By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – Environmental stewardship is not a separate Defense Department mission, but rather is the fabric of the department, a top defense official said during the 2006 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards here yesterday. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Kenneth J. Krieg honored award-winning teams and individuals here for their "extraordinary contributions" in sustaining and protecting the roughly 30 million acres of land the department uses.
"Your efforts to integrate environmental sustainability into all aspects of mission planning, acquisition and the day-to-day defense operations of the department help the department exceed our goals for habitat restoration, pollution reduction and energy conservation," he said.
Krieg listed the following Defense Department accomplishments for fiscal 2006:
-- Reduced energy consumption by 5.5 percent, exceeding its goal of 3 percent;
-- Implemented energy-efficient, sustainable design principles into Defense Department construction;
-- Converted 9.5 percent of overall energy demand to land, wave and ocean geothermal energy;
-- Reduce water consumption by 29 percent through conservation, recycling and other reclamation efforts;.
-- Diverted 3.7 million tons of solid waste and 132 million tons of hazardous waste from landfills; and
-- Provided refuge to 319 of the 1,311 threatened or endangered plant and animal species, and committed $40 million to protecting them.
"I am proud of each and every one of you for your efforts," Krieg said. "I thank you for your dedication to the environment, and I thank you for your sustained dedication to the men and women who volunteer to be on the front lines of the world protecting and defending the freedom of America."
The environmental award winners honored yesterday were:
-- Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., in the Large Installation Natural Resources Conservation category;
-- Fort Drum, N.Y., in the Installation Cultural Resources Management category;
-- Gary M. O'Donnell, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, in the Individual/Team Cultural Resources Management category;
-- Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., in the Industrial Installation Environmental Quality category;
-- Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Japan, in the Overseas Installation Environmental Quality category;
-- Marine Corps Base Hawaii, in the Non-Industrial Installation Pollution Prevention category;
-- Pollution Prevention Afloat Team, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., in the Individual/Team Pollution Prevention category; and
-- Dover Air Force Base, Del., in the Installation Environmental Restoration category.
The secretary of defense has been recognizing installations, teams and individuals for outstanding achievement in environmental management each year since 1962.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Award-Winning Combat Videographer Keys In on People
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gary W. Burdett's videography documents the up-close-and-personal actions of America's fighting forces around the world. Burdett, a 16-year military veteran and a member of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., is the Defense Department's Military Videographer of the Year for 2007. This is the first time he's been honored as the department's best military moving-picture shooter.
Burdett served in Iraq from May through September 2006, documenting U.S. soldiers performing combat patrols and other duty in Baghdad.
Videotaping combat missions in Iraq and elsewhere helps senior Pentagon leaders to stay abreast of far-flung military operations and also can be employed for evidence purposes, Burdett said.
"If we didn't shoot it, who is to say it happened or didn't happen? We try to shoot things as truthfully, naked and raw as possible," Burdett said.
Shooting action in Iraq means "you have to get in there" and learn about the servicemembers' personalities, the Stuttgart, Ark., native said.
"If you don't get to know the people, you're not going to have a story," the 37-year-old combat videographer explained. "It's all about the people."
Burdett shot a video sequence in August that depicts an Iraqi being questioned by U.S. soldiers in Baghdad's Hamiyah district. The Iraqi was questioned, Burdett said, because a search of the man's house had produced a quantity of unauthorized weapons.
"He had a lot of weapons. This guy's house was set up like a gun dealership, so they were asking him a couple questions," Burdett recalled. The Americans confiscated many of the weapons, Burdett said, but he added that he didn't know what became of the Iraqi man.
Another example of Burdett's award-winning work, titled "Delta Sick Call," depicts U.S. military medics treating Iraqi citizens near Kut, Iraq, in July.
"We had gone to Camp Delta, which was a Polish camp where the Iraqi security forces' training academy was based," Burdett recalled.
One of the U.S. servicemembers helping to train the Iraqis was Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Malloy, a U.S. Army medic. Malloy "was teaching the Iraqi army recruits combat lifesaver skills," Burdett said, adding that the medic also treated local Iraqis living near Camp Delta.
"Probably 90 percent of the people he saw were kids," Burdett said. "That's stuff you don't normally see on the news."
The videographer attributes the relative scarcity of mainstream-media coverage of such uplifting stories from Iraq to the "boogieman on the news" syndrome that favors coverage of war's violence and gore.
Burdett relied on his Sony PD-150 video camera to document action in Iraq. The camera weighs less than 5 pounds.
Capturing the appropriate sound to accompany his moving images is an equally important element of his work, the videographer pointed out.
