By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2008 - Nick Jackson wakes up earlier and has longer days than most freshmen at the University of Cincinnati, and once a week his clothes are selected for him. But unlike most students here, Jackson, one in about 30 cadets enrolled in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps, will graduate school without debt and with a job awaiting him.
"I decided to take the scholarship for financial reasons, but then once I got in here and I met everybody and I'm friends with everybody, it's turning into something else," said Jackson, dressed in Army camouflage as he walked across campus. "It's turning into more of a patriotic thing."
Jackson was one of several ROTC cadets who attended on-campus lectures today by three members of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" outreach program, which places military speakers before audiences at venues across the U.S.
Like the future soldier, this morning's speakers -- Air Force Capt. Edward V. Szczepanik, Marine Capt. John N. Sand and Marine Chief Warrant Officer Daniel K. Winnie -- began their military careers in the ROTC program.
As the meaning of Jackson's ROTC experience grows from a mere financial means into a sense of national calling, the transformation reflects Szczepanik's own metamorphosis.
"The reason I got in was for financial reasons; I needed the scholarship. But the reason I stay in is for guys like this," said Szczepanik, pointing to the fellow military speakers onstage. "And I stay in for the guys that I fly with every day, who have become my brothers."
Jackson said he regards experienced servicemembers like the "Why We Serve" panel almost like big brothers. "There are things I can learn from them," he said. "I like hearing other people's actual experiences from Iraq in addition to the things I hear on the news."
After his expected graduation in 2012, Jackson, a possible math major, said he would like to serve as an intelligence officer the Army, following his commission as a second lieutenant. Like the speakers who addressed him today, the budding soldier's career sounds imbued with a sense of purpose.
"I just like the idea of going and protecting the ones that I love back here," he said.
Another cadet on hand to hear the "Why We Serve" speakers was Frederick Reier, a sophomore at the university with an academic focus on international relations. Reier, who is eager to join the Army's ranks as a career officer in either the intelligence or infantry fields, is less certain of his career path than Jackson.
But if his military duty remains up in the air, his principles are as firmly grounded as those of the speakers he listened to today.
"A lot of the Army values are the things that I put in my own life," he said. "I feel that if I'm going to have a job and I'm going to be making money, I might as well be making a difference while I'm doing that.
"I think we enjoy so many freedoms and I think I owe something back," he added.
Following an afternoon presentation by the speakers, Aaron Dellinger, a junior-year history major, said the presentations are a good way for current servicemembers to share their stories on campus.
"What stuck out to me was that their reasons for serving are pretty personal, they're not really complicated, it's just that they want to serve and protect the guys next to them," he said.
Second-year cadet David Louderback, who desires to be either an artillery or infantry officer in the Army, appreciated the even-handedness with which the troops told of their service.
"It's not all gung ho and glory seeking. It's to do the job, to do what they said – to serve your brothers and sisters in arms, to serve your country," Louderback said. "It's a higher purpose."
The criminal justice newsletter sponsored this article.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Kansas Aircrew Brings WWII Comrades Back From Watery Grave
By Staff Sgt. W. Michael Houk, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2008 - A drama unfolded in the skies above the western Pacific island nation of Palau on Sept. 1, 1944, as intense fighting between American and Japanese forces was getting under way. During a raid, comrades of the U.S. Army Air Forces looked on helplessly as the crew of a B-24 Liberator bomber, the Babes in Arms, was brought down by anti-aircraft fire. Three of the crew reportedly bailed out, one without a parachute, before the bomber dove headlong into the ocean never to be found -- or so it was thought back then.
A volunteer Kansas Air National Guard crew in a KC-135 Stratotanker from 190th Air Refueling Wing returned the human remains recovered from that ill-fated bomber back to this country in early March.
Thanks to an organization called BentProp, who found the crash site in 2004, the location is no longer a mystery. BentProp is a privately funded organization that searches for planes and their crews who crashed after being shot down by the Japanese in 1944-45. They reported it to the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command, who for the last three years investigated and recovered the remains from the site. The Kansas Coyotes had the honor of transporting the fallen back to U.S. soil -- to Hawaii for identification.
"That seemed like a pretty good thing to do to give some closure to some families back home in the states," Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Mertel said, adding that it was an honorable thing to do and "a fine way to end my career with the Kansas Air Guard. I jumped on it. It's a great opportunity."
The Kansas crew flew from its home at Forbes Field, just outside Topeka, to Hawaii then Guam and, from Guam, another hour and a half to the Republic of Palau.
"It was really moving to see that island and kind of imagine what might have happened that day," Maj. Jeff Warrender said from the pilot's seat. "It really made me think about how brave those guys must have been and what they might've gone through before they died. To see how beautiful the island was, it was just kind of eerie."
Warrender first did a flyover inspection of the destination, a short airstrip with no tower that is usually used by smaller aircraft, in order for the crew to ensure conditions on the runway would permit a safe landing. Standing water, among other conditions, might keep the lumbering tanker from landing. Satisfied, Warrender circled back around, smoothly touched down, and brought the big plane to a quick halt on the island nation.
Local officials, without whom any of the Palau recovery efforts would have been possible, met the KC-135 crew on the runway. Jennifer Anson, executive assistant to the vice president of Palau, said the event was emotional for her. "A lot of my relatives were here during the war, and a lot of them went missing and we never found them," she said.
"I'm happy for whoever's family has that peace of mind now, knowing that their family members are being returned back home," Anson added.
U.S. Navy divers sat in the back of a large truck with their cargo: two sealed black cases containing the remains of the B-24's lost crew. These divers, dispatched by Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command to this site, spent a month and a half under 70 feet of water meticulously recovering the remains and, in some cases, personal effects of the bomber's crew.
When BentProp personnel find a site, they tell JPAC, and an investigation is begun involving archaeologists, doctors, forensic scientists, divers, and whoever else is required to recover and identify a servicemember so that a family might be notified and the remains appropriately honored.
At the tanker, Air Force Capt. Jarrod Ramsey, a pilot, and Master Sgt. Matt Miltz, a refueling boom operator, carefully helped the divers, who handed the cases up from the truck into the side cargo door of the KC-135. Other members of the crew got the aircraft ready to fly again, checking and rechecking its structure and systems.
At the end of the runway, the engines whined louder and louder about not going anywhere as the pilot let their power build. Finally, the pilot released the brakes, and the tanker rocketed down a rapidly shortening runway and into the Pacific sky with the remaining crew of the Babes in Arms finally on their way to completing a trip that took much longer than anyone would have imagined.
After a quick stop back in Guam, the KC-135 flew east to Hawaii, where the remains of the B-24 crew would be examined forensically by JPAC experts to verify their identities. Once identified, the servicemembers will be flown the rest of the way home to their families, but that honor will be for another aircrew. The Kansas Coyotes had accomplished their mission.
"We've had some fairly long days, and not a lot of ground time," Miltz explained. "But it's all been worth it, helping to bring these people back."
(Army Staff Sgt. W. Michael Houk is assigned to the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 12, 2008 - A drama unfolded in the skies above the western Pacific island nation of Palau on Sept. 1, 1944, as intense fighting between American and Japanese forces was getting under way. During a raid, comrades of the U.S. Army Air Forces looked on helplessly as the crew of a B-24 Liberator bomber, the Babes in Arms, was brought down by anti-aircraft fire. Three of the crew reportedly bailed out, one without a parachute, before the bomber dove headlong into the ocean never to be found -- or so it was thought back then.
A volunteer Kansas Air National Guard crew in a KC-135 Stratotanker from 190th Air Refueling Wing returned the human remains recovered from that ill-fated bomber back to this country in early March.
Thanks to an organization called BentProp, who found the crash site in 2004, the location is no longer a mystery. BentProp is a privately funded organization that searches for planes and their crews who crashed after being shot down by the Japanese in 1944-45. They reported it to the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command, who for the last three years investigated and recovered the remains from the site. The Kansas Coyotes had the honor of transporting the fallen back to U.S. soil -- to Hawaii for identification.
"That seemed like a pretty good thing to do to give some closure to some families back home in the states," Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Mertel said, adding that it was an honorable thing to do and "a fine way to end my career with the Kansas Air Guard. I jumped on it. It's a great opportunity."
The Kansas crew flew from its home at Forbes Field, just outside Topeka, to Hawaii then Guam and, from Guam, another hour and a half to the Republic of Palau.
"It was really moving to see that island and kind of imagine what might have happened that day," Maj. Jeff Warrender said from the pilot's seat. "It really made me think about how brave those guys must have been and what they might've gone through before they died. To see how beautiful the island was, it was just kind of eerie."
Warrender first did a flyover inspection of the destination, a short airstrip with no tower that is usually used by smaller aircraft, in order for the crew to ensure conditions on the runway would permit a safe landing. Standing water, among other conditions, might keep the lumbering tanker from landing. Satisfied, Warrender circled back around, smoothly touched down, and brought the big plane to a quick halt on the island nation.
Local officials, without whom any of the Palau recovery efforts would have been possible, met the KC-135 crew on the runway. Jennifer Anson, executive assistant to the vice president of Palau, said the event was emotional for her. "A lot of my relatives were here during the war, and a lot of them went missing and we never found them," she said.
"I'm happy for whoever's family has that peace of mind now, knowing that their family members are being returned back home," Anson added.
U.S. Navy divers sat in the back of a large truck with their cargo: two sealed black cases containing the remains of the B-24's lost crew. These divers, dispatched by Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command to this site, spent a month and a half under 70 feet of water meticulously recovering the remains and, in some cases, personal effects of the bomber's crew.
When BentProp personnel find a site, they tell JPAC, and an investigation is begun involving archaeologists, doctors, forensic scientists, divers, and whoever else is required to recover and identify a servicemember so that a family might be notified and the remains appropriately honored.
