War On Terror News

Video: Madison Rising: Right to Bear

New Release, using the 1st Amendment to defend the 2nd, by a rising rock band of Patriotic Loyalty, and proven dedication:

Taliban, US Begin Talks in Qatar

Afghan Taliban negotiators are meeting with U.S. officials in Qatar for a series of discussions aimed at building trust between the two sides ahead of the upcoming peace talks.

Maulavi Qalamuddin, who once led the group's religious police, said Sunday the delegation includes several former officials, as well as a former secretary to the Taliban's leader, Mullah Omar.

Qalamuddin said the talks include the possible release of Taliban prisoners from the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He said the delegation traveled to Qatar from Pakistan - a possible sign that Islamabad might support the peace process.

VOA’s Ira Mellman spoke with Michael Semple, Fellow with the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Semple says there are two processes underway in Afghanistan. One is a “real political process” and the other a “great media war."

Meanwhile, Afghan officials said Sunday they will soon open a second front of negotiations with the Taliban, meeting in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to bring an end to the decade-long Afghan war.

In Brussels Monday, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance will adhere to its plans to withdraw combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen talks during the presentation of NATO's Annual Report 2011at NATO headquarters in Brussels, January 26, 2012.

Rasmussen said NATO expects the final transition of provinces and districts to lead Afghan responsibility by mid-2013. He said that, from that time on, the alliance can gradually change the role of its forces from combat to support.

Pakistani officials have declined to comment on the country's role in contacts between the Taliban and the United States. But a Foreign Ministry spokesman, Abdul Basit, has reiterated that Islamabad will continue to make contributions toward achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Also on Sunday, Pakistan said Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar will travel to Afghanistan Wednesday to discuss the war on terror and political reconciliation efforts. Khar is expected to meet with her Pakistani counterpart, Zalmai Rassoul, and make a "courtesy call" on President Hamid Karzai.

U.S. officials have yet to comment on the latest developments.

 

 

 

VOA

LtCol (Ret) Marcus Richmond for Arkansas 4th Congressional District

Marcus Richmond may be running against Tom Cotton, but that doesn't mean he isn't also a great candidate:

"Despite fighting two wars, many of our national leaders are now seeking to solve our deficit problems by crippling national defense. The easiest target for their deficit knives is personnel cuts and reduced research and development for individual weapons and protective equipment. What will not be touched are the big ticket items built in the career politicians’ districts. Cutting manpower is always the first choice because, despite its high impact on defense capabilities, it has a low impact on politician’s careers." Richmond for Congress

This is the kind of race I'd like to see taking place in every district, where the voters have a choice between great candidates, rather than the lesser of two evils.  And he "gets it" on Military Retirement vs. Congressional Retirement:

" A politician’s risk is limited to losing a future election if he fails to pander to special interests. Yet, cutting military retirement is always the first option presented to lawmakers. This is not the first time that attempts have been made to alter military retirement. In the 1980′s, military retirement was altered and had to be changed back, due to the adverse affect it had on retention and readiness. Career politicians need to lead by example and cut their own retirement first and leave military retirement alone. The men and women of the armed forces have earned this small benefit." ibid.

We've been saying the same for a while.

Richmond is on Facebook, on Twitter, and has a website.

The opponents in this race were previously listed when spotlighting Tom Cotton.

 Their debate:

