By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - Closer cooperation between coalition troops and Afghan security forces is helping stem violence that's been on the rise in eastern Afghanistan, the commander of an international task force operating there told Pentagon reporters today. But Army Col. Jonathan Ives, commander of Task Force Cincinnatus, also attributed many inroads being made to the Afghan people themselves. As they develop more confidence in their national security forces and in the coalition's commitment to their region, they're becoming partners in stabilizing the region, he said.
Ives cited Operation Naruz Hallah, a mission planned and led by the Afghan National Army to focus on threats that had been escalating in the isolated Kapisa province.
His own task force, with includes about 1,000 troops from the United States, New Zealand, South Korea and Turkey operating in Regional Command East under Combined Joint Task Force 82, had been working up a plan to address the threat when the Afghans approached them with their own plan in July. The Afghans shared the coalition's concern about escalating violence. Left unchecked, Ives said, it had the potential to affect Kabul and the international assistance community.
Opeation Naruz Hallah essentially involved positioning troops in the province's most-populated valleys to block positions and known exit routes used by foreign fighters and insurgents that established a support base there, Ives explained. The operation's goals were to:
-- Separate the enemy from the population;
-- Provide development to demonstrate coalition commitment to the region;
-- Establish an enduring presence with the Afghan National Army with coalition force partnering; and
-- Mentor the national police officers while providing them substations on a north-south route and the side valleys of the major population centers.
But in addition to confronting the enemy opposition, Ives said, it also encouraged closer cooperation between coalition forces and the Afghan police officers and army and won confidence from the Afghan people.
"The strength of Task Force Cincinnatus is not our strength of numbers of coalition forces, but our alliances," he said. "These included the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police officers and developing relationships in the valleys to promote the belief that the Afghans take the lead to help the Afghanistan -- to help Afghanistan and separate the populace from the enemy."
Ives called improved public support one of the biggest successes of the operation. "Many of the locals came forward to identify the enemy and their caches of arms to the Afghan National Army," he said. "This allowed the army to fulfill their commitment to the people and the president of Afghanistan to ensure and preserve every life when targeting the criminals and the insurgents."
These efforts, with support by the population, continue to provide leads on criminals throughout the local area, he said.
Ives pointed to development projects under way in Kapisa province as another big incentive in winning popular support for the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police officers and coalition. These projects, being conducted largely through the local provincial reconstruction team, encourage the population to step forward in identifying criminal and insurgent operatives and the improvised explosive devices they're starting to emplace, he said.
"We are continuing to reinforce with the locals that are there that if they will help us defeat the enemy and separate the enemy -- attack the Taliban in their strongholds where they are hiding and not in the villages, ... point those out and tell us where they are -- that we will continue the development," Ives said.
Development efforts range from building new schools and rebuilding schools that have been burned to rebuilding roads and repairing the damaged district center. Other projects aim to create employment through poultry farming and, for women, weaving.
"All these things we are bringing in there to help them are being well received by the elders that run and support the populace there," Ives said. "And they have been a great help in helping us identify the IEDs."
Collectively, they demonstrate coalition commitment to the region and build alliances critical to building Afghan's army and police forces and cracking down on violence, Ives said.
He called growing cooperation in the region another step forward toward stabilization of the region. "There's a lot of work to do," he conceded, but insisted that a peaceful Afghanistan is within reach.
"Together with the NATO and coalition partners and the support of the international community and Afghan people, we're going to overcome the devastation that this country has endured for 25 and 30 years," Ives said. "And we will overcome all these challenges and bring peace and stability and development to the future of Afghanistan."
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
U.S. Missile Defense System on Target, Generals Say
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - The U.S. missile defense system intercepted a warhead during a test over the Pacific Ocean last week, boosting military officials' confidence in the program's ability to neutralize threats from missile-wielding nations like North Korea and Iran. During a news conference at the Pentagon today, Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry A. "Trey" Obering III, director of the Missile Defense Agency, and U.S. Northern Command Commander Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. discussed the successful Sept. 28 interception exercise. In a test designed to replicate a missile attack from North Korea, operators launched a warhead from Kodiak, Alaska. Land- and sea-based radars tracked the missile for 24 minutes before a 60-foot interceptor launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., flew for seven minutes and blasted the missile to bits.
