ARMY
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Jan. 23, 2009, a $121,144,000 firm fixed price contract for construction of the FY09 Special Forces Complex, Eglin, Air Force Base, Florida. The work shall consist of the following: Project will require clearing, grubbing, earthwork and erosion control of approximately 350 acre containment site and 130 acre access road, construction of a road system and electrical and communications distribution, water wells and elevated water storage tanks, water distribution, wastewater collection and storm drain systems. Buildings to be constructed include the Group Headquarters, 4-Battalion Headquarters/Company Operations Facility, Combat Readiness Training Facility (GYM), a Group Support Battalion Headquarters/Company Operations Facility, a dining facility and audio visual equipment purchase and installation. Site work includes pavements, curb and gutter, sidewalks, site utilities and landscaping. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2011. Bids were solicited on FedBizOps with seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (9W91278-09-C-0017).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Jan. 21, 2009, a $80,741,022 firm fixed price contract for Award Program-Year Two(PY 2), Increment Two of the Abrams Multi-Year Contract for a quantity of 24 M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package Version Two (SEPv2) Upgrade Vehicles. This action also provides for Increment One of PY 3 for a quantity of 6 M1A2 SEPv2 Upgrade Vehicles. Work will be performed at Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Tank & Automotive Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).
DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Optronics Division, Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on Jan. 26, 2009, a $10,520,387 firm fixed price contract for new work modification under the authority of Unusual and Compelling Urgency for 761 Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE) TWV B-Kits (sensor assembly, display control module, and cabling) for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Program and 224 DVE CV B-Kits. Work will be performed at Melbourne, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2009. Bids were solicited on the WEB with three bids received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-04-C-J202).
Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corp., Cheswick, Pa., was awarded on Jan. 22, 2009, a $9,406,162 cost plus award fee contract for cost overrun modification – Pulsed Power Supply and Hi Fidelity Breadboard. Work will be performed at Cheswick, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-04-C-1103).
Biltwell Development Co., San Francisco, Calif., was awarded on Jan. 23, 2009, a $6,301,000 firm fixed price contract to construct and install a security booth, truck canopy, guard shack, truck control office, access roads, vehicle parking lots, and truck scale. Work will be performed at the Defense Depot Joaquin Complex, Tracy, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 9, 2010. Bids were solicited on the WEB with 11 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-09-C-0002).
Coiling Technologies Inc., Houston, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 23, 2009, a $6,082,898 firm fixed price contract for coil springs for the Armor Suspension Kit on High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle. Work will be performed at Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jul. 31, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Rock Island Arsenal, Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W9098S-09-C-0002).
DEFENSE LOGISTCS AGENCY
Food Services Inc., Mount Vernon, Wash.*, is being awarded a maximum $42,500,000 firm fixed price, sole source, indefinite quality contract for full-line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, and Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 20, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM30009D3293).
NAVY
Cascade General, Portland, Ore., is being awarded a $13,895,891 firm fixed price contract for post-shipyard availability of Military Sealift Fleet Support Command dry cargo/ammunition ships USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) and USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7). This shipyard availability is primarily for ship alterations, including lube-oil-tank, second-deck-cargo and galley modifications; cargo hold overhead insulation; and deck air compressor and radar installation. Naval Sea Systems Command (PMS 325) provided funding to accomplish approved alterations during the post-shipyard availability. The ships' primary mission is to deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy's carrier strike groups and other naval forces at sea. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $17,855,609. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed within 75 calendar days. Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with two offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-09-C-3009).
Maritime Institute, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $6,650,518 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract to provide qualified instructors and incidental material support for the Navy supply and engineering courses in the Norfolk Fleet Concentration Area. Training will be in support of the Naval Education Training Command/Naval Personnel Development Command. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed in Jan. 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $149,189 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic Request for Proposal as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Concern set-aside, with five offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-09-D-0001).
Intelsat General Corp., Bethesda, Md.,is being awarded a $6,198,264 firm fixed price contract for on-orbit Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communication (SATCOM) services. These services will be provided via the Skynet satellite constellation and the Leased Satellite (LEASAT) satellite #5. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $34,837,260. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Md., (50 percent) and Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2010 (Feb. 2014 with options exercised). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-09-C-0018).
Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Owego, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $5,967,984 firm fixed price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-09-G-0005) to provide Integrated Logistics Support for the MH-60S Common Cockpit. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., (89.75 percent) and Norfolk, Va., (10.25 percent), and is expected to be completed in Jan. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Correction: Contract awarded Jan. 23, 2009 to Garvey Precision Machine, Inc., Willingboro, N.J., (N65540-09-D-0010) should have stated that the amount of the expiring contract funds were $61,909.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Army Adding Legal Experts to Combat Sexual Assault, Harassment
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - Army Secretary Pete Geren has approved adding legal personnel to help combat sexual assault among soldiers, which he deemed "repugnant to the core values" of the Army. The Army's Judge Advocate General Corps, or JAG, is expected to hire 15 new prosecutors and a dozen trainers with prosecution or sexual assault litigation expertise in an effort to prevent and more effectively prosecute sexual assault and harassment.
"We see the crime of sexual assault as a crime that goes beyond just the criminal act," Geren told reporters yesterday during an Army roundtable at the Pentagon. "We see it as a crime that destroys unit cohesion."
In addition, the Army Criminal Investigation Command also aims to hire 30 special investigators to focus on sexual assault and harassment cases.
"Our special agents, and supervisors, will be working shoulder-to-shoulder with those highly qualified experts on our most challenging and complex cases," Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, head of the Criminal Investigation Command, said.
The influx of legal staff represents what Geren described as a three-pronged approach to rooting out sexual assault, a strategy that also includes encouraging soldiers to step up preventative measures and an Army education campaign.
On the prevention side, soldiers are encouraged to participate in "bystander intervention," which hinges on the idea that each Army member has a moral duty to protect a fellow soldier being harassed or assaulted.
To increase awareness about the problem, Army commanders will receive sexual assault prevention kits comprising DVDs, posters and other relevant information to disseminate among soldiers.
The renewed vigor in tackling the problem aims to increase soldiers' confidence and trust in the system, Geren said.
The secretary said 1,800 soldiers have been punished for sexual assault since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Of the 9,000 crimes investigated by the Army last year, 15 percent were sexual assaults, with 137 cases going to criminal trial, Johnson said.
Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, the Army's deputy chief of staff, said sexual assault was the most underreported crime worldwide. Roughly one third of female victims in the Army report abuse, compared to 18 percent of civilian women, he said.
Geren said the Army hopes to become the leader in preventing and prosecuting sexual assault, much in the way it has become a paragon of equal opportunity employment.
"We're hopeful that in a few years we'll look back on this and see that we've made major steps towards accomplishing these goals," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - Army Secretary Pete Geren has approved adding legal personnel to help combat sexual assault among soldiers, which he deemed "repugnant to the core values" of the Army. The Army's Judge Advocate General Corps, or JAG, is expected to hire 15 new prosecutors and a dozen trainers with prosecution or sexual assault litigation expertise in an effort to prevent and more effectively prosecute sexual assault and harassment.
"We see the crime of sexual assault as a crime that goes beyond just the criminal act," Geren told reporters yesterday during an Army roundtable at the Pentagon. "We see it as a crime that destroys unit cohesion."
In addition, the Army Criminal Investigation Command also aims to hire 30 special investigators to focus on sexual assault and harassment cases.
"Our special agents, and supervisors, will be working shoulder-to-shoulder with those highly qualified experts on our most challenging and complex cases," Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, head of the Criminal Investigation Command, said.
The influx of legal staff represents what Geren described as a three-pronged approach to rooting out sexual assault, a strategy that also includes encouraging soldiers to step up preventative measures and an Army education campaign.
On the prevention side, soldiers are encouraged to participate in "bystander intervention," which hinges on the idea that each Army member has a moral duty to protect a fellow soldier being harassed or assaulted.
To increase awareness about the problem, Army commanders will receive sexual assault prevention kits comprising DVDs, posters and other relevant information to disseminate among soldiers.
The renewed vigor in tackling the problem aims to increase soldiers' confidence and trust in the system, Geren said.
The secretary said 1,800 soldiers have been punished for sexual assault since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Of the 9,000 crimes investigated by the Army last year, 15 percent were sexual assaults, with 137 cases going to criminal trial, Johnson said.
Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, the Army's deputy chief of staff, said sexual assault was the most underreported crime worldwide. Roughly one third of female victims in the Army report abuse, compared to 18 percent of civilian women, he said.
Geren said the Army hopes to become the leader in preventing and prosecuting sexual assault, much in the way it has become a paragon of equal opportunity employment.
"We're hopeful that in a few years we'll look back on this and see that we've made major steps towards accomplishing these goals," he said.
Face of Defense: Soldier Overcomes Hardship, Keeps Desire to Serve
By Army Sgt. 1st Class J.B. Jaso III
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - From the waves of California to the deserts of Iraq, Army Spc. David Denson always has had a desire to serve others. Through tragedy and hardship, the 37-year-old infantryman, surfer and single father never gave up on that quest.
Denson's determination began at a young age. People told the Oceanside, Calif., native that he couldn't surf the Southern California waves with the professionals. However, Denson dedicated his youth to surfing. He surfed hard and started his professional surfing career.
"I busted my butt," Denson said, in regard to the effort it took to surf at the professional level. "I wasn't Tom Curren [a professional surfer], but I got to where I wanted to be."
Where he wanted to be was in surfer's paradise: Hawaii.
Denson moved to the island of Kauai in 1991, where he surfed the crystal-clear Hawaiian waters and adapted to the culture there.
Just months after Denson moved to Kauai, Hurricane Iniki struck in September 1992, destroying his home and all of his belongings. Despite his personal misfortune, Denson said, he felt the need to do everything he could to assist his new community.
"It doesn't take much to be a part of a community," he said. "My parents taught me to be a good guy and do what is right."
He gave up surfing to help to rebuild homes, and he became a Salvation Army volunteer.
During this time, Denson learned about Hawaiian cultures and traditions. Assisting him was Hawaiian native Leiliwin Kalei Mahuiki. Mahuiki and Denson fell in love and married in September 1995.
While they raised their four girls, Denson became an activist for Hawaiian rights. "I assisted in researching the issues that the Hawaiians believed in," he said. "I wanted to make my family proud and be a good role model for my kids."
But in 2001, tragedy struck. Denson and his pregnant wife were involved in a vehicle accident that led to the death of his wife and unborn child.
"I was devastated," Denson said after the accident. "I learned how fast life can change and what's important.
He said he worked hard to raise his four daughters, now 7 through 12 years old. The girls are fluent in their native Hawaiian language and, like their dad, they all surf.
In 2006, Denson decided it was time to continue his selfless service to those in need, and joined the Army.
"Spreading freedom to another country is similar to sticking up for the Hawaiians," Denson said.
Denson now is deployed to Iraq, serving as an infantryman with Multinational Division Baghdad's Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. For the past 14 months, he has assisted Iraqi security forces in securing the northern Baghdad region. This additional security has allowed the Iraqi government to provide much-needed essential services -- medical aid, education, water and electricity -- to the residents.
"We're trying to make a difference in people's lives," Denson said.
Denson has connected well not only with the local populace, but also with the younger soldiers in his squad. "The guys call me 'Dad,'" Denson said. "I enjoy working with the young soldiers and watching them grow."
"He is a person everyone goes to as a mentor," Army Sgt. Nathan Taylor, Denson's squad leader, said. "He is respected, and everyone knows he has a wealth of knowledge because of his previous experiences."
As he completes his 15-month tour in Iraq, Denson said, he is looking forward to spending time with his girls.
"I tell my girls that terrorists don't tend to the needs of the people," Denson said. "We did the right thing here, making the time to do the right missions."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class J.B. Jaso III serves in the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - From the waves of California to the deserts of Iraq, Army Spc. David Denson always has had a desire to serve others. Through tragedy and hardship, the 37-year-old infantryman, surfer and single father never gave up on that quest.
Denson's determination began at a young age. People told the Oceanside, Calif., native that he couldn't surf the Southern California waves with the professionals. However, Denson dedicated his youth to surfing. He surfed hard and started his professional surfing career.
"I busted my butt," Denson said, in regard to the effort it took to surf at the professional level. "I wasn't Tom Curren [a professional surfer], but I got to where I wanted to be."
Where he wanted to be was in surfer's paradise: Hawaii.
Denson moved to the island of Kauai in 1991, where he surfed the crystal-clear Hawaiian waters and adapted to the culture there.
Just months after Denson moved to Kauai, Hurricane Iniki struck in September 1992, destroying his home and all of his belongings. Despite his personal misfortune, Denson said, he felt the need to do everything he could to assist his new community.
"It doesn't take much to be a part of a community," he said. "My parents taught me to be a good guy and do what is right."
He gave up surfing to help to rebuild homes, and he became a Salvation Army volunteer.
During this time, Denson learned about Hawaiian cultures and traditions. Assisting him was Hawaiian native Leiliwin Kalei Mahuiki. Mahuiki and Denson fell in love and married in September 1995.
While they raised their four girls, Denson became an activist for Hawaiian rights. "I assisted in researching the issues that the Hawaiians believed in," he said. "I wanted to make my family proud and be a good role model for my kids."
But in 2001, tragedy struck. Denson and his pregnant wife were involved in a vehicle accident that led to the death of his wife and unborn child.
"I was devastated," Denson said after the accident. "I learned how fast life can change and what's important.
He said he worked hard to raise his four daughters, now 7 through 12 years old. The girls are fluent in their native Hawaiian language and, like their dad, they all surf.
In 2006, Denson decided it was time to continue his selfless service to those in need, and joined the Army.
"Spreading freedom to another country is similar to sticking up for the Hawaiians," Denson said.
Denson now is deployed to Iraq, serving as an infantryman with Multinational Division Baghdad's Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. For the past 14 months, he has assisted Iraqi security forces in securing the northern Baghdad region. This additional security has allowed the Iraqi government to provide much-needed essential services -- medical aid, education, water and electricity -- to the residents.
"We're trying to make a difference in people's lives," Denson said.
Denson has connected well not only with the local populace, but also with the younger soldiers in his squad. "The guys call me 'Dad,'" Denson said. "I enjoy working with the young soldiers and watching them grow."
