By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - A local Boy Scouts of America organization recognized Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates for his lifelong devotion to scouting during an award ceremony here yesterday. Gates received the "Citizen of the Year" award, bestowed annually by the National Capital Area Council. Since 1968, the council has recognized individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to community while serving as a role model to the nation's young people.
Gates earned the top rank of Eagle Scout as a youth in his native Kansas. He also received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award before he graduated from high school.
Participation in scouting prepares young people for positions of leadership, instills character, and teaches responsible behavior, Gates observed after receiving his award from former Army and Veterans Affairs secretary Togo D. West Jr., who also is a distinguished Eagle Scout.
"I know that I, personally, learned these lessons first in Boy Scouts, and have used them every step of the journey that led to where I am today," Gates pointed out.
Becoming and excelling as a Boy Scout, Gates said, helped to form his personality and character. Persistence, successful goal-setting and self-discipline -- character traits necessary in earning an Eagle Scout badge -- would well serve the future CIA director and defense secretary in later years.
"That early achievement gave me the confidence to tackle the increasingly complex challenges that I would face later in life," Gates said.
Leadership skills and an understanding of the importance of character and personal responsibility "are three of the most important gifts I've ever received, and I received them from the Boy Scouts of America," he added.
These traits of strong character are demonstrated daily by U.S. servicemembers engaged in the global war on terrorism, Gates said. "I see these attributes displayed by the brave men and women of our armed forces who serve and sacrifice every day in battle against an unrelenting enemy determined to do our country harm," he said.
The United States is presented with unprecedented threats, Gates said, but he added that he's hopeful and optimistic that Americans also "face a world full of unprecedented hope and opportunity."
"Scouting provides the kind of optimistic, confident and skilled young leaders of integrity who will ensure that we fulfill the hope and seize the opportunity," Gates said.
When he became secretary of defense in December 2006, Gates resigned his membership on the Boy Scouts national board and stepped down as president of the National Eagle Scouts Association, a position he'd held since 1996. In 2000, Gates received scouting's prestigious "Silver Buffalo" award for his service to youth on a national level.
Previous "Citizen of the Year" award recipients include a roster of past and present chief executives, including Presidents George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald R. Ford, as well as other distinguished leaders in government and industry.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Bush Thanks Japanese Prime Minister for Support
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - President Bush thanked Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda today for his nation's support in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. The two men met in the Oval Office and then spoke to the press at the White House. It was the president's first meeting with Fukuda since he became prime minister last month.
Bush said the United States appreciates the contribution that Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force oilers made to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
"Over six years, Japanese vessels refueled ships from 11 coalition nations nearly 800 times," Bush said.
The authorization for the mission ran out Nov. 1, and Fukuda's new government has not been able to get a new authorization. Bush told the prime minister that he appreciates his efforts to extend the refueling mission.
Fukuda told the president he will do his "level best" to get the refueling measure reauthorized.
In addition to refueling efforts, Bush said the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force continues to support coalition efforts in Iraq.
"Japanese planes have flown more than 600 sorties, carrying more than half a million tons of cargo from many nations," the president said. "I appreciate the contribution that the Japanese people are making to help this young democracy."
The two leaders discussed the on-going realignment and transformation of military and self-defense forces.
"Our two nations continue to implement changes in our force posture that will help our alliance meet the challenges of the 21st century," Bush said.
The president said the two leaders would continue to discuss the military realignment with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who himself has just returned from a visit to Japan.
"We'll continue to work together to advance freedom, security and prosperity in our respective regions and beyond," Bush said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - President Bush thanked Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda today for his nation's support in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq. The two men met in the Oval Office and then spoke to the press at the White House. It was the president's first meeting with Fukuda since he became prime minister last month.
Bush said the United States appreciates the contribution that Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force oilers made to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
"Over six years, Japanese vessels refueled ships from 11 coalition nations nearly 800 times," Bush said.