At the tanker, Air Force Capt. Jarrod Ramsey, a pilot, and Master Sgt. Matt Miltz, a refueling boom operator, carefully helped the divers, who handed the cases up from the truck into the side cargo door of the KC-135. Other members of the crew got the aircraft ready to fly again, checking and rechecking its structure and systems.
At the end of the runway, the engines whined louder and louder about not going anywhere as the pilot let their power build. Finally, the pilot released the brakes, and the tanker rocketed down a rapidly shortening runway and into the Pacific sky with the remaining crew of the Babes in Arms finally on their way to completing a trip that took much longer than anyone would have imagined.
After a quick stop back in Guam, the KC-135 flew east to Hawaii, where the remains of the B-24 crew would be examined forensically by JPAC experts to verify their identities. Once identified, the servicemembers will be flown the rest of the way home to their families, but that honor will be for another aircrew. The Kansas Coyotes had accomplished their mission.
"We've had some fairly long days, and not a lot of ground time," Miltz explained. "But it's all been worth it, helping to bring these people back."
(Army Staff Sgt. W. Michael Houk is assigned to the National Guard Bureau.)
America Supports You: Stars Rock Kuwaiti Desert in Support of Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - For more than four hours last night, Camp Buehring, in the middle of the Kuwaiti desert, became a hard-rocking outdoor amphitheater. Before the music began, about 5,000 servicemembers heard a message of support and appreciation from President Bush. Both Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, commander of U.S. Army Central and Combined Forces Land Component Command, and his deputy, Maj. Gen. Dennis E. Hardy, visited with the performers and thanked them for their support.
Then, before comedian Carlos Mencia got the troops laughing, he gave them some words of thanks.
"You guys work every single day doing a job that other people would never even dream of doing," he said. "You do it proudly, and you do it with a smile, and I salute all of you."
Mencia's job was to keep the troops in stitches between music sets by Disturbed, Filter, the Pussycat Dolls, and actress/singer Jessica Simpson, a job at which he more than succeeded.
Then it was DJ Z-Trip's turn to crank up the volume on some special mixes.
The troops' reactions to the rock groups were quite different from they way they reacted to Simpson and the Pussycat Dolls. The latter groups elicited shouts of appreciation, and even marriage proposals.
There was no doubt the troops were excited to have the entertainers come all the way out to Kuwait just to perform for them.
"Yeah, it's breaking my heart," Indiana Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Brad Thurman joked, adding that he's looking forward to seeing Disturbed. "We'll enjoy it. We weren't expected to be here, (but) they changed us going north (to Iraq)."
Air Force Tech Sgt. Marcus Waller, deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., expressed gratitude for the celebrities' appearance.
"I just want to give a big thanks to Carlos Mencia, the Pussycat Dolls and the various artists coming out in support of our troops," Waller said. "We really appreciate it. It's good to see faces, people thinking about us. As a whole, the U.S. military, we want to give you a big, 'Thanks.'"
The artists turned the tables, saying the visit and their interactions with the troops profoundly impacted them.
"This has been a life-changing experience for us," Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, said.
Simpson pointed out what the troops' service means to her. "What you guys represent is true sacrifice," she told the troops before singing her last number.
The other groups said they were honored to be performing for the troops and greatly impressed by the experience.
"We're coming over here to play rock music, and Frank's in the military, said Richard Patrick, lead vocalist for Filter. "Let's bridge the two worlds and let everybody know it's really one world."
"Frank" is Sgt. Frank Cavanagh, Filter's former bass player, who's now an Army reservist getting ready to deploy.
Disturbed's members were just happy to be able to take their support of the troops directly to the military members.
"We're happy that we finally have the opportunity to get out here and talk the talk ... and play for the troops and do what we said we've been meaning to do for the longest time. We're feeling really, really good about it," Disturbed's vocalist David Draiman said.
Z-Trip said he couldn't process all that was happening to him at Camp Buehring. "I'm probably going to be digesting this on the flight back," he said. "It'll probably all settle and make sense."
As the show concluded, all of the artists came to the stage to join Simpson in singing "God Bless America."
The concert, presented by MySpace, a social networking Web site, was streamed live on the MySpace site at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. It was presented in cooperation with Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment programs to deployed forces, and the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families worldwide.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - For more than four hours last night, Camp Buehring, in the middle of the Kuwaiti desert, became a hard-rocking outdoor amphitheater. Before the music began, about 5,000 servicemembers heard a message of support and appreciation from President Bush. Both Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, commander of U.S. Army Central and Combined Forces Land Component Command, and his deputy, Maj. Gen. Dennis E. Hardy, visited with the performers and thanked them for their support.
Then, before comedian Carlos Mencia got the troops laughing, he gave them some words of thanks.
"You guys work every single day doing a job that other people would never even dream of doing," he said. "You do it proudly, and you do it with a smile, and I salute all of you."
Mencia's job was to keep the troops in stitches between music sets by Disturbed, Filter, the Pussycat Dolls, and actress/singer Jessica Simpson, a job at which he more than succeeded.
Then it was DJ Z-Trip's turn to crank up the volume on some special mixes.
The troops' reactions to the rock groups were quite different from they way they reacted to Simpson and the Pussycat Dolls. The latter groups elicited shouts of appreciation, and even marriage proposals.
There was no doubt the troops were excited to have the entertainers come all the way out to Kuwait just to perform for them.
"Yeah, it's breaking my heart," Indiana Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Brad Thurman joked, adding that he's looking forward to seeing Disturbed. "We'll enjoy it. We weren't expected to be here, (but) they changed us going north (to Iraq)."
Air Force Tech Sgt. Marcus Waller, deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., expressed gratitude for the celebrities' appearance.
"I just want to give a big thanks to Carlos Mencia, the Pussycat Dolls and the various artists coming out in support of our troops," Waller said. "We really appreciate it. It's good to see faces, people thinking about us. As a whole, the U.S. military, we want to give you a big, 'Thanks.'"
The artists turned the tables, saying the visit and their interactions with the troops profoundly impacted them.
"This has been a life-changing experience for us," Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, said.
Simpson pointed out what the troops' service means to her. "What you guys represent is true sacrifice," she told the troops before singing her last number.
The other groups said they were honored to be performing for the troops and greatly impressed by the experience.
"We're coming over here to play rock music, and Frank's in the military, said Richard Patrick, lead vocalist for Filter. "Let's bridge the two worlds and let everybody know it's really one world."
"Frank" is Sgt. Frank Cavanagh, Filter's former bass player, who's now an Army reservist getting ready to deploy.
Disturbed's members were just happy to be able to take their support of the troops directly to the military members.
"We're happy that we finally have the opportunity to get out here and talk the talk ... and play for the troops and do what we said we've been meaning to do for the longest time. We're feeling really, really good about it," Disturbed's vocalist David Draiman said.
Z-Trip said he couldn't process all that was happening to him at Camp Buehring. "I'm probably going to be digesting this on the flight back," he said. "It'll probably all settle and make sense."
As the show concluded, all of the artists came to the stage to join Simpson in singing "God Bless America."
The concert, presented by MySpace, a social networking Web site, was streamed live on the MySpace site at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. It was presented in cooperation with Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment programs to deployed forces, and the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families worldwide.
Mullen Praises Northern Command's Interagency Efforts
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command are models of interagency cooperation, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said his visit here was a way to take the pulse of the two commands and see what leaders here think is important.
NORAD will mark 50 years as a joint U.S.-Canadian command in May. The command is responsible for aerospace warning and control and maritime warning. U.S. Northern Command is a more recent invention, coming into being in 2002. Its missions are homeland defense and civil support. Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. commands of both organizations.
Northern Command interfaces with representatives from every state and territory in the United States and is the Defense Department command that plans for the defense of the homeland. The command also provides DoD support to state and local jurisdictions when governors request that support and the president approves it. While it was formed in response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, it is also invaluable in dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters.
From its founding, the command has been an interagency forum. Representatives of more than 60 international, federal, state and nongovernmental agencies work within the command. This covers agencies from the Department of Homeland Security to the FBI to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It also includes Canadian allies from Canada Command, Transport Canada and Public Safety and Emergency Management Canada. The American Red Cross also works with NORTHCOM planners.
"That's really powerful for integration and change down the road," Mullen said during an interview.
The chairman told military and civilian employees at the command that he appreciated their service and their willingness to embrace change. He also said their work has been effective.
"We haven't been attacked since 9-11, and they are a big part of that in ways that really make a difference," he told reporters traveling with him. "They are working really hard to make sure that continues."
The visit allowed him to understand more deeply the command's challenges and to broadly discuss threats. The upcoming U.S. elections and the presidential inauguration in January 2009 will be times of vigilance. "Times of transitions -- whether it is individuals, small groups, big institutions or countries -- are typically very challenging," he said. "Many of us are focused on making sure we have the right focus on the right issues during the transitions."
One area that he learned about is the far north. The polar ice cap is shrinking, and this has opened passages in the northern seas. The command is examining this. Oil companies, cruise lines and shipping lines are all interested in the area. "The message I take away is to understand what really is going on up there," Mullen said.
With the increase in economic activity in the far north, there will be security concerns, and with more ships, there are more chances for accidents, Mullen said. He explained that NORTHCOM officials are weighing many concerns: How are the countries poised for search and rescue? How do you handle environmental remediation? What type of navigationneeds are there?
The United States needs to understand how changes on the top of the world affect the security environment. "That was one of the items we discussed out here," he said. "And that was different than I expected. But that's why I come: to get information on their turf."
NORTHCOM officials also work to thwart terrorism around the world. The command "has a robust intelligence capability, because many threats to America develop overseas," the admiral said. "The command also has maturing relationships with agencies inside our country, the FBI for instance."