"Sound is huge," Burdett said. "Sound will carry a piece, because people will look at bad pictures with really good sound, but they won't watch really good pictures with bad sound."
Burdett also carried a spare video camera in Iraq, as well as an M-16 rifle. He said he didn't spend a lot of time dwelling on the danger.
"Because, if you did, there's no way you could work," he said.
Burdett recalled varying circumstances when he recorded images and sound during his tour in Iraq. For example, he saw Iraqis reacting with joy at having their electric power restored or when obtaining water service thanks to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' reconstruction projects.
And U.S. servicemembers on patrol would often be welcomed into Iraqi homes and be offered food or tea, he said.
"Other times, you'd go into a house to check for weapons and all the women would start crying," Burdett recalled. "And, I've learned that when that happens, there's probably something in that house or the man of the house is involved in some not-nice things."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gary W. Burdett's videography documents the up-close-and-personal actions of America's fighting forces around the world. Burdett, a 16-year military veteran and a member of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., is the Defense Department's Military Videographer of the Year for 2007. This is the first time he's been honored as the department's best military moving-picture shooter.
Burdett served in Iraq from May through September 2006, documenting U.S. soldiers performing combat patrols and other duty in Baghdad.
Videotaping combat missions in Iraq and elsewhere helps senior Pentagon leaders to stay abreast of far-flung military operations and also can be employed for evidence purposes, Burdett said.
"If we didn't shoot it, who is to say it happened or didn't happen? We try to shoot things as truthfully, naked and raw as possible," Burdett said.
Shooting action in Iraq means "you have to get in there" and learn about the servicemembers' personalities, the Stuttgart, Ark., native said.
"If you don't get to know the people, you're not going to have a story," the 37-year-old combat videographer explained. "It's all about the people."
Burdett shot a video sequence in August that depicts an Iraqi being questioned by U.S. soldiers in Baghdad's Hamiyah district. The Iraqi was questioned, Burdett said, because a search of the man's house had produced a quantity of unauthorized weapons.
"He had a lot of weapons. This guy's house was set up like a gun dealership, so they were asking him a couple questions," Burdett recalled. The Americans confiscated many of the weapons, Burdett said, but he added that he didn't know what became of the Iraqi man.
Another example of Burdett's award-winning work, titled "Delta Sick Call," depicts U.S. military medics treating Iraqi citizens near Kut, Iraq, in July.
"We had gone to Camp Delta, which was a Polish camp where the Iraqi security forces' training academy was based," Burdett recalled.
One of the U.S. servicemembers helping to train the Iraqis was Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Malloy, a U.S. Army medic. Malloy "was teaching the Iraqi army recruits combat lifesaver skills," Burdett said, adding that the medic also treated local Iraqis living near Camp Delta.
"Probably 90 percent of the people he saw were kids," Burdett said. "That's stuff you don't normally see on the news."
The videographer attributes the relative scarcity of mainstream-media coverage of such uplifting stories from Iraq to the "boogieman on the news" syndrome that favors coverage of war's violence and gore.
Burdett relied on his Sony PD-150 video camera to document action in Iraq. The camera weighs less than 5 pounds.
Capturing the appropriate sound to accompany his moving images is an equally important element of his work, the videographer pointed out.
"Sound is huge," Burdett said. "Sound will carry a piece, because people will look at bad pictures with really good sound, but they won't watch really good pictures with bad sound."
Burdett also carried a spare video camera in Iraq, as well as an M-16 rifle. He said he didn't spend a lot of time dwelling on the danger.
"Because, if you did, there's no way you could work," he said.
Burdett recalled varying circumstances when he recorded images and sound during his tour in Iraq. For example, he saw Iraqis reacting with joy at having their electric power restored or when obtaining water service thanks to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' reconstruction projects.
And U.S. servicemembers on patrol would often be welcomed into Iraqi homes and be offered food or tea, he said.
"Other times, you'd go into a house to check for weapons and all the women would start crying," Burdett recalled. "And, I've learned that when that happens, there's probably something in that house or the man of the house is involved in some not-nice things."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Command Needs Reservists for Headquarters Core Elements
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – U.S. Joint Forces Command, with headquarters in Norfolk, Va., is recruiting 240 reservists to serve in Standing Joint Force Headquarters Core Element teams. Navy Rear Adm. M. Stewart O'Bryan said in a recent interview that the command needs reservists in grades E-7 to O-6 from all components who think "joint." O'Bryan commands the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Core Element.
"In the past, joint task force headquarters were formed on an ad hoc basis," O"Bryan said. "The thinking was that there had to be a better way to do it, and the standing joint task force headquarters was the way to go."
