American Forces Press Service
Nov. 7, 2008 - In his 2008 Veterans Day message, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates underscores the Defense Department's commitment to the nation's wounded warriors and their families. Here is the secretary's message:
"On Veterans Day we pay tribute to those who have fought for our country from its earliest days to the present. This day reminds us of how important it is that the men and women who wear this country's uniform know how grateful their fellow Americans are for that service.
"The holiday's birthplace is my home state of Kansas. Over half a century ago, a shoe store owner in Emporia named Al King promoted the idea of changing what had been Armistice Day – honoring veterans of the First World War – into a celebration of veterans of every conflict, and every era.
"What started in Emporia went national in 1954, when Congress passed and President Eisenhower signed a bill making the November 11 holiday the one we know today.
"As important as it is to publicly recognize the service of our troops returned from the battlefield, it is more important – indeed a sacred obligation – that we make sure they receive the care, benefits, and compensation they've so courageously earned. This is one of the preeminent challenges facing our nation. Aside from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have had no higher leadership priority.
"Since reports of substandard recovery facilities emerged last year, the Department of Defense has launched major reforms and improvements in outpatient care. Each of the services provides a multi-facetted approach to care. The Army, for example, gives each soldier a case manager, squad leader, and a primary care provider. Coordinators have been assigned to help guide troops and their families through what can be a bewildering system during a difficult period in their lives.
"The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are expanding a pilot program to streamline the Disability Evaluation System into a single process producing one disability rating. We must also continue to improve coordination and information-sharing between these two departments so that wounded warriors making the transition out of the military health system are not burdened by excessive delay or duplicate processes.
"To draw attention to the service and sacrifice of these extraordinary Americans, to take stock of what has been achieved, and to reflect on how much more needs to be done, I have designated November as 'Warrior Care Month.' The Department of Defense has launched a one-stop website at www.warriorcare.mil, where service members and their families will be able to find out about the full range of resources available to them.
"On this Veterans Day, let us redouble efforts to see our men and women get the care and the recognition that are their due. And if there are veterans in your family, in your community – or even if you see them walking down the hall or down the street – take a moment to say 'thank you' for all they have done for us. They deserve no less."
Showing posts with label kansas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kansas. Show all posts
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS
Army
Raytheon Co., Largo, Fla., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $21,635,359 cost plus fixed price contract for development effort for the Joint–Tactical Terminal senior upgrade kit. Work will be performed in Ontario, Canada, Linthicum, Md., and Columbia Md., with estimated and completion date of Oct. 1, 2010. Bids solicited were IBOP and one bid was received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-T210).
John C. Grimberg, Rockville, Md., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2008, a $19,959,706 firm fixed price contract for a central heating plant at Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna, New Cumberland, Pa. Work will be performed in New Cumberland, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2011. Bids solicited were via the web and three bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-08-C-0047).
MaxFour-Weitz, JV, Englewood, Colo., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2008, a $19,921,822 construction firm fixed price contract for construction of permanent party barracks, Phase 2, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Work will be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2010. Bids solicited were via the Web and one bid was received. Corp of Engineer, Kansas, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0031).
Alacran/O&S, Joint Venture, Rockford, Ill., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $19,487,767 firm fixed price contract. The work consists of relocation of the metal parts and machinery operations at Riverbank Army Munitions Plant and Miss., Army Ammunition Plant to Rock Island Arsenal. Work will be performed in Rock Island, Ill., with estimated and completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting (W912QR-08-C-0057).
BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems, Sealy, Texas, was awarded Oct. 1, 2008, a $19,000,000 firm fixed price contract for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) sustainment parts. Work will be performed in Humble, Texas, Lufkin, Texas and Houston, Texas, with estimated and completion date of Aug. 5, 2008. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. ACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0010).
L-3 Communications, Linkabit Division, San Diego, Calif., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $16,546,100 cost plus fixed price contract for a fourteen-month period of performance to provide Technology refresh for the Prophet Block III Spiral I Sensor Vehicle with Satellite Communications on the Move capabilities. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., Melbourne, Fla., Scottsdale, Ariz., Austin, Texas, and Aberdeen, Md., with estimated and completion date of Dec. 1, 2010. Bids solicited were via IBOP and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-C-L-539).
Cox Construction, Vista, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2008, a $15,787,000 firm fixed fee price contract for Building 1 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) remodel at VA Medical Center, Reno, Nev. Work will be performed in Reno, Washoe, Nev., with an estimated completion date of Nov 4, 2011. Bids solicited were via the web and four bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912BV-06-D-2019).
Tanner Heavy Equipment Co., of Leesville, La., was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $14,900,000 firm fixed price contract to construct and repair roads as well as drainage systems at Fort Polk, La. The work also will include military and civil projects within the Corps of Engineers' Southwestern Division. The work will be performed primarily at Fort Polk and will be completed by Sept. 29, 2012. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W91-26G-08-D-0074).
U.S. Ordnance of Reno, Nev., was awarded Sept. 27, 2008, a $14,001,700 firm fixed price contract to purchase M2HB nonstandard machines for Afghanistan. The work is being performed at the contractor's Reno plant and was to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command at Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-C-0218).
Staffco Construction Co., of Fairborn, Ohio, was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $13,938,000 contract to construct an Armed Forces Reserve Center and field maintenance shop in Springfield, Ohio. The work will be performed in Springfield and will be completed by Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and five bids were received. The National Guard Bureau's office in Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (W91364-08-C-0002).
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, LLC, of Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $13,595,100 firm fixed price contract for erosion and hurricane protection projects in Westhampton, Suffolk County, N.Y. The work will be performed there and will be completed by Mar. 30, 2009. Twenty bids were solicited and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENAN-CT, in New York City is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0027).
Greenleaf Construction Co., Inc, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2008, a $12,048,527 firm fixed fee price contract for construction of a chapel complex, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Work will be performed in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineer, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-08-C-0037).
Alutiiq International Solution, LLC, Fort Drum, N.Y., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2008, a $11,041,307 firm fixed price contract for construction of a standard Automated Qualification Training Range on Range 44 at fort drum, N.Y. Work will be performed in Fort Drum Leray, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. Corp of Engineer, New York City, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0030).
Intercontinental Construction Contracting of Passaic, N.J., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $9,163,524 firm fixed price contract for construction and restoration of Michie Stadium, Phase four at West Point, N.Y. The work will be performed at the campus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and will be completed by Mar. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and seven bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer in New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0029).
Veteran's Enterprise Technology Services, Inc., of Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $9,459,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of an Army dining facility for 2,400 people at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood and will be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited by FedBizOps and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0055).
Affolter Contracting, Ltd., of Texas City, Texas, was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $8,950,000 firm fixed price contract for flood control measures along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, the West Bank Mississippi River levees, as well as levee enlargement and beams. The work will be performed from Texas City and will be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Eleven bids were received for these projects. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, is the contracting activity (W912EE-08-C-0036).
Greenleaf/ECI Joint Venture of Kansas City, Mo., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $7,941,714 firm fixed price contract to modify firing ranges seven and eight at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood and will be completed by Sept. 29, 2009. Four bids were solicited and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-0045).
The Selmer Co., of Green Bay, Wis., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $7,046,600 firm fixed price contract to construct an Army Reserve Center at Hammond, Wis. The work will be performed in Hammond and will be completed by Apr. 2, 2010. Bids were solicited via FedBizOps and six bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, is the contracting activity (W912QE-08-C-0061).
Evergreen Fire Alarm and Security of Tacoma, Wash., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $7,025,298 firm fixed price contract for Fire-alarm inspections and testing at Fort Lewis, Wash. The work will be performed on Fort Lewis and will be completed by Oct. 1, 2013. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, is the contracting activity (W912DW-08-C-0022).
Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC, of Dallas, Texas, was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $6,965,366 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity firm fixed price contract to design and building modular buildings for the 5th Armored Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas, near Chaparral, N.M. The work will be performed there and will be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-08-C06006).
Tanner Heavy Equipment Co., of Leesville, La., was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $6,464,817 firm fixed price contract for construction and paving of parking lots at Fort Polk, La. The work will be performed on Fort Polk and will be completed by Apr. 1, 2009. Two bids were received for this small-business set-aside project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-C-0077).
K.O.O. Construction, Inc., of West Sacramento, Calif., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $6,019,642 firm fixed price contract for electrical upgrades at Dock 1 on Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The work will be performed on Beale and will complete by Jan. 3, 2010. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Sacramento, is the contracting activity (W91238-08-C-0026).
Computer Sciences Corp. of Alexandria, Va., was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $5,727,870 contract for automation support to assist the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The work will be performed at the agency's Fort Belvoir, Va., facility and will be completed by Feb. 27, 2010. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is the contracting activity (HDTRA1-08-C-0073).
Bluegrass Construction Corp. of Lexington, Ky., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $5,721,103 firm fixed price contract for improvements at the east-access corridor on Fort Knox, Ky. The work will be performed there and will be complete by Mar. 24, 2010. Bids were solicited via FedBizOps and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Louisville, is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0060).
Science Applications International Corp., (SAIC) of Chantilly, Va., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $5,104,498 contract for acquisition of topographic data. The work will be performed at SAIC's Chantilly facility and will be completed by Sept. 29, 2009. The National Geospatial Agency, Arnold, Mo., is the contracting activity (NMA302-03-D-0006).
Dredge Technology Corp. of Wayne, N.J., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $5,052,453 firm fixed price contract to acquire 2,000 free of 32-inch floating dredging hose for dredging operations on the Miss., River. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Philadelphia, is the contracting activity (W912BU-08-P-0335).
Navy
Manu Kai, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $52,983,851 fixed price, indefinite quantity cost plus fixed fee contract for range operations support and base operations support services. This contract includes a one-year base period, with nine one-year option periods which, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $737,932,436. Work will be performed in Kauai, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2018. Contract funds in the amount of $31,700,310 will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill, is being awarded a $35,852,606 firm fixed priced modification to delivery order #0006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for sustainment items needed to support Category I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles in theater. This order will also be used to support several engineering change proposals to increase the vehicles' capabilities. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and work is expected to be completed Apr. 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.
Terex Corp., Stafford, Va., is being awarded an $11,703,202 firm fixed price delivery order # 0015 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-5145) for 19 cranes and associated items. Work will be performed by Terex-Demag GmbH&Co.KG, Dinglerstr.24, 66482 Zweibrucken, Germany, and work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds will not expire during the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Air Force
ITT Industries Systems Division of Cape Canaveral, Fla., is having a contract modified for $10,419,168. This in-scope modification is issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. It increases the house ordered and estimated cost for sustainment activities and adds the Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process to Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process project requirement for several Contract Line Items Numbers on the contract. $10,419,168 has been obligated. Peterson AFB, Colo., is the contracting activity F0470-01-C-0001, Modification P00520.
