Editor’s Note: A copy is available here Counter Insurgency Manual
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 14, 2007 - A contributor to the Counterinsurgency Field Manual yesterday discussed the doctrine that codifies how the U.S. military can most effectively conduct asymmetric warfare. The doctrine, officially titled U.S. Army Field Manual 3-24 and Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 3-33.5, is a unique joint effort published in December 2006 by the two branches to help military and civilian operators face challenges posed by insurgencies that blend with civilian populations.
"In order to win that kind of war, in order to create security and stability in that environment, you cannot kill or capture your way to success," said Army Lt. Col. John A Nagl, a member of the writing team that penned the manual.
"What you have to do to defeat that kind of insurgency, to borrow Mao (Zedong's) phrase, is you have to drain the swamp: that is, decrease the number of people who support the ends of the insurgency," he said. "And the way you do that is by increasing the number of people who support the government and the coalition."
From September 2003 through September 2004, Nagl served as operations officer of 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, in Khalidiyah, Iraq, a city between Ramadi and Fallujah in Anbar province, then one of the country's most contentious regions.
Nagl said the insurgency there comprised one half of 1 percent of the population, equaling roughly 300 people who "actively wanted to kill us." The soldier's tank battalion task force numbered some 800, he said. By conventional logic, the conflict should have resulted in an unequivocal Army victory, but "those 300 were swimming in a sea of people," Nagl said.
The field manual emphasizes the roles of other U.S. government agencies in separating insurgents from civilians. It underscores that among such elements, a "unity of effort" -- the title of the manual's second chapter -- is vital in waging a successful counterinsurgency.
"All elements of the United States government ... must be integrated into the effort to build stable and secure societies that can secure their own borders and do not provide safe havens for terrorists," according to the field manual's foreword, written by Nagl, who now commands 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, at Fort Riley, Kan.
Nagl said the demand for codified doctrine was sorely needed by a U.S. military more prepared for conventional than asymmetric warfare. "It is not unfair to say that in 2003 most Army officers likely knew more about the U.S. Civil War than they did about counterinsurgency," the foreword says.
The notion that U.S. forces were not thoroughly trained in counterinsurgency strategy was echoed by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in a speech Oct. 10.
"Consider that in 1985 the core curriculum for the Army's 10-month Command and General Staff College assigned 30 hours -- about four days -- for what was is now called low-intensity conflict," Gates told the audience at the Association of the U.S. Army conference.
"This approach may have seemed validated by ultimate victory in the Cold War and the triumph of Desert Storm," he said, "but it left the service unprepared to deal with the operations that followed in Somalia, Haiti, the Balkans, and more recently Afghanistan and Iraq, the consequences and costs of which we are still struggling with today."
Gates called the counterinsurgency manual a milestone and added that the value of its tenants have been validated by recent progress in Iraq.
The manual was the culmination of efforts by a diverse group that includes academics, human rights advocates, representatives from journalism and non-governmental organizations, and top military strategists, including then-Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, now a four-star general and the commander of Multinational Force Iraq.
By all accounts, the 419-page field manual has been widely embraced. Not only was the manual downloaded more than 2 million times within two months of its release, but copies have even been discovered on Jihadi Web sites and in Taliban training camps in Pakistan.
Last year, the State Department hosted an interagency counterinsurgency conference that built a consensus behind the need for an interagency counterinsurgency manual, according to the field manual. In addition, the French government has expressed interest in partnering with the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany in a multilateral effort to frame counterinsurgency guidelines in an international context.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Ceremony Recognizes Extraordinary Troop Support
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - Americans who offer extraordinary support to the nation's servicemembers got the red-carpet treatment yesterday during a luncheon held in their honor at the famous Rainbow Room restaurant here. Microsoft Corp., in partnership with the United Service Organizations, honored the winners of the first Microsoft Above and Beyond Awards. Microsoft recently became a corporate supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. USO also is a supporter of the program.
More than 400 nominations were received for the awards. The public was invited to choose the winners from finalists in five categories. The votes totaled more than 30,000.
The winners are:
-- Outstanding Effort Award: Soldiers' Angels. Patti Patton-Bader started the organization when she discovered her son, who was serving in Iraq, was giving the care packages she was sending to troops who weren't getting any mail. Since its beginning, the group has grown to include more than 100,000 volunteers who regularly send care packages to servicemembers as well as other programs that benefit military families.
-- Medical Attention Award: Veterans Airlift Command. Walter Fricke, the organization's founder, is a retired helicopter pilot and a Vietnam veteran who spent six months recovering from a combat injury. His organization's network of volunteer pilots provides transportation to reconnect recovering veterans and their families. The 500 pilots in the network have flown more than 180,000 miles to reunite hundreds of families.
-- Youth Leadership Award: Brittany and Robbie Bergquist of Norwell, Mass. The teenage siblings started Cell Phones for Soldiers after hearing of a soldier who had run up an $8,000 phone bill calling home from overseas. Shocked that the military doesn't cover calls home, they worked to make sure servicemembers can stay in touch with family by recycling old cell phones and using the cash to purchase prepaid calling cards that they send to troops serving overseas.
-- Everyday Difference Award: Army Maj. Todd Schmidt, founder of Operation Dreamseed. The organization has sent hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of textbooks, supplies and clothing to school children in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. Schmidt got the idea while on patrol in Afghanistan after noting that the more the troops supported community schools, the more forthcoming the citizens were with important information that facilitated the U.S. military mission.
-- USO Promotion and Success Award: Paulette Nelson, of Savannah, Ga. Nelson makes sure that every servicemember passing through Fort Stewart's Hunter Army Airfield gets a welcome home or a farewell. The time of day is of no concern, and she often spends 12 or more hours welcoming troops or seeing them off. She also volunteers in the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's USO lounge.
Soldiers' Angels, Veterans Airlift Command, Cell Phones for Soldiers and Operation Dreamseed are supporters of the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
"We'd like to thank the exceptional individuals who go above and beyond every day to brighten the lives of our troops in a spirit that is akin to that of the USO," said Brian Whiting, president of USO New York, during the ceremony. "You put a name and a face to the genuine goodness, compassion and solidarity that are hard at work in this country every day.
"So often it is the unthinkable, the unimaginable, that make the headlines," he added. "So it is particularly refreshing to focus on, and to celebrate, a few of the everyday heroes among us."
Michael Allen, director of business strategy and operations for Microsoft's federal division, said the corporation was excited to recognize these very deserving individuals.
"They are amazing people," he said. "Every one of them said, 'This isn't about me. This is about the families. You're giving me a way to, hopefully, inspire others (and) bring more people to what I'm doing. But really, it's about the troops.'"
While all of the award winners were pleased about their awards, they were even more excited about the awareness that recognition from two well-respected organizations would bring to the troops and the need to support them.
"Just to know that Microsoft and the USO know who we are is a huge honor," Brittany Bergquist said. "It's a great feeling for us, and it brings ... awareness to what troops have to go through daily."
Patton-Bader also said the award would remind people of what the nation's troops are enduring.
"It has been a long road since my oldest son returned from Iraq, and my youngest is in Camp Fallujah right now," she said. "This award will hopefully remind people we still have our sons and daughters in harm's way. Only by our collaborative efforts can we hope to give the great support our heroes deserve."
Those collaborative efforts are paying off, according to two senior military leaders who attended the award ceremony.
Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the support these smaller organizations, as well as larger groups such as the USO, offer troops is vital.
"They're just always there for us. These people just give," he said. "They give well beyond what anyone asks them to give."
Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody said efforts like those that earned the recipients their awards stand as a lesson to the American public.
"(These groups) show America how they can get behind our soldiers," he said. "They don't have to put a uniform on to support our soldiers. Just a calling card, or (frequent flier) miles or the gifts at Christmas time, even just ... sending messages to those who are downrange telling them that you care about them" remind servicemembers they have support back home, he added.
Actress Joely Fisher emceed the star-studded event, attended by celebrities from TV shows "Rescue Me" and "Friday Night Lights." Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss Universe also were on hand.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - Americans who offer extraordinary support to the nation's servicemembers got the red-carpet treatment yesterday during a luncheon held in their honor at the famous Rainbow Room restaurant here. Microsoft Corp., in partnership with the United Service Organizations, honored the winners of the first Microsoft Above and Beyond Awards. Microsoft recently became a corporate supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. USO also is a supporter of the program.
More than 400 nominations were received for the awards. The public was invited to choose the winners from finalists in five categories. The votes totaled more than 30,000.
The winners are:
-- Outstanding Effort Award: Soldiers' Angels. Patti Patton-Bader started the organization when she discovered her son, who was serving in Iraq, was giving the care packages she was sending to troops who weren't getting any mail. Since its beginning, the group has grown to include more than 100,000 volunteers who regularly send care packages to servicemembers as well as other programs that benefit military families.
-- Medical Attention Award: Veterans Airlift Command. Walter Fricke, the organization's founder, is a retired helicopter pilot and a Vietnam veteran who spent six months recovering from a combat injury. His organization's network of volunteer pilots provides transportation to reconnect recovering veterans and their families. The 500 pilots in the network have flown more than 180,000 miles to reunite hundreds of families.
-- Youth Leadership Award: Brittany and Robbie Bergquist of Norwell, Mass. The teenage siblings started Cell Phones for Soldiers after hearing of a soldier who had run up an $8,000 phone bill calling home from overseas. Shocked that the military doesn't cover calls home, they worked to make sure servicemembers can stay in touch with family by recycling old cell phones and using the cash to purchase prepaid calling cards that they send to troops serving overseas.
-- Everyday Difference Award: Army Maj. Todd Schmidt, founder of Operation Dreamseed. The organization has sent hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of textbooks, supplies and clothing to school children in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. Schmidt got the idea while on patrol in Afghanistan after noting that the more the troops supported community schools, the more forthcoming the citizens were with important information that facilitated the U.S. military mission.
-- USO Promotion and Success Award: Paulette Nelson, of Savannah, Ga. Nelson makes sure that every servicemember passing through Fort Stewart's Hunter Army Airfield gets a welcome home or a farewell. The time of day is of no concern, and she often spends 12 or more hours welcoming troops or seeing them off. She also volunteers in the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport's USO lounge.
Soldiers' Angels, Veterans Airlift Command, Cell Phones for Soldiers and Operation Dreamseed are supporters of the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
"We'd like to thank the exceptional individuals who go above and beyond every day to brighten the lives of our troops in a spirit that is akin to that of the USO," said Brian Whiting, president of USO New York, during the ceremony. "You put a name and a face to the genuine goodness, compassion and solidarity that are hard at work in this country every day.