"We think that this builds more and more confidence with respect to (the question), 'Does the system work?'" Obering said. "The answer is yes."
During the exercise, the target's trajectory was monitored by radar onboard an Aegis-class ship floating southwest of the missile launch site using SPY-1 radar, and a separate ship located farther south and equipped with fledgling X-band radar technology. The Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., also tracked the target as it flew south from Alaska.
Obering showed reporters video footage of what he called a "textbook success." The montage displayed missile silos blooming open as the Orbital Boost Vehicle inceptor blasted off to meet the target. Infrared cameras captured the interceptor's high-speed technicolor collision with the missile.
Renuart noted that the exercise also demonstrated successful coordination at U.S. Northern Command, where authority to engage the defense system resides. Officials there received ample time and adequate information from radars tracking the target, he said.
"It ... allowed us to validate that the procedures we built up over time are, in fact, appropriate for the kinds of threats that this system is designed to defeat," he said. "So from the operational perspective, the soldiers in the field, the system, the command-and-control capability, the integration of those information systems, it was also a very positive event for us, as well."
Overall, the $100 billion program, which began in 1983 and has been tailored to offset North Korean and Iranian threats, has hit 30 of 39 missiles launched. The Sept. 28 exercise marks the system's sixth successful interception in the nine tests conducted since 2001.
Obering said he thinks this most recent success will help counter arguments made by NATO partners that the system is unproven.
"I think it helps us in a very real way because, as I have conversations with our European partners and allies and NATO partners in the past, one of the questions I do get asked is, 'Well, this system is not proven, (and) it doesn't work, right?'" he said. "And I think this goes a long (way) to answering that question."
Countering European criticism is strategically important as U.S. officials attempt to export the missile defense program to Poland and Czech Republic. Placing silos in these countries would help establish sound missile defense geometry against an Iranian threat, Obering said.
"It allows us to establish a track on those missiles, ... generate a fire control solution of what we call a weapons task plan, launch the interceptor, and then engage that missile with lethal velocity," he said. "You can't just go up there and kiss these things; you have to hit them hard enough to destroy them."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - The U.S. missile defense system intercepted a warhead during a test over the Pacific Ocean last week, boosting military officials' confidence in the program's ability to neutralize threats from missile-wielding nations like North Korea and Iran. During a news conference at the Pentagon today, Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry A. "Trey" Obering III, director of the Missile Defense Agency, and U.S. Northern Command Commander Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. discussed the successful Sept. 28 interception exercise. In a test designed to replicate a missile attack from North Korea, operators launched a warhead from Kodiak, Alaska. Land- and sea-based radars tracked the missile for 24 minutes before a 60-foot interceptor launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., flew for seven minutes and blasted the missile to bits.
"We think that this builds more and more confidence with respect to (the question), 'Does the system work?'" Obering said. "The answer is yes."
During the exercise, the target's trajectory was monitored by radar onboard an Aegis-class ship floating southwest of the missile launch site using SPY-1 radar, and a separate ship located farther south and equipped with fledgling X-band radar technology. The Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., also tracked the target as it flew south from Alaska.
Obering showed reporters video footage of what he called a "textbook success." The montage displayed missile silos blooming open as the Orbital Boost Vehicle inceptor blasted off to meet the target. Infrared cameras captured the interceptor's high-speed technicolor collision with the missile.
Renuart noted that the exercise also demonstrated successful coordination at U.S. Northern Command, where authority to engage the defense system resides. Officials there received ample time and adequate information from radars tracking the target, he said.
"It ... allowed us to validate that the procedures we built up over time are, in fact, appropriate for the kinds of threats that this system is designed to defeat," he said. "So from the operational perspective, the soldiers in the field, the system, the command-and-control capability, the integration of those information systems, it was also a very positive event for us, as well."
Overall, the $100 billion program, which began in 1983 and has been tailored to offset North Korean and Iranian threats, has hit 30 of 39 missiles launched. The Sept. 28 exercise marks the system's sixth successful interception in the nine tests conducted since 2001.
Obering said he thinks this most recent success will help counter arguments made by NATO partners that the system is unproven.
