War On Terror News

Turkey Admits Kurdish Slaughter of 1930's as War against Kurds Continues

Turkey's prime minister has for the first time officially apologized for the mass killing of Kurds in an uprising 80 years ago. The statement is seen by some as groundbreaking and the first step in the country facing up to its difficult past, but others see it as more to do with politics.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed a meeting of supporters holding a copy of an historical paper, which he said documents the killing of nearly 14,000 Kurds in a rebellion in the 1930s. He then went on to do what no previous prime minister has done.

Erdogan said if there is need for an apology on behalf of the state, "I will apologize and I am apologizing."

The killings occurred between 1936 and 1938 in Dersim province. It was renamed Tunceli as part of the suppression of the rebellion, which also saw tens of thousands Kurds forced from their homes.

The mass killings of the restive Kurdish minority in Dersim, most of whom were civilians, have until recently remained a largely taboo subject for mainstream politics.

Taliban/Pakistan Deny AP Rumors of Cease-Fire

The Pakistani Taliban says it has not declared a cease-fire or entered into peace talks with the government, as it claims responsibility for a deadly attack on a police station.

A dozen militants carried out the assault Wednesday in the northwestern town of Dera Ismail Khan, using grenades and guns to kill two police officers and wound four others.

The attack comes a day after the Associated Press quoted a senior Taliban commander who said the group had declared a cease-fire to encourage new peace talks.

But Pakistani Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan on Wednesday denied the militant group was in talks with the government. He told reporters that if the Taliban had announced a cease-fire, the militant group would not have attacked the police station.

Pakistan's army and interior minister have already issued their own denials.

An army spokesman said Tuesday the reports are "concocted, baseless and unfounded."  VoA

Chavez Takes His Gold Back

The government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has begun repatriating gold reserves that had been held in European banks.

The gold bars were unloaded at Venezuela's Maiquetia airport Friday and later transferred to armored vehicles for shipping to the Central Bank in Caracas. Officials did not say how much gold was brought back in the shipment. They also did not say when future shipments would arrive.

Back in August, President Chavez said that $11 billion of gold reserves held in U.S. and European banks would be returned to Venezuela. He has been quoted as saying the gold never should have left the country. Mr. Chavez has said the decision to retrieve the gold is aimed at helping protect Venezuela from economic troubles in the United States and Europe. Most of Venezuela's gold held abroad is in Britain.

Some observers, however, believe that by repatriating the bullion, the Chavez government is reducing the risk of having its assets seized in arbitration cases, including those linked to nationalizations of private industries.

The president also has announced plans to move more than $6 billion in cash reserves to “friendly” banks in Brazil, China and Russia. The money is now held in European and U.S. banks. VoA

Pakistan Closes Afghan Supply Route Following Attack

The deeply strained relationship between Pakistan and the United States appears to have taken yet another turn for the worse, in the aftermath of what Pakistan describes as an unprovoked pre-dawn attack on its forces by NATO aircraft across the Afghan border. At least 26 Pakistani military personnel, including two officers, were killed, and 14 others were wounded. Islamabad is strongly protesting the incident.

Pakistan has blocked NATO's supply routes that pass through its territory to Afghanistan, following what officials here describe as an aerial attack on its soldiers in the early hours of Saturday morning local time.

The Pakistani military says NATO helicopters and fighter jets "carried out unprovoked firing" on two of its posts in the Mohmand tribal district bordering Afghanistan. A military statement calls for "strong and urgent action" against thoseresponsible "for this aggression."

BIO - BG Bradley A Becker

Brigadier General Bradley A. Becker is the Deputy Commanding General (Support) for United States Division – Center, Baghdad, Iraq, responsible for the oversight of support and sustainment to U.S. forces in support of Operation New Dawn.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery upon graduation from the University of California at Davis in 1986. His first assignment was with the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany, where he served as a Company Fire Support Officer and Battery Executive Officer.

