War On Terror News

Video: What about the British Wounded Warriors?

May 24, 2012 by BritishForcesNews

Forces families Armed forces families coping with disability have been left disappointed at a conference attended by the Minister for Disabled People.

Maria Miller said her door was always open but she gave no reassurance to those worried about cuts to their benefits at the Forces Additional Needs and Disability Conference.

She talked about the support being given to injured service personnel from Afghanistan. However families here wanted to hear about what will be done for those coping with a disability, disabled child or partner.

Housing and adaptations to housing topped the list of worries at the conference. Families who are expected to move house in the forces are still struggling to get houses made suitable for special needs.

They have started a tri-service survey to pass on to the chain of command in the hope military homes can be adapted for special needs more effectively.

(c) MoD

Video: Fleet Week NY 2012 - Marines Run to Ground Zero

May 19, 2012 by NYCMarinesvideo

NEW YORK -- The Marine Corps will lead a memorial run in honor of the victims of 9/11 and America's fallen heroes on Tuesday, May 29 as a part of Fleet Week 2012. Marines will gather at the southwest end of the North Cove Marina at 8 a.m. to begin the run.

The Marines will be joined by Navy and Coast Guard service members. They will head out of the Police Memorial, turning south onto the West Side Hwy, passing through Battery PI, crossing through Bridge St, heading north up Broad St and turning west onto Liberty St.

The Marines will arrive outside of FDNY Engine 10/Ladder 10 on Liberty Street (1 block west of Church St) where participants will observe a moment of silence and will then proceed to the 9/11 Memorial to lay a wreath at the ground zero site.

The Quantico Marine Band will play on the steps of Federal Hall at 8:30 a.m. during the run and again during the memorial ceremony at ground zero.

Video: Sgt. Clifford Wooldridge - Navy Cross for hand to hand combat

May 22, 2012 by marines

Sgt. Clifford Wooldridge was leading a counterattack against insurgents in Afghanistan when shooting turned to hand-to-hand combat. Lance Cpl. Lauren Kurkimilis takes us to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, where he was recently awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions.

UK CPT David Blakeley's 'Pathfinder': Betrayal Behind Enemy Lines

May 17, 2012 by BritishForcesNews

The daring special forces mission to go deep into enemy territory in Iraq during the second Gulf war has been told for the first time by one of the men in command on the ground.

Captain David Blakeley led eight men, on a task to seize an airfield ahead of a much larger deployment but it turned into a fight for their lives when alone and unsupported they had to evade two thousand enemy forces.

David Blakeley has been talking to British Forces News about his new book Pathfinder.

(c) BFBS

Video: 101st Airborne Earn the Expert Field Medical Badge

16.5.2012  4th BCT, 101st Airborne Division

U.S. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division take part in the two week Expert Field Medical Badge course, April 28th to May 11th 2012 at Fort Campbell, Ky. Soundbites from Spc. Brandon Borchers, Pfc. Chad Carmichael.

Video: Afghan EOD Techies Test New Skills

May 17, 2012 by ISAFMEDIA

The improvised explosive device is the weapon of choice for insurgents Afghanistan. As Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter reports, searching and destroying them is increasingly becoming the responsibility of Afghan national security forces. Soundbites from Staff Sgt. Gulbuddin and Sgt. Din Mohammed.

Video: Undersea Warriors, Undersea Medicine

15 May 2012  By Dave Smalley, Office of Naval Research Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON (NNS) -- U.S. Navy divers take on dangerous tasks every day-and starting this week, they will be part of a multinational effort near Estonia to help clear the Baltic Sea of underwater mines left over from as long ago as the First and Second World Wars.

"Open Spirit" will be among the biggest naval exercises in the Baltic Sea this year, where more than 150,000 naval mines were planted during the two world wars. It is all part of a day's work for U.S. Navy divers, who in addition to hazardous missions face natural perils like oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness every day.

A video, released May 15, highlights how Office of Naval Research (ONR) scientists are working with medical experts to protect America's undersea warriors.

Video: Stowgan village clearing mission

May 12, 2012 by ISAFMEDIA

Afghan and U.S. soldiers conduct a clearing mission through Stowgan, a village in Paktiya Province, Afghanistan, to establish a presence with the locals and collect biometric data. Produced by Sgt. Rachel Badgeley.

