Gates Promises Fewer, Shorter, More Predictable Guard Deployments

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 27, 2007 – The Defense Department is committed to implementing changes in policy that will mean fewer, shorter and more predictable deployments for reserve-component troops, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the National Guard's 54 adjutants general today. Speaking to the Adjutants General Association of the United States mid-winter conference, Gates said his goal is for Guard members to serve a one-year deployment no more often than every five years.

This met with resounding applause by the adjutants general, whose state forces have been strained in the past five years supporting federal and state missions of historical proportions.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 275,000 Guard members have been mobilized in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. This, in addition to state emergencies such as snow storms, floods and forest fires, and border-patrol missions have heavily strained pools of National Guard troops available for deployment. In a historical mobilization in response to a natural disaster, 50,000 Guard members were called up in 2005 from across the nation in support of Hurricane Katrina disaster relief.

Until now, National Guard troops called up for the Army's standard one-year tour in Iraq would actually serve for 18 months, including pre-deployment training and post-deployment administrative requirements. Gates is imposing a one-year limitation to the length of deployment for National Guard soldiers effectively immediately, he said.

The defense secretary stressed, though, that some troops may be caught in the start of the cycle and face deployments faster than once every five years. His department is looking at developing compensation for those who serve additional mobilizations, and officials are reviewing hardship policies that allow for the exemption of some troops based on personal circumstances. The one-to-five-year cycle does not include activations for state emergencies.

Gates said the influx of 92,000 troops into the active Army and Marine Corps over the next five years should help take some of the load off of the reserve component. He said the larger pool of ground forces available will make it less likely Guard troops will be needed for deployments.

"The goal is to distribute more fairly and more effectively the burdens of war among our active and reserve components, while providing more predictable schedule of mobilizations and deployments for troops their families and civilian employers," Gates said.

Gates said that since Sept. 11, 2001, the Guard has undergone a "remarkable transformation" from a strategic reserve to an operational reserve, and he pledged additional resources to help keep the Guard ready.

In the next two fiscal-year budgets, Gates said, the Defense Department is asking for $9 billion to reset and reequip the Guard. Many units face severe shortages after returning from deployments with either missing or broken equipment.

"Reconstituting and resetting the Guard and reserve ... is the top priority for the Department of Defense," Gates said.

Gates' goal is a National Guard that is fully manned, trained and equipped and capable of taking on a range of traditional and nontraditional missions at home and abroad, he said.

Despite the strain on the National Guard, Gates said, recruiting and retention numbers show that troops still want to serve and believe in the mission. In fiscal 2006, the Army National Guard exceeded its retention goals by 18 percent. Also that fiscal year, the Guard reached 99 percent of its recruiting goal and signed up 19,000 more soldiers than in fiscal 2005. The Army National Guard had a net increase of 14,000 soldiers in the past year, Gates said.

Other recent changes include rescinding the policy that stated a Guard member could not be activated for more than 24-months in a six-year enlistment. That caused the Army to have to put units together in a piecemeal manner, sometimes from different states, Gates said.

Also, DoD will quit the practice of slicing up units to fill deployment demands. This happened to many states that had to cough up cookie-cutter-sized task forces, leaving odd-sized units back home basically non-deployable as a unit. "It is important, I believe, that citizen-soldiers who live together and train also deploy and fight together," Gates aid.

Gates also has directed officials to minimize the use of "stop-loss," a policy that freezes personnel in specific jobs or units and prevents them from getting out or changing jobs.

All of these changes represent a shift in how DoD intends to use the Guard and reserve in the future, Gates said.

"In the future, our troops should be deployed or mobilized less often, for shorter periods of time and with more predictability and with more quality of life for themselves and their families," Gates said.

One adjutant general thanked Gates for implementing the one-year deployment. "We've promised this to our employers and families back home. It means a lot to them," he said.

He asked for support in preventing the "creep" of additional pre-mobilization training and post-deployment administrative requirements added on. "We ask that you help us hold that line," he said.

Gates responded, "We've made a commitment. We need to keep our word."