These relationships are gold to the defense of America, he said. "So much of this world that we're in right now is tied to partnerships, relationships, interoperability, information sharing," he said. "A huge part of NORTHCOM's portfolio is the maritime-awareness piece. How do you exchange information with Canada, with Mexico? How do you exchange information with commercial entities, the Navy to Coast Guard and vice versa?
"It's a maturing capability we have, but we have a long way to go," he continued. "It's that information-sharing, collaboration piece that is just evident in so many parts of where I go and what I do, whether it's here or in countries around the world."
Mullen said missile defense is an important capability and one U.S. Northern Command is involved with. "The ballistic missile threat will continue to grow. We're living in an era where that's the case," the chairman said. "I think having capability to defend against that in a timely way as the threat evolves is very important. And it can be just the United States, because in the long run, it's not just the United States that is going to be threatened."
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command are models of interagency cooperation, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said his visit here was a way to take the pulse of the two commands and see what leaders here think is important.
NORAD will mark 50 years as a joint U.S.-Canadian command in May. The command is responsible for aerospace warning and control and maritime warning. U.S. Northern Command is a more recent invention, coming into being in 2002. Its missions are homeland defense and civil support. Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. commands of both organizations.
Northern Command interfaces with representatives from every state and territory in the United States and is the Defense Department command that plans for the defense of the homeland. The command also provides DoD support to state and local jurisdictions when governors request that support and the president approves it. While it was formed in response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, it is also invaluable in dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters.
From its founding, the command has been an interagency forum. Representatives of more than 60 international, federal, state and nongovernmental agencies work within the command. This covers agencies from the Department of Homeland Security to the FBI to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It also includes Canadian allies from Canada Command, Transport Canada and Public Safety and Emergency Management Canada. The American Red Cross also works with NORTHCOM planners.
"That's really powerful for integration and change down the road," Mullen said during an interview.
The chairman told military and civilian employees at the command that he appreciated their service and their willingness to embrace change. He also said their work has been effective.
"We haven't been attacked since 9-11, and they are a big part of that in ways that really make a difference," he told reporters traveling with him. "They are working really hard to make sure that continues."
The visit allowed him to understand more deeply the command's challenges and to broadly discuss threats. The upcoming U.S. elections and the presidential inauguration in January 2009 will be times of vigilance. "Times of transitions -- whether it is individuals, small groups, big institutions or countries -- are typically very challenging," he said. "Many of us are focused on making sure we have the right focus on the right issues during the transitions."
One area that he learned about is the far north. The polar ice cap is shrinking, and this has opened passages in the northern seas. The command is examining this. Oil companies, cruise lines and shipping lines are all interested in the area. "The message I take away is to understand what really is going on up there," Mullen said.
With the increase in economic activity in the far north, there will be security concerns, and with more ships, there are more chances for accidents, Mullen said. He explained that NORTHCOM officials are weighing many concerns: How are the countries poised for search and rescue? How do you handle environmental remediation? What type of navigationneeds are there?
The United States needs to understand how changes on the top of the world affect the security environment. "That was one of the items we discussed out here," he said. "And that was different than I expected. But that's why I come: to get information on their turf."
NORTHCOM officials also work to thwart terrorism around the world. The command "has a robust intelligence capability, because many threats to America develop overseas," the admiral said. "The command also has maturing relationships with agencies inside our country, the FBI for instance."
These relationships are gold to the defense of America, he said. "So much of this world that we're in right now is tied to partnerships, relationships, interoperability, information sharing," he said. "A huge part of NORTHCOM's portfolio is the maritime-awareness piece. How do you exchange information with Canada, with Mexico? How do you exchange information with commercial entities, the Navy to Coast Guard and vice versa?
"It's a maturing capability we have, but we have a long way to go," he continued. "It's that information-sharing, collaboration piece that is just evident in so many parts of where I go and what I do, whether it's here or in countries around the world."
Mullen said missile defense is an important capability and one U.S. Northern Command is involved with. "The ballistic missile threat will continue to grow. We're living in an era where that's the case," the chairman said. "I think having capability to defend against that in a timely way as the threat evolves is very important. And it can be just the United States, because in the long run, it's not just the United States that is going to be threatened."
Face of Defense: Army Wife Makes Most of Long Separations
By Jon Fleshman
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Friends, yoga, a family support group, online courses, a trip to England and a toddler lifted 24-year-old Samantha Windell out of her funk when her husband, Chase, went to war. "The first few months after my husband deployed were miserable," Windell admitted from her home in Bamberg, Germany. "I wanted to stay at home the whole time."
When Spc. Chase Windell deployed to Afghanistan in May 2007, Sam had just arrived in Europe on her first assignment as an Army spouse, if you don't count basic and advanced individual training.
"Three days after I arrived and joined Chase, he left for a month of field training a month before he deployed," Sam said. "He's seen his kid all of two months of his life."
Damion is Sam and Chase's 14-month-old son. Dad was there for his birth, however, and he did get to see Damion walking when he returned for rest and recuperation.
"He's a miniature replica of my husband," Sam confided. "Every time I look at him, I'm reminded of Chase."
Mom and son aren't housebound anymore though. Every other afternoon they head to the home of best friend Lauren Kemp, whose husband also is deployed. While Sam and Lauren release their stress through yoga, Damion plays with Lauren's 4- and 5-year-olds, Emory and Darby. The families often share grocery expenses and have meals together.
They also travel together. To fight the holiday blues, they found discount flights, and moms and kids visited London for Thanksgiving.
"The biggest change I've seen in Sam is that she's become independent," said Lauren, whose husband, Spc. Dustin Kemp, is in the same unit as Chase: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. The Kemps are experiencing their fourth deployment as a married couple, so Lauren has a veteran's perspective.
"Sam has learned who she is," Lauren continued, "outside of being Damion's mom and Chase's wife. It's the most important thing the spouse of a deployed soldier can learn -- especially during the first deployment."
Lauren explained that during this time of growth and change, communication between deployed spouse and home-front spouse is critical. She warned: "If not, hubby comes home and asks, 'Who are you?' and, 'What have you done with my wife?'"
Sam and son are definitely staying in touch with their soldier downrange. She said her husband calls her every chance he gets, which averages about every two to three days. They also communicate by instant messenger and e-mail daily, and she estimates she has sent "a million and a half care packages." In addition, they have Web cams that are crystal clear.
"When Chase came home on R&R, Damion ran to his dad. It was really sweet," Sam recalled. "He's at an age where he's a little afraid of strangers, but he knew who his daddy was."
Family-oriented activities that she can share with her son are one of the things Sam likes about her family readiness group. Besides family readiness group special events, she attends monthly meetings and has found the group's leader to be a good source of accurate information and support.
"The FRG opened a whole new avenue for me," Sam said. "You meet all the unit spouses, and the battalion FRG also holds events and will bring all the company FRGs together. Right now we're making welcome-home baskets for all the single soldiers in the unit."
In turn, the unit's family readiness group benefits from Sam's professional skills. She has a bachelor's in political science, accounting and international business and is working on a master's in business administration. Sam volunteers as her family readiness group's treasurer.
"She's helped to make sure our books stay right," said Janelle Walden, the unit's FRG leader. "She has given her knowledge to others and helped them with financial planning."
When the two first met, Walden remembers Sam keeping to herself, as it was obvious she was new to Army life.
"Being an Army spouse is about sharing and mutual support. She is a true example of that and has shown herself to be a priceless asset," Walden said.
The rear detachment is another resource the Colebrook, Ohio, native recommends, along with family readiness groups and Army Community Service orientation and empowerment courses. Sam said that when she hears rumors about her husband's unit or just needs information, she goes to the rear detachment sergeant for the straight answer. And if the sergeant doesn't have the information readily available, she goes out on her own to find it for Sam.
Samantha Windell's short answer to the secret of living successfully as the spouse of a deployed soldier is simple: "Get out there and get involved."
(Jon Fleshman is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Friends, yoga, a family support group, online courses, a trip to England and a toddler lifted 24-year-old Samantha Windell out of her funk when her husband, Chase, went to war. "The first few months after my husband deployed were miserable," Windell admitted from her home in Bamberg, Germany. "I wanted to stay at home the whole time."
When Spc. Chase Windell deployed to Afghanistan in May 2007, Sam had just arrived in Europe on her first assignment as an Army spouse, if you don't count basic and advanced individual training.
"Three days after I arrived and joined Chase, he left for a month of field training a month before he deployed," Sam said. "He's seen his kid all of two months of his life."
Damion is Sam and Chase's 14-month-old son. Dad was there for his birth, however, and he did get to see Damion walking when he returned for rest and recuperation.
"He's a miniature replica of my husband," Sam confided. "Every time I look at him, I'm reminded of Chase."
Mom and son aren't housebound anymore though. Every other afternoon they head to the home of best friend Lauren Kemp, whose husband also is deployed. While Sam and Lauren release their stress through yoga, Damion plays with Lauren's 4- and 5-year-olds, Emory and Darby. The families often share grocery expenses and have meals together.
They also travel together. To fight the holiday blues, they found discount flights, and moms and kids visited London for Thanksgiving.
"The biggest change I've seen in Sam is that she's become independent," said Lauren, whose husband, Spc. Dustin Kemp, is in the same unit as Chase: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. The Kemps are experiencing their fourth deployment as a married couple, so Lauren has a veteran's perspective.
"Sam has learned who she is," Lauren continued, "outside of being Damion's mom and Chase's wife. It's the most important thing the spouse of a deployed soldier can learn -- especially during the first deployment."
Lauren explained that during this time of growth and change, communication between deployed spouse and home-front spouse is critical. She warned: "If not, hubby comes home and asks, 'Who are you?' and, 'What have you done with my wife?'"