The combatant commands have their own standing joint force headquarters. In practice, that organization would likely be the "first responder" if needed for an operation or to respond to a natural disaster.
"If the event required an additional capability, or a second event occurred in that command, that commander could ask Joint Forces Command to deploy one of the core element teams," O'Bryan said.
If there was an earthquake, for example, and the combatant commander designated a Navy expeditionary strike group as the lead, the Joint Forces Command core element would fall in on the command ashore or afloat.
"That core element could marry up and give them the joint expertise and bring together the team to focus on the mission," the admiral said.
If the event turned into an enduring mission, then the core element would have the expertise to develop the joint manning documents, and serve in the headquarters until permanent personnel arrived. "The core element would then return to Norfolk and would reset for the next event," O'Bryan said.
Those accepted for the unit would be on-call and be ready to report within 48 hours and deploy within 72 hours of notification, O'Bryan said.
Each core element team is a mix of 37 active duty and 20 reserve component personnel. There are six reserve teams. The teams will provide expertise in joint operational planning.
For reservists, it is a big commitment. They must commit to 67 days per year - 24 drill days, 14 days of annual training and 29 additional days. To be selected, reservists must have a secret clearance and be eligible for top secret.
O'Bryan said there is an emphasis on joint experience for reservists. Ideally, officials would like reservists to have taken joint professional military education courses and have experience at large joint headquarters.
Once accepted, the reservists will receive specific training both online and in person for their jobs, O'Bryan said. The core groups will be based in Norfolk, but recruiting isn't limited to the area.
O'Bryan said he has already received 75 applications, and has six people under orders. The reserve portion has an initial operational capacity date of Oct. 1, with full operational capability set for December 2008, "but the sooner the better," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – U.S. Joint Forces Command, with headquarters in Norfolk, Va., is recruiting 240 reservists to serve in Standing Joint Force Headquarters Core Element teams. Navy Rear Adm. M. Stewart O'Bryan said in a recent interview that the command needs reservists in grades E-7 to O-6 from all components who think "joint." O'Bryan commands the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Core Element.
"In the past, joint task force headquarters were formed on an ad hoc basis," O"Bryan said. "The thinking was that there had to be a better way to do it, and the standing joint task force headquarters was the way to go."
The combatant commands have their own standing joint force headquarters. In practice, that organization would likely be the "first responder" if needed for an operation or to respond to a natural disaster.
"If the event required an additional capability, or a second event occurred in that command, that commander could ask Joint Forces Command to deploy one of the core element teams," O'Bryan said.
If there was an earthquake, for example, and the combatant commander designated a Navy expeditionary strike group as the lead, the Joint Forces Command core element would fall in on the command ashore or afloat.
"That core element could marry up and give them the joint expertise and bring together the team to focus on the mission," the admiral said.
If the event turned into an enduring mission, then the core element would have the expertise to develop the joint manning documents, and serve in the headquarters until permanent personnel arrived. "The core element would then return to Norfolk and would reset for the next event," O'Bryan said.
Those accepted for the unit would be on-call and be ready to report within 48 hours and deploy within 72 hours of notification, O'Bryan said.
Each core element team is a mix of 37 active duty and 20 reserve component personnel. There are six reserve teams. The teams will provide expertise in joint operational planning.
For reservists, it is a big commitment. They must commit to 67 days per year - 24 drill days, 14 days of annual training and 29 additional days. To be selected, reservists must have a secret clearance and be eligible for top secret.
O'Bryan said there is an emphasis on joint experience for reservists. Ideally, officials would like reservists to have taken joint professional military education courses and have experience at large joint headquarters.
Once accepted, the reservists will receive specific training both online and in person for their jobs, O'Bryan said. The core groups will be based in Norfolk, but recruiting isn't limited to the area.
O'Bryan said he has already received 75 applications, and has six people under orders. The reserve portion has an initial operational capacity date of Oct. 1, with full operational capability set for December 2008, "but the sooner the better," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
America Supports You: Singer Makes Injured Seabee's Life Easier
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – After having breakfast with some of her fans in Nashville, Tenn., yesterday, country music singer LeAnn Rimes, as one of her songs says, had absolutely "Nothin' Better to Do" than present a handicap-accessible van to a severely injured veteran. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Peter Reid and his wife, Michele, attended Rimes' fan club breakfast, part of the Country Music Association's annual Music Festival. Little did they suspect the award-winning singer had more than an autographed photo for them.