Video: ISAF on Kabul attacks after BHO visit

The ISAF spokesman, Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson, talks about the attack in Kabul, Afghanistan this morning saying it’s too early to say whether it was linked to the visit over night of US President Barack Obama.

Video: FETs make history

Apr 19, 2012 by ISAFMEDIA

Military acronyms are a dime a dozen, sometimes it's not easy to find out what they mean. Marine Corporal Liz Cisneros spends time with Marines in Sangin Province, Afghanistan to figure out the meaning of the three letter acronym that has gained popularity.

Video: Route Clearance in Afghanistan

Apr 19, 2012 by ISAFMEDIA Army Now news segment highlighting a route clearance team

Locked & Loaded

"Locked and Loaded" is a rock song written and performed Max Impact, the premier rock band of the United States Air Force.

Hat tip to Steve Snakecharmer Burns at "Veterans Information" on Facebook for posting this video there!

Video: Canadian Reservists hone counter-IED skills

Apr 3, 2012 by CanadianArmyNews

Troops use equipment to detect mines, explosives and traps during Ex SOUTHBOUND TROOPER XII.

Video: Afghan Border Patrol and Gold Geronimo

ISAFMEDIA on Apr 2, 2012

C. Co, 3rd Bn., 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) conducts training with Afghan Border Patrol

 

Video: IDF Bedouin Trackers Train Younger Generation

idfnadesk on Apr 2, 2012

The Bedouin Desert Reconnaissance Battalion held a drill last week in which the veteran officers of the battalion took the young soldiers to the field to pass on all of their experience to the next generation of IDF trackers.

To read more about the Bedouin trackers of the IDF: http://ow.ly/a3aMU

Video: Our War - Ambushed

Chronicling the exploits of the British 1st Battalion Royal Anglian as captured by the Soldiers themselves, the footage shot by these men was only recently declassified by the MoD. It has since been compiled to tell their story via a BBC documentary series titled "Our War".

Go with the Brits on a tour in Afghanistan's Now Zad

General Allen: Attack on Troops From Within A Taliban Strategy

In this video interview, General Allen acknowledges that attacks by those in ANSF uniforms on Our Troops is part of the enemy's strategy, with a goal of disrupting the trust & integrity between allies:

Video: With Afghan Terrorists

A well known Afghan journalist went behind the lines with Hezb-i-Islami, a Taliban ally in Northern Afghanistan, filming their movements, planning, & blundered attack.  He followed up with a visit to the Afghan Police with responsibility for the area attacked.  During his time with the Hezb-i-Islami, though not filmed, was a beheading of an Afghan.  The terrorists stated they have conducted such beheadings when someone couldn't or wouldn't do the Islamic Prayer.

 One should note the bombmaker's pledge at 22:50 to continue the "jihad" in Europe and America if we quit in Afghanistan.  And one should note the lies told by the terrorists to their commander, Mir-Wais, that their blundered attack had killed five and destoryed a "tank." 

Though the insurgents routinely refer to the Coalition Forces they're battling as "American," this area is under German responsibility.  The participation of Arab, Chechnyan, & Pakistani Al-Qaeda is verified in the video 

This video should be seen by American, German, & Coalition Forces, as well as those that wish to understand who the enemy is that we're fighting.  This war can be one, but to do so, we have to commit to Victory, not simple slogans, or partisan political campaigns.

Video: Wounded Warrior Makes Final Airborne Jump

49th Public Affairs Detachment(Airborne) Video by Staff Sgt. Richard Lower

After being injured in an improvised explosive device attack in July 2010, Cpl. Adam Keys of the 618th ESC (C)(A) "The Nasty", Fort Bragg, N.C. makes his final jump in the Airborne with the help of the Golden Knights. Includes soundbites from Capt. Justin Roy, commander, Sgt. Cody Cruse, section sergeant and Cpl. Adam Keys, all of 618th ESC(C)(A).

Video of Doggie Dental: Joint Team Assists Ailing K9

03.28.2012 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Video by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon

It’s not every day you go to work, and lose a tooth while doing your job…that’s exactly what happened to this 4-legged military member as he “bit in” to his work. Soundbites include Staff Sgt. Joel Brooks - 405th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron dog handler, 1st Lt. Maria Harris - 422nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Services Veterinarian and Lt. Col. Richard Eckert - 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Dentist. Produced by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon.