Gates also praised reservists for giving leaders unabashed feedback. Gates said that when he eats with troops in Iraq or Afghanistan, they never hold back in telling him what they think.

"America's citizen-soldiers are unique in the history, ... not just because of their patriotism, dedication and skill, but because they are American citizens first and foremost," Gates said. "Thus, they are not overly impressed with rank, and they're not afraid to ask questions or offer advice or criticism.

"I hope we never change that, because it means American democracy is planted firmly in the spirit and the hearts of our citizen soldiers," he said.

National Guard Chief Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum introduced Gates, and said that in just a month Gates has announced long requested and desired changes in the mobilization policy for the reserve components.

"He listens. He's smart. He is a decisive, visionary leader who is sensitive to the citizen soldier and does appreciate and understand its critical role and essentiality in the defense of America today," Blum said.

Criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books sponsored this article.

Photos Worth 1,000 Patriotic Words for Group

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 27, 2007 – Two nonprofit groups that support servicemembers are inviting amateur and professional photographers to look through their viewfinders with a patriotic eye for the 2007 "I Love America Day Photo Contest." The organizations -- "Flags Across the Nation" and the "Military Family Network" - both are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers.

Through its Community Connections Partnership program, of which Flags Across the Nation is a member, the Military Family Network supports the grassroots efforts of military-friendly organizations across the country, Peabody said. Flags Across the Nation is employing this partnership to help promote its photo contest.

"We're helping them promote it in (Hampton, Va.)," Peabody said. "We're having a huge ... push in combination with what we're doing with the Virginia Air and Space (Center) here throughout the month of March, which is free admission ... for all military families and veterans."

The organization will be displaying Flags Across the Nation artwork, as well as promoting this year's photo contest, she added.

Eileen Schwartz founded Flags Across the Nation with the goal of encouraging patriotism through the arts. She created "I Love America Day," first observed March 19, 2006, and later, the photo contest in celebration of that day, she said.

"I thought it was really important that we look at the really positive things about America and appreciate our freedom and really show respect for the American flag," she said. "There's no holiday at that time, and I wanted to bring recognition to the spirit of American and support for the troops."

This year marks the first photo contest, which coincides with Flags Across the Nation's second annual art contest of the same theme. So far the group has received about 100 photos for consideration.

"We wanted thousands," Schwartz said. "We just really, really encourage people to send us a photo."

Those who would like to enter the photo contest must submit via e-mail one unpublished photo that fits into one of five categories. The categories are: patriotism, liberty and freedom, military, Americana scenes of landscape culture, and images of the American flag.

All entries must be received no later than midnight Eastern Time on March 19. Thirteen entries will be selected to be included in a photo quilt that will become part of Flags Across the Nation's traveling exhibit, Schwartz said. Of those 13, three top photos will receive prizes.

"The top prize is $300 ... and every selected winner is going receive a 'Made in America' American flag," she said. "We picked 13 to honor the American flag and pay respect to the 13 original colonies and the 13 original states."

Criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books sponsored this article.

Gates Urges Congress to Pass 2007 Supplemental Budget

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 27, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called on Congress to quickly act on the fiscal 2007 supplemental request to fund ongoing operations in the war on terror. Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee today. President Bush is asking for $93.4 billion for the Defense Department, and that money is vital, Gates said.

"If these additional funds are delayed, the military will be forced to engage in costly and counterproductive reprogramming actions starting this spring, in April, to make up the shortfall," Gates said. "Timely enactment of this supplemental request is critical to ensuring our troops in the field have the resources they need." Congress already has appropriated $70 billion for operations this fiscal year.

If approved, the supplement will pay for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, repairing and replacing equipment damaged or destroyed in combat and in new technologies to protect U.S. servicemembers. This last includes a new generation of body armor, better armored vehicles and countermeasures against improvised explosive devices. IEDs have caused around 70 percent of the U.S. casualties in Iraq, officials said.

The supplement also will provide funds for training and equipping the Iraqi and Afghan security forces. Gates said the request is a large increase for Afghan forces. "I would note that while our country is properly focused on the serious situation in Iraq, it is critical that the gains made in Afghanistan these past few years not be allowed to slip away," he said.