"We were sitting by the table, and LeAnn Rimes walked up and introduced herself, like we didn't know who she was," Peter said. "She said she had a surprise for us outside."
Waiting for them outside was a Chevrolet Uplander equipped with an automatic door and ramp, and other systems necessary to accommodate Peter's wheelchair. Rimes presented them with the keys, then signed the back window of the vehicle.
The nautical blue vehicle has "all the goodies," Peter said. A Chevrolet representative told the crowd and media gathered for the event that the vehicle had everything Peter needed to ride in comfort.
Peter, a Seebee with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14, was severely injured in May 2004 while serving in Anbar, Iraq. He suffered a severe brain injury, paralysis to the left side of his body and several blood clots caused by shrapnel lodged in his brain from the mortar attack, which killed five fellow Seabees and wounded 34 others.
Previously it took the Reids nearly 30 minutes to get Peter in and out of their other vehicle. This one, donated by General Motors, will cut that time to less than five minutes, Michele said.
"We have been pretty much housebound for the last three years," she said. "Now ... I can open up the doors and have him ride the wheelchair right in. I can strap him down and we can go.
"It's going to make a big difference in our lives," she added.
But first, it was off to treat the people who made this possible - Coalition to Salute America's Heroes officials - to a thank-you lunch, Peter said.
"I told them it's up to them. They can pick any place they want. We got nice transportation, you know," he said with a chuckle. "It's got OnStar, so it's not like we're gonna get lost."
The Reids learned of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes more than a year ago through the organization's emergency financial relief. They now serve as national spokesmen for the group, which brought Rimes, a supporter of the coalition, and Chevrolet together to present the new vehicle.
"This is what (the coalition) is all about, reintegrating wounded (servicemembers) back into society when they come home," Rimes said in an interview for Chevrolet after the event. "All they want is a chance at a normal life again.
"I kind of feel like no matter where you stand politically, we need to support these men and women coming home from the war," she added.
The coalition, a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, provides assistance to veterans wounded and disabled in the global war on terrorism. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – After having breakfast with some of her fans in Nashville, Tenn., yesterday, country music singer LeAnn Rimes, as one of her songs says, had absolutely "Nothin' Better to Do" than present a handicap-accessible van to a severely injured veteran. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Peter Reid and his wife, Michele, attended Rimes' fan club breakfast, part of the Country Music Association's annual Music Festival. Little did they suspect the award-winning singer had more than an autographed photo for them.
"We were sitting by the table, and LeAnn Rimes walked up and introduced herself, like we didn't know who she was," Peter said. "She said she had a surprise for us outside."
Waiting for them outside was a Chevrolet Uplander equipped with an automatic door and ramp, and other systems necessary to accommodate Peter's wheelchair. Rimes presented them with the keys, then signed the back window of the vehicle.
The nautical blue vehicle has "all the goodies," Peter said. A Chevrolet representative told the crowd and media gathered for the event that the vehicle had everything Peter needed to ride in comfort.
Peter, a Seebee with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14, was severely injured in May 2004 while serving in Anbar, Iraq. He suffered a severe brain injury, paralysis to the left side of his body and several blood clots caused by shrapnel lodged in his brain from the mortar attack, which killed five fellow Seabees and wounded 34 others.
Previously it took the Reids nearly 30 minutes to get Peter in and out of their other vehicle. This one, donated by General Motors, will cut that time to less than five minutes, Michele said.
"We have been pretty much housebound for the last three years," she said. "Now ... I can open up the doors and have him ride the wheelchair right in. I can strap him down and we can go.
"It's going to make a big difference in our lives," she added.
But first, it was off to treat the people who made this possible - Coalition to Salute America's Heroes officials - to a thank-you lunch, Peter said.
"I told them it's up to them. They can pick any place they want. We got nice transportation, you know," he said with a chuckle. "It's got OnStar, so it's not like we're gonna get lost."
The Reids learned of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes more than a year ago through the organization's emergency financial relief. They now serve as national spokesmen for the group, which brought Rimes, a supporter of the coalition, and Chevrolet together to present the new vehicle.
"This is what (the coalition) is all about, reintegrating wounded (servicemembers) back into society when they come home," Rimes said in an interview for Chevrolet after the event. "All they want is a chance at a normal life again.
"I kind of feel like no matter where you stand politically, we need to support these men and women coming home from the war," she added.
The coalition, a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, provides assistance to veterans wounded and disabled in the global war on terrorism. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Recommends Mullen to Replace Pace as Chairman
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – To avoid a contentious reconfirmation process, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will recommend that President Bush nominate Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen to replace Marine Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a Pentagon news conference today, Gates said he also will recommend Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright for the position of vice chairman. Cartwright is the commander of U.S. Strategic Command. Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., the current vice chairman, announced his decision to retire last week.
