100 Military Books

September 29, 2007 (San Dimas, CA). Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing servicemembers who have authored books. With the addition of two Marines and a Soldier, the website now lists 100 books by servicemembers.

In 1951 and at the Age of 17, Lee Ballenger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his first year in the Marine Corps he trained with the 3rd Tank Battalion. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Lee Ballenger was shipped out to Korea, arriving in January 1953. After a short stint “with the 1st Reconnaissance Company, he returned to tanks in time to participate in the Nevada Cities fighting at the end of March.” Lee Ballenger continued as a tank crewman until the end of fighting in Korea. He re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a military police officer until his discharge in 1957.

After his discharge Lee Ballenger began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Lieutenant. Lee Ballenger is the author of a two volume set on the Korean War: The Outpost War: U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, 1952 and The Final Crucible: U.S. Marines in Korea, 1953.

In 1962 Stephen Beeler joined the United States Army, serving in Germany. After his discharge in 1965 he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. During his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department he served in patrol, administration, court services, community relations, press liaison and hostage negotiations. In 1986, he retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s because of a duty-related injury. From 1987 to 1995, he was the business manager for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Winslow. Stephen Beeler is the author of The Firestone Syndrome.

In 1969, Charles “Sid” Heal joined the United States Marine Corps. After serving a combat tour in Vietnam, he returned home, joined the Marine Corps reserve and attended college. Commander Charles “Sid” Heal began his law enforcement career in 1975 as an investigator for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. In 1977, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff. During his law enforcement career, he has worked various assignments within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, including Men’s Central Jail, Firestone Station and Industry Station.

Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1983, Commander Heal worked at Crescenta Valley Station and the Special Enforcement Bureau. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 1989, Commander Heal worked Central Property and Evidence, Firestone Station, Lennox Station, Hall of Justice Jail, Transit Services Bureau, Walnut Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, Special Projects Unit, and Field Operations Region III Headquarters. In January 2000, he was promoted to Captain and selected to command the Special Enforcement Bureau.

During his 35 years in the Marine Corps he has served in over 20 countries including military operations in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraqi Freedom. Charles “Sid” Heal retired from the United States Marine Corps at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO5).

Commander Charles Heal holds an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Pasadena City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science and Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Management from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. Commander Charles “Sid” Heal is the author of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer and An Illustrated Guide to Tactical Diagramming.

Military-Writers.com currently lists 50 current, former or retired military servicemembers and their 100 military books.

Police Tactics and History

Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.

September 29, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three law enforcement officials who have written extensively about police tactics and/or police history.

In 1969, Charles “Sid” Heal joined the United States Marine Corps. After serving a combat tour in Vietnam, he returned home, joined the Marine Corps reserve and attended college. Commander Charles “Sid” Heal began his law enforcement career in 1975 as an investigator for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. In 1977, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff. During his law enforcement career, he has worked various assignments within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, including Men’s Central Jail, Firestone Station and Industry Station.

Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1983, Commander Charles Heal worked at Crescenta Valley Station and the Special Enforcement Bureau. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 1989, Commander Charles Heal worked Central Property and Evidence, Firestone Station, Lennox Station, Hall of Justice Jail, Transit Services Bureau, Walnut Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, Special Projects Unit, and Field Operations Region III Headquarters. In January 2000, he was promoted to Captain and selected to command the Special Enforcement Bureau.

During his 35 years in the Marine Corps he has served in over 20 countries including military operations in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraqi Freedom. Charles “Sid” Heal retired from the United States Marine Corps at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO5).

Commander Charles Heal holds an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Pasadena City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science and Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Management from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. Commander Charles “Sid” Heal is the author of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer and An Illustrated Guide to Tactical Diagramming.

According to the book description of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer, “In recent years, law enforcement has suffered a number of tactical fiascoes. Besides the loss of life and deterioration in public confidence, officers and agencies have been the subject of both civil and criminal actions. Unlike most tactical books, which reach tactics as a “skill set,” this book emphasizes an intuitive application of fundamental principles. These principles have evolved over the centuries of tactical operations and form a body of sound doctrine.”

Steven Wayne Knight’s 19 year law enforcement career included being a police officer in Newport Beach (California), a deputy sheriff in Washoe County (Nevada) and a Deputy Marshal for the Los Angeles County Marshal’s Department. Steven Knight is the author of 1857 Los Angeles Fights Again and 1853 Los Angeles Gangs.

According to Midwest Book Review, “1853 Los Angeles Gangs by Steven W. Knight is an impressively written, historical novel of the lawless gangs of Los Angeles, and the determined Rangers who stood against them. The superbly drawn story of a turbulent "yesteryear" city is populated with such memorable characters as Juan Flores who intends for his gant to dominant a rapidly expanding and ethnically diverse city by first killing off the Chinese, and then the Americans; Don Thomas Sanchez struggling to preserve political power in the face of American landgrabs; and Horace Bell with his implacable dedication to the law. Drama, action, bloodshed, love and great courage fill the pages of this exciting and entertaining saga from cover to cover.”

Captain John A. Kolman, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (ret.), is the founder and first director of the National Tactical Officer’s Association. John Kolman is the author of The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander, Patrol Response to Contemporary Problems: Enhancing Performance of First Responders Through Knowledge And Experience and Guide to the Development of Special Weapons and Tactics Teams.

According to Commander Sid Heal, The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander, “is clearly modeled after "Duffer's Drift" and fills a gap in those texts that deal with essential material and the more interesting fiction by combining an interesting scenario with an abundance of lessons learned. Consequently, it should be considered a "must read" for law enforcement SWAT personnel, but especially entry-level and first-line supervisors. The lessons are durable, reliable and relevant for all domestic law enforcement but are focused on that critical first-line supervisor.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 756 police officers (representing 347 police departments) and their 1623 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.

3 Deputy Sheriffs

Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicmember.

September 28, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three former deputy sheriffs from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

In 1962 Stephen Beeler joined the United States Army, serving in Germany. After his discharge in 1965 he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. During his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department he served in patrol, administration, court services, community relations, press liaison and hostage negotiations. In 1986, he retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department because of a duty-related injury. From 1987 to 1995, he was the business manager for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Winslow. Stephen Beeler is the author of The Firestone Syndrome.

