War On Terror News

Micro-grants support growing economy

Written by Spc. Chastity Boykin, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Friday, February 25, 2011 MAYSAN PROVINCE, Iraq – With the improvement of security, the business community is in a better position to grow. But in order to grow, some small businesses need some help.

A soldier from the 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., distributes equipment from the micro-grant program to a local Iraqi businessman who plans to expand his business. The micro-grants are expected to boost the local economy.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, recently distributed micro-grants to 36 small business owners in Maysan province.

Afghan Villagers, Coalition Soldiers Volley for Peace

KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 25, 2011) – Coalition soldiers based at Task Force Duke, Khost province, are hoping that a Feb. 21 volleyball game in the town of Sarobi in Saberi district, might go a long way in bringing peace to a country that’s known mostly violence and lawlessness over the last 30 years.

The soldiers had been on a joint patrol with members of the Afghan National Army near Sarobi, with the intent of meeting with local leaders and distributing several crank-powered radios to the residents, allowing them to tune into Afghan radio programs.

Their plan was changed about an hour into the patrol when a grenade exploded near them as they were passing through the Kholbesat Bazaar. To their amazement, no one was hurt in the blast.

Iran to Unload Fuel from Bushehr Reactor for Testing

26 February 2011 VOA News Iran has confirmed it will have to remove fuel from the nuclear reactor at its Bushehr power plant — a new setback for the Russian-built plant that has already been plagued by decades of delay.

The country's state-run ISNA news agency quoted the Iranian envoy to the U.N. nuclear monitoring agency, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, as saying Russia had requested the fuel be unloaded for tests and technical measures. He said the fuel will be reloaded after the tests are conducted.

Soltanieh did not explain the nature of the technical concerns, but said Iran always gives priority to the safety of the plant according to the highest global standards.

Where Old Spacesuits End Up

Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum preserves the iconic artifacts for future generations

25 February 2011 Susan Logue Koster | Washington, D.C. VOA News

Photo: VOA - S. Logue Koster

These experimental suits - along with suits that were used in space - are stored in a climate-controlled facility outside of Washington, DC.

No one appreciates the  technology and design of the spacesuit more than Dr. Joseph Kerwin, who in 1973, was one of the first astronauts to conduct in-space repairs. He and fellow astronaut Pete Conrad fixed a jammed solar panel on the Skylab space station.

Croatian War Veterans Clash With Police

26 February 2011 VOA News Thousands of anti-government protestors have clashed with police in Croatia's capital, Zagreb.

Witnesses say a protest turned violent Saturday when demonstrators threw stones and bottles at police. The officers responded with tear gas and batons. At least 26 protesters were arrested.

The anti-government rally is the third this week. The protestors are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor's government.

Syria will buy Anti-Ship Missiles from Russia

26 February 2011 VOA News Russia says it will proceed with plans to supply Syria with anti-ship missiles, despite objections from Israel and the United States.

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov told reporters Saturday that the contract to provide Syria with a shipment of the Yakhont cruise missiles is in the process of being implemented.

The contract, reported to be worth about $300 million, was agreed to in 2007 but first disclosed in September.

Israeli and U.S. officials have expressed fears that the missiles could fall into the hands of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah or some other radical group. Serdyukov has dismissed those fears.

Cowtown Half Marathon A Success at 5,900 feet

Over 130 runners compete in the Cowtown Half Marathon at the Kabul International Airport

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

Maj. James Boddy, race coordinator and participate of the annual Fort Worth Cowtown race, one of the largest multi-event road races in the United States, takes first place with a time of 1:21:36 at the Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Feb 25.  Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Walker

02.25.2011 Story by Capt. Robert Leese KABUL, Afghanistan - The annual Fort Worth Cowtown race, one of the largest multi-event road races in the country, was also held at the Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, as members of the NATO Air Training Command – Afghanistan and ISAF Joint Command completed a satellite half marathon race Feb 25.