"I think it helps us in a very real way because, as I have conversations with our European partners and allies and NATO partners in the past, one of the questions I do get asked is, 'Well, this system is not proven, (and) it doesn't work, right?'" he said. "And I think this goes a long (way) to answering that question."
Countering European criticism is strategically important as U.S. officials attempt to export the missile defense program to Poland and Czech Republic. Placing silos in these countries would help establish sound missile defense geometry against an Iranian threat, Obering said.
"It allows us to establish a track on those missiles, ... generate a fire control solution of what we call a weapons task plan, launch the interceptor, and then engage that missile with lethal velocity," he said. "You can't just go up there and kiss these things; you have to hit them hard enough to destroy them."
Servicemen Missing From Vietnam War Are Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
They are Capt. Warren R. Orr Jr., U.S. Army, of Kewanee, Ill.; and Airman 1st Class George W. Long, U.S. Air Force, of Medicine, Kan. Long was buried Sept. 30 in Medicine and Orr's burial is being set by his family.
On May 12, 1968, these men were part of a crew on a C-130 Hercules evacuating Vietnamese citizens from the Kham Duc Special Forces Camp near Da Nang, South Vietnam. While taking off, the crew reported taking heavy enemy ground fire. A forward air controller flying in the area reported seeing the plane explode in mid-air soon after leaving the runway.
In 1985 and 1991, U.S. officials received remains and identification tags from sources claiming they belonged to men in this crew. Scientific analysis revealed they were not American remains, but it was believed the Vietnamese sources knew where the crash site was located.
In 1993, a joint/U.S.-Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), traveled to Kham Duc and interviewed four local citizens concerning the incident. They led the team to the crash site, and turned over remains and identification tags they had recovered in 1983 while looking for scrap metal. During this visit, the team recovered human remains and aircraft wreckage at the site.
In 1994, another joint team excavated the crash site and recovered remains, pieces of life-support equipment, crew-related gear and personal effects.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
They are Capt. Warren R. Orr Jr., U.S. Army, of Kewanee, Ill.; and Airman 1st Class George W. Long, U.S. Air Force, of Medicine, Kan. Long was buried Sept. 30 in Medicine and Orr's burial is being set by his family.
On May 12, 1968, these men were part of a crew on a C-130 Hercules evacuating Vietnamese citizens from the Kham Duc Special Forces Camp near Da Nang, South Vietnam. While taking off, the crew reported taking heavy enemy ground fire. A forward air controller flying in the area reported seeing the plane explode in mid-air soon after leaving the runway.
In 1985 and 1991, U.S. officials received remains and identification tags from sources claiming they belonged to men in this crew. Scientific analysis revealed they were not American remains, but it was believed the Vietnamese sources knew where the crash site was located.
In 1993, a joint/U.S.-Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), traveled to Kham Duc and interviewed four local citizens concerning the incident. They led the team to the crash site, and turned over remains and identification tags they had recovered in 1983 while looking for scrap metal. During this visit, the team recovered human remains and aircraft wreckage at the site.
In 1994, another joint team excavated the crash site and recovered remains, pieces of life-support equipment, crew-related gear and personal effects.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
Gates Praises El Salvador for Iraq Efforts
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met briefly with the Salvadoran president and minister of defense today discussing shared security interests in the region and the country's continued participation in peacekeeping operations worldwide. "The United States and El Salvador traditionally have enjoyed a close defense relationship. El Salvador plays an important role in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations worldwide," Gates said at a brief news conference after the meeting.
Gates praised El Salvador's participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom, calling the country "one of the most faithful coalition partners."
The secretary also expressed condolences to the families of the five Salvadorans who have been killed in Iraq. El Salvador has provided one battalion of troops for nine rotations. The most recent deployed in August.
Gates said the battalion has performed "admirably" with coalition forces.
Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca pledged continued support during the conference.
The leaders of the two countries also discussed opportunities for a closer security relationship, both bilaterally and multinational, Gates said.
"As I visit close allies in the region this week, I am reminded of our common perspective and shared approach to the challenges we face," the secretary said. "I look forward to our two nations working closely together to enrich our mutual understanding and to deepen our security relationship."