According to the book description of The Firestone Syndrome, it is “a story based on actual events about an ambitious Los Angeles County Sheriff's lieutenant, Steve Butler, during the late 1970's who is manipulated by his superiors to return to the notorious Firestone Sheriff's Station in south-central Los Angeles to build evidence on suspected Sheriff's deputies his superiors believe are systematically murdering local criminals. Steve Butler is hesitant to return to Firestone because of his tour there as a deputy when he faced the Firestone "Elitists'" scorn for his perceived inability to "pull the trigger" when necessary. His return to Firestone brings about intrigue, murder and an ironic twist with a surprise ending as Steve Butler is used as a pawn by the mysterious killers.”

Allen P. Bristow began his law enforcement career as a military policeman during the Korean War. After the war, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to become a professor of Police Administration at the California State University, Los Angeles. During his academic career, Allen P. Bristow authored a number of books about policing. Following his retirement from education he has authored a number of fictional books about law enforcement in the “old west.” Allen P. Bristow is the author of the academic works: The Search for an Effective Police Handgun, Effective Police Manpower Utilization; Patrol Administration; Police Disaster Operations; Rural Law Enforcement; Field Interrogation; An Introduction to Modern Police Firearms, A Handbook in Criminal Procedure and the Administration of Justice; You and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics; Police Film Guide; and, Decision Making in Police Administration. He was the editor of Police Supervision Readings. He is the author of the fiction works The Pinkerton Eye and Playing God. And the author of the biographical look at a Western figure, Whispering Smith.

According to the book description of Whispering Smith, “The fictional adventures of the heroic railroad detective called Whispering Smith have entertained readers, motion picture enthusiasts and television viewers for many years. The colorful name of this character had such appeal that it has been adopted by musical bands, apparel manufacturers and emblazoned on the nose of World War Two bombers. But was there a real Whispering Smith? Was he the heroic champion of justice on the western plains as depicted by Hollywood or was he instead a sinister and tragic recluse? Traces of his confrontations with western outlaws are found throughout Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Yet in his search for justice did he become a centurion that confronted frontier lawlessness with a hangman's rope? Was the real Whispering Smith actually a cold-blooded killer, frustrated duelist, devious plotter and pugnacious braggart?”

In 1970, Terry E. Gingerich began his career in law enforcement when he joined the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC). In 1972, he became a deputy sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after 24 years as a sergeant having worked in custody, patrol, administration and detectives.

Terry E. Gingerich has a Doctorate from Washington State University, a Masters in Criminal Justice from Cal State, Los Angeles and a BS from the University of San Francisco. Currently, Terry E. Gingerich is an assistant professor at Western Oregon University. Terry E. Gingerich is the co-author of Law Enforcement in the United States.

According to the book description of Law Enforcement in the United States, it “presents a unique balance of theory, history, and practice of American law enforcement. It provides readers with updated, important information ranging from the evolution and theory of social control to the training, function, and strategies involved in modern policing. The authors also examine the gray areas of law enforcement, ethics, forces in society that impact policing, and the laws governing police behavior.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 753 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1616 police 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.

Coin-Giving Tradition Symbolizes Connection to, Appreciation of Troops

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - When Marine Gen. Peter Pace retires Oct. 1, so too will the signature coin that he shared with thousands of servicemembers, family members and veterans he's met personally during his two years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Pentagon-shaped coin has become a physical extension of the chairman -- part calling card, part memento and part symbol of appreciation for service to country and a job well done.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, Pace's senior enlisted advisor, called it "a coin of excellence" that recognizes actions beyond the call of duty, both big and small.

Wherever Pace traveled -- the halls of the Pentagon, military installations stateside and overseas, forward operating bases in combat zones -- he rarely missed an opportunity to walk up to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to thank them for their service. As he looked them in the eye and shook their hands, he inevitably slipped his personal coin into their palms.

Pace shared his coin with wounded troops being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military medical facilities. During an early-June town hall meeting at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, he offered up a coin to the first family member in a group about to be affected by the Army's new 15-month deployment policy who was willing to step forward to ask a question.

In early August, Pace presented coins to all 150 new recruits he swore into the military at Pennsylvania's Pocono International Raceway just before a NASCAR race. "If you're joining the United States Army today, then I want you to have my coin," the chairman told one of the recruits, who probably had no concept at the time of what the coin represented.

Military coins, whether commander's coins, challenge coins, or unit and squadron coins, have become increasingly popular throughout the military.

Stories of where the custom originated vary widely. One of the most accepted traces it to World War I, when a wealthy lieutenant had bronze unit medallions struck for his squadron. As the story goes, a squadron pilot who was shot down and captured behind German lines ended up with nothing but that medallion to identify himself after his escape. Ultimately, the identifying coin ended up saving him from being executed by the French as a spy.

The squadron's tradition of medallion or coin carrying continued, with "challenges" regularly made to ensure all members had theirs handy. A unit member who couldn't quickly produce the medallion when challenged had to buy the challenger a drink. But if the medallion could be slapped down, the challenger had to buy.

Over the years, some units have continued this tradition. But more commonly, military coins have become a symbol of affiliation that's used to boost morale, foster esprit de corps, and honor service.

Coin-collecting has become something of a military tradition. President Clinton is said to have saved the coins U.S. servicemembers presented him while he was in office, and his official White House portrait shows several racks of those coins in the background.

When President Bush made his unannounced visit to Iraq earlier this month, he returned with a military coin presented to him by a Marine Corps unit at Al Asad Air Base.

Many servicemembers have become coin collectors, too, and it's not usual to walk into a headquarters building to see a table full of military coins, all protected under glass.

But as many coins as some people may acquire, few are as distinctive -- or considered as prestigious to possess -- as Pace's.

Embossed with his name and title, four stars, the seals of all four military services, and the Joint Staff flag and crest, the coin is a work of art in itself. It's not the kind of coin quickly slipped into a pocket; recipients typically pause when they feel its weight in their palms and roll it over to study its details.

When he presents the coin, as in a Sept. 20 ceremony during which he said goodbye to troops serving at the Pentagon, Pace frequently offers a joke. "They're worth about 5,000 bucks on eBay," he told servicemembers as they lined up to shake the chairman's hand and receive his coin. "When you log on, the price may have changed a little bit. But when I logged on this morning, it was worth about 5,000 bucks."

This morning, not a single one of Pace's chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff coins was anywhere to be found on eBay. Gainey said that's because Pace's coins have become so coveted by troops who think of the chairman as "a rock star" who always looks out for their interests.

"It's so much more than a just a little piece of metal," Gainey said. "There are some soldiers out there who would much rather have his coin than a medal."