Raytheon Co., Largo, Fla., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $21,635,359 cost plus fixed price contract for development effort for the Joint–Tactical Terminal senior upgrade kit. Work will be performed in Ontario, Canada, Linthicum, Md., and Columbia Md., with estimated and completion date of Oct. 1, 2010. Bids solicited were IBOP and one bid was received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-T210).
John C. Grimberg, Rockville, Md., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2008, a $19,959,706 firm fixed price contract for a central heating plant at Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna, New Cumberland, Pa. Work will be performed in New Cumberland, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2011. Bids solicited were via the web and three bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-08-C-0047).
MaxFour-Weitz, JV, Englewood, Colo., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2008, a $19,921,822 construction firm fixed price contract for construction of permanent party barracks, Phase 2, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Work will be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2010. Bids solicited were via the Web and one bid was received. Corp of Engineer, Kansas, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0031).
Alacran/O&S, Joint Venture, Rockford, Ill., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $19,487,767 firm fixed price contract. The work consists of relocation of the metal parts and machinery operations at Riverbank Army Munitions Plant and Miss., Army Ammunition Plant to Rock Island Arsenal. Work will be performed in Rock Island, Ill., with estimated and completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting (W912QR-08-C-0057).
BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems, Sealy, Texas, was awarded Oct. 1, 2008, a $19,000,000 firm fixed price contract for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) sustainment parts. Work will be performed in Humble, Texas, Lufkin, Texas and Houston, Texas, with estimated and completion date of Aug. 5, 2008. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. ACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0010).
L-3 Communications, Linkabit Division, San Diego, Calif., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $16,546,100 cost plus fixed price contract for a fourteen-month period of performance to provide Technology refresh for the Prophet Block III Spiral I Sensor Vehicle with Satellite Communications on the Move capabilities. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., Melbourne, Fla., Scottsdale, Ariz., Austin, Texas, and Aberdeen, Md., with estimated and completion date of Dec. 1, 2010. Bids solicited were via IBOP and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-C-L-539).
Cox Construction, Vista, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2008, a $15,787,000 firm fixed fee price contract for Building 1 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) remodel at VA Medical Center, Reno, Nev. Work will be performed in Reno, Washoe, Nev., with an estimated completion date of Nov 4, 2011. Bids solicited were via the web and four bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912BV-06-D-2019).
Tanner Heavy Equipment Co., of Leesville, La., was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $14,900,000 firm fixed price contract to construct and repair roads as well as drainage systems at Fort Polk, La. The work also will include military and civil projects within the Corps of Engineers' Southwestern Division. The work will be performed primarily at Fort Polk and will be completed by Sept. 29, 2012. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W91-26G-08-D-0074).
U.S. Ordnance of Reno, Nev., was awarded Sept. 27, 2008, a $14,001,700 firm fixed price contract to purchase M2HB nonstandard machines for Afghanistan. The work is being performed at the contractor's Reno plant and was to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command at Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-C-0218).
Staffco Construction Co., of Fairborn, Ohio, was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $13,938,000 contract to construct an Armed Forces Reserve Center and field maintenance shop in Springfield, Ohio. The work will be performed in Springfield and will be completed by Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and five bids were received. The National Guard Bureau's office in Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (W91364-08-C-0002).
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, LLC, of Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $13,595,100 firm fixed price contract for erosion and hurricane protection projects in Westhampton, Suffolk County, N.Y. The work will be performed there and will be completed by Mar. 30, 2009. Twenty bids were solicited and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENAN-CT, in New York City is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0027).
Greenleaf Construction Co., Inc, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2008, a $12,048,527 firm fixed fee price contract for construction of a chapel complex, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Work will be performed in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Web and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineer, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-08-C-0037).
Alutiiq International Solution, LLC, Fort Drum, N.Y., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2008, a $11,041,307 firm fixed price contract for construction of a standard Automated Qualification Training Range on Range 44 at fort drum, N.Y. Work will be performed in Fort Drum Leray, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. Corp of Engineer, New York City, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0030).
Intercontinental Construction Contracting of Passaic, N.J., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $9,163,524 firm fixed price contract for construction and restoration of Michie Stadium, Phase four at West Point, N.Y. The work will be performed at the campus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and will be completed by Mar. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and seven bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer in New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0029).
Veteran's Enterprise Technology Services, Inc., of Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $9,459,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of an Army dining facility for 2,400 people at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood and will be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited by FedBizOps and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0055).
Affolter Contracting, Ltd., of Texas City, Texas, was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $8,950,000 firm fixed price contract for flood control measures along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, the West Bank Mississippi River levees, as well as levee enlargement and beams. The work will be performed from Texas City and will be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Eleven bids were received for these projects. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, is the contracting activity (W912EE-08-C-0036).
Greenleaf/ECI Joint Venture of Kansas City, Mo., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $7,941,714 firm fixed price contract to modify firing ranges seven and eight at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood and will be completed by Sept. 29, 2009. Four bids were solicited and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-0045).
The Selmer Co., of Green Bay, Wis., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $7,046,600 firm fixed price contract to construct an Army Reserve Center at Hammond, Wis. The work will be performed in Hammond and will be completed by Apr. 2, 2010. Bids were solicited via FedBizOps and six bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, is the contracting activity (W912QE-08-C-0061).
Evergreen Fire Alarm and Security of Tacoma, Wash., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $7,025,298 firm fixed price contract for Fire-alarm inspections and testing at Fort Lewis, Wash. The work will be performed on Fort Lewis and will be completed by Oct. 1, 2013. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, is the contracting activity (W912DW-08-C-0022).
Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC, of Dallas, Texas, was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $6,965,366 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity firm fixed price contract to design and building modular buildings for the 5th Armored Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas, near Chaparral, N.M. The work will be performed there and will be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-08-C06006).
Tanner Heavy Equipment Co., of Leesville, La., was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $6,464,817 firm fixed price contract for construction and paving of parking lots at Fort Polk, La. The work will be performed on Fort Polk and will be completed by Apr. 1, 2009. Two bids were received for this small-business set-aside project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-C-0077).
K.O.O. Construction, Inc., of West Sacramento, Calif., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $6,019,642 firm fixed price contract for electrical upgrades at Dock 1 on Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The work will be performed on Beale and will complete by Jan. 3, 2010. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Sacramento, is the contracting activity (W91238-08-C-0026).
Computer Sciences Corp. of Alexandria, Va., was awarded Sept. 29, 2008, a $5,727,870 contract for automation support to assist the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The work will be performed at the agency's Fort Belvoir, Va., facility and will be completed by Feb. 27, 2010. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is the contracting activity (HDTRA1-08-C-0073).
Bluegrass Construction Corp. of Lexington, Ky., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $5,721,103 firm fixed price contract for improvements at the east-access corridor on Fort Knox, Ky. The work will be performed there and will be complete by Mar. 24, 2010. Bids were solicited via FedBizOps and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Louisville, is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0060).
Science Applications International Corp., (SAIC) of Chantilly, Va., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $5,104,498 contract for acquisition of topographic data. The work will be performed at SAIC's Chantilly facility and will be completed by Sept. 29, 2009. The National Geospatial Agency, Arnold, Mo., is the contracting activity (NMA302-03-D-0006).
Dredge Technology Corp. of Wayne, N.J., was awarded Sept. 30, 2008, a $5,052,453 firm fixed price contract to acquire 2,000 free of 32-inch floating dredging hose for dredging operations on the Miss., River. Bids were solicited via the worldwide web and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Philadelphia, is the contracting activity (W912BU-08-P-0335).
Navy
Manu Kai, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $52,983,851 fixed price, indefinite quantity cost plus fixed fee contract for range operations support and base operations support services. This contract includes a one-year base period, with nine one-year option periods which, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $737,932,436. Work will be performed in Kauai, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2018. Contract funds in the amount of $31,700,310 will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill, is being awarded a $35,852,606 firm fixed priced modification to delivery order #0006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for sustainment items needed to support Category I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles in theater. This order will also be used to support several engineering change proposals to increase the vehicles' capabilities. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and work is expected to be completed Apr. 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.
Terex Corp., Stafford, Va., is being awarded an $11,703,202 firm fixed price delivery order # 0015 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-5145) for 19 cranes and associated items. Work will be performed by Terex-Demag GmbH&Co.KG, Dinglerstr.24, 66482 Zweibrucken, Germany, and work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds will not expire during the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Air Force
ITT Industries Systems Division of Cape Canaveral, Fla., is having a contract modified for $10,419,168. This in-scope modification is issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. It increases the house ordered and estimated cost for sustainment activities and adds the Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process to Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process project requirement for several Contract Line Items Numbers on the contract. $10,419,168 has been obligated. Peterson AFB, Colo., is the contracting activity F0470-01-C-0001, Modification P00520.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Guard Members Gear Up for Hurricane Ike
By Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Although Hurricane Ike is expected to lose power after hitting Texas tonight, National Guardsmen in four other states are preparing for the worst when it becomes a tropical storm later this weekend. Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas
, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, state officials said.
Heavy rains of up to 15 inches are projected for the hardest-hit areas and flooding and tornadoes are anticipated.
"Rain is what we're worried about," said Pat Scully, spokesman for the Oklahoma National Guard. Much of the state is under a flood watch, he added, because forecasts indicate that a cold front from the north will join forces with the tropical storm.
"We're confident that if we are called, we'll have the personnel and equipment to handle the situation," Scully said.
The Oklahoma governor has not declared a state of emergency, but more than 1,000 Guard members are standing by as a quick-reaction force, he said.
"We'll be using our quick-reaction force and our follow-on force," Scully said. "After that, we'll have our on-station National Guard soldiers ready to respond, both Army and Air." The state is now in a "planning mode," but expects to respond to missions ranging from search and rescue to delivering relief supplies.
Scully said the state has more than 2,000 Guard members available for these missions. Several units from the state are deployed or preparing for deployment, including the 45th Brigade Combat Team, a force of about 2,600 soldiers, which is in Iraq; about 800 soldiers from the 45th Fires Brigade, which is training at Fort Hood, Texas, for an upcoming deployment; and 300 airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa, which deployed to Iraq earlier this week.
Flood watches are in effect for more than 50 counties in Arkansas.
"What Arkansas is looking at is the possibility of the after-effects of the hurricane, which could bring tornadoes into the state," Army Capt. Chris Heathscott, spokesman for the Arkansas National Guard, said.
Despite the deployment of Arkansas' 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq, Heathscott said, the state has about 6,000 Guard members available.
The Arkansas Guard has responded to many floods and tornadoes this year, so Ike's effects are nothing new. "2008 has been one of the heaviest years for natural disaster responses for our state," Heathscott said. "It's unfortunately becoming routine business for us."
