AIR FORCE
ITT Systems Division of Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a fixed price, cost plus award fee with const reimbursable line items contract for $33,697,369. The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) is a counterdrug program funded by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counter Narcotics, Counter Proliferation, and Global Threats. It provides a radar surveillance capability able to detect low-level targets in the United States – Mexico border, the Florida Straits, and southwest Puerto Rico regions in support of USNROTHCOMs and USSOUTHCOM's Counterdrug/Counter-Narco Terrorism (CD/CNT) missions. In addition to the CD/CNT mission, TARS surveillance data also supports North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) air sovereignty mission for the Continental United States (CONUS). This contract requires operating, maintaining, and supporting eight operational TARS sites 24 hours a day/seven days per week (24/7). Additionally, a key element of this contract is for the contractor to provide life-cycle management (cradle-to-grave) support for the entire TARS network. At this time $1.5 million has been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKC SunTrust Building, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-C-0005).
NAVY
MEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $13,727,945 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0002 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8816) for remedial design and remedial action at Installation Restoration Site One at Alameda Point. The work to be performed provides for architect-engineer environmental services for Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Underground Storage Tanks Programs. The contract contains ten options totaling $7,106,256 which may be exercise within 696 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $20,834,201. Work will be performed in Alameda, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Massa Products Corp. Hingham, Mass., is being awarded a $12,066,819 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price provisions for procurement of DT-574 Hydrophones. Twelve First Article units and up to 2,500 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 25 ft. and 50 ft. pigtails) and up to 600 DT-574 Hydrophones (with 100 ft. pigtail) per year could be procured. Work will be performed in Hingham, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R. I., is the contracting activity (N66604-08-D-0513).
Tesoro Corp., Beaufort, N.C., is being awarded a $5,663,496 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of armories and interim facilities for Marine Aviation Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1), Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C. The work includes foundations for and erection of two pre-engineered buildings, utilities and site improvements for the MASS-1, foundations for and assembling of modular armory units, utilities and site improvements for the interim armory compound; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and 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 via the General Multiple Award Construction Contract for the N.C. area with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-D-1912-0027).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $18,447,224.32 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for combustion chamber frame. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response from a qualified source only. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (FA8104-05-G-0004-UN01).
Texican Natural Gas Co., Charlotte, N.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $41,457,901.54 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for natural gas. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-7511).
Showing posts with label narcotics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label narcotics. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Gates: North America Needs Security to Reach Full Potential
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The United States, Canada and Mexico must establish security to realize their full potential, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "We cannot achieve resilience or reach our full potential without security," he told the audience at the fourth North American Forum here. "This is tremendously important, given the kind of threats the North American continent faces at the dawn of the 21st century."
While the "openness" of the nations, which share nearly 7,500 miles of border and together constitute the world's largest free-trade zone, is a celebrated feature of the multilateral relationship, Gates said, it also makes them vulnerable to security threats.
"Nourishing these relationships is our mutual respect for and interest in free markets, democratic practices, and the rule of law," he said. "But what we celebrate as North Americans -- the very openness of our three societies -- is also, perhaps, our biggest vulnerability."
Providing a safe environment for the entire hemisphere is a collective responsibility, the secretary said. He urged officials to capitalize on security and defense interests shared by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, without infringing upon each country's sovereignty.
Gates praised the new Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan, which provides a framework for emergency planning and response to natural and man-made disasters. The plan, which will enable Canada and U.S. militaries to support the armed forces of the other country during a civil emergency, is "a step in the right direction," he added.
The secretary recommended the contiguous countries also focus on expanding the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and continue improving cooperation on counter-narcotics.
Gates outlined several threats stemming from the continent's open societies, including widely available Internet access that connects transnational gangs and supplies operational information to the illegal arms and drug trades.
"In too many instances, these groups are better financed and equipped than some elements of our three governments assigned to combat them," he said. "Freedom of movement allows a nexus between narco-traffickers and terrorists, a security concern made more alarming by weapons of mass destruction."