After attending the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he deployed to Southwest Asia where he served as the 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Squadron Fire Support Officer during Operation Desert Storm.

Following the deployment, he was assigned to the 6th Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Ord, California, where he served as the Battalion Fire Direction Officer and Battalion S1 (Personnel & Administration). In 1993 he joined the 2d Battalion, 8th Field Artillery and relocated with the 9th Infantry Regiment to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he commanded Charlie Battery, 2-8 Field Artillery. Following battery command, he served as a Firing Battery Trainer for the 2d Battalion, 146th Field Artillery, Washington Army National Guard.

BG Becker: Last 20,000 Troops to be Out of Iraq by 2012

Army General Describes Iraq Drawdown Progress

By Bradley Cantor, DMA WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2011 - U.S. forces and equipment are expected to leave Iraq by Dec. 31, Army Brig. Gen. Bradley A. Becker said during a Nov. 22 "DOD Live" Bloggers Roundtable.

Becker is the deputy commanding general for U.S. Division Center, Baghdad. He is responsible for oversight, support and sustainment for U.S. forces participating in Operation New Dawn.

According to Becker, the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment from Iraq is being accomplished in accordance with agreements made between the United States and Iraq.

The amount of equipment and property that had accumulated on U.S. bases in Iraq over the years has been significant, Becker said. At the height of coalition operations in 2007 and 2008, he said, there were 505 bases and 165,000 service members in Iraq.

As of this month, Becker said, seven bases remain to be transferred to Iraqi authority and less than 20,000 U.S. soldiers remain in Iraq.

War In Afghanistan News - 26 Nov 2011

A combined Afghan and coalition patrol detained two suspected insurgents and confiscated a weapons cache during a routine patrol in Khost district, Khost province, Thursday.

The two suspected insurgents were discovered with the cache which consisted of eight grenades, two bayonets and 1,000 rounds of small arms ammunition.

The cached was recovered by the combined force as evidence and the suspected insurgents were detained for further questioning.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South: A combined Afghan and coalition patrol discovered a drug cache today in Maiwand district, Kandahar province. The drug cache consisted of 2,000 pounds (909 kilograms) of hashish. The Afghan portion of the security force destroyed the drugs at the scene.

In Tarin Kot district, Uruzgan province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache today. The weapons cache consisted of two rocket-propelled grenade launchers and six RPG warheads with motors. The weapons were seized by the security force for safe destruction at a later date.

East: A weapons cache was handed over at a coalition base today by a local Afghan in Kahmard district, Bamyan province. The weapons cache consisted of 31 mines, 13 grenades, 12 grenade fuses and three mine fuses. The weapons will be scheduled for destruction at a later date.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

While bringing you the latest news on the War On Terror we are supporting a Marine in his quest to help his brothers in arms. Read how and Where it all began: A Senior Marine NCO that Refused Orders War On Terror News is supporting MGySgt White and his fundraising efforts for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Middle East News 25 November 2011

Egypt's Tahrir Square in Cairo, still packed with thousands demanding an end to military rule despite the ruling military's appointment of a new prime minister.

Syria ignored the Arab League's deadline to allow international monitors, or face additional penalties. The League extended their deadline.

In Yemen, thousands of people took to the streets Friday, calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to be put on trial. Saleh signed an accord on Wednesday to surrender power after 33 years of rule.

Lebanon's prime minister is threatening to step down over a growing rift with the country's Hezbollah-dominated Cabinet.

Details after the break.

PARAS train Sierra Leone Soldiers

Paratroopers train Sierra Leone soldiers

From: armyweb  | Nov 24, 2011 

A team of four British paratroopers have been training Sierra Leonean troops to fire mortar rockets, ready to explode into action on operations in Somalia next year.

The team of soldiers, from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, flew out to West Africa to complete the live-fire tactical training of the Sierra Leone squaddies.