In Kansas, the Guard's concern also is flooding "and making sure people are not driving through high water and in need of rescue," said Sharon Watson, a Kansas Guard spokeswoman.
About 5,000 Guard troops are available at the request of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and 2,000 are on alert, she said. Six hundred of those will be well prepared for the experience, since they are returning from hurricane relief duties in Louisiana.
With experience and clear objectives, Kansas will be well prepared, Watson said.
Experience will also benefit Missouri, where 2,000 Guard members, who are also returning from relief missions in Louisiana, can be called up if needed. The 8,000 Guard members in the state also have experience because of the Mississippi River's flooding in June.
(Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - Although Hurricane Ike is expected to lose power after hitting Texas tonight, National Guardsmen in four other states are preparing for the worst when it becomes a tropical storm later this weekend. Guard members in Oklahoma, Arkansas
, Kansas and Missouri have anticipated the problems associated with heavy rain and winds and will be ready to respond, state officials said.
Heavy rains of up to 15 inches are projected for the hardest-hit areas and flooding and tornadoes are anticipated.
"Rain is what we're worried about," said Pat Scully, spokesman for the Oklahoma National Guard. Much of the state is under a flood watch, he added, because forecasts indicate that a cold front from the north will join forces with the tropical storm.
"We're confident that if we are called, we'll have the personnel and equipment to handle the situation," Scully said.
The Oklahoma governor has not declared a state of emergency, but more than 1,000 Guard members are standing by as a quick-reaction force, he said.
"We'll be using our quick-reaction force and our follow-on force," Scully said. "After that, we'll have our on-station National Guard soldiers ready to respond, both Army and Air." The state is now in a "planning mode," but expects to respond to missions ranging from search and rescue to delivering relief supplies.
Scully said the state has more than 2,000 Guard members available for these missions. Several units from the state are deployed or preparing for deployment, including the 45th Brigade Combat Team, a force of about 2,600 soldiers, which is in Iraq; about 800 soldiers from the 45th Fires Brigade, which is training at Fort Hood, Texas, for an upcoming deployment; and 300 airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa, which deployed to Iraq earlier this week.
Flood watches are in effect for more than 50 counties in Arkansas.
"What Arkansas is looking at is the possibility of the after-effects of the hurricane, which could bring tornadoes into the state," Army Capt. Chris Heathscott, spokesman for the Arkansas National Guard, said.
Despite the deployment of Arkansas' 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq, Heathscott said, the state has about 6,000 Guard members available.
The Arkansas Guard has responded to many floods and tornadoes this year, so Ike's effects are nothing new. "2008 has been one of the heaviest years for natural disaster responses for our state," Heathscott said. "It's unfortunately becoming routine business for us."
In Kansas, the Guard's concern also is flooding "and making sure people are not driving through high water and in need of rescue," said Sharon Watson, a Kansas Guard spokeswoman.
About 5,000 Guard troops are available at the request of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and 2,000 are on alert, she said. Six hundred of those will be well prepared for the experience, since they are returning from hurricane relief duties in Louisiana.
With experience and clear objectives, Kansas will be well prepared, Watson said.
Experience will also benefit Missouri, where 2,000 Guard members, who are also returning from relief missions in Louisiana, can be called up if needed. The 8,000 Guard members in the state also have experience because of the Mississippi River's flooding in June.
(Army Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
College Basketball Champ Kansas Jayhawks Visit Wounded Warriors
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2008 - The University of Kansas national champion men's basketball team began their victory lap in the nation's capital yesterday by visiting wounded warriors and signing autographs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Towering players in blue warm-up suits and members of the Jayhawks coaching staff mixed among a dozen camo-clad soldiers in the lobby of the main building for a brief ceremony before visiting injured troops in two hospital wards.
"We've labeled today as 'national champions meet national heroes,'" said Army Secretary Pete Geren. "Your visit means a lot to the [wounded warriors], but I'm confident that your opportunity to visit with them meant a lot to you, as well.
"They're an inspiring bunch of soldiers," he added. "I'm confident you'll walk away feeling uplifted."
Before ushering Kansas head coach Bill Self to the podium, Geren presented him with a commemorative plaque and thanked the team for spending time with the recovering troops.
"We have looked so forward to our trip to Washington," Self said of the two-day visit that included a meeting today with President Bush at the White House.
"I think our visit to the Walter Reed Medical Center will be a major highlight of the trip," Self continued. "We take for granted so much the gifts that we have, and then to see people that are out there doing things that really matter in life -- protecting us so we have an opportunity to do such things," he continued. "It is very humbling, rewarding, and certainly something I think we will get a lot out of. It is our privilege ... to be here today."
Chase Buford, a freshman guard on the Kansas squad, said it was an honor to talk with wounded troops -- even the soldier who razzed the Jayhawks for defeating his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels in the men's college basketball semifinals last season.
"It's pretty neat to see all these guys who have been through so much," he told American Forces Press Service. "The fact is, we're just as proud of them as they are of us."
Army Col. Patricia Horoho, commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System, told the crowd that sports and wounded warrior rehabilitation both require endurance and perseverance in the face of difficult challenges.
"So it means a tremendous amount when you all take the time to talk with them," she told the players. "Ask them how they got injured [and] how they're doing, because part of their healing is being able to share that story."
One soldier attached to a warrior transition brigade here is Jerrod Hays, a staff sergeant in the Kansas National Guard. He had been with his brigade in Iraq for 10 months and was wounded when his convoy drove over two armor-piercing charges buried in the road.
Hays showed a picture that his deployed brigade in Iraq sent him: it showed several of his battle buddies posing in front of their barracks, clutching a University of Kansas flag. "It's like I told Coach Self: you guys have given us some good bragging rights," Hays said, an autographed basketball tucked under his arm.
Asked if the visit from the team boosted his morale, he replied, "Oh yeah, especially because they're my hometown boys. This is good stuff."
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2008 - The University of Kansas national champion men's basketball team began their victory lap in the nation's capital yesterday by visiting wounded warriors and signing autographs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Towering players in blue warm-up suits and members of the Jayhawks coaching staff mixed among a dozen camo-clad soldiers in the lobby of the main building for a brief ceremony before visiting injured troops in two hospital wards.
"We've labeled today as 'national champions meet national heroes,'" said Army Secretary Pete Geren. "Your visit means a lot to the [wounded warriors], but I'm confident that your opportunity to visit with them meant a lot to you, as well.
"They're an inspiring bunch of soldiers," he added. "I'm confident you'll walk away feeling uplifted."
Before ushering Kansas head coach Bill Self to the podium, Geren presented him with a commemorative plaque and thanked the team for spending time with the recovering troops.
"We have looked so forward to our trip to Washington," Self said of the two-day visit that included a meeting today with President Bush at the White House.
"I think our visit to the Walter Reed Medical Center will be a major highlight of the trip," Self continued. "We take for granted so much the gifts that we have, and then to see people that are out there doing things that really matter in life -- protecting us so we have an opportunity to do such things," he continued. "It is very humbling, rewarding, and certainly something I think we will get a lot out of. It is our privilege ... to be here today."
Chase Buford, a freshman guard on the Kansas squad, said it was an honor to talk with wounded troops -- even the soldier who razzed the Jayhawks for defeating his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels in the men's college basketball semifinals last season.
"It's pretty neat to see all these guys who have been through so much," he told American Forces Press Service. "The fact is, we're just as proud of them as they are of us."
Army Col. Patricia Horoho, commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System, told the crowd that sports and wounded warrior rehabilitation both require endurance and perseverance in the face of difficult challenges.
"So it means a tremendous amount when you all take the time to talk with them," she told the players. "Ask them how they got injured [and] how they're doing, because part of their healing is being able to share that story."
One soldier attached to a warrior transition brigade here is Jerrod Hays, a staff sergeant in the Kansas National Guard. He had been with his brigade in Iraq for 10 months and was wounded when his convoy drove over two armor-piercing charges buried in the road.
Hays showed a picture that his deployed brigade in Iraq sent him: it showed several of his battle buddies posing in front of their barracks, clutching a University of Kansas flag. "It's like I told Coach Self: you guys have given us some good bragging rights," Hays said, an autographed basketball tucked under his arm.
Asked if the visit from the team boosted his morale, he replied, "Oh yeah, especially because they're my hometown boys. This is good stuff."
Monday, May 12, 2008
Guard Answers Calls in Weather-Battered States
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 12, 2008 - National Guard members in four states were called out by their governors to assist civil authorities today after tornadoes crossed the southwestern United States on May 10 and flooding on the Delaware coast left communities in need of emergency assistance. Since May 7, the National Weather Service has confirmed at least 42 tornadoes in the southern plains and the southeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the nation, with the strongest tornado recorded May 10 as an F-4. It developed from a super-cell storm that tracked through three states.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reported that Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina were affected by severe weather during the weekend, with at least 22 confirmed deaths, many homes destroyed and thousands of people without power. The Guard also is responding to flooded areas in Delaware after heavy rains on Mother's Day.
In Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry called out the National Guard to assist emergency responders after five confirmed tornadoes touched down in the state. At least 25 Army Guard members are providing security support in the town of Picher after an F-4 tornado churned up a 63-mile swath of damage from Oklahoma to Missouri.
Soldiers reportedly are assisting local law enforcement in securing the area, which includes routes in and out of the town four miles south of the state's border with Kansas. An Army Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew is flying aerial assessment missions for the governor.
In Arkansas, where at least two tornadoes touched down and tracked through the central part of the state the evening of May 10, homes were destroyed in the town of Stuttgart.
"We've deployed 50 Guardsmen from the Guard's 875th Engineer Battalion," said Air Force Maj. Keith Moore, a National Guard spokesman. Moore said the soldiers traveled from their station in Jonesboro and are providing security support at traffic control points and conducting patrols to prevent looting.
The soldiers are working two shifts during an around-the-clock operation and are expected to be on station through May 14. The Army Guard is flying Gov. Michael Beebe and emergency management agency personnel on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter out of Camp Robinson to assess damaged areas.
"This is one of the key roles of the Guard, being a dual-mission force, that we are here to support our local communities [and] respond to the governor," Moore said.
After severe storms and tornadoes swept through southwestern Missouri, nearly 20 Army Guard soldiers deployed on state active duty to support Gov. Matt Blunt in his emergency response efforts for the towns of Newtonia and Grany. The soldiers are assisting local law enforcement agencies with security. Eight soldiers and two military vehicles deployed to each town.
In Delaware, tidal flooding and heavy rains led to Guard members deploying in six light medium tactical vehicles and one 2.5-ton truck to assist in flood evacuations at South Bowers Beach, Kitts Hummock Beach, Woodland Beach and Slaughter Beach.