Sam and son are definitely staying in touch with their soldier downrange. She said her husband calls her every chance he gets, which averages about every two to three days. They also communicate by instant messenger and e-mail daily, and she estimates she has sent "a million and a half care packages." In addition, they have Web cams that are crystal clear.
"When Chase came home on R&R, Damion ran to his dad. It was really sweet," Sam recalled. "He's at an age where he's a little afraid of strangers, but he knew who his daddy was."
Family-oriented activities that she can share with her son are one of the things Sam likes about her family readiness group. Besides family readiness group special events, she attends monthly meetings and has found the group's leader to be a good source of accurate information and support.
"The FRG opened a whole new avenue for me," Sam said. "You meet all the unit spouses, and the battalion FRG also holds events and will bring all the company FRGs together. Right now we're making welcome-home baskets for all the single soldiers in the unit."
In turn, the unit's family readiness group benefits from Sam's professional skills. She has a bachelor's in political science, accounting and international business and is working on a master's in business administration. Sam volunteers as her family readiness group's treasurer.
"She's helped to make sure our books stay right," said Janelle Walden, the unit's FRG leader. "She has given her knowledge to others and helped them with financial planning."
When the two first met, Walden remembers Sam keeping to herself, as it was obvious she was new to Army life.
"Being an Army spouse is about sharing and mutual support. She is a true example of that and has shown herself to be a priceless asset," Walden said.
The rear detachment is another resource the Colebrook, Ohio, native recommends, along with family readiness groups and Army Community Service orientation and empowerment courses. Sam said that when she hears rumors about her husband's unit or just needs information, she goes to the rear detachment sergeant for the straight answer. And if the sergeant doesn't have the information readily available, she goes out on her own to find it for Sam.
Samantha Windell's short answer to the secret of living successfully as the spouse of a deployed soldier is simple: "Get out there and get involved."
(Jon Fleshman is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza.)
Mullen Visits Fort Carson Warrior Transition Unit
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Every chance he gets, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stops to visit wounded warriors, and yesterday was no exception. "These are young men and women serving their country," he said during an interview. "Those wounded in the war have sacrificed an extraordinary amount. Their lives have changed forever. Their families' lives have changed forever. They deserve the best this country can give them."
How the country treats those wounded in its service is a top priority to the chairman. He has visited the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton, Calif.; the Warrior Transition Unit at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and wounded warriors at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington.
At each place, he wants to ensure everything that can be done for the young men and women is being done.
Mullen said the Defense Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American people must band together to provide a world-class care system for these men and women that "has to be seamless to be as supportive as we can."
After speaking privately with wounded soldiers here, Mullen said they were satisfied with the Warrior Transition Unit chain of command and how they are being led. "I was pleased to hear that, because I worry about them being detached from their main units because they are wounded, and the camaraderie, esprit, connection they have with their battle buddies" is broken, the chairman said.
But wounded warriors here still encounter shortcomings. The unit doesn't have enough doctors to get the 413 wounded soldiers here "through the system" quickly, Mullen said. "It's too slow; it's taking them way too long," he said. "We've got to figure a way to streamline that process. There is great frustration on their part. They told me that their spouses were much more stressed out than they even were, and that gets to the family piece of this."
Mullen said he visits such units to get a feel for what is going on. "In a small group like that, they'll open up," he said. "They are all trying to answer the question, 'What am I going to do with the rest of my life?' They want to be everything they can be, and we owe them every opportunity to answer that question as rapidly as possible, get them into the best position they can be."
Warrior transition units have representatives from Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, state veteran affairs offices, and nongovernmental organizations. The commander of the unit here, which has been in operation only six months, said the unit's job is to speed the process and prepare wounded young men and women for the future. "Our job is to get their toolbox as full as possible," said Army Col. Kelly A. Wolgast, the commander of Evans Army Community Hospital here.
This fits in with Mullen's insistence that the services start stressing what wounded warriors are able to do, rather than stressing what they can't do. While disability payments are important, these young men and women represent the best of America, and they still have much to contribute, he said.
He said he was encouraged upon hearing how a group of the wounded warriors from Fort Carson had recently returned from a career fair in Florida. A veterans' group sponsored the trip.
"That kind of support is invaluable because that starts to get at their key question: What can I do?" the admiral said.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Every chance he gets, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen stops to visit wounded warriors, and yesterday was no exception. "These are young men and women serving their country," he said during an interview. "Those wounded in the war have sacrificed an extraordinary amount. Their lives have changed forever. Their families' lives have changed forever. They deserve the best this country can give them."
How the country treats those wounded in its service is a top priority to the chairman. He has visited the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton, Calif.; the Warrior Transition Unit at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and wounded warriors at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington.
At each place, he wants to ensure everything that can be done for the young men and women is being done.
Mullen said the Defense Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American people must band together to provide a world-class care system for these men and women that "has to be seamless to be as supportive as we can."
After speaking privately with wounded soldiers here, Mullen said they were satisfied with the Warrior Transition Unit chain of command and how they are being led. "I was pleased to hear that, because I worry about them being detached from their main units because they are wounded, and the camaraderie, esprit, connection they have with their battle buddies" is broken, the chairman said.
But wounded warriors here still encounter shortcomings. The unit doesn't have enough doctors to get the 413 wounded soldiers here "through the system" quickly, Mullen said. "It's too slow; it's taking them way too long," he said. "We've got to figure a way to streamline that process. There is great frustration on their part. They told me that their spouses were much more stressed out than they even were, and that gets to the family piece of this."
Mullen said he visits such units to get a feel for what is going on. "In a small group like that, they'll open up," he said. "They are all trying to answer the question, 'What am I going to do with the rest of my life?' They want to be everything they can be, and we owe them every opportunity to answer that question as rapidly as possible, get them into the best position they can be."
Warrior transition units have representatives from Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, state veteran affairs offices, and nongovernmental organizations. The commander of the unit here, which has been in operation only six months, said the unit's job is to speed the process and prepare wounded young men and women for the future. "Our job is to get their toolbox as full as possible," said Army Col. Kelly A. Wolgast, the commander of Evans Army Community Hospital here.
This fits in with Mullen's insistence that the services start stressing what wounded warriors are able to do, rather than stressing what they can't do. While disability payments are important, these young men and women represent the best of America, and they still have much to contribute, he said.
He said he was encouraged upon hearing how a group of the wounded warriors from Fort Carson had recently returned from a career fair in Florida. A veterans' group sponsored the trip.
"That kind of support is invaluable because that starts to get at their key question: What can I do?" the admiral said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 11, 2008
NAVY
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $78,500,000 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for the V-22 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) and Flight Training Device (FTD) products and revisions. This contract will provide analysis, design, development, upgrade, enhancements, integration, installation, test, training, maintenance, logistical support and configuration management for V-22 FFS and FTD training devices, Aircraft Common Operational Equipment (ACOE), FFS and FTD training device spare parts. The contract also includes the incorporation of V-22 Training Equipment Change Requests in to FFS and FTD training devices. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (50 percent); and Philadelphia, Pa. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-08-D-0004).
Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded $7,166,492 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the purchase of OCONUS Field Service Representatives (FSR). Work will be performed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom areas of operation, and work is expected to be completed April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,890,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-96-C-2100) for the execution of the USS Texas (SSN 775) post shakedown availability. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.
Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $6,490,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0002) to provide for logistics support, technical engineering support services, and spare engines and associated parts for the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J, which includes the AE2100D3 turboprop engine and R391 propeller. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and work is expected to be completed in May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Electro Mechanical Corp., Cheswick, Pa., is being awarded a $5,527,903 firm-fixed-price supply contract for one advanced secondary propulsion unit for the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23). Work will be performed in Cheswick, Pa., and work is to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Puget Sound is the contracting activity (N00406-08-C-8005).
ARMY
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Co., Simsbury, Conn., was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $69,061,510 firm-fixed price contract for 485 XM19 Abrams reactive armor tile sets. Work will be performed in Simsbury, Conn. and Graham, Ky., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were six bids solicited on June 29, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity W15QKN-08-C-008.
Ttec-Tesoro, Joint Venture, Norcross, Ga., was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $21,479,000 firm-fixed price contract for design-build of the Consolidated Drill Sergeant School which includes classrooms, dining facility and administrative areas. Work will be performed at Fort Jackson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Nov. 1, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity W912HN-07-D-0058.
FN Manufacturing Inc., Columbia, S.C., was awarded on March 10, 2008, a $7,674,529.59 firm-fixed price contract for 17,433 M249 Short Barrels. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Sept. 24, 2003, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity DAAE20-03-C-0100.
AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a contract modification for $10,290,683. This contract is for FY07 Award Fee payment for the period 1 April 2007 thru 30 September 2007. The award fee is based on performance on the Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) Program. At this time $10,290,683 has been obligated. MSW/C17SG/PKS, Wright-Patterson AFB is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004 P00230).
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $78,500,000 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for the V-22 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) and Flight Training Device (FTD) products and revisions. This contract will provide analysis, design, development, upgrade, enhancements, integration, installation, test, training, maintenance, logistical support and configuration management for V-22 FFS and FTD training devices, Aircraft Common Operational Equipment (ACOE), FFS and FTD training device spare parts. The contract also includes the incorporation of V-22 Training Equipment Change Requests in to FFS and FTD training devices. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (50 percent); and Philadelphia, Pa. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-08-D-0004).
Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded $7,166,492 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the purchase of OCONUS Field Service Representatives (FSR). Work will be performed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom areas of operation, and work is expected to be completed April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,890,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-96-C-2100) for the execution of the USS Texas (SSN 775) post shakedown availability. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.
Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $6,490,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0002) to provide for logistics support, technical engineering support services, and spare engines and associated parts for the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J, which includes the AE2100D3 turboprop engine and R391 propeller. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and work is expected to be completed in May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Electro Mechanical Corp., Cheswick, Pa., is being awarded a $5,527,903 firm-fixed-price supply contract for one advanced secondary propulsion unit for the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23). Work will be performed in Cheswick, Pa., and work is to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Puget Sound is the contracting activity (N00406-08-C-8005).
ARMY
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Co., Simsbury, Conn., was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $69,061,510 firm-fixed price contract for 485 XM19 Abrams reactive armor tile sets. Work will be performed in Simsbury, Conn. and Graham, Ky., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were six bids solicited on June 29, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity W15QKN-08-C-008.
Ttec-Tesoro, Joint Venture, Norcross, Ga., was awarded on March 7, 2008, a $21,479,000 firm-fixed price contract for design-build of the Consolidated Drill Sergeant School which includes classrooms, dining facility and administrative areas. Work will be performed at Fort Jackson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Nov. 1, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity W912HN-07-D-0058.
FN Manufacturing Inc., Columbia, S.C., was awarded on March 10, 2008, a $7,674,529.59 firm-fixed price contract for 17,433 M249 Short Barrels. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Sept. 24, 2003, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity DAAE20-03-C-0100.
AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a contract modification for $10,290,683. This contract is for FY07 Award Fee payment for the period 1 April 2007 thru 30 September 2007. The award fee is based on performance on the Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) Program. At this time $10,290,683 has been obligated. MSW/C17SG/PKS, Wright-Patterson AFB is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004 P00230).
Defense Department Stands by Tanker Contract Decision
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - The selection of Northrop Grumman Corp. to build the next-generation air-refueling tanker aircraft followed a fair competition and was based on the merits of the proposals submitted, a senior Defense Department official told reporters today. Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, said the challenges like the one filed yesterday by the Boeing Company are built into the acquisition process to ensure it complies with federal regulations.
The Boeing Company filed a formal protest yesterday asking the Government Accountability Office to review the decision to contract with Northrop Grumman to build up to 179 KC-45A aircraft over the next decade. The Air Force announced the decision Feb. 29.
Northrop Grumman partnered with Airbus to compete against Boeing Corp. for the $35 billion contract.
If Boeing elects to challenge the process, the department "will take the necessary steps to ensure that is given the appropriate treatment," Whitman said today.
GAO has 100 days to review the contract award and determine whether the Defense Department followed appropriate processes and procedures, he said.
"We believe that it was a very fair competition, transparent to the extent that any competition can be with the request for proposal process, and that the decision made by the department was based on merit," Whitman said. "So we will see."
During a Feb. 29 news conference announcing the contract decision, the Air Force acquisition chief said the Northrop Grumman proposal offered "the best value to the government" and earned top marks for mission capability, past performance and other factors.
Sue C. Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, insisted that "no bias" was involved in the contract award.
Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne said the Air Force looks forward to the vastly superior air-fueling capabilities the next-generation tankers will offer over the current fleet of Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft they will replace.
"This is a platform we have been working on for some time, and clearly we want to move this program forward in an expeditious manner," Whitman said today. "But challenges are part of the process and built into the system to ensure that the rigor and integrity of the federal acquisition regulation is followed. We are prepared to do that, and we will do that. "
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - The selection of Northrop Grumman Corp. to build the next-generation air-refueling tanker aircraft followed a fair competition and was based on the merits of the proposals submitted, a senior Defense Department official told reporters today. Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, said the challenges like the one filed yesterday by the Boeing Company are built into the acquisition process to ensure it complies with federal regulations.
The Boeing Company filed a formal protest yesterday asking the Government Accountability Office to review the decision to contract with Northrop Grumman to build up to 179 KC-45A aircraft over the next decade. The Air Force announced the decision Feb. 29.
Northrop Grumman partnered with Airbus to compete against Boeing Corp. for the $35 billion contract.
If Boeing elects to challenge the process, the department "will take the necessary steps to ensure that is given the appropriate treatment," Whitman said today.
GAO has 100 days to review the contract award and determine whether the Defense Department followed appropriate processes and procedures, he said.
"We believe that it was a very fair competition, transparent to the extent that any competition can be with the request for proposal process, and that the decision made by the department was based on merit," Whitman said. "So we will see."
During a Feb. 29 news conference announcing the contract decision, the Air Force acquisition chief said the Northrop Grumman proposal offered "the best value to the government" and earned top marks for mission capability, past performance and other factors.
Sue C. Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, insisted that "no bias" was involved in the contract award.
Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne said the Air Force looks forward to the vastly superior air-fueling capabilities the next-generation tankers will offer over the current fleet of Eisenhower-era KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft they will replace.
"This is a platform we have been working on for some time, and clearly we want to move this program forward in an expeditious manner," Whitman said today. "But challenges are part of the process and built into the system to ensure that the rigor and integrity of the federal acquisition regulation is followed. We are prepared to do that, and we will do that. "
'Pease Greeters' Get Presidential Thanks for Supporting Troops
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Six New Hampshire volunteers committed to making sure deployed troops get the sendoffs and homecomings yesterday found themselves on the receiving end of the thanks they regularly extend -- from the commander in chief himself and others on Capitol Hill and in the Pentagon. Six "Pease Greeters" are spending their second day in the nation's capital after getting honored for their work yesterday by President Bush in the White House Oval Office, New Hampshire Sen. John Sununu on Capitol Hill, and defense officials at the Pentagon.
The president offered personal thanks to the Pease Greeters, who shower deploying and redeploying soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines with applause, handshakes and snacks as their aircraft refuel at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, in New Hampshire. "He thanked us for what we are doing and told us that it's important for Americans like us to show appreciation to and support the troops," said Edmund Johnson, a Korean War veteran who co-chairs the group. "It was a tremendous honor for all of us!"
The greeters started almost three years ago as a band of veterans from the Marine Corps League of New Hampshire who met incoming flights from overseas. Since then, their numbers have swelled into the hundreds, and the Pease Greeters haven't missed a single inbound or outbound flight, Johnson said.
As many as 200 greeters gather to provide boisterous heroes' welcomes to returning troops and encouragement to those headed overseas.
The greeters range from young schoolchildren to feisty, 87-year-old Anna Labrie, many driving as much as 100 miles to greet flights any hour of the day or night, Johnson said. They assemble within an hour's notice, hoisting banners, snapping photos and offering hugs along with coffee, pizza or treats baked by the group's "cookie lady," Kelly Eaton.
Just before the troops reboard their aircraft, group chaplain Hank Page offers a prayer for their protection. "I feel I have to do this. It's a duty," said Page, a Korean War veteran. At 73, Page said he's too old to fight himself, but young enough to offer any support he can to those going off to war. "Being able to say a prayer for these guys is so humbling," he said. "It's a very emotional experience."
Page bristles when he thinks back to the reception troops received when they returned home from Vietnam. "While there's breath in my body, that's not going to happen -- not at Pease, anyway," he said.
Al Weston, maintenance manager at the airport, said he "got hooked" on greeting troops the first time he volunteered to help. "You get caught up in it all, seeing (the Pease Greeters) in their bright, red suits clapping and cheering," he said. "When (troops) walk away from here, they know that people care."
Just before troops leave, the Peace Greeters render a sharp salute, recognizing those they say are continuing the tradition of military service. "We talk about warriors as a brotherhood," Johnson said. "We tell them that we're the old warriors, supporting them, the new warriors, and offer them our salute in recognition of what they're doing for our country."
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Six New Hampshire volunteers committed to making sure deployed troops get the sendoffs and homecomings yesterday found themselves on the receiving end of the thanks they regularly extend -- from the commander in chief himself and others on Capitol Hill and in the Pentagon. Six "Pease Greeters" are spending their second day in the nation's capital after getting honored for their work yesterday by President Bush in the White House Oval Office, New Hampshire Sen. John Sununu on Capitol Hill, and defense officials at the Pentagon.
The president offered personal thanks to the Pease Greeters, who shower deploying and redeploying soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines with applause, handshakes and snacks as their aircraft refuel at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, in New Hampshire. "He thanked us for what we are doing and told us that it's important for Americans like us to show appreciation to and support the troops," said Edmund Johnson, a Korean War veteran who co-chairs the group. "It was a tremendous honor for all of us!"
The greeters started almost three years ago as a band of veterans from the Marine Corps League of New Hampshire who met incoming flights from overseas. Since then, their numbers have swelled into the hundreds, and the Pease Greeters haven't missed a single inbound or outbound flight, Johnson said.
As many as 200 greeters gather to provide boisterous heroes' welcomes to returning troops and encouragement to those headed overseas.
The greeters range from young schoolchildren to feisty, 87-year-old Anna Labrie, many driving as much as 100 miles to greet flights any hour of the day or night, Johnson said. They assemble within an hour's notice, hoisting banners, snapping photos and offering hugs along with coffee, pizza or treats baked by the group's "cookie lady," Kelly Eaton.
Just before the troops reboard their aircraft, group chaplain Hank Page offers a prayer for their protection. "I feel I have to do this. It's a duty," said Page, a Korean War veteran. At 73, Page said he's too old to fight himself, but young enough to offer any support he can to those going off to war. "Being able to say a prayer for these guys is so humbling," he said. "It's a very emotional experience."
Page bristles when he thinks back to the reception troops received when they returned home from Vietnam. "While there's breath in my body, that's not going to happen -- not at Pease, anyway," he said.
Al Weston, maintenance manager at the airport, said he "got hooked" on greeting troops the first time he volunteered to help. "You get caught up in it all, seeing (the Pease Greeters) in their bright, red suits clapping and cheering," he said. "When (troops) walk away from here, they know that people care."