"So often it is the unthinkable, the unimaginable, that make the headlines," he added. "So it is particularly refreshing to focus on, and to celebrate, a few of the everyday heroes among us."
Michael Allen, director of business strategy and operations for Microsoft's federal division, said the corporation was excited to recognize these very deserving individuals.
"They are amazing people," he said. "Every one of them said, 'This isn't about me. This is about the families. You're giving me a way to, hopefully, inspire others (and) bring more people to what I'm doing. But really, it's about the troops.'"
While all of the award winners were pleased about their awards, they were even more excited about the awareness that recognition from two well-respected organizations would bring to the troops and the need to support them.
"Just to know that Microsoft and the USO know who we are is a huge honor," Brittany Bergquist said. "It's a great feeling for us, and it brings ... awareness to what troops have to go through daily."
Patton-Bader also said the award would remind people of what the nation's troops are enduring.
"It has been a long road since my oldest son returned from Iraq, and my youngest is in Camp Fallujah right now," she said. "This award will hopefully remind people we still have our sons and daughters in harm's way. Only by our collaborative efforts can we hope to give the great support our heroes deserve."
Those collaborative efforts are paying off, according to two senior military leaders who attended the award ceremony.
Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the support these smaller organizations, as well as larger groups such as the USO, offer troops is vital.
"They're just always there for us. These people just give," he said. "They give well beyond what anyone asks them to give."
Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody said efforts like those that earned the recipients their awards stand as a lesson to the American public.
"(These groups) show America how they can get behind our soldiers," he said. "They don't have to put a uniform on to support our soldiers. Just a calling card, or (frequent flier) miles or the gifts at Christmas time, even just ... sending messages to those who are downrange telling them that you care about them" remind servicemembers they have support back home, he added.
Actress Joely Fisher emceed the star-studded event, attended by celebrities from TV shows "Rescue Me" and "Friday Night Lights." Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss Universe also were on hand.
Bush Pays Tribute to Fallen Troops, Thanks Veterans
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 12, 2007 - During a ceremony at the American Legion post in Waco, Texas, yesterday, President Bush told the families of four servicemembers who died in Iraq that "their sacrifice will not be in vain. Bush called it a privilege to join veterans and the fallen servicemembers' families to honor two soldiers and two Marines – all of whom were "sons of Texas" – who gave their lives in freedom's cause, he said.
"The young men we remember today did not live to be called veterans," he said. "They died in a distant land fighting terror, spreading freedom, and protecting their fellow citizens from danger."
Families of fallen servicemembers are filled with "immeasurable pride" with regards to their loved one's valor and selfless devotion, said Bush, who sat next to Janie Shanks, grandmother of Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry, who was 28 when he died in Iraq on March 8, 2006, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
In addition to Fry, the ceremony paid special tribute to Army Spcs. Javier Antonio Villanueva, of Bellmead, and Jeffrey Paul Shaffer, of Waco, and Marine Lance Cpl. Johnny Ray Strong, of Waco.
"Yet this pride cannot fill the hole in their loved ones' aching hearts, or relieve the burden of grief that will remain for a lifetime," the president continued. "In their sorrow, these families need to know, and families all across the nation of the fallen need to know that your loved ones served a cause that is good, and just, and noble.
"And as their commander-in-chief," he continued, "I make you this promise: their sacrifice will not be in vain."
Bush said the country's veterans, many of whom have lost comrades on the battlefield, feel a special bond with America's fallen soldiers and their families. Moreover, when a beloved servicemember fell, many veterans felt determined to pick up the mantle, carry on the fight, and complete the mission, he said, adding that today's generation of servicemembers are fulfilling such resolve in the war on terror.
"Since the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, more than 2 million Americans have stepped forward to put on our nation's uniform, and during that same period, 1.5 million American troops have made the courageous decision to re-enlist and to stay in the fight," he said. "These men and women saw the future the terrorists intend for our country, and they said with clear voices: 'Not on my watch.'"
Bush said extremists of the same ilk as perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks hope to carry out more deadly strikes in the future. He said America's armed forces are fighting in foreign countries "to ensure we do not have to face them in our own land."
"And by spreading the hope of liberty to nations that have not known it," he added, "our troops are helping to defeat the ideology of the terrorists -- and secure a future of peace for generations to come."
Bush thanked veterans in the audience for answering America's call to duty. Their honorable and decent service humbled tyrants, liberated continents, freed millions from oppression, and transformed former enemies in Europe and Asia into allies.
"I thank you for your courage and your patriotism and your devotion to duty," he said. "I thank you for standing up for the men and women of our armed forces, and I thank you for all you do to support the families they leave behind during this time of war."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 12, 2007 - During a ceremony at the American Legion post in Waco, Texas, yesterday, President Bush told the families of four servicemembers who died in Iraq that "their sacrifice will not be in vain. Bush called it a privilege to join veterans and the fallen servicemembers' families to honor two soldiers and two Marines – all of whom were "sons of Texas" – who gave their lives in freedom's cause, he said.
"The young men we remember today did not live to be called veterans," he said. "They died in a distant land fighting terror, spreading freedom, and protecting their fellow citizens from danger."
Families of fallen servicemembers are filled with "immeasurable pride" with regards to their loved one's valor and selfless devotion, said Bush, who sat next to Janie Shanks, grandmother of Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry, who was 28 when he died in Iraq on March 8, 2006, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
In addition to Fry, the ceremony paid special tribute to Army Spcs. Javier Antonio Villanueva, of Bellmead, and Jeffrey Paul Shaffer, of Waco, and Marine Lance Cpl. Johnny Ray Strong, of Waco.
"Yet this pride cannot fill the hole in their loved ones' aching hearts, or relieve the burden of grief that will remain for a lifetime," the president continued. "In their sorrow, these families need to know, and families all across the nation of the fallen need to know that your loved ones served a cause that is good, and just, and noble.
"And as their commander-in-chief," he continued, "I make you this promise: their sacrifice will not be in vain."
Bush said the country's veterans, many of whom have lost comrades on the battlefield, feel a special bond with America's fallen soldiers and their families. Moreover, when a beloved servicemember fell, many veterans felt determined to pick up the mantle, carry on the fight, and complete the mission, he said, adding that today's generation of servicemembers are fulfilling such resolve in the war on terror.
"Since the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, more than 2 million Americans have stepped forward to put on our nation's uniform, and during that same period, 1.5 million American troops have made the courageous decision to re-enlist and to stay in the fight," he said. "These men and women saw the future the terrorists intend for our country, and they said with clear voices: 'Not on my watch.'"
Bush said extremists of the same ilk as perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks hope to carry out more deadly strikes in the future. He said America's armed forces are fighting in foreign countries "to ensure we do not have to face them in our own land."
"And by spreading the hope of liberty to nations that have not known it," he added, "our troops are helping to defeat the ideology of the terrorists -- and secure a future of peace for generations to come."
Bush thanked veterans in the audience for answering America's call to duty. Their honorable and decent service humbled tyrants, liberated continents, freed millions from oppression, and transformed former enemies in Europe and Asia into allies.
"I thank you for your courage and your patriotism and your devotion to duty," he said. "I thank you for standing up for the men and women of our armed forces, and I thank you for all you do to support the families they leave behind during this time of war."
All Military Components Meet, Exceed Recruiting Goals
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - The first month of fiscal 2008 was a success for all active and reserve military components. In a meeting with Pentagon reporters today, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said all components met or exceeded their recruiting and accession goals for October.
On the active-duty side, the Army made 101 percent of its goal of 4,500, with 4,564 recruits. The Navy made 100 percent of its goal of 2,788 recruits. The Marine Corps made 102 percent of its goal of 2,720, with 2,788 enlisting. The Air Force made 100 percent of its goal of 2,656.
The Guard and reserve components "did very well" in October, Whitman said. The Air National Guard made 134 percent of its goal of 609 accessions, actually signing up 818 airmen. The Army National Guard also had a very good month, signing up 123 percent of its goal of 4,311 soldiers. The Army Guard signed up 5,305 men and women.
The Navy Reserve made 112 percent of its goal of 818, signing up 918 sailors, and the Army Reserve made 104 percent of goal, signing up 3,297 against 3,169. The Marine Corps Reserve and Air Force Reserve both made 100 percent of their goals of 890 and 681, respectively.
The services' monthly goals are not constant. "The goal numbers go up and down based on what they have to achieve at the end of the year," Whitman said.
Recruiting officials set goals, and military training personnel set class seats based on historic data showing when Americans traditionally enlist. For example, there are higher goals and more class seats for June, when most high school seniors graduate. But the turnout is encouraging, Whitman said. "This is good news," he said. "In the first month of this fiscal year, in terms of recruiting in active duty and reserve-component forces, it looks pretty good right now."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - The first month of fiscal 2008 was a success for all active and reserve military components. In a meeting with Pentagon reporters today, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said all components met or exceeded their recruiting and accession goals for October.
On the active-duty side, the Army made 101 percent of its goal of 4,500, with 4,564 recruits. The Navy made 100 percent of its goal of 2,788 recruits. The Marine Corps made 102 percent of its goal of 2,720, with 2,788 enlisting. The Air Force made 100 percent of its goal of 2,656.
The Guard and reserve components "did very well" in October, Whitman said. The Air National Guard made 134 percent of its goal of 609 accessions, actually signing up 818 airmen. The Army National Guard also had a very good month, signing up 123 percent of its goal of 4,311 soldiers. The Army Guard signed up 5,305 men and women.
The Navy Reserve made 112 percent of its goal of 818, signing up 918 sailors, and the Army Reserve made 104 percent of goal, signing up 3,297 against 3,169. The Marine Corps Reserve and Air Force Reserve both made 100 percent of their goals of 890 and 681, respectively.
The services' monthly goals are not constant. "The goal numbers go up and down based on what they have to achieve at the end of the year," Whitman said.
Recruiting officials set goals, and military training personnel set class seats based on historic data showing when Americans traditionally enlist. For example, there are higher goals and more class seats for June, when most high school seniors graduate. But the turnout is encouraging, Whitman said. "This is good news," he said. "In the first month of this fiscal year, in terms of recruiting in active duty and reserve-component forces, it looks pretty good right now."
Revamped Health Care Web Site Allows Information Sharing
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - The Defense Department's military health care system is using its interactive, revamped Web site -- http://mhs.osd.mil -- to share information between U.S. military medical personnel and other government agencies and organizations outside the government. "It's a way to create a partnership for health that brings the servicemembers and family, the military leader and the medical provider-planner together with the objective of patient-focused health care," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
Visitors to the site can post comments, take surveys, watch Web cams, subscribe to podcasts, and read unfiltered opinion from Casscells on his blog. They also can find out about special events, educate themselves about important healthy lifestyle changes, and watch videos about the latest health care updates.