"I have become well acquainted with Admiral Mullen over the last six months and believe he has the strategic insight, experience and integrity to lead America's armed forces," Gates said.
Gates said he intended to re-nominate Pace and Giambastiani but after consulting with senators of both parties came to the conclusions "that because General Pace has served as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the last six years, the focus of his confirmation process would have been on the past rather than the future."
He said the confirmation process would have the possibility of being quite contentious. "I am no stranger to contentious confirmations, and I do not shrink from them," Gates said. "However, I have decided at this moment in our history, the nation, our men and women in uniform, and General Pace himself would not be well-served by a divisive ordeal in selecting the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
Pace will continue to serve as chairman until his term ends Sept. 30. He is the first Marine to hold the position.
Pace, a 1967 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served as a rifle platoon leader in Vietnam and commanded at all levels of the Marine Corps. He was serving as the commander of U.S. Southern Command when nominated to be the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2001. He took office weeks after the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
In 2005, he was nominated to be the chairman. The chairman serves as the principle military advisor to the president, secretary of defense and the National Security Council.
Mullen is a 1968 graduate of the Naval Academy. He is surface-warfare qualified and has commanded three ships: the USS Noxabee, the USS Goldsborough and the USS Yorktown. As a flag officer he commanded the USS George Washington Battle Group and served as the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet/NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic.
Gates said that Pace has served as a Marine for more than 40 years. "He deserves the deepest thanks of the American people for a lifetime of service to our country and for his leadership," Gates said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, trust him completely, and value his candor and willingness to speak his mind."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – To avoid a contentious reconfirmation process, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will recommend that President Bush nominate Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen to replace Marine Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a Pentagon news conference today, Gates said he also will recommend Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright for the position of vice chairman. Cartwright is the commander of U.S. Strategic Command. Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., the current vice chairman, announced his decision to retire last week.
"I have become well acquainted with Admiral Mullen over the last six months and believe he has the strategic insight, experience and integrity to lead America's armed forces," Gates said.
Gates said he intended to re-nominate Pace and Giambastiani but after consulting with senators of both parties came to the conclusions "that because General Pace has served as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the last six years, the focus of his confirmation process would have been on the past rather than the future."
He said the confirmation process would have the possibility of being quite contentious. "I am no stranger to contentious confirmations, and I do not shrink from them," Gates said. "However, I have decided at this moment in our history, the nation, our men and women in uniform, and General Pace himself would not be well-served by a divisive ordeal in selecting the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."
Pace will continue to serve as chairman until his term ends Sept. 30. He is the first Marine to hold the position.
Pace, a 1967 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served as a rifle platoon leader in Vietnam and commanded at all levels of the Marine Corps. He was serving as the commander of U.S. Southern Command when nominated to be the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2001. He took office weeks after the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
In 2005, he was nominated to be the chairman. The chairman serves as the principle military advisor to the president, secretary of defense and the National Security Council.
Mullen is a 1968 graduate of the Naval Academy. He is surface-warfare qualified and has commanded three ships: the USS Noxabee, the USS Goldsborough and the USS Yorktown. As a flag officer he commanded the USS George Washington Battle Group and served as the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet/NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic.
Gates said that Pace has served as a Marine for more than 40 years. "He deserves the deepest thanks of the American people for a lifetime of service to our country and for his leadership," Gates said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, trust him completely, and value his candor and willingness to speak his mind."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Military, Hollywood Team Up To Create Realism, Drama on Big Screen
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – When the DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures live-action film "Transformers" opens at movie houses nationwide July 4, the scenes with F-117 Nighthawk aircraft, CV-22 Osprey troop transports and airmen running across the scene will look so convincing, viewers will swear they're the real deal. And they'll be right.
Much of the action for the film, in which dueling robots from outer space bring their battle to Earth, was filmed months ago at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. About 300 airmen and soldiers whose images dot the screen will be real servicemembers. And the action will take place alongside real-life military aircraft, including the Osprey and F-22 Raptor, both making their Hollywood debuts.
Based on the animated 1980s TV series of the same name, the "Transformers" movie will showcase the latest in computer-generated imagery -- and a level of realism filmmakers say they couldn't get without Defense Department support.
The 1927 film "Wings" set the standard for that cooperation, Phil Strub, who heads the department's film and TV liaison office at the Pentagon, said. In that classic silent-movie production, filmmakers used actual Army aircraft, soldiers, and real estate to reenact World War I training and combat operations.