Just before troops leave, the Peace Greeters render a sharp salute, recognizing those they say are continuing the tradition of military service. "We talk about warriors as a brotherhood," Johnson said. "We tell them that we're the old warriors, supporting them, the new warriors, and offer them our salute in recognition of what they're doing for our country."
Army Sergeant Deploying on First Tour a Real Rock Star
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - It's hard to imagine that Frank Cavanagh, a tall thin Army Reserve sergeant with a shaved head, once had hair nearly to his shoulders and played bass for the rock band Filter. Cavanaugh said he didn't tell anyone he'd gone through basic and advanced individual military training for some three years. He also didn't tell anyone in his reserve unit that he had been in a successful rock band.
"I didn't want either positive or negative attitudes," he said. "I just wanted to be a soldier and get along, just because we're all soldiers; we're all equal."
It may be hard to believe that a verifiable "rock star" would give up a successful career for a soldier's life, but Cavanagh had his reasons. "I've done everything I wanted to do in life with music," he said. "After the band went on hiatus, I was like, 'What have I not done in life?' I've got a beautiful family, beautiful kids. I love music, but I love my country.'"
So, at 35, Cavanagh, followed in his father, uncle and brother's footsteps and volunteered to serve his country. He's a "27 Delta," Army-speak for a paralegal, and said he loves his job. "There's nothing more important to me, really, than what a soldier does," he said. "You get called upon to do things, and sometimes you don't like it. But, hey, that's alright. There's a higher purpose for it."
The rock star turned soldier soon will come back through Camp Buehring on his way to Iraq for his first tour. But first, he had one more concert to get out of the way.
Cavanagh was in Kuwait to reunite with his old band, Filter, during "Operation MySpace." More specifically, the concert reunited the sergeant with Richard Patrick, Filter's only remaining original member and lead singer.
MySpace social networking Web site presented the show yesterday with cooperation from Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment to deployed troops, and America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families worldwide.
"We really wanted it to happen. It's a bridge between the two worlds," Patrick said. "We're coming over here to play rock music, and Frank's in the military. Let's bridge the two worlds and let everybody know it's really one world."
Though it was a happy compromise, the reunion in Kuwait wasn't quite what Patrick had originally hoped for.
"I'm a reservist, and (Rich) had called me up about five months ago and was like, 'Hey, I'm putting a new record out, and I want you to come help me with it and go back on tour," Cavanagh said. "I was like, 'Buddy, I'm going on a different kind of a tour. It's gonna be a hot one, too.'"
Cavanagh's decision to enlist was no surprise to Patrick, however. The singer knew his buddy loved his country and the military.
"Knowing everything about Frank, ... Frank's a patriot and he's going to be exactly who he is," Patrick said. "(The hiatus) gave Frank a lot of time off ... to sit and think about what else is out there. It was the (right) time for him to just go, 'Look, I have this opportunity, I'm going to do it.'
"He decided to go into the military and serve his country. I think that's great," Patrick added.
The fact that Cavanagh was going to be at the concert made it all the more meaningful for Patrick and the other members of Filter. In fact, playing for the troops was the first goal on his list when he decided to put his band back together.
"It's a total honor," he said. "You're traveling over here, and it's time zone changes, and you feel like a zombie, but when you see the people you came for, it's instantly worth it," he said. "It's a hell of an experience."
The experience paid off big for the troops when Cavanagh, sans his rock star hair, joined his former band for one song during the concert that also featured comedian Carlos Mencia, actress/singer Jessica Simpson, the bands Disturbed and the Pussycat Dolls, and DJ Z-Trip.
Now, it's back to soldiering for Cavanagh, at least for the next year.
"Of course, in a year, I would love to come back and play with Filter," Cavanagh said. "The itch to play music and be in Filter will never leave me."
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - It's hard to imagine that Frank Cavanagh, a tall thin Army Reserve sergeant with a shaved head, once had hair nearly to his shoulders and played bass for the rock band Filter. Cavanaugh said he didn't tell anyone he'd gone through basic and advanced individual military training for some three years. He also didn't tell anyone in his reserve unit that he had been in a successful rock band.
"I didn't want either positive or negative attitudes," he said. "I just wanted to be a soldier and get along, just because we're all soldiers; we're all equal."
It may be hard to believe that a verifiable "rock star" would give up a successful career for a soldier's life, but Cavanagh had his reasons. "I've done everything I wanted to do in life with music," he said. "After the band went on hiatus, I was like, 'What have I not done in life?' I've got a beautiful family, beautiful kids. I love music, but I love my country.'"
So, at 35, Cavanagh, followed in his father, uncle and brother's footsteps and volunteered to serve his country. He's a "27 Delta," Army-speak for a paralegal, and said he loves his job. "There's nothing more important to me, really, than what a soldier does," he said. "You get called upon to do things, and sometimes you don't like it. But, hey, that's alright. There's a higher purpose for it."
The rock star turned soldier soon will come back through Camp Buehring on his way to Iraq for his first tour. But first, he had one more concert to get out of the way.
Cavanagh was in Kuwait to reunite with his old band, Filter, during "Operation MySpace." More specifically, the concert reunited the sergeant with Richard Patrick, Filter's only remaining original member and lead singer.
MySpace social networking Web site presented the show yesterday with cooperation from Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment to deployed troops, and America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families worldwide.
"We really wanted it to happen. It's a bridge between the two worlds," Patrick said. "We're coming over here to play rock music, and Frank's in the military. Let's bridge the two worlds and let everybody know it's really one world."
Though it was a happy compromise, the reunion in Kuwait wasn't quite what Patrick had originally hoped for.
"I'm a reservist, and (Rich) had called me up about five months ago and was like, 'Hey, I'm putting a new record out, and I want you to come help me with it and go back on tour," Cavanagh said. "I was like, 'Buddy, I'm going on a different kind of a tour. It's gonna be a hot one, too.'"
Cavanagh's decision to enlist was no surprise to Patrick, however. The singer knew his buddy loved his country and the military.
"Knowing everything about Frank, ... Frank's a patriot and he's going to be exactly who he is," Patrick said. "(The hiatus) gave Frank a lot of time off ... to sit and think about what else is out there. It was the (right) time for him to just go, 'Look, I have this opportunity, I'm going to do it.'
"He decided to go into the military and serve his country. I think that's great," Patrick added.
The fact that Cavanagh was going to be at the concert made it all the more meaningful for Patrick and the other members of Filter. In fact, playing for the troops was the first goal on his list when he decided to put his band back together.
"It's a total honor," he said. "You're traveling over here, and it's time zone changes, and you feel like a zombie, but when you see the people you came for, it's instantly worth it," he said. "It's a hell of an experience."
The experience paid off big for the troops when Cavanagh, sans his rock star hair, joined his former band for one song during the concert that also featured comedian Carlos Mencia, actress/singer Jessica Simpson, the bands Disturbed and the Pussycat Dolls, and DJ Z-Trip.
Now, it's back to soldiering for Cavanagh, at least for the next year.
"Of course, in a year, I would love to come back and play with Filter," Cavanagh said. "The itch to play music and be in Filter will never leave me."
Gates Accepts Resignation of CENTCOM Chief Fallon
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today reluctantly accepted Navy Adm. William J. "Fox" Fallon's letter of resignation as commander of U.S. Central Command and request for retirement. Fallon's resignation will take effect March 31, Gates said in a Pentagon news conference. His deputy, Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, will take over as acting CENTCOM commander until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed.
Gates told reporters Fallon advised him of his decision this morning, citing what the admiral called "the current embarrassing situation of public perception of differences between my views and administration policy and the distraction this causes from the mission."
"Recent press reports suggesting a disconnect between my views and the president's policy objectives have become a distraction at a critical time and hamper efforts in the CENTCOM region," Fallon said in a statement released by CENTCOM. "And although I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command area of responsibility, the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America's interests there."
Fallon said this disconnect led him to conclude "that it would be best to step aside and allow the secretary and our military leaders to move beyond this distraction ... and focus on the achievement of our strategic objectives in the region."
Gates said Fallon reached this difficult decision entirely on his own and that he had approved it "with reluctance and regret."
The secretary said he informed President Bush of Fallon's decision and his plan to accept it earlier today. "The president has made clear all along that these matters are to be handled strictly within the Department of Defense," he said.
"I believe it was the right thing to do, even though I do not believe there are, in fact, significant differences between his views and administration policy," he said.
Some of the misperceptions involved perceived differences over U.S. policies regarding Iran. Gates said Fallon fully supported the administration's policy of trying to deal with the Iranian challenge through diplomatic and economic pressures and sanctions.
"So I don't think that there really were differences at all," Gates said. "But I think there is this misperception out there that there were."
Months of trying to "put this misperception behind us," it hasn't succeeded, he said.
Gates said he agreed with Fallon's assessment that whether true or not, he agrees that any misperceptions about the policy proved to be distractions from the mission. "That's why I believe he's made the right decision," he said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he supports Gates' decision to accept Fallon's resignation and request for retirement. "I also respect the reasons for which Admiral Fallon submitted it and applaud his ability to recognize the responsibility before him," the chairman said.
"By his leadership and through the example he continues to set with this decision today, he has demonstrated to future generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen the highest sense of personal honor and dignity," Mullen continued.
Gates said Fallon will be difficult to replace. "He is enormously talented, very experienced, and he does have a strategic vision that is rare," the secretary said. "So it does leave a hole."
He expressed confidence, however, that a skilled and qualified replacement will be found among the many talented senior military officers.
The secretary praised Fallon's distinguished 40-year military career that included leadership of U.S. Pacific Command and most recently, U.S. Central Command. "Fox Fallon has led our nation and hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform with conviction, strategic vision, integrity and courage," Gates said.