RCP-30 explains complexity and importance of route clearance

Story by Sgt. Victor Everhart Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – With the snow settled and ice hidden under the white blankets of winter, the ground is hard and slick, but this doesn’t impede on the mission at hand clearing the road of IEDs and any other ordnance aimed at harming coalition soldiers. This is the reality for the combat engineers assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Special Troops Battalion. “As a 12-Bravo our job is counter mobility, survivability, defense [and] construction, but in Afghanistan our job is route clearance,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Braham, Route Clearance Package 30 platoon sergeant. “Our main purpose is to destroy. We’re experts in our field of demolition.” “Battalion tells us the route they want cleared, and we use the various tools at our disposal to accomplish that mission,” said Braham. “Whether it’s us dismounting and using the Goldie Detection System, or if we’re in our vehicles using the Buffalo’s arm to interrogate, we make sure the job is done and done right. With an enemy that uses IEDs to set up ambushes, the importance of route clearance to the mission is paramount. “We do route clearance by driving down the road looking for disturbances, investigating culverts or any other man-made entity that could hold a potential threat to anyone traversing the road,” said Braham. “The importance of that is essential. It gives the guys we’re clearing for the clear mind that they’re not going to strike or set off any mines or IEDs, because we already have found and destroyed them which helps them concentrate on their missions.” “The way it works is we are usually a great deal ahead of the soldiers we’re clearing for, and we locate and dispose of the harmful ordnance we find,” said Braham. “But the thing is insurgents use these weapons to start ambushes, so my guys have to be ready for that. “It’s an extremely dangerous job, but my guys are looking for weapons designed to kill them, strap their boots on without complaining and get the mission done day in and day out. I commend the engineers of RCP-30 for that and can’t thank them enough for their hard work.” “Equally as important, we also clear the route for supplies to get to combat outposts for mission and morale purposes,” said Braham. “Fuel, water, food, mail, you name it, we clear the way for it to get there.” “Especially seeing how cold it is now,” said Braham. “We don’t clear the route right or make a mistake and the fuel for the generators doesn’t get there and then soldiers are cold at night in this ridiculously cold weather. We ensure we do our jobs the right way the first time to avoid morale issues that could really hurt our fighting force.” “What our mission is to provide the freedom of maneuver for 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment soldiers,” said 1st Lt. George Rousson, the platoon leader of RCP-30. “We clear the road for most of the logistical support that goes out to the various combat outposts and forward operating bases in our area of operation.” “What we do is go out, we find and reduce enemy obstacles, which happen to be IEDs,” said Rousson, an infantry officer task organized to the engineer company. “That consists of pressure plates, command wires and victim operated IEDs. Now in conjunction with that, he calls us in on special missions where we move soldiers into and out of particular areas. “These combat engineers are experts at finding IEDs. It’s what they went to training for. It’s what they’ve spent months in the states becoming skilled at, and putting that together with the vehicles we have to help and protect us, it’s a perfect combination that helps alleviate some of the risk we take every day.” “The improvements from Operation Enduring Freedom One till now, it’s a lot safer,” said Braham. “Back then, we used Humvees, and now we have a large assortment of equipment to choose from.” “Now we have vehicles that can really take some hits without seriously wounding any passengers of the vehicle,” said Braham. “With all the upgrades and various detection devices, like the Buffalo, we now have various ways of protecting ourselves from harm, as well as better technology and ways to detect the harmful ordnance as needed.” “The equipment is simply life saving,” said Rousson. “I heard a team hit an IED in the Buffalo and the worst injury from it was a concussion, which is a lot better than the [alternative] of losing someone.” “I would have to say in regards to the hardworking combat engineers, they have to be some of the bravest men I’ve ever met,” said Rousson. “They go out there, and they know their job is dangerous. They know what the threat is every day, but they get on their gear, get in their vehicles, and they're ready to go with no complaints or hesitation and go on mission. “Their dedication allows the commanders of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, to freely move their troops around the battlefield without the fear of IEDs and other types of demolition aimed at hurting us or any of our coalition partners, and I just want to thank them for their hard work and dedication to this extremely important mission.”

 

ISAF

Marines engage enemy across Helmand River

Over the past five years, coalition forces have operated with Afghan National Security Forces to defeat insurgent activity in the central Helmand River valley. Driven from the populated green zones of districts in southern Helmand, enemy fighters have sought refuge in bed-down locations west of the Helmand River. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment crossed this river into Kajaki Sofia, Afghanistan and made enemy contact Dec. 3 as part of Operation Western Storm. Marines were heading into unchartered territory. We knew it was going to be kinetic, said a Marine with 2nd Platoon, Weapons Company, 1/6. We didnt know how kinetic until we actually got here. When the Marines arrived, they pushed two or three patrols daily and engaged the enemy just as frequently. You replay it in your mind over and over again, the same Marine said. It was a pretty rough day, our guys are still feeling it and the very next day we put them right back out on a patrol. Operation Western Storm paved the way for Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds) where Marines teamed up with Afghan National Army to provide security for Afghan civilians in the area. In the village of Kartaka, an elder thanked Marines for their visit, saying it was the first time a coalition forces commander visited the village over the last decade of conflict. Marines continue to improve relations with Afghan military and civilians as they continue to push farther west.

 

CPT Tom Cotton for Arkansas 4th District

"A strong national defense depends on a well-funded military with the world’s best-equipped and trained troops and most advanced weapon systems. While we must stay mindful of wasteful spending—often driven by congressional earmarks and politicians’ desire for reelection, not by military strategy—we cannot gut the military to pay for failed stimulus plans, ObamaCare, or other liberal programs. In fact, the military has already cut nearly $400 billion under President Obama, including the cancellation of major weapon systems and a dangerous reduction in the number of Marines and Soldiers. These severe cuts have occurred without similar reductions at domestic agencies, which have grown even more bloated under President Obama. As your congressman, I will work to reverse this trend and to ensure that our troops have the equipment and weapons they need to win our wars—or deter them from starting in the first place."

"The foremost responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense."

"I don’t believe in exit strategies; I believe in victory strategies. In Congress, I will stand up to President Obama, whose short-sighted and politically motivated decisions threaten the lives and money that America has invested in these wars."  Tom Cotton for Congress

Now, these are clear policies on National Defense that I can wholeheartedly endorse.  I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to find out that he is a Ranger Qualified Veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, who gave up his Law Practice following 9/11 to enlist in the Army:

War in Afghanistan News, 31 January, 2012

KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 30) – An Afghan and coalition security force captured an Al Qaida facilitator during an operation in Gardez district, Paktiya province, today.  The facilitator coordinated insurgent activity throughout the area and provided reports to senior Al Qaida leaders in Pakistan.  No civilians were harmed during the operation. In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

After 10 Months of Murder & Mayhem, Obama Demands UN Send a Message to Syria

The Obama administration says the U.N. Security Council “must” intervene in Syria's escalating violence by sending a message that President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on a 10-month opposition uprising is a threat to global peace and security.