Troops can use the site to post a comment about real-life experiences at military hospitals, military health care students can watch a podcast to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak, and a health care specialist can read the diary of a senior Defense Department policy maker.
A special feature planned for the site is the "Tips from the Top Doc" section, where users can subscribe to get regular news updates and advice to soldiers about health care.
Casscells said he developed the idea for the site to address a growing need for connectivity and information sharing in the health care community, keeping an eye on changing expectations for news and information.
On the site, Casscells offers many of his opinions on health care, and provides his perspective about policy-making decisions and the implementation of military health care initiatives. He said he's highly interested in welcoming new opinions and recognizes the valuable contributions of successful health care professionals worldwide.
Casscells said it is about talking in a language that servicemembers and military professionals understand.
"When our military medical forces work in the theater of war, they gain a sense of being connected with their sister services, as well as a worldwide community of health professionals," Casscells said. "With this Web site, our medical forces can stay connected to each other and to their partners in federal health agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry and academia."
(Jamie Findlater works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - The Defense Department's military health care system is using its interactive, revamped Web site -- http://mhs.osd.mil -- to share information between U.S. military medical personnel and other government agencies and organizations outside the government. "It's a way to create a partnership for health that brings the servicemembers and family, the military leader and the medical provider-planner together with the objective of patient-focused health care," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
Visitors to the site can post comments, take surveys, watch Web cams, subscribe to podcasts, and read unfiltered opinion from Casscells on his blog. They also can find out about special events, educate themselves about important healthy lifestyle changes, and watch videos about the latest health care updates.
Troops can use the site to post a comment about real-life experiences at military hospitals, military health care students can watch a podcast to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak, and a health care specialist can read the diary of a senior Defense Department policy maker.
A special feature planned for the site is the "Tips from the Top Doc" section, where users can subscribe to get regular news updates and advice to soldiers about health care.
Casscells said he developed the idea for the site to address a growing need for connectivity and information sharing in the health care community, keeping an eye on changing expectations for news and information.
On the site, Casscells offers many of his opinions on health care, and provides his perspective about policy-making decisions and the implementation of military health care initiatives. He said he's highly interested in welcoming new opinions and recognizes the valuable contributions of successful health care professionals worldwide.
Casscells said it is about talking in a language that servicemembers and military professionals understand.
"When our military medical forces work in the theater of war, they gain a sense of being connected with their sister services, as well as a worldwide community of health professionals," Casscells said. "With this Web site, our medical forces can stay connected to each other and to their partners in federal health agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry and academia."
(Jamie Findlater works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
Gates Honors Marine Corps' Tradition of Service at Birthday Ball
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates shared the Marine Corps' 232nd anniversary during the past weekend, praising the Corps' long tradition of service and sacrifice that continues on the front lines today. Speaking during a Marine Corps birthday ball at a Washington hotel on Nov. 10, the secretary said he felt honored to be among patriots and their families who have answered the nation's call in a time of war.
Gates noted that more than 206,000 Marines have deployed since Sept. 11, 2001, to fight in the war on terror. With just 226,000 in the Corps' entire active and reserve force, just a tenth of all U.S. military members, operating with less than 5 percent of the Defense Department's annual budget, Gates called that contribution "punching above your weight -- as Marines have always done."
In addition, he noted that more than 800 Marines have made the ultimate sacrifice.
As America fights a global insurgency fueled by radical extremists, Gates said, it relies on the special qualities and heritage the Marine Corps brings to the fight. "In recent years, the skill and sacrifice of Marines has reflected the complexity of the conflict and the threat posed by an enemy that lurks in the shadows," he said.
The Marines have long been a "two-fisted force," he said, "capable of applying raw courage and combat power to win the big battles" during World War II, Vietnam and, most recently, in Iraq.
At the same time, they've exhibited the "savvy and resourcefulness to succeed at irregular campaigns" from the so-called banana wars in the Caribbean at the turn of the 20th century to the combined-actions platoons in Vietnam during the 1960s and 1970s to the work being conducted with tribes in Iraq's Anbar province today.
"It's been this way from the earliest years of the republic, starting with the fight against the Barbary pirates, arguably America's first 'war on terror,'" the secretary said.
Gates praised the tenacity of Marines serving in Iraq today. He singled out the example of Staff Sgt. Daniel Bogart, who singlehandedly disarmed 65 improvised explosive devices during 170 combat missions in Iraq and disposed of 11,000 pounds of unexploded ordnance. During an Oct. 30, 2004, mission, Bogart and his team were called to the streets of Ramadi to disarm three IEDs. When Bogart was hit by shrapnel from an undetected bomb after disarming two of the three IEDs, he refused to allow medics to tend to him until he had finished the job.
"It was only after he had finished all the tasks that he allowed himself to be medevaced to safety," Gates said.
Today, the sergeant trains other explosive ordnance disposal Marines so they, too, can help prevent these weapons from harming their comrades.
While paying tribute to the Marines, Gates praised their family members who also serve their country in challenging circumstances.
He singled out Shannon Maxwell, who helped nurse her husband, Lt. Col. Tim Maxwell, to health after a mortar attack in October 2006 left him with severe injuries. In addition to helping her own husband, Shannon rallied other military wives and co-founded "Hope for the Warriors" to raise several hundred thousand dollars to help wounded troops' recovery.
"Marines and their families have sacrificed so much for the good of their fellow Americans," Gates said. "I will repeat here the solemn commitment I've made to Congress and the nation to make sure that those troops and their families get the care and support they have earned."
Gates closed by thanking Marines for their service. "Those wearing the eagle, globe and anchor on the front lines of freedom, including more than 25,000 currently in Iraq, deserve to know how much we appreciate their dedication, their service and their sacrifice," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates shared the Marine Corps' 232nd anniversary during the past weekend, praising the Corps' long tradition of service and sacrifice that continues on the front lines today. Speaking during a Marine Corps birthday ball at a Washington hotel on Nov. 10, the secretary said he felt honored to be among patriots and their families who have answered the nation's call in a time of war.
Gates noted that more than 206,000 Marines have deployed since Sept. 11, 2001, to fight in the war on terror. With just 226,000 in the Corps' entire active and reserve force, just a tenth of all U.S. military members, operating with less than 5 percent of the Defense Department's annual budget, Gates called that contribution "punching above your weight -- as Marines have always done."
In addition, he noted that more than 800 Marines have made the ultimate sacrifice.
As America fights a global insurgency fueled by radical extremists, Gates said, it relies on the special qualities and heritage the Marine Corps brings to the fight. "In recent years, the skill and sacrifice of Marines has reflected the complexity of the conflict and the threat posed by an enemy that lurks in the shadows," he said.
The Marines have long been a "two-fisted force," he said, "capable of applying raw courage and combat power to win the big battles" during World War II, Vietnam and, most recently, in Iraq.
At the same time, they've exhibited the "savvy and resourcefulness to succeed at irregular campaigns" from the so-called banana wars in the Caribbean at the turn of the 20th century to the combined-actions platoons in Vietnam during the 1960s and 1970s to the work being conducted with tribes in Iraq's Anbar province today.
"It's been this way from the earliest years of the republic, starting with the fight against the Barbary pirates, arguably America's first 'war on terror,'" the secretary said.
Gates praised the tenacity of Marines serving in Iraq today. He singled out the example of Staff Sgt. Daniel Bogart, who singlehandedly disarmed 65 improvised explosive devices during 170 combat missions in Iraq and disposed of 11,000 pounds of unexploded ordnance. During an Oct. 30, 2004, mission, Bogart and his team were called to the streets of Ramadi to disarm three IEDs. When Bogart was hit by shrapnel from an undetected bomb after disarming two of the three IEDs, he refused to allow medics to tend to him until he had finished the job.
"It was only after he had finished all the tasks that he allowed himself to be medevaced to safety," Gates said.
Today, the sergeant trains other explosive ordnance disposal Marines so they, too, can help prevent these weapons from harming their comrades.
While paying tribute to the Marines, Gates praised their family members who also serve their country in challenging circumstances.
He singled out Shannon Maxwell, who helped nurse her husband, Lt. Col. Tim Maxwell, to health after a mortar attack in October 2006 left him with severe injuries. In addition to helping her own husband, Shannon rallied other military wives and co-founded "Hope for the Warriors" to raise several hundred thousand dollars to help wounded troops' recovery.
"Marines and their families have sacrificed so much for the good of their fellow Americans," Gates said. "I will repeat here the solemn commitment I've made to Congress and the nation to make sure that those troops and their families get the care and support they have earned."
Gates closed by thanking Marines for their service. "Those wearing the eagle, globe and anchor on the front lines of freedom, including more than 25,000 currently in Iraq, deserve to know how much we appreciate their dedication, their service and their sacrifice," he said.
Army's Health Assessment Working, Study Finds
By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - The system of post-deployment health screenings the Army has set up is working to identify mental health problems in soldiers returning from combat and reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care, a study that will be published tomorrow found. The report, titled "Longitudinal assessment of mental health problems among active and reserve component soldiers returning from the Iraq war," which will be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looks at the first 88,000 soldiers who went through an initial post-deployment health screening and a second screening three to six months after they returned from combat.
The study found that the second screening, which was put in place after a preliminary Army study suggested that a group of soldiers' health problems were being missed with only one screening, is working to identify more health concerns and potential problems before they become worse, Army Col. Charles Milliken, with the division of psychiatry and neuroscience at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, said today in a conference call with veterans service organizations.
"What we're hoping to do with the screenings is to tackle mental health problems while they're still small and temporary," Milliken said. "When these problems get bigger and more complicated, they're much harder to treat, and it increases the likelihood that they will become a chronic, long-term problem. Through post-deployment screenings, we're attempting to catch problems early and intervene early."
In addition to the two health screenings, the Army also has instituted a program called "battle mind training," which allows soldiers who have recently deployed to interact with each other and learn about common problems faced by returning veterans, Milliken said. This study found that that training, in conjunction with the health screenings, is helping to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care, he said. Not only do the screenings identify soldiers who need mental health care, but after going through the process, many soldiers are identifying their own problems and seeking help, he said.
Another important finding from the study was that, of soldiers who identified suffering from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder during the first health screening, more than half had improved by the time of the second screening, Milliken said. Many of these soldiers improved without treatment, he said, which shows that the training process itself is acting as an intervention for early mental health problems.