Gates left Washington today for a five-day, five-country Latin American trip. The secretary had a similar visit planned this summer but rescheduled after he was needed at policy meetings in preparation for a July 15 report to Congress on progress in Iraq.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met briefly with the Salvadoran president and minister of defense today discussing shared security interests in the region and the country's continued participation in peacekeeping operations worldwide. "The United States and El Salvador traditionally have enjoyed a close defense relationship. El Salvador plays an important role in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations worldwide," Gates said at a brief news conference after the meeting.
Gates praised El Salvador's participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom, calling the country "one of the most faithful coalition partners."
The secretary also expressed condolences to the families of the five Salvadorans who have been killed in Iraq. El Salvador has provided one battalion of troops for nine rotations. The most recent deployed in August.
Gates said the battalion has performed "admirably" with coalition forces.
Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca pledged continued support during the conference.
The leaders of the two countries also discussed opportunities for a closer security relationship, both bilaterally and multinational, Gates said.
"As I visit close allies in the region this week, I am reminded of our common perspective and shared approach to the challenges we face," the secretary said. "I look forward to our two nations working closely together to enrich our mutual understanding and to deepen our security relationship."
Gates left Washington today for a five-day, five-country Latin American trip. The secretary had a similar visit planned this summer but rescheduled after he was needed at policy meetings in preparation for a July 15 report to Congress on progress in Iraq.
Gates Launches Latin American Trip
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates set off today on a five-day, five-country Latin America trip with his first stop here this morning to meet with the country's president and other senior political and military officials. Gates had a similar visit planned this summer, but rescheduled after he was needed at policy meetings in preparation for a July 15 report to Congress on progress in Iraq.
The trip is a symbol of President Bush's interest in Latin America, a senior defense official told media members traveling with Gates.
"We hope to demonstrate our continuing interest in strengthening U.S. defense and security ties with our allies and partners in the hemisphere," the official said on the flight here.
The trip comes at a "unique moment in history" in which many countries in the region find themselves facing the same threats: transnational crime, drug and arms trafficking, and terrorism, the official said.
He said some countries lack adequate law enforcement and border security and suffer economically. "Politics, economics and security are all related, so, we find, in fact, there is a lot to discuss," the official said.
El Salvador is a member of the United Nations and an active participant in the Central American Security Commission, which seeks to promote regional arms control. The country has been a committed partner in the war on terrorism, and also has provided a battalion for service in Iraq.
Years of civil war had devastated the country, but in the past 15 years, political and military reforms have stabilized it, and free markets have reduced poverty by more than 30 percent.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates set off today on a five-day, five-country Latin America trip with his first stop here this morning to meet with the country's president and other senior political and military officials. Gates had a similar visit planned this summer, but rescheduled after he was needed at policy meetings in preparation for a July 15 report to Congress on progress in Iraq.
The trip is a symbol of President Bush's interest in Latin America, a senior defense official told media members traveling with Gates.
"We hope to demonstrate our continuing interest in strengthening U.S. defense and security ties with our allies and partners in the hemisphere," the official said on the flight here.
The trip comes at a "unique moment in history" in which many countries in the region find themselves facing the same threats: transnational crime, drug and arms trafficking, and terrorism, the official said.
He said some countries lack adequate law enforcement and border security and suffer economically. "Politics, economics and security are all related, so, we find, in fact, there is a lot to discuss," the official said.
El Salvador is a member of the United Nations and an active participant in the Central American Security Commission, which seeks to promote regional arms control. The country has been a committed partner in the war on terrorism, and also has provided a battalion for service in Iraq.
Years of civil war had devastated the country, but in the past 15 years, political and military reforms have stabilized it, and free markets have reduced poverty by more than 30 percent.
Group Helps Troops, Families Cope
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - The stress of deployments, especially during war time, can take a toll on servicemembers and their families. A group of licensed mental health professionals in Southern California is helping to minimize that impact, however. "'The Soldiers Project' offers free, no-red-tape psychological counseling to any servicemember who has served in (Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom)," said Barbara Schochet, assistant director for the organization.
Currently the project serves Los Angeles and Orange Counties, but plans are to eventually expand its service area.
Despite the group's name, servicemembers from all branches of the military who have served in operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom are eligible to take advantage of the project's service. Servicemembers' family members and loved ones also are eligible for free counseling prior to and during deployment and after homecoming, Schochet said.
