The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.
This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/
SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html
http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died April 6 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit in Zabul, Afghanistan with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Ward, 24, of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Spc. Wilbel A. Robles-Santa, 25, of Juncos, Puerto Rico, and Spc. Deflin M. Santos Jr., 24, of San Jose, 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.
KABUL, Afghanistan (April 8, 2013) – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a facilitator with ties to multiple terrorist organizations during an operation in Ishkamish district, Takhar province, today.
The facilitator is believed to be an improvised explosive device expert who has done work for the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. He owns a residence suspected of being used exclusively for building and distributing IEDs for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also alleged to be heavily involved in the financial aspect of the insurgency, generating funding support of continued terrorist activities.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
During another operation today in a different area of Ishkamish district, Takhar province, an Afghan and coalition security force killed Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator, Juma Khan. Khan utilized his residence as a staging point for IMU terrorists, offering safe haven and weapons storage for fighters as they prepared for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also had a history of procuring and distributing weapons and ammunition to his fellow insurgents. As a result of the operation, the security force also seized multiple grenades, one AK-47 with magazines, a pistol belt with magazines, and ammunition.
East
The Wardak Provincial Response Company, aided by coalition forces, detained known insurgent Juma Gul in Jalrez district, Wardak province Saturday.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 8, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained three suspected insurgents and found and safely cleared five improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 7.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces detained three suspected insurgents during operations in the Andar District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Coalition Forces found and cleared two IEDs during operations in the Muqer District.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and cleared one IED during operations in the Bati Kot District.
Wardak Province Coalition Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sayyidabad District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sayyidabad District.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 7, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained four suspected insurgents and found and safely cleared seven improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 6.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and cleared one IED during operations in the Sabari District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and cleared one IED during operations in the Qarah Bagh District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and cleared two IEDs during operations in the Baraki Barak District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Gardez District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Paktika Province Afghan National Security Forces detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Omnah District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Paktiya Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and cleared one IED during operations in the Tsamkani District.
Wardak Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs during operations in the Sayyidabad District.
KABUL, Afghanistan (April 6, 2013) – An Afghan and coalition security force killed Darah-ye Pech district’s highest-ranking Taliban official, Haji Matin, and one other insurgent during an operation in Darah-ye Pech district, Kunar province, yesterday.
Matin was involved in a number of significant insurgency operations and was personally responsible for moving insurgent fighters into Afghanistan and directing their activities in Kunar province. He maintained operational control over a significant number of local fighters responsible for the execution of civilian supporters of the Afghan government, assassination attempts against Afghan National Security Force officials, and multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
East
The Kapisa Provincial Response Company, aided by coalition forces, killed an insurgent who attacked the combined force during a high-risk arrest in Kapisa province Friday. As a result of the operation, the combined force seized a substantial amount of explosives, illegal weapons, and Taliban propaganda materials.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 6, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces discovered two weapons caches and found and safely cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 5.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache during operations in the Sabari District. The cache contained one small-arms weapon, one AK-47, multiple magazines and ammunition.
Laghman Province Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache during operations in the Mehtar Lam District. The cache contained four IEDs.
Wardak Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Maidan Shahr District.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Capt. James Michael Steel, 29, of Tampa, Fla., died April 3 in the crash of an F-16 near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.
"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare) Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.
KABUL, Afghanistan (April 5, 2013) – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader and detained one other insurgent during an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today.
The leader is accused of commanding a cell of fighters responsible for conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He allegedly provides weapons for use in insurgency operations throughout the district, and is believed to be heavily involved in improvised explosive device operations.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
During an operation in Shibirghan district, Jowzjan province yesterday, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained several other insurgents. The facilitator has allegedly procured a vast array of weapons for the insurgency, including IEDs, machine guns, sniper rifles, pistols, rocket propelled grenades, fragmentary grenades, ammunition and magazines.
Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of Taliban facilitator, Mullah Zakir Akhund, during an operation in Shibirghan district, Jowzjan province, Wednesday. Akhund was responsible for providing financial aid throughout multiple provinces, collecting taxes for the Taliban, overseeing a network of Taliban tax collectors and coordinating financial matters with other leaders. He was also involved in providing weapons throughout the district for use in insurgency operations against Afghan and coalition forces.
East
An Afghan and coalition security force detained an insurgent during an operation in search of a Taliban facilitator in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, today. The facilitator provides logistical support to Taliban senior leaders throughout western Nangarhar province. He allegedly organizes the purchase, transfer and delivery of weapons to support the insurgency, and has sold rockets used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
An Afghan and coalition security force detained two insurgents during an operation in search of a Haqqani leader in Sabari district, Khost province, today. The leader exercises operational control over a number of fighters responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces throughout Khost province. He is also accused of facilitating the movement of weapons and significant amounts of money for use in insurgency operations.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 5, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared 10 improvised explosive devices and detained one suspected insurgent during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 4.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared three IEDs during operations in the Gelan District.
Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs during operations in the Ghazni District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained one suspected insurgent during operations in the Shamal District. The detained suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sperah District.
Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Terezayi District.
Kunar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Narang District.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Khugyani District.
Wardak Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sayyidabad District.
KABUL, Afghanistan (April 4, 2013) – During an operation in Dand district, Kandahar province today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator.
The facilitator is believed to have arranged the transportation of weapons and improvised explosive devices throughout Kandahar province for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He has also allegedly ordered subordinates to commit executions and kidnappings against Afghan civilians working with government officials.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
An Afghan and coalition security force killed an insurgent during an operation in search of a Taliban facilitator in Shibirghan district, Jowzjan province, yesterday. The leader is responsible for providing financial aid throughout multiple provinces, collecting taxes for the Taliban, overseeing a network of Taliban tax collectors and coordinating financial matters with other leaders. He is also involved in providing weapons throughout the district for use in insurgency operations against Afghan and coalition forces.
East
During an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province today, an Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents. The leader is believed to direct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Sayyidabad district. He also possesses expertise on the construction and employment of IEDs. In addition, he has directed the acquisition and distribution of weapons to his fellow insurgents.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 4, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 3.
Kunar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sar Kani District.
National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of April 2, 2013
The Navy Reserve and Air Force Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated reservists while the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and Air National Guard announced an increase of activated National Guard members and reservists. There is no change in the number of activated Coast Guard Reserve personnel. The net collective result is 315 additional National Guard members and reservists activated in comparison to last week.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 38,572; Navy Reserve, 4,362; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 8,680; Marine Corps Reserve, 2,601; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 540. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 54,755, including both units and individual augmentees.
The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the Active and Reserve Components for fiscal year (FY) 2013 through February.
Active Component.
Recruiting. All four active Services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for FY 2013 through February.
Army – 26,978 accessions, with a goal of 26,795; 101 percent
Navy – 14,007 accessions, with a goal of 14,007; 100 percent
Marine Corps – 11,131 accessions, with a goal of 11,112; 100 percent
Air Force – 11,874 accessions, with a goal of 11,874; 100 percent
Retention. The Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps exhibited strong retention numbers through the 5th month of FY 2013. The Navy exhibited strong retention numbers in the mid-career and career categories.However, the Navy's achievement of 88 percent in the initial category is a result of the transition from a downsizing to a stabilizing posture.
Reserve Component.
Recruiting. Five of the six Reserve Components met or exceeded their Fiscal-Year-To-Date (FYTD) 2013 recruiting goals. The Army Reserve finished February 1,410 accessions short of its FYTD goal.
Army National Guard – 21,186 accessions, with a goal of 20,664; 103 percent
Army Reserve – 10,531 accessions, with a goal of 11,941; 88 percent
Navy Reserve – 2,237 accessions, with a goal of 2,237; 100 percent
Marine Corps Reserve – 3,894 accessions, with a goal of 3,853; 101 percent
Air National Guard – 3,960 accessions, with a goal of 3,960; 100 percent
Air Force Reserve – 3,085 accessions, with a goal of 3,085; 100 percent
Attrition – All Reserve Components have met their FYTD attrition goals. Current trends are expected to continue. (Note: This indicator lags by a month due to data availability).
KABUL, Afghanistan (April 3, 2013) – During an operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader.
The leader has allegedly led a cell of insurgent fighters in multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also accused of training potential fighters in insurgency operations, and serves a vital role in IMU intelligence and improvised explosive device operations throughout Baghlan province.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
An Afghan and coalition security force detained two insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban facilitator in Dand district, Kandahar province, today. The facilitator is believed to have arranged the transportation of weapons and IEDs throughout Kandahar province for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He has also allegedly ordered subordinates to commit executions and kidnappings against Afghan civilians working with government officials. The security force also seized one PKM machine gun and one grenade as a result of the operation.
During an operation in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province today, an Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple insurgents while searching for a senior Taliban leader. The leader allegedly has multiple cells of Taliban fighters under his command. He and his subordinates are believed to have participated in numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Helmand province. He is also believed to have plotted the assassination of officials with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The security force also seized one AK-47 and two magazines as a result of the operation.