Video: USS New York on first deployment

usnavy on Mar  28, 2012 NORFOLK (March 27, 2012) U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), and U.S. Marines, assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU), depart for a regularly scheduled deployment. New York and 24 MEU are deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG) to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Betsy Knapper/Released

Video: Taliban Threaten Kidnapping Kids as a Policy

In explaining why they kidnapped kids, the Taliban say they will keep doing so, until their demands are met:

MEMRI TV

Video: Swiss Hostages Released by Taliban

No word on whether or not a ransom was paid.

 

Video Report: Iraq Instability Increases in Absence of US

In the 2008 political campaign, slogans set a course for complete departure from Iraq.  It became irreversible, despite the obvious change in conditions on the ground.  The current POTUS did not change the timetable, but did cause the previous office holder to negotiate the longest term of stability, with the responsibility of his replacement doing the rest, and having enough time to do so.

 Iraq is devolving into the sphere of influence of Islamist Iran, even allowing Iran to use Iraqi airspace to fly weapons and munitions to Ba'athist Syria, Iran's ally.  Violence and Terrorism are again on the rise in Iraq.  And it is a negative development to see college students universally wearing the hijab, as required under Iranian, not Iraqi law.

Video: Combat Veteran Defends Good Samaritan

When a man is being beat by a mob on a beach, stabbed by those that had attempted to push a woman beyond her levels of acceptance, an Iraq War Veteran stepped in to help the good Samaritan.  This is the nature of your Protectors, your Sheepdogs, YOUR Troops and Veterans.
 
This happens far more often than violence later blamed on PTSD by lawyers and malcontents.  H/T to Jonn Lillyea of ThisAintHell.us  Currently youtube says it has been viewed 12 times.  It needs to go viral.

Video: Brits and ANA in Operation Now Roz clearing IEDs

BritishForcesNews on Mar 22, 2012

 

Nearly 1000 British soldiers have joined a major operation to clear insurgents from a Taliban heartland.

The troops joined forces with 1000 soldiers from the Afghan National Army in Operation Now Roz, or "New Day".

Not a single casualty was taken.

The purpose of the three-day mission was to clear the enemy from the area around Yakchal, in the Nahr-e-Saraj district.

Video: Arlington National Cemetary adopts Army Mapping System

Video: Canadian Army in Operation Cold Response 2012

 Mar 17, 2012

Canadian Contingent Plans Their Advance To Secure A Town
Norway
03-14-2012

Approximately 800 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, along with various supporting units located in Petawawa are deployed for Exercise Cold Response in northern Norway.

Exercise Cold Response 2012 is a Norwegian invitational military exercise with the main activities taking place from March 12 - 21, 2012 with approximately 16,000 participants from 15 nations (both NATO and PfP).

On 20 March 2003, OIF Began the 21 Day War which Defeated Saddam's Army

Operation Iraqi Freedom

USMA: The Coalition ground campaign to remove Saddam Hussein from power began on 20 March
2003 under the command and control of the United States 3rd Army, which acted as the Combined Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC). The 3rd Army’s principal subordinate elements for the assault into southern Iraq were the United States Army V Corps, which controlled Army elements in the drive west of the Euphrates River, and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which controlled United
States Marine Corps elements east of the Euphrates as well as the 1st British Armored Division, which operated in the Al Basra area.

On 21-22 March, the United States Army 3rd Infantry Division defeated the Iraqi 11th Infantry
Division southwest of An Nasiriyah and seized the Highway 1 Bridge across the Euphrates River. By 23
March, 3rd Infantry Division had passed this bridge off to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Task
Force Tarawa – which had followed the 3rd Infantry Division into Iraq. Task Force Tarawa attacked into
An Nasiriyah and seized additional bridges. Capture of these bridges was critical to allow 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force elements to cross to the east bank of the Euphrates. (See #1 on Map 1)

General Allen Wishes Afghanistan a Happy New Year

General Allen, ISAF Commander wishes Afghans a Happy New Year at the beginning of the Persian Year:

 Norooz, is the Persian New Year, predating Islam and possibly Zorastrianism, based on the 365 day calender and corresponding with the Spring Equinox.  Norooz celebrations were banned under the Taliban dictatorship, as "un-Islamic."  The Ayatollah Khomeni also attempted to ban it in Iran, but failed under popular resistance.