Canada flypast marks end of Libyan Operation MOBILE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 24, 2011 - Flypast of eight CF-18 and one CC-150 Polaris tanker over the Parliament to mark the end of Operation MOBILE.

Government of Canada has announced the termination of Operation MOBILE in Libya and the return of the Canadian Forces members to Canada.  An official welcome home, aircraft flyby, ceremony parade and a formal parliamentary event were held on Parliament Hill to recognize the individuals that deployed in support of this operation.

Operation MOBILE was the Canadian Forces' participation in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, the NATO-led effort to impose on Libya the arms embargo and no-fly zone authorized in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 of 17 March 2011, which called on the international community to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas in Libya.

Photo: MCpl Julie Bélisle Canadian Forces Combat Camera © 2011 DND-MDN Canada

 

 

UK CDS: Life better in Afghanistan than 10 years ago

A Military Operations news article

24 Nov 11

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Sir David Richards, has said in an interview that in ten years time we will all agree the war in Afghanistan was necessary.

British soldiers work side-by-side with members of the Afghan National Police during a joint operation to the east of Babaji in Helmand province [Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Hamish Burke, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

General Richards gave an interview about UK operations in Afghanistan to The Times newspaper, published today. In the piece, CDS spoke about the reasons for the mission, the current strategy and plans for the UK's military withdrawal.

General Richards said that we won't really know how successful the mission in Afghanistan has been for a few years yet, but justified the mission saying:

"You have to be prepared to fight for one's freedom and one's security. And if you go back to the situation in 2001 - and I think people tend not to do this sufficiently often - and think of those twin towers, think again of what happened here in London a few years later, and just pause as to whether or not, if we had not gone into Afghanistan, we wouldn't have had a lot more of that.

"All the people that I've got under me have been fighting for ten years to ensure that this country and the people of this country will not have such a high risk of that sort of thing being inflicted on them.

"And the fact is that, while I'm the first to concede that we have made mistakes collectively, and no doubt individually, over the ten years there has not been a terrorist attack launched from Afghanistan."

Thanksgiving feast the last for COB Adder DFAC

11.24.2011 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment  Spc. Anthony Zane

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – The holidays are fast approaching and while many service members have redeployed home, those who are still in country enjoy one holiday event to give them a taste of home.

Photo by Spc. Anthony Zane

Soldiers line up outside the dining facility for a Thanksgiving meal on its last day open on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Nov. 20.

The main dining facility on Contingency Operating Base Adder hosted a Thanksgiving feast as the last meal for service members before closing its doors for good Nov. 20.

The DFAC was adorned with festive holiday decorations throughout, as well as a large traditional Thanksgiving display across from the serving line, including tipis, turkey and cornucopia carvings, ice sculptures, cakes and fresh fruit.

Afghan pilot candidates accepted to first flight training in country

2011/11/24 by Capt. Jamie Humphries 438^th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Seven Afghan Air Force Lieutenants have been selected to attend the first undergraduate pilot training held exclusively inside Afghanistan in more than 30 years.

Afghan Air Force pilot candidates stand at attention during an official ceremony recognizing their efforts in the Afghan Air Force Conference Center, Kabul, Afghanistan, November 17, 2011. The seven students will leave for Shindand Air Base in western Afghanistan in December where they will begin the first undergraduate pilot training program to be held inside Afghan borders in more than 30 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith)

The seven airmen were honored in a ceremony at the Afghan Conference Center on the AAF compound today and will now leave for Shindand Air Base in western Afghanistan where they will start their journey towards becoming pilots in the AAF.

Havoc Soldiers kit out the kids during school aid drop

Capt Matthew Freeman's legacy lives on for Afghan school kids

November 17, 2011   By Spc. Jazz Burney, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Havoc Soldiers bring excitement to pupils during school aid drop

Staff Sgt. Sean Burnett, a squad leader, and Spc. Teresa Lynch, a commander's emergency response program assistant, both with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 40th Engineer Battalion, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

BALKH PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Nov. 17, 2011) -- As the ramp to an armored vehicle lowered, a U.S. Army Soldier grabbed two plastic containers and handed them to a comrade. She then walked into a crowd of school-aged children who jostled around anxiously in expectation.

Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 40th Engineer Battalion, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team patrolled to three schools and distributed roughly 100 pounds of scholastic and hygienic supplies here Nov. 15.

War In Afghanistan News 25 November 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces: Logar, Kandahar, Khost.

A Haqqani network facilitator was captured by a combined Afghan and coalition security force during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, Wednesday.

The facilitator distributed roadside bombs and materials, and also moved weapons and fighters throughout Pul-e ‘Alam district.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Black Friday Deals: Dick's Sporting Goods

Black Friday Early Bird Specials - Big Savings on Tons of Items! Ends 11/25 at 1:59pm EST Early Bird Special: Earn a $25 Cash Card with $149+ Outerwear purchase! Select Brands Only. Online Only. Early Bird Special: 30% off NFL Apparel and Headwear! Early Bird Special: $20 off Select Drivers $149.99 & Up! Black Friday Two Day Deals - Great Savings on Great Items! Ends 11/26 at 11:59pm EST

Middle East News 24 November 2011

Afghanistan's President Karzai condemns latest airstrike in southern Afghanistan that killed seven civilians, according to preliminary reports. Elsewhere, in Farah province,  insurgents destroyed at least nine trucks in a raid.

In Yemen's capital, the protests turned deadly, and Saleh orders an investigation.

Iraq city of Basra the site of three bombs today, which have killed 19 people and wounded at least 65 others.

Arab League foreign ministers have given Syria until Friday to sign an agreement allowing observers into the country.

Egyptian media reporting on Thursday the country's military rulers have appointed former Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri to form a new government after the previous civilian Cabinet of Prime Minister Essam Sharaf resigned.

Libyan militia leaders who helped to topple the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi in an uprising this year have won top security posts in a new Cabinet appointed by the country's National Transitional Council.

Details after the break.

UK, AFG soldiers: Operation COURAGEOUS MOUNTAIN

UK and Afghan soldiers launch Operation COURAGEOUS MOUNTAIN

A Military Operations news article

24 Nov 11

British and Afghan soldiers launched an airborne operation into an isolated area of Helmand province which they then swept for any insurgent activity.

Soldiers from C Company, 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, take part in Operation TORA GHAR in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Operation TORA GHAR, or 'Courageous Mountain', was conducted by soldiers from C Company (C Coy), 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (1 PWRR), and the Afghan National Army (ANA), flown into the western Dashte area, west of Nad 'Ali district, on two Chinook helicopters.

The operation enabled the UK and Afghan forces to demonstrate to remaining insurgents the ability of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the ANA to strike at will.

50 Years Ago: JFK Authorized Special Forces to Wear the Green Beret

Fifty years ago, on November 24, 1961, President John F Kennedy, officially authorized the wear of the distinctive headgear of the Green Beret for US Army Special Forces.  It was a decision that overrode the opinions of conventional Army Generals at the time and the result of the commander of US Army Special Forces at Ft Bragg, NC risking the backlash from conventional officers by ordering the wear of the unauthorized headgear in a parade the President was watching.

 Ever since, people inside and outside the military have confused Special Forces with the hat they wear.  Special Operations is the type of Warriors they are.  Green Berets are the headgear they wear (when not in the field).  Special Forces is the title they've earned. 

They trace their roots back to the joint US-Canadian units in WWII called the 1st Special Services Force and to the OSS, which also gave birth to the CIA.  They were fighting in Viet Nam and Indonesia, years before they were authorized a beret and before the currently reported "start of the war" there.  It was a few dozen or less Special Forces in Lang Vei that defeated a North Vietnamese Tank Regiment, ahead of the Tet Offensive, that inspired the book and move "The Green Berets" by Robin Moore, and starring John Wayne.