Overall, on both screenings, 20 percent of soldiers were referred for mental health treatment or were already under care at the time of the second screening, Milliken said. This rate is comparable to what the Department of Veterans Affairs reports about the rate of mental health diagnoses for recent combat veterans. Army leaders hope that by identifying these problems early, they can treat the soldiers before the problems progress, he said.
"We are proactively seeking to understand the human dimension of war and apply what we've learned in ways that improve the care that we're providing the soldiers," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - The system of post-deployment health screenings the Army has set up is working to identify mental health problems in soldiers returning from combat and reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care, a study that will be published tomorrow found. The report, titled "Longitudinal assessment of mental health problems among active and reserve component soldiers returning from the Iraq war," which will be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looks at the first 88,000 soldiers who went through an initial post-deployment health screening and a second screening three to six months after they returned from combat.
The study found that the second screening, which was put in place after a preliminary Army study suggested that a group of soldiers' health problems were being missed with only one screening, is working to identify more health concerns and potential problems before they become worse, Army Col. Charles Milliken, with the division of psychiatry and neuroscience at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, said today in a conference call with veterans service organizations.
"What we're hoping to do with the screenings is to tackle mental health problems while they're still small and temporary," Milliken said. "When these problems get bigger and more complicated, they're much harder to treat, and it increases the likelihood that they will become a chronic, long-term problem. Through post-deployment screenings, we're attempting to catch problems early and intervene early."
In addition to the two health screenings, the Army also has instituted a program called "battle mind training," which allows soldiers who have recently deployed to interact with each other and learn about common problems faced by returning veterans, Milliken said. This study found that that training, in conjunction with the health screenings, is helping to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care, he said. Not only do the screenings identify soldiers who need mental health care, but after going through the process, many soldiers are identifying their own problems and seeking help, he said.
Another important finding from the study was that, of soldiers who identified suffering from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder during the first health screening, more than half had improved by the time of the second screening, Milliken said. Many of these soldiers improved without treatment, he said, which shows that the training process itself is acting as an intervention for early mental health problems.
Overall, on both screenings, 20 percent of soldiers were referred for mental health treatment or were already under care at the time of the second screening, Milliken said. This rate is comparable to what the Department of Veterans Affairs reports about the rate of mental health diagnoses for recent combat veterans. Army leaders hope that by identifying these problems early, they can treat the soldiers before the problems progress, he said.
"We are proactively seeking to understand the human dimension of war and apply what we've learned in ways that improve the care that we're providing the soldiers," he said.
Host-Nation Dentists Provide Care to Overseas Families
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - Tricare, the military's health maintenance organization, has enlisted host-nation dentists to provide dental care for overseas-based military family members, a senior military officer said. The recently enacted initiative was launched as the result of survey responses from Tricare-served military families living abroad, according to Air Force Col. (Dr.) Gary C. Martin, director of the Tricare Management Activity's dental care division.
Before the change, overseas-posted military families furnished the upfront dental costs if treated by off-post host-nation dentists in places like Germany or Korea, Martin said.
Surveys indicated that many junior-enlisted families living overseas couldn't afford to pay a $400 or $500 dental bill while waiting for their Tricare Dental Program reimbursement payment to arrive, Martin said.
Tricare has signed agreements with about 45 host-nation dentists located mostly in Germany, where the need seemed greatest, Martin, a military dentist himself, explained.
In a related development, Tricare dental program enrollees who reside overseas will need to be command-sponsored as of Dec. 3 to receive overseas Tricare dental program cost-share benefits, according to a Tricare Management Activity news release. If not command sponsored, overseas enrollees will be responsible for the same cost-shares as beneficiaries living in the United States.
The change was made to align with other Tricare programs and Defense-Department Tricare policy, according to the release.
Military family members living overseas can obtain a listing of the Tricare-preferred dentists from their local military medical clinic or hospital, Martin said, or by accessing Tricare's dental Web site at www.tricaredentalprogram.com.
"We want to make sure that we take care of the health of our beneficiaries. That's our No. 1 goal," Martin said. "And, anything that we can do to enhance that, we certainly want to do it."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 13, 2007 - Tricare, the military's health maintenance organization, has enlisted host-nation dentists to provide dental care for overseas-based military family members, a senior military officer said. The recently enacted initiative was launched as the result of survey responses from Tricare-served military families living abroad, according to Air Force Col. (Dr.) Gary C. Martin, director of the Tricare Management Activity's dental care division.
Before the change, overseas-posted military families furnished the upfront dental costs if treated by off-post host-nation dentists in places like Germany or Korea, Martin said.
Surveys indicated that many junior-enlisted families living overseas couldn't afford to pay a $400 or $500 dental bill while waiting for their Tricare Dental Program reimbursement payment to arrive, Martin said.
Tricare has signed agreements with about 45 host-nation dentists located mostly in Germany, where the need seemed greatest, Martin, a military dentist himself, explained.
In a related development, Tricare dental program enrollees who reside overseas will need to be command-sponsored as of Dec. 3 to receive overseas Tricare dental program cost-share benefits, according to a Tricare Management Activity news release. If not command sponsored, overseas enrollees will be responsible for the same cost-shares as beneficiaries living in the United States.
The change was made to align with other Tricare programs and Defense-Department Tricare policy, according to the release.
Military family members living overseas can obtain a listing of the Tricare-preferred dentists from their local military medical clinic or hospital, Martin said, or by accessing Tricare's dental Web site at www.tricaredentalprogram.com.
"We want to make sure that we take care of the health of our beneficiaries. That's our No. 1 goal," Martin said. "And, anything that we can do to enhance that, we certainly want to do it."
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
President Thanks Veterans for Service to Country
By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 10, 2007 - President Bush thanked America's veterans and wished the Marine Corps a happy 232nd birthday during his weekly radio address today. "Young Marines are serving on the front lines in the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world," Bush said from his ranch near Crawford, Texas. "As the Marines celebrate their birthday, we join them in recognizing what their sacrifice and service has meant for our freedom."
Veterans Day is observed the day after the Marine Corps birthday, and the president not only thanked Marines, but all veterans.
"America owes a debt of gratitude to all those who have served in our armed forces," the nation's commander in chief said. "On Veterans Day, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live to become veterans."
Bush added that the United States is responsible for taking care of those who have served their country.
"Under my administration, federal spending for our veterans has increased by more than two-thirds. We have extended medical treatment to a million additional veterans, including hundreds of thousands returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have expanded grants to help homeless veterans across the country."
Bush reminded Americans to thank veterans across the nation who, while from diverse backgrounds, are united by their mission to keep America free.
"On this Veterans Day, I urge every American to take time to thank one of our nation's 24 million veterans. They come from different generations and different backgrounds, but they are united by a commitment to honor, duty and love of country that has kept America free. They continue to strengthen and inspire our nation, and we will never forget what we owe them."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 10, 2007 - President Bush thanked America's veterans and wished the Marine Corps a happy 232nd birthday during his weekly radio address today. "Young Marines are serving on the front lines in the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world," Bush said from his ranch near Crawford, Texas. "As the Marines celebrate their birthday, we join them in recognizing what their sacrifice and service has meant for our freedom."
Veterans Day is observed the day after the Marine Corps birthday, and the president not only thanked Marines, but all veterans.
"America owes a debt of gratitude to all those who have served in our armed forces," the nation's commander in chief said. "On Veterans Day, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live to become veterans."
Bush added that the United States is responsible for taking care of those who have served their country.
"Under my administration, federal spending for our veterans has increased by more than two-thirds. We have extended medical treatment to a million additional veterans, including hundreds of thousands returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have expanded grants to help homeless veterans across the country."
Bush reminded Americans to thank veterans across the nation who, while from diverse backgrounds, are united by their mission to keep America free.
"On this Veterans Day, I urge every American to take time to thank one of our nation's 24 million veterans. They come from different generations and different backgrounds, but they are united by a commitment to honor, duty and love of country that has kept America free. They continue to strengthen and inspire our nation, and we will never forget what we owe them."
JCOC: Civilian Conference Celebrates Marine Birthday With Marine Training
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 11, 2007 - Participants in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference celebrated the 232nd Marine Corps Birthday yesterday with Marines training at this Okinawa base. The group landed here Nov. 9 on the fifth day of a week-long tour of military forces in the U.S. Pacific Command.
They dined with Marines in the mess hall, cut a ceremonial birthday cake and sang the Marine song.
To top it off, the group flew to Iwo Jima and toured the island. Very few tours are allowed on the island, and the group viewed the monuments on top of Mount Suribachi, the site of the famous photograph of the Marines raising the American flag. The picture became the iconic image of the battle. They also walked on the beach that was the site of the American invasion there.
The JCOC is a defense secretary sponsored program for U.S. civic and business leaders who want to broaden their knowledge of the military and national defense.
The Special Operations Training Group here, part of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, led participants through military firearms training, both live and simulated, and taught the basics of rappelling -- a first for many in the group, including Afredo Mesa, vice president of a government affairs company in Miami.
Mesa had never rappelled before and was obviously nervous about his potentially rapid and uncontrolled decent down the 65-foot tower. Nevertheless, after some encouragement from his Marine trainer, Mesa made it smoothly down the wall and was back on the top of the tower in minutes for another go.
"Ooh wee, ... hooah," Mesa said and laughed, marking his mix of nervousness with an excitement for having rappelled for the first time.
He said the first step backwards off of the wall was the hardest.
"It's the first few steps that are the trickiest. The initial leaning back (is scary), and you just kind of look at him (the Marine), get that final nod and you know you're alright. At that point, it's was just about having fun," Mesa said. "I had a split second of thinking twice before going down. It was definitely overwhelming. And fun. And dangerous."
Mesa said the training gave him an additional appreciation for Marines and the training and fighting they do daily.
"With every activity, your appreciation for these guys grows exponentially because this is their job. I did it for fun. This is their job, and they're getting shot at. For them it's not fun; it's work, and it's safety, and it's survival," he said.
Dave Paladino, president of Landmark Group, in Omaha, Neb., is scared of heights but he still went down the "hell hole," short for helicopter hole, or the type of rappelling required from a helicopter.
"It's awesome. I can't believe how fun this is. I can't believe guys get paid for this," he said. Still, he conceded, there's that moment when "you don't know."
Paladino said he wished more civilians could participate in this type of conference. He will be able to do a better job communicating to those back home about what the military is doing, he said.
"I hope to really spread it to my circle of influence, how important the job the U.S. military does. I think that a lot of people know that, but not intuitively know that. I think I'll help them," he said.