"He is a person everyone goes to as a mentor," Army Sgt. Nathan Taylor, Denson's squad leader, said. "He is respected, and everyone knows he has a wealth of knowledge because of his previous experiences."
As he completes his 15-month tour in Iraq, Denson said, he is looking forward to spending time with his girls.
"I tell my girls that terrorists don't tend to the needs of the people," Denson said. "We did the right thing here, making the time to do the right missions."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class J.B. Jaso III serves in the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
N.Y. Guard Provides Helicopter Training to Canadian Aircrews
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - New York Army National Guard members offered hands-on CH-47 Chinook helicopter training to Canadian air force aircrews readying for deployment at a flight facility here last week. Aviation soldiers from the Guard's Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, who returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan in April, used their Chinooks and the upstate New York snow to train the Canadians on Afghan flying conditions.
The snow was a stand-in for the ubiquitous Afghan dust, Army Capt. Eric Fritz, instructor pilot for the battalion, explained. Fritz put together a two-week training program to prepare the Canadians for an upcoming Afghan deployment.
Members of the Canadian air force's 408th and 430th Tactical Helicopter Squadrons will be operating Chinooks in theater. The Canadian aircraft already are 6,000 miles away in place in Afghanistan.
"Everybody jumped at the opportunity to provide the training and transmit Company B's experience and information to the Canadians," Army Col. Michael Bobeck, aviation officer, said. "It makes everybody operate safer and allows us to accomplish the mission."
The first week of training focused on classroom briefings, battlefield scenarios and daylight-flying operations, and the second week was spent perfecting night-flying skills. The training plan culminated with a simulated air assault. All training flights took place within 100 miles of the flight facility here.
Landing and taking off in the light snowfall provided the Canadians with the same experience they'll get coping with the ever-present dust in Afghanistan, Fritz said.
"The New York National Guard has been very accommodating, because it's all been last-minute for us," Canadian air force Capt. Martin LeFrancois, 430th Squadron, said. "Now that we have six Chinooks waiting for us in Afghanistan, the training program that they prepared for us will be really beneficial."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone serves in the New York National Guard.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - New York Army National Guard members offered hands-on CH-47 Chinook helicopter training to Canadian air force aircrews readying for deployment at a flight facility here last week. Aviation soldiers from the Guard's Company B, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, who returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan in April, used their Chinooks and the upstate New York snow to train the Canadians on Afghan flying conditions.
The snow was a stand-in for the ubiquitous Afghan dust, Army Capt. Eric Fritz, instructor pilot for the battalion, explained. Fritz put together a two-week training program to prepare the Canadians for an upcoming Afghan deployment.
Members of the Canadian air force's 408th and 430th Tactical Helicopter Squadrons will be operating Chinooks in theater. The Canadian aircraft already are 6,000 miles away in place in Afghanistan.
"Everybody jumped at the opportunity to provide the training and transmit Company B's experience and information to the Canadians," Army Col. Michael Bobeck, aviation officer, said. "It makes everybody operate safer and allows us to accomplish the mission."
The first week of training focused on classroom briefings, battlefield scenarios and daylight-flying operations, and the second week was spent perfecting night-flying skills. The training plan culminated with a simulated air assault. All training flights took place within 100 miles of the flight facility here.
Landing and taking off in the light snowfall provided the Canadians with the same experience they'll get coping with the ever-present dust in Afghanistan, Fritz said.
"The New York National Guard has been very accommodating, because it's all been last-minute for us," Canadian air force Capt. Martin LeFrancois, 430th Squadron, said. "Now that we have six Chinooks waiting for us in Afghanistan, the training program that they prepared for us will be really beneficial."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Petibone serves in the New York National Guard.)
Gates Cites High Demand for Guard's Domestic Mission
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - The National Guard must be able to meet its domestic responsibilities in addition to its operational missions, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. "The demand for Guard support of civil authorities here at home remains high," Gates said in a statement to the committee. "For example, the 'man-days' that Guardsmen have spent fighting fires, performing rescue and recovery, and other duties increased by almost 60 percent in 2008 as compared to 2007."
To compensate, the Defense Department has "substantially increased" support for the Guard and Reserve, which for decades had been considered a low priority for equipment, training and readiness, the secretary said.
"Today, the standard is that the Guard and reserves receive the same equipment as the active force," Gates said. "For [fiscal] 2009, the base budget request included $6.9 billion to continue to replace and repair the National Guard's equipment."
Gates said the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve, a panel created by Congress four years ago, has also helped to ensure that both reserve components are better trained, manned, and equipped for this new era.
"We have taken, or are taking, action on more than 80 percent of the commission's recommendations," Gates said.
For example, the panel suggested a combined pay and personnel system to fix problems that arise when Guard and Reserve members shift from the reserve pay system to the active duty system. Gates said the Defense Department now is launching that integrated system.
Shortly after he became the secretary of defense, Gates implemented mobilization policies that are more predictable and conducive to unit cohesion.
"I have tried to ease, to the extent possible, the stress on our reserve components," he said. "We have provided greater predictability as to when a Guard member will be deployed by establishing a minimum standard of 90 days' advance notice prior to mobilization. In practice, on average, the notification time is about 270 days.
"There is no longer a 24-month lifetime limit on deployment," he continued, "but each mobilization of National Guard and Reserve troops is now capped at 12 months."
The goal is five years of dwell time for one year deployed. "We have made progress towards this goal, but are not there yet," Gates acknowledged.
He added that the ratio of dwell time to mobilization for the Army National Guard this fiscal year is just over 3-to-1.
Finally, Gates said the percentage of Army soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who are Guardsmen or reservists is currently about half what it was in the summer of 2005.
"Reliance upon the reserve component for overseas deployment has declined over time," he said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - The National Guard must be able to meet its domestic responsibilities in addition to its operational missions, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. "The demand for Guard support of civil authorities here at home remains high," Gates said in a statement to the committee. "For example, the 'man-days' that Guardsmen have spent fighting fires, performing rescue and recovery, and other duties increased by almost 60 percent in 2008 as compared to 2007."
To compensate, the Defense Department has "substantially increased" support for the Guard and Reserve, which for decades had been considered a low priority for equipment, training and readiness, the secretary said.
"Today, the standard is that the Guard and reserves receive the same equipment as the active force," Gates said. "For [fiscal] 2009, the base budget request included $6.9 billion to continue to replace and repair the National Guard's equipment."
Gates said the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve, a panel created by Congress four years ago, has also helped to ensure that both reserve components are better trained, manned, and equipped for this new era.
"We have taken, or are taking, action on more than 80 percent of the commission's recommendations," Gates said.
For example, the panel suggested a combined pay and personnel system to fix problems that arise when Guard and Reserve members shift from the reserve pay system to the active duty system. Gates said the Defense Department now is launching that integrated system.
Shortly after he became the secretary of defense, Gates implemented mobilization policies that are more predictable and conducive to unit cohesion.
"I have tried to ease, to the extent possible, the stress on our reserve components," he said. "We have provided greater predictability as to when a Guard member will be deployed by establishing a minimum standard of 90 days' advance notice prior to mobilization. In practice, on average, the notification time is about 270 days.
"There is no longer a 24-month lifetime limit on deployment," he continued, "but each mobilization of National Guard and Reserve troops is now capped at 12 months."
The goal is five years of dwell time for one year deployed. "We have made progress towards this goal, but are not there yet," Gates acknowledged.
He added that the ratio of dwell time to mobilization for the Army National Guard this fiscal year is just over 3-to-1.
Finally, Gates said the percentage of Army soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who are Guardsmen or reservists is currently about half what it was in the summer of 2005.
"Reliance upon the reserve component for overseas deployment has declined over time," he said.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Navy Ship Assists Effort to Deter Pirates
By Navy Seaman Chad R. Erdmann
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - As part of Combined Task Force 151, the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan is coordinating efforts of more than a dozen nations operating in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The region's Combined Maritime Forces established CTF 151, a multinational counter-piracy task force, earlier in the month to create a lawful maritime order.
"In our first two weeks on patrol, we have coordinated and deconflicted our efforts with a host of other navies," Navy Cmdr. Steve Murphy, commanding officer of USS Mahan, said. "Though we sail under different flags and command arrangements, we share a common goal of promoting maritime security in the region.
"Under the guidance of CTF 151, we are sharing information and applying lessons learned; and in my estimation, we are making a difference," he said.
Naval ships and assets from more than 20 nations have been invited to join CTF 151.
"Piracy is a pernicious problem that has been going on in this region for quite some time," Murphy said. "We understand that our efforts alone cannot guarantee safety in the region. It is a broad international effort and
includes promising actions taken by the commercial shipping industry to protect themselves, and ongoing efforts to establish stability ashore."
In August, the Combined Maritime Forces, with headquarters in Bahrain, created the maritime security patrol area in the Gulf of Aden to support international efforts to combat piracy. This helps channel the shipping activity and maximizes the efforts of the combined naval activity, concentrating counter-piracy activities within a specific maritime corridor.
"As part of CTF 151, Mahan's mission is to safeguard the free flow of commerce by deterring and disrupting piracy," Murphy said. "The officers and crew of Mahan are well trained, and they are dedicated to providing maritime safety and security as part of a broad international effort."
The Mahan crew monitors maritime traffic, performs routine queries of vessels and conducts visit, board, search and seizure operations.
"[We are] proud to be among the first units to support the CTF 151 mission," Murphy said. "The crew works hard each day to protect the constant flow of merchant traffic through this volatile region and is prepared to act against suspected pirates and bring them to justice."
(Navy Seaman Chad R. Erdmann serves in the Combined Task Force 151 public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - As part of Combined Task Force 151, the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan is coordinating efforts of more than a dozen nations operating in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The region's Combined Maritime Forces established CTF 151, a multinational counter-piracy task force, earlier in the month to create a lawful maritime order.
"In our first two weeks on patrol, we have coordinated and deconflicted our efforts with a host of other navies," Navy Cmdr. Steve Murphy, commanding officer of USS Mahan, said. "Though we sail under different flags and command arrangements, we share a common goal of promoting maritime security in the region.
"Under the guidance of CTF 151, we are sharing information and applying lessons learned; and in my estimation, we are making a difference," he said.
Naval ships and assets from more than 20 nations have been invited to join CTF 151.
"Piracy is a pernicious problem that has been going on in this region for quite some time," Murphy said. "We understand that our efforts alone cannot guarantee safety in the region. It is a broad international effort and
includes promising actions taken by the commercial shipping industry to protect themselves, and ongoing efforts to establish stability ashore."
In August, the Combined Maritime Forces, with headquarters in Bahrain, created the maritime security patrol area in the Gulf of Aden to support international efforts to combat piracy. This helps channel the shipping activity and maximizes the efforts of the combined naval activity, concentrating counter-piracy activities within a specific maritime corridor.
"As part of CTF 151, Mahan's mission is to safeguard the free flow of commerce by deterring and disrupting piracy," Murphy said. "The officers and crew of Mahan are well trained, and they are dedicated to providing maritime safety and security as part of a broad international effort."
The Mahan crew monitors maritime traffic, performs routine queries of vessels and conducts visit, board, search and seizure operations.
"[We are] proud to be among the first units to support the CTF 151 mission," Murphy said. "The crew works hard each day to protect the constant flow of merchant traffic through this volatile region and is prepared to act against suspected pirates and bring them to justice."
(Navy Seaman Chad R. Erdmann serves in the Combined Task Force 151 public affairs office.)
Technology to Enable, Not Replace Warfighters, General Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - Robots are helping to save warfighters' lives as they bring incredible new capabilities to the battlefield, but probably won't ever replace humans in combat, the commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command said yesterday. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, who also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation, told a Brookings Institution audience here that he doesn't see any time in the foreseeable future when human beings won't be central to warfighting, despite technological advances.
"War is fundamentally a social problem that demands human solutions, despite the American penchant for a purely technological solution," he said during a session about the impact of new robotic technologies on warfare.
Telling the audience he's "no Luddite" -- a reference to an 18th-century English movement that opposed technological change -- Mattis said he's a big advocate of technology that gives warfighters a leg up on the battlefield.
He shared a story about a visit to Iraq, when he encountered an explosive ordnance disposal team standing in formation beside a hole in the ground. Inside the hole were pieces of a robot that had survived six earlier blasts, but was destroyed by the seventh. "They were actually burying the robot," he said. "That robot had saved their lives."
Mattis pointed to other valuable uses of robots, including unmanned aerial vehicles that provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as well as attack capabilities. The time is coming, he said, when an unmanned medical evacuation craft will be able to land in a "hot" landing zone to extract wounded troops.
But Mattis emphasized that technology alone can't fight and win wars. "I want the best possible technology in the hands of our troops," he said. "But the idea that this is going to solve the problem of war is a little silly if you study history."
That's because although technology has altered the character of war, "the fundamental nature of war has not changed," he said.
War remains complex and ever-changing, with multiple variables injected through human will, imagination, courage and the enemy's attempts to exploit weaknesses. Reducing the process to a mathematical model loses sight of the critical human component.
"In my experience," Mattis told the audience, "mechanistic approaches to war don't work."
With more than 35 years of service, Mattis said he sums up what he's learned about war in three words: "Improvise, improvise, improvise."
"Each war brings its own character, and you never know an enemy until you fight them," he said. "So you are going to have to fight them and improvise to the specific situation." That's something he said demands human interface.
Overreliance on technology also can create vulnerabilities in the event that technology fails. Mattis cited the widespread military use of GPS technology -- a capability he said the military fought tooth and nail when it was first introduced, but now would be hard-pressed to operate without.
The question of the enemy shutting down GPS has become a question of "when, not if," Mattis said. "We may see a lot of robots sitting in the warehouse" when that happens, he said.
But Mattis said there's another potential consequence to Americans' desire for purely technological solutions to wage bloodless wars. It could send an unintentional message that the stakes being defended simply aren't high enough to commit human beings. It also could mistakenly signal a lack of will to an enemy or potential enemy.