The result was so authentic that the picture became a big box office hit and the first movie to win an Oscar for best picture.
The production was a win-win situation, Strub said. As Hollywood got realism, the military got the chance to show the American public something important about military people, equipment and missions.
Strub said that's the same reason filmmakers keep asking for military cooperation to this day and why, in many cases, the Defense Department supports their requests.
In another recent example of that cooperation, Edwards Air Force Base hosted movie director Jon Favreau.
As he spent three days at Edwards filming "Iron Man," which Marvel studio hopes will become its next superhero blockbuster, Favreau raved about the realism the base's dazzling array of aircraft brought to his fantasy story. "This is the best back lot you could ever have," he said. "Every angle you shoot is authentic: desert, dry lake beds, hangars."
Some of the most popular TV series, including the Fox Broadcasting Company thriller "24," tap into this realism, too.
Fans of "24" might remember the scene when a military honor guard attended President Palmer's coffin in the Season 5 finale, or when Jack Bauer frantically worked to foil a terrorist plot involving a nuclear submarine.
Robert Cochran, the program's cofounder, said the military support used to create these and other military-related scenes lends a tremendous dimension to the program. "It makes it bigger. It makes it more interesting. It makes it more real," he said.
Meanwhile, Cochran said, it underscores the "high-stakes" theme of the program. "When you see an F-18 streaking across the sky and dropping a bomb on an enemy helicopter, that visually tells you this is real, this is important, this is big stuff," he said.
Howard Gordon, lead writer for the show, said he's often amazed just how far the military will go to support storylines he and his fellow writers come up with. "I'll say, 'There's no way they are going to do this, but we will negotiate a way to do something like it, but much more modestly'," he said. "Then, they come back with a 'yes.'"
But before giving that "yes," officials from the Pentagon and the military services portrayed get a chance to review the script, Strub explained. They negotiate to increase the realism and historical accuracy of the military scenes, recognizing the leeway needed for artistic license. Sometimes they require script changes as a condition of providing support.
Whether they provide support, and how much, depends largely on what's needed in the production and how available it is in light of real-world requirements, Strub said. Movie and TV producers reimburse the government for the cost of supporting a production. One of the biggest costs comes from reimbursing squadrons for flight operations specifically for a movie production, as in the movies "Top Gun" and "Black Hawk Down."
But Strub said Defense Department support for a production boils down to something less tangible than hardware: how the production portrays the military and the men and women in uniform.
When reviewing a script, Strub said, he tries to put himself in the place of a servicemember who would see the movie. "I try to imagine myself sitting in a theater or the big screen, and how it makes me feel seeing how I'm being portrayed," he said.
Air Force Capt. Christian Hodge, who has served as the Defense Department's project officer on both "Transformers" and "Iron Man," said military people typically enjoy seeing their services on screen. "It's good for morale," he said.
Hodge said there's no way to measure the true impact Hollywood productions have on recruiting. But he said it's hard to dismiss the message a big-screen production like "Iron Man" sends.
"This movie is going to be fantastic," he said. "The Air Force is going to come off looking like rock stars."
Strub said he hopes audiences viewing these programs see past the action and high-tech hardware to fundamentals that make the military stand apart from much of society. "We're talking about self-sacrifice, duty and commitment to something beyond oneself," he said. "These are values that we hope come through."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – When the DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures live-action film "Transformers" opens at movie houses nationwide July 4, the scenes with F-117 Nighthawk aircraft, CV-22 Osprey troop transports and airmen running across the scene will look so convincing, viewers will swear they're the real deal. And they'll be right.
Much of the action for the film, in which dueling robots from outer space bring their battle to Earth, was filmed months ago at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. About 300 airmen and soldiers whose images dot the screen will be real servicemembers. And the action will take place alongside real-life military aircraft, including the Osprey and F-22 Raptor, both making their Hollywood debuts.
Based on the animated 1980s TV series of the same name, the "Transformers" movie will showcase the latest in computer-generated imagery -- and a level of realism filmmakers say they couldn't get without Defense Department support.
The 1927 film "Wings" set the standard for that cooperation, Phil Strub, who heads the department's film and TV liaison office at the Pentagon, said. In that classic silent-movie production, filmmakers used actual Army aircraft, soldiers, and real estate to reenact World War I training and combat operations.
The result was so authentic that the picture became a big box office hit and the first movie to win an Oscar for best picture.
The production was a win-win situation, Strub said. As Hollywood got realism, the military got the chance to show the American public something important about military people, equipment and missions.