In a statement Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington strongly condemns what it calls “violent and brutal” Syrian government attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians in the past few days. She said she will attend a U.N. Security Council session on Tuesday to urge that the world body support an Arab League plan for Mr. Assad to step aside as a way of resolving the crisis.

LTC (Ret) Allen West for Re-election in FL-22

There are detractors to LTC (ret) Allen West, and he may face a tough election in 2012, but he is very clear that he understands today's threats, and has the spine to do something about them.  Some suggested he should have run for President, but his continued service in Congress is important.

"The Preamble of the Constitution of the United States defines the Federal Government’s role in “providing for the common defense” of our great country. It is not only the primary mission of our government, but the most important obligation our elected leaders have upon accepting the oath of office. As a 22-year Army Veteran who served in Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, and as a Civilian Advisor to the Afghan Army in Operation Enduring Freedom, I understand both the gravity of giving the order, and the challenge of carrying it out."

"Make no mistake, we are a nation at war against a totalitarian theocratic political ideology that glorifies death rather than celebrating life. To defeat it, we must stay on the offensive. From Afghanistan and Iraq to the Greater Middle East and South America, radical Islam is on the march. And while our attention is focused on combating global terrorism, we must not forget other looming threats just on the horizon in China, North Korea, Venezuela, Russia & Iran. These nations and their leaders represent the biggest threat to our great nation. As your Congressman, I will work to reestablish American Exceptionalism by growing and modernizing America’s Armed forces to ensure that we are prepared for the strategic challenges ahead. Like President Reagan, I believe that peace is best kept through a strong national defense." Allen West for Congress

This is in sharp contrast to the misguided calls of his opponent to cut the Department of Defense and retreat from Victories in Afghanistan (and Iraq, I guess he doesn't know we're not there anymore):

"We need our troops to withdraw in July and be fully out of Afghanistan by 2014."  Patrick Erin Murphy campaign page

Or his opponent Lois Frankel, who does not even address National Security as an Issue.

Video: For Veterans Searching for Work

Down to earth advise for Veterans in their job search:

From Ranger Up.
As the Administration tosses 100,000 Warriors into the Streets, more will need this advise.

Moments of Silence #MoS to #HonorTheFallen 30 JAN 2012 1PM-1:06 ET

"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.

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: SGT #Bowe Bergdahl, Kidnapped by Taliban, Two Minutes until he comes home #MIA #SOT #MoS
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:02-1:03 EDT: Cpl Christopher G Singer,Temecula, CA 01/21/12 Helmand AFG 3rd CEB, 1st MarDiv
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:03-1:04 EDT: Capt Joshua C Pairish, Equality, IL 01/22/12 US 4th CAG, USMC-R
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:04-1:05 EDT: Sgnlr Gerard Sartorius-Jones, Runcom, Cheshire 01/24/12 Helmand 20th Armoured Bde, Australia
• #MoS #MilitaryMon 1:05-1:06 EDT: 1LT David A Johnson, Horicon, WI 01/25/12 Kandahar AFG 5-20 Inf Rgt 2nd ID

 

Republication WITHOUT attribution of Moments of Silence is encouraged.  Tailoring quotes and tribute video is encouraged but not required, though it is requested that the times and names be maintained intact.  Each moment is tailored to meet twitter norms and to be tweeted at that time, Each Monday, based on order of notification.

Ex-Ambassador to US is Now Free to Leave Pakistan

Pakistan has lifted a travel ban on its former ambassador to the United States who had been under investigation for his connection to a controversial memo urging U.S. help in reining in the military.

Husain Haqqani, who resigned his diplomatic post, said Monday he intends to travel to the U.S. to join his family there after meeting with leaders of the country's ruling Pakistan People's Party.

A Supreme Court commission had barred the former ambassador from leaving Pakistan while it probed the origins of a memo sent to Washington calling for U.S. help in preventing a military coup in Pakistan. The scandal, which is known as “memogate,” heightened tensions between Pakistan's government and military.

Haqqani told the commission earlier this month he had “no role in creating, drafting and/or delivering” the memo to Admiral Mike Mullen, the top U.S. military official at the time.

Boko Haram Kills 2 More Nigerian Civilians

Police in northern Nigeria say gunmen have attacked two police stations in Kano, leaving two civilians dead.

Authorities say the civilians were killed late Sunday during a shootout between police and the gunmen. The attackers also threw bombs at the police station, damaging the building.