"From a Marine point of view, we cannot ... lose our honor by failing to put our own skin on the line to protect the realm," Mattis said. "There comes a point when you put your young folks at risk because you think it is important enough for your way of life to defend it."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - Robots are helping to save warfighters' lives as they bring incredible new capabilities to the battlefield, but probably won't ever replace humans in combat, the commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command said yesterday. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, who also serves as NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation, told a Brookings Institution audience here that he doesn't see any time in the foreseeable future when human beings won't be central to warfighting, despite technological advances.
"War is fundamentally a social problem that demands human solutions, despite the American penchant for a purely technological solution," he said during a session about the impact of new robotic technologies on warfare.
Telling the audience he's "no Luddite" -- a reference to an 18th-century English movement that opposed technological change -- Mattis said he's a big advocate of technology that gives warfighters a leg up on the battlefield.
He shared a story about a visit to Iraq, when he encountered an explosive ordnance disposal team standing in formation beside a hole in the ground. Inside the hole were pieces of a robot that had survived six earlier blasts, but was destroyed by the seventh. "They were actually burying the robot," he said. "That robot had saved their lives."
Mattis pointed to other valuable uses of robots, including unmanned aerial vehicles that provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as well as attack capabilities. The time is coming, he said, when an unmanned medical evacuation craft will be able to land in a "hot" landing zone to extract wounded troops.
But Mattis emphasized that technology alone can't fight and win wars. "I want the best possible technology in the hands of our troops," he said. "But the idea that this is going to solve the problem of war is a little silly if you study history."
That's because although technology has altered the character of war, "the fundamental nature of war has not changed," he said.
War remains complex and ever-changing, with multiple variables injected through human will, imagination, courage and the enemy's attempts to exploit weaknesses. Reducing the process to a mathematical model loses sight of the critical human component.
"In my experience," Mattis told the audience, "mechanistic approaches to war don't work."
With more than 35 years of service, Mattis said he sums up what he's learned about war in three words: "Improvise, improvise, improvise."
"Each war brings its own character, and you never know an enemy until you fight them," he said. "So you are going to have to fight them and improvise to the specific situation." That's something he said demands human interface.
Overreliance on technology also can create vulnerabilities in the event that technology fails. Mattis cited the widespread military use of GPS technology -- a capability he said the military fought tooth and nail when it was first introduced, but now would be hard-pressed to operate without.
The question of the enemy shutting down GPS has become a question of "when, not if," Mattis said. "We may see a lot of robots sitting in the warehouse" when that happens, he said.
But Mattis said there's another potential consequence to Americans' desire for purely technological solutions to wage bloodless wars. It could send an unintentional message that the stakes being defended simply aren't high enough to commit human beings. It also could mistakenly signal a lack of will to an enemy or potential enemy.
"From a Marine point of view, we cannot ... lose our honor by failing to put our own skin on the line to protect the realm," Mattis said. "There comes a point when you put your young folks at risk because you think it is important enough for your way of life to defend it."
Army First Sergeants Share View From the 'Top'
By Army Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - An Army first sergeant's role is not unlike that of a performer attempting to keep several plates spinning atop poles. When he forgets to tend to one of the plates, all of them begin to crash down. At least, that's how 1st Sgt. Mark Wokasch describes his job. "One of the hardest parts about being a leader is following up on every situation that soldiers have," Wokasch, the top noncommissioned officer for 10th Mountain Division's Headquarters Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, said. "A lot of soldiers have many problems, and as leaders, we're always the guy that's standing there spinning the plates on the spindles."
Army 1st Sgt. Clifford Lo said he agrees with the metaphor. "That's true. I'm always putting out fires," he said. "Things come up that either should have been taken care of, or just came up last-minute."
The nickname "Top" is given to first sergeants because they serve at the highest noncommissioned officer level, mentoring and training enlisted soldiers. Their role is that of a caretaker and problem solver.
"[We're] the ones who make stuff happen. In order to let the officers do their job, we have to ensure we do ours, make sure we uphold a standard and move along everyone as [they're] supposed to," Lo, the first sergeant for the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, said.
The view from the top can be quite a sight, with first sergeants overseeing a hundred soldiers or more.
"[We are] with the soldiers on a daily basis ... to make sure that [NCOs] conduct training with them, conduct daily business, conduct inspections," Wokasch said.
After 19 years in the Army, Lo said, it's a never-ending quest to improve.
"The learning doesn't stop where we are," Lo, a San
Francisco native, said. "We're always adjusting, learning. ... You can always get better [than] where you are. Just because you're good, that doesn't mean you should stop [improving]."
In fact, Lo said, his No. 1 rule in life is always to find ways to advance and to grow. In his view, first sergeants should never be afraid to learn, even from their own junior soldiers, whether it be in a firefight or in the daily job.
Wokasch said his top priority is to take care of soldiers' families. Family relationships affect every aspect of a soldier's life, he said, so he makes it a point to ensure soldiers are staying in touch and handling family matters back home.
"That's a big rule of mine to follow. If your family is not
straight, a lot of other things won't be straight in your life," he said.
"I try to make sure that soldiers understand that family is very important," he continued. "If they don't follow through with it, they'll see down the road a lot of things will fall apart, whether it's their job or conducting daily business."
Communication and an understanding of soldiers' needs are vital components of a first sergeant's job, Lo said. But with such a heavy workload, the first sergeants must rely on others to help.
"You can only have time to really mentor anywhere between maybe five and eight soldiers [at a time]," Lo said. "So you think as a first sergeant, you try to work with your senior enlisted first, so that way they [can] pass down their knowledge to the lower enlisted."
With so many plates on the line, it's always better to have a few extra hands to help out with the spinning, he explained.
(Army Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret serves in Multinational Division Center.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - An Army first sergeant's role is not unlike that of a performer attempting to keep several plates spinning atop poles. When he forgets to tend to one of the plates, all of them begin to crash down. At least, that's how 1st Sgt. Mark Wokasch describes his job. "One of the hardest parts about being a leader is following up on every situation that soldiers have," Wokasch, the top noncommissioned officer for 10th Mountain Division's Headquarters Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, said. "A lot of soldiers have many problems, and as leaders, we're always the guy that's standing there spinning the plates on the spindles."
Army 1st Sgt. Clifford Lo said he agrees with the metaphor. "That's true. I'm always putting out fires," he said. "Things come up that either should have been taken care of, or just came up last-minute."
The nickname "Top" is given to first sergeants because they serve at the highest noncommissioned officer level, mentoring and training enlisted soldiers. Their role is that of a caretaker and problem solver.
"[We're] the ones who make stuff happen. In order to let the officers do their job, we have to ensure we do ours, make sure we uphold a standard and move along everyone as [they're] supposed to," Lo, the first sergeant for the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, said.
The view from the top can be quite a sight, with first sergeants overseeing a hundred soldiers or more.
"[We are] with the soldiers on a daily basis ... to make sure that [NCOs] conduct training with them, conduct daily business, conduct inspections," Wokasch said.
After 19 years in the Army, Lo said, it's a never-ending quest to improve.
"The learning doesn't stop where we are," Lo, a San
Francisco native, said. "We're always adjusting, learning. ... You can always get better [than] where you are. Just because you're good, that doesn't mean you should stop [improving]."
In fact, Lo said, his No. 1 rule in life is always to find ways to advance and to grow. In his view, first sergeants should never be afraid to learn, even from their own junior soldiers, whether it be in a firefight or in the daily job.
Wokasch said his top priority is to take care of soldiers' families. Family relationships affect every aspect of a soldier's life, he said, so he makes it a point to ensure soldiers are staying in touch and handling family matters back home.
"That's a big rule of mine to follow. If your family is not
straight, a lot of other things won't be straight in your life," he said.
"I try to make sure that soldiers understand that family is very important," he continued. "If they don't follow through with it, they'll see down the road a lot of things will fall apart, whether it's their job or conducting daily business."
Communication and an understanding of soldiers' needs are vital components of a first sergeant's job, Lo said. But with such a heavy workload, the first sergeants must rely on others to help.
"You can only have time to really mentor anywhere between maybe five and eight soldiers [at a time]," Lo said. "So you think as a first sergeant, you try to work with your senior enlisted first, so that way they [can] pass down their knowledge to the lower enlisted."
With so many plates on the line, it's always better to have a few extra hands to help out with the spinning, he explained.
(Army Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret serves in Multinational Division Center.)
Marine Corps Museum Attracts Half-million Visitors in 2008
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2009 - The National Museum of the Marine Corps here has maintained its position as a top Virginia attraction, with more than 500,000 visitors recorded in 2008, museum officials said. In its second full year open to the public, the museum's attendance was bolstered by attracting Marines and families not only from the region but also from across the nation. Since it opened to the public in November 2006, more than 1.2 million visitors have visited the museum.
"We are extremely pleased, though not surprised, by the number of visitors we received in 2008," Lin Ezell, the museum's director, said. "Today people are looking for economical ways to spend time with their families, and as a free, cutting-edge and educational attraction located off I-95, we provide a great and convenient destination for them."
The museum soon will expand to include three additional galleries with exhibits interpreting the periods from 1775 through World War I, each featuring new, state-of-the-art, visitor-immersive experiences. Construction on the new galleries, which are expected to open in spring 2010, already has begun. In the meantime, the museum remains open, with several exhibits moving temporarily within the building and remaining on public display, including combat photographs of the global war on terrorism and a Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle.
New exhibits and artifacts will be coming soon to the museum, including the Marine Corps flag that survived the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon, and the traveling exhibit "Memories of World War II," which includes photographs from the Associated Press archives. The black-and-white photography exhibit will be on display at the museum from Jan. 30 to March 29.
With funding provided by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and its donors, the adjacent Semper Fidelis Memorial Park also will expand in 2009, with the addition of a new chapel slated to open in September. The $5 million nondenominational chapel is made possible by a gift from the Timothy Day Foundation of Phoenix, Ariz., and will be a quiet and contemplative space where visitors can honor the sacrifices of those who serve and have served the nation. The structure will evoke images and memories of the improvised field chapels familiar to all servicemembers.
For more information on the museum, go to www.usmcmuseum.org or call 1-877-635-1775.
(From a National Museum of the Marine Corps news release.)
Jan. 27, 2009 - The National Museum of the Marine Corps here has maintained its position as a top Virginia attraction, with more than 500,000 visitors recorded in 2008, museum officials said. In its second full year open to the public, the museum's attendance was bolstered by attracting Marines and families not only from the region but also from across the nation. Since it opened to the public in November 2006, more than 1.2 million visitors have visited the museum.
"We are extremely pleased, though not surprised, by the number of visitors we received in 2008," Lin Ezell, the museum's director, said. "Today people are looking for economical ways to spend time with their families, and as a free, cutting-edge and educational attraction located off I-95, we provide a great and convenient destination for them."
The museum soon will expand to include three additional galleries with exhibits interpreting the periods from 1775 through World War I, each featuring new, state-of-the-art, visitor-immersive experiences. Construction on the new galleries, which are expected to open in spring 2010, already has begun. In the meantime, the museum remains open, with several exhibits moving temporarily within the building and remaining on public display, including combat photographs of the global war on terrorism and a Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle.
New exhibits and artifacts will be coming soon to the museum, including the Marine Corps flag that survived the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon, and the traveling exhibit "Memories of World War II," which includes photographs from the Associated Press archives. The black-and-white photography exhibit will be on display at the museum from Jan. 30 to March 29.
With funding provided by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and its donors, the adjacent Semper Fidelis Memorial Park also will expand in 2009, with the addition of a new chapel slated to open in September. The $5 million nondenominational chapel is made possible by a gift from the Timothy Day Foundation of Phoenix, Ariz., and will be a quiet and contemplative space where visitors can honor the sacrifices of those who serve and have served the nation. The structure will evoke images and memories of the improvised field chapels familiar to all servicemembers.
For more information on the museum, go to www.usmcmuseum.org or call 1-877-635-1775.
(From a National Museum of the Marine Corps news release.)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Officer Survival Mindset: Becoming a 15th Century Samurai in a 21st Century World
On February 6, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Senior Sergeant Marty Katz, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (ret.), about his program - Officer Survival Mindset: Becoming a 15th Century Samurai in a 21st Century World.
Program Date: February 6, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Officer Survival Mindset: Becoming a 15th Century Samurai in a 21st Century World
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/07/Officer-Survival-Mindset-Becoming-a-15th-Century-Samurai-in-a-21st-Century-World
About the Guest
Senior Sergeant Martin Katz, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (ret.) has more than 30 years of multifaceted experience in the criminal justice system in New Jersey and South Florida. His assignments encompassed administrative functions, as well as commanding uniformed patrol and criminal investigations units. Senior Sergeant Martin Katz served more than 23 years with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, with progressive advancement through the ranks, supervising Patrol Officers, Field Training Officers and Detectives. He has extensive experience with police training programs, both in-service and academy level, as Instructor and Administrator responsible for development of various courses and curriculum in all areas of police work and law enforcement.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Senior Sergeant Martin Katz has been involved in Martial Arts since 1958. He has received his Seventh Degree Black Belt in Japanese Karate and trained in Japan on 2 occasions with the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police and various senior martial arts instructors. Based on his law enforcement career and his martial arts training and experiences he has developed a survival course entitled Officer Survival Mindset: Becoming a 15th Century Samurai in a 21st Century.
Additionally, Senior Sergeant Marty Katz is the author of the semi-autobiographical look at the inside of police work: Past the Uniform.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/07/Officer-Survival-Mindset-Becoming-a-15th-Century-Samurai-in-a-21st-Century-World
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: February 6, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Officer Survival Mindset: Becoming a 15th Century Samurai in a 21st Century World
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/07/Officer-Survival-Mindset-Becoming-a-15th-Century-Samurai-in-a-21st-Century-World
About the Guest
Senior Sergeant Martin Katz, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (ret.) has more than 30 years of multifaceted experience in the criminal justice system in New Jersey and South Florida. His assignments encompassed administrative functions, as well as commanding uniformed patrol and criminal investigations units. Senior Sergeant Martin Katz served more than 23 years with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, with progressive advancement through the ranks, supervising Patrol Officers, Field Training Officers and Detectives. He has extensive experience with police training programs, both in-service and academy level, as Instructor and Administrator responsible for development of various courses and curriculum in all areas of police work and law enforcement.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Senior Sergeant Martin Katz has been involved in Martial Arts since 1958. He has received his Seventh Degree Black Belt in Japanese Karate and trained in Japan on 2 occasions with the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police and various senior martial arts instructors. Based on his law enforcement career and his martial arts training and experiences he has developed a survival course entitled Officer Survival Mindset: Becoming a 15th Century Samurai in a 21st Century.