At last week's farewell ceremony at the Pentagon, Pace hinted that he understands the coin's effect and the symbolism it conveys.

Pace urged the servicemembers to approach him as the ceremony wrapped up so he would "have the opportunity to shake your hand, to give you a very small memento and to look you in the eye and tell you, 'thank you.'

"And through you," Pace continued, he would be able "to say thank you to so many who are out there serving our country right now, to tell you I love you and I will miss you."

New Rule Limits 'Predatory' Loans to Servicemembers

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - The Defense Department is instituting new protections that will help defend servicemembers against high-interest emergency loans that can lead to a dangerous cycle of debt. A new regulation included in the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act limits the annual percentage rate on payday loans, vehicle title loans and tax refund anticipation loans to 36 percent for active-duty servicemembers and their families. The change takes effect Oct. 1.

This is a big change, as the interest rates on these "predatory" loans can run as high as several hundred percent, said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Troops and their families have often fallen victim to these loans when they come up short between paychecks, and they can lead to serious problems, he said.

"It's a big problem for commanders, because what happens is often these households get themselves in over their heads," Chu said. "They're $200 short between now and next payday, but they're no better off when payday comes, so they need a bigger loan, and it just goes downhill from there."

The 36 percent limit in the regulation includes all fees and charges, and the rule prohibits contracts requiring the use of a check or access to a bank account, mandatory arbitration and unreasonable legal notice, Chu said. The regulation makes it a criminal offense for lenders to knowingly charge a higher interest rate to servicemembers, so it is essential that military members be honest about their status when applying for loans, he said.

"One of the things that we're a little worried about is people may be tempted, in order to get this old product that is now off limits, to answer this question in a non-factual way," Chu said. "They need to be honest."

It is the states' responsibility to enforce the regulation, Chu said, and already 27 states have stepped forward and agreed to enforce restrictions on the financial institutions. The department has received the assurance of federal regulators that they will oversee the institutions they regulate, he said.

In addition to implementing this new regulation, the Defense Department also is stepping up efforts to educate servicemembers about financial planning and where to go for help in an emergency, Chu said. Many times, servicemembers can go to their bank or credit union directly and ask what loan products they have available, he said, or they can go to their military aid societies or the family community support centers.

In addition, most institutions that troops would owe money to, including the Internal Revenue Service, often are willing to work with clients to defer payments. Servicemembers also can go to the online resources Military OneSource and Military Homefront for information on financial planning.

"The first defense here ... is good education for our people so they understand better how to manage their finances wisely, so they don't get themselves in trouble and so they don't come up short at the end of the month or the end of the pay period," Chu said. "But if they do, they know where to turn and how to get help."

This regulation is important because financial readiness directly affects mission readiness for military members, Chu said. If a troop is worried about an unpaid credit card bill, a needed car repair, or any other financial crisis, he won't be able to focus on the mission. Chu said commanding officers from around the military have applauded the Defense Department's efforts in this arena, because individual financial problems often cause unit readiness problems.

"As commanders, even at the division level, they are dealing with the fallout among their people from these kinds of payday loans," Chu said. "They want to get this problem off the screen; they want to solve the problem too. I think we have a whole community that's ready to move forward."

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which guarantees deposits by commercial banks, has agreed to work with the Defense Department on this regulation, because it is a chance to promote emergency small loans for servicemembers, as well as other citizens in the United States, Chu said.

"We are perhaps at the leading edge of a national movement, trying to put better financial management on everyone's screen, military and civilian, and of course ultimately, that is the goal -- that our people are better equipped to deal with financial issues," he said.

Senate Confirms Nominees to Four Defense Posts

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - The U.S. Senate voted this morning to confirm four senior military officers to serve as the next the chief of naval operations and commanders of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command. The vote followed a hearing yesterday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, with the full Senate today confirming the nominations of:

-- Navy Adm. Gary Roughead as chief of naval operations;

-- Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward as commander of U.S. Africa Command;

-- Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton as commander of U.S. Strategic Command; and

-- Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis for promotion to general and appointment as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation.

Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the current chief of naval operations, is expected to hand the top Navy military position this weekend to Roughead, who currently commands U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Mullen will become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 1, to replace retiring Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace.

Specific assumption-of-command schedules are not yet available for the three new combatant commanders.

Ward, deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, will stand up the new Africa Command as its first commander. He is charged with bringing the command to initial operational capacity as a command subordinate to EUCOM. AFRICOM is slated to be established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30, 2008.

Chilton, who currently commands Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., will take the helm at Strategic Command, with headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

The former STRATCOM commander, Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, became the eighth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Aug. 31.

Mattis, commanding general of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and commander of U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, will receive his fourth star as he becomes the Joint Forces Command chief. In that capacity, he also will serve as NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation. Mattis will replace Air Force Gen. Lance Smith, who announced his retirement this summer after a 38-year-career.

New Jersey Marine Corps Reserve Association

Marine Corps-affiliated organization to sponsor counter-terrorism symposium-
Medical Disaster, Blast Injuries, and Catastrophic Triage as well as other
pertinent and timely presentations. How Citizens can be involved will be
stressed.

Newark, NJ – The New Jersey chapter of the Marine Corps Reserve Association, The
Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology
(NJIT) will sponsor the Counter-Terrorism Symposium on Sept. 29th 2007 from
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Newark Institute of Technology (NJIT).

The symposium will discuss counter-terrorist prevention strategies that are in
place and those that are being developed, as well as realistic scenarios as they
apply to threats and regional concerns. School security, Hospital Disaster
Preparedness, Blast Injuries, Improvise Explosive Devices (IED’s-Represen tatives
from the Pentagon), and all forms of threats to modes of travel (air, ship, and
trucking) will be highlighted.

Various organizations and individuals are scheduled to provide briefings. These
include the NJ State Police (School Security Unit) and CERT and Medical Reserve
Corps, Dr. Jim Pruden and Dr. Will Gluckman (Medical Preparedness, Mass
Catastrophic Triage, and Blast Injuries). Representatives from the Pentagon will
speak on the Improvised Explosive Device program and DOD preparedness. A
representative from the Coast Guard will speak on Maritime Security and there
will be experts on safety and security in the trucking industry as well as the
airline industry (Airport Traffic Area Safety). A journalist who has traveled
to the Middle East will give a journalist perspective on the Global War on
Terror. Lastly an expert on Identity Theft will discuss prevention and
awareness.