Gunmen launched a second attack early Monday on a station that was targeted last week, but there were no reports of any casualties.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The radical Islamist group Boko Haram has said it was responsible for 185 deaths in recent weeks in Kano, Nigeria's second largest city.

Boko Haram says it is fighting to implement a strict interpretation of Sharia law across Nigeria.

The ongoing violence has raised concerns that Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and its biggest oil producer, is sliding toward civil war.

America, When Will You Stand Up for Your Veterans?

Military Retirees, under 65, probably have another job that can pay their Health Insurance Costs.  We need to convince them to use that Insurance plan instead of the one they earned by 20+ years in the Military.  Obama Administration. (paraphrased, they would never say it that clearly.)

This is what the Administration calls "not breaking faith" with Our Troops and Veterans.  I had a rather heated discussion about this with a civilian friend, who happens to support Obama.  She felt that the disgust I voiced with the Administration, and with those that continue to justify his slashes makes Veterans and Troops appear to be just a whiny special interest group.  She didn't understand how I could confuse her Support of the Troops, with annoyance that she attempted to justify the Administration's calls for culling the force.  And she typed the same lines the Obama Campaign has used to justify the cuts.  The Proposals include:

Increasing and adding new enrollment fees for retirees (for Tricare)
Establishing a new enrollment fee for the TRICARE-­‐for-­‐Life program
Implementing additional increases in pharmacy co-­‐pays
Obama proposals in January 2012, in the DoD "Defense Budget Priorities" previously proposed in the Obama Budget Proposal in September 2011 which was marketed as raising taxes on "the rich" while "raising revenue" to a greater extent from Military Retirees & Veterans.

So, how do I express myself better?  How do I better explain why it is wrong for the American Government to break its contract with the Veterans that have protected this Nation?  Why is it morally and legally wrong to charge Military Retirees for Health Care?  Why is it the responsibility of the American People to stop this?  Who can do that and How?

War in Afghanistan News - 30 Jan 2012

An Afghan led and coalition supported security force conducted an operation in search of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Taloqan district, Takhar province, Sunday.  The leader, Ilhom, was responsible for the Dec. 25, 2011, suicide bomb attack that killed an Afghan official in Takhar province. Additionally, Ilhom facilitated the training of suicide bombers for attacks throughout the area.

During the operation Ilhom and one other armed insurgent engaged the security force with fragmentation grenades. The security force responded to the immediate threat and returned fire, killing Ilhom and the insurgent.  One additional insurgent was detained during the operation.

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror News

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

 

South
An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, Sunday.

The leader operated in Yak Chal village where he participated in direct-fire attacks and distributed ammunition and explosives to insurgent fighters throughout the area.

The security force detained multiple insurgents during the operation.

East
In Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban facilitator Sunday. The facilitator transports insurgents to Pakistan for training and conducts attacks against Afghan forces throughout the province. The security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, Sunday. The facilitator produced explosives and emplaced roadside bombs throughout the region. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

In Sharan district, Paktika province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Haqqani Network facilitator Sunday. The facilitator distributes explosives and conducts attacks against Afghan forces. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

Tailor the way you get your War On Terror 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 - 29 Jan 2012

Syrian Govt Troops are defending the capital of Damascus, as they attempt to retake suburbs from rebels and 19 Syrians were killed.

The IAEA arrived in Tehran for a 3 day visit to look at Iranian Nuke Facilities.

The soon to be ex-President of Yemen arrived in the US for medical treatment, possibly related to the Al-Qaeda assassination attempt on him at a mosque.

The Obama Administration has opened negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar.

An Iraqi was killed in a bombing, as the Iraqi Parliamentary Impasse ended.

And the Islamists are expected to take the upper house of Parliament in Egypt in elections with low turnouts.

Iraq Political Impasse Ends as Bomb Kills Iraqi Civilian

An Iraqi political alliance backed by many Sunnis says it will end a month-long boycott of parliament, easing a political crisis that has exposed deep sectarian divisions in Iraq's national unity government.

Iraqiya spokeswoman Maysoon al-Damluji said Sunday the alliance's lawmakers will resume attendance of parliamentary sessions this week for the first time since mid-December to improve the atmosphere for a proposed national conference on resolving the crisis. Iraqiya's announcement followed a meeting of its senior leaders including parliament speaker Osama al-Nujaifi, Finance Minister Rafie al-Essawi, and Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq.

Iraqiya says it has not decided whether to end a separate boycott of Cabinet meetings chaired by Iraq's Shi'ite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Islamists Expected to Take Egypt's Upper House of Parliament

Turnout was decidedly low as Egyptians voted Sunday for the upper house of parliament, with Islamist parties widely expected to build on their success from lower house elections in November, when voters turned out in record numbers.

Few voters showed up to cast their ballots at polling stations in Cairo, one of 13 provinces where the first stage of elections for the largely advisory Shura Council are taking place. A second stage will take place February 14-15.

Under the complex system adopted after former president Hosni Mubarak's ouster, two-thirds of the Shura's 180 elected members will be voted on through a party-list system, while one-third will be directly elected.