"As commander of CENTCOM, he has managed with skill and diplomacy the mounting challenges across the broader Middle East and has kept foremost in mind the need to protect our vital national security interests in the region," the secretary said. "Fox Fallon has dedicated his life to the preservation of the freedoms we in this nation enjoy today, and all Americans should be deeply grateful for his dedication. On behalf of the Department of Defense and the nation, I thank him for his years of selfless service."
Mullen and Bush shared Gates' admiration of Fallon. "On behalf of the men and women of the armed forces, I extend to him and his family my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary service they have rendered this nation for more than four decades -- afloat and ashore, in peace and in war," Mullen said.
"Bill Fallon is an extraordinary leader, a visionary and a good friend who answered our country's call time and time again in positions of ever greater responsibility," he said. "He had an enormous impact, not only on the way we operate and fight in this new century, but also on the way in which we stay engaged globally."
Bush noted in a statement released by the White House that Fallon made history as the first naval officer to command Central Command.
"From the Horn of Africa, to the streets of Baghdad, to the mountains of Afghanistan, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen of Central Command are vital to the global war on terror," the president said. "During his tenure at CENTCOM, Admiral Fallon's job has been to help ensure that America's military forces are ready to meet the threats of an often-troubled region of the world, and he deserves considerable credit for progress that has been made there, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Bush expressed thanks to Fallon for serving the United States "with honor, determination and commitment," and to the family that has supported his military service. "I wish them all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives," he said.
Commenting on his nearly-42-year career, Fallon said today he is "grateful for having had this opportunity to serve with the outstanding service personnel and civilians of Central Command.
"It has been my high honor to have served my nation and the Navy for four decades, and I thank all of you who continue to serve," he said.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today reluctantly accepted Navy Adm. William J. "Fox" Fallon's letter of resignation as commander of U.S. Central Command and request for retirement. Fallon's resignation will take effect March 31, Gates said in a Pentagon news conference. His deputy, Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, will take over as acting CENTCOM commander until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed.
Gates told reporters Fallon advised him of his decision this morning, citing what the admiral called "the current embarrassing situation of public perception of differences between my views and administration policy and the distraction this causes from the mission."
"Recent press reports suggesting a disconnect between my views and the president's policy objectives have become a distraction at a critical time and hamper efforts in the CENTCOM region," Fallon said in a statement released by CENTCOM. "And although I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command area of responsibility, the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America's interests there."
Fallon said this disconnect led him to conclude "that it would be best to step aside and allow the secretary and our military leaders to move beyond this distraction ... and focus on the achievement of our strategic objectives in the region."
Gates said Fallon reached this difficult decision entirely on his own and that he had approved it "with reluctance and regret."
The secretary said he informed President Bush of Fallon's decision and his plan to accept it earlier today. "The president has made clear all along that these matters are to be handled strictly within the Department of Defense," he said.
"I believe it was the right thing to do, even though I do not believe there are, in fact, significant differences between his views and administration policy," he said.
Some of the misperceptions involved perceived differences over U.S. policies regarding Iran. Gates said Fallon fully supported the administration's policy of trying to deal with the Iranian challenge through diplomatic and economic pressures and sanctions.
"So I don't think that there really were differences at all," Gates said. "But I think there is this misperception out there that there were."
Months of trying to "put this misperception behind us," it hasn't succeeded, he said.
Gates said he agreed with Fallon's assessment that whether true or not, he agrees that any misperceptions about the policy proved to be distractions from the mission. "That's why I believe he's made the right decision," he said.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he supports Gates' decision to accept Fallon's resignation and request for retirement. "I also respect the reasons for which Admiral Fallon submitted it and applaud his ability to recognize the responsibility before him," the chairman said.
"By his leadership and through the example he continues to set with this decision today, he has demonstrated to future generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen the highest sense of personal honor and dignity," Mullen continued.
Gates said Fallon will be difficult to replace. "He is enormously talented, very experienced, and he does have a strategic vision that is rare," the secretary said. "So it does leave a hole."
He expressed confidence, however, that a skilled and qualified replacement will be found among the many talented senior military officers.
The secretary praised Fallon's distinguished 40-year military career that included leadership of U.S. Pacific Command and most recently, U.S. Central Command. "Fox Fallon has led our nation and hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform with conviction, strategic vision, integrity and courage," Gates said.
"As commander of CENTCOM, he has managed with skill and diplomacy the mounting challenges across the broader Middle East and has kept foremost in mind the need to protect our vital national security interests in the region," the secretary said. "Fox Fallon has dedicated his life to the preservation of the freedoms we in this nation enjoy today, and all Americans should be deeply grateful for his dedication. On behalf of the Department of Defense and the nation, I thank him for his years of selfless service."
Mullen and Bush shared Gates' admiration of Fallon. "On behalf of the men and women of the armed forces, I extend to him and his family my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary service they have rendered this nation for more than four decades -- afloat and ashore, in peace and in war," Mullen said.
"Bill Fallon is an extraordinary leader, a visionary and a good friend who answered our country's call time and time again in positions of ever greater responsibility," he said. "He had an enormous impact, not only on the way we operate and fight in this new century, but also on the way in which we stay engaged globally."
Bush noted in a statement released by the White House that Fallon made history as the first naval officer to command Central Command.
"From the Horn of Africa, to the streets of Baghdad, to the mountains of Afghanistan, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen of Central Command are vital to the global war on terror," the president said. "During his tenure at CENTCOM, Admiral Fallon's job has been to help ensure that America's military forces are ready to meet the threats of an often-troubled region of the world, and he deserves considerable credit for progress that has been made there, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Bush expressed thanks to Fallon for serving the United States "with honor, determination and commitment," and to the family that has supported his military service. "I wish them all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives," he said.
Commenting on his nearly-42-year career, Fallon said today he is "grateful for having had this opportunity to serve with the outstanding service personnel and civilians of Central Command.
"It has been my high honor to have served my nation and the Navy for four decades, and I thank all of you who continue to serve," he said.
Top Commander in Korea Urges Three-Year, Accompanied Tours
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - The top U.S. general in Korea told Congress today he supports three-year, family-accompanied tours in Korea in light of planned operational and quality-of-life changes under way there. Army Gen. Burwell B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, told the Senate Armed Services Committee the current basing policy needs to change to fall in line with those in Europe and Japan and to reflect the Republic of Korea's vast transformation.
"In 55 years, the Republic of Korea has transformed from a war-ravaged country to one of the most modern, progressive and democratic countries in the world," he said, adding that is has become an economic powerhouse.
"Unfortunately, in a modern and vibrant Republic of Korea, the U.S. still rotates servicemembers on one-year, unaccompanied assignments as though this remained an active combat zone," he said. "It is not."
Bell cited operational changes taking place on the peninsula that make now the appropriate time for "normalized" tours there. Plans are moving forward to move 2nd Infantry Division and U.S. joint-force elements from their current location at Yongsan Garrison to south of Seoul. In addition to returning valuable land in the capital city to the Koreans, the move will provide significant quality-of-life improvements for troops there, Bell said.
Another major development in South Korea is the plan to transfer wartime operational control of the Republic of Korea military to South Korea by 2012, he said. The U.S.-led Combined Forces Command transferred peacetime control of those forces to the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1994.
Bell pointed to the situation in Europe, when during the Cold War and in the face of the Soviet and Warsaw Pact war machine, the military encouraged troops to bring their families with them for the length of their tours. "This created a stable military and sent a strong message of U.S. commitment and reliability to our European allies," he said.
The short, unaccompanied tours in place for Korea send the opposite message there, he said: "that we either expect imminent conflict or that we are not fully committed and can withdraw our forces on a moment's notice."
South Korea supports the tour extension, which Bell said could be implemented with an infrastructure-expansion plan over 10 to 15 years. Costs would be subjected to burden-sharing negotiations between the two countries, he said.
In addition to sending a clear message of U.S. commitment, Bell said extended tour lengths would offer other benefits: improved continuity, stability, readiness and the retention of regional, institutional and cultural knowledge. It would reduce permanent-change-of-station disruptions and costs, and cut the number of family separations beyond those already forced by wartime rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Bell told the senators the Defense Department is considering the formal proposal he submitted and said he's hopeful the department will endorse the plan. "Endorsement of this proposal will provide our servicemembers a better quality of life, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and send a powerful message to the nations of the area of America's long-term commitment to stability and security in Northeast Asia," he said.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2008 - The top U.S. general in Korea told Congress today he supports three-year, family-accompanied tours in Korea in light of planned operational and quality-of-life changes under way there. Army Gen. Burwell B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, told the Senate Armed Services Committee the current basing policy needs to change to fall in line with those in Europe and Japan and to reflect the Republic of Korea's vast transformation.
"In 55 years, the Republic of Korea has transformed from a war-ravaged country to one of the most modern, progressive and democratic countries in the world," he said, adding that is has become an economic powerhouse.
"Unfortunately, in a modern and vibrant Republic of Korea, the U.S. still rotates servicemembers on one-year, unaccompanied assignments as though this remained an active combat zone," he said. "It is not."
Bell cited operational changes taking place on the peninsula that make now the appropriate time for "normalized" tours there. Plans are moving forward to move 2nd Infantry Division and U.S. joint-force elements from their current location at Yongsan Garrison to south of Seoul. In addition to returning valuable land in the capital city to the Koreans, the move will provide significant quality-of-life improvements for troops there, Bell said.
Another major development in South Korea is the plan to transfer wartime operational control of the Republic of Korea military to South Korea by 2012, he said. The U.S.-led Combined Forces Command transferred peacetime control of those forces to the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1994.
Bell pointed to the situation in Europe, when during the Cold War and in the face of the Soviet and Warsaw Pact war machine, the military encouraged troops to bring their families with them for the length of their tours. "This created a stable military and sent a strong message of U.S. commitment and reliability to our European allies," he said.