"We want to support the families while their loved one is away, and we want to help with reintegration and combat stress issues when they return," she said.
To maximize the effects of the services, all sessions are free and there is no limit to the number of sessions offered.
The counselors offering their time include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. They are required to attend training sessions to learn about post-traumatic stress disorder and what families endure when their servicemembers are gone.
The organization also has a group of speakers who can talk about the project and how to identify problems in patients, clients, schools, congregations or service groups, Schochet said.
The Soldiers Project is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - The stress of deployments, especially during war time, can take a toll on servicemembers and their families. A group of licensed mental health professionals in Southern California is helping to minimize that impact, however. "'The Soldiers Project' offers free, no-red-tape psychological counseling to any servicemember who has served in (Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom)," said Barbara Schochet, assistant director for the organization.
Currently the project serves Los Angeles and Orange Counties, but plans are to eventually expand its service area.
Despite the group's name, servicemembers from all branches of the military who have served in operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom are eligible to take advantage of the project's service. Servicemembers' family members and loved ones also are eligible for free counseling prior to and during deployment and after homecoming, Schochet said.
"We want to support the families while their loved one is away, and we want to help with reintegration and combat stress issues when they return," she said.
To maximize the effects of the services, all sessions are free and there is no limit to the number of sessions offered.
The counselors offering their time include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. They are required to attend training sessions to learn about post-traumatic stress disorder and what families endure when their servicemembers are gone.
The organization also has a group of speakers who can talk about the project and how to identify problems in patients, clients, schools, congregations or service groups, Schochet said.
The Soldiers Project is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Military Books
October 2, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing servicemembers who have authored books. The website added four servicemembers who have written books.
Dr. James E. Guffey, Ph.D., is a retired from the United States Army Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Between 1973 and 1986, Dr. James Guffey was a police officer for the Oakland Police Department. In 2006, Dr. James Guffey joined the faculty of National University as an assistant professor. He is the author of Report Writing Fundamentals for Police and Correctional Officers.
According to the book description, Report Writing Fundamentals for Police & Correctional Officers “reviews the basics of proper grammar, covers the practical aspects of writing good reports, and includes sample forms and scenarios that allow users to apply what they have learned. This “how to” guide offers learners the chance to write four typical police reports and two typical corrections reports.”
Between 1971 and 1972, Robert Flournoy was a 1st Lieutenant, Artillery Forward Observer (A Co., 2/28 Infantry, 1st Cav) in Vietnam. He was discharged in 1973 at the rank of Captain. An author and artist living in Tennessee, he is the author of Just a Little Rain: ...Baby Boomers & Military Brats Reflect on Childhood, Baseball and War.
According to Robert Flournoy’s book description, “A nostalgic pause in middle-aged baby boomers lives, Just a Little Rain is a collection of the reflections of several men and a one remarkable woman who played on the sandlots of the 1950s and early 1960s, traveled the world in the face of the Cold War, many as military brats, and got down to the grim task of the Vietnam War before they realized that their childhoods had ended.”
Loren Christensen’s experience in law enforcement began in 1967 when he served in the army as a military policeman, stationed in both the United States and in Vietnam. In 1972, after leaving the military, he joined the Portland Police Bureau (Oregon). As a rookie he began teaching defensive tactics to other officers. As a police officer he has worked the training unit, the gang unit, dignitary body guarding, and all the precincts as a street officer. In his retirement, Loren Christensen is a prolific magazine and book writer, former editor of an award winning monthly newspaper called The Rap Sheet, a high-ranking martial artist and a teacher of martial arts to both law enforcement officials and the general public.
As an author of 32 books, Loren Christensen has received high praise for his easy-to-read, informative writing style from readers and book reviewers. He has authored books such as Deadly Force Encounters: What Cops Need To Know To Mentally And Physically Prepare For And Survive A Gunfight, Gangbangers: Understanding The Deadly Minds Of America's Street Gangs and Winning With American Kata: The New Breed of Competitors.