The keynote speaker for this on e- d ay terrorism preparedness symposium is Mr.
Joseph Picciano, Deputy Director, NJ Office of Homeland Security and
Preparedness

Interested individuals can reserve a seat by registering with Regional Security
Consultants (Attn: Col. Walter Conner), 9 Spruce Court, Hightstown, NJ, 08520 or
by calling (609) 977-2114. Military, Senior Citizen and Student discounts are
available.

Association Honors 'Sew Much Comfort' Founder

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - The founder of an organization that provides comfortable and functional adaptive clothing to wounded servicemembers is being honored for her efforts. Ginger Dosedel, an Air Force wife and founder of the group "Sew Much Comfort," is one of the National Military Family Association's 2007 Very Important Patriots, an honor for which a friend secretly nominated her.

"I was very surprised and honored," Dosedel said. "It's nice when recognition comes from a friend unexpectedly."

Sew Much Comfort provides clothing specially adapted for wounded troops recovering in military hospitals. Off-the-rack clothing often doesn't accommodate medical devices.

She was humble about the award.

"This is not an award for one person, because one person could not have accomplished what 'Sew Much Comfort' has done," she said. "It's the whole organization that gets the award, and when (it) gets recognized, ... it validates your efforts and makes you feel good about what you've done."

Dosedel established Sew Much Comfort in December 2004. The program has since grown to include providing adaptive clothing to Iraqi and Afghan children treated in U.S. military medical facilities.

"We definitely want to show our support and appreciation for those long-time volunteers that have done family support throughout the years and given back to their communities," said Michelle Joyner, director of communications for National Military Family Association. "At the same time (we want to) recognize that there have been some really unique initiatives that have made an impact, and Ginger's group, Sew Much Comfort, is one of those."

Dosedel developed an expertise making adaptive clothes when her 13-year-old son, Michael, was younger. He had to undergo multiple surgeries on his legs, which prevented his wearing of regular clothing. His mom started making him clothing to accommodate the casts and large metal braces while he recuperated. "It was just great to see Ginger take (that) expertise ... and being able to give that back to her community," Joyner said.

Both the National Military Family Association and Sew Much Comfort are supporters of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

The National Military Family Association also recognized these four individuals for its Very Important Patriot Award:

-- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Bates, of Navy Expeditionary Command, Calif., for his positive influence on at-risk youth and their families;

-- Toni Caragiulo, a Navy spouse stationed in Naples, Italy, for her work bringing the Navy Compass program to Naples;

-- Shannon Maxwell, a Marine Corps spouse currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., for her work co-founding "Hope for the Warrior," a nonprofit organization supporting wounded servicemembers and their families; and

-- Marine Staff Sgt. Ricky Saldivar, stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Texas, for his volunteer work with a gang-prevention program, a juvenile detention center and a local food bank.

This award includes a $1,000 cash prize and a trip to the nation's capital for the award ceremony, which will be held on Nov. 13.

The National Military Family Association also selected four military family members and a servicemember to honor with the 2007 VIP Award of Honor, which includes a $500 prize. The recipients are:

-- Dawn-Michele Hirata, an Air Force spouse at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.;

-- Deborah Johns, a Marine Corps family member, in Roseville, Calif.;

-- Capt. Theresa Bunn, of the Army Reserve stationed at O'Connell Reserve Center, Okla.;

-- Alyson Jackson-Hill, an Air Force Spouse at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy; and

-- Julie Watson, an Air Force Spouse, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

The association also chose four recipients for its 2007 VIP Award of Merit, which includes a $250 prize. They are:

-- Justin Brundin, an Army family member at Fort Hood, Texas;

-- Georganna Cushing, an Army family member at Fort Richardson, Alaska;

-- Army Capt. Candace Hurley, at Fort Jackson, S.C.;

-- Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Timothy Farley, of Richmond, Va.; and

-- Tanja McIntosh, an Army spouse at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Pace to Leave Legacy of Battle Focus, Commitment to Troops, Top NCO Says

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - Marine Gen. Peter Pace will leave behind a lasting legacy of professionalism and commitment to the troops when he retires Oct. 1, his senior enlisted advisor and self-described "battle buddy" told American Forces Press Service today. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey called Pace "a great military leader" who has stood firmly and provided the best military advice possible, regardless of who he was addressing or what they wanted to hear.

In meetings with the defense secretary, at congressional hearings and even in informal sessions with military family members, Pace has never wavered from his moral compass, Gainey said. "He has always spoken the truth, even when it wasn't popular," he said. "His biggest weakness is that he has not learned the art of BS-ing."

Pace has always felt a strong obligation to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who make up the U.S. armed forces, Gainey said. As a result, he always kept their interests, along with the military mission, in the forefront of his mind.

"He's mission-focused, but he always says, 'How will all of this affect Corporal Pace and his family?'" Gainey said. "He has not forgotten compassion and the fact that it's all about taking care of troops and their families."

Gainey said this characteristic makes Pace stand out from the many other great military leaders. "What sets him aside is that he's also a wonderful person who's never forgotten who he is, where he came from in life and how he got where he is," he said.

The sergeant major attributes much of Pace's style to his days as a young Marine lieutenant in Vietnam, where he came to appreciate the importance of junior enlisted troops and noncommissioned officers.

To this day, Pace shows his thanks regularly, jumping at every opportunity to greet a young servicemember and present his personal military coin. "I've seen him stop a whole convoy to shake the hand of a young driver," Gainey said.

Troops in the field respond strongly, frequently marveling that an officer of Pace's stature will take the time to recognize them. "He's like a rock star to them," Gainey said.

On a recent visit to Afghanistan, a young troop there called Pace "our Patton," a reference to World War II hero Gen. George S. Patton Jr. "That's how the young people see him," Gainey said.

Pace's personal staff experiences his personal connection every morning, when the general walks into their daily stand-up meeting with the greeting, "Good morning, family. How are you?"

"Never in the past two years has he not said that," Gainey said. "That tells you a lot about the man. That's how he is."

Gainey said he hopes Pace writes a book after he retires to share his leadership philosophy, and that it becomes required reading at all military schools.

"After all, anybody can get in front and say, 'Follow me,'" Gainey said. "Not everybody can say that and make everyone want to follow. But that's what General Peter Pace does. He's the real deal."

Military, Civilian Officials Urge Accession to Law of Sea Treaty

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - Defense Department civilian and military leaders urged the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and Adm. Patrick M. Walsh, vice chief of naval operations, strongly supported the United States acceding to the treaty. The two defense leaders and Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday.