Strub said that's the same reason filmmakers keep asking for military cooperation to this day and why, in many cases, the Defense Department supports their requests.
In another recent example of that cooperation, Edwards Air Force Base hosted movie director Jon Favreau.
As he spent three days at Edwards filming "Iron Man," which Marvel studio hopes will become its next superhero blockbuster, Favreau raved about the realism the base's dazzling array of aircraft brought to his fantasy story. "This is the best back lot you could ever have," he said. "Every angle you shoot is authentic: desert, dry lake beds, hangars."
Some of the most popular TV series, including the Fox Broadcasting Company thriller "24," tap into this realism, too.
Fans of "24" might remember the scene when a military honor guard attended President Palmer's coffin in the Season 5 finale, or when Jack Bauer frantically worked to foil a terrorist plot involving a nuclear submarine.
Robert Cochran, the program's cofounder, said the military support used to create these and other military-related scenes lends a tremendous dimension to the program. "It makes it bigger. It makes it more interesting. It makes it more real," he said.
Meanwhile, Cochran said, it underscores the "high-stakes" theme of the program. "When you see an F-18 streaking across the sky and dropping a bomb on an enemy helicopter, that visually tells you this is real, this is important, this is big stuff," he said.
Howard Gordon, lead writer for the show, said he's often amazed just how far the military will go to support storylines he and his fellow writers come up with. "I'll say, 'There's no way they are going to do this, but we will negotiate a way to do something like it, but much more modestly'," he said. "Then, they come back with a 'yes.'"
But before giving that "yes," officials from the Pentagon and the military services portrayed get a chance to review the script, Strub explained. They negotiate to increase the realism and historical accuracy of the military scenes, recognizing the leeway needed for artistic license. Sometimes they require script changes as a condition of providing support.
Whether they provide support, and how much, depends largely on what's needed in the production and how available it is in light of real-world requirements, Strub said. Movie and TV producers reimburse the government for the cost of supporting a production. One of the biggest costs comes from reimbursing squadrons for flight operations specifically for a movie production, as in the movies "Top Gun" and "Black Hawk Down."
But Strub said Defense Department support for a production boils down to something less tangible than hardware: how the production portrays the military and the men and women in uniform.
When reviewing a script, Strub said, he tries to put himself in the place of a servicemember who would see the movie. "I try to imagine myself sitting in a theater or the big screen, and how it makes me feel seeing how I'm being portrayed," he said.
Air Force Capt. Christian Hodge, who has served as the Defense Department's project officer on both "Transformers" and "Iron Man," said military people typically enjoy seeing their services on screen. "It's good for morale," he said.
Hodge said there's no way to measure the true impact Hollywood productions have on recruiting. But he said it's hard to dismiss the message a big-screen production like "Iron Man" sends.
"This movie is going to be fantastic," he said. "The Air Force is going to come off looking like rock stars."
Strub said he hopes audiences viewing these programs see past the action and high-tech hardware to fundamentals that make the military stand apart from much of society. "We're talking about self-sacrifice, duty and commitment to something beyond oneself," he said. "These are values that we hope come through."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Additional Units Stand Up to Assist Wounded Warriors
By Bernard S. Little
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials yesterday activated the second and third companies focused solely on overseeing the health, welfare and morale of "warriors in transition." Walter Reed officials activated Battle Company and Chosen Battery of the Warrior Transition Brigade, while the much-maligned Medical Hold Company was deactivated, during a ceremony.
Battle Company and Chosen Battery join Able Troop, which was activated April 27, as part of the new Warrior Transition Brigade "to facilitate the healing process of warriors in transition and their families physically, mentally and spiritually," said Army Col. Terrence McKenrick, the brigade's commander.
The Warrior Transition Brigade was conceived of and implemented after a critical series of media reports highlighted shortcomings in outpatient care at Walter Reed. A series of reviews found several faults in the former Medical Hold Company concept. Consequently, such units are being phased out.
The Warrior Transition Brigade provides command and control, primary care, and case management for servicemembers receiving treatment for wounds suffered deployed in the war on terror. The unit works to "promote their timely return to the force or transition to civilian life," McKenrick said.
"Your mission is to heal," he said to the warriors in transition, as wounded soldiers are referred to around Walter Reed.
During the ceremony, Capt. Aaron J. Braxton II, commander of Medical Hold Company, encased the company's colors, indicating its deactivation, while Maj. Christopher Ballard and Capt. Christopher H. Clyde, uncased the colors for Battle Company and Chosen Battery, respectively, activating those companies.