In 1970, Richard Valdemar began his law enforcement career as a military policeman in the United States Army; which included a tour in Vietnam. After his discharge he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired at the rank of sergeant in 2004. During the last 20 years on the job, “he was assigned to Major Crimes Bureau. He was also cross-designated as an FBI agent for 10 years of his career when he served on the Federal Metropolitan Gang Task Force. From 1995 until his retirement in 2004, Valdemar was a member of the California Prison Gang Task Force, helping prosecute members of the Mexican Mafia.” He is the author of Siege at Waco.
Dr. Bryan Vila, Ph.D. was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1967. His military service included a tour in Vietnam. In 1969, Bryan Vila joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. By the time he left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1978, he had attained the rank of sergeant. He continued this law enforcement career for “six years as a police chief helping the emerging nations of Micronesia develop innovative law enforcement strategies, and two years in Washington, D.C., as a federal law enforcement officer.” Currently, “Bryan Vila, PhD, is a professor of criminal justice at WSU Spokane. Prior to joining WSU in July of 2005, he directed the Division of Crime Control and Prevention Research at the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice.”
Bryan Vila is the co-author of two books: Capital Punishment in the United States: A Documentary History and The Role of Police in American Society: A Documentary History. He is also the author of Tired Cops: The Importance of Managing Police Fatigue.
According to a reader of Tired Cops: The Importance of Managing Police Fatigue, “For many reasons discussed in this book, Dr. Vila espouses the theme, "good cops don't let tired cops hit the streets." He presents a well-written and documented book that encourages law enforcement officers at all levels to make proper sleep and rest as important in survival as training with firearms and the safe operation of vehicles.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 55 current or former military servicemembers and their 121 books.
Dr. James E. Guffey, Ph.D., is a retired from the United States Army Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Between 1973 and 1986, Dr. James Guffey was a police officer for the Oakland Police Department. In 2006, Dr. James Guffey joined the faculty of National University as an assistant professor. He is the author of Report Writing Fundamentals for Police and Correctional Officers.
According to the book description, Report Writing Fundamentals for Police & Correctional Officers “reviews the basics of proper grammar, covers the practical aspects of writing good reports, and includes sample forms and scenarios that allow users to apply what they have learned. This “how to” guide offers learners the chance to write four typical police reports and two typical corrections reports.”
Between 1971 and 1972, Robert Flournoy was a 1st Lieutenant, Artillery Forward Observer (A Co., 2/28 Infantry, 1st Cav) in Vietnam. He was discharged in 1973 at the rank of Captain. An author and artist living in Tennessee, he is the author of Just a Little Rain: ...Baby Boomers & Military Brats Reflect on Childhood, Baseball and War.
According to Robert Flournoy’s book description, “A nostalgic pause in middle-aged baby boomers lives, Just a Little Rain is a collection of the reflections of several men and a one remarkable woman who played on the sandlots of the 1950s and early 1960s, traveled the world in the face of the Cold War, many as military brats, and got down to the grim task of the Vietnam War before they realized that their childhoods had ended.”
Loren Christensen’s experience in law enforcement began in 1967 when he served in the army as a military policeman, stationed in both the United States and in Vietnam. In 1972, after leaving the military, he joined the Portland Police Bureau (Oregon). As a rookie he began teaching defensive tactics to other officers. As a police officer he has worked the training unit, the gang unit, dignitary body guarding, and all the precincts as a street officer. In his retirement, Loren Christensen is a prolific magazine and book writer, former editor of an award winning monthly newspaper called The Rap Sheet, a high-ranking martial artist and a teacher of martial arts to both law enforcement officials and the general public.
As an author of 32 books, Loren Christensen has received high praise for his easy-to-read, informative writing style from readers and book reviewers. He has authored books such as Deadly Force Encounters: What Cops Need To Know To Mentally And Physically Prepare For And Survive A Gunfight, Gangbangers: Understanding The Deadly Minds Of America's Street Gangs and Winning With American Kata: The New Breed of Competitors.
In 1970, Richard Valdemar began his law enforcement career as a military policeman in the United States Army; which included a tour in Vietnam. After his discharge he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired at the rank of sergeant in 2004. During the last 20 years on the job, “he was assigned to Major Crimes Bureau. He was also cross-designated as an FBI agent for 10 years of his career when he served on the Federal Metropolitan Gang Task Force. From 1995 until his retirement in 2004, Valdemar was a member of the California Prison Gang Task Force, helping prosecute members of the Mexican Mafia.” He is the author of Siege at Waco.