Additionally, Senior Sergeant Marty Katz is the author of the semi-autobiographical look at the inside of police work: Past the Uniform.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/07/Officer-Survival-Mindset-Becoming-a-15th-Century-Samurai-in-a-21st-Century-World
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Surviving Boot Camp
On February 20, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Sergeant Michael Volkin, USA, the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook, on Surviving Boot Camp.
Program Date: February 20, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Surviving Boot Camp
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
About the Guest
Sergeant Michael Volkin is a U.S. Army veteran. He served in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom as a Chemical Operations Specialist and received an Army Commendation Medal for his efforts and for the fitness programs he designed to help his fellow soldiers. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. In addition to being in the Army Reserves, Michael works as a Real Estate Broker in California. Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: February 20, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Surviving Boot Camp
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
About the Guest
Sergeant Michael Volkin is a U.S. Army veteran. He served in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom as a Chemical Operations Specialist and received an Army Commendation Medal for his efforts and for the fitness programs he designed to help his fellow soldiers. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. In addition to being in the Army Reserves, Michael works as a Real Estate Broker in California. Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
MILITARY CONTRACTS January 26, 2009
NAVY
Elcan Optical Technologies, Richardson, Texas, is being awarded a ceiling $180,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the procurement, delivery, maintenance, and logistical support of the Medium Range Thermal Bi-Ocular (MRTB). The MRTB is capable of providing an individual thermal imaging capability to the Marine Rifle Squad, Machine Gun Squad, and other Marine Corps units, engaging in offensive and defensive operations. This contract will buy a minimum of 25 MRTB systems within the first year. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2014. Contract funds in the amount of$43,292,469 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with five offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-D-1017).
CH2M Hill, Englewood, Colo.; Shaw Environmental, Irving, Texas; and Weston Solutions, West Chester, Pa., are each being awarded a firm fixed price, indefinite indefinite, quantity, multiple award bridge contract, utilizing the same terms and conditions as the recently expired contracts (December 2008) with the same firms. The maximum dollar value for all three contracts combined is $36,000,000. This work is in support of the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (SRM) program for Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) facilities and systems at various locations, worldwide. These contracts are to ensure uninterrupted support to the DESC SRM Program to avoid delay in award of critical projects which must be in place prior to the projected award date of the follow-on contract in mid March 2009. Once the award of the follow-on contract is made, the use of these contracts will be immediately discontinued. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These three contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Specialty Center Acquisitions, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62583-09-D-0038/0039/0040).
National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., (NASSCO), San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $26,309,890 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4200) for the repair and alteration for the Extended Dry-Docking Chief of Naval Operations Scheduled Availability Supplemental Proposal on the USS Germantown (LSD-42). NASSCO furnishes the material, supports (electrical, crane, and rigging), and facilities necessary for the maintenance and modernization of the LSD class ships. This availability includes the complete overhaul of the Ship's Service Diesel Generators and the upgrades to the Power Distribution, SCD LSD-3290.2k. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $23,372,517 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Services, Inc., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $16,432,260 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee contractto provide for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems; Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) motion imagery software development; remote sensing; multispectral exploitation; imagery analysis; intelligence operations; digital production; knowledge management; virtual reality systems; signal exploitation; surveillance activities; information assurance, network security, emergency preparedness planning, technology validation, and mission training. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $87,424,534. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., (65 percent) and Charleston, S.C., (35 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2010 (January 2014 with options exercised). Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with an unlimited number of proposals and one offer received via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-commerce website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-09-D-6814).
CDI Marine Company, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $16,283,438 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee with provisions for firm fixed pricing contract for ship alteration installation and marine mechanical engineering design services. This contract contains a base period with four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total value of the contract to $85,378,043. Work will be performed at Virginia Beach, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk is the contracting activity (N00189-09-D-N002).
AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $15,316,776 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee with provisions for firm fixed pricing contract for ship alteration installation and marine/mechanical engineering design services. This contract contains a base period with four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total value of the contract to $80,549,113. Work will be performed at Virginia Beach, Va., and work is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk is the contracting activity (N00189-09-D-N001).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to The Boeing Company of Seattle Washington for $11,718,500. This contract will provide the C-40 communication equipment subscription service for CY09. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/655 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-0013).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Bell Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas is being awarded a maximum $11,295,863 firm fixed price, sole source contract for procurement of items used in support of the CV-22 helicopter. Other location of performance is in Pennsylvania. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., (N00383-03-G-001B-0298).
Elcan Optical Technologies, Richardson, Texas, is being awarded a ceiling $180,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the procurement, delivery, maintenance, and logistical support of the Medium Range Thermal Bi-Ocular (MRTB). The MRTB is capable of providing an individual thermal imaging capability to the Marine Rifle Squad, Machine Gun Squad, and other Marine Corps units, engaging in offensive and defensive operations. This contract will buy a minimum of 25 MRTB systems within the first year. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2014. Contract funds in the amount of$43,292,469 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with five offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-D-1017).
CH2M Hill, Englewood, Colo.; Shaw Environmental, Irving, Texas; and Weston Solutions, West Chester, Pa., are each being awarded a firm fixed price, indefinite indefinite, quantity, multiple award bridge contract, utilizing the same terms and conditions as the recently expired contracts (December 2008) with the same firms. The maximum dollar value for all three contracts combined is $36,000,000. This work is in support of the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (SRM) program for Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) facilities and systems at various locations, worldwide. These contracts are to ensure uninterrupted support to the DESC SRM Program to avoid delay in award of critical projects which must be in place prior to the projected award date of the follow-on contract in mid March 2009. Once the award of the follow-on contract is made, the use of these contracts will be immediately discontinued. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These three contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Specialty Center Acquisitions, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62583-09-D-0038/0039/0040).
National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., (NASSCO), San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $26,309,890 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4200) for the repair and alteration for the Extended Dry-Docking Chief of Naval Operations Scheduled Availability Supplemental Proposal on the USS Germantown (LSD-42). NASSCO furnishes the material, supports (electrical, crane, and rigging), and facilities necessary for the maintenance and modernization of the LSD class ships. This availability includes the complete overhaul of the Ship's Service Diesel Generators and the upgrades to the Power Distribution, SCD LSD-3290.2k. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $23,372,517 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Services, Inc., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $16,432,260 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee contractto provide for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems; Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) motion imagery software development; remote sensing; multispectral exploitation; imagery analysis; intelligence operations; digital production; knowledge management; virtual reality systems; signal exploitation; surveillance activities; information assurance, network security, emergency preparedness planning, technology validation, and mission training. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $87,424,534. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., (65 percent) and Charleston, S.C., (35 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2010 (January 2014 with options exercised). Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with an unlimited number of proposals and one offer received via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-commerce website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-09-D-6814).
CDI Marine Company, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $16,283,438 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee with provisions for firm fixed pricing contract for ship alteration installation and marine mechanical engineering design services. This contract contains a base period with four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total value of the contract to $85,378,043. Work will be performed at Virginia Beach, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk is the contracting activity (N00189-09-D-N002).
AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $15,316,776 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee with provisions for firm fixed pricing contract for ship alteration installation and marine/mechanical engineering design services. This contract contains a base period with four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total value of the contract to $80,549,113. Work will be performed at Virginia Beach, Va., and work is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk is the contracting activity (N00189-09-D-N001).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to The Boeing Company of Seattle Washington for $11,718,500. This contract will provide the C-40 communication equipment subscription service for CY09. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/655 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-0013).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Bell Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas is being awarded a maximum $11,295,863 firm fixed price, sole source contract for procurement of items used in support of the CV-22 helicopter. Other location of performance is in Pennsylvania. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., (N00383-03-G-001B-0298).
Face of Defense: Louisiana Guard Member Finds Fulfillment Later in Life
By Army Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - At 38 years old and with a 15-year-old daughter, Angela Fry took on the challenge of basic training and the possibility of deployment. She already had a degree, so it wasn't for college. She had a job, so it wasn't for the money. Now 41 years old, Fry said she enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard because she felt as if something was missing in her life.
She said she wanted to make a difference, and knew she could if given the opportunity.
"I know people say this a lot, but I really wanted to serve. Enlisting in the Guard gave me an opportunity to not only serve my country, but also my state, and most recently, my own family," the Eros, La., resident, said.
Fry said she first thought of joining when she was volunteering with the American Red Cross in New Orleans after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"I think, after an event like that, anyone who has compassion wonders if there is more that can be done," Fry said, "if there is something they can do to help. Joining the military was something I always wished I had the courage to do, but I thought the opportunity had passed. I thought I was too old."
A colonel from the Michigan National Guard told her about the Guard and assured her she still met the age requirement. That was all she needed to know.
Susan J. Avery, Fry's sister, said that when Fry began to talk about joining the military, her family thought she was crazy.
"We would have never thought she would join the military, especially at 38 years old, but we should have
known better," Avery said. "She is a very determined person."
Many may think that going through the rigorous training at 38 would be more difficult than going through it at 18, but Fry disagrees.
"It was difficult, but I felt like I had an advantage over the younger soldiers," she said. "I had life experience. I had already been out on my own for a while, and I knew many people in the Guard who warned me that a lot of the training was psychological."
"They break you down as a civilian, but build you back up as a soldier," she said.
After returning home, she began drilling with the 527th Engineer Battalion's 1022nd Engineer Company in West Monroe, La., as a nuclear biological chemical specialist before transferring to the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe, La.
"Most new soldiers are younger than 38, but her age did not stand out in her physical appearance; it did in her maturity level," Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brent D. Barnett, the battalion's senior enlisted advisor, said. "She is just one of those individuals who will jump right in and take charge."
Fry enlisted as a specialist, but soon was promoted to sergeant. With her diverse skills, she was confident that she would be able to serve as an officer. "I not only wanted to be a part of the everyday lives and events that our soldiers participate in, but I also wanted to lead them," she said.
She submitted her direct commission packet and anxiously waited to find out what her future held.
"I, as well as many others, immediately saw the leadership potential that she had and encouraged her to become an officer," Barnett said.
Fry's life was struck with tragedy when the house she was sharing with her sister burned down in February 2007. Everything was destroyed, including her computer, and the homeowners insurance covered very little. She also found herself jobless, since she worked out of her home in Monroe, La., as an independent medical consultant.
She did not stay down for long, though. Within a month of losing everything, she learned that the Louisiana National Guard had started a public affairs program and was looking for journalists. She said she was ecstatic at the news. Fry had earned her bachelor's degree in liberal arts, specializing in public relations and journalism, from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1995.
"Not only did I want to be part of such a great team when I enlisted, but now I would be able to tell the soldiers' stories. I would have a chance to tell everyone about the great things they do," she said. "Sometimes there is so much negativity about the military, but I wanted people to see what I saw when I was working with the American Red Cross during hurricanes Katrina and Rita ... and what I still see today."
Though she saw much of what the Guard did while she was volunteering, she gained even more appreciation of their efforts when her own family was rescued by the Guard after Hurricane Ike in September 2008.
I knew the night before the storm hit that my aunt's house was starting to flood as she, my uncle and his father left with my cousin to ride out the storm in my cousin's house, which is on higher ground," Fry said. "But I began to get nervous when I lost phone contact with them."
The next morning, as soon as the weather permitted, the National Guard teamed up with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to begin search and rescue missions with boats and high-water evacuation vehicles.
"I was riding in a Humvee on my way to cover some of the search and rescue missions, hoping that I would hear from them, when amongst the many evacuees, I saw a familiar dog on the back of a high-water evacuation vehicle, and then began to see familiar faces," she said smiling. "Sure enough, it was them.
"I felt immense pride being able to help not only the residents of Louisiana, but by circumstance, my own family," she said. "This time I had the opportunity to make an immediate impact with the full force of the Louisiana National Guard behind me."
Fry's direct commission was finalized Oct. 25, and she was promoted to second lieutenant.
"I think she'll polish her leadership skills as she goes along," Barnett said. "She will always lead from the front, and she'll never ask anyone to do something that she hasn't done, or can't willingly show them how to do."
Fry's co-worker, Army Sgt. Rebekah L. Malone, of Pineville, La., spoke highly of the newly commissioned officer.
"She exemplifies the highly regarded journalistic quality of 'going after the story,'" she said. "She works extremely long hours to write well-rounded stories that highlight the hard-working Louisiana National Guardsmen."
Fry said there are times when, as a soldier-journalist, she needs to put down her camera and help to fill sandbags. "I gladly do both," she said.
Fry said this is exactly where she wants to be.
"I plan on staying in the Guard for as long as they will let me," she said, "and I am ready to face any challenges that may come, even deployment."
"Joining the military and becoming an officer were both dreams I thought were out of reach," she continued. "But I've learned that it's not what is pushing against you that matters, it's how hard you push back."
(Army Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang serves in the 199th Brigade Support Battalion.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - At 38 years old and with a 15-year-old daughter, Angela Fry took on the challenge of basic training and the possibility of deployment. She already had a degree, so it wasn't for college. She had a job, so it wasn't for the money. Now 41 years old, Fry said she enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard because she felt as if something was missing in her life.
She said she wanted to make a difference, and knew she could if given the opportunity.
"I know people say this a lot, but I really wanted to serve. Enlisting in the Guard gave me an opportunity to not only serve my country, but also my state, and most recently, my own family," the Eros, La., resident, said.
Fry said she first thought of joining when she was volunteering with the American Red Cross in New Orleans after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"I think, after an event like that, anyone who has compassion wonders if there is more that can be done," Fry said, "if there is something they can do to help. Joining the military was something I always wished I had the courage to do, but I thought the opportunity had passed. I thought I was too old."
A colonel from the Michigan National Guard told her about the Guard and assured her she still met the age requirement. That was all she needed to know.
Susan J. Avery, Fry's sister, said that when Fry began to talk about joining the military, her family thought she was crazy.
"We would have never thought she would join the military, especially at 38 years old, but we should have
known better," Avery said. "She is a very determined person."