The authorization for the mission ran out Nov. 1, and Fukuda's new government has not been able to get a new authorization. Bush told the prime minister that he appreciates his efforts to extend the refueling mission.
Fukuda told the president he will do his "level best" to get the refueling measure reauthorized.
In addition to refueling efforts, Bush said the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force continues to support coalition efforts in Iraq.
"Japanese planes have flown more than 600 sorties, carrying more than half a million tons of cargo from many nations," the president said. "I appreciate the contribution that the Japanese people are making to help this young democracy."
The two leaders discussed the on-going realignment and transformation of military and self-defense forces.
"Our two nations continue to implement changes in our force posture that will help our alliance meet the challenges of the 21st century," Bush said.
The president said the two leaders would continue to discuss the military realignment with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who himself has just returned from a visit to Japan.
"We'll continue to work together to advance freedom, security and prosperity in our respective regions and beyond," Bush said.
Face of Defense: Fathers, Sons Serve Together in Iraq
By Spc. Christopher Smith, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - Few U.S. servicemembers have the opportunity to deploy with their loved ones, but soldiers of 325th Combat Support Hospital, a unit from Independence, Mo., currently based at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, have two such family relationships within their unit. Maj. David Clark and his son, Sgt. Michael Clark, both natives of Manchester, Conn., deployed to Iraq together with the 325th CSH. The Clark family has a long tradition of military service stretching over three generations. This deployment will mark their second tour together, the first being a 10-month deployment to Kuwait with the 405th Field Hospital, a unit from Connecticut.
Sergeant Clark expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside his father during both deployments and recommended that others take advantage of the chance to deploy with family.
"It was nice having your father with you when you had a day off. He is one of the main reasons why I went on this deployment. We are always there for each other," the younger Clark said. "If soldiers have the chance, they should go for it. There's nothing else like it."
Sergeant Clark was introduced to the military lifestyle as a child and decided to enlist in April 2000, directly following graduation from high school. He said his father's influence sparked his desire to join the military service as an operating room specialist.
"I'm glad he has chosen to take his career path at a younger age, and am very proud of what he does and where he wants to go in his life," the elder Clark said.
Major Clark did not serve during the Vietnam War, which partially fueled his decision to join the Army in May 1987. "A lot of my peers were selected to go. Later, I felt the need to give something back," he said.
During Vietnam, Major Clark felt an obligation to his family that precluded him from joining the military, so he postponed his desire to serve until nearly 10 years later, he said.
While the Clarks' influence to join the military came from father to son, the roles were reversed in the father-son team of Army 1st Lt. Robert Hafner and his father, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jamie Turnham, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 15. Hafner and Turnham are from Independence, Mo.
Hafner enlisted in the Army in February 1995 as a junior in high school. He later convinced his father to join the Navy in November 1997 by telling him of the unique opportunities and experiences in the military.
Hafner and his father also have strong family ties to military service, with multiple other family members serving in the armed forces. Hafner's brother and uncle served in the Army, and both of Turnham's older brothers served in the Navy.
On this, their first deployment together, they serve side by side by mere coincidence. Both father and son are deployed to Al Asad for the same duration. "This deployment has provided the opportunity for him and me to spend a little more time together," Turnham said.
Hafner said he looks forward to passing on the tradition of military service to a new family member. Hafner and his wife expect their first child in January.
(Army Spc. Christopher Smith is assigned to Task Force 325.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - Few U.S. servicemembers have the opportunity to deploy with their loved ones, but soldiers of 325th Combat Support Hospital, a unit from Independence, Mo., currently based at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, have two such family relationships within their unit. Maj. David Clark and his son, Sgt. Michael Clark, both natives of Manchester, Conn., deployed to Iraq together with the 325th CSH. The Clark family has a long tradition of military service stretching over three generations. This deployment will mark their second tour together, the first being a 10-month deployment to Kuwait with the 405th Field Hospital, a unit from Connecticut.