"The LMTVs can carry up to 15 people and have a high ground clearance, which allows them operate in up to 4 feet of water," said Lt. Col. Len Gratteri, Delaware National Guard spokesman. Gratteri said the state's Guard members are deployed from the 262nd Maintenance Company, the 261st Signal Brigade and the 72nd Troop Command.
The Delaware Guard is coordinating emergency assistance through the state's emergency management agency with its Joint Operations and Emergency Operations Centers. A shelter area is also set up in Kent County.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau. Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 12, 2008 - National Guard members in four states were called out by their governors to assist civil authorities today after tornadoes crossed the southwestern United States on May 10 and flooding on the Delaware coast left communities in need of emergency assistance. Since May 7, the National Weather Service has confirmed at least 42 tornadoes in the southern plains and the southeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the nation, with the strongest tornado recorded May 10 as an F-4. It developed from a super-cell storm that tracked through three states.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reported that Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina were affected by severe weather during the weekend, with at least 22 confirmed deaths, many homes destroyed and thousands of people without power. The Guard also is responding to flooded areas in Delaware after heavy rains on Mother's Day.
In Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry called out the National Guard to assist emergency responders after five confirmed tornadoes touched down in the state. At least 25 Army Guard members are providing security support in the town of Picher after an F-4 tornado churned up a 63-mile swath of damage from Oklahoma to Missouri.
Soldiers reportedly are assisting local law enforcement in securing the area, which includes routes in and out of the town four miles south of the state's border with Kansas. An Army Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew is flying aerial assessment missions for the governor.
In Arkansas, where at least two tornadoes touched down and tracked through the central part of the state the evening of May 10, homes were destroyed in the town of Stuttgart.
"We've deployed 50 Guardsmen from the Guard's 875th Engineer Battalion," said Air Force Maj. Keith Moore, a National Guard spokesman. Moore said the soldiers traveled from their station in Jonesboro and are providing security support at traffic control points and conducting patrols to prevent looting.
The soldiers are working two shifts during an around-the-clock operation and are expected to be on station through May 14. The Army Guard is flying Gov. Michael Beebe and emergency management agency personnel on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter out of Camp Robinson to assess damaged areas.
"This is one of the key roles of the Guard, being a dual-mission force, that we are here to support our local communities [and] respond to the governor," Moore said.
After severe storms and tornadoes swept through southwestern Missouri, nearly 20 Army Guard soldiers deployed on state active duty to support Gov. Matt Blunt in his emergency response efforts for the towns of Newtonia and Grany. The soldiers are assisting local law enforcement agencies with security. Eight soldiers and two military vehicles deployed to each town.
In Delaware, tidal flooding and heavy rains led to Guard members deploying in six light medium tactical vehicles and one 2.5-ton truck to assist in flood evacuations at South Bowers Beach, Kitts Hummock Beach, Woodland Beach and Slaughter Beach.
"The LMTVs can carry up to 15 people and have a high ground clearance, which allows them operate in up to 4 feet of water," said Lt. Col. Len Gratteri, Delaware National Guard spokesman. Gratteri said the state's Guard members are deployed from the 262nd Maintenance Company, the 261st Signal Brigade and the 72nd Troop Command.
The Delaware Guard is coordinating emergency assistance through the state's emergency management agency with its Joint Operations and Emergency Operations Centers. A shelter area is also set up in Kent County.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau. Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report.)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Education Compact Helps Retain Military Families, Official Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
April 21, 2008 - A piece of legislation aimed at easing transitions for military children switching schools adheres to an armed forces adage: Recruit the servicemember, but retain the family, a Pentagon official said today. Developed by the Council of State Governments, education experts and the Defense Department, the Compact on Education Transition for Military Children addresses common problems that affect military students as a result of frequent moves and deployments.
"The interstate compact is a major new tool and opportunity for the nation really to show its appreciation to military families," Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, said during an interview today.
States that pass the bill agree to work collectively with other participating states to create uniform standards of practice, including the transfer of records, course placement, graduation requirements, redundant or missed testing, entrance-age variations, and other transition issues.
Kansas and Kentucky signed onto the bill this month, and 21 other states actively are considering the measure; 14 of those state legislatures have bills submitted in one or both chambers. In order for the compact to become operational, 10 states must adopt it, Arsht said.
"We are thrilled that Kansas and Kentucky are leading the nation in seeking uniform standards for school transition for military children," she said after the two states adopted the bill.
She emphasized today that the Defense Department hopes the compact is made operational during the current Congressional session.
About 1.5 million children of military families attend schools other than those sponsored by the Defense Department, and military families move about three times as often as their civilian counterparts, Arsht said in an earlier interview. This legislation will ease transitions of the 19,000 school-age children of military families residing in Kansas and 30,834 school-age children in Kentucky, she added.
David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said in an interview that passage of the interstate compact will have a lasting, positive impact on American military families.
"Quality education is a primary quality-of-life concern. In fact, education is so important that it directly impacts military recruitment, satisfaction with assignments, readiness and, ultimately, retention," he said.
"We ask a lot of our military families," he continued. "Easing this burden is the right thing to do. We appreciate all the support and effort to implement the compact. We look forward to more states signing on."
American Forces Press Service
April 21, 2008 - A piece of legislation aimed at easing transitions for military children switching schools adheres to an armed forces adage: Recruit the servicemember, but retain the family, a Pentagon official said today. Developed by the Council of State Governments, education experts and the Defense Department, the Compact on Education Transition for Military Children addresses common problems that affect military students as a result of frequent moves and deployments.
"The interstate compact is a major new tool and opportunity for the nation really to show its appreciation to military families," Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, said during an interview today.
States that pass the bill agree to work collectively with other participating states to create uniform standards of practice, including the transfer of records, course placement, graduation requirements, redundant or missed testing, entrance-age variations, and other transition issues.
Kansas and Kentucky signed onto the bill this month, and 21 other states actively are considering the measure; 14 of those state legislatures have bills submitted in one or both chambers. In order for the compact to become operational, 10 states must adopt it, Arsht said.
"We are thrilled that Kansas and Kentucky are leading the nation in seeking uniform standards for school transition for military children," she said after the two states adopted the bill.
She emphasized today that the Defense Department hopes the compact is made operational during the current Congressional session.
About 1.5 million children of military families attend schools other than those sponsored by the Defense Department, and military families move about three times as often as their civilian counterparts, Arsht said in an earlier interview. This legislation will ease transitions of the 19,000 school-age children of military families residing in Kansas and 30,834 school-age children in Kentucky, she added.
David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said in an interview that passage of the interstate compact will have a lasting, positive impact on American military families.
"Quality education is a primary quality-of-life concern. In fact, education is so important that it directly impacts military recruitment, satisfaction with assignments, readiness and, ultimately, retention," he said.
"We ask a lot of our military families," he continued. "Easing this burden is the right thing to do. We appreciate all the support and effort to implement the compact. We look forward to more states signing on."
Friday, April 11, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS April 11, 2008
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $453,263,184 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the accomplishment of the fiscal year 2008 Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) of USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The CVN 65 FY08 EDSRA is a ship depot availability of approximately 16-month duration. EDSRAs are similar to overhauls in that they restore the ship, including all subsystems that affect combat capability and safety, to established performance standards. Additionally, an EDSRA provides an opportunity to perform hull inspections and recoating, radiological surveys, and other maintenance related evolutions below the waterline that cannot be accomplished while the ship is waterborne. The EDSRA provides sufficient time to perform more extensive propulsion plant repairs and testing than is possible during an Extended Selected Restricted Availability (ESRA). Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and work is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2100).
Northrop Grumman Corp. Integration Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $101,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Fiscal Year 2007 full rate production (LOT III) of seven AN/ALQ-218 Tactical Jamming System Receivers (TJSRs), a component of the EA-6B Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft. In addition, this contract provides for spare Shop Replacement Assemblies and Weapons Replacement Assemblies. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (57 percent), Bethpage, N.Y. (30 percent); various locations throughout the United States (8 percent); Nashua, N.H. (2.5 percent); and San Diego, Calif. (2.5 percent), and work is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-D-0002).
ITT Communications & Countermeasures Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $45,194,148 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6311) for the production and support of 586 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicle mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by the military service of the Air Force for the Global War on Terror. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (87 percent) and Lancaster, Calif. (13 percent) and is expected to be complete by November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Foster Fuels, Inc., Brookneal, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $55,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for providing complete ground fuel support. Other locations of performance are in Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Using services are Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally solicited on FedBizOps with one response. This contract has a one year base period and two one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-4000).
Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co., Lexington, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $21,233,151.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for 50 ton rough terrain crane, manuals and spare parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally seven proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-01-D-0103-0012).
Eaton Aeroquip, Jackson, Mich. is being awarded a maximum $16,553,445.15 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for aircraft parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally 21 proposals solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 7, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (SPM7AX-08-D-9002).
Adams Brothers Produce Co., Inc., Birmingham, Ala.* is being awarded a maximum $7,616,239.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside contract for fresh fruit and vegetables support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and U.S. Department of Agriculture. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-P044).
AIR FORCE
Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $26,092,199. This action will provide chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense concepts, capability integration and development for the Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense. At this time $7,469,280 has been obligated. Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0537).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Government Systems of Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $21,765,082. This contract modification exercises production options for the purchase of 9,746 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories. The DAGR will provide authorized Department of Defense (DoD) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) users of GPS User Equipment (UE) a Precise Positioning System (PPS), hand-held, dual-frequency (L1/L2), lightweight receiver (less than one pound) that incorporates the next generation, tamper-resistant GPS "SAASM" (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) Security module. The DAGR will serve as a replacement for the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) in integrated platforms as well as for the advanced and basic GPS user. At this time $21,765,082 has been obligated. El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0011; Modification No. P00061).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a modified fixed price incentive firm contract for $21,332,347. This contract will provide for long lead associated with five Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload Sensors to be procured in conjunction with Global Hawk Lot 8 Air Vehicles. At this time $21,332,347 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-3001 P00001).
L3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics Corp. of Mason, Ohio, is being awarded a firm fixed price price incentive firm contract for $10,747,021. This action provides for Sensor Unit (SU) Upgrade for AN/AAR-44 program: Sensor Unit Modification Kit 210 each; Unit Test Set 23 each; Channel Acquisition Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) 20 each; Controller CCA 20 each; Distribution CCA 20 each; Communication Controller CCA 20 each; Test Set Interface CCA 20 each; Test Set Interface CCA 1 LO; Data 1 LO; Travel 1 LO. At this time $10,747,021 has been obligated. Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8509-08-C-0011).
Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $6,156,138. This action will provide nonclinical, preclinical and drug delivery studies of MMB4 Dimethanesulfonate. At this time $90,676 has been obligated. Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0540).
ARMY
DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Optronics Division, was awarded on April 10, 2008, a $23,300,110 firm-fixed price contract for 7,991 driver's vision enhancer b-kits and associated spares for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Program. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 21, 2003, and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-04-C-J202).