The live-fire range was also hugely popular with the group. There they fired .45-caliber pistols and M-4 machine guns. One of the top shooters, surprisingly, was a grandmotherly participant from Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Pamela Iles -- or California Superior Court Judge Iles -- impressed both the Marines and the JCOC group with her skills. "I'm going to back and tell everyone not to mess with the judge. She can shoot," laughed one participant, leading to applause all around.
The judge later confided that she learned to shoot years earlier because of death threats on her life. "I loved the firing range. I was all excited when I found out we were going to be able to do that. When we got there, the young Marines were so helpful and supportive and I hit the target every time," she said.
The judge called the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference the "biggest thing that has ever happened to me in all my life."
"It was a phenomenal experience," she said, adding that the best part was getting to talk to servicemembers.
"It gave us an on-site view of our military working people from the inside out, something we never get. I think that the value of JCOC is to give us the ability to go back to the community and express to people, whose information might be limited by national press and a lack of experience of the military, that these are rally smart, intelligent, devoted people who mentor each other and protect our country 24 hours a day," she said.
What impressed her most was the professionalism and the commitment of even the youngest servicemembers, Iles said.
"There's no way you can get around it. These young military people in all of the services are wonderful, and their commitment to their job and their country and each other takes my breath away. There's no way to put that into words," the judge said.
One instance, in particular, left a marked impression, she said, recalling a young sailor she met in the torpedo room of the USS Buffalo nuclear attack submarine.
"I was way behind in the crowd, and I couldn't quite hear what he was saying to them, and so when they all passed by I walked up to him and I asked him his name and his age and I said 'What do you do here?' And he said 'Ma'am I make this boat a warship to protect this country,'" Iles said.
"And he said it with such clarity. It wasn't boasting. It was a commitment to his job and his ship and his shipmates," she said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 11, 2007 - Participants in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference celebrated the 232nd Marine Corps Birthday yesterday with Marines training at this Okinawa base. The group landed here Nov. 9 on the fifth day of a week-long tour of military forces in the U.S. Pacific Command.
They dined with Marines in the mess hall, cut a ceremonial birthday cake and sang the Marine song.
To top it off, the group flew to Iwo Jima and toured the island. Very few tours are allowed on the island, and the group viewed the monuments on top of Mount Suribachi, the site of the famous photograph of the Marines raising the American flag. The picture became the iconic image of the battle. They also walked on the beach that was the site of the American invasion there.
The JCOC is a defense secretary sponsored program for U.S. civic and business leaders who want to broaden their knowledge of the military and national defense.
The Special Operations Training Group here, part of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, led participants through military firearms training, both live and simulated, and taught the basics of rappelling -- a first for many in the group, including Afredo Mesa, vice president of a government affairs company in Miami.
Mesa had never rappelled before and was obviously nervous about his potentially rapid and uncontrolled decent down the 65-foot tower. Nevertheless, after some encouragement from his Marine trainer, Mesa made it smoothly down the wall and was back on the top of the tower in minutes for another go.
"Ooh wee, ... hooah," Mesa said and laughed, marking his mix of nervousness with an excitement for having rappelled for the first time.
He said the first step backwards off of the wall was the hardest.
"It's the first few steps that are the trickiest. The initial leaning back (is scary), and you just kind of look at him (the Marine), get that final nod and you know you're alright. At that point, it's was just about having fun," Mesa said. "I had a split second of thinking twice before going down. It was definitely overwhelming. And fun. And dangerous."
Mesa said the training gave him an additional appreciation for Marines and the training and fighting they do daily.
"With every activity, your appreciation for these guys grows exponentially because this is their job. I did it for fun. This is their job, and they're getting shot at. For them it's not fun; it's work, and it's safety, and it's survival," he said.
Dave Paladino, president of Landmark Group, in Omaha, Neb., is scared of heights but he still went down the "hell hole," short for helicopter hole, or the type of rappelling required from a helicopter.
"It's awesome. I can't believe how fun this is. I can't believe guys get paid for this," he said. Still, he conceded, there's that moment when "you don't know."
Paladino said he wished more civilians could participate in this type of conference. He will be able to do a better job communicating to those back home about what the military is doing, he said.
"I hope to really spread it to my circle of influence, how important the job the U.S. military does. I think that a lot of people know that, but not intuitively know that. I think I'll help them," he said.
The live-fire range was also hugely popular with the group. There they fired .45-caliber pistols and M-4 machine guns. One of the top shooters, surprisingly, was a grandmotherly participant from Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Pamela Iles -- or California Superior Court Judge Iles -- impressed both the Marines and the JCOC group with her skills. "I'm going to back and tell everyone not to mess with the judge. She can shoot," laughed one participant, leading to applause all around.
The judge later confided that she learned to shoot years earlier because of death threats on her life. "I loved the firing range. I was all excited when I found out we were going to be able to do that. When we got there, the young Marines were so helpful and supportive and I hit the target every time," she said.
The judge called the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference the "biggest thing that has ever happened to me in all my life."
"It was a phenomenal experience," she said, adding that the best part was getting to talk to servicemembers.
"It gave us an on-site view of our military working people from the inside out, something we never get. I think that the value of JCOC is to give us the ability to go back to the community and express to people, whose information might be limited by national press and a lack of experience of the military, that these are rally smart, intelligent, devoted people who mentor each other and protect our country 24 hours a day," she said.
What impressed her most was the professionalism and the commitment of even the youngest servicemembers, Iles said.
"There's no way you can get around it. These young military people in all of the services are wonderful, and their commitment to their job and their country and each other takes my breath away. There's no way to put that into words," the judge said.
One instance, in particular, left a marked impression, she said, recalling a young sailor she met in the torpedo room of the USS Buffalo nuclear attack submarine.
"I was way behind in the crowd, and I couldn't quite hear what he was saying to them, and so when they all passed by I walked up to him and I asked him his name and his age and I said 'What do you do here?' And he said 'Ma'am I make this boat a warship to protect this country,'" Iles said.
"And he said it with such clarity. It wasn't boasting. It was a commitment to his job and his ship and his shipmates," she said.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Encourages Civic Leaders to Support Veterans
By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 10, 2007 - On the eve of Veterans Day weekend, the nation's senior military commander told civic leaders here they can make a difference in the lives of men and women who serve their country. "As leaders, we must look in every possible direction to broadly capture the spirit of America in ensuring that (veterans') service is recognized by providing opportunities for them, providing the kind of health care for them, the kind of support for them and their families that truly will make a difference in their lives for the rest of their lives," Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday evening during a speech to the University Club of Washington D.C.
Noting there are innumerable organizations throughout the country that want to help the nation's warriors, Mullen said he hopes to ensure servicemembers who make sacrifices for their country know how to access valuable resources in their communities.
"What they sacrifice means so much to all of us," said Mullen, who was sworn in as the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 1. "You represent a significant number of people in America tonight who can reach out and make a difference in their lives."
Not only was the chairman supportive of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who serve the nation, he also praised their families.
"The support that our families have given those who have served since 9/11 has jumped off the page to me in ways that I had not previously recognized before," Mullen said. "Without them we could not possibly carry out the missions we have. We should never forget the sacrifices, the service of their families who make it possible for all of us who serve on active duty and who have served in the past to make a difference."
In honor of the weekend dedicated to the nation's veterans, Mullen spoke for all who serve in the military today by thanking the hundreds of thousands of veterans who have served in the United States military.
"All of us who wear the cloth of our nation are indebted to you, and we think about your service all the time. We want to make sure that we honor that service in our service. We will never forget that service," he concluded.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 10, 2007 - On the eve of Veterans Day weekend, the nation's senior military commander told civic leaders here they can make a difference in the lives of men and women who serve their country. "As leaders, we must look in every possible direction to broadly capture the spirit of America in ensuring that (veterans') service is recognized by providing opportunities for them, providing the kind of health care for them, the kind of support for them and their families that truly will make a difference in their lives for the rest of their lives," Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday evening during a speech to the University Club of Washington D.C.
Noting there are innumerable organizations throughout the country that want to help the nation's warriors, Mullen said he hopes to ensure servicemembers who make sacrifices for their country know how to access valuable resources in their communities.
"What they sacrifice means so much to all of us," said Mullen, who was sworn in as the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 1. "You represent a significant number of people in America tonight who can reach out and make a difference in their lives."
Not only was the chairman supportive of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who serve the nation, he also praised their families.
"The support that our families have given those who have served since 9/11 has jumped off the page to me in ways that I had not previously recognized before," Mullen said. "Without them we could not possibly carry out the missions we have. We should never forget the sacrifices, the service of their families who make it possible for all of us who serve on active duty and who have served in the past to make a difference."
In honor of the weekend dedicated to the nation's veterans, Mullen spoke for all who serve in the military today by thanking the hundreds of thousands of veterans who have served in the United States military.
"All of us who wear the cloth of our nation are indebted to you, and we think about your service all the time. We want to make sure that we honor that service in our service. We will never forget that service," he concluded.
Japanese-U.S. Alliance in Best Shape in Decades, Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 10, 2007 - Far from stagnating, the Japanese-American defense alliance is in its best shape in decades, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday. Gates spoke to reporters aboard an E-4B aircraft headed back to Washington following a six-day visit to China, Korea and Japan.
"One of the most significant changes in the international environment on my return to government after 15 years, was the dramatic improvement in U.S.-Japanese relations," the secretary said. "When I think of all the disputes and the problems and the ill-will that were part of the relationship in the 1970s and 1980s and, to a lesser extent, in the 1990s, I think the relationship is as healthy and as strong as it's ever been."
Gates met with Japanese leaders in the wake of Japan cancelling a refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Japanese oilers refueled coalition vessels participating in maritime interdiction missions in the region. The Japanese had to end the mission, when the Diet, the country's their parliament, refused to extend the legislation.
While participating in the mission is up to the Japanese government, Gates noted that it is in Japan's international interests to participate. "It's important for people to remember that Japan's involvement in this activity is not a bilateral matter between the United States and Japan, but rather Japan's participation in a very broad international coalition that is trying to defend freedom in Afghanistan," Gates said.
Naval vessels from 10 to 12 nations benefit from Japan's refueling effort, Gates said, and that also "directly or indirectly" benefits the 40 nations involved in the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition. "It's a major Japanese contribution to a very broad international effort," he said.
During Gates' visit, Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke of a government initiative that could ease Japanese participation in such activities. "I was intrigued by the defense minister's proposal last night ... to seek a general law so that every time a decision needed to be made on Japanese participation in some kind of an international cooperative effort, it did not require an individual authorization," Gates said. "He seemed quite enthusiastic about it. It would certainly appear to facilitate Japan's participation in a number of these activities."