Many may think that going through the rigorous training at 38 would be more difficult than going through it at 18, but Fry disagrees.
"It was difficult, but I felt like I had an advantage over the younger soldiers," she said. "I had life experience. I had already been out on my own for a while, and I knew many people in the Guard who warned me that a lot of the training was psychological."
"They break you down as a civilian, but build you back up as a soldier," she said.
After returning home, she began drilling with the 527th Engineer Battalion's 1022nd Engineer Company in West Monroe, La., as a nuclear biological chemical specialist before transferring to the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe, La.
"Most new soldiers are younger than 38, but her age did not stand out in her physical appearance; it did in her maturity level," Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brent D. Barnett, the battalion's senior enlisted advisor, said. "She is just one of those individuals who will jump right in and take charge."
Fry enlisted as a specialist, but soon was promoted to sergeant. With her diverse skills, she was confident that she would be able to serve as an officer. "I not only wanted to be a part of the everyday lives and events that our soldiers participate in, but I also wanted to lead them," she said.
She submitted her direct commission packet and anxiously waited to find out what her future held.
"I, as well as many others, immediately saw the leadership potential that she had and encouraged her to become an officer," Barnett said.
Fry's life was struck with tragedy when the house she was sharing with her sister burned down in February 2007. Everything was destroyed, including her computer, and the homeowners insurance covered very little. She also found herself jobless, since she worked out of her home in Monroe, La., as an independent medical consultant.
She did not stay down for long, though. Within a month of losing everything, she learned that the Louisiana National Guard had started a public affairs program and was looking for journalists. She said she was ecstatic at the news. Fry had earned her bachelor's degree in liberal arts, specializing in public relations and journalism, from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1995.
"Not only did I want to be part of such a great team when I enlisted, but now I would be able to tell the soldiers' stories. I would have a chance to tell everyone about the great things they do," she said. "Sometimes there is so much negativity about the military, but I wanted people to see what I saw when I was working with the American Red Cross during hurricanes Katrina and Rita ... and what I still see today."
Though she saw much of what the Guard did while she was volunteering, she gained even more appreciation of their efforts when her own family was rescued by the Guard after Hurricane Ike in September 2008.
I knew the night before the storm hit that my aunt's house was starting to flood as she, my uncle and his father left with my cousin to ride out the storm in my cousin's house, which is on higher ground," Fry said. "But I began to get nervous when I lost phone contact with them."
The next morning, as soon as the weather permitted, the National Guard teamed up with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to begin search and rescue missions with boats and high-water evacuation vehicles.
"I was riding in a Humvee on my way to cover some of the search and rescue missions, hoping that I would hear from them, when amongst the many evacuees, I saw a familiar dog on the back of a high-water evacuation vehicle, and then began to see familiar faces," she said smiling. "Sure enough, it was them.
"I felt immense pride being able to help not only the residents of Louisiana, but by circumstance, my own family," she said. "This time I had the opportunity to make an immediate impact with the full force of the Louisiana National Guard behind me."
Fry's direct commission was finalized Oct. 25, and she was promoted to second lieutenant.
"I think she'll polish her leadership skills as she goes along," Barnett said. "She will always lead from the front, and she'll never ask anyone to do something that she hasn't done, or can't willingly show them how to do."
Fry's co-worker, Army Sgt. Rebekah L. Malone, of Pineville, La., spoke highly of the newly commissioned officer.
"She exemplifies the highly regarded journalistic quality of 'going after the story,'" she said. "She works extremely long hours to write well-rounded stories that highlight the hard-working Louisiana National Guardsmen."
Fry said there are times when, as a soldier-journalist, she needs to put down her camera and help to fill sandbags. "I gladly do both," she said.
Fry said this is exactly where she wants to be.
"I plan on staying in the Guard for as long as they will let me," she said, "and I am ready to face any challenges that may come, even deployment."
"Joining the military and becoming an officer were both dreams I thought were out of reach," she continued. "But I've learned that it's not what is pushing against you that matters, it's how hard you push back."
(Army Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang serves in the 199th Brigade Support Battalion.)
President's Defense Budget Submission Delayed
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama's 2010 defense budget request will be delayed, possibly until April, White House and Defense Department officials said. The president's annual budget request usually is submitted to Congress the first Monday in February. However, with only a week in office, the new administration will need more time for a substantial review of the submission, officials said.
Office of Management and Budget officials projected the delay in April and sent a memorandum delaying the budget submission.
Despite the delay, work has not halted on the fiscal 2010 baseline budget submission. Civilian and military financial experts have prepared a draft budget for review by administration officials. They will issue budget guidance via the Office of Management and Budget, which will guide the department.
Officials said they expect this guidance to come to the Pentagon "shortly," and Defense Department finance officials are prepared to move quickly to apply the guidance to the submission.
It is possible that the total Defense Department request, known as the "topline" number, may be released earlier than April, but that must wait on the more detailed submission, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama's 2010 defense budget request will be delayed, possibly until April, White House and Defense Department officials said. The president's annual budget request usually is submitted to Congress the first Monday in February. However, with only a week in office, the new administration will need more time for a substantial review of the submission, officials said.
Office of Management and Budget officials projected the delay in April and sent a memorandum delaying the budget submission.
Despite the delay, work has not halted on the fiscal 2010 baseline budget submission. Civilian and military financial experts have prepared a draft budget for review by administration officials. They will issue budget guidance via the Office of Management and Budget, which will guide the department.
Officials said they expect this guidance to come to the Pentagon "shortly," and Defense Department finance officials are prepared to move quickly to apply the guidance to the submission.
It is possible that the total Defense Department request, known as the "topline" number, may be released earlier than April, but that must wait on the more detailed submission, officials said.
Africa Command Aids in Rescue Operation
By Air Force Capt. Corinna M. Jones
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - In an effort to save three Americans from a capsized sailboat, servicemembers from U.S. Africa Command's Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa participated in a three-day international rescue operation 260 miles off the coast of Madagascar. One of the three Americans was found alive, spotted by servicemembers aboard a U.S. Air Force HC-130P -- a search-and-rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. The 69-year-old man had been in the water for 18 hours.
Searchers included teams from the United States, South Africa, France and civilian vessels in the region.
"We were notified by the [defense attache at the U.S. Embassy] in Madagascar that a boat registered to an American had capsized," Air Force Capt. John Brunner, director for the task force's Personnel Recovery Coordination Center, said.
Brunner said center officials immediately contacted the Joint Personnel Recovery Center at the Combined Air Operations Center in Southwest Asia.
"We asked them to look at their system to see if they picked up an emergency locator beacon, and they said they did," Brunner said.
Brunner's team coordinated with the CAOC; the Pacific Command's Joint Recovery Personnel Center in Hawaii; Africom's Joint Personnel Recovery Center in Stuttgart, Germany; the French Rescue Coordinator in Paris; and the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Rescue Coordination Center in Norfolk, Va.
"We contacted the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Rescue Coordination Center to see where they were receiving the emergency beacon and who it was registered to," he said.
Africom then issued the order for the task force to support the French Maritime Rescue Coordination Center on Reunion Island, east of Madagascar, to the best of their ability.
"We made the decision to launch one C-130 combat crew with the 'Guardian Angel' pararescue team both from the 449th Air Expeditionary Group and our joint combat search and rescue team on board that aircraft -- 17 crewmembers total," Brunner said.
Because the rescue effort was for civilians, the task force also coordinated with the U.S. Embassy.
"We go through the embassy, in this case Madagascar, because it was the closest embassy," he said.
In coordination with the French Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, it was decided South Africa would have the morning search block. The South Africans launched a C-130 from Victoria to search from sunup Jan. 21 to 1 p.m.
the following day. The U.S. HC-130P launched from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, at 1 a.m. for an eight and a half hour flight to Reunion Island. After a refueling, the team picked up the search again at 1 p.m.
"That crew had a 16-hour-plus day. They searched in conjunction with a civilian motor vessel, the Auto Banner, and the South African C-130 and a couple of other civilian ships," Brunner said. "The Auto Banner and our aircraft found the vessel. One American had tied himself to it."
According to Brunner, the Auto Banner was directed to pick up the victim and stand off the capsized 43-foot sailboat until the FSS Nivos, a French navy vessel, arrived.
The U.S. HC-130P crew returned to Reunion Island at 5 p.m. and flew the next day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to search in conjunction with the South Africans, the Auto Banner and the FSS Nivos for the other two Americans.
The rescue was called off by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center on the evening of Jan. 23.
"The other two Americans are presumed missing," Brunner said.
How the men came to be so far from shore is still unknown, Brunner said. "Perhaps they were on vacation, on an around-the-world sail. We have no idea," he said.
"The rescue coordination worked exactly like it was supposed to," he continued. "We provide the forces whereas the joint personnel rescue coordination centers provide the coordination," he said. "We were outside of [Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa's] operational area, and the French didn't have forces to support. When they ask for the United States to help, we go help. It's all about a combined effort."
Air Force Col. Gregory Petrequin, commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, said for the United States to expend this level of effort characterizes Americans' value of human life.
"The fact that American airmen and folks from all the services are willing to go out and fly incredibly long hours and expend the level of effort we did and get there as quick as we got there says something about our military, and it says something about our commitment by Americans to look out after fellow Americans," he said. "They put their airplane in a situation that they normally don't put their airplane in, though they are highly trained to do so."
Petrequin said he's proud of his team, and that although he knows they did everything they could, the general consensus is they wish they could have done more.
"I'm incredibly proud of the support of CJTF-HOA and what the 449th Air Expeditionary Group did to pull off this mission," he said. "Naturally we're very excited that one member was found alive, and our hearts definitely go out to the families of the other two sailors who are missing.
"We wish we could have done more, but we really want them to know that a lot of Americans worked really hard over the last couple of days to try and find their loved ones," he said.
(Air Force Capt. Corinna M. Jones serves with U.S. Africa Command's Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - In an effort to save three Americans from a capsized sailboat, servicemembers from U.S. Africa Command's Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa participated in a three-day international rescue operation 260 miles off the coast of Madagascar. One of the three Americans was found alive, spotted by servicemembers aboard a U.S. Air Force HC-130P -- a search-and-rescue version of the C-130 Hercules transport. The 69-year-old man had been in the water for 18 hours.
Searchers included teams from the United States, South Africa, France and civilian vessels in the region.
"We were notified by the [defense attache at the U.S. Embassy] in Madagascar that a boat registered to an American had capsized," Air Force Capt. John Brunner, director for the task force's Personnel Recovery Coordination Center, said.
Brunner said center officials immediately contacted the Joint Personnel Recovery Center at the Combined Air Operations Center in Southwest Asia.
"We asked them to look at their system to see if they picked up an emergency locator beacon, and they said they did," Brunner said.
Brunner's team coordinated with the CAOC; the Pacific Command's Joint Recovery Personnel Center in Hawaii; Africom's Joint Personnel Recovery Center in Stuttgart, Germany; the French Rescue Coordinator in Paris; and the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Rescue Coordination Center in Norfolk, Va.
"We contacted the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Rescue Coordination Center to see where they were receiving the emergency beacon and who it was registered to," he said.
Africom then issued the order for the task force to support the French Maritime Rescue Coordination Center on Reunion Island, east of Madagascar, to the best of their ability.
"We made the decision to launch one C-130 combat crew with the 'Guardian Angel' pararescue team both from the 449th Air Expeditionary Group and our joint combat search and rescue team on board that aircraft -- 17 crewmembers total," Brunner said.
Because the rescue effort was for civilians, the task force also coordinated with the U.S. Embassy.
"We go through the embassy, in this case Madagascar, because it was the closest embassy," he said.
In coordination with the French Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, it was decided South Africa would have the morning search block. The South Africans launched a C-130 from Victoria to search from sunup Jan. 21 to 1 p.m.
the following day. The U.S. HC-130P launched from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, at 1 a.m. for an eight and a half hour flight to Reunion Island. After a refueling, the team picked up the search again at 1 p.m.
"That crew had a 16-hour-plus day. They searched in conjunction with a civilian motor vessel, the Auto Banner, and the South African C-130 and a couple of other civilian ships," Brunner said. "The Auto Banner and our aircraft found the vessel. One American had tied himself to it."
According to Brunner, the Auto Banner was directed to pick up the victim and stand off the capsized 43-foot sailboat until the FSS Nivos, a French navy vessel, arrived.
The U.S. HC-130P crew returned to Reunion Island at 5 p.m. and flew the next day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to search in conjunction with the South Africans, the Auto Banner and the FSS Nivos for the other two Americans.
The rescue was called off by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center on the evening of Jan. 23.
"The other two Americans are presumed missing," Brunner said.
How the men came to be so far from shore is still unknown, Brunner said. "Perhaps they were on vacation, on an around-the-world sail. We have no idea," he said.
"The rescue coordination worked exactly like it was supposed to," he continued. "We provide the forces whereas the joint personnel rescue coordination centers provide the coordination," he said. "We were outside of [Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa's] operational area, and the French didn't have forces to support. When they ask for the United States to help, we go help. It's all about a combined effort."
Air Force Col. Gregory Petrequin, commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, said for the United States to expend this level of effort characterizes Americans' value of human life.
"The fact that American airmen and folks from all the services are willing to go out and fly incredibly long hours and expend the level of effort we did and get there as quick as we got there says something about our military, and it says something about our commitment by Americans to look out after fellow Americans," he said. "They put their airplane in a situation that they normally don't put their airplane in, though they are highly trained to do so."
Petrequin said he's proud of his team, and that although he knows they did everything they could, the general consensus is they wish they could have done more.
"I'm incredibly proud of the support of CJTF-HOA and what the 449th Air Expeditionary Group did to pull off this mission," he said. "Naturally we're very excited that one member was found alive, and our hearts definitely go out to the families of the other two sailors who are missing.
"We wish we could have done more, but we really want them to know that a lot of Americans worked really hard over the last couple of days to try and find their loved ones," he said.
(Air Force Capt. Corinna M. Jones serves with U.S. Africa Command's Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.)
Program Improves Patient Safety through Enhanced Teamwork, Communication
By John Ohab
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - A Defense Department program is transforming military health care during deployment by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, a master trainer in the program said. Developed by the Defense Department's Patient Safety Program, Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety, or TeamSTEPPS, is an evidence-based teamwork system aimed at improving patient safety through a "shared mental model."