Systems Research & Application Corp., Fairfax, Va. was awarded on April 9, 2008. a $20,712,791 cost-plus award fee and firm-fixed price contract for the deployment of all National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's East Mission and Personnel to New Campus East facility. Work will be performed in Sterling, Va. and is expected to be completed by March 12, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sept. 20, 2007, and two bids were received. National Geospatial Intelligency Agency, Reston, Va., is the contracting activity (HM0140-08-C-0004).
I.L. Fleming, Inc., Midway, Ga. Was awarded on April 10, 2008, a $10,249,500 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center. Work will be performed at Fort Jackson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 9, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 2, 2008, and seven bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga. Is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-C-0021).
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
Presidential Airways, Inc., an Aviation Worldwide Services Company of Moyock, N.C., is being awarded a $16,346,186 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for rotary wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger and cargo air transportation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan and is expected to start May 01, 2008 to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of this current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (HTC711-08-D-0021).
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $453,263,184 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the accomplishment of the fiscal year 2008 Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) of USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The CVN 65 FY08 EDSRA is a ship depot availability of approximately 16-month duration. EDSRAs are similar to overhauls in that they restore the ship, including all subsystems that affect combat capability and safety, to established performance standards. Additionally, an EDSRA provides an opportunity to perform hull inspections and recoating, radiological surveys, and other maintenance related evolutions below the waterline that cannot be accomplished while the ship is waterborne. The EDSRA provides sufficient time to perform more extensive propulsion plant repairs and testing than is possible during an Extended Selected Restricted Availability (ESRA). Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and work is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2100).
Northrop Grumman Corp. Integration Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $101,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Fiscal Year 2007 full rate production (LOT III) of seven AN/ALQ-218 Tactical Jamming System Receivers (TJSRs), a component of the EA-6B Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft. In addition, this contract provides for spare Shop Replacement Assemblies and Weapons Replacement Assemblies. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (57 percent), Bethpage, N.Y. (30 percent); various locations throughout the United States (8 percent); Nashua, N.H. (2.5 percent); and San Diego, Calif. (2.5 percent), and work is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-D-0002).
ITT Communications & Countermeasures Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $45,194,148 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6311) for the production and support of 586 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicle mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by the military service of the Air Force for the Global War on Terror. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (87 percent) and Lancaster, Calif. (13 percent) and is expected to be complete by November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Foster Fuels, Inc., Brookneal, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $55,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for providing complete ground fuel support. Other locations of performance are in Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Using services are Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally solicited on FedBizOps with one response. This contract has a one year base period and two one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-4000).
Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co., Lexington, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $21,233,151.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for 50 ton rough terrain crane, manuals and spare parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally seven proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-01-D-0103-0012).
Eaton Aeroquip, Jackson, Mich. is being awarded a maximum $16,553,445.15 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for aircraft parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally 21 proposals solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 7, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (SPM7AX-08-D-9002).
Adams Brothers Produce Co., Inc., Birmingham, Ala.* is being awarded a maximum $7,616,239.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside contract for fresh fruit and vegetables support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and U.S. Department of Agriculture. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-P044).
AIR FORCE
Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $26,092,199. This action will provide chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense concepts, capability integration and development for the Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense. At this time $7,469,280 has been obligated. Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0537).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Government Systems of Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $21,765,082. This contract modification exercises production options for the purchase of 9,746 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories. The DAGR will provide authorized Department of Defense (DoD) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) users of GPS User Equipment (UE) a Precise Positioning System (PPS), hand-held, dual-frequency (L1/L2), lightweight receiver (less than one pound) that incorporates the next generation, tamper-resistant GPS "SAASM" (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) Security module. The DAGR will serve as a replacement for the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) in integrated platforms as well as for the advanced and basic GPS user. At this time $21,765,082 has been obligated. El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0011; Modification No. P00061).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a modified fixed price incentive firm contract for $21,332,347. This contract will provide for long lead associated with five Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload Sensors to be procured in conjunction with Global Hawk Lot 8 Air Vehicles. At this time $21,332,347 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-3001 P00001).
L3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics Corp. of Mason, Ohio, is being awarded a firm fixed price price incentive firm contract for $10,747,021. This action provides for Sensor Unit (SU) Upgrade for AN/AAR-44 program: Sensor Unit Modification Kit 210 each; Unit Test Set 23 each; Channel Acquisition Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) 20 each; Controller CCA 20 each; Distribution CCA 20 each; Communication Controller CCA 20 each; Test Set Interface CCA 20 each; Test Set Interface CCA 1 LO; Data 1 LO; Travel 1 LO. At this time $10,747,021 has been obligated. Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8509-08-C-0011).
Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $6,156,138. This action will provide nonclinical, preclinical and drug delivery studies of MMB4 Dimethanesulfonate. At this time $90,676 has been obligated. Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0540).
ARMY
DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Optronics Division, was awarded on April 10, 2008, a $23,300,110 firm-fixed price contract for 7,991 driver's vision enhancer b-kits and associated spares for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Program. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 21, 2003, and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-04-C-J202).
Systems Research & Application Corp., Fairfax, Va. was awarded on April 9, 2008. a $20,712,791 cost-plus award fee and firm-fixed price contract for the deployment of all National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's East Mission and Personnel to New Campus East facility. Work will be performed in Sterling, Va. and is expected to be completed by March 12, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sept. 20, 2007, and two bids were received. National Geospatial Intelligency Agency, Reston, Va., is the contracting activity (HM0140-08-C-0004).
I.L. Fleming, Inc., Midway, Ga. Was awarded on April 10, 2008, a $10,249,500 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center. Work will be performed at Fort Jackson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 9, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 2, 2008, and seven bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga. Is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-C-0021).
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
Presidential Airways, Inc., an Aviation Worldwide Services Company of Moyock, N.C., is being awarded a $16,346,186 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for rotary wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger and cargo air transportation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan and is expected to start May 01, 2008 to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of this current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (HTC711-08-D-0021).
Two States Sign Compact on Education Transition for Military Children
American Forces Press Service
April 11, 2008 - Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear signed legislation into law this week that will ease the transition for military children as their servicemember parents move from assignment to assignment during their careers. Twenty-one other states are actively considering the measure, known as the Compact on Education Transition for Military Children, and 14 of those state legislatures have bills submitted in one or both chambers. Kansas adopt the compact April 9, and Kentucky followed suit yesterday. Adoption in 10 states makes the compact operational, Defense Department officials said.
"Passage of this interstate compact will have a lasting, positive impact on our military families," said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "Quality education is a primary quality-of-life concern. In fact, education is so important that that it directly impacts military recruitment, satisfaction with assignments, readiness, and ultimately, retention.
"We ask a lot of our military families," Chu continued. "Easing this burden is the right thing to do. We appreciate all the support and effort to implement the compact. We look forward to more states signing on."
The compact, developed by the Council of State Governments, education experts and the Defense Department, addresses common problems that affect military students as a result of frequent moves and deployments. States that sign on to it agree to work collectively with other compact states to create uniform standards of practice, including the transfer of records, course placement, graduation requirements, redundant or missed testing, entrance-age variations and other transition issues.
"We are thrilled that Kansas and Kentucky are leading the nation in seeking uniform standards for school transition for military children," Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, said.
About 1.5 million children of military families attend schools other than those sponsored by the Defense Department, and military families move about three times as often as their civilian counterparts, Arsht said. This legislation will positively affect the 19,000 school-age children of military families residing in Kansas and 30,834 school-age children in Kentucky, she noted.
"This compact really means a lot to military families," Arsht said. "Once in force, it means that a move to a new school will no longer prevent students from taking the classes they want or deny them extra-curricular activities. They won't have to repeat a class or delay graduation because they are completing a new state's requirements. The compact creates consistency and certainty for families as they move from one school to another.
"Our families also serve our nation," she continued. "We are grateful for this tangible way states are showing their appreciation."
(From a Defense Department news release.)
April 11, 2008 - Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear signed legislation into law this week that will ease the transition for military children as their servicemember parents move from assignment to assignment during their careers. Twenty-one other states are actively considering the measure, known as the Compact on Education Transition for Military Children, and 14 of those state legislatures have bills submitted in one or both chambers. Kansas adopt the compact April 9, and Kentucky followed suit yesterday. Adoption in 10 states makes the compact operational, Defense Department officials said.
"Passage of this interstate compact will have a lasting, positive impact on our military families," said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "Quality education is a primary quality-of-life concern. In fact, education is so important that that it directly impacts military recruitment, satisfaction with assignments, readiness, and ultimately, retention.
"We ask a lot of our military families," Chu continued. "Easing this burden is the right thing to do. We appreciate all the support and effort to implement the compact. We look forward to more states signing on."
The compact, developed by the Council of State Governments, education experts and the Defense Department, addresses common problems that affect military students as a result of frequent moves and deployments. States that sign on to it agree to work collectively with other compact states to create uniform standards of practice, including the transfer of records, course placement, graduation requirements, redundant or missed testing, entrance-age variations and other transition issues.
"We are thrilled that Kansas and Kentucky are leading the nation in seeking uniform standards for school transition for military children," Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, said.
About 1.5 million children of military families attend schools other than those sponsored by the Defense Department, and military families move about three times as often as their civilian counterparts, Arsht said. This legislation will positively affect the 19,000 school-age children of military families residing in Kansas and 30,834 school-age children in Kentucky, she noted.
"This compact really means a lot to military families," Arsht said. "Once in force, it means that a move to a new school will no longer prevent students from taking the classes they want or deny them extra-curricular activities. They won't have to repeat a class or delay graduation because they are completing a new state's requirements. The compact creates consistency and certainty for families as they move from one school to another.
"Our families also serve our nation," she continued. "We are grateful for this tangible way states are showing their appreciation."
(From a Defense Department news release.)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
African-Americans Have Legacy of Military Service, Sacrifice
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 12, 2008 - Since the birth of America, African Americans have been fighting and dying alongside their countrymen as the United States has struggled for freedom and peace at home and abroad. African American soldiers have fought in every war the United States has participated in, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the current war on terror.
African Americans, both free and slaves, participated in all the conflicts in the early days of America. About 5,000 African-American soldiers fought for the U.S. in the American Revolutionary War. African Americans distinguished themselves in the Boston Massacre in 1770, the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, and throughout the Revolution.
In the Civil War, 180,000 African Americans made up 163 units of the Union Army, and many more served in the Union Navy. African-Americans were used mostly for labor by the Confederate forces, although in 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis signed a bill authorizing the enlistment of slaves.
African American soldiers proved themselves early in the war, such as in 1863, when the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers, commanded by Gen. James G. Blunt, ran into a strong Confederate force in what is now Oklahoma. After a two-hour bloody engagement, the Confederate soldiers retreated. The 1st Kansas, which had held the center of the Union line, advanced to within fifty paces of the Confederate line and exchanged fire for some 20 minutes until the Confederates broke and ran.