'Vanguard' NCOs vie for membership in Sgt. Audie Murphy Club

Written by Sgt.1st Class Jonathan S. DeLong, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C

Friday, February 25, 2011 BAGHDAD — Four noncommissioned officers from 1st “Vanguards” Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center competed Feb. 15 at Camp Taji, Iraq, to be among the newest members named to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, which recognizes the best of the best among the NCO corps.

Sgt. Dylan Peterson, a Jonesborough, Tenn., native, finishes the eight-mile foot march portion of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club selection board, Tuesday, Feb. 15. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. E.D. Lee)

Named after one of the most famous NCOs in Army history, the SAMC was created in 1986 at Fort Hood, Texas, by Lt. Gen. Crosbie Saint and Command Sgt. Maj. George Horvath to honor Murphy’s service to the nation and to create a group for the finest NCOs Fort Hood had to offer. By 1994, it had spread Army-wide.

Murphy served with great distinction with the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division during World War II and fought with his unit in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He was the recipient of 33 awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor, and is widely regarded as the most decorated NCO in the U.S. Army.

Happy Birthday, USO! Non-profit turns 70 in style

Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay

02.25.2011 Story by Kristen Wong HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT — Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Bartlett remembers a more comfortable six-hour layover in Atlanta, thanks to the United Services Organization, which celebrated 70 years of service on Feb. 4.

The aviation warfare systems operator from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, had people to chat with, computers to check e-mail, and food and drinks available at the USO airport center.

Bartlett now coordinates volunteers from the unit every week at the USO center at the Honolulu International Airport.

“The USO’s a great program,” Bartlett said. “It never stops helping people. Not only does it help people between flights and airports — [the USO provides] great programs for military members across the world.”

Last year, the USO Hawaii raised more than $250,000 in funds to provide various programs and services for service members.

Marines Set Up Shop in Bahrain

Marine Forward Element Set Up to Help in Middle East

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff speaks with U.S. Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command in Bahrain on Feb. 25, 2011. Mullen is on a week-long trip through the Middle East to reassure friends and allies of the U.S. commitment to regional stability.  Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley

02.25.2011 Story by Donna Miles MANAMA, Bahrain - Traveling through the Middle East to confer with U.S. allies in the midst of regional unrest, the top U.S. military officer visited a new Marine Corps headquarters element here designed to evacuate noncombatants or provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, checked in today on the Marine Corps Forces Central Command Forward element at Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

BIO: General James N Mattis

General James N. Mattis, Commander

Gen. James N. Mattis serves as commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), located in Tampa, FL.

Gen. Mattis has commanded at multiple levels. As a lieutenant, he served as a rifle and weapons platoon commander in the 3rd Marine Division. As a captain, he commanded a rifle company and a weapons company in the 1st Marine Brigade.

As a major, he commanded Recruiting Station Portland. As a lieutenant colonel, he commanded 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, one of Task Force Ripper's assault battalions in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. As a colonel, he commanded 7th Marines (Reinforced).

Jared of Subway Gives National Guard 300 NASCAR Tickets

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

Jared, of the Subway commercials, shakes hands with Command Sgt. Maj. Max Butler, the Command Sergeant Major of the Arizona National Guard.  Photo by Sgt. Edward Balaban

02.25.2011 Story by Sgt. Kelly Anne Beck PHOENIX—Jared Fogle, of the famous Subway commercials, donated 300 tickets to Arizona National Guard troops for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 NASCAR race at Papago Park Military Reservation, Feb. 25.

More than 100 National Guard soldiers attended the event and were given a free lunch catered by Subway while having the opportunity to speak with Jared, take pictures with him and get his autograph.

Village welcomes new clinic

Written by Spc. Angel Washington 4th Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North

Thursday, February 24, 2011 CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Local residents, village officials and U.S. Soldiers participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the official opening of the Al Quba Medical Clinic, Feb. 14.