Gates told reporters that he talked about Japanese host-nation support in each session with Japanese leaders. "I talked about the importance of rolling it over and keeping it at the same level," he said. "This alliance provides many benefits for both sides, but it provides some very significant benefits for Japan. And as the second-wealthiest country in the world, it wasn't just the money but the symbolism it represented in terms of the health of the alliance and the fact that Japan attached real importance to the continuation of the alliance."
He also said that while every country has to make its own decisions, "it seems to me that it's a challenge for Japan to meet its own defense obligations as well as the obligations of the defense alliance with the defense budget capped at 1 percent."
The U.S.-Japan defense pact is undergoing a transition. The secretary said he would like to see the roadmap for realignment implemented just as it was negotiated. "It was a complex but coherent set or arrangements," Gates said. "We think that all arrangements should be implemented just as they were negotiated and we would like to see the implementation proceed as quickly as possible."
The secretary also spoke of Pakistan and what the crisis caused by President Pervez Musharraf implementing a state of emergency means to the fight against terrorism. "The concern I have is that the longer the internal problems continue, the more distracted the Pakistani army and security services will be in terms of the internal situation rather than focusing on the terrorist threat in the frontier area," he said.
"We said from the very beginning it's important to move back to constitutional processes as quickly as possible," Gates said. "I think that there is building pressure for him to take off his uniform if he continues as president. But I think that setting the date for the elections was certainly an important first step."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 10, 2007 - Far from stagnating, the Japanese-American defense alliance is in its best shape in decades, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday. Gates spoke to reporters aboard an E-4B aircraft headed back to Washington following a six-day visit to China, Korea and Japan.
"One of the most significant changes in the international environment on my return to government after 15 years, was the dramatic improvement in U.S.-Japanese relations," the secretary said. "When I think of all the disputes and the problems and the ill-will that were part of the relationship in the 1970s and 1980s and, to a lesser extent, in the 1990s, I think the relationship is as healthy and as strong as it's ever been."
Gates met with Japanese leaders in the wake of Japan cancelling a refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Japanese oilers refueled coalition vessels participating in maritime interdiction missions in the region. The Japanese had to end the mission, when the Diet, the country's their parliament, refused to extend the legislation.
While participating in the mission is up to the Japanese government, Gates noted that it is in Japan's international interests to participate. "It's important for people to remember that Japan's involvement in this activity is not a bilateral matter between the United States and Japan, but rather Japan's participation in a very broad international coalition that is trying to defend freedom in Afghanistan," Gates said.
Naval vessels from 10 to 12 nations benefit from Japan's refueling effort, Gates said, and that also "directly or indirectly" benefits the 40 nations involved in the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition. "It's a major Japanese contribution to a very broad international effort," he said.
During Gates' visit, Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke of a government initiative that could ease Japanese participation in such activities. "I was intrigued by the defense minister's proposal last night ... to seek a general law so that every time a decision needed to be made on Japanese participation in some kind of an international cooperative effort, it did not require an individual authorization," Gates said. "He seemed quite enthusiastic about it. It would certainly appear to facilitate Japan's participation in a number of these activities."
Gates told reporters that he talked about Japanese host-nation support in each session with Japanese leaders. "I talked about the importance of rolling it over and keeping it at the same level," he said. "This alliance provides many benefits for both sides, but it provides some very significant benefits for Japan. And as the second-wealthiest country in the world, it wasn't just the money but the symbolism it represented in terms of the health of the alliance and the fact that Japan attached real importance to the continuation of the alliance."
He also said that while every country has to make its own decisions, "it seems to me that it's a challenge for Japan to meet its own defense obligations as well as the obligations of the defense alliance with the defense budget capped at 1 percent."
The U.S.-Japan defense pact is undergoing a transition. The secretary said he would like to see the roadmap for realignment implemented just as it was negotiated. "It was a complex but coherent set or arrangements," Gates said. "We think that all arrangements should be implemented just as they were negotiated and we would like to see the implementation proceed as quickly as possible."
The secretary also spoke of Pakistan and what the crisis caused by President Pervez Musharraf implementing a state of emergency means to the fight against terrorism. "The concern I have is that the longer the internal problems continue, the more distracted the Pakistani army and security services will be in terms of the internal situation rather than focusing on the terrorist threat in the frontier area," he said.
"We said from the very beginning it's important to move back to constitutional processes as quickly as possible," Gates said. "I think that there is building pressure for him to take off his uniform if he continues as president. But I think that setting the date for the elections was certainly an important first step."
Friday, November 09, 2007
Eskimos, Treasure Island and LAPD
Editor's Note: Two of the authors are former servicemembers.
November 9, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists nearly 800 state and local police officers who have written books.
Jim Rowell was drafted into the United States Army in 1968. After Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training he was deployed to Vietnam. According to Jim Rowell, “I landed in Vietnam on a bright yellow and red Brannif jet airplane on July 21, 1968. My first impression? The 120 degree heat that knocked me off my feet and a song playing in the background on a loudspeaker”
After his military service, Jim Rowell commenced a 28 year law enforcement career with the DeKalb County Police Department (Georgia). Suffering a heart attack in 1999, Jim Rowell retired from the DeKalb County Police Department Homicide Unit as a police captain. Throughout his law enforcement career, Jim Rowell served in uniform and as a detective in burglary, youth, sex crimes and homicide.
After retiring, Jim Rowell renewed his efforts to publish a manuscript he had written ten years before for his two children. Calling his story Granny and the Eskimo; Angels in Vietnam; which “describes his journey through life from youth to Vietnam where he experienced what can only be described as a paranormal event involving his mother and grandmother the day he was wounded in an ambush. He also tells the reader about his friendship with his mentor on the battlefield, the Eskimo. It was the Eskimo's untimely death on a cold winter night in Anchorage, Alaska that prompted Jim to write his story.”
In 1973, Larry Powalisz joined the Milwaukee Police Department’s police aide program, and, after a two year internship, was promoted to police officer, graduating from the City of Milwaukee Safety Academy in February 1976. During his tenure as a police officer, Larry patrolled one of Milwaukee’s busiest districts. He was later selected to become a member of the department’s Tactical Enforcement Unit—the full-time special weapons and tactics unit. He also served on the department’s Robbery Task Force.
In 1994, Larry Powalisz was promoted to the rank of detective, where he investigated robberies, shootings, and other violent criminal offenses. He was also assigned to the Milwaukee PD’s nationally recognized Gang Crimes Unit/Intelligence Division. In addition, Larry also served as a military special agent, where he recently completed 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.
In an effort to create a positive set of values for our nation’s next generation of impressionable young people, Larry put pen to paper and created this book, The Island Treasure Hunt, featuring two very likeable characters who find themselves faced with an ethical dilemma. The message conveyed by The Island Treasure Hunt is that good deeds do not go unnoticed. It’s a positive message today’s young people will hopefully realize.
Louis Jackson is a former Los Angeles Police Department police officer and the author of Raw in Blue. According to the book description of Raw in Blue, “A six year veteran on the force is subjected to all the ups and downs that a day in a cop's life entails: family disputes, robberies, gangs, and the like. Suddenly his life changes in a matter of moments. Intrigued by a beautiful TV star, he wanders into an unforeseen set of circumstances involving other cops, drugs, and his life. Things get worse as one of his best friends turns out to be smack in the middle of a possible way out unscathed. A gun battle to the death is the only answer for some. Romance and a daring plan unfolds and ends at a beautiful resort. Death and survival are the order of the day.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 798 police officers (representing 360 police departments) and their 1706 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
November 9, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists nearly 800 state and local police officers who have written books.
Jim Rowell was drafted into the United States Army in 1968. After Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training he was deployed to Vietnam. According to Jim Rowell, “I landed in Vietnam on a bright yellow and red Brannif jet airplane on July 21, 1968. My first impression? The 120 degree heat that knocked me off my feet and a song playing in the background on a loudspeaker”
After his military service, Jim Rowell commenced a 28 year law enforcement career with the DeKalb County Police Department (Georgia). Suffering a heart attack in 1999, Jim Rowell retired from the DeKalb County Police Department Homicide Unit as a police captain. Throughout his law enforcement career, Jim Rowell served in uniform and as a detective in burglary, youth, sex crimes and homicide.
After retiring, Jim Rowell renewed his efforts to publish a manuscript he had written ten years before for his two children. Calling his story Granny and the Eskimo; Angels in Vietnam; which “describes his journey through life from youth to Vietnam where he experienced what can only be described as a paranormal event involving his mother and grandmother the day he was wounded in an ambush. He also tells the reader about his friendship with his mentor on the battlefield, the Eskimo. It was the Eskimo's untimely death on a cold winter night in Anchorage, Alaska that prompted Jim to write his story.”
In 1973, Larry Powalisz joined the Milwaukee Police Department’s police aide program, and, after a two year internship, was promoted to police officer, graduating from the City of Milwaukee Safety Academy in February 1976. During his tenure as a police officer, Larry patrolled one of Milwaukee’s busiest districts. He was later selected to become a member of the department’s Tactical Enforcement Unit—the full-time special weapons and tactics unit. He also served on the department’s Robbery Task Force.
In 1994, Larry Powalisz was promoted to the rank of detective, where he investigated robberies, shootings, and other violent criminal offenses. He was also assigned to the Milwaukee PD’s nationally recognized Gang Crimes Unit/Intelligence Division. In addition, Larry also served as a military special agent, where he recently completed 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.
In an effort to create a positive set of values for our nation’s next generation of impressionable young people, Larry put pen to paper and created this book, The Island Treasure Hunt, featuring two very likeable characters who find themselves faced with an ethical dilemma. The message conveyed by The Island Treasure Hunt is that good deeds do not go unnoticed. It’s a positive message today’s young people will hopefully realize.
Louis Jackson is a former Los Angeles Police Department police officer and the author of Raw in Blue. According to the book description of Raw in Blue, “A six year veteran on the force is subjected to all the ups and downs that a day in a cop's life entails: family disputes, robberies, gangs, and the like. Suddenly his life changes in a matter of moments. Intrigued by a beautiful TV star, he wanders into an unforeseen set of circumstances involving other cops, drugs, and his life. Things get worse as one of his best friends turns out to be smack in the middle of a possible way out unscathed. A gun battle to the death is the only answer for some. Romance and a daring plan unfolds and ends at a beautiful resort. Death and survival are the order of the day.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 798 police officers (representing 360 police departments) and their 1706 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
China's Expansion into and U.S. Withdrawal from Argentina's Telecommunications and Space Industries and the Implications for U.S. National Security
Chinese involvement in the Latin American telecommunications and space industries has implications for U.S. national security. Unlike other commercial activities geared toward supplying raw materials to China’s 1.3 billion inhabitants, Chinese investment in space and telecommunications implies broader commercial and strategic interests that potentially put the Chinese into Western Hemisphere air and space. At present, Chinese activity in these industries is growing as U.S. engagement is diminishing. Globalization, advances in information technology, and China’s growing capacity and interest in Information Warfare make the United States particularly vulnerable should it abandon international telecommunications and space industries. In order to mitigate future threats, the United States should step up its commerce, aid. and diplomacy with Argentina and the region as a whole.
