Afghanistan – U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Simon Deyell stands in front of about 15 soldiers and airmen explaining how, while on a dismounted patrol, some Afghans brought him a young boy whose head and shoulders were covered in blood.

When Deyell cleaned the blood off, he discovered the cause of the bleeding was just a small cut on the back of the boy’s head – the incident showed how even minor head wounds can bleed profusely, he said.