Gates said Congress may have "sticker shock" over the DoD request. If the supplemental request is approved, the department would spend more than $700 billion this fiscal year. "Please consider that, at about 4 percent of America's gross domestic product, the amount of money the United States is projected to spend on defense this year is actually a smaller percentage of GDP than when I left government 14 years ago," Gates said.

The secretary said that four cents on the dollar is not too much to pay when the country is facing a myriad of other problems besides the war on terror. Gates said that Iran and North Korea have nuclear ambitions and are known proliferators. China and Russia are walking uncertain paths to the future and are "pursuing sophisticated military modernization programs."

He also said there is a range of other potential flashpoints in the world. "In this strategic environment, the resources we devote to defense at this critical time should be at the level to adequately meet those challenges," he said.

Criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who authored books sponsored this article.

Newest Medal of Honor Recipient Inducted Into Pentagon Hall of Heroes

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 27, 2007 – Retired Army Lt. Col. Bruce Crandall was admitted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes today, one day after President Bush presented him the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam. Army Chief of Staff Peter J. Schoomaker praised Crandall, a helicopter pilot during the Battle of Ia Drang Valley on Nov. 14, 1965, who repeatedly volunteered to fly into heavy enemy fire to replenish besieged ground forces and evacuate wounded troops.

Crandall, then a major commanding Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), was transporting troops into Landing Zone X-ray when the ground troops came under a massive attack from the North Vietnamese Army. He and his wingman, Capt. Ed Freeman, spent more than 14 hours in the air, flying 70 wounded men to safety and providing a lifeline for ground troops, President Bush said yesterday at the White House.

During today's induction ceremony, Schoomaker called 74-year-old Crandall a "profoundly brave man" who along with other military heroes, "help to make us better by their example."

"His actions also remind us that, despite advances in doctrine and technology, war is still waged in the human dimension," he said.

Pausing to recognize Crandall's sacrifice in the face of near-certain death serves as a reminder of "our Army's core values and the fact that those who lead must also be willing to serve," Schoomaker said.

"The words of the warrior ethos that we have today - I will always place the mission first; I will never accept defeat; I will never quit; and I will never leave a fallen comrade - were made real that day on in the Ia Drang Valley," he said.

Although the battle cost the United States 305 lives, the death toll would have been significantly higher if not for Crandall's actions, Schoomaker said.

Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey praised Crandall as "the latest in a very select group of exceptional soldiers" who have earned the nation's highest award for valor.

This award, "reserved for the bravest of the brave," honors extraordinary personal bravery, self-sacrifice and courage, he said. "Based on Bruce's actions that have earned him this award, it is clear that it was courage, along with love of soldiers and of country, that compelled Bruce to go above and beyond the call of duty to act without regard for his own personal safety, even in the face of mortal danger," he said.

"The degree of courage to be awarded the Medal of Honor is so exceptionally high that in the last 100 years, only 1,239 Medals of Honor have been awarded," he said.

After receiving his Medal of Honor yesterday, Crandall joined 111 other living American Medal of Honor recipients, 61 of them for service during the Vietnam War. Five attended today's induction ceremony: retired Army Lt. Gen. Robert F. Foley, retired Army Col. Walter Marm Jr., Army Lt. Col. Gordon Roberts, former 1st Lt. Brian Thacker, and retired Marine Corps Col. Harvey Barnum Jr.

"The courage and fortitude of America's soldiers in combat exemplified by these individuals is, without question, the highest level of human behavior," Harvey said. "It demonstrates the basic goodness of mankind as well as the inherent kindness and patriotism of American soldiers."

Harvey said this foundation of courage and fortitude, along with concern and care for their fellow soldiers, drives soldiers during the most difficult situations imaginable. "Fellow soldiers come first," he said.

Crandall's actions demonstrated the extent of that conviction, he said. "He truly answered the call to duty -- for his nation, his unit and most of all, for his fellow soldiers." In doing so, Harvey said Crandall "truly demonstrated what it means to be Army strong."