The remaining 90 will be appointed by Egypt's next president, expected to be elected in June according to a transition timetable drawn up by the military council to whom Mubarak handed power nearly a year ago.

COL (Ret) Chris Gibson Running for Re-Election NY-20th Congressional District

COL (RET) Chris Gibson is running for re-election in the NY-20th District:

Chris Gibson entered the US Army as a second lieutenant in March 1986. Over the course of his 24 year Army career, he rose to the rank of Colonel and deployed 7 times; including 4 combat tours in Iraq and separate deployments to Kosovo, and to the southwestern US for a counter-drug operation.

While in command, Col Gibson’s Battalion was involved in combat operations in Mosul in support of the first national election in the new Iraq, his Battalion Task Force earned the Valorous Unit Award. For their actions in Tal Afar during the 2^nd and 3^rd national elections in Iraq his Battalion and the 3^rd Armored Cavalry Regiment was recognized for excellence by President George W. Bush and earned a 2^nd Valorous Unit Award. Most recently, just prior to his retirement, he deployed to Haiti where he commanded the 82^nd Airborne Division’s 2^nd Brigade Combat Team during the opening month of that Humanitarian Relief Operation.

Former Col Gibson’s combat awards include two Legion of Merit Medals, four Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge with Star, Master Parachutist Badge with Ranger Tab, and multiple campaign medals. Combat Veterans for Congress

I would like to see a more precise statement on National Defense:

Stronger National Security: We will lead the Congress towards new legislation that better coordinates the US Government to “see” the enemy threats to America. We need to more effectively respond to threats as well as opportunities, and proactively advance US interests in concert with friends and allies. Gibson for Congress - Issues

On Facebook: Gibson for Congress

It appears that New York has delayed drawing the new Congressional districts. NY Gerrymandering in 2012 and that may effect his chances.

I was unable to find an opponent running against Gibson in this race, but that could be due to the late redistricting.

LTC Stephen Labate - NY 2nd Congressional District

While most eyes are on the Presidential Primaries this year, our votes count far more in the Congressional Elections.  Regardless of who wins the top office in the land, it is Congress that approves the Budget, including the Department of Defense Budget.  We need a Congress that will stand up for Our National Defense:

"As a career Army Officer with 20 years in the Army Reserve there will be no better advocate for our men and women in uniform than I. We can never return to the days of a hollow force where the Congress forced our military to just “make do”.

"Our military must be prepared to go after Al Qaeda while also being trained and equipped to fight a conventional battle against any country that attacks us. If we have learned anything from 9-11 it was that we cannot short change our military in time of war, nor be short sighted in time of peace."  Stephen Labate for Congress

Labate is a Veteran of the War in Iraq:

Over the course of his 18 year Army Reserve career, he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel and deployed to Balad, Iraq. Steve served in Iraq from September 2004 to October 2005 as the 301^st Force Protection Officer. Moreover in support of Operation "Noble Eagle II" Steve had the distinct honor to Command the Soldiers of the 306th MP Battalion (Detachment 5) in a yearlong mission where the Soldiers under his command were deployed in support of Operation "Noble Eagle II". Lt Col. Labate’s awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, a Meritorious Unit Citation for outstanding service during combat operations, HQDA Staff Badge, a Parachutist Badge, and multiple campaign medals.

He is a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Reserve Officers Association, the Knights of Columbus, and the National Rifle Association.  Combat Veterans for Congress

I would like to see LTC Labate's specific platform on DoD Manning and Spending.

His opponent is Steve Israel, head of the DNC Congressional Campaign Committee, as appointed by Nancy Pelosi:

 

Logar Gets New Milk Collection Facility

Pol-e Alam, Afghanistan (January 28, 2012) — The provincial Department for Agriculture and Livestock in the Logar province, with the support of the Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), has completed the works on the new milk collection center.

The main goal of the project implemented in Jelga village (Pol-e Alam district of Logar province) was to support local farmers and to increase their incomes.

So far the collection center was based in a local shop. “The conditions were terrible over there. We didn´t have any equipment,” said Said Wahidullah, head of the dairy cooperative in Jelga. His cooperative consists of some 190 farmers from the village and its surroundings.

US Peace Negotiations with Taliban Open in Qatar - Update

Taliban negotiators are meeting with U.S. officials in Qatar for a series of discussions aimed at building trust and preparing both sides for upcoming peace talks.

Maulavi Qalamuddin, who once led the group's religious police, said Sunday the delegation includes several former officials, as well as a former secretary to the Taliban's leader Mullah Omar.

Qalamuddin said the talks include the possible release of Taliban prisoners from the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He added the delegation traveled to Qatar from Pakistan — a possible sign that Islamabad might support the peace process.

Pakistani officials have declined to comment on the country's role in contacts between the Taliban and the United States. But a Foreign Ministry spokesman has reiterated that Islamabad will continue to make contributions toward achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan.