They were fighting in Nicarauga and El Salvador, when malcontents were protesting against the war against communism.  They were overstretched before 9/11 and have been busy since.  It was 200 men of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) that infiltrated Afghanistan and led the war overthrowing the Taliban government there in the fall of 2001.

Special Forces are "The Quiet Professionals" that do more, without accolades, during war and during peace to protect America.  For a more complete history of US Army Special Forces, read it from those that made that history: Professional Soldiers History.

Iran Claims Arrest of 12 CIA, Mossad Agents

11/24/2011 By David Lev

An Iranian official said that Tehran has arrested 12 people whom it claims are “CIA agents” who worked in coordination with the Mossad.

An Iranian official said that Tehran has arrested 12 people whom it claims are “CIA agents” - and that they had working in coordination with the Mossad and other security agencies. Parviz Sorouri, a member of the Iran government's foreign policy and national security committee, was quoted in Iranian media Wednesday as saying that “The U.S. and Zionist regime's espionage apparatuses were trying to damage Iran both from inside and outside with a heavy blow, using regional intelligence services. Fortunately, with swift reaction by the Iranian intelligence department, the actions failed to bear fruit," Sorouri said.

DC NG Army Huey takes its final flight

By Air National Guard Lt. Col. Kevin McAndrews  D.C. National Guard

DAVIDSON ARMY AIRFIELD, Va. (11/22/11) -- Other than some tears and good-humored teasing about hanging on to the last UH-1 "Huey" in the Army's inventory, it was an unremarkable day as the D.C. National Guard's legendary helicopter lifted off for its final flight here.

The last remaining Huey in the U.S. Army takes off from Davison Army Airfield, Va. The D.C. Guard flew the historic model to Ozark, Ala., where it is being refurbished as a U.S. Air Force trainer. (Army National Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rohn Legore) (Released)

It was replaced last week by the arrival of the D.C. Guard's first UH-60 Blackhawk.

"It's the end of an era," said Army Sgt. George Wagner, production control manager for the 121st Medical Company.

The last remaining Huey is close to four decades old. The Army's first Hueys saw combat in Vietnam beginning in the 1960s. "I cut my teeth on the Huey in 2000 when I became a crew chief," Wagner said.

Out of Iraq: Air Force welcomes service members to the flightline home

362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Story by Spc. Anthony Zane

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Service members in Iraq on their way home from deployment have bags packed, flights booked, and high spirits as they prepare to go home and reunite with their loved ones.

Photo by Spc. Anthony Zane

A pallet of luggage is loaded onto a C-130 aircraft at Ali Air Base just before take off on Contingency Operating Base Adder Nov. 18.

Before flying out of country, all military personnel and civilian contractors are processed through the air terminal on Contingency Operating Base Adder that is managed by the 407th Expeditionary Support Squadron stationed at Ali Air Base in Tallil, Iraq.

“Our mission here at Tallil is to move the passengers and cargo from here, in direct support of the drawdown… from Iraq,” said Master Sgt. Jessica Coombs, aerial port flight chief, 407th ESS, from Rochester Hills, Mich.

Operation North Pole ramps up for holiday mail rush

11/21/2011  By Cpl. Katherine M. Solano  , 2nd Marine Logistics Group 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan  — The Marines with the Postal Detachment, Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) are accustomed to moving upward of 10,000 pounds of mail per day, but with the holiday season approaching, that amount will nearly double.

• CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan-The entrance to the new postal facility aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, is adorned with a sign dedicating it to Lance Cpl. Tavon L. Hubbard, who was killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 10,000 pounds of mail is sorted and delivered at the facility on a daily basis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Katherine M. Solano)

• With the increase of letters and packaging reaching 20,000 pounds or more per day, the postal Marines reached out to other units for servicemembers to temporarily work at the postal lot from Nov 1. through Jan. 1.

Panetta's Thanksgiving Message To Troops, Families

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2011 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today offered his gratitude to service members and their families in a Thanksgiving message.