Dr. Bryan Vila, Ph.D. was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1967. His military service included a tour in Vietnam. In 1969, Bryan Vila joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. By the time he left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1978, he had attained the rank of sergeant. He continued this law enforcement career for “six years as a police chief helping the emerging nations of Micronesia develop innovative law enforcement strategies, and two years in Washington, D.C., as a federal law enforcement officer.” Currently, “Bryan Vila, PhD, is a professor of criminal justice at WSU Spokane. Prior to joining WSU in July of 2005, he directed the Division of Crime Control and Prevention Research at the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice.”
Bryan Vila is the co-author of two books: Capital Punishment in the United States: A Documentary History and The Role of Police in American Society: A Documentary History. He is also the author of Tired Cops: The Importance of Managing Police Fatigue.
According to a reader of Tired Cops: The Importance of Managing Police Fatigue, “For many reasons discussed in this book, Dr. Vila espouses the theme, "good cops don't let tired cops hit the streets." He presents a well-written and documented book that encourages law enforcement officers at all levels to make proper sleep and rest as important in survival as training with firearms and the safe operation of vehicles.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 55 current or former military servicemembers and their 121 books.
U.S. Africa Command Marks Startup of Initial Operations
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - The new U.S. military organization responsible for operations across Africa marked the startup of its initial operations yesterday, according to a U.S. Africa Command news release. The command's leader, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, announced in the release that his organization has reached "initial operating capacity," to begin functioning as the Pentagon's newest regional headquarters.
Nominated by President Bush in July, Ward was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Sept. 28 as AFRICOM's first commander.
For now, AFRICOM will be co-located with U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Plans are for AFRICOM to be fully established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30, 2008. Plans are to eventually base the command's headquarters somewhere in Africa.
The new command eventually will be responsible for U.S. military relations with 53 African countries, according to the news release. AFRICOM will consolidate efforts previously conducted by EUCOM, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command.
AFRICOM currently has a core staff of 120 members that will grow during the coming year to become the new unified command's headquarters element, officials said.
The new command's headquarters structure will incorporate input from across the U.S. government. In addition to military members and Defense Department civilians, AFRICOM's roster will contain representatives from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Some regions of Africa have experienced decades of violence and civil strife. AFRICOM was created to work with Africans to bring peace and security to their continent, officials said.
Ward noted in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee in September that AFRICOM would seek to partner with African nations to assist them in solving pressing issues.
"I see the establishment of AFRICOM as a wonderful opportunity to efficiently and effectively apply the elements of U.S. national power in ways that help the Africans develop and implement their solutions to African concerns," Ward said in written response to questions raised by the senators.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 2, 2007 - The new U.S. military organization responsible for operations across Africa marked the startup of its initial operations yesterday, according to a U.S. Africa Command news release. The command's leader, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, announced in the release that his organization has reached "initial operating capacity," to begin functioning as the Pentagon's newest regional headquarters.
Nominated by President Bush in July, Ward was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Sept. 28 as AFRICOM's first commander.
For now, AFRICOM will be co-located with U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Plans are for AFRICOM to be fully established as a separate unified command by Sept. 30, 2008. Plans are to eventually base the command's headquarters somewhere in Africa.
The new command eventually will be responsible for U.S. military relations with 53 African countries, according to the news release. AFRICOM will consolidate efforts previously conducted by EUCOM, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command.
AFRICOM currently has a core staff of 120 members that will grow during the coming year to become the new unified command's headquarters element, officials said.
The new command's headquarters structure will incorporate input from across the U.S. government. In addition to military members and Defense Department civilians, AFRICOM's roster will contain representatives from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Some regions of Africa have experienced decades of violence and civil strife. AFRICOM was created to work with Africans to bring peace and security to their continent, officials said.
Ward noted in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee in September that AFRICOM would seek to partner with African nations to assist them in solving pressing issues.
"I see the establishment of AFRICOM as a wonderful opportunity to efficiently and effectively apply the elements of U.S. national power in ways that help the Africans develop and implement their solutions to African concerns," Ward said in written response to questions raised by the senators.
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