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The Eastern Dimension of America's New European Allies
Without a realistic prospect for NATO and EU accession, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Georgia will become sources of domestic and regional instability and objects of Russia’s neo-imperialist ambitions that will undermine American and European strategic interests. The new members of NATO and the EU have sought to develop credible policies for consolidating democratic reforms among their eastern neighbors, enhancing their prospects for inclusion in NATO and the EU, and containing a resurgent and assertive Russia. The new European democracies have also endeavored to more closely involve Washington in the process of Euro-Atlantic enlargement as a more effective Eastern Dimension jointly pursued by the U.S., NATO, and the EU would significantly consolidate trans-Atlantic security.
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The United States and ASEAN-China Relations: All Quiet on the Southeast Asian Front
While the overall security situation in Southeast Asia is something of a mixed bag, with grounds for both optimism and pessimism, one of the most encouraging trends in recent years has been the development of ASEAN’s relations with major external powers. Relations between China and ASEAN in particular have demonstrated a marked improvement over the past decade, thanks to a combination of burgeoning economic ties, perceptions of China as a more constructive and responsible player in regional politics, and Beijing’s "charm offensive" toward Southeast Asia. Overall, the development of ASEAN-China relations poses few security challenges to the United States today: good relations between China and ASEAN enhance regional stability, and a stable Southeast Asia is clearly in America’s interests, especially with Washington focused on events in the Middle East. However, although ASEAN-China relations are very positive, this does not necessarily mean the United States is losing influence in Southeast Asia, or that ASEAN members are "bandwagoning" with China--in fact, they are hedging by keeping America engaged and facilitating a continued U.S. military presence. While ASEAN-China relations are relatively benign today, in the future several sources of potential friction could create problems in Sino-U.S. relations: these are Taiwan, Burma, and the South China Sea dispute. This monograph examines each of these scenarios in turn.
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JCOC: Conference Participant Would Recommend Service to Own Children
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 9, 2007 - If there is a decrease in support from community influencers due to the war on terror, Craig Billingsley hasn't noticed. The vice president of Billingsley Holding Corp. in Lawton, Okla., is part of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, which landed here today on its fourth day of a week-long tour of the military forces in U.S. Pacific Command.
He said support for military service is strong among his peers in the small southwestern town that is home to the Army's Fort Sill, the home of field artillery.
"Obviously, what you seen in the general media may lead one to believe that some people, influencers, have lost patience with the war. Personally I don't see that. I haven't seen that with my contemporaries," he said.
Billingsley's father served stateside during the Korean War, but other than that, he has no other family in the military.
He moved to Lawton in January 1997 when his family bought a car dealership there. Since then, he has become involved in the military co-op program at Fort Sill and has gotten to know soldiers at all levels, from privates to the commanding general.
He was so impressed with the caliber of soldiers that he met he wanted to learn more about the military, Billingsley said. "I find it exciting. I find it very, very interesting to see and talk to and interact with our military personnel," he said.
That led to his interest in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference. Billingsley said he wanted to expand his knowledge of the military, especially in the other branches of service.
"I've been fortunate that I've been able to spend time with a lot of Army personnel. What I've enjoyed most of this is (seeing) the other branches of service, being able to meet the sailors and the airmen. I've had very little exposure to those services. It's very eye-opening," he said.
His first surprise on the trip was the expansive military operations in Guam.
"Two weeks ago I probably didn't even think about Guam or that we had such a presence there through the Air Force and the Navy," he said.
Talking to servicemembers here has brought home the sacrifices that they make, no matter where they are deployed, Billingsley said.
"It's one thing when you see the folks at Fort Sill and you know they are deployed and you see what hardships that puts on their families back home. But until you go to where they are serving overseas, you don't really understand what that means until you're here," he said. "That probably brings it home more, to see the sacrifices firsthand that they make. But they do it gladly. It's amazing, their attitude. They ask nothing for it. They do it because they want to serve their country, and they do it proudly, and they do it of their own free will."
A true child of the 1960s, Billingsley said he was not always so impressed by military service. In fact, he said, a decade ago he would not have recommended military service. Only since his time spent with soldiers at Fort Sill, and now his JCOC experience, has his opinion of military service been swayed. Now, Billingsley said he would even recommend it to his own children.
"If one of my children wanted to join any one of the services, I would not only recommend it, it would make me proud," he said. "To think that your son or daughter would be serving with the caliber of people that I personally have been able to experience, I can't imagine anything but good coming out of that."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 9, 2007 - If there is a decrease in support from community influencers due to the war on terror, Craig Billingsley hasn't noticed. The vice president of Billingsley Holding Corp. in Lawton, Okla., is part of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, which landed here today on its fourth day of a week-long tour of the military forces in U.S. Pacific Command.
He said support for military service is strong among his peers in the small southwestern town that is home to the Army's Fort Sill, the home of field artillery.
"Obviously, what you seen in the general media may lead one to believe that some people, influencers, have lost patience with the war. Personally I don't see that. I haven't seen that with my contemporaries," he said.
Billingsley's father served stateside during the Korean War, but other than that, he has no other family in the military.
He moved to Lawton in January 1997 when his family bought a car dealership there. Since then, he has become involved in the military co-op program at Fort Sill and has gotten to know soldiers at all levels, from privates to the commanding general.
He was so impressed with the caliber of soldiers that he met he wanted to learn more about the military, Billingsley said. "I find it exciting. I find it very, very interesting to see and talk to and interact with our military personnel," he said.
That led to his interest in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference. Billingsley said he wanted to expand his knowledge of the military, especially in the other branches of service.
"I've been fortunate that I've been able to spend time with a lot of Army personnel. What I've enjoyed most of this is (seeing) the other branches of service, being able to meet the sailors and the airmen. I've had very little exposure to those services. It's very eye-opening," he said.
His first surprise on the trip was the expansive military operations in Guam.
"Two weeks ago I probably didn't even think about Guam or that we had such a presence there through the Air Force and the Navy," he said.
Talking to servicemembers here has brought home the sacrifices that they make, no matter where they are deployed, Billingsley said.
"It's one thing when you see the folks at Fort Sill and you know they are deployed and you see what hardships that puts on their families back home. But until you go to where they are serving overseas, you don't really understand what that means until you're here," he said. "That probably brings it home more, to see the sacrifices firsthand that they make. But they do it gladly. It's amazing, their attitude. They ask nothing for it. They do it because they want to serve their country, and they do it proudly, and they do it of their own free will."
A true child of the 1960s, Billingsley said he was not always so impressed by military service. In fact, he said, a decade ago he would not have recommended military service. Only since his time spent with soldiers at Fort Sill, and now his JCOC experience, has his opinion of military service been swayed. Now, Billingsley said he would even recommend it to his own children.
"If one of my children wanted to join any one of the services, I would not only recommend it, it would make me proud," he said. "To think that your son or daughter would be serving with the caliber of people that I personally have been able to experience, I can't imagine anything but good coming out of that."
Face of Defense: Former Sergeant Major of the Army Still Serves
By Beth Reece
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 9, 2007 - Jack L. Tilley left the Army twice -- first after a tour in Vietnam, then again in 2004. But he still thinks he's a soldier. “You can't just all of a sudden say, 'I quit.' You can't get it out of your heart," the former sergeant major of the Army said.
Tilley retired as the Army's senior enlisted soldier in January 2004 after 35 years of service. He championed pay raises, saw the fielding of the black beret, and comforted soldiers and families after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the Pentagon.
Still a man of action three years into retirement, he is the senior enlisted advisor to the sergeant major of the Afghan National Army and serves on the U.S. Army's retirement board and the secretary of veterans affairs' special advisory committee for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Tilley also supports soldiers through the American Freedom Foundation, which is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that spotlights Americans' support of servicemembers.
Seeing the pain and startling motivation of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here moved Tilley to create the American Freedom Foundation, which raises money and awareness for veterans organizations helping soldiers wounded in the war on terror.
"I went to the hospital and talked to veterans, talked to wounded warriors, and it absolutely broke my heart," he said. "But it's sad for me, not them. They're all motivated and pumped up; they want to do things and get on with their lives."
Tilley gives motivational speeches and classes on team building and leader-development, focusing on something he said soldiers often take for granted. "The civilian sector needs people with a lot of leadership experience. You look at a guy like me, ... I came into the service at age 17 and went straight to Vietnam. I've been a battalion, brigade and division sergeant major, moved a lot of troops and trained troops," he said. "The civilian sector needs our knowledge and expertise."
Without discounting the value of formal education, Tilley maintains that experience turns soldiers into leaders. "The way to be a good leader is to be a leader. From what I've seen, development comes with time," he said.
During a recent presentation in Pennsylvania, Tilley spoke about things that have touched his life: war, family separation, God, and the fact that America has seen about 3,800 soldiers killed and 27,000 wounded in the war on terrorism.
"Then I got them to close their eyes and listen to a song from Lonestar, called 'Message from Home.' Everybody cried," he said. "My point to them was that we need to not just talk about things. Don't just talk about taking care of soldiers. Take care of them; show them your support," he said.
Tilley said he's deeply concerned about post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injuries plaguing today's combat veterans. "I don't think we really know the damage we've done to the Army, and I don't think we'll know for years," he said. "But the Army will get through it."
He also said he's a fan of the Army's current focus on families. "Families are taking so much stress right now. I think our country needs to be more aware of the things they're sacrificing for us. ... My spouse was just as much a soldier as I was."
When Tilley left the Army after Vietnam and began work at a paneling factory, he still felt drawn to the military. He couldn't drive by a recruiting station without going in just to talk. And while in Seattle, he visited Fort Lewis just to watch soldiers train. "I got out of the Army, but the Army was still in me," he said.
Eventually a recruiter called Tilley to say he had one week left to rejoin and retain his rank of staff sergeant. "The next morning I was down there signing up," he said.
Tilley said he credits dumb luck for his selection as the 12th sergeant major of the Army. "You look at guys like SMA (Richard) Kidd and SMA (Robert) Hall, ... they were my idols. To say I was as good as they were, that was a big step," he said.