Adal Ismail, Director of Health for Ninewa province Adal Ismail cuts the ribbon commemorating the official opening of Al Quba Medical Clinic, Feb. 14, 2011. The clinic, funded by the U.S., is the first and only medical clinic in the village. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington)

Similar to an urgent care facility in the United States, the clinic, the first in the village, opened its doors providing services to local Al Quba residents in late January.

Delivering diesel in a danger zone

A Military Operations news article

24 Feb 11 Fuel is a premium asset to troops, especially when the battle tempo is high. Getting it delivered to the patrol bases in Nad 'Ali presents its own challenges. Report by Ian Carr.

Corporal David Bradshaw in front of his tanker
[Picture: Sergeant Martin Downs RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

Sitting contentedly in the war room (what the Royal Irish Regiment call their central distribution point ops-come-welfare room) at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shawqat in Nad 'Ali, Corporal David Bradshaw, one of the support tanker drivers, looks like a man at peace with the world. Which is perhaps odd for someone in the middle of a war zone.

He is toasting himself by the woodburning stove that the armourer knocked up for his boss, Sergeant Major Mason. It's not exactly chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but burning a pallet or two can lend a much needed touch of home comfort when the Afghan winter begins to bite.

The only problem is finding enough wood to keep it going:

Coalition forces, Afghans increase security presence in Marjah

Regional Command Southwest

Lt. Col. David Hudspeth, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment commanding officer, speaks with Interim Security Critical Infrastructure members at a compound in Marjah, Afghanistan, Feb. 16. Hudspeth came to see how Marines from 3rd Bn., 9th Marines, Kilo Company, along with their Afghan comrades, were doing during an operation.  Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark A. Garcia

02.25.2011 Story by Lance Cpl. Mark A. Garcia CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan- Marines from 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Kilo Company, and Afghan forces increased local Afghans freedom of movement with operations that focused on security in Marjah Feb 16-18.

US Imposes Sanctions, Closes Embassy in Libya

26 February 2011 VOA News U.S. President Barack Obama has signed an executive order that imposes unilateral sanctions on Libya, saying continued violence and unrest there poses an “unusual and extraordinary threat'' to America's national security and foreign policy.

The sanctions freeze all assets held by Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, his three sons, a daughter and members of his administration. The president said the sanctions are designed to target the Gadhafi government, while protecting the assets of the Libyan people.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that the U.S. welcomes

4 Dead in Attack at Iraqi Oil Refinery

Government officials are reporting that armed men broke into the refinery in the town of Baiji, north of Baghdad, in Salahuddin province early Saturday.

Various new services report that 4 men have been killed and possibly one guard dead and another injured.  The attack took place at approximately 4:30am Saturday morning, leaving two engineers and two technicians dead according to CNN News.

Police report that 10 bombs were placed around a production unit, resulting in a large fire when detonated.  The refinery, which produces gasoline, benzene and kerosene, has been shut down and there is speculation that repairs might take up to 2 years.  Production rates were said to be 150,000 barrels of oil per day.

3/9 Marine Colonel Mobbed by Afghan Friendship

Marines build relationships with Afghans in Marjah
by Lance Cpl. Mark A. Garcia RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan- Afghans and Marines from 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment came together for a shura in Marjah, Feb. 12.

The shura was designed to strengthen the bonds between the Afghans and Marines. During the shura, Lt. Col. David Hudspeth, 3rd Bn., 9th Marines commanding officer, discussed issues with Haji Boscole, one of the strongest pro-coalition elders in the district.

War In Afghanistan News 26 Feb 2011

Two Taliban and an Haqqani Leader were captured recently.

Numerous bad guys of both groups were captured.

Piles of weapons, munitions, and explosives were captured.

ISAF Details Follow.