Here is the secretary’s message:

For the past 10 Thanksgivings, our nation has been at war. For 10 Thanksgivings, our troops have been deployed to the battle zones and around the world, defending our freedom and putting their lives on the line.

We are thankful for your service and for your steadfast commitment to keeping all of us safe. Our thoughts and prayers will also be with your families, whose love, support and sacrifice are essential to your success.

War In Afghanistan News 24 November 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command. Operations are reported in the following provinces: Helmand, Parwan, Herat, Nangarhar, Logar, Paktika, Khost.

A Taliban leader was captured today by a combined Afghan and coalition security force after returning to  Afghanistan from Pakistan.

Wali Mohammad and four of his associates were detained during a security operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province. The security force received information that Mohammad was visiting southern Afghanistan after being in hiding for several years in Pakistan.

Wali Mohammad was the Taliban leader behind numerous suicide and spectacular attacks that targeted and killed multiple civilians in southern Afghanistan. Mohammad fled the country and has been hiding across the border since he escaped during a raid of the Kandahar Sarposa Prison in 2008.

Mohammad was also closely connected to the Taliban’s Chief of the Rahbari Shura and the direct-subordinate of high-level military leaders in the insurgent network.

In addition to Mohammad, four associates a quantity of bomb making materials were also seized.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Middle East News 23 November 2011

Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt is stil the site of major protests, despite the military announcing concessions.

The head of a special commission investigating Bahrain's unrest says the government used "excessive force" and tortured detainees during its bloody crackdown on protesters earlier this year.

Turkey's prime minister has for the first time officially apologized for the mass killing of Kurds in an uprising 80 years ago. Groundbreaking, or politics as usual?

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Slovak diplomat Jan Kubis as his special representative and head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has named a new ambassador to Washington after previous envoy Hussain Haqqani was ordered to resign following allegations that Pakistani media have labeled “memogate.”

As reported earlier today. Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh sat down with opposition leaders in the Saudi capital Riyadh Wednesday to sign a long awaited agreement to transfer power to his vice president, hold early elections and put an end to months of bloodshed. 

Details after the break.

SPC David Mayfield: From the saddle to the battle, and back to horses

Written by Spc. Anthony Zane, 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment  November 22, 2011

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Communication skills can be taught when it comes to human interaction or technology, but one Soldier has learned a communication skill set with horses that goes beyond words.

Spc. David Mayfield, satellite communications operator and maintainer, 62Nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, from Troy, Mo., installs and maintains equipment for satellite communications to units on Contingency Operating Base Adder, but back home his specialty is his ability to communicate with horses.

“I was 15, and I was looking for work,” said Mayfield.

Spc. David Mayfield, satellite communications operator and maintainer, 62nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, from Troy, Mo., separates cattle as part of a horse training program. (Photo courtesy of David Mayfield)

Through a friend, he heard about a local ranch where they trained horses. He walked over to the farm and met with the owner: a man by the name of Dennis. He asked Dennis if he was in need of a ranch hand. “I told him up front I didn’t know anything about horses,” said Mayfield.

Deployed mom, daughter share holidays together

11.23.2011 Story by Master Sgt. Cynthia Dorfne 376th Air Expeditionary Wing

MANAS, Kyrgyzstan - This holiday season as deployed troops serve far from their family and friends at home, one Air Force non-commissioned officer at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, will see a familiar face - that of her daughter.

Photo by Master Sgt. Cynthia Dorfner

Tech. Sgt. Terri Gill and her daughter Senior Airman Audrey Gill are deployed together to the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn. The pair will spend the holiday season together, but away from the rest of their family in Bean Station, Tenn.

It's the second family deployment for Tech. Sgt. Terri and Senior Airman Audrey Gill, here from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn. The first was in 2008 when the mother-daughter team went to Southwest Asia.

When people around the Transit Center learn of their family connection, the notion seems a bit strange.