(Beth Reece works for the Soldiers Media Center.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 9, 2007 - Jack L. Tilley left the Army twice -- first after a tour in Vietnam, then again in 2004. But he still thinks he's a soldier. “You can't just all of a sudden say, 'I quit.' You can't get it out of your heart," the former sergeant major of the Army said.
Tilley retired as the Army's senior enlisted soldier in January 2004 after 35 years of service. He championed pay raises, saw the fielding of the black beret, and comforted soldiers and families after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the Pentagon.
Still a man of action three years into retirement, he is the senior enlisted advisor to the sergeant major of the Afghan National Army and serves on the U.S. Army's retirement board and the secretary of veterans affairs' special advisory committee for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Tilley also supports soldiers through the American Freedom Foundation, which is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that spotlights Americans' support of servicemembers.
Seeing the pain and startling motivation of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here moved Tilley to create the American Freedom Foundation, which raises money and awareness for veterans organizations helping soldiers wounded in the war on terror.
"I went to the hospital and talked to veterans, talked to wounded warriors, and it absolutely broke my heart," he said. "But it's sad for me, not them. They're all motivated and pumped up; they want to do things and get on with their lives."
Tilley gives motivational speeches and classes on team building and leader-development, focusing on something he said soldiers often take for granted. "The civilian sector needs people with a lot of leadership experience. You look at a guy like me, ... I came into the service at age 17 and went straight to Vietnam. I've been a battalion, brigade and division sergeant major, moved a lot of troops and trained troops," he said. "The civilian sector needs our knowledge and expertise."
Without discounting the value of formal education, Tilley maintains that experience turns soldiers into leaders. "The way to be a good leader is to be a leader. From what I've seen, development comes with time," he said.
During a recent presentation in Pennsylvania, Tilley spoke about things that have touched his life: war, family separation, God, and the fact that America has seen about 3,800 soldiers killed and 27,000 wounded in the war on terrorism.
"Then I got them to close their eyes and listen to a song from Lonestar, called 'Message from Home.' Everybody cried," he said. "My point to them was that we need to not just talk about things. Don't just talk about taking care of soldiers. Take care of them; show them your support," he said.
Tilley said he's deeply concerned about post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injuries plaguing today's combat veterans. "I don't think we really know the damage we've done to the Army, and I don't think we'll know for years," he said. "But the Army will get through it."
He also said he's a fan of the Army's current focus on families. "Families are taking so much stress right now. I think our country needs to be more aware of the things they're sacrificing for us. ... My spouse was just as much a soldier as I was."
When Tilley left the Army after Vietnam and began work at a paneling factory, he still felt drawn to the military. He couldn't drive by a recruiting station without going in just to talk. And while in Seattle, he visited Fort Lewis just to watch soldiers train. "I got out of the Army, but the Army was still in me," he said.
Eventually a recruiter called Tilley to say he had one week left to rejoin and retain his rank of staff sergeant. "The next morning I was down there signing up," he said.
Tilley said he credits dumb luck for his selection as the 12th sergeant major of the Army. "You look at guys like SMA (Richard) Kidd and SMA (Robert) Hall, ... they were my idols. To say I was as good as they were, that was a big step," he said.
(Beth Reece works for the Soldiers Media Center.)
Soldier Missing in Action from the Korean War is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is Cpl. Clem R. Boody, U.S. Army, of Independence, Iowa. His burial date and location are being set by his family.
Representatives from the Army met with Boody's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
In November 1950, Boody was assigned to Headquarters Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division then occupying a defensive position near Unsan, North Korea north of a bend in the Kuryong River known as the Camel's Head. On Nov. 1, parts of two Chinese Communist Divisions struck the 1st Cavalry Division's lines, collapsing the perimeter and forcing a withdrawal. Boody was reported missing on Nov. 2, 1950 and was one of the more than 350 servicemen unaccounted-for from the battle at Unsan.
In April 2007, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea (D.P.R.K.), acting through the intermediary of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, repatriated to the United States six boxes of human remains believed to be those of U.S. soldiers. The D.P.R.K. reported that the remains were excavated in November 2006 near Unsan in North Pyongan Province.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Boody's remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
He is Cpl. Clem R. Boody, U.S. Army, of Independence, Iowa. His burial date and location are being set by his family.
Representatives from the Army met with Boody's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
In November 1950, Boody was assigned to Headquarters Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division then occupying a defensive position near Unsan, North Korea north of a bend in the Kuryong River known as the Camel's Head. On Nov. 1, parts of two Chinese Communist Divisions struck the 1st Cavalry Division's lines, collapsing the perimeter and forcing a withdrawal. Boody was reported missing on Nov. 2, 1950 and was one of the more than 350 servicemen unaccounted-for from the battle at Unsan.
In April 2007, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea (D.P.R.K.), acting through the intermediary of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, repatriated to the United States six boxes of human remains believed to be those of U.S. soldiers. The D.P.R.K. reported that the remains were excavated in November 2006 near Unsan in North Pyongan Province.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Boody's remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
Reconstruction Team Begins $1.7 Million Bridge
By Gina Gillespie
Special to American Forces Press Service
Afghanistan, Nov. 9, 2007 - Construction is under way for a $1.7 million bridge across the Farah Rud River in Tojg. The project, funded by the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team, will employ several hundred local people for two years. The project will benefit not only the 10,000 residents of Tojg, but also people from the districts of Shib Koh, Qalay Ka, Lashe Jowain and Farah City.
In summer, the Farah Rud River meanders lazily through the desert rocks. But during the rainy season, the water levels rise up to 30 feet, spilling out of the channel and flooding the nearby plains.
The Farah Rud bisects the lower half of the province from north to south. It separates the people in the village of Tojg, from the main road and their farmlands. The nearest crossing is several hours away, in Farah City. Eight to 10 people drown annually attempting to cross the river.
The massive masonry and reinforced-concrete bridge will span 900 feet and rise 36 feet over the center span. The bridge foundation will include two semicircular abutments, including headwalls, one central pier and 15 minor piers, all keyed into the bedrock. The bridge superstructure will include two large masonry abutments, one masonry arch span and one central span. The bridge will support two lanes of traffic and two pedestrian lanes.
"If you live in Lashe Jowain and you want to cross the river to go see fields on the other bank of the river, then you have to drive all the way to Farah, a nine- or 10-hour drive, cross the river at Boghi Pol Bridge in Farah City, then come all the way back down," said Navy Lt. j.g. Stephen Ramsey, an engineer with PRT Farah.
For the three or four months of the annual rainy season, villagers cannot reach facilities and resources on the other side of the river without making the drive to Farah City. "If anyone needs medical care during the winter months, there's almost zero chance of getting across without traveling all the way to Farah City," said Army Maj. Harry Lorenzi, Civil Affairs Team chief with PRT Farah. "You're defeating the purpose of having schools and clinics there if the people can't get 100 feet across the river."
Due to the size and duration of the project, several local contractors joined forces to create a joint-venture company, pooling resources, equipment and manpower for the bridge construction. "This is the first time this has happened," Ramsey said. "It is a good way of building up one's business. The project is bigger than any one of them could support."
Haji Juma Khan owns the Bradaran Noori Construction Co., one of the companies in the joint venture. He agreed the joint venture is a good idea. "This joint construction company has the ability to do any kind of project. We prefer five companies working together," he said. "One hand clapping makes no sound."
By reducing travel time to the city center, this link will enhance economic activity, improve Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police response times, and improve access to social services. The link also will extend the reach of the central government, allowing officials to conduct more frequent assessments of the outer districts.
"This project is right up there with some of the major projects we have done in Afghanistan," Ramsey said. "It's part of the foundation infrastructure, roads and bridges and dams, heavy infrastructure that allows transportation and goods and services to flow. Projects like this are critical for the functioning of the economy."
Special to American Forces Press Service
Afghanistan, Nov. 9, 2007 - Construction is under way for a $1.7 million bridge across the Farah Rud River in Tojg. The project, funded by the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team, will employ several hundred local people for two years. The project will benefit not only the 10,000 residents of Tojg, but also people from the districts of Shib Koh, Qalay Ka, Lashe Jowain and Farah City.
In summer, the Farah Rud River meanders lazily through the desert rocks. But during the rainy season, the water levels rise up to 30 feet, spilling out of the channel and flooding the nearby plains.
The Farah Rud bisects the lower half of the province from north to south. It separates the people in the village of Tojg, from the main road and their farmlands. The nearest crossing is several hours away, in Farah City. Eight to 10 people drown annually attempting to cross the river.
The massive masonry and reinforced-concrete bridge will span 900 feet and rise 36 feet over the center span. The bridge foundation will include two semicircular abutments, including headwalls, one central pier and 15 minor piers, all keyed into the bedrock. The bridge superstructure will include two large masonry abutments, one masonry arch span and one central span. The bridge will support two lanes of traffic and two pedestrian lanes.
"If you live in Lashe Jowain and you want to cross the river to go see fields on the other bank of the river, then you have to drive all the way to Farah, a nine- or 10-hour drive, cross the river at Boghi Pol Bridge in Farah City, then come all the way back down," said Navy Lt. j.g. Stephen Ramsey, an engineer with PRT Farah.
For the three or four months of the annual rainy season, villagers cannot reach facilities and resources on the other side of the river without making the drive to Farah City. "If anyone needs medical care during the winter months, there's almost zero chance of getting across without traveling all the way to Farah City," said Army Maj. Harry Lorenzi, Civil Affairs Team chief with PRT Farah. "You're defeating the purpose of having schools and clinics there if the people can't get 100 feet across the river."
Due to the size and duration of the project, several local contractors joined forces to create a joint-venture company, pooling resources, equipment and manpower for the bridge construction. "This is the first time this has happened," Ramsey said. "It is a good way of building up one's business. The project is bigger than any one of them could support."
Haji Juma Khan owns the Bradaran Noori Construction Co., one of the companies in the joint venture. He agreed the joint venture is a good idea. "This joint construction company has the ability to do any kind of project. We prefer five companies working together," he said. "One hand clapping makes no sound."
By reducing travel time to the city center, this link will enhance economic activity, improve Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police response times, and improve access to social services. The link also will extend the reach of the central government, allowing officials to conduct more frequent assessments of the outer districts.
"This project is right up there with some of the major projects we have done in Afghanistan," Ramsey said. "It's part of the foundation infrastructure, roads and bridges and dams, heavy infrastructure that allows transportation and goods and services to flow. Projects like this are critical for the functioning of the economy."
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