Tailor the way you get your War In Afghanistan News

Afghan Mid Wives Learn New Procedures

Women learn simple techniques, potential for huge impact
by Sgt. Katryn McCalment

MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan – More than 50 women raise their hands; some are colored red by henna, some have brightly painted nails and rings of shiny metals and glittering stones decorating almost every finger.

“How many have seen a breech,” asked Command Sgt. Maj. Michelle Fournier, a medical mentor for Afghan nurses with 404th Civil Affairs Battalion.

Fournier, along with five other female doctors, medics and nurses are teaching courses during the five-day regional medical seminar held in Mazar-e Sharif Feb. 20-24, hosted by the Ministry of Public Health and Special Operations Task Force - East.

Marines Welcome New Afghan NCO's

ABP, ANA graduate NCO course at JSAS
by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci RC-SW

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Thirty-one Afghan National Army soldiers and Afghan Border Police officers graduated from the joint non-commissioned officer course, Feb. 24, at the Joint Security Academy Southwest here.

Students in the course learned advanced skills and tactics during the eight-week course. They completed the requirements mandated by the Ministry of Defense as well as the Marine combat skills course, which is not offered at any other training facility.

“It is very significant to recognize those achievements and the hard work of noncommissioned officers who make up the backbone of any great organization and army,” said Sgt. Maj. Walter O’Connell, Regional Command Southwest Headquarters Group sergeant major. “There is no doubt that you have worked very hard through the past eight weeks and learned from one another, as well as shared in the knowledge and skills you were taught.”

War In Afghanistan News 26 Feb 2011

 

Spain Completes ANA Base for Afghan Kandaks

Spanish Ministry of Defense donates 17 million dollars to ANA development
by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael James NTM-A

KABUL, Afghanistan – Members of the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the Combined Security Transition Command- Afghanistan held a signing ceremony at Camp Eggers, Feb. 24, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The ceremony recognized the completion of the Qual-e-Naw Kandak forward operating base for the Afghan National Army in the provincial capital of Badghis, Afghanistan.

Construction of the base was completed, Feb. 11, at a cost of $17 million. The compound is located next to the regional airport and includes a headquarters, barracks, maintenance and storage structures. Funds were also procured for the ongoing maintenance of the facility and training of the ANA.

UN Notes New Evidence of Iranian Nuke Program; No Hope of Deterrence

UN Says Has New Info on Possible Iran Nuclear Arms

VoA News: The United Nations nuclear monitoring agency says it has received new information adding to concerns about possible military aspects to Iran's nuclear program.

The statement appeared in a confidential report obtained by Western news agencies Friday.

The report notes the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency's concerns that Iran may have worked on developing nuclear weapons.

Western nations have long suspected that Iran is using its uranium enrichment program to develop nuclear weapons capability. Iran says its program is for peaceful purposes.

The U.N. Security Council has hit Iran with four rounds of sanctions over its refusal to halt its enrichment activities.

RIP SSG Jerome Firtamag

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

              Staff Sgt. Jerome Firtamag, 29, of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, was medically evacuated from Kandahar, Afghanistan, to the United States on Dec. 1, 2010, for treatment of a non-combat related illness.  He died Feb. 24 in Pembroke, Ky.  Firtamag was assigned to the 96th Combat Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

"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.”  (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Slovenia Looks To Welcoming Gitmo Terrorists

Slovenia Amends Law to Accept Guantanamo Detainees

VoA News: Slovenia has made legal changes that will allow the nation to accept detainees from the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo, Cuba.

The Slovenian government made the change Thursday. The Associated Press reports the new law will allow residence permits for foreigners whose stay in the country is considered in the national interest.

The changes to the law must now be approved by the parliament.

Prime Minister Borut Pahor called accepting Guantanamo detainees a humanitarian issue.

Former U.S. president George W. Bush established the detention center in 2002 to hold foreign terrorists including al-Qaida and the Taliban captured on the battlefield. The facility now holds about 170 prisoners, down from a high of nearly 800.