After unveiling his Medal of Honor photo and citation, along with a plaque inscribed with his name along with other Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients, Crandall downplayed his "hero" status.

Admitting that he had hoped to be drafted by a major league baseball team, not the Army, the former high school All-American said that if he had to do it all over again, he'd hope the Army would accept him.

Crandall praised the highly motivated, highly trained soldiers he served with in Vietnam. "We were motivated by brotherhood, by a belief in what we were doing and by having the skill levels and the training" the mission demanded, he said.

Crandall said he's been asked how he could return again and again to Ia Drang Valley during that fateful day in November 1965. "That wasn't a question that ever entered my mind," he said. "The question would have been, 'How could I not go in?'"

Medal of Honor recipient Roberts, who still serves on active duty and is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., welcomed the opportunity to see Crandall join him and other members of the elite Medal of Honor society. "It's tremendous to see this," he said.

Former Spc. 4 Henry Llewellyn, who served under Crandall's command after the battle of Ia Drang Valley, traveled from Pottstown, Pa., to see his former commander honored today. "He was an outstanding leader who led by example and with a sense of humor," he said. "Whether they're 8 or 80, everyone noticed him when they were around him. That's the kind of personality he has. He's a great American hero."

Joe Galloway, a war correspondent during the Battle of Ia Drang who cowrote the story about it in "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young," called today's ceremony a long-overdue tribute to Crandall.

"He's a great American," Galloway said, and part of a team that pulled together in the face of overwhelming odds. He noted that he and the others could easily have become "a footnote in history" had it not been for the tremendous unity they demonstrated.
"We couldn't have made it would each other," he said. "And we're here today to see honor done to one of our number because of all that teamwork."

Criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who authored books sponsored this article.

A bear of a cop and others

Editor's Note: Robert Downey is Air Force Korean War Veteran.

Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers: Dexter H. Mast, Robert Downey and Larry Murphy.

Dexter H. Mast was an Oakland Police Department police officer for over 30 years, According to the back cover of his first book, Six Gold Stars, “Chuckles and tears from the notebooks of Oakland’s legendary police officer during a career that began in 1939, in the depression. Even the gamblers and whores who were jailed by this bear of a cop liked him. But one day he wrote a ticket to the man who could make or break anyone in Oakland.”

Robert Downey began his law enforcement career with the Oakland Police Department. After his Air Force service during the Korean War, he joined the Beverly Hills Police Department. He advanced through the ranks to Lieutenant and eventually moved to San Juan County, Washington as Undersheriff. He closed out his career as a Senior Special Agent with the Treasury Department U.S. Customs Service. According to the book description of his book, “Beverly Hills Detective, “The magic city of Beverly Hills conjures up images of movie stars, Rodeo Drive, big homes and even the neighboring town of Hollywood. During the late 1950's and 1960's, Robert Downey found himself in the detective bureau of this fascinating city investigating an odd assortment of crimes. This is the story of Robert Downey who goes from rookie cop to seasoned veteran and the cases and people who took him there.”

Larry Murphy was an Oakland Police Department police officer. According to his bio, “he has broad experience in Administration of Justice and, notably, made significant contributions toward revising police recruiting and police training standards following the riots that shook America's cities during the latter part of the 1960s. He was awarded the Oakland, California, Police Department's Medal of Merit for contributions to police training innovations and earned the coveted advanced certificate for law enforcement preparedness issued by the California Department of Justice.”

Larry Murphy’s book, Blackjack and Jive-Five, is the true story of “the day-to-day pressures experienced by a unit of black cops and their white sergeant confronting a white-dominated police culture.” According to Jon J. Sparks, Chief of Police (ret.), “Blackjack and Jive-Five should be required reading for all incoming police recruits. Not only is there a strong social message but the book includes many textbook solutions to a variety of typical disturbance situations and tactical maneuvers for handling potentially dangerous contacts with criminal suspects. I know of no formal written training instrument that tackles these difficult situations with such detail and insight to the human factors involved.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 353 police officers (representing 146 police departments) and their 785 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.