Col. Ronald Hamilton, commander of the Medical Center Brigade which included Medical Hold Company, called yesterday's events "another milestone in the history of the Army Medical Department."
More than 230 years ago, the Continental Congress created a medical service for the 20,000-member Continental Army, Hamilton said. Eighty-six years later, during the Civil War, medical technology was not ready for the severity of wounds nor associated diseases suffered by those fighting in that conflict, he added.
But the history of the Army Medical Department indicates numerous enhancements in care and technology during each conflict that's involved U.S. forces, he said. Today, servicemembers are surviving wounds that would have been fatal if experienced during previous conflicts.
Hamilton said the medical support provided those troops and their families seeks to ensure they have a healing environment with appropriate command and control and resources. Previously, this was done in the Medical Hold Company.
Hamilton praised the job done by Braxton as the Medical Hold Company commander. He called Braxton's leadership and command team "superb."
"I've been impressed with what they accomplished with limited resources," he said. "(They) set the stage to keep it right for the future leaders taking that mission today."
McKenrick said Ballard and Clyde are good fits to command Battle Company and Chosen Battery, and he urged the new company commanders "to never underestimate the impact you will have on the lives entrusted to your care."
Ballard, an infantry officer who has completed Airborne and Ranger schools, earned a Purple Heart Medal for injuries he suffered in Iraq from a roadside bomb while leading a convoy. "He understands the pain and frustration that can accompany the recovery process," McKenrick said.
Clyde, a former National Guardsman, is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot who served two combat tours in Iraq.
(Bernard S. Little is command information officer in the Walter Reed Strategic Communications Office.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 8, 2007 – Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials yesterday activated the second and third companies focused solely on overseeing the health, welfare and morale of "warriors in transition." Walter Reed officials activated Battle Company and Chosen Battery of the Warrior Transition Brigade, while the much-maligned Medical Hold Company was deactivated, during a ceremony.
Battle Company and Chosen Battery join Able Troop, which was activated April 27, as part of the new Warrior Transition Brigade "to facilitate the healing process of warriors in transition and their families physically, mentally and spiritually," said Army Col. Terrence McKenrick, the brigade's commander.
The Warrior Transition Brigade was conceived of and implemented after a critical series of media reports highlighted shortcomings in outpatient care at Walter Reed. A series of reviews found several faults in the former Medical Hold Company concept. Consequently, such units are being phased out.
The Warrior Transition Brigade provides command and control, primary care, and case management for servicemembers receiving treatment for wounds suffered deployed in the war on terror. The unit works to "promote their timely return to the force or transition to civilian life," McKenrick said.
"Your mission is to heal," he said to the warriors in transition, as wounded soldiers are referred to around Walter Reed.
During the ceremony, Capt. Aaron J. Braxton II, commander of Medical Hold Company, encased the company's colors, indicating its deactivation, while Maj. Christopher Ballard and Capt. Christopher H. Clyde, uncased the colors for Battle Company and Chosen Battery, respectively, activating those companies.
Col. Ronald Hamilton, commander of the Medical Center Brigade which included Medical Hold Company, called yesterday's events "another milestone in the history of the Army Medical Department."
More than 230 years ago, the Continental Congress created a medical service for the 20,000-member Continental Army, Hamilton said. Eighty-six years later, during the Civil War, medical technology was not ready for the severity of wounds nor associated diseases suffered by those fighting in that conflict, he added.
But the history of the Army Medical Department indicates numerous enhancements in care and technology during each conflict that's involved U.S. forces, he said. Today, servicemembers are surviving wounds that would have been fatal if experienced during previous conflicts.
Hamilton said the medical support provided those troops and their families seeks to ensure they have a healing environment with appropriate command and control and resources. Previously, this was done in the Medical Hold Company.
Hamilton praised the job done by Braxton as the Medical Hold Company commander. He called Braxton's leadership and command team "superb."
"I've been impressed with what they accomplished with limited resources," he said. "(They) set the stage to keep it right for the future leaders taking that mission today."
McKenrick said Ballard and Clyde are good fits to command Battle Company and Chosen Battery, and he urged the new company commanders "to never underestimate the impact you will have on the lives entrusted to your care."
Ballard, an infantry officer who has completed Airborne and Ranger schools, earned a Purple Heart Medal for injuries he suffered in Iraq from a roadside bomb while leading a convoy. "He understands the pain and frustration that can accompany the recovery process," McKenrick said.
Clyde, a former National Guardsman, is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot who served two combat tours in Iraq.
(Bernard S. Little is command information officer in the Walter Reed Strategic Communications Office.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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