England emphasized the importance of access to the world's largest maneuver space: the oceans. "We need to have global mobility 24/7, 365 days a year, with no permission slips," England said. "The treaty preserves the (Defense Department's) navigation and overflight rights," emphasizing that the treaty covers transit passage "under, through, and over critical choke points."

The national security benefits of acceding to the treaty are significant, "and they substantially and unquestionably outweigh any perceived risk. The Department of Defense strongly supports the Law of the Sea Conventions, and we ask the Senate for your advice and support in joining the convention," England said.

England's testimony stressed that the Law of the Sea Treaty is an opportunity.

Nations negotiated the Law of the Sea Treaty between 1973 and 1982. The treaty sought to update the customary law of the sea that existed from the 1600s on. While U.S. officials helped hammer out the treaty, objections to the deep-sea mining clause caused the nation to not accede to it.

U.S. officials have signed the treaty, but the Senate has not ratified it. More than 150 other nations have accepted the treaty, and it has been in force since 1994.

U.S. objections have been addressed, Negroponte said in his testimony. President Bush has urged accession to the treaty, and it probably is headed for a vote in the Senate this session.

From the military perspective, the treaty guarantees various aspects of passage and overflight. The nation has invested hundreds of billions of dollars over the years building the infrastructure needed to transport troops and equipment over global distances. Combat ships, oilers, sustainment ships, transport aircraft, tankers and pre-positioned assets all are key to getting combat power where it is needed, often within hours.

The treaty guarantees right of passage through some of the most strategic areas of in the world. The Joint Chiefs of Staff sent a "24-star" letter to the Senate in June, urging accession. "The convention codifies navigation and overflight rights and high seas freedoms that are essential for the global mobility of our armed forces," the letter says. "It furthers our National Security Strategy, strengthens the coalition and supports the President's Proliferation Security Initiative."

The Proliferation Security Initiative is a collective approach of about 90 nations to use all their national and international authorities to interdict the shipment of weapons of mass destruction and related material. "(The United States) joining the convention will help expand the number of nations that participate in (the initiative)," Walsh said. "Strategic nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia will be more likely to join (the initiative) if we in turn join the convention."

Walsh also told the senators that the convention does not unduly limit U.S. forces' freedom of action.

"There is a perception held by some that by joining the convention our armed forces will somehow be constrained – if not by the actual language by the convention then by international tribunals or arbitration panels operating under the authority of the convention," he said. "I could not support the treaty if I thought the treaty curbed the reach or the authority or limited in any way our actions."

From the Defense Department perspective, it's all about global mobility, said Rear Adm. Bruce McDonald, the Navy's judge advocate. "It's all about getting out and doing the business of the military on seven-tenths of the Earth's surface," he said.

The need for the treaty was driven home to military leaders in the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, when Turkey denied overflight rights, MacDonald said. "A lot of this was a result of the fact that we cannot rely on other nations to allow us to overfly or base forces on their territories," he said.

The treaty guarantees certain rights: the right of innocent passage, transit passage and archipelagic sea lanes passage. Of these, transit passage is the most important, MacDonald said. "It allows us to use the strategic choke points – Hormuz, Malacca, Singapore Strait – these international straits are defined as international straits under the treaty," he said.

The treaty allows ships traversing these passages to do so in a normal mode. "If you are sailing an aircraft carrier, normal mode is with aircraft flying, helos flying, a (combat air patrol) in the air providing force protection," MacDonald said. "If you are in a battle group that means you have cruisers and destroyers screening the carrier.

"If you are going through the Strait of Hormuz, that is important because you have Iran on the right and you want that kind of protection as you are going through."

Until now, the United States has relied on customary international law. "Yes, many of the principles enshrined in the Law of the Sea Treaty have become a matter of custom," MacDonald said. "The problem is that what has been the custom of nations can change over time."

The treaty gives the United States the opportunity to lock these rights in and get positive treaty law as the basis for doing the nation's business.

Another argument for acceding to the treaty is that it buys the United States a seat at the table for any future negotiations. "Now that it has come into force, treaty law can be changed by those nations that have acceded to it," MacDonald said. "We think the United States, as the largest maritime power on the Earth, ought to take the lead in future development of maritime law, and this is a perfect way to do that."

The United States cannot stay outside the treaty and hope to influence negotiations or work through proxies, the admiral said.

"We need to lock in the navigation and the overflight rights and high-seas freedoms contained in the convention," Walsh said. "And then by acting from within the convention, we can best exercise as our leadership to ensure that those rights and freedoms are not whittled away foreign states."

Bagram 'First' Means New Capability for Region

By Capt. Michael Meridith, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - The recent speedy landing and launch of one of the world's largest aircraft promises to bring "tremendous" capability for the movement of critical cargo across the region, according to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing officials here. An Air Force C-5 Galaxy transport landed here Sept. 22 without interrupting wing flying operations, a first for Bagram, according to Col. Jon Sutterfield, commander of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group. Previous C-5 landings have required the movement of other aircraft on the flightline to accommodate the massive plane.

The C-5 is the largest airlifter in the Air Force inventory and has the ability to carry 36 pallets of cargo. In comparison, the wing's own C-130 Hercules aircraft can carry only six to eight pallets of cargo, depending on configuration. In addition, the C-5 has the benefit of nearly unlimited range through aerial refueling.

"One of the big advantages of bringing the C-5 here is bypassing the main (U.S. Central Command area of responsibility) hubs to get cargo to the warfighter faster," Sutterfield said. "It's a huge force multiplier."

Sutterfield also noted that the landing was the culmination of months of effort involving teamwork among personnel in the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in the AOR, the Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and members of a host of organizations at Bagram, including maintenance, security forces, transient alert and airfield management.

"It was a true team effort with a great result," agreed Master Sgt. Jamie Cabral, transient alert quality assurance evaluator, who noted it took less than three hours for the aircraft to land, offload nearly 16,000 pounds of cargo and take off again.

According to Belinda Williams, airfield manager, the completion of runway upgrades in December helped make the milestone landing and launch possible and opened the door for possible future visits. "We're definitely ready to see more C-5 landings in the future," she said. "Everything went smoothly."

"The bottom line is that bringing the C-5 here enables us to bring in more cargo, tools and personnel, enabling the 455th to continue to take the fight to the enemy," Cabral said.