Afghan SF capture IED facility

By Sgt. Christopher Hammond
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force 

HELMAND, Afghanistan (Nov. 20, 2011) – Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF), partnered with Coalition Special Operations Forces (SOF), located and captured an enemy Improvised Explosive Device (IED) facility in Malozai village, Sangin district, Nov. 20.      
     
ANASF and SOF received a tip about the facility’s location from the Afghan Local Police while conducting a security patrol in the area.           

Yemen's President promises to quit: signs power transfer deal

VOA News 23 November 2011

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh,  in Saudi Arabia, has signed a deal that calls for him to hand over power, but protests seeking his immediate ouster continue in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.

Saleh arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday to sign a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative that calls for him to transfer power to a deputy and allow the formation of a national unity government.

On three previous occasions, he indicated a willingness to sign the plan which could end months of anti-government protests.  However, each time Saleh backed away at the last minute without signing the deal. Yemeni state television said Wednesday that implementation of the GCC initiative could "save" Yemen from the anti-government crisis.

RIP CPL. Zachary C. Reiff

 

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

            Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, 22, of Preston, Iowa, died Nov. 21 of wounds suffered Nov. 18 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

 

"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.

NG Homeland Response Force run realistic test

By Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Blair Heusdens
Florida National Guard

STARKE, Fla. (11/17/11) – It's a capability that's critical to our national security, but one no one wants to ever have to use. Housed within the National Guard are several Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive and Weapons of Mass Destruction response forces and teams, tasked with responding to serious incidents and disasters throughout the country at a moment's notice.

The Florida and Georgia National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Packages and the newly-formed Georgia National Guard Homeland Response Force respond to a disaster scenario during an evaluation during training at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., on Nov. 17, 2011.

They go by different names, with unique skill sets and capabilities, but they all have a similar mission: to save lives and ease human suffering during disasters.

Several of these units came together for training and a regular evaluation at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. The Florida and Georgia National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERF-Ps) and the newly-formed Georgia National Guard Homeland Response Force (HRF) responded to a disaster scenario that could realistically happen in the local area.

‘Black Jack’ brigade transitions warhorse

Written by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North Tuesday, November 22, 2011

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Once again the “Black Jack” brigade has added to its successful legacy by officially transferring another base in the Diyala province to the Iraqi government.

Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Advise and Assist), 1st Cavalry Division, transitioned their fourth and largest base in the U.S. Division – North area, Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, in October 2011.

Life in Paind Kalay police station

14 November 2011 by britisharmy

Lt Matt Galante is an officer in The 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.  He commands a Police Advisory Team (PAT) in Southern Nahr-e-Saraj district, Helmand province. This is Matt’s second tour of Afghanistan.

Cheeky kids

I thought I would use blog number two as a chance to explain where I am currently living and what my day to day routine is – needless to say it’s a pretty big shift from my university days in Leeds or my current ‘home’ in Paderborn, Germany.

My team of 16 are based in the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) station in Paind Kalay, a village in the centre of Nahr-e-Saraj district, Helmand province. The ‘Kalay’ (Pashtun for ‘village’) is sandwiched between the river Helmand and the Nahr-e-Bugra canal, with an open desert to the North that provides a home for nomadic tribes – and an enormous amount of camels.

Video: 87th Sapper Company On Patrol

11.17.2011 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Video by Sgt. Jason Proseus

The 87th Sapper Company, Fort Hood, Tx, Stationed at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot. This unit of Sappers travel the Main Supply Routes of Afghanistan searching for the dangers that insurgents leave to harm Coalition Soldiers and Afghan People. Produced by Sgt. Jason Proseus, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

War In Afghanistan News 23 November 2011

VMAQ-4 returns home: ICAP III proves critical to fight in Afghanistan 

11/22/2011  By Lance Cpl. Scott L. Tomaszycki  , Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C.  — Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 Marines returned to MCAS Cherry Point from Afghanistan Nov. 16 bringing a close to the historic first Marine deployment of the EA-6B Increased Capability III aircraft.