Many previous detainees have returned to the battlefield, includinging the #2 AQ leader in Yemen.

Al Qaeda Releases 3 Hostages in Africa

France: 3 Hostages Captured in Niger Released

VoA News: France says three hostages kidnapped in the west African nation of Niger last year have been released .

The office of French President Nicolas Sarkozy says that the three were released late Thursday and are in “good health.”

3/9 Marines Key to Marjah Security Op

1st platoon, Kilo Company, an essential piece of Operation Sulaiman
by Cpl. Megan Sindelar RC-SW

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marines with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment were an essential part of Operation Sulaiman, Feb. 16-18.

The platoon operated along main roads in Marjah to allow India Company to set up a new patrol base and rid the area of weapons caches and improvised explosive device materials.

“First platoon’s role in this operation was to provide blocking positions to help the rest of the company perform clearing operations out in the ten blocks of Marjah,” said Sgt. Robert T. Bass, a squad leader with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Bn., 9th Marines.

Bahrain Protests Continue

More Anti-Government Protests in Bahrain’s Capital

VoA News: Tens of thousands of protesters are converging on a central square in Bahrain to press their demands for the government's resignation and democratic reforms.

Opposition protesters chanted and waved the Bahraini flag on Friday as they gathered in Manama's Pearl Square, the epicenter of their anti-government movement .

Gadhafi Resorts to Gang Warfare as his Power Slips

Reports: Libyan Troops Open Fire on Protesters

VoA News: Protesters in Libya staged a new push to oust long-time leader Moammar Gadhafi Friday, with reports of government forces shooting at demonstrators in the capital.

News agencies quote residents as saying forces loyal to Mr. Gadhafi opened fire in several districts of Tripoli after protesters began marching in the capital following Friday prayers.

Tripoli is the center of the shrinking territory that Mr. Gadhafi's regime still controls. The uprising that began last week has put the eastern part of the country under rebel control, and support for the anti-government movement is growing in the west.

Iran Blames CIA for Protests; Arrests 'Collaborator'

Iran Claims Arrest of ‘CIA Collaborator’

VoA News: Iran's intelligence minister says authorities have arrested an Iranian who he says was working with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency in connection with recent anti-government protests in Tehran.

Heidar Moslehi told state TV that the individual was using informants to collect information about the unrest to submit to the CIA.

He said the person was arrested on February 14 after a period of surveillance. That day, Iran's opposition held its largest protest rally in more than a year, with two people killed in clashes.

Iran routinely blames the United States and Israel for alleged interference in Iranian affairs. Both nations deny meddling.

Iraqis Die in Rage Protests

Protesters Killed as Iraqis Stage ‘Day of Rage’

VoA News: Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets Friday in a nationwide “Day of Rage” inspired by uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and other Middle Eastern nations.

At least five people were killed in clashes with security forces. News reports say the deaths occurred as demonstrators tried to storm government buildings in at least two Iraqi cities.

At least three of the people were reported killed in the northern city of Mosul, while at least two were said to have died in Hawija.

Protesters also tried to push between concrete blast walls on a bridge leading to Baghdad's heavily-fortified Green Zone of government buildings and embassies.

Allied Medic Keeps Brits and Afghans Kicking

Norfolk EMT in Helmand;
TA medic swaps Norfolk for Helmand

A People In Defence news article 24 Feb 11

An Emergency Medical Technician in the Territorial Army has swapped the comfort of driving his private ambulance in Norfolk to work at a checkpoint in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Front line medic Private Robert Willis
[Picture: Sergeant Rupert Frere, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Private Robert Willis, aged 24, is a front line medic working in a small compound in Helmand's Babaji district. He is responsible for the medical treatment of infantry soldiers from C Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, with whom he works and lives.

SPC James Story, Soldier's Medal

Soldier’s Medal awarded for house-fire rescue
by Sgt. Grant Matthes CJTF101

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. James D. Story was awarded the Soldier’s Medal during a ceremony at Bagram Air Field Feb. 24 for heroic actions he took last spring.