2-6 Marine Snipers Teach Afghans Their Skills

Story by Cpl. Johnny Merkley
Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division

Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers with 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps participated in a designated marksman course here, Jan. 21-25.

U.S. Marine Corps scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, conducted the course to share their marksmanship expertise with their ANA counterparts.

“The purpose of the training was to familiarize the ANA with the weapons systems they had in their inventory,” said Master Sgt. Joe Caspole, the 2/6 assistant operations chief and lead instructor for the designated marksman course. “Overall we trained the soldiers in the basic fundamentals and the application of the M-24 weapon system so they can use it in the future when they have a need for designated marksman.

Pictured: An Afghan National Army soldier with 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, looks through binoculars to verify his shooter's accuracy with the M-24 sniper rifle during a designated marksman training course here, Jan. 21-25. U.S. Marine Corps scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conducted the course to share their marksmanship expertise with their ANA counterparts. The course was the first of its kind in southern Helmand province.

The weapons systems used by the ANA marksmen are U.S. Army M-24 sniper rifles with tactical Leupold scope attachments. The Afghan designated marksmen use this Army sniper rifle in place of the custom M-485 sniper rifle used by Marine scout snipers.

War In Afghanistan News - 29 JAN 2012

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban commander during an operation in Nad-e Ali district, Helmand province, Thursday.  The Taliban commander was responsible for supplying weapons, explosives and directing insurgent fighters in this area.  During the operation several insurgents were also detained by Afghan security forces for further questioning and processing.  No civilians were harmed during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

France to Pull Out of Afghanistan Early; Britain Renews Commitment to 2014

Britain says it will stand by Afghanistan, keeping troops there until 2014.

British Prime Minister David Cameron told reporters Saturday he has no plans to pull his country's combat troops from Afghanistan before the current deadline expires. He also said Britain will continue to have a strong relationship with Kabul going forward because “it is in the interests of the whole world to have a safe and stable Afghanistan that is free from the terrorism.”

Mr. Cameron's comments followed a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai outside London. The British leader said his country will continue to provide Afghanistan with aid after its troops withdraw in 2014.

His position differed from that of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who met with Mr. Karzai on Friday. Mr. Sarkozy said French troops will complete their withdrawal from the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan a year earlier than planned, at the end of 2013.

Senegal Braces for Violence Ahead of Elections

Tension is running high through the streets of Dakar, where police are bracing for another night of violent protests.

Opposition demonstrators set tires on fire and hurled rocks at police late Friday despite being met with roadblocks and volleys of tear gas. Others burned down the headquarters of President Abdoulaye Wade's Senegalese Democratic Party.

The protesters say they are outraged by Friday's ruling from the Constitutional Court giving Mr. Wade permission to seek a third term in office and banning several opposition candidates from next month's contest.

Opposition leaders called for renewed protests Saturday, with some going as far as to call on President Wade to step aside and withdraw his candidacy.

Journalist Murdered in Somali Streets

The director of an independent Somali radio station is dead – ambushed and killed by masked gunmen.

Witnesses, and a producer at Shabelle Radio in the capital of Mogadishu, say 29-year-old Hassan Osman Abdi was on his way home from the station late Saturday when he was shot and killed by two pistol-wielding assailants.

A VOA reporter in Mogadishu says Abdi, also known as Hassan Fantastic, was entering his home at the time of the attack.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility or motive for the attack on Abdi, who was the father of three children.

Abdi had worked at Shabelle Radio for three years.

Attacks on journalists are not uncommon in war-ravaged Somalia.

This past December, a gunman shot and killed a prominent television journalist in Mogadishu. A spokesman for Horn Cable TV said Abdisalam Sheikh Hussein was shot in the head by a man wearing a Somali government uniform.

Somali government and African Union forces are battling the Islamic terrorist group, al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, which controls most of central and southern Somalia.

The country has endured 20 years of lawlessness and conflict since the fall of the last stable government. VoA

Islamist Attacks Kill 185 Nigerians this week

Gunmen believed to be members of the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram opened fire on a police station in Nigeria's Kano state, triggering a gun battle.

Witnesses say the gunmen arrived on motorcycles Friday evening and began shooting and police returned fire.

Police have not confirmed any injuries or deaths.

In the past week, Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for 185 deaths in Kano, Nigeria's second largest city.

The leader of the Nigeria's radical Islamic sect Boko Haram, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. has challenged the president's vow to crush the group in an audio message posted on the Internet.

American Hostage Released in Nigeria

An American worker kidnapped in Nigeria's oil rich southern Delta region has been released after being held a week.

The U.S. embassy said Friday the 50-year-old man is in a safe location. The circumstances surrounding his release have not been announced.

During the kidnapping in Nigeria's Warri State, the man's driver was shot and killed. The suspects then contacted the man's employer demanding more than $300,000. There has been no word if a ransom was paid.

Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department issued a warning to citizens to avoid travel to the Delta region of Nigeria because of the risk of kidnappings, robberies and personal attacks. The State Department announced in its most recent warning that five U.S. citizens were kidnapped in Nigeria last year.

Baghdad Shi'ite Neighborhood Hit by Car Bomb

VOA News 1.27.2012

Early reports say at least 31 people killed Friday when a car bomb exploded near a funeral procession in a mainly Shi'ite neighborhood of the Iraqi capital.

Hospital workers say at least 60 people were wounded in the suicide bombing in the neighborhood of Zafaraniyah.

The blast went off near where mourners had gathered for the funeral of a real estate agent who was killed by gunmen a day earlier.

War in Afghanistan News - 28 Jan 2012

In Chahar Darah district, Kunduz province, an Afghan led and coalition supported security force conducted an operation in search of insurgent suicide bombers Thursday.  The targets were suspected of planning attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Chahar Darah district.

The security force detained several suspected suicide bombers during the operation. The security force also seized a prepared suicide improvised explosive device vest and approximately 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) of homemade explosives.  No civilians were harmed during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

 

South
A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a patrol in Panjwa ‘i district, Kandahar province, Thursday. The cache consisted of approximately 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of marijuana seeds. The seeds were confiscated and will be destroyed at a later date.

 

In Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, an Afghan led and coalition supported security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation Friday. The leader conducted direct-fire attacks in Nahr-e Saraj district and distributed ammunition and bomb-making materials to insurgent fighters throughout Helmand province. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

 

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, Friday. The facilitator distributed weapons and explosives to insurgent fighters and coordinated roadside bomb attacks against Afghan forces throughout the area. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

 

East
A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Jalrayz district, Wardak province, Friday. The facilitator distributed homemade explosives and weapons to insurgent fighters throughout Maidan Shahr district.

 

In Khost district, Khost province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Haqqani leader Friday. The leader constructs roadside bombs and distributes weapons to insurgents in Bak and Terayzai districts. The security force confiscated multiple weapons and ammunition and detained several suspected insurgents during the operation.

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Middle East News 27 January 2012

Egyptian activists have gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday, as the country continues to mark the first anniversary of the uprising that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak.
A small group of protesters has camped out in the square since Wednesday, when massive crowds of Egyptians filled the streets.

Violence in Syria continued Friday, bringing to more than 50 the number of people killed there over the past two days, as a resolution to curb the bloodshed appeared to be stalled in the United Nations.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is urging Iran to resume talks with Western nations that suspect it is working on a nuclear weapons program.  Tehran insists that its atomic program is for peaceful purposes. During a press briefing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr.Ban said Iran has the responsibility to prove its case.

Iraqi officials say at least 31 people were killed Friday when a car bomb exploded near a funeral procession in a mainly Shi'ite neighborhood of the Iraqi capital. Hospital workers say at least 60 people were wounded in the suicide bombing in the neighborhood of Zafaraniyah. There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

Details after the break.

Master Resilience Training effective according to study

By David Vergun Army News Service

FORT MEADE, Md. (1/25/12) – The Master Resilience Training aspect of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness is working well. That's the conclusion of an Army report, released last month, covering a 15-month period of statistical evaluation.

Army Sgt. Brandon Bregel, team leader, prepares to clear a bridge during a bridge quality assurance inspection along Highway 1 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2011. Through the U.S. Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, Soldiers like Bregel can better prepare for the physical and emotional trials of combat. (Courtesy photo)

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness was launched in 2009 to teach Soldiers how to be psychologically strong in the face of adversity, such as combat. The program, also available to family members and DA civilians, was designed at the University of Pennsylvania by behavioral specialists using proven research-based methodologies.

Within CSF, all Soldiers, active, National Guard and Reserve, are required annually to take the Global Assessment Tool, an online questionnaire which measures a Soldier's psychological health. The GAT scores give Soldiers an indicator of where they are strong and where they can improve. Those needing improvement could take Comprehensive Resilience Modules, which are online help tutorials, or seek professional counseling.

GAT scores are confidential but the results are aggregated for statistical purposes, such as for use in the recently released Longitudinal Analysis of the Impact of Master Resilience Training on Self-Reported Resilience and Psychological Health Data.

MRT is the second aspect of CSF. Master resilience trainers are Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians who are graduates of the 10 day MRT-C course taught at University of Pennsylvania, Victory University, or by the Mobile Training Team. They teach leaders to instill resilience in subordinates – meaning they help fellow Soldiers learn to bounce back from adversity.

The study evaluated GAT scores of eight randomly selected brigade combat teams, known as BCTs. Four received MRT and four did not. Over the 15-month period, scores of the four BCTs receiving the training were significantly higher than the others, irrespective of other variables, such as unit leadership and cohesion.

"This report represents a significant milestone with respect to the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program and the Army's broader efforts to develop a more resilient and capable force," wrote Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, in the report's forward. "It is my hope that this report will spark fruitful discussions; leading to new and improved ways, we may help our Soldiers, Army civilians and family members to improve their overall psychological health."