East
An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader and several other insurgents during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, today. The leader is believed to be responsible for the movement and coordination of multiple insurgent fighters throughout Logar province. He has also been key to the procurement and distribution of weapons for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 3, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared 11 improvised explosive devices, detained six suspected insurgents and discovered one weapons cache during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 2.
Ghazni Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared three IEDs during operations in the Ghazni District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained three suspected insurgents during operations in the Khowst District. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces discovered a weapons cache during operations in the Sabari District. The cache contained nine hand grenades and six fuses. Three suspected insurgents were also detained. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.
Kunar Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Asmar District.
Lagham Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Mehtar Lam District.
Nangarhar Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Shinwar District.
Paktiya Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Dzadran District.
Wardak Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared four IEDs during operations in the Sayyidabad District.
KABUL, Afghanistan (April 02, 2013) – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani facilitator during an operation in Zurmat district, Paktiya province, today.
The facilitator is believed to have procured, transported and distributed weapons to insurgents in Paktiya and Khost province. He has also allegedly emplaced improvised explosive devices for use in attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
An Afghan and coalition security force killed Taliban leader, Mukhlis, during an operation in Washer district, Helmand province, yesterday. Mukhlis exercised control over a cell of fighters responsible for direct fire and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in eastern Washer district. He also facilitated the movement of weapons throughout the district for use in insurgency operations.
East
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 2, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared three improvised explosive devices and discovered three weapons caches during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 1.
Kabul Province Afghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache during operations in the Sarobi District. The cache contained one AK-47, two hand grenades and four artillery fuses.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Khowst District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs during operations in the Pul-E-Alam District.
Paktika Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces discovered two weapons caches during operations in the Gardez District. The caches contained nine rocket-propelled grenades and IED making materials.
Nathan Webster, who writes on the WOTN affiliated site, Can't Give This War Away, embedded for 3 years summers with Our Troops in Iraq. As a photo-journalist, and Desert Storm Veteran, he took award winning pictures of Our Troops, and our Iraqi allies, in their daily routine, and in the fight against Al-Qaeda terrorists.
He also writes for the NYTimes blog, At War, and has been published in multiple newspapers in America, for his coverage of Our Soldiers, during the war.
He has kicked off a new Kickstarter campaign to put his best pictures on coffee tables across America. His 30 day goal is to raise $950, and of this writing, he is already $196 towards that goal.
He is offering specific incentives for specific levels of pledges that help get this project started, including 24"x18" prints of the picture of your choice from his collection.
KABUL, Afghanistan (April 1, 2013) – Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of Panjwa’i district’s ranking Taliban official, Abdullah Wakil, during an operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, yesterday.
Wakil was running all Taliban operations in the district. He and his network were responsible for a significant number of insurgent activities, including the assassination of Afghan civilians, facilitating weapons and improvised explosive devices, and engaging in multiple attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the arrest of a senior Taliban leader in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, Saturday. The leader was allegedly plotting a campaign of sustained military attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Helmand province during the coming months. He and his subordinates are believed to have participated in a significant number of recent attacks utilizing IEDs and small arms fire.
East
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (April 1, 2013) - Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared 10 improvised explosive devices, detained four suspected insurgents, discovered one weapons cache during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, March 31.
Ghanzi Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Qarah Bagh District.
Khowst Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found a weapons cache during operations in the Shamal District. The cache contained five anti-personnel mines, IED making materials, one rocket-propelled grenade, one hand grenade, more than 400 PKM rounds, eight AK-47 magazines with rounds, one AK-47 bayonet and two small-arms rifles.
Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained one suspected insurgent during operations in the Shamal District. The suspected insurgent was transferred to a base for questioning.
Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained one suspected insurgent during operations in the Khowst District. The suspected insurgent was transferred to a base for questioning.
Kunar Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs during operations in the Sar Kani District.
Lagham Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Mehtar Lam District.
Logar Province Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Muhammad Aghah District.
Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces detained two suspected insurgentw during operations in the Muhammad Aghah District. The suspected insurgents were transferred to a base for questioning.
Paktika Province Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Orgun District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sharan District.
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs during operations in the Wazah Kwah District.
Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Zormat District.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer Curtis S. Reagan, 43, of Summerville, S.C., died March 29 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, from a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
"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.
For a few bucks more you can get a signed copy from the author himself! http://www.deltabravosierra.us/2011/02/10/a-word-about-the-new-book/comment-page-1/#comment-3383
Get your copy of this legendary cartoon now (or wait a few days for the signed copy!)
Go to War against the Nazis with SSG Smith of the 94th Infantry Division. Review: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2010/04/everymans-war-vet.html.html
Ace Of Spades: Why Language Matters In this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.
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