Using the program, health care teams work together to establish situational awareness, solve problems and resolve conflicts.
"The tools and strategies were designed to establish a culture of patient safety and quality health care for the military health system," Dr. Shad Deering, an Army physician from Tacoma, Wash., deployed to Iraq, said Jan. 22 during a "Dot Mil Docs" audio webcast on BlagTalkRadio.com.
"[TeamSTEPPS] is a very rational approach that doesn't drag in the person," he continued. "It drags in the problem and lets you address the real issues. It allows both sides to focus on patient safety rather than emotions."
Effective medical teams continually have a shared care plan for all patients accomplished through planning, problem solving and process improvement. TeamSTEPPS offers three communication tools: brief, huddle and debrief.
In the briefing session, teams assign roles, delegate responsibility and identify potential outcomes and barriers to success. Throughout patient care, teams huddle in ad hoc meetings meant to re-establish situational awareness, assess the needs of team members and develop a cohesive treatment plan. Huddles often take place at the bedside, where team members can engage patients and include them in the plan. A final debriefing gives team members an opportunity to communicate their experiences and identify areas that can be improved in the future.
"You are trying to provide a safety net for your team by maintaining situational awareness," Deering said. "You're not calling anybody's performance into question. It's really about watching out for each other and making sure you're doing the right thing for the patient."
Army Maj. Amber Pocrnich, a labor and delivery nurse from Fort Riley, Kan., now deployed to Iraq, said TeamSTEPPS provides new avenues to communicate more effectively and enhances her ability to work in teams.
"It's a tool bag to help with communication and to work more effectively. Everybody comes with a different level of experience, communication style or personality. It's a way to help build a team," Pocrnich said.
During their work at the 86th Combat Army Support Hospital in Iraq, Deering and Pocrnich had the opportunity to observe the positive impact of the TeamSTEPPS in action.
"We saw a significant decrease in the number of errors due to communication issues and the number of medication errors that happened," Deering said.
TeamSTEPPS can be adapted to meet the challenges of a combat support hospital, including multiple casualties, unique patterns of injury, language and cultural differences and long-distance travel through the combat environment. Because health care teams often are assembled after deployment, it is critical that newly formed teams quickly develop their technical and communication skills through simulation exercises, refresher training and practice in theater.
"Medical care in the deployed environment is challenging. We all come from different areas to this one unit, and usually teams haven't worked together for very long when they get into theater," Pocrnich said.
More than 100 specialty units and clinics have received some level of TeamSTEPPS training and are in various stages of implementation in military treatment facilities. Also, more than 1,200 trainers and coaches have been trained in teamwork principles.
Deering and Pocrnich expressed optimism that TeamSTEPPS ultimately will be integrated into all military medical systems before deployment to minimize subsequent errors and foster a safer and more effective medical environment.
"Health care is our practice, but our mission is patient safety," Pocrnich said.
(John Ohab holds a doctorate in neuroscience and works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2009 - A Defense Department program is transforming military health care during deployment by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, a master trainer in the program said. Developed by the Defense Department's Patient Safety Program, Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety, or TeamSTEPPS, is an evidence-based teamwork system aimed at improving patient safety through a "shared mental model."
Using the program, health care teams work together to establish situational awareness, solve problems and resolve conflicts.
"The tools and strategies were designed to establish a culture of patient safety and quality health care for the military health system," Dr. Shad Deering, an Army physician from Tacoma, Wash., deployed to Iraq, said Jan. 22 during a "Dot Mil Docs" audio webcast on BlagTalkRadio.com.
"[TeamSTEPPS] is a very rational approach that doesn't drag in the person," he continued. "It drags in the problem and lets you address the real issues. It allows both sides to focus on patient safety rather than emotions."
Effective medical teams continually have a shared care plan for all patients accomplished through planning, problem solving and process improvement. TeamSTEPPS offers three communication tools: brief, huddle and debrief.
In the briefing session, teams assign roles, delegate responsibility and identify potential outcomes and barriers to success. Throughout patient care, teams huddle in ad hoc meetings meant to re-establish situational awareness, assess the needs of team members and develop a cohesive treatment plan. Huddles often take place at the bedside, where team members can engage patients and include them in the plan. A final debriefing gives team members an opportunity to communicate their experiences and identify areas that can be improved in the future.
"You are trying to provide a safety net for your team by maintaining situational awareness," Deering said. "You're not calling anybody's performance into question. It's really about watching out for each other and making sure you're doing the right thing for the patient."
Army Maj. Amber Pocrnich, a labor and delivery nurse from Fort Riley, Kan., now deployed to Iraq, said TeamSTEPPS provides new avenues to communicate more effectively and enhances her ability to work in teams.
"It's a tool bag to help with communication and to work more effectively. Everybody comes with a different level of experience, communication style or personality. It's a way to help build a team," Pocrnich said.
During their work at the 86th Combat Army Support Hospital in Iraq, Deering and Pocrnich had the opportunity to observe the positive impact of the TeamSTEPPS in action.
"We saw a significant decrease in the number of errors due to communication issues and the number of medication errors that happened," Deering said.
TeamSTEPPS can be adapted to meet the challenges of a combat support hospital, including multiple casualties, unique patterns of injury, language and cultural differences and long-distance travel through the combat environment. Because health care teams often are assembled after deployment, it is critical that newly formed teams quickly develop their technical and communication skills through simulation exercises, refresher training and practice in theater.
"Medical care in the deployed environment is challenging. We all come from different areas to this one unit, and usually teams haven't worked together for very long when they get into theater," Pocrnich said.
More than 100 specialty units and clinics have received some level of TeamSTEPPS training and are in various stages of implementation in military treatment facilities. Also, more than 1,200 trainers and coaches have been trained in teamwork principles.
Deering and Pocrnich expressed optimism that TeamSTEPPS ultimately will be integrated into all military medical systems before deployment to minimize subsequent errors and foster a safer and more effective medical environment.
"Health care is our practice, but our mission is patient safety," Pocrnich said.
(John Ohab holds a doctorate in neuroscience and works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Badge of Life
Editor's Note: The information presented on PTSD is applicable to military personnel.
On February 13, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Sergeant Andy O’Hara, California Highway Patrol (ret.), Executive Director of The Badge of Life.
Program Date: February 13, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: The Badge of Life
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
About the Badge of Life
According to The Badge of Life, they “are a group of active and retired police officers from the United States and Canada who are victims of trauma-related injuries from our law enforcement service. We have suffered the worst that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brings—the hopelessness, the despair, the flashbacks, the attempts at suicide, the nightmares and insomnia, the panicky hypervigilence, anxiety and terror. Among us are victims of both critical incident and cumulative PTSD.
Our personal experiences are varied and representative of what occurs in police work—shootings, violent attacks, the loss of fellow officers, near-death experiences, helplessly watching the death of a child, and more. We were drawn together out of a determination to help others avoid our fate. With the help of experts in the field like John Violanti, PhD (author of Police Suicide, Epidemic in Blue and Under the Blue Shadow), Dr. Janak Mehtani, an expert on PTSD and Catherine Leon, LCSW, who has worked extensively with PTSD and law enforcement, we began to set a path.
We found that many departments still lack adequate suicide prevention programs. We found many departments have excellent programs—but limit themselves to suicide awareness and prevention. Our program came after long discussion and research--and the realization that, in the search for complex answers, we were all missing the simple solutions! Thus came about the Badge of Life program--a common sense approach to law enforcement stress and trauma that stunned even us by its utter simplicity.
About the Guest
Sergeant Andy O'Hara, California Highway Patrol (ret.) is a military veteran and the Executive Director of The Badge of Life. According to Sergeant O’Hara, he “spent his last day of law enforcement sitting on the bedroom floor with his gun, trying to decide whether to shoot himself in the mouth or side of the head. Hospitalized twice with the effects of his post traumatic stress, he has written on this topic and spoken to numerous groups about the importance of this new program. Through those presentations, he has realized how well received and effective the message truly is. He is a member of the California Peer Support Association, the International Police Association and works as a peer volunteer with the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
On February 13, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Sergeant Andy O’Hara, California Highway Patrol (ret.), Executive Director of The Badge of Life.
Program Date: February 13, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: The Badge of Life
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
About the Badge of Life
According to The Badge of Life, they “are a group of active and retired police officers from the United States and Canada who are victims of trauma-related injuries from our law enforcement service. We have suffered the worst that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brings—the hopelessness, the despair, the flashbacks, the attempts at suicide, the nightmares and insomnia, the panicky hypervigilence, anxiety and terror. Among us are victims of both critical incident and cumulative PTSD.
Our personal experiences are varied and representative of what occurs in police work—shootings, violent attacks, the loss of fellow officers, near-death experiences, helplessly watching the death of a child, and more. We were drawn together out of a determination to help others avoid our fate. With the help of experts in the field like John Violanti, PhD (author of Police Suicide, Epidemic in Blue and Under the Blue Shadow), Dr. Janak Mehtani, an expert on PTSD and Catherine Leon, LCSW, who has worked extensively with PTSD and law enforcement, we began to set a path.
We found that many departments still lack adequate suicide prevention programs. We found many departments have excellent programs—but limit themselves to suicide awareness and prevention. Our program came after long discussion and research--and the realization that, in the search for complex answers, we were all missing the simple solutions! Thus came about the Badge of Life program--a common sense approach to law enforcement stress and trauma that stunned even us by its utter simplicity.
About the Guest
Sergeant Andy O'Hara, California Highway Patrol (ret.) is a military veteran and the Executive Director of The Badge of Life. According to Sergeant O’Hara, he “spent his last day of law enforcement sitting on the bedroom floor with his gun, trying to decide whether to shoot himself in the mouth or side of the head. Hospitalized twice with the effects of his post traumatic stress, he has written on this topic and spoken to numerous groups about the importance of this new program. Through those presentations, he has realized how well received and effective the message truly is. He is a member of the California Peer Support Association, the International Police Association and works as a peer volunteer with the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Saturday, January 24, 2009
USMC Battle Color Detachment 2009 Performance Feb 28, 2009
The following information is regarding the USMC Battle Color Detachment Performance February 28, 2009 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Ca. The gates will open at 10 a.m. and the performance will kick off at 11 a.m. The event is FREE and open to the public. Seats are first come first serve. The following attachment is a flyer to promote the event. Please pass along and get the word out. For more information please contact me at the below information. Thank you for your time.
BACKGROUND INFO:
The Battle Color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Marine Corps Color Guard. All are attached to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., also known as the "Oldest Post of the Corps." These Marines appear in hundreds of ceremonies annually across the country and abroad.
The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, known as "The Commandant's Own," combines contemporary songs and traditional marching music with uniquely choreographed drill movements in a program entitled "Music in Motion."
The Silent Drill Platoon performs a precision drill unlike any other. With fixed bayonets atop their highly polished M-1 rifles, these Marines entertain the audience with their intricate drill routine performed without verbal commands. The Silent Drill Platoon's rifle inspector highlights the performance with an unrivaled inspection of his Marines, performing difficult rifle spins and exchanges.
The Marine Corps Color guard carries the official Battle Colors of the Marine Corps. The 54 streamers and silver bands displayed on the Battle Colors commemorate the military campaigns in which Marines have participated. They span the entire history of the nation, from the American Revolution to the present.
The Color Sergeant is responsible for carrying the National Colors, and is considered the senior sergeant in the Marine Corps. He is selected for this important position from among many other outstanding sergeants throughout the Marine Corps.
Semper Fidelis,
Sergeant Miguel A. Carrasco
Marketing & Public Affairs Rep
U.S. Marine Corps
5051 Rodeo Road, Suite 2036
Los Angeles, Ca 90016
Office: (323) 294-3679
Cell: (323) 578-3573
Fax: (323) 294-0415
Email: miguel.carrasco@marines.usmc.mil
BACKGROUND INFO:
The Battle Color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Marine Corps Color Guard. All are attached to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., also known as the "Oldest Post of the Corps." These Marines appear in hundreds of ceremonies annually across the country and abroad.
The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, known as "The Commandant's Own," combines contemporary songs and traditional marching music with uniquely choreographed drill movements in a program entitled "Music in Motion."
The Silent Drill Platoon performs a precision drill unlike any other. With fixed bayonets atop their highly polished M-1 rifles, these Marines entertain the audience with their intricate drill routine performed without verbal commands. The Silent Drill Platoon's rifle inspector highlights the performance with an unrivaled inspection of his Marines, performing difficult rifle spins and exchanges.
The Marine Corps Color guard carries the official Battle Colors of the Marine Corps. The 54 streamers and silver bands displayed on the Battle Colors commemorate the military campaigns in which Marines have participated. They span the entire history of the nation, from the American Revolution to the present.
The Color Sergeant is responsible for carrying the National Colors, and is considered the senior sergeant in the Marine Corps. He is selected for this important position from among many other outstanding sergeants throughout the Marine Corps.
Semper Fidelis,
Sergeant Miguel A. Carrasco
Marketing & Public Affairs Rep
U.S. Marine Corps
5051 Rodeo Road, Suite 2036
Los Angeles, Ca 90016
Office: (323) 294-3679
Cell: (323) 578-3573
Fax: (323) 294-0415
Email: miguel.carrasco@marines.usmc.mil
Military Books
Military-Writers.com is pleased to announce the addition of these servicemembers to the website:
Colonel Donald E. Alsbro, USA (ret.)
Commander William H. Roberts, USN (ret.)
Colonel Marti Giacobe, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Paul E. Wilson, USMC (ret.)
Colonel Joseph P. Martino, USAF (ret.)
Colonel James J. Hayes, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Thomas D. Phillips, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Donald Kipfer, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Richard Morgan Szybist, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel W.C. Floyd, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James A. Scott, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Al Ridenhour, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Kincheon H. Bailey, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Dick Reynolds, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James M. Toomey, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Charles Lane Toomey, USA (ret.)
Major Wayne Creech, USAF (ret.)
Major B. Diggs Brown, USA
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack McDevitt, USN (ret.)
Alan Sandomir, USA
Daniel Patrick Mahoney, USMC
Louis Gervasio, USA
Thomas J. Fitzsimmons, USN
Bernard B. Kerik, USA
The Website now lists 846 servicemembers and their 2675 books.