Sergeant Clark expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside his father during both deployments and recommended that others take advantage of the chance to deploy with family.
"It was nice having your father with you when you had a day off. He is one of the main reasons why I went on this deployment. We are always there for each other," the younger Clark said. "If soldiers have the chance, they should go for it. There's nothing else like it."
Sergeant Clark was introduced to the military lifestyle as a child and decided to enlist in April 2000, directly following graduation from high school. He said his father's influence sparked his desire to join the military service as an operating room specialist.
"I'm glad he has chosen to take his career path at a younger age, and am very proud of what he does and where he wants to go in his life," the elder Clark said.
Major Clark did not serve during the Vietnam War, which partially fueled his decision to join the Army in May 1987. "A lot of my peers were selected to go. Later, I felt the need to give something back," he said.
During Vietnam, Major Clark felt an obligation to his family that precluded him from joining the military, so he postponed his desire to serve until nearly 10 years later, he said.
While the Clarks' influence to join the military came from father to son, the roles were reversed in the father-son team of Army 1st Lt. Robert Hafner and his father, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jamie Turnham, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 15. Hafner and Turnham are from Independence, Mo.
Hafner enlisted in the Army in February 1995 as a junior in high school. He later convinced his father to join the Navy in November 1997 by telling him of the unique opportunities and experiences in the military.
Hafner and his father also have strong family ties to military service, with multiple other family members serving in the armed forces. Hafner's brother and uncle served in the Army, and both of Turnham's older brothers served in the Navy.
On this, their first deployment together, they serve side by side by mere coincidence. Both father and son are deployed to Al Asad for the same duration. "This deployment has provided the opportunity for him and me to spend a little more time together," Turnham said.
Hafner said he looks forward to passing on the tradition of military service to a new family member. Hafner and his wife expect their first child in January.
(Army Spc. Christopher Smith is assigned to Task Force 325.)
Artists Create CD to Thanks Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - Just in time for the holidays, 13 major recording artists have created a musical "Thank You" for the troops. "CD for the Troops" will be available for anyone with a valid military identification card to download at no cost from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service Web site, www.aafes.com, beginning tomorrow.
"We're thankful to all the artists who have agreed to lend their name and talent to this special CD," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and community liaison. "To have 'CD for the Troops' produced and dedicated in special honor to our active-duty military members and veterans is just another demonstration of the support so many people in our nation have for our troops."
Mitch Bainwol, chief executive officer of the Recording Industry Association of America, agreed. "This is an historic project. It shows that a music community that has many voices speaks with just one when it comes to support for men and women in uniform," he said in a news release from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. "We are proud to come together to help offer a compilation with some of today's best-selling artists and songs. We hope his album will be music to the ears of our troops."
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel serving at home and abroad.
Getting this project, which combined the music of Billy Joel, Brooks & Dunn, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Josh Groban, Los Lonely Boys, Melissa Ethridge, the Neville Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, the Lt. Dan Band, Montgomery Gentry, The Fray, and Five For Fighting, to troops' ears took true teamwork. John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name "Five For Fighting," was intimately involved with making sure that happened.
"Beyond the artists and managers, all the record companies and publishers had to approve free downloads to over 1.5 million potential users," he said. "(It) also could not have been achieved without the financial, logistical, and emotional support of (the Recording Industry Association of America), AAFES, TriWest Health Care Alliance, America Supports You, Media Base and Sony Manufacturing."
Ondrasik spearheaded the CD after being asked to write a forward and contribute a song to a compilation of local bands sending music to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I thought it was a wonderful gesture," he said, explaining his belief that music is a unique medium that can affect morale and mental health. "I started making a few calls to friends of mine, and six months later we have the CD for the troops."
A staunch supporter of the nation's troops, Ondrasik said he is grateful for the sacrifices of American servicemembers. He said he knows men and women who made and are making those sacrifices have ensured his family's liberty and enabled him to pursue music as a profession.