The study has demonstrated that the program is successful, said Army Brig. Gen. Jim Pasquarette, the CSF program director.

"I believe this is something we're going to have forever, similar to physical training," Pasquarett said. "I think in the future, even under this budget, we're going to fund it. We believe this will save us money through prevention [because] it helps our Soldiers, family members and Department of the Army civilians deal with adversity in their life and more importantly – thrive in their lives.

Video: Lock and Load - The Work of an IDF Weapons Instructor

idfnadesk on Jan 24, 2012

Behind every good soldier lies an exceptional instructor, and this video takes a look at the work of one of these elite IDF weapons instructors.

Taking the kids to school - in Afghanistan

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kimberley Ryan holds hands with Afghan children as they walk to the local children's shura near Forward Operating Base Jackson in the Sangin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, Jan. 20, 2012. Ryan is the team leader assigned to the Marine Headquarters Group, Female Engagement Team. The team, along with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, have been conducting shuras, or classes, to provide area citizens with a variety of educational opportunities. U.S. Marine Corps photo Cpl. Ed Galo

Video: Musa Qal'eh deputy district governor discusses progress

by ISAFMEDIA on Jan 26, 2012

Yar Mohammad, the deputy district governor of Musa Qal'eh, discusses progress in the district. This video is part of a series called "In their voices," a compilation of video interviews with key leaders in several areas of Helmand, to include Sangin and Marjah. The series provides personal accounts of the areas prior to coalition forces arriving, as well as current conditions. The "In their voices" series allows the public to hear directly from Afghan community leaders, security officials and local government officials. This unprecedented effort is being provided to inform the public on the key issues of security and development in the province.

Mentoring Task Force–3 heading home to Australia

27.1.2012

Australia’s Mentoring Task Force - 3 (MTF - 3) is heading home after a seven-and-a-half month deployment in Afghanistan.
 
Lead by the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), MTF-3 has seen significant improvement in the Afghan National Army’s (ANA) capability and confidence.  The result is greater security across a larger footprint in Uruzgan Province.
 
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith, said when MTF-3 arrived in June 2011 the ANA was conducting around 25 activities on its own across the Brigade each week.  By the end of the tour, that number had grown to around 100 independent activities a week.
 
“The sophistication of those operations has also improved to encompass far more complex cordon and search operations, linked in with intelligence, to achieve a much greater effect out of their operations,” Lieutenant Colonel Smith said.

31st MEU secures beach with amphibious assault

1.27.2011  III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific By Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright 31ST MEU Public Affairs

Sporadic bursts of rifle fire cut through the still air, drawing an immediate response from the Marines staged on the opposite end of the clearing. Calls for maneuvers were made as groups of Marines took up defensive positions, returning fire in the direction of the enemy contact. Minutes later, three hostiles were either killed or captured, and a security perimeter was established around the cleared area.

Courtesy Photo

Marines with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, run toward an objective at the Kin Blue training area, Okinawa, Japan, during a mock boat raid Jan. 13. (Marine photo/Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright)

“We’ve encountered rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire,” said Lance Cpl. Derek Gregory, an assaultman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “After clearing the immediate area and checking for any (improvised explosive devices), we’ll return the town to the (local) government.”

Army Reserve MEDEVACS deploy for first time since Gulf War

Written by U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Michael Clark, RC-East PAO Wednesday, 25 January 2012

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan - An HH-60 MEDEVAC Black Hawk from

 

 

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Since the events of September 11, 2001, over two million Soldiers have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, with the exception of the U.S. Army Reserve’s Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) units.

The last time a U.S. Army Reserve MEDEVAC deployed was in 1991 during the first Gulf War. Just after the conclusion of the Gulf War, the 348th Medical Detachment was disbanded until 1994, when the unit reorganized under the command of 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment.

“We are all honored and excited to have the opportunity to be here performing this mission,” said Capt. Justin Mace, the Detachment’s Executive Officer.

Landstuhl Medical Center Saves Lives, Advances Medicine

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

LANDSTUHL, Germany, Jan. 25, 2012 – Medical-surgical teams at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center here save the lives every day of warriors wounded in Afghanistan and, until recently, saved troops wounded in Iraq. But that’s only part of their success.

Here, a side benefit of providing relentlessly superior care from the point of injury in the war zone to what doctors call “definitive care” -- care given to manage a patient’s condition -- has been to advance the practice of military medicine and, ultimately, the practice of medicine everywhere.

For medical teams at Landstuhl, the brutality of combat and the urgent need to respond to the wounded have yielded advances in en-route lung bypass, whole-blood transfusion, and even combat tourniquets that can be applied with one hand and in the dark.

“Ten years ago, we had to stabilize [patients] before we could move them,” said Army Col. (Dr.) Jeffrey B. Clark, commander of the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

“Now what our Air Force can do is basically put an intensive care unit in the back of a C-17 with a critical-care air-transport team so we can continue to stabilize while we are moving,” Clark said.