The Persian New Year begins on 19 March 2012, at 7:19PM ET.  It does not correspond to the Islamic Year (360 days) nor have months named of Islamic origin.

Video: Afghan Women & Girls Excited to Learn English

 

Learning English may have been just another class for some, but for a few Afghan women, walking for hours just to attend, it is much more. Soundbites include Farida - English Student, LCpl. Angela Coyle - New Zealand Signal Corps and Sahar Raymi - Interpreter.

Hosted by SrA. Alina Richard. 

 

Video: International SF train together

BritishForcesNews on Mar 7, 2012

Elite troops in Afghanistan are working together at a NATO headquarters in the country.

Special Forces from different countries are sharing information and networking to improve communication and relationships when troops meet in theatre.

Personnel are also training local soldiers to carry out special operations.

Video: ANA operating patrol base Hanjar Yak

ISAFMEDIA on Mar 7, 2012 Soldiers from the Afghan National Army 3rd Tolai, 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps, took over a patrol base, Hanjar Yak, in Sangin district and conduct security patrols. Soundbite includes Second Lt. Brian Darcy, the 1st Platoon commander, India Co., 3rd Bn., 7th Marines, Hometown: Petaluma, CA.; Homestation: MCB Twentynine Palms, CA. Produced by Sgt. Jacob H. Harrer.

 

Video: Freedom Bridge is longest military bridge built since WW2

BritishForcesNews on Mar 6, 2012

The longest bridge built on operations since World War Two has been handed over to the people of Gereshk in a ceremony attended by the district governor. It cost £1.2 million to construct the 70-metre long Freedom Bridge which connects communities either side of the NEB Canal. For soldiers of 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron - part of 35 Royal Engineers - it was the main effort throughout Operation Herrick 15.

Video: American Troops Interacting with Afghans

Entitled: "US Torture: Afghanistan"

Video: Thai orphanage gets facelift from Marines

marines on Feb 27, 2012

Marines and Sailors with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines and Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in two community projects where they tilled soil and cleared brush from the Pattaya Child Protection and Development Center as well as the Home for the Aged, acting on a strictly voluntary basis. Cpl. Jonathan Wright has the story.

Let Our Troops Win!

Do not short change them, by turning away those their potential brothers that are willing to put their lives on the line to defend Freedom.  Do not tie their hands behind their back by denying them equipment. 

Do not betray Our Troops by stripping them of the benefits, they earned in their Sacrifices.  The only guaranteed peace is through surrender, and that comes with the guarantee of oppression. 

H/T to Blackfive

Video: Brigadier General Reflects on Helmand

Second Marine Division (Forward) is releasing a new six-part series today entitled "Commanding general reflects on Helmand." The series of intimate interviews with the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division (Forward) highlights the challenges and successes the Marines and sailors of the division made during their tenure as the ground combat element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force and Regional Command (Southwest) during the last year. In the first installment Brig. Gen. Lewis Craparotta discusses the immense responsibility given to the Corps' junior leaders. He highlights the abilities of Lance Cpl. Christian Brown, a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, who led his Marines through countless kinetic encounters in the battalion's area of operations.

 

(c) DVIDS

Video: Sgt Phillip McCulloch, Silver Star

U.S Marine Sgt. Phillip McCulloch of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battallion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, is awarded the Silver Star medal aboard MCRD San Diego, Calif, February 10, 2012. Sgt. McCulloch was awarded for actions in Sangin, Afghanistan with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Corps Motion Imagery by LCpl Cameron Royer and Mr. Canaan Brumley)

 

Video: Brits work to keep Kabul locals on side

BritishForcesNews on Feb 9, 2012

British soldiers have been based in the Afghan capital for over a decade. The Kabul Joint Support Unit is responsible for moving military and civilian passengers safely around the streets of the city. The unit is based at Camp Souter near the airport, and keeping the surrounding area secure is a priority. As this is a low-threat part of the country, soldiers out on foot patrol can spend time getting to know the locals- in stark contrast to forces based in more dangerous areas further south.