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
This information was sponsored by Criminal Justice Degree information online.
Colonel Donald E. Alsbro, USA (ret.)
Commander William H. Roberts, USN (ret.)
Colonel Marti Giacobe, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Paul E. Wilson, USMC (ret.)
Colonel Joseph P. Martino, USAF (ret.)
Colonel James J. Hayes, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Thomas D. Phillips, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Donald Kipfer, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Richard Morgan Szybist, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel W.C. Floyd, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James A. Scott, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Al Ridenhour, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Kincheon H. Bailey, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Dick Reynolds, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James M. Toomey, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Charles Lane Toomey, USA (ret.)
Major Wayne Creech, USAF (ret.)
Major B. Diggs Brown, USA
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack McDevitt, USN (ret.)
Alan Sandomir, USA
Daniel Patrick Mahoney, USMC
Louis Gervasio, USA
Thomas J. Fitzsimmons, USN
Bernard B. Kerik, USA
The Website now lists 846 servicemembers and their 2675 books.
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
This information was sponsored by Criminal Justice Degree information online.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Missing WWII Soldiers are Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
They are Pfc. Julian H. Rogers, of Bloomington, Ind, and Pvt. Henry E. Marquez, of Kansas City, Kan. Both men were U.S. Army. Rogers will be buried in the spring in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., and Marquez will be buried on May 30 in Kansas City, Mo.
Representatives from the Army's Mortuary Office met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
In November 1944, the 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, was attacking east through the Hürtgen Forest in an attempt to capture the German towns of Vossenack and Schmidt. On Nov. 4, the Germans counterattacked in what would become one of the longest running battles in U.S. history. Rogers and Marquez, both members of G Company, 112th Infantry Regiment, were reported killed in action near Vossenack on Nov. 4. Their bodies were not recovered.
In 2007, a German citizen searching for wartime relics in the Hürtgen Forest uncovered human remains and military identification tags for Rogers and Marquez. He notified U.S. officials and a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team excavated the site later that year. The team recovered human remains and non-biological material.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1420.
They are Pfc. Julian H. Rogers, of Bloomington, Ind, and Pvt. Henry E. Marquez, of Kansas City, Kan. Both men were U.S. Army. Rogers will be buried in the spring in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., and Marquez will be buried on May 30 in Kansas City, Mo.
Representatives from the Army's Mortuary Office met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
In November 1944, the 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, was attacking east through the Hürtgen Forest in an attempt to capture the German towns of Vossenack and Schmidt. On Nov. 4, the Germans counterattacked in what would become one of the longest running battles in U.S. history. Rogers and Marquez, both members of G Company, 112th Infantry Regiment, were reported killed in action near Vossenack on Nov. 4. Their bodies were not recovered.
In 2007, a German citizen searching for wartime relics in the Hürtgen Forest uncovered human remains and military identification tags for Rogers and Marquez. He notified U.S. officials and a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team excavated the site later that year. The team recovered human remains and non-biological material.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1420.
Partnership Key to Joint Forces Command Experimentation Success
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - As U.S. Joint Forces Command pursues capability improvements over the long term, its experimentation chief is keeping one eye focused on current needs -- as defined by warfighters themselves. Navy Rear Adm. Dan Davenport's job as director of the command's Joint Concept Development and Experimentation, or J9, directorate is to come up with long-term solutions to meet unmet or yet-unrecognized requirements.
"Joint concept development and experimentation is really about finding solutions to the biggest challenges facing [the Defense Department], as defined by our warfighters," he explained.
As Davenport describes the process, the word "partnership" peppers the explanation.
"This effort isn't done in a vacuum," he said. "It's a partnership all the way, from identifying problems to coming up with appropriate solutions to developing the tools to implement those solutions."
The partnership begins at square one, with combatant commanders and service chiefs submitting their most pressing problems or needs, which Joint Forces Command officials call "warfighter challenges."
The command's experimentation directorate compiles these requirements, prioritizing those with the biggest impact on capability and the broadest defense application.
The results, captured in the Joint Concept Development and Experimentation campaign plan for 2009 and 2010, spell out major projects the command will undertake or support during the next two years.
Marine Gen. James N. Mattis, commander of Joint Forces Command, signed off on the plan last fall, and it is already being implemented to meet some of the biggest military challenges, Davenport said.
The new plan balances near- and long-term needs. "Joint Forces Command is one of [the Defense Department's] primary futures organizations, and we need to be looking to the future," Davenport said.
"But we also need to be contributing to the current fight and current operations," he continued. "So we maintain a balance in our focus between providing near-term solutions and looking to the future and developing concepts and capabilities that will meet those future needs."
Big improvements Joint Forces Command aims to achieve in its new campaign plan are improved command and control capabilities for joint force commanders, enhanced cyber-operations capabilities and better ways to detect and interdict radiological and nuclear threats.
"Most of the things we are working on are really hard," Davenport conceded. "But that's what we at Joint Forces Command should be about. We should be the command that works on the hard stuff and comes up with solutions that really hit pay dirt."
Hitting "pay dirt" requires partnership at every level -- from identifying requirements to testing potential solutions to putting the best ones into effect.
So as it addresses challenges outlined in its 2009-2010 campaign plan, Joint Forces Command's Joint Concept Development and Experimentation directorate is keeping its ultimate customers -- the warfighters themselves -- front and center throughout the process.
The first step, Davenport explained, is to develop a precise and universally accepted description of what the command is setting out to do.
"The key is to define clearly the problem that needs to be solved," he said. "The more clearly we can define the problem, the more effective our solution will be."
Next, Joint Forces Command looks across the Defense Department, tapping into its laboratories and other services that Davenport calls "solution providers" and bringing them face to face with the operators.
"The idea here is to bring together the solution providers with the operators -- the users -- and put them together in an experiment and see where the gaps are, what works and what doen't," he said.
Experimentation is a complicated endeavor that frequently uses modeling and simulation to replicate real-life operating environments. Davenport's team sets up experiments that put operators through the exact procedures they'd follow in real-world operations. As they go through the paces, the operators provide feedback and they help test new approaches, tools and capabilities.
"The experiments we do are not done in isolation," Davenport said. "We don't come back here to Suffolk and close all the doors and do all this magic work and them come out with a solution. We have the experts and operators doing all this kind of stuff on a day-to-day basis involved throughout."
Although the command often hosts experiments at its Warfighter Center here, technological advances have made long-distance experimentation a more viable alternative, Davenport said.
"That's really our preferred way of doing business," Davenport said. "We can generate scenario and experimentation environment stimulants for the participants here, but distribute out to their home station. That way, they are sitting in their own operations center with their own equipment and able to participate in the experiment just as if they were doing real-world operations."
This produces the most valid results and the best evidence of success to decision-makers, he said.
The command's work isn't over when it comes up with a workable solution. The final challenge is to pave the way for it to be put into effect, a process that can require changes in doctrine, organization, training, logistics, staffing, facilities and even policy.
Again, Davenport said, that requires partnership so the right people are ready to do what's necessary to put a new solution into effect as quickly as possible.
"It's not acceptable for us to come up with great ideas in experimentation, and then put them on a shelf," Davenport said. "Once we come up with solutions, we need to ensure that the solutions actually drive change. We owe that to the warfighters we are working to support."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - As U.S. Joint Forces Command pursues capability improvements over the long term, its experimentation chief is keeping one eye focused on current needs -- as defined by warfighters themselves. Navy Rear Adm. Dan Davenport's job as director of the command's Joint Concept Development and Experimentation, or J9, directorate is to come up with long-term solutions to meet unmet or yet-unrecognized requirements.
"Joint concept development and experimentation is really about finding solutions to the biggest challenges facing [the Defense Department], as defined by our warfighters," he explained.
As Davenport describes the process, the word "partnership" peppers the explanation.
"This effort isn't done in a vacuum," he said. "It's a partnership all the way, from identifying problems to coming up with appropriate solutions to developing the tools to implement those solutions."
The partnership begins at square one, with combatant commanders and service chiefs submitting their most pressing problems or needs, which Joint Forces Command officials call "warfighter challenges."
The command's experimentation directorate compiles these requirements, prioritizing those with the biggest impact on capability and the broadest defense application.
The results, captured in the Joint Concept Development and Experimentation campaign plan for 2009 and 2010, spell out major projects the command will undertake or support during the next two years.
Marine Gen. James N. Mattis, commander of Joint Forces Command, signed off on the plan last fall, and it is already being implemented to meet some of the biggest military challenges, Davenport said.
The new plan balances near- and long-term needs. "Joint Forces Command is one of [the Defense Department's] primary futures organizations, and we need to be looking to the future," Davenport said.
"But we also need to be contributing to the current fight and current operations," he continued. "So we maintain a balance in our focus between providing near-term solutions and looking to the future and developing concepts and capabilities that will meet those future needs."
Big improvements Joint Forces Command aims to achieve in its new campaign plan are improved command and control capabilities for joint force commanders, enhanced cyber-operations capabilities and better ways to detect and interdict radiological and nuclear threats.
"Most of the things we are working on are really hard," Davenport conceded. "But that's what we at Joint Forces Command should be about. We should be the command that works on the hard stuff and comes up with solutions that really hit pay dirt."
Hitting "pay dirt" requires partnership at every level -- from identifying requirements to testing potential solutions to putting the best ones into effect.
So as it addresses challenges outlined in its 2009-2010 campaign plan, Joint Forces Command's Joint Concept Development and Experimentation directorate is keeping its ultimate customers -- the warfighters themselves -- front and center throughout the process.
The first step, Davenport explained, is to develop a precise and universally accepted description of what the command is setting out to do.
"The key is to define clearly the problem that needs to be solved," he said. "The more clearly we can define the problem, the more effective our solution will be."
Next, Joint Forces Command looks across the Defense Department, tapping into its laboratories and other services that Davenport calls "solution providers" and bringing them face to face with the operators.
"The idea here is to bring together the solution providers with the operators -- the users -- and put them together in an experiment and see where the gaps are, what works and what doen't," he said.
Experimentation is a complicated endeavor that frequently uses modeling and simulation to replicate real-life operating environments. Davenport's team sets up experiments that put operators through the exact procedures they'd follow in real-world operations. As they go through the paces, the operators provide feedback and they help test new approaches, tools and capabilities.
"The experiments we do are not done in isolation," Davenport said. "We don't come back here to Suffolk and close all the doors and do all this magic work and them come out with a solution. We have the experts and operators doing all this kind of stuff on a day-to-day basis involved throughout."
Although the command often hosts experiments at its Warfighter Center here, technological advances have made long-distance experimentation a more viable alternative, Davenport said.
"That's really our preferred way of doing business," Davenport said. "We can generate scenario and experimentation environment stimulants for the participants here, but distribute out to their home station. That way, they are sitting in their own operations center with their own equipment and able to participate in the experiment just as if they were doing real-world operations."
This produces the most valid results and the best evidence of success to decision-makers, he said.
The command's work isn't over when it comes up with a workable solution. The final challenge is to pave the way for it to be put into effect, a process that can require changes in doctrine, organization, training, logistics, staffing, facilities and even policy.
Again, Davenport said, that requires partnership so the right people are ready to do what's necessary to put a new solution into effect as quickly as possible.
"It's not acceptable for us to come up with great ideas in experimentation, and then put them on a shelf," Davenport said. "Once we come up with solutions, we need to ensure that the solutions actually drive change. We owe that to the warfighters we are working to support."
Military Service Secretaries Stay On, Help Ensure Smooth Transition
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - Each U.S. military service secretary has agreed to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' request to stay in office for at least several weeks to help ensure the Defense Department's smooth transition under the Obama administration, Pentagon officials said recently. "They have been asked and have agreed to serve for some time as the new administration works on identifying individuals to fill those positions," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told American Forces Press Service yesterday.
Navy Capt. Beci Brento, a spokeswoman for Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter, said "he will not stay on for any duration of time after March 13."
Winter became the 74th Navy secretary in January 2006. Before swearing into office, he was a corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector.
Army Secretary Pete Geren and Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley have not announced a timeline for their stay, but Army and Air Force officials today confirmed both secretaries' willingness to continue serving in their positions until their successors are named and confirmed by Senate.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Gates in service to our soldiers and their families, and working with the transition team to ensure an orderly transition to the new administration," Geren said in a recent statement, adding that his work with the men and women of the U.S. Army is "truly the privilege of a lifetime."
Geren became the acting Army secretary in March 2007 and was confirmed by the Senate as the Army's 20th secretary the following July. Geren also has held the Army's No. 2 civilian leader position, serving as its undersecretary from February 2006 until he assumed top responsibilities. Before that, he served six months as the acting Air Force secretary.
Donley was sworn into office in October 2008. Prior to becoming the 22nd Air Force secretary, he served as the Defense Department's director of administration and management. He was responsible for the department's organizational and management planning.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - Each U.S. military service secretary has agreed to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' request to stay in office for at least several weeks to help ensure the Defense Department's smooth transition under the Obama administration, Pentagon officials said recently. "They have been asked and have agreed to serve for some time as the new administration works on identifying individuals to fill those positions," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told American Forces Press Service yesterday.
Navy Capt. Beci Brento, a spokeswoman for Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter, said "he will not stay on for any duration of time after March 13."
Winter became the 74th Navy secretary in January 2006. Before swearing into office, he was a corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector.
Army Secretary Pete Geren and Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley have not announced a timeline for their stay, but Army and Air Force officials today confirmed both secretaries' willingness to continue serving in their positions until their successors are named and confirmed by Senate.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Gates in service to our soldiers and their families, and working with the transition team to ensure an orderly transition to the new administration," Geren said in a recent statement, adding that his work with the men and women of the U.S. Army is "truly the privilege of a lifetime."
Geren became the acting Army secretary in March 2007 and was confirmed by the Senate as the Army's 20th secretary the following July. Geren also has held the Army's No. 2 civilian leader position, serving as its undersecretary from February 2006 until he assumed top responsibilities. Before that, he served six months as the acting Air Force secretary.
Donley was sworn into office in October 2008. Prior to becoming the 22nd Air Force secretary, he served as the Defense Department's director of administration and management. He was responsible for the department's organizational and management planning.