"Let's be honest, there would be no songs of consequence without the soldiers who allow us a voice," he said. "I can't speak for anyone but myself, (but) I think it's important to recognize that artists from across the political spectrum came together to make this gesture of appreciation and thanks to our troops."
While Ondrasik hopes the downloadable version of "CD for the Troops" will be available on the AAFES Web site through April, tangible versions also will find their way to the troops. Troops in theater, military hospitals and Fisher Houses will get a share of 200,000 hard CDs, he said.
Of those CDS, 50,000 will go to two care package groups that are supporters of America Supports You. Utah-based Operation Give will get 40,000 for its Operation Christmas Stocking program, and Operation Shoebox will get 10,000 for its holiday packages.
No matter how the troops hear the music, Ondrasik said he hopes it "inspires, motivates, provides an avenue for reflection, or simply distracts you from a mission few can imagine, much less undertake," he said.
"If anything, let each tune be a small piece of home to carry you forward," he said to the troops. "Thank you for all you do, and feel free to shoot me an e-mail with requests for 'CD for the Troops II.'"
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - Just in time for the holidays, 13 major recording artists have created a musical "Thank You" for the troops. "CD for the Troops" will be available for anyone with a valid military identification card to download at no cost from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service Web site, www.aafes.com, beginning tomorrow.
"We're thankful to all the artists who have agreed to lend their name and talent to this special CD," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and community liaison. "To have 'CD for the Troops' produced and dedicated in special honor to our active-duty military members and veterans is just another demonstration of the support so many people in our nation have for our troops."
Mitch Bainwol, chief executive officer of the Recording Industry Association of America, agreed. "This is an historic project. It shows that a music community that has many voices speaks with just one when it comes to support for men and women in uniform," he said in a news release from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. "We are proud to come together to help offer a compilation with some of today's best-selling artists and songs. We hope his album will be music to the ears of our troops."
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel serving at home and abroad.
Getting this project, which combined the music of Billy Joel, Brooks & Dunn, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Josh Groban, Los Lonely Boys, Melissa Ethridge, the Neville Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, the Lt. Dan Band, Montgomery Gentry, The Fray, and Five For Fighting, to troops' ears took true teamwork. John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name "Five For Fighting," was intimately involved with making sure that happened.
"Beyond the artists and managers, all the record companies and publishers had to approve free downloads to over 1.5 million potential users," he said. "(It) also could not have been achieved without the financial, logistical, and emotional support of (the Recording Industry Association of America), AAFES, TriWest Health Care Alliance, America Supports You, Media Base and Sony Manufacturing."
Ondrasik spearheaded the CD after being asked to write a forward and contribute a song to a compilation of local bands sending music to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I thought it was a wonderful gesture," he said, explaining his belief that music is a unique medium that can affect morale and mental health. "I started making a few calls to friends of mine, and six months later we have the CD for the troops."
A staunch supporter of the nation's troops, Ondrasik said he is grateful for the sacrifices of American servicemembers. He said he knows men and women who made and are making those sacrifices have ensured his family's liberty and enabled him to pursue music as a profession.
"Let's be honest, there would be no songs of consequence without the soldiers who allow us a voice," he said. "I can't speak for anyone but myself, (but) I think it's important to recognize that artists from across the political spectrum came together to make this gesture of appreciation and thanks to our troops."
While Ondrasik hopes the downloadable version of "CD for the Troops" will be available on the AAFES Web site through April, tangible versions also will find their way to the troops. Troops in theater, military hospitals and Fisher Houses will get a share of 200,000 hard CDs, he said.
Of those CDS, 50,000 will go to two care package groups that are supporters of America Supports You. Utah-based Operation Give will get 40,000 for its Operation Christmas Stocking program, and Operation Shoebox will get 10,000 for its holiday packages.