(Air Force Capt. Michael Meridith is assigned to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)

Chairman Sends Farewell Message to Troops

American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2007 - Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanked servicemembers for their dedication and sacrifice in a farewell message released today. "As my time as chairman comes to an end, I am filled with pride in the accomplishments of the incredible men and women of our armed forces, and humility in having had the opportunity to serve with each of you," Pace, who is retiring Sept. 30, wrote.

For the past six years, Pace has served as vice chairman and chairman of the Joint Chiefs. During this time and his more-than-40-year military career, he said, he has been enriched personally and professionally by all the troops he has come in contact with.

"From full combat operations to critical relief missions, your efforts around the world have brought stability to troubled regions, hope to those in need, and honor to America's citizens," Pace wrote to the troops. "During this challenging time in our nation's history, you have contributed immeasurably by defending the homeland and fighting terrorists who threaten the values we hold so dear."

America's servicemembers have stepped forward to fight even when safer, easier options were available, Pace wrote. "Your actions have demonstrated a thorough understanding of risk, and the honor in being part of something bigger than yourself," he said. "Your courage and selfless service will ensure your children -- and their children -- will enjoy the same freedoms that all Americans have enjoyed for generations."

Pace also praised military families for their sacrifices, noting that it takes great strength and resolve to deal with long deployments and frequent moves.

"You define us and sustain us with your quiet devotion, and untold strength," Pace wrote to the families. "You represent all that is good and worthy of our sacrifices. No words can adequately express my gratitude for your unwavering support, but I offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to those who love us, and who sacrifice so much to secure our peace."

Pace's last official day at the Pentagon was yesterday, and he will be honored in a farewell ceremony at Fort Myer, Va., Oct. 1.

Senate Considers Nominations to Four Key Defense Posts

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 27, 2007 - The Senate Armed Services Committee today is considering nominations of four senior officers named to take key Defense Department posts. The committee began this morning what is expected to be an all-day hearing to consider the nominations of:

-- Navy Adm. Gary Roughead as chief of naval operations;

-- Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward as commander of U.S. Africa Command;

-- Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton as commander of U.S. Strategic Command; and

-- Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis for promotion to general and appointment as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and NATO's supreme allied commander for transformation.

Roughead, who currently commands Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., previously served as commander of Pacific Fleet in Hawaii.

A 1973 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served as executive officer on two patrol gunboats early in his career. He later served as chief of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs, where he worked closely with Congress. If confirmed, he will replace the current CNO, Adm. Michael G. Mullen, who will become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 1. Roughhead would become the third consecutive surface warfare officer to lead the Navy.

Ward, deputy commander of U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, was nominated in July to stand up the new AFRICOM as its first commander. If confirmed, he will help bring AFRICOM to initial operational capacity as a command subordinate to EUCOM by October. AFRICOM is slated to be established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30, 2008.

At EUCOM, Ward has been responsible for the day-to-day activities for U.S. forces operating across 92 countries in Europe, Africa, Russia, parts of Asia and the Middle East, the Mediterranean and most of the Atlantic Ocean. He previously served as deputy commander and chief of staff for U.S. Army, Europe and 7th Army; as commander of the Stabilization Force during Operation Joint Force in Sarajevo, Bosnia; as commander of the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army, Hawaii; and as assistant division commander for the 82nd Airborne Division. Ward also commanded 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade and Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia, and 6th Infantry Division's 5th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, and the division's logistics staff.

Chilton was nominated in July for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as commander of STRATCOM. If confirmed, he will replace Lt. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, who has served as temporary STRATCOM commander since August, when the former commander, Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, became the eighth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A former astronaut who flew three space shuttle missions, Chilton currently serves as commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. In that capacity, he is responsible for the development, acquisition and operation of the Air Force's space and missile systems.

A 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Chilton conducted weapons testing in various models of the F-4 and F-15 aircraft before joining the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1987. He also served on the Air Force Space Command Staff, the Joint Staff and the Air Staff, and commanded the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. Immediately before taking on his current assignment, he commanded 8th Air Force and served as STRATCOM's joint functional component commander for space and global strike.

Mattis was nominated earlier this month to receive his fourth star and lead JFCOM. Currently "dual-hatted" as commander of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, he will replace the retiring Air Force Gen. Lance L. Smith at JFCOM if confirmed by the Senate. Earlier this summer, Smith announced his plans to retire in January with 38 years of service. NATO's Defense Planning Committee also announced its plans to appoint Mattis as the next supreme allied commander for transformation.

Before taking the helm of 1st MEF, Mattis commanded Marine Corps Combat Development Command and served as deputy commandant for combat development. He also commanded 1st Marine Division during the initial attack and subsequent stability operations in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Before that, he served as commander of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Task Force 58 in southern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Mattis also commanded 7th Marines (Reinforced) and, during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, led 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, one of Task Force Ripper's assault battalions.

Foundation Offers FACTs to Schools

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 27, 2007 - With some new software and common audiovisual equipment, a New Jersey-based foundation is giving schools the chance to talk via video teleconference with deployed troops. "It's an opportunity for these kids to talk directly to (servicemembers) and to see a point of view that you don't otherwise get," said John Harlow, executive director of Freedom Calls Foundation.

The foundation is a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Most schools have all the necessary equipment to hold a FreedomCalls American Classroom Teleconference, or FACT, he said. The most important requirement is that the school must have an Internet connection. The foundation provides software necessary to connect to its network and helps the school configure it.

The foundation has connected about 100 schools with one of four locations in Iraq through its established network. The group is hoping to increase that number to thousands next year, he said.

"It's a very popular program from kindergarteners right up through college," Harlow said. "College kids in particular seem to gain a perspective from this.

"It's a tough crowd, but they universally come away with comments like, 'Wow, I talked to these people that are my own age. I learned a lot from what they had to say,'" he added.

Younger students get a better understanding of and an appreciation for what life is like for deployed troops. They discover, for instance, what troops eat and what the living environment is like.

"They do ask questions like, 'Did you kill anybody today?'" Harlow said. "But they do get a better perspective on what war is really like and what war life is like."

Mary Lund, a fourth-grade teacher at Garfield Elementary School in Port Huron, Mich., can attest to that. Though she didn't give her students all the gory details, attacks on the base where servicemembers had planned to speak to her students postponed her first conference.

"That really made the war real to me, knowing the people we were going to talk to were actually fighting," Lund said. "For me, as an adult and as a teacher, it was really bittersweet that day."

She was able to reschedule that first FACT conference and has since organized another for her students.