After the battle, Blunt wrote, "I never saw such fighting as was done by the negro regiment. ... The question that negroes will fight is settled; besides they make better solders in every respect than any troops I have ever had under my command."
Fifteen African American soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in the Civil War, and another seven African American sailors were honored for their heroism.
In 1866, federal legislation was passed that allowed African Americans to enlist in the regular Army, and by 1869, the Army had four all-African-American units: the 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry regiments. The two infantry regiments were established by consolidating four infantry regiments that had been formed earlier.
It was these African American units that fought in the Indian Wars of 1867-1891, the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines Insurrection from 1899 to 1901, and Gen. John Pershing's punitive expedition into Mexico in 1916. These units were dubbed "Buffalo Soldiers" by the Indians they fought against. It is thought that this nickname was given out of respect for the African-Americans' fierce fighting ability and naturally curly hair. The term "Buffalo Soldiers" became a generic term for all African American soldiers for many years.
The first African American general officer in the U.S. Army was Benjamin O. Davis, of Washington, D.C. Davis entered the military on July 13, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, as a temporary first lieutenant of the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out on March 6, 1899, and on June 18, 1899, he enlisted as a private in Troop 1, 9th Cavalry, of the regular Army. He then served as corporal and squadron sergeant major, and on Feb. 2, 1901, he was commissioned a second lieutenant of cavalry in the regular Army.
Davis reached the rank of brigadier general on Oct. 25, 1940. He retired on July 31, 1941, and was recalled to active duty with the rank of brigadier general the following day. During his career, Davis served with the 9th and 10th Cavalry; was a professor of military science and tactics at Wilberforce University, Ohio, and Tuskegee, Ala.; served as a brigade commander in 2nd Cavalry Division; and served as an assistant to the inspector general in Washington, D.C.
Davis' son, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., was the fourth African-American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and the nation's second African-American general officer.
Although the U.S. armed forces remained segregated throughout World War I, many African Americans volunteered and fought with U.S. forces. By the end of the war, more than 350,000 African-Americans had served in the conflict, 1,400 of whom were commissioned officers.
Many African American units were relegated to support roles during World War I, but several units did distinguish themselves in combat. One of the most famous units was the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," which was on the front lines for six months. One hundred seventy-one members of the 396th were awarded the Legion of Merit medal. Cpl. Freddie Stowers, of 371st Infantry Regiment, was posthumously awarded a Medal of Honor in 1991, making him the only African-American to be so honored for actions in World War I. Stowers led an assault on German trenches in France and continued to lead his men even after being wounded twice.
In World War II, more than 2.5 million African-Americans registered for service, but only 1 million actually served. African American servicemembers served in Casablanca, Italy, the Aleutians, Northern Ireland, Liberia, New Guinea, the China-Burma-India theater, Guam, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Saipan, Okinawa, Peleliu, Australia, France, and England.
It was during World War II that the famed Tuskegee Airmen served. Actually the 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military pilots. The 332nd's most notable mission was escorting bombing raids into Austria, Hungary, Poland and Germany. The pilots flew more than 15,000 sorties and were awarded several Silver Stars, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Purple Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars, and 744 Air Medals.
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, integrating the armed forces and eliminating racial discrimination in federal employment. Segregation in the military officially ended in 1954, when the last all-African-American unit was abolished.
The Korean War and Vietnam War both saw many great accomplishments by African-American servicemembers. In the Korean War, Jesse L. Brown, the first African-American U.S. Navy aviator, was killed when his plane was shot down during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The Navy honored Brown by naming an escort ship after him -- the USS Jesse L. Brown.
During the Vietnam War, African Americans continued to join the military in large numbers. Overall, 20 African-Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in that conflict, including the first living African American to receive the Medal of Honor since the Mexican-American War, the first African-American Marine to receive the medal, and the first African-American commissioned officer to receive the medal.
African American enlistment into the U.S. military jumped with the advent of the all-volunteer force in 1973. African-Americans made up about 17 percent of the military's enlisted force when the draft ended in 1973. By the early 1980s, African-Americans made up nearly 24 percent of the enlisted force. When the United States and its allies pushed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991, the most senior officer in the U.S. military was an African-American, Army Gen. Colin L. Powell, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell later served as secretary of state in President George W. Bush's administration.
Today, African Americans continue to serve the nation as members of the military during the war on terror. February is African-American History Month, which celebrates the contributions African Americans have made in the U.S. over the years.
(Information for this article was taken from several military, government and civilian sources.)
Feb. 12, 2008 - Since the birth of America, African Americans have been fighting and dying alongside their countrymen as the United States has struggled for freedom and peace at home and abroad. African American soldiers have fought in every war the United States has participated in, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the current war on terror.
African Americans, both free and slaves, participated in all the conflicts in the early days of America. About 5,000 African-American soldiers fought for the U.S. in the American Revolutionary War. African Americans distinguished themselves in the Boston Massacre in 1770, the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, and throughout the Revolution.
In the Civil War, 180,000 African Americans made up 163 units of the Union Army, and many more served in the Union Navy. African-Americans were used mostly for labor by the Confederate forces, although in 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis signed a bill authorizing the enlistment of slaves.
African American soldiers proved themselves early in the war, such as in 1863, when the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers, commanded by Gen. James G. Blunt, ran into a strong Confederate force in what is now Oklahoma. After a two-hour bloody engagement, the Confederate soldiers retreated. The 1st Kansas, which had held the center of the Union line, advanced to within fifty paces of the Confederate line and exchanged fire for some 20 minutes until the Confederates broke and ran.
After the battle, Blunt wrote, "I never saw such fighting as was done by the negro regiment. ... The question that negroes will fight is settled; besides they make better solders in every respect than any troops I have ever had under my command."
Fifteen African American soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in the Civil War, and another seven African American sailors were honored for their heroism.
In 1866, federal legislation was passed that allowed African Americans to enlist in the regular Army, and by 1869, the Army had four all-African-American units: the 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry regiments. The two infantry regiments were established by consolidating four infantry regiments that had been formed earlier.
It was these African American units that fought in the Indian Wars of 1867-1891, the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines Insurrection from 1899 to 1901, and Gen. John Pershing's punitive expedition into Mexico in 1916. These units were dubbed "Buffalo Soldiers" by the Indians they fought against. It is thought that this nickname was given out of respect for the African-Americans' fierce fighting ability and naturally curly hair. The term "Buffalo Soldiers" became a generic term for all African American soldiers for many years.
The first African American general officer in the U.S. Army was Benjamin O. Davis, of Washington, D.C. Davis entered the military on July 13, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, as a temporary first lieutenant of the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out on March 6, 1899, and on June 18, 1899, he enlisted as a private in Troop 1, 9th Cavalry, of the regular Army. He then served as corporal and squadron sergeant major, and on Feb. 2, 1901, he was commissioned a second lieutenant of cavalry in the regular Army.
Davis reached the rank of brigadier general on Oct. 25, 1940. He retired on July 31, 1941, and was recalled to active duty with the rank of brigadier general the following day. During his career, Davis served with the 9th and 10th Cavalry; was a professor of military science and tactics at Wilberforce University, Ohio, and Tuskegee, Ala.; served as a brigade commander in 2nd Cavalry Division; and served as an assistant to the inspector general in Washington, D.C.
Davis' son, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., was the fourth African-American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and the nation's second African-American general officer.
Although the U.S. armed forces remained segregated throughout World War I, many African Americans volunteered and fought with U.S. forces. By the end of the war, more than 350,000 African-Americans had served in the conflict, 1,400 of whom were commissioned officers.
Many African American units were relegated to support roles during World War I, but several units did distinguish themselves in combat. One of the most famous units was the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," which was on the front lines for six months. One hundred seventy-one members of the 396th were awarded the Legion of Merit medal. Cpl. Freddie Stowers, of 371st Infantry Regiment, was posthumously awarded a Medal of Honor in 1991, making him the only African-American to be so honored for actions in World War I. Stowers led an assault on German trenches in France and continued to lead his men even after being wounded twice.
In World War II, more than 2.5 million African-Americans registered for service, but only 1 million actually served. African American servicemembers served in Casablanca, Italy, the Aleutians, Northern Ireland, Liberia, New Guinea, the China-Burma-India theater, Guam, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Saipan, Okinawa, Peleliu, Australia, France, and England.
It was during World War II that the famed Tuskegee Airmen served. Actually the 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military pilots. The 332nd's most notable mission was escorting bombing raids into Austria, Hungary, Poland and Germany. The pilots flew more than 15,000 sorties and were awarded several Silver Stars, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Purple Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars, and 744 Air Medals.
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, integrating the armed forces and eliminating racial discrimination in federal employment. Segregation in the military officially ended in 1954, when the last all-African-American unit was abolished.
The Korean War and Vietnam War both saw many great accomplishments by African-American servicemembers. In the Korean War, Jesse L. Brown, the first African-American U.S. Navy aviator, was killed when his plane was shot down during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The Navy honored Brown by naming an escort ship after him -- the USS Jesse L. Brown.
During the Vietnam War, African Americans continued to join the military in large numbers. Overall, 20 African-Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in that conflict, including the first living African American to receive the Medal of Honor since the Mexican-American War, the first African-American Marine to receive the medal, and the first African-American commissioned officer to receive the medal.
African American enlistment into the U.S. military jumped with the advent of the all-volunteer force in 1973. African-Americans made up about 17 percent of the military's enlisted force when the draft ended in 1973. By the early 1980s, African-Americans made up nearly 24 percent of the enlisted force. When the United States and its allies pushed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991, the most senior officer in the U.S. military was an African-American, Army Gen. Colin L. Powell, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell later served as secretary of state in President George W. Bush's administration.
Today, African Americans continue to serve the nation as members of the military during the war on terror. February is African-American History Month, which celebrates the contributions African Americans have made in the U.S. over the years.
(Information for this article was taken from several military, government and civilian sources.)
Sunday, December 16, 2007
U.S. NORTHCOM Directs Possible Storm Aid for Icy Midwest
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 14, 2007 - Active military elements are preparing to assist federal emergency responders to help beleaguered Midwest residents cope with the effects of recent massive ice storms, a senior U.S. military officer told Pentagon reporters here today. "In anticipation of requests for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the commander of U.S. Northern Command has ordered the deployment of U.S. Army North defense coordinating officers and a defense coordinating element to assist Midwest residents suffering from the heavy ice storms and extreme winter weather," Army Maj. Gen. Richard Sherlock, the Joint Chiefs' director of operational planning, announced at a Pentagon news conference.
In recent days, thousands of citizens in eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri have been dealing with paralyzing ice storms that downed power lines and closed roads, schools, businesses and airports across the region. The Ohio Valley and the northeastern United States also have been hit by severe winter weather.