'Helping A Hero' Donates Homes to Wounded Soldiers
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - Army Spc. Sergio Trejo always dreamed of owning his own home. But after he was injured by a homemade bomb during his second tour of duty in Iraq, he said he felt his dream was out of reach. The explosion left him with a broken back, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"My [Veterans Affairs] counselor was helping me look for a home," Trejo said. "It was, at times, overwhelming. She told me to look into the 'Helping A Hero' program and fill out the application. After several weeks I finally did, and today, my family and I are enjoying our new home."
Helping A Hero is a troop-support group dedicated to providing an array of support, including financial and emotional, to severely injured military personnel and their families, according to the group's Web site. Its 'Wounded Hero Home' program provides specially adapted homes to wounded warriors, with 11 homes donated to wounded servicemembers and veterans last year, officials said.
Trejo, his wife, Jessica, and children, Trinity and David, received the keys to their new home last month in the Delany Cove community of Houston.
Working in partnership with Helping a Hero, Friendswood Development Company donated the home site.
"We were honored to present the keys to this new home to a deserving American hero and say thank you in a tangible way for his valiant service to our great nation," Meredith Iler, national chairman of the Helping a Hero home program, said. "This beautiful new home will enable this wounded hero to build a new life."
The new home offered Trejo a fresh start since the long-term effects of TBI and PTSD, accompanied by his short-term memory problems, left Trejo unable to work.
"If it wasn't for Helping Hero, we would probably still be in an apartment," Trejo said. "This has allowed me to focus more on getting better."
By providing specially adapted homes to qualifying wounded military members and veterans, Helping Hero leaders hope to equip them with the foundation they need to transition successfully into their local communities.
"I am so proud of Sergio Trejo for his bravery in combat and his courage in the rehabilitation process," Iler said. "He is a leader and an encourager to other wounded heroes who have just begun their journey of recovery."
The average value of each home donated by Helping a Hero is about $250,000. Iler said the current housing crisis has not affected the groups' ability to secure donations and volunteers.
"We have been blessed to bring together patriotic Americans who are builders, developers, individual and foundation donors who are committed to saying 'thank you' to our wounded heroes in a tangible way," Iler said.
Trejo said he is thankful for the program.
"I feel extremely blessed," Trejo said. "Just the other night, my wife and I were sitting, looking around the house, still not believing it is ours. We could have never purchased a house like this on our own. It's just a dream come true."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - Army Spc. Sergio Trejo always dreamed of owning his own home. But after he was injured by a homemade bomb during his second tour of duty in Iraq, he said he felt his dream was out of reach. The explosion left him with a broken back, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"My [Veterans Affairs] counselor was helping me look for a home," Trejo said. "It was, at times, overwhelming. She told me to look into the 'Helping A Hero' program and fill out the application. After several weeks I finally did, and today, my family and I are enjoying our new home."
Helping A Hero is a troop-support group dedicated to providing an array of support, including financial and emotional, to severely injured military personnel and their families, according to the group's Web site. Its 'Wounded Hero Home' program provides specially adapted homes to wounded warriors, with 11 homes donated to wounded servicemembers and veterans last year, officials said.
Trejo, his wife, Jessica, and children, Trinity and David, received the keys to their new home last month in the Delany Cove community of Houston.
Working in partnership with Helping a Hero, Friendswood Development Company donated the home site.
"We were honored to present the keys to this new home to a deserving American hero and say thank you in a tangible way for his valiant service to our great nation," Meredith Iler, national chairman of the Helping a Hero home program, said. "This beautiful new home will enable this wounded hero to build a new life."
The new home offered Trejo a fresh start since the long-term effects of TBI and PTSD, accompanied by his short-term memory problems, left Trejo unable to work.
"If it wasn't for Helping Hero, we would probably still be in an apartment," Trejo said. "This has allowed me to focus more on getting better."
By providing specially adapted homes to qualifying wounded military members and veterans, Helping Hero leaders hope to equip them with the foundation they need to transition successfully into their local communities.
"I am so proud of Sergio Trejo for his bravery in combat and his courage in the rehabilitation process," Iler said. "He is a leader and an encourager to other wounded heroes who have just begun their journey of recovery."
The average value of each home donated by Helping a Hero is about $250,000. Iler said the current housing crisis has not affected the groups' ability to secure donations and volunteers.
"We have been blessed to bring together patriotic Americans who are builders, developers, individual and foundation donors who are committed to saying 'thank you' to our wounded heroes in a tangible way," Iler said.
Trejo said he is thankful for the program.
"I feel extremely blessed," Trejo said. "Just the other night, my wife and I were sitting, looking around the house, still not believing it is ours. We could have never purchased a house like this on our own. It's just a dream come true."
Africom Commander Pledges Support to African Nations
By Kenneth Fidler
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Africa Command delivered an unwavering message of assistance during his recent travels to African nations. Africom officials are listening to and learning about security issues from their African partners and will help where possible, Army Gen. William E. Ward said.
Ward brought that message in person Jan. 21 to this island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa. It was the first official visit of a top U.S. military commander to the nation.
"Our command is dedicated to doing its best 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help the nations of Africa address their security concerns," Ward said to about 40 Comoran journalists, students and teachers gathered for a press conference.
"What you say matters to us," he said.
Ward and U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Stromayer met with Comoros' Vice President Idi Nadhoim, Defense Minister Mohamed Dossar and Defense Forces Chief of Staff Salimou Mohamed Amiri to fully understand the security challenges facing the country.
The previous day, Ward met with the president of Madagascar and top government ministers to discuss ways to boost its homeland security.
Africom, from its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, works to assist militaries of African nations to increase their security capacity. Prior to the creation of the command, U.S. military relations with Comoros and Madagascar were coordinated by U.S. Pacific Command, headquartered in Hawaii.
"Africa Command works through U.S. embassies to provide military-to-military assistance to African countries when appropriate and requested," Jerry Lanier, Ward's foreign policy advisor, said.
"We only go where we are invited and where our presence and what we do reinforces U.S. foreign policy," he said.
Lanier attended the meetings with Ward and said they helped to provide general insight into each country's priorities and desires.
"What's important is that now the dialogue has been established," Lanier said. "When a request for military assistance comes to us from the ambassador, we will already have a good amount of clarity of what it is they are looking for."
According to Ward, the Comoran government asked for assistance with maritime safety and security. In response to this request, the United States will provide Comoros with a patrol boat later this year. The boat will be funded by the Foreign Military Financing program, which provides grants and loans to help countries buy U.S.-produced defense equipment.
Additionally, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa has sent training teams to conduct basic maritime security training. The task force is an Africom subordinate command in Djibouti with direct oversight of U.S. military assistance programs in Comoros and other nations in the east Africa region.
The U.S. Navy also is working with Comoros to eventually install an Automatic Information System to identify and track vessels in the country's territorial waters to improve maritime domain awareness.
However, the most visible impact of U.S. military assistance to Comoros comes from a dozen U.S. Navy Mobile Construction Battalion "Seabees."
Seabee teams have deployed in the region since 2007 to construct a six-room school building, which is scheduled to be completed in July 2009.
Comoros, comprising three islands that together are about the size of Delaware, is among the world's poorest and least-developed nations. Among its leaders' top priorities is improving education. This school, on the island of Grande Comore, is the third such project the U.S. military has built there since 2007.
"You're basically improving something for somebody who doesn't have anything," Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Beardsley, the project's leading petty officer, said. "You get a good night's sleep. You get to make some family's life a little bit better. Their kids are getting a chance to learn."
Built entirely of cinder block and hand-mixed concrete, the school will accommodate about 250 students attending the U.S. equivalent of high school and junior college.
Ward toured the site, presented his commander's coin to the Seabees, and listened as they explained how they were building the school.
"You're here to help in an area that makes the greatest difference for the children," Ward told the Seabees. "I'm proud of the work that you're doing away from home. This resonates louder and longer than anything that we can do. Well done."
(Kenneth Fidler serves in the U.S. Africa Command public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - The commander of U.S. Africa Command delivered an unwavering message of assistance during his recent travels to African nations. Africom officials are listening to and learning about security issues from their African partners and will help where possible, Army Gen. William E. Ward said.
Ward brought that message in person Jan. 21 to this island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa. It was the first official visit of a top U.S. military commander to the nation.
"Our command is dedicated to doing its best 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help the nations of Africa address their security concerns," Ward said to about 40 Comoran journalists, students and teachers gathered for a press conference.
"What you say matters to us," he said.
Ward and U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Stromayer met with Comoros' Vice President Idi Nadhoim, Defense Minister Mohamed Dossar and Defense Forces Chief of Staff Salimou Mohamed Amiri to fully understand the security challenges facing the country.
The previous day, Ward met with the president of Madagascar and top government ministers to discuss ways to boost its homeland security.
Africom, from its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, works to assist militaries of African nations to increase their security capacity. Prior to the creation of the command, U.S. military relations with Comoros and Madagascar were coordinated by U.S. Pacific Command, headquartered in Hawaii.
"Africa Command works through U.S. embassies to provide military-to-military assistance to African countries when appropriate and requested," Jerry Lanier, Ward's foreign policy advisor, said.
"We only go where we are invited and where our presence and what we do reinforces U.S. foreign policy," he said.
Lanier attended the meetings with Ward and said they helped to provide general insight into each country's priorities and desires.
"What's important is that now the dialogue has been established," Lanier said. "When a request for military assistance comes to us from the ambassador, we will already have a good amount of clarity of what it is they are looking for."
According to Ward, the Comoran government asked for assistance with maritime safety and security. In response to this request, the United States will provide Comoros with a patrol boat later this year. The boat will be funded by the Foreign Military Financing program, which provides grants and loans to help countries buy U.S.-produced defense equipment.
Additionally, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa has sent training teams to conduct basic maritime security training. The task force is an Africom subordinate command in Djibouti with direct oversight of U.S. military assistance programs in Comoros and other nations in the east Africa region.
The U.S. Navy also is working with Comoros to eventually install an Automatic Information System to identify and track vessels in the country's territorial waters to improve maritime domain awareness.
However, the most visible impact of U.S. military assistance to Comoros comes from a dozen U.S. Navy Mobile Construction Battalion "Seabees."
Seabee teams have deployed in the region since 2007 to construct a six-room school building, which is scheduled to be completed in July 2009.
Comoros, comprising three islands that together are about the size of Delaware, is among the world's poorest and least-developed nations. Among its leaders' top priorities is improving education. This school, on the island of Grande Comore, is the third such project the U.S. military has built there since 2007.
"You're basically improving something for somebody who doesn't have anything," Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Beardsley, the project's leading petty officer, said. "You get a good night's sleep. You get to make some family's life a little bit better. Their kids are getting a chance to learn."
Built entirely of cinder block and hand-mixed concrete, the school will accommodate about 250 students attending the U.S. equivalent of high school and junior college.
Ward toured the site, presented his commander's coin to the Seabees, and listened as they explained how they were building the school.
"You're here to help in an area that makes the greatest difference for the children," Ward told the Seabees. "I'm proud of the work that you're doing away from home. This resonates louder and longer than anything that we can do. Well done."
(Kenneth Fidler serves in the U.S. Africa Command public affairs office.)
Missile Defense Agency Successfully Tests Newest Target Launcher
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - Missile Defense Agency officials announced the newest addition to the agency's "flexible target family" today after a successful rocket motor test yesterday at the China Lake Naval Warfare Center in Ridgecrest, Calif. The agency successfully completed a static-fire testing of the two-stage launch vehicle, known as the LV-2. It was integrated from former Navy Trident C4 rocket motors to imitate a long-range, intercontinental ballistic missile threat, Defense Missile Agency spokesman Rick Lehner told American Forces Press during a phone interview today.
"What we're trying to do, and what we have done, is develop different types of interceptors for different types of missiles based upon their range," Lehner explained, noting that the United States has proven interceptor missiles to use against short, medium, intermediate and long-range enemy missiles.
"What we have to do is develop target missiles that we would use in tests that would tell us what we think we may see from the enemy," he said.
In a statement released today, officials noted that the Missile Defense Agency has an array of target weaponry that emulates various measures of ballistic missile threats with a broad range of performance, characteristics and features to be used to test the Ballistic Missile Defense System.
The LV-2 replicates a long-range missile of the same type of technology that might be launched from North Korea or Iran, Lehner said.
"It's a new initiative by the Missile Defense Agency to develop this new generation of target missiles to make them more reliable, to make them better replicate what we think our threat missile will look like," he said. "You test your interceptors by what you think you will encounter during an actual war or attack."
The LV-2's test yesterday is the first, with one or two more to follow, Lehner said. Its first flight is planned for late spring or early summer as part of a larger-scale Ballistic Missile Defense System test, he added.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 23, 2009 - Missile Defense Agency officials announced the newest addition to the agency's "flexible target family" today after a successful rocket motor test yesterday at the China Lake Naval Warfare Center in Ridgecrest, Calif. The agency successfully completed a static-fire testing of the two-stage launch vehicle, known as the LV-2. It was integrated from former Navy Trident C4 rocket motors to imitate a long-range, intercontinental ballistic missile threat, Defense Missile Agency spokesman Rick Lehner told American Forces Press during a phone interview today.
"What we're trying to do, and what we have done, is develop different types of interceptors for different types of missiles based upon their range," Lehner explained, noting that the United States has proven interceptor missiles to use against short, medium, intermediate and long-range enemy missiles.
"What we have to do is develop target missiles that we would use in tests that would tell us what we think we may see from the enemy," he said.
In a statement released today, officials noted that the Missile Defense Agency has an array of target weaponry that emulates various measures of ballistic missile threats with a broad range of performance, characteristics and features to be used to test the Ballistic Missile Defense System.
The LV-2 replicates a long-range missile of the same type of technology that might be launched from North Korea or Iran, Lehner said.
"It's a new initiative by the Missile Defense Agency to develop this new generation of target missiles to make them more reliable, to make them better replicate what we think our threat missile will look like," he said. "You test your interceptors by what you think you will encounter during an actual war or attack."
The LV-2's test yesterday is the first, with one or two more to follow, Lehner said. Its first flight is planned for late spring or early summer as part of a larger-scale Ballistic Missile Defense System test, he added.
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