"I think it's very good for the children, because they can respond in a positive way about the war," she said, explaining that this connection helps answer questions many of her students may have. "I'm seeing children come in that have relatives in Iraq, have lost relatives, (or are) wanting to send mail to relatives (who serve). It is touching their lives."

FACTS are free to accredited schools and can be scheduled by contacting Kathryn Hudacek, the foundation's development director via phone at 973-290-7886 or by e-mail at khudacek@freedomcalls.org. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event.

In addition to the FACT program, which is just formally being launched, the Freedom Calls Foundation offers servicemembers and their families several ways to stay in touch and keep from missing important milestones. It provides about a million minutes of free telephone calls a month over its own network, saving military families about $200,000.

More than 2,000 video teleconferences are conducted for families each month, as well, Harlow said.

STRATCOM Nominee Outlines Plans to Protect, Capitalize on Space, Cyberspace

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 27, 2007 - Securing continued civil, military and commercial access to cyberspace and space-based domains will be a major challenge to the next commander of U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton said during his confirmation hearing today. Increased U.S. dependence on cyberspace and space-based capabilities makes securing these domains "crucial to our national security," President Bush's nominee to lead STRATCOM told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Cyberspace and space have become "global commons" that Chilton called "vitally important to our daily way of life and the economic well-being of our nation and the world." As a result, he said in a written response to the committee's questions, "attacks impacting our freedom to operate in space and cyberspace pose serious strategic threats."

Meanwhile, the threat of state-terrorist groups gaining control of and using weapons of mass destruction against the homeland looms as the largest strategic threat confronting the country, he said.

Chilton, who currently serves as commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., said that if he's confirmed, he will address these challenges as STRATCOM commander by identifying capability gaps within the organization and ensuring they're corrected. The next step, he said, will be to ensure the command has the right organizational structure, command relations and tools in place to carry out its missions and support other combatant commands.

"I think we need to ... make sure that we have the right command-and-control structures in place, the right information in place, the right command relationships in place, to provide the support that all our forces around the world have become dependent upon," he said during testimony today.

If confirmed, Chilton said, he will pursue several priorities for the command, including:

-- Deliver space capabilities to support joint operations around the globe;

-- Provide a global deterrent capability and synchronize Defense Department efforts to prevent potential adversaries from acquiring or using weapons of mass destruction; and

-- Maximize the application and use of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, space, cyberspace, global strike and other Defense Department resources to support decisive kinetic and non-kinetic combat effects.

These priorities are critical, he said, as potential adversaries have been able to leverage information and space technologies to threaten the United States and its interests.

President Bush named Chilton in July for appointment as STRATCOM commander. If confirmed, he will replace Air Force Lt. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, who has served as interim commander since August, when the former commander, Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, became the eighth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A former astronaut who flew three space shuttle missions, Chilton is a 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He conducted weapons testing in various models of the F-4 and F-15 aircraft before joining the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1987.

The nominee also served on the Air Force Space Command Staff, the Joint Staff and the Air Staff, and commanded the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. Immediately before taking on his current assignment, he commanded 8th Air Force and served as STRATCOM's joint functional component commander for space and global strike.

Admiral Details Tenets for New Maritime Strategy

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 27, 2007 - Any new U.S. maritime strategy must have at its core joint military capability, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command said here today. World reliance on the maritime domain is only going to increase, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating told attendees at the 37th Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis Fletcher National Security Conference.

"Each year almost 20 million containers move on the water between Asia and the United States, and 15 million between the United States and Europe," Keating said.

More than 70,000 ships each year pass through the Straits of Malacca. These ships carry a third of global trade volume and more than a third of global oil trade, he said.

Pacific Command is covers the largest geographic area of any combatant command. It stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. Most of the command is water, and it has always been regarded as a "naval" command. Some of the most vigorous economic powers of the world are in the command: Japan, China, South Korea, the Southeast Asian nations and India, to name just a few. They understand that continued progress in the region depends on continued security and stability in the maritime domain, Keating said.

These nations have taken to heart the lessons of sea power. "They understand the direct link between the maritime domain and prosperity," he said. The nations have the money to spend on developing naval power, and they have vital interests they want to protect on the seas.

Keating said any new strategy must be built on four tenets. The first emphasizes the importance of joint warfighting. "Our new strategy must integrate and leverage our great power of our joint military capability," Keating said. "American sea power is more than just Navy," and it has been that way since Battle of Manila in 1898.

The admiral stressed that real American sea power "is, and must remain, fully joint." Pacific Command, out of necessity, focuses on the seas, oceans and waterways that dominate the region. Yet, "success in the maritime battle space is ... fundamentally found in joint military power: naval, air and land power projection combined around the clock."

Second, he said, any new strategy must be designed around continued U.S. military dominance across the full spectrum of operations. "We must retain the powerful overmatch we currently enjoy," Keating said.

That overmatch can be based on numbers, capabilities or a combination of the two, but it is needed so the United States retains "the ability to dominate in any scenario in all environments without exception."

This covers all aspects of capabilities from full-scale war to humanitarian operations. It also must contain guidance for countering weapons of mass destruction and proliferation and defending against ballistic-missile attacks.

While military force plays a large role in strategy, "truly winning the maritime domain requires much more from us," the admiral said. The United States and U.S. Pacific Command encourage peace and stability in the area through cooperation, collaboration and good will.

The United States must always "be prepared to act decisively and, if necessary, alone," he said. "We also understand it is in the best interest of all nations to act together and in a common cause in pursuit of the goals that most reasonable nations seek."

Opportunities to act together on the sea, in the air, or on the land abound, Keating said, adding that the United States has excellent bilateral relations with many Pacific nations. The United States is a treaty ally of Japan, South Korea and Thailand; U.S. forces and the forces of South Korea and Thailand regularly participate in exercises and operations; and the U.S. military is also expanding exercises and operations with the Japanese Self-Defense Force.

"We begin by enhancing strong bilateral relations with our allies," Keating said. "We intend to build on these relations as we expand toward broad collaborative multinational interactions, exchanges, exercises and operations."

Gates Praises Retiring Pace; Chairman Thanks Troops, Families, Media

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 27, 2007 - Retiring Marine Gen. Peter Pace received high praise from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today during the general's last news conference as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and he thanked servicemembers, families and the media for the vital roles they play. Gates lauded Pace as "a man who has been my mentor and my friend these last 10 months" since Gates took office in December.

"For four decades, General Pace has served our country with dedication and distinction through times of peace and times of war, (and) during periods of great transition," Gates said.