The military officers are being deployed to Denton, Texas, and Kansas City, Mo., Sherlock said. Their role, he explained, is to coordinate the use of all active-duty personnel and equipment that may be requested by FEMA as part of a potential storm-response effort.
National Guard members from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma have been contributing generator-provided electricity, cots, water, debris removal, and door-to-door checks in rural regions, according to military reports.
The battered Midwest areas are bracing for another storm system predicted to arrive sometime today, according to news reports.
The 20 or so deployed officers "will be coordinating a federal response, should a federal response be asked for," Sherlock said, noting there has been no request for such assistance.
U.S. Army North is a component of NORTHCOM, which is the unified combatant command responsible for defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities during natural disasters and other emergencies.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 14, 2007 - Active military elements are preparing to assist federal emergency responders to help beleaguered Midwest residents cope with the effects of recent massive ice storms, a senior U.S. military officer told Pentagon reporters here today. "In anticipation of requests for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the commander of U.S. Northern Command has ordered the deployment of U.S. Army North defense coordinating officers and a defense coordinating element to assist Midwest residents suffering from the heavy ice storms and extreme winter weather," Army Maj. Gen. Richard Sherlock, the Joint Chiefs' director of operational planning, announced at a Pentagon news conference.
In recent days, thousands of citizens in eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri have been dealing with paralyzing ice storms that downed power lines and closed roads, schools, businesses and airports across the region. The Ohio Valley and the northeastern United States also have been hit by severe winter weather.
The military officers are being deployed to Denton, Texas, and Kansas City, Mo., Sherlock said. Their role, he explained, is to coordinate the use of all active-duty personnel and equipment that may be requested by FEMA as part of a potential storm-response effort.
National Guard members from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma have been contributing generator-provided electricity, cots, water, debris removal, and door-to-door checks in rural regions, according to military reports.
The battered Midwest areas are bracing for another storm system predicted to arrive sometime today, according to news reports.
The 20 or so deployed officers "will be coordinating a federal response, should a federal response be asked for," Sherlock said, noting there has been no request for such assistance.
U.S. Army North is a component of NORTHCOM, which is the unified combatant command responsible for defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities during natural disasters and other emergencies.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Guard Members Respond to Midwest Ice Storms
By Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 13, 2007 - More than 140 National Guard members in the Midwest responded to a band of deadly mid-December storms that stretched from eastern Texas to the Ohio Valley and into northern New York and New England. Missouri Army Guard Officer Candidate Neilson Rudd was one of more than 20 fatalities attributed to the storms, which brought freezing rain to more than 10 states and rain, sleet and snow to nearly half the nation.
Trees and power lines in some states were brought down by inch-thick ice accumulations, which closed roadways and left thousands in need of emergency assistance from the Guard and local and state agencies.
Missouri National Guard units were on standby for most of the week and throughout the weekend after their governor declared a state of emergency.
At least 22 Guard members responded. An Army Guard armory was used as a warming shelter, and soldiers provided security for residents there. Soldiers also provided transportation and cleared debris from roadways. Members of the 203rd Engineer Battalion provided generators and conducted door-to-door wellness checks for rural areas in Barton County.
Rudd saw an auto accident on Dec. 9 and stopped to check on the vehicles' occupants. He was not on military duty at the time.
When returning to his vehicle on the Katy Trail Bridge, just north of Jefferson City on Highway 63, another vehicle lost control and struck him down. Rudd was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Candidate Rudd," said Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, Missouri adjutant general. "His actions exemplify the values of the United States Army and the Missouri National Guard."
Officials said Rudd was returning from his weekend drill at the 140th Regional Training Institute, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., at the time of the accident. He enlisted in March 2006 as a military policeman with the 1140th MP Company in Fulton. He entered officer candidate school earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the governor of Oklahoma declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties due to the widespread freezing rain there. The state's joint operations center coordinated missions, and at least 77 Guard members responded to requests for assistance. They transported 100 cots and opened a Red Cross warming shelter at the armory in Broken Arrow. Soldiers also responded to at least five requests for emergency power in the state's northeastern region. Guard members provided fresh water to residents in Wikiupp and delivered more than 1,000 sandbags in Clatsop County.
The Kansas National Guard provided emergency power for water treatment facilities, sewer systems and shelters in at least two counties. Nearly 130,000 residents were without power, and the Guard was planning door-to-door wellness checks yesterday for affected residential areas. Guard units also delivered cots to Red Cross shelters and were planning observation flights to check on residents, which responders were unable to reach.
"We have seen a huge increase in requests for Guard support today," said Sharron Watson, a Kansas Guard spokeswoman. "Generator missions have been the biggest request, but we have also had our Guard members out clearing roadways in southeast Kansas."
The National Weather Service predicted lighter amounts of sleet, freezing rain and snow, but also reported the possibility of additional accumulations from another storm developing later in the week.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith is assigned to the National Guard Bureau. Missouri National Guard Capt. Tammy Spicer contributed to this article.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 13, 2007 - More than 140 National Guard members in the Midwest responded to a band of deadly mid-December storms that stretched from eastern Texas to the Ohio Valley and into northern New York and New England. Missouri Army Guard Officer Candidate Neilson Rudd was one of more than 20 fatalities attributed to the storms, which brought freezing rain to more than 10 states and rain, sleet and snow to nearly half the nation.
Trees and power lines in some states were brought down by inch-thick ice accumulations, which closed roadways and left thousands in need of emergency assistance from the Guard and local and state agencies.
Missouri National Guard units were on standby for most of the week and throughout the weekend after their governor declared a state of emergency.
At least 22 Guard members responded. An Army Guard armory was used as a warming shelter, and soldiers provided security for residents there. Soldiers also provided transportation and cleared debris from roadways. Members of the 203rd Engineer Battalion provided generators and conducted door-to-door wellness checks for rural areas in Barton County.
Rudd saw an auto accident on Dec. 9 and stopped to check on the vehicles' occupants. He was not on military duty at the time.
When returning to his vehicle on the Katy Trail Bridge, just north of Jefferson City on Highway 63, another vehicle lost control and struck him down. Rudd was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Candidate Rudd," said Maj. Gen. King Sidwell, Missouri adjutant general. "His actions exemplify the values of the United States Army and the Missouri National Guard."
Officials said Rudd was returning from his weekend drill at the 140th Regional Training Institute, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., at the time of the accident. He enlisted in March 2006 as a military policeman with the 1140th MP Company in Fulton. He entered officer candidate school earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the governor of Oklahoma declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties due to the widespread freezing rain there. The state's joint operations center coordinated missions, and at least 77 Guard members responded to requests for assistance. They transported 100 cots and opened a Red Cross warming shelter at the armory in Broken Arrow. Soldiers also responded to at least five requests for emergency power in the state's northeastern region. Guard members provided fresh water to residents in Wikiupp and delivered more than 1,000 sandbags in Clatsop County.
The Kansas National Guard provided emergency power for water treatment facilities, sewer systems and shelters in at least two counties. Nearly 130,000 residents were without power, and the Guard was planning door-to-door wellness checks yesterday for affected residential areas. Guard units also delivered cots to Red Cross shelters and were planning observation flights to check on residents, which responders were unable to reach.
"We have seen a huge increase in requests for Guard support today," said Sharron Watson, a Kansas Guard spokeswoman. "Generator missions have been the biggest request, but we have also had our Guard members out clearing roadways in southeast Kansas."
The National Weather Service predicted lighter amounts of sleet, freezing rain and snow, but also reported the possibility of additional accumulations from another storm developing later in the week.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith is assigned to the National Guard Bureau. Missouri National Guard Capt. Tammy Spicer contributed to this article.)
Monday, December 03, 2007
Gates Arrives in Afghanistan to Assess Conditions
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today on a fact-finding mission to get a face-to-face assessment from commanders about conditions on the ground, particularly in the volatile southern region. The situation in the area will be the focus of a meeting the secretary is to attend next week in Scotland.
Gates, on his third trip here as defense secretary, told reporters he also plans get input from President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak, following up his and Wardak's recent Pentagon visit.
The secretary last visited Afghanistan in June.
He acknowledged "there's clearly a lot going on" here and added that he plans to delve into the current situation with commanders and Afghan officials.
Among topics Gates said he plans to explore are operations in Khowst province, which has been described to him as "a model of the combination of kinetic operations and comprehensive strategic development."
"Were having very good results (in Khowst), and we're interested in ideas like how you might export concepts from this location to other parts of Afghanistan," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates encouraged greater application of this concept in U.S. operations -- combining "hard" and "soft" elements of U.S. national power to forward national interests -- during a major speech last month at Kansas State University.
He revisited the topic earlier today during a stop at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa headquarters. Gates pointed to the task force's application of "three D's" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- in the Horn of Africa as a model for U.S. operations elsewhere around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said he also wants to look into whether recent trouble within the Pakistani government has had an impact on operations along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
As he receives briefings on the situation in all regional commands in Afghanistan, Gates said, he is particularly interested in hearing about operations in Regional Command South. The area, the most volatile in Afghanistan, will be the focus of a mid-December meeting in Edinburg of defense ministers from countries with troops committed to RC South.
Asked if additional U.S. troops are likely to be committed to deal with violence in the southern region -- a strategy defense officials report is proving successful in Iraq -- a senior defense official traveling with the secretary said it's probably "not in the cards."
The Regional Command South meeting and Gates' visit here are expected to resurrect the issue of caveats, restrictions individual countries place on their troops supporting NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.
"NATO caveats are a restriction," another defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. "And let's be frank. It's a problem. It's a continuing problem. I am sure it's one of the topics the secretary is going to raise."
Despite the fact that violence is up in some areas, Gates is not worried as much that progress in Afghanistan is slipping as "how we continue the momentum moving forward," he said during a news conference in Djibouti.
A defense official noted that during the recent NATO informal ministerial conference in Nordwijk, Netherlands, the secretary pressed for the alliance to come up with a strategic concept for its International Security Assistance Force.
Developing such a concept, would focus NATO on goals it hopes to achieve over the next three to five years "rather than thinking about heading for the exits in 2008," the official said. "Also, it provides an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and seeing what we could be doing differently or better."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today on a fact-finding mission to get a face-to-face assessment from commanders about conditions on the ground, particularly in the volatile southern region. The situation in the area will be the focus of a meeting the secretary is to attend next week in Scotland.
Gates, on his third trip here as defense secretary, told reporters he also plans get input from President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak, following up his and Wardak's recent Pentagon visit.
The secretary last visited Afghanistan in June.
He acknowledged "there's clearly a lot going on" here and added that he plans to delve into the current situation with commanders and Afghan officials.