The short, unaccompanied tours in place for Korea send the opposite message there, he said: "that we either expect imminent conflict or that we are not fully committed and can withdraw our forces on a moment's notice."
South Korea supports the tour extension, which Bell said could be implemented with an infrastructure-expansion plan over 10 to 15 years. Costs would be subjected to burden-sharing negotiations between the two countries, he said.
In addition to sending a clear message of U.S. commitment, Bell said extended tour lengths would offer other benefits: improved continuity, stability, readiness and the retention of regional, institutional and cultural knowledge. It would reduce permanent-change-of-station disruptions and costs, and cut the number of family separations beyond those already forced by wartime rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Bell told the senators the Defense Department is considering the formal proposal he submitted and said he's hopeful the department will endorse the plan. "Endorsement of this proposal will provide our servicemembers a better quality of life, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and send a powerful message to the nations of the area of America's long-term commitment to stability and security in Northeast Asia," he said.
Bush, Polish Prime Minister Discuss Missile Defense Proposals
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - President Bush today thanked Poland's prime minister for his country's support in Iraq and Afghanistan and promised that, as the United States and Poland explore plans for a proposed missile defense system, the U.S. will help Poland modernize its military. Bush sat alongside Prime Minister Donald Tusk following a far-ranging White House meeting the president said included discussions about "the significant threat to the 21st century" -- the potential launch of a missile with dangerous materials in its warhead.
"Technologies are developing that will enable the free world to be able to defend itself from blackmail and/or strife from these ... types of launches," Bush said. "And we're in discussions with Poland about how we can help the mutual security of the region."
The president said he assured Tusk that the system, part of it to be emplaced in Poland, would reflect Poland's sovereignty and not subject its people to undue security risks. Bush also underscored that the system would not be aimed at Russia.
"This system is designed for the threats of the 21st century," he said. "The system is necessary to deal with the realities of the threats."
There's still a lot of work left in moving the concept from a strategy on paper to a detailed plan that can be implemented, the president said. "And so our experts are working through a system to make sure that the people of Poland are comfortable with the idea," he said.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell today told reporters the United States is working with the Poles "to allay whatever concerns they have about basing part of the missile defense system within their territory."
The president acknowledged Poland's stated need to modernize its forces and said the United States will help. "The first part of a response, of course, is to take inventory of needs," Bush said. "And Mr. Prime Minister, before my watch is over, we will have assessed those needs and come up with a modernization plan that's concrete and tangible."
Poland approached the United States several months ago expressing a desire to modernize its air defenses if it is to take on what it perceives as additional risks associated with hosting missile interceptors, Morrell said.
"And so we have agreed to conduct talks with them, not only on missile defense, but simultaneously about modernizing their air defenses," Morrell said. "So these are two separate and yet related negotiations that are taking place, but (they are) not at the agreement point yet."
Tusk said today's talks confirmed that the United States and Poland can count on each other as friends and can work cooperatively toward developing a missile defense system and in modernizing Poland's military.
"Our joint intention is to cooperate in all aspects of global security, American security and Polish security," Tusk said. "And an element of the security is the missile defense system."
Bush opened today's press availability praising Poland for its role in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
"I want to thank you for your nation's contributions to the liberation of people in Iraq and Afghanistan," Bush told Tusk. "Your troops have performed brilliantly, and they'll be coming home based upon success."
The president thanked the Polish people for sacrifices they've made in both countries and noted that they're helping the citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq realize the liberty and peace Poland has come to enjoy.
"The people of Poland stand as an example of freedom and liberty," Bush said. "This is a nation ... that has resisted tyranny and now lives as an example of a free society."
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - President Bush today thanked Poland's prime minister for his country's support in Iraq and Afghanistan and promised that, as the United States and Poland explore plans for a proposed missile defense system, the U.S. will help Poland modernize its military. Bush sat alongside Prime Minister Donald Tusk following a far-ranging White House meeting the president said included discussions about "the significant threat to the 21st century" -- the potential launch of a missile with dangerous materials in its warhead.
"Technologies are developing that will enable the free world to be able to defend itself from blackmail and/or strife from these ... types of launches," Bush said. "And we're in discussions with Poland about how we can help the mutual security of the region."
The president said he assured Tusk that the system, part of it to be emplaced in Poland, would reflect Poland's sovereignty and not subject its people to undue security risks. Bush also underscored that the system would not be aimed at Russia.
"This system is designed for the threats of the 21st century," he said. "The system is necessary to deal with the realities of the threats."
There's still a lot of work left in moving the concept from a strategy on paper to a detailed plan that can be implemented, the president said. "And so our experts are working through a system to make sure that the people of Poland are comfortable with the idea," he said.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell today told reporters the United States is working with the Poles "to allay whatever concerns they have about basing part of the missile defense system within their territory."
The president acknowledged Poland's stated need to modernize its forces and said the United States will help. "The first part of a response, of course, is to take inventory of needs," Bush said. "And Mr. Prime Minister, before my watch is over, we will have assessed those needs and come up with a modernization plan that's concrete and tangible."
Poland approached the United States several months ago expressing a desire to modernize its air defenses if it is to take on what it perceives as additional risks associated with hosting missile interceptors, Morrell said.
"And so we have agreed to conduct talks with them, not only on missile defense, but simultaneously about modernizing their air defenses," Morrell said. "So these are two separate and yet related negotiations that are taking place, but (they are) not at the agreement point yet."
Tusk said today's talks confirmed that the United States and Poland can count on each other as friends and can work cooperatively toward developing a missile defense system and in modernizing Poland's military.
"Our joint intention is to cooperate in all aspects of global security, American security and Polish security," Tusk said. "And an element of the security is the missile defense system."
Bush opened today's press availability praising Poland for its role in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
"I want to thank you for your nation's contributions to the liberation of people in Iraq and Afghanistan," Bush told Tusk. "Your troops have performed brilliantly, and they'll be coming home based upon success."
The president thanked the Polish people for sacrifices they've made in both countries and noted that they're helping the citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq realize the liberty and peace Poland has come to enjoy.
"The people of Poland stand as an example of freedom and liberty," Bush said. "This is a nation ... that has resisted tyranny and now lives as an example of a free society."
Components Report Recruiting Success
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - All active and reserve components met or topped their recruiting goals for February, Defense Department officials announced today. The February successes marked the ninth straight month in which all four services met or exceeded their active-duty goals.
The numbers came as particularly good news within the reserve components, which experienced some recruiting shortfalls in December and January following a strong November.
The Army recruited 6,120 active-duty soldiers in February, topping its goal by 2 percent. It also recruited 5,793 new members into the Army National Guard and 3,599 into the Army Reserve -- 116 percent of both components' monthly goals.
The Navy met both its active and reserve recruiting goals for February, bringing 2,947 active-duty sailors and 899 Navy reservists into the fleet.
The Air Force met its goal of recruiting 2,023 active-duty airmen 634 Air Force reservists, and topped its Air National Guard goal by 9 percent, with 700 Air Guardsmen entering the force.
The Marine Corps exceeded its February goal by a whopping 37 percent, bringing 1,915 active-duty Marines into the corps, and met its goal of signing on 483 Marine Corps reservists.
Defense officials expressed confidence today that across-the-board successes throughout the reserve components put them back on track toward achieving their yearly goals by Sept. 30.
Assistant Defense Secretary for Reserve Affairs Thomas F. Hall said he's delighted that the reserve components have achieved 109 percent of their year-to-date recruiting goals through the first five months of fiscal 2008 -- October through February.
"Not only are recruiting numbers impressive, but the quality is remaining high while attrition numbers are extremely low," Hall said.
Hall said he's often asked why recruiting numbers are so good despite the fact that the war on terrorism puts continuing stress on the military.
"The answers are many, but primarily our recruiters are working hard, and the taxpayers are offering exceptional pay and benefits to our troops," he said.
"And most importantly, in my view, these young Americans are demonstrating that patriotism and national service to are alive and well. We are proud of these young Americans and are honored to serve alongside and with them."
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2008 - All active and reserve components met or topped their recruiting goals for February, Defense Department officials announced today. The February successes marked the ninth straight month in which all four services met or exceeded their active-duty goals.
The numbers came as particularly good news within the reserve components, which experienced some recruiting shortfalls in December and January following a strong November.
The Army recruited 6,120 active-duty soldiers in February, topping its goal by 2 percent. It also recruited 5,793 new members into the Army National Guard and 3,599 into the Army Reserve -- 116 percent of both components' monthly goals.
The Navy met both its active and reserve recruiting goals for February, bringing 2,947 active-duty sailors and 899 Navy reservists into the fleet.
The Air Force met its goal of recruiting 2,023 active-duty airmen 634 Air Force reservists, and topped its Air National Guard goal by 9 percent, with 700 Air Guardsmen entering the force.
The Marine Corps exceeded its February goal by a whopping 37 percent, bringing 1,915 active-duty Marines into the corps, and met its goal of signing on 483 Marine Corps reservists.
Defense officials expressed confidence today that across-the-board successes throughout the reserve components put them back on track toward achieving their yearly goals by Sept. 30.
Assistant Defense Secretary for Reserve Affairs Thomas F. Hall said he's delighted that the reserve components have achieved 109 percent of their year-to-date recruiting goals through the first five months of fiscal 2008 -- October through February.
"Not only are recruiting numbers impressive, but the quality is remaining high while attrition numbers are extremely low," Hall said.
Hall said he's often asked why recruiting numbers are so good despite the fact that the war on terrorism puts continuing stress on the military.
"The answers are many, but primarily our recruiters are working hard, and the taxpayers are offering exceptional pay and benefits to our troops," he said.
"And most importantly, in my view, these young Americans are demonstrating that patriotism and national service to are alive and well. We are proud of these young Americans and are honored to serve alongside and with them."
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