He noted that Pace "cut his teeth on the battlefields of Vietnam, made his way up through the ranks during the Cold War, and these past few years, has led our military in a very different, very complex war against jihadist terrorism."

Through it all, Gates said, Pace "has never once forgotten about the individual men and women who make up our armed forces, and he has never forgotten where he comes from."

Gates recalled comments Pace made earlier this month at a dinner honoring military families who had lost a loved one. Pace told the group that Marines know fear in combat but are driven to carry out their mission because of a fear bigger than the enemy they face. "What makes Marines get up and do their job is a greater fear that we will not measure up to those who have gone before, that somehow we will let down the Marine on our left and on our right," the secretary said, quoting Pace.

"General Pace has always been and will always be the epitome not only of a Marine, but of anyone who has ever had the honor of wearing our nation's uniform, from the bottom ranks to the very top," Gates said.

Pace took the opportunity to thank U.S. servicemembers for the contribution they make to the United States. "They freely give more than anybody could ever demand," he said. "And I certainly -- we all -- owe them a great debt of gratitude."

The general paid tribute to military families, too, who he said "sit at home and worry" about their loved ones and pray for them when they're deployed. Then, family members "stand in the background when (the troops) come home and get awards and decorations and promotions, pretending the families had nothing to do with it," he said.

"Our families are serving this nation as well as anybody who has ever worn the uniform, and we thank them," the general said, repeating an observation he's made frequently during his term as chairman.

Pace expressed thanks to the Pentagon press corps, as well, calling a free press "absolutely vital" to the country's freedom. "There is no freedom in any country around the world that does not have a free press," he said, noting that if he had to pick between a free press and a strong military, he'd pick the free press.

"You need them both," he told reporters. "But I can tell you, despite the fact that at times the questions have not been comfortable, I have considered it a privilege to participate in the dialogue."

Pace said he always considered it his responsibility to tell the media the truth as he knew it, to the limits of classification. The media, in turn, had the responsibility to check out the facts and report the truth as its members knew it. "If we both do our jobs, this country is going to be in great shape for a long time to come," he said.

Following the news conference, Pentagon workers got their chance to say goodbye to the chairman. They lined the hallway outside the briefing studio, applauding the chairman as he exited.

In traditional Pace style, the chairman stopped to shake each and every hand as he walked back to his Pentagon office.

Chief of Naval Operations Nominee Cites Future Needs, Challenges

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 27, 2007 - Maintaining the U.S. Navy's sea and air deterrent and recruiting and retaining enough qualified sailors to man the fleet are among the U.S. Navy's top challenges in the years ahead, the officer nominated to lead that force told a Senate panel here today. Adm. Gary Roughead, selected by President Bush to become the next chief of naval operations, appeared on Capitol Hill before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The admiral is the current commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, which organizes, mans, trains and equips U.S. naval forces for assignment to combatant commanders.

"Maintaining our current readiness gives us the ability to be an effective force anywhere in the world," Roughead told committee members at his confirmation hearing today.

Building tomorrow's Navy requires responsibility, accountability and an obligation "to clearly and thoughtfully define how we will fight and what we need -- not want -- to be able to do that," he told committee members.

In his current position, Roughead provides key advice to current naval chief Adm. Michael G. Mullen, who on Oct. 1 is slated to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing Marine Gen. Peter Pace.

Today's Navy plays an important role in the U.S. military's joint-force concept, Roughead reported, noting that sailors and naval aviators are deployed worldwide with members of their sister services in support of the war against terrorism.

Naval forces also serve alongside other U.S. military forces posted in other regions vital to national security interests, such as South America and Africa, Roughead reported.

It's paramount that America's Navy maintains its forward-leaning warfighting posture, in line with the force's Fleet Response Plan concept that stresses force agility embodied by rapid-deployment capabilities, Roughead said. The Fleet Response Plan calls for agile, robust U.S. naval forces that can quickly respond to any contingency.

Being ready and responsive to carry out a range of diverse missions requires new approaches to delivering operational capability at the best cost, the admiral explained.

Technology is ever-changing, therefore, the Navy must also ensure that its equipment is the most advanced in the world to deter possible future enemies, Roughead reported.

U.S. naval ships, submarines, aircraft, weapons and networks must outpace potential adversaries, the admiral said in written responses to questions from the committee. However, rising costs of advanced technology are challenging the Navy's ability to provide a balanced force, he added.

In addition, the Navy's sailors and pilots constitute the bedrock of that service, Roughead emphasized in his written response, noting that the Navy is facing increasing competition from the civilian workplace in meeting its recruiting goals. Attracting and retaining a diverse, high-quality force of sailors and Navy civilians must remain a high priority, the admiral pointed out.

"Our policies must enable us to recruit, to retain, and to fulfill the young men and women of America, and the Navy must reflect the demographic of our diverse nation," the admiral said at today's hearing.

If he is confirmed as the nation's top sailor, Roughead said he'd labor to address what he considers to be the Navy's three most serious problems:

-- Properly balancing current resources needed to sustain, train and equip the Navy;

-- Obtaining resources necessary to build and man the future Navy; and

-- Ensuring continuity among the Navy's requirements, resourcing and acquisition realms in conjunction with the service's planning, programming, budgeting and execution processes.

To address and solve these vital issues, Roughead said, he'd work closely with senior Navy leaders, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the chairman, the secretary of the Navy, the secretary of defense, and the U.S. Congress.

The Navy's current 277-ship fleet is adequate to meet today's warfighting missions, Roughead reported to the committee. However, the Navy's fleet will need to grow to 313 vessels to meet envisioned needs in the next decade or so, he added.

"I believe that the shipbuilding plan that we have in place right now is giving us the balanced fleet that we need," Roughead told committee members today at the hearing.

The Navy has stated that it envisioned a 48-vessel attack-submarine fleet for service over the next decade or so, Roughead reported. However, new projections based on the impact of newer models, rehabilitation work and lengthened deployments, he noted, have reduced the number of subs needed, which could fall to as low as 40 and remain below 48 subs over the next 10 years.

Roughead said he supports U.S. participation in the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention. Joining that compact would benefit the U.S. Navy through ensuring the sovereignty of American warships and stipulating the right-of-passage of U.S. vessels through strategic straits used for international navigation, he reported.

"Our operations at sea will be enhanced by the Law of the Sea Treaty," Roughead emphasized at the confirmation hearing.