Among topics Gates said he plans to explore are operations in Khowst province, which has been described to him as "a model of the combination of kinetic operations and comprehensive strategic development."
"Were having very good results (in Khowst), and we're interested in ideas like how you might export concepts from this location to other parts of Afghanistan," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates encouraged greater application of this concept in U.S. operations -- combining "hard" and "soft" elements of U.S. national power to forward national interests -- during a major speech last month at Kansas State University.
He revisited the topic earlier today during a stop at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa headquarters. Gates pointed to the task force's application of "three D's" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- in the Horn of Africa as a model for U.S. operations elsewhere around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said he also wants to look into whether recent trouble within the Pakistani government has had an impact on operations along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
As he receives briefings on the situation in all regional commands in Afghanistan, Gates said, he is particularly interested in hearing about operations in Regional Command South. The area, the most volatile in Afghanistan, will be the focus of a mid-December meeting in Edinburg of defense ministers from countries with troops committed to RC South.
Asked if additional U.S. troops are likely to be committed to deal with violence in the southern region -- a strategy defense officials report is proving successful in Iraq -- a senior defense official traveling with the secretary said it's probably "not in the cards."
The Regional Command South meeting and Gates' visit here are expected to resurrect the issue of caveats, restrictions individual countries place on their troops supporting NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.
"NATO caveats are a restriction," another defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. "And let's be frank. It's a problem. It's a continuing problem. I am sure it's one of the topics the secretary is going to raise."
Despite the fact that violence is up in some areas, Gates is not worried as much that progress in Afghanistan is slipping as "how we continue the momentum moving forward," he said during a news conference in Djibouti.
A defense official noted that during the recent NATO informal ministerial conference in Nordwijk, Netherlands, the secretary pressed for the alliance to come up with a strategic concept for its International Security Assistance Force.
Developing such a concept, would focus NATO on goals it hopes to achieve over the next three to five years "rather than thinking about heading for the exits in 2008," the official said. "Also, it provides an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and seeing what we could be doing differently or better."
Monday, November 26, 2007
Gates Urges More Emphasis, Funding for All Aspects of National Power
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 26, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called today for the United States to strengthen all elements of its national power – the "soft" power as well as "hard" military might -- to faces challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan and others it will confront in the future. "My message today is not about the defense budget or military power," Gates said during a Landon Lecture speech at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.
"My message is that if we are to meet the myriad challenges around the world in the coming decades, this country must strengthen other important elements of national power both institutionally and financially, and create the capability to integrate and apply all of the elements of national power to problems and challenges abroad.
"In short," Gates told the attendees, "I am here to make the case for strengthening our capacity to use 'soft' power and for better integrating it with 'hard' power."
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated that military success alone isn't enough to win, the secretary said. He noted the long list of other critical elements: economic development, institution-building and the rule of law, internal reconciliation, good governance, basic services for the people, trained and equipped indigenous military and police forces, strategic communications and more.
"These, along with security, are essential ingredients for long-term success," Gates said.
The secretary cited important lessons learned from the U.S. experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the decisive role reconstruction, development and governance have played in the successes taking place there.
The Defense Department has taken on many of these efforts, but Gates urged better resourcing for civilian agencies so they can take the lead.
"Forced by circumstances, our brave men and women in uniform have stepped up to the task, with field artillerymen and tankers building schools and mentoring city councils – usually in a language they don't speak," he said. "They have done an admirable job."
The armed forces will need to institutionalize and retain these non-traditional capabilities, he said. "But there is no replacement for the real thing: civilian involvement and expertise."
Gates pointed to the example of provincial reconstruction teams and the successes they have demonstrated in Afghanistan, and more recently, in Iraq. These teams are designed to bring in civilians with experience in agricultural, governance and other aspects of development to work alongside the military to improve the local population's lives.
This initiative, "a key tenet of any counterinsurgency effort," is paying off in a big way, the secretary said. "Where (PRTs) are on the ground, even in small numbers, we have seen tangible and often dramatic changes," he said. He noted that an Army brigade commander in Baghdad called the embedded PRTs "pivotal" in getting Iraqis in his sector to better manage their affairs.
"We also have increased our effectiveness by joining with organizations and people outside the government – untapped resources with tremendous potential," he said. He noted a broad range of civilian experts who have supported rebuilding efforts: anthropologists, agricultural experts and veterinarians among them.
"I have been heartened by the works of individuals and groups like these," Gates said. "But I am concerned that we need even more civilians involved in the effort, and that our efforts must be better integrated. And I remain concerned that we have yet to create any permanent capability or institutions to rapidly create and deploy these kinds of skills in the future."
Gates repeated President Bush's call during his 2007 State of the Union Address for the country to develop a permanent, sizeable cadre of experts with disparate skills that can be deployed immediately when it's needed.
The State Department is working on its initiative to build a civilian response corps, but Gates said the need goes even deeper. "We also need new thinking about how to integrate our government's capabilities in these areas, and then how to integrate government capabilities with those in the private sector, in universities, in other non-governmental organizations, with the capabilities of our allies and friends," he said.
Also to be considered, he said, are the emerging capabilities of those the United States is working to help.
For these efforts to succeed, Gates said, there's a desperate need for better funding for the programs that support them.
"Funding for non-military foreign-affairs programs has increased since 2001, but remains disproportionately small relative to what we spend on the military and to the importance of such capabilities," he said. He noted that the State Department's entire foreign affairs budget request for fiscal 2008 is $36 billion, less than what the Pentagon spends on health care.
With military spending at 4 percent of gross domestic product – below historic norms and well below previous wartime periods – there's no similar benchmark for other departments and institutions, he said.
"What is clear to me is that there is a need for a dramatic increase in spending on the civilian instruments of national security: diplomacy, strategic communications, foreign assistance, civic action and economic reconstruction and development,' he said. "We must focus our energies beyond the guns and steels of the military, beyond our brave soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen We must also focus our energies on all the other elements of national power that will be so critical in the years to come."
Gates acknowledged it's unusual for a defense secretary to travel halfway across the country to make a pitch to increase the budgets of other agencies. But he emphasized that military leaders recognize the important role civilian experts play in U.S. national defense, and that success in those arenas could reduce the demands placed on the military.
"After all, civilian participation is both necessary to making military operations successful and to relieving stress on the men and women of our armed services who have endured so much these last few years, and done so with such unflagging bravery and devotion," he said.
"Indeed, having robust civilian capabilities available could make it less likely that military force will have to be used in the first place, as local problems might be dealt with before they become crises."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 26, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called today for the United States to strengthen all elements of its national power – the "soft" power as well as "hard" military might -- to faces challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan and others it will confront in the future. "My message today is not about the defense budget or military power," Gates said during a Landon Lecture speech at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.
"My message is that if we are to meet the myriad challenges around the world in the coming decades, this country must strengthen other important elements of national power both institutionally and financially, and create the capability to integrate and apply all of the elements of national power to problems and challenges abroad.
"In short," Gates told the attendees, "I am here to make the case for strengthening our capacity to use 'soft' power and for better integrating it with 'hard' power."
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated that military success alone isn't enough to win, the secretary said. He noted the long list of other critical elements: economic development, institution-building and the rule of law, internal reconciliation, good governance, basic services for the people, trained and equipped indigenous military and police forces, strategic communications and more.
"These, along with security, are essential ingredients for long-term success," Gates said.
The secretary cited important lessons learned from the U.S. experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the decisive role reconstruction, development and governance have played in the successes taking place there.
The Defense Department has taken on many of these efforts, but Gates urged better resourcing for civilian agencies so they can take the lead.
"Forced by circumstances, our brave men and women in uniform have stepped up to the task, with field artillerymen and tankers building schools and mentoring city councils – usually in a language they don't speak," he said. "They have done an admirable job."
The armed forces will need to institutionalize and retain these non-traditional capabilities, he said. "But there is no replacement for the real thing: civilian involvement and expertise."
Gates pointed to the example of provincial reconstruction teams and the successes they have demonstrated in Afghanistan, and more recently, in Iraq. These teams are designed to bring in civilians with experience in agricultural, governance and other aspects of development to work alongside the military to improve the local population's lives.
This initiative, "a key tenet of any counterinsurgency effort," is paying off in a big way, the secretary said. "Where (PRTs) are on the ground, even in small numbers, we have seen tangible and often dramatic changes," he said. He noted that an Army brigade commander in Baghdad called the embedded PRTs "pivotal" in getting Iraqis in his sector to better manage their affairs.
"We also have increased our effectiveness by joining with organizations and people outside the government – untapped resources with tremendous potential," he said. He noted a broad range of civilian experts who have supported rebuilding efforts: anthropologists, agricultural experts and veterinarians among them.
"I have been heartened by the works of individuals and groups like these," Gates said. "But I am concerned that we need even more civilians involved in the effort, and that our efforts must be better integrated. And I remain concerned that we have yet to create any permanent capability or institutions to rapidly create and deploy these kinds of skills in the future."
Gates repeated President Bush's call during his 2007 State of the Union Address for the country to develop a permanent, sizeable cadre of experts with disparate skills that can be deployed immediately when it's needed.
The State Department is working on its initiative to build a civilian response corps, but Gates said the need goes even deeper. "We also need new thinking about how to integrate our government's capabilities in these areas, and then how to integrate government capabilities with those in the private sector, in universities, in other non-governmental organizations, with the capabilities of our allies and friends," he said.
Also to be considered, he said, are the emerging capabilities of those the United States is working to help.
For these efforts to succeed, Gates said, there's a desperate need for better funding for the programs that support them.
"Funding for non-military foreign-affairs programs has increased since 2001, but remains disproportionately small relative to what we spend on the military and to the importance of such capabilities," he said. He noted that the State Department's entire foreign affairs budget request for fiscal 2008 is $36 billion, less than what the Pentagon spends on health care.
With military spending at 4 percent of gross domestic product – below historic norms and well below previous wartime periods – there's no similar benchmark for other departments and institutions, he said.
"What is clear to me is that there is a need for a dramatic increase in spending on the civilian instruments of national security: diplomacy, strategic communications, foreign assistance, civic action and economic reconstruction and development,' he said. "We must focus our energies beyond the guns and steels of the military, beyond our brave soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen We must also focus our energies on all the other elements of national power that will be so critical in the years to come."
Gates acknowledged it's unusual for a defense secretary to travel halfway across the country to make a pitch to increase the budgets of other agencies. But he emphasized that military leaders recognize the important role civilian experts play in U.S. national defense, and that success in those arenas could reduce the demands placed on the military.
"After all, civilian participation is both necessary to making military operations successful and to relieving stress on the men and women of our armed services who have endured so much these last few years, and done so with such unflagging bravery and devotion," he said.
"Indeed, having robust civilian capabilities available could make it less likely that military force will have to be used in the first place, as local problems might be dealt with before they become crises."
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