No matter how the troops hear the music, Ondrasik said he hopes it "inspires, motivates, provides an avenue for reflection, or simply distracts you from a mission few can imagine, much less undertake," he said.
"If anything, let each tune be a small piece of home to carry you forward," he said to the troops. "Thank you for all you do, and feel free to shoot me an e-mail with requests for 'CD for the Troops II.'"
Americans Can Text 'Thanks' to Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation to troops serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than "Giving Thanks," a new initiative from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, said of the text messaging program.
The program, which already has received nearly 4,000 messages, officially kicks off at 6 a.m. EST Nov. 17 and concludes at midnight PST Nov. 22. Between those times, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember in return.
Major mobile wireless providers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile, will provide access to the Giving Thanks text messaging program.
"We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country," Barber said. "We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, 'Thanks.'
"The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops," Barber added.
Those who send a message during the six days of the Giving Thanks program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There, they'll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They'll also be able to read messages from the troops.
Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: "Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless."
Troops of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: "To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You."
In an effort to reach the Hispanic community, which is represented in large numbers in the armed services, America Supports You is working with Interlex, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm with multicultural capabilities.
"What we are doing is complementing the general market efforts to mobilize the Hispanic community to become involved in America Supports You," said Rolando Rodriguez, Interlex's managing director for public relations and community-based outreach. "Obviously that's important because many Hispanics do consume different press than the general market would."
The firm's goal is to inform Hispanic communities that many Hispanic youth are serving in the military. "There (also) are a number of Hispanic families that (will be) impacted during the holidays because (the servicemembers) are not sitting at the table with them, so it's important to show their appreciation," Rodriguez said.
MTV Tr3s, an American Spanish-language network launched in September 2006, is one way the firm hopes to reach America's Hispanic community. The network reaches 30 million homes and 6.5 million Hispanic households across the country, Rodriguez said.
"MTV Tr3s has Mi TRL, (and) what they're going to do is ... live reads on their video countdown, which is their signature program," he said. "They're going to talk about, 'Hey, support this initiative.'"
Mi TRL also will run a banner at the bottom of the screen promoting the text messaging program. In addition, the program will air a full screen of information on how to thank troops.
Interlex USA also is working to involve Hispanic celebrities to let the Hispanic community know that thanking a servicemember for their sacrifices this holiday season is as easy as sending a text message.
"When we talk about text messaging, Hispanics ... out-pace all groups," Rodriguez said, adding the text messaging group tends to be younger, much like MTV Tr3s viewers, who range from 12-34.
He added that his team is working to get the message out to Hispanic communities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas through Spanish-language media outlets, as well as entertainment and sporting venues. These are the same types of venues that will carry information about the America Supports You Giving Thanks program to the general market, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 16, 2007 - For those seeking a quick way to show appreciation to troops serving far from home this holiday season, look no further than "Giving Thanks," a new initiative from the Defense Department's America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"This is a simple way to connect our citizens to our soldiers using modern technology," Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, said of the text messaging program.
The program, which already has received nearly 4,000 messages, officially kicks off at 6 a.m. EST Nov. 17 and concludes at midnight PST Nov. 22. Between those times, people wishing to express gratitude to the troops for their service can text a brief message to 89279. Each text message sent will receive a response from an active-duty servicemember in return.
Major mobile wireless providers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile, will provide access to the Giving Thanks text messaging program.
"We know that thousands of families will be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner and thinking about loved ones who are far away from home serving their country," Barber said. "We are counting on other American families to take a moment during their holiday celebration to think of those families and their family members who are serving and say, 'Thanks.'
"The reassurance that others are thinking about them will mean a lot to our troops," Barber added.
Those who send a message during the six days of the Giving Thanks program also will be directed to the America Supports You Web site. There, they'll find a sampling of messages from the public and a running tally of how many messages have been received. They'll also be able to read messages from the troops.