At the time of the incident, Story, a native of Wytheville, Va., was an automated field artillery tactical data specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Story. “I would do it again if I came across another situation like that.”

When 22 Battle 200 over 5 days, MedEvac Hurts

Soldier retells battles in Watapur
by Spc. Richard Daniels Jr. CJTF-101

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Three knocks at my office door indicated he arrived. He entered the room as if most of the world was lifted from his shoulders. He told me he had just come from another visit at the combat stress clinic.

He sat down and explained he was ready to tell his story and tell why he encourages soldiers seek help. He relaxed, settled back in his chair and said, “My name is Sgt. Kevin Garrison, and this is my story of 3rd Platoon, Company D, in Afghanistan.”

Improvements in the Afghan Army Noted

Afghan Forces Expand, Gain Capability
By Cheryl Pellerin, Office of the SecDef

WASHINGTON - The Afghan army is growing fast and simultaneously struggling with the need to educate and train its non-commissioned officer corps, the senior enlisted leader of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan said Feb. 24.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill and his Afghan counterpart, Sgt. Maj. Roshan Safi, spoke with reporters at the Pentagon during a video teleconference from ISAF Joint Command headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan.

"The Afghan National Army, like the entire [Afghan security forces], has come a long way in just a short period of time," Hill said.

The Afghan security forces include the army, the air force and the national police.

Obama Admin Calls for Libya to be Expelled from UN Human Rights Council

US Supports Expelling Libya from Human Rights Council

VoA News: The United States says it supports expelling Libya from the United Nation's top human rights body.

State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters Thursday that the United States is backing the effort to remove Libya from the U.N. Human Rights Council because the Libyan government “has violated the rights of its people.”

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is facing international pressure over his government's violent clampdown against protesters. Crowley said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will go to Geneva for international talks next week aimed at stopping the crackdown.

Hastings Battles Generals on the Pages of Rolling Stone

When Michael Yon attacked Generals Menard and McChrystal, his readership soared.  When Michael Hastings of Rolling Stone magazine published disparaging remarks by General McChrystal's staff, their hits peaked at 943,000 the day after, 600% of their norm.  Their American readership soared from 100k to 753k that day. There's no telling how many copies of that issue were sold.  The General was fired within hours for daring to note that the POTUS had hardly given him the time of day.  Hastings got a Polk Award from for taking down the General. Their online revenue likely hit 6x the norm as well.

So, it's little surprise, that Hastings and Rolling Stone have decided to try to replicate those numbers.  This time, they're going after LTG Caldwell IV, and relying on hearsay and "he said, she said," with a zeal reminiscent of the Inquisition.  He's aligned himself with an officer with a bone to pick: LTC Holmes (a married man) was investigated for inappropriate relations with a subordinate and evidently took issue with orders given him by the General, his boss.  Hastings decided to get the hackles of Senators up, by implying they had been played.

K9's Key in Combatting Drugs/Explosives in Afghanistan

Bringing more bark to fight
by Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary USAF

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan -- To counter the growing improvised explosive device threat in Afghanistan, as well as detect the well-established drug trade here, the increased use of military working dogs have become a critical part of daily operations. Not only can they detect explosives and drug hoards, they can actively engage the enemy and alert the patrols of imminent danger.

"The dogs bring to the fight an inherent ability to sense things that we couldn't even begin to perceive," said Tech. Sgt. Paul Rasmussen, Combined Team Zabul kennel master.

War in Afghanistan News 25 FEB 2011

Troops captured numberous bad guys, HiG and Taliban, across the country in recent operations.

Both leaders and minions were collected up in Kandahar, Helmand, and Khowst.

Their weapons and munitions will likely be used by the ANA to further destroy the oppressors of Afghanistan.

ISAF Details Follow

Tailor the Way you get your War In Afghanistan News.