“We were the very first ICAP III Prowler squadron to go into Afghanistan,” said Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Bates II, VMAQ-4 sergeant major. “We had a few kinks that we worked out but, for the most part, everything went well for the new jets we received about a year ago. They allowed us to go over there and provide support that was needed that had not been provided before.”

Since its introduction to the fleet in the 1970s, the EA-6B Prowler aircraft has been upgraded several times to maintain viability in the ever-changing environment of electronic warfare.

“The ICAP III has improved the Prowler’s capability against the latest generation of radars deployed by our adversaries throughout the world,” said Kirsti Dunn, a representative of Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, developer of the Prowler. “The ICAP III upgrade provides rapid detection, precise classification and highly accurate geo-location of electronic emissions such as radars.”

VMAQ-4 aircraft were not placed in their conventional role, but they did put their abilities to use.

RIP PVT Jackie L Diener II

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

Pvt. Jackie L. Diener II, 20, of Boyne City, Mich., died Nov. 21 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

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

Iran: U.S., Canada, Britain set new sanctions - Moscow objects

VOA News 22 November 2011

Iran and its powerful ally Russia have denounced new Western sanctions on Tehran's financial, petrochemical and energy sectors, calling them illegal and futile.

The U.S., Canada, and Britain each announced new steps Monday to increase economic pressure against Iran in response to international concerns that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday the unilateral measures by the the three countries amounted merely to "propaganda and psychological warfare." He predicted they would prove ineffective, saying Iran's trade and economic ties with the U.S. and Britain are small anyway.

Middle East News, 22 November, 2011

Egypt's military rulers have agreed to form a new government and promise to transfer power to a civilian body by July.

Politicians say the agreement was made during a crisis meeting on Tuesday as tens of thousands of Egyptians protested in the streets against continuing military rule. They say negotiators also agreed to start holding parliamentary elections on November 28th, as scheduled, with a goal of holding a presidential election before the end of June 2012.

Word of the agreement was met with scattered displeasure in the crowd that packed Cairo's Tahrir Square. There are continued calls among protesters to see military rule end immediately.

Egyptian state television says Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi will address the nation to outline the transition plan.

Tuesday's crowd in Tahrir Square is the largest in four days of protests demanding the country's military rulers cede power to a civilian authority.

Egypt's Health Ministry says at least 29 people have died during the protests in clashes between the security forces and demonstrators. Three people died early Tuesday in the Red Sea port city of Ismailiya.

The demonstrations are the largest to take place in Egypt since protests forced then-president Hosni Mubarak to resign in February.

In an apparent concession to demonstrators, the military council has issued a law that bans anyone convicted of corruption from running for office or holding a government position. The move could restrict members of Mr. Mubarak's former ruling party from competing in the upcoming elections.

Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Egypt's rulers of brutality sometimes exceeding that of Mr. Mubarak. Hundreds have been injured nationwide during the latest unrest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOA Web Site

RIP Private Thomas Christopher Lake

22 November 2011

Private Thomas Christopher Lake killed in Afghanistan

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private Thomas Lake, from 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 20 November 2011.

Private Thomas Christopher Lake
[Picture: via MOD]

Private Lake was taking part in a patrol to reassure the local population in the Jamal Kowi area of the Nahr-e Saraj district of central Helmand when he was caught in an explosion. He was airlifted to the field hospital at Camp Bastion where he was declared killed in action.

Private Thomas Christopher Lake

Private Lake, aged 29, from Watford, joined the Army in November 2009 and passed out of training in May 2010, joining 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (1 PWRR), known as 'The Tigers', in Germany shortly afterwards.

Upon joining the battalion he attended a number of courses - most notably the Infantry Assault Pioneers' Course and the Team Medics' Course, and he recently completed part one of the arduous Snipers' Course in Brecon, Wales.