Some servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan already have sent messages thanking the public for the support. Angie, an airman serving in Iraq, wrote: "Your support means so much, especially during the holidays. God Bless."
Troops of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan also wrote to express their appreciation for the continued support they receive: "To all the great Americans who go out of their way to support all the Soldiers of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan -- Thank You."
In an effort to reach the Hispanic community, which is represented in large numbers in the armed services, America Supports You is working with Interlex, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm with multicultural capabilities.
"What we are doing is complementing the general market efforts to mobilize the Hispanic community to become involved in America Supports You," said Rolando Rodriguez, Interlex's managing director for public relations and community-based outreach. "Obviously that's important because many Hispanics do consume different press than the general market would."
The firm's goal is to inform Hispanic communities that many Hispanic youth are serving in the military. "There (also) are a number of Hispanic families that (will be) impacted during the holidays because (the servicemembers) are not sitting at the table with them, so it's important to show their appreciation," Rodriguez said.
MTV Tr3s, an American Spanish-language network launched in September 2006, is one way the firm hopes to reach America's Hispanic community. The network reaches 30 million homes and 6.5 million Hispanic households across the country, Rodriguez said.
"MTV Tr3s has Mi TRL, (and) what they're going to do is ... live reads on their video countdown, which is their signature program," he said. "They're going to talk about, 'Hey, support this initiative.'"
Mi TRL also will run a banner at the bottom of the screen promoting the text messaging program. In addition, the program will air a full screen of information on how to thank troops.
Interlex USA also is working to involve Hispanic celebrities to let the Hispanic community know that thanking a servicemember for their sacrifices this holiday season is as easy as sending a text message.
"When we talk about text messaging, Hispanics ... out-pace all groups," Rodriguez said, adding the text messaging group tends to be younger, much like MTV Tr3s viewers, who range from 12-34.
He added that his team is working to get the message out to Hispanic communities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas through Spanish-language media outlets, as well as entertainment and sporting venues. These are the same types of venues that will carry information about the America Supports You Giving Thanks program to the general market, officials said.
Pakistani Nuclear Safeguards in Place, Mullen Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 15, 2007 - U.S. officials are satisfied that Pakistani nuclear weapons are under sufficient security, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. During a Pentagon news conference, Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen said that while there has been a lot of discussion about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, "I'd like to be very clear, I don't see any indication right now that security of those weapons is in jeopardy."
U.S. officials are watchful, as they should be, he said.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf placed the country under "emergency measures" – essentially martial law – Nov. 3. Under the measures, Musharraf also suspended Pakistan's constitution, deposed the nation's supreme court chief and deployed troops to fight what he called rising Islamic extremism.
Military-to-military contacts between the United States and Pakistan continue, Mullen said. "I see no disruption to that because the emergency measures are in place," he said.
The chairman also said he sees no indication of, nor does he anticipate, an interruption in the supply line through Pakistan to U.S. forces fighting in Afghanistan.
In fact, he said, there are no major changes to our military relations with Pakistan.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 15, 2007 - U.S. officials are satisfied that Pakistani nuclear weapons are under sufficient security, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. During a Pentagon news conference, Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen said that while there has been a lot of discussion about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, "I'd like to be very clear, I don't see any indication right now that security of those weapons is in jeopardy."
U.S. officials are watchful, as they should be, he said.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf placed the country under "emergency measures" – essentially martial law – Nov. 3. Under the measures, Musharraf also suspended Pakistan's constitution, deposed the nation's supreme court chief and deployed troops to fight what he called rising Islamic extremism.
Military-to-military contacts between the United States and Pakistan continue, Mullen said. "I see no disruption to that because the emergency measures are in place," he said.
The chairman also said he sees no indication of, nor does he anticipate, an interruption in the supply line through Pakistan to U.S. forces fighting in Afghanistan.
In fact, he said, there are no major changes to our military relations with Pakistan.
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