Drug runners employ low-flying airplanes to transport contraband, and also are building homemade, semi-submersible vessels that are hard to detect on the open seas. "If they can transport drugs, imagine what else they could carry," Gates said.
In recent years, the United States has made important changes to combat such threats, such as the creation of U.S. Northern Command and Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Gates said, government at the federal, state, and local levels has put more effort into protecting America's resources, infrastructure and citizens.
"We also have greater cooperation and integration between military and civilian authorities, to include, for example, stronger ties between the National Guard, the state governors, and the federal government," Gates said.
But the secretary warned against nearsighted analyses of threats to the continent that consider only domestic security issues.
"When it comes to transnational threats, the 'far fight' is in many ways inseparable from 'near fight,'" he said. "What happens in the streets of a distant capital in Asia or Africa can affect citizens in Mexico City, Ottawa and Washington, D.C."
Gates praised Canada for its steadfast contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where nearly 3,000 Canadian troops are deployed. Eighty-five members of Canada's military have died in Afghanistan, he added.
"The role of Afghanistan in the 9/11 attacks reminds us that this is no hypothetical scenario. We fight there now and in other distant lands to prevent another attack here at home," he said.
Gates said interactions between the United States and Mexico are few and far between. He said that in the future, he hopes to see more interaction and cooperation between the armed forces of Mexico and those of the United States, where some 30 million Americans list their ancestry as Mexican.
"Close to home, both in and out of government," Gates said, "we are looking to strengthen existing ties and forge new ones with our neighbors to the north and south."
American Forces Press Service
June 16, 2008 - The United States, Canada and Mexico must establish security to realize their full potential, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "We cannot achieve resilience or reach our full potential without security," he told the audience at the fourth North American Forum here. "This is tremendously important, given the kind of threats the North American continent faces at the dawn of the 21st century."
While the "openness" of the nations, which share nearly 7,500 miles of border and together constitute the world's largest free-trade zone, is a celebrated feature of the multilateral relationship, Gates said, it also makes them vulnerable to security threats.
"Nourishing these relationships is our mutual respect for and interest in free markets, democratic practices, and the rule of law," he said. "But what we celebrate as North Americans -- the very openness of our three societies -- is also, perhaps, our biggest vulnerability."
Providing a safe environment for the entire hemisphere is a collective responsibility, the secretary said. He urged officials to capitalize on security and defense interests shared by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, without infringing upon each country's sovereignty.
Gates praised the new Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan, which provides a framework for emergency planning and response to natural and man-made disasters. The plan, which will enable Canada and U.S. militaries to support the armed forces of the other country during a civil emergency, is "a step in the right direction," he added.
The secretary recommended the contiguous countries also focus on expanding the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and continue improving cooperation on counter-narcotics.
Gates outlined several threats stemming from the continent's open societies, including widely available Internet access that connects transnational gangs and supplies operational information to the illegal arms and drug trades.
"In too many instances, these groups are better financed and equipped than some elements of our three governments assigned to combat them," he said. "Freedom of movement allows a nexus between narco-traffickers and terrorists, a security concern made more alarming by weapons of mass destruction."
Drug runners employ low-flying airplanes to transport contraband, and also are building homemade, semi-submersible vessels that are hard to detect on the open seas. "If they can transport drugs, imagine what else they could carry," Gates said.
In recent years, the United States has made important changes to combat such threats, such as the creation of U.S. Northern Command and Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Gates said, government at the federal, state, and local levels has put more effort into protecting America's resources, infrastructure and citizens.
"We also have greater cooperation and integration between military and civilian authorities, to include, for example, stronger ties between the National Guard, the state governors, and the federal government," Gates said.
But the secretary warned against nearsighted analyses of threats to the continent that consider only domestic security issues.
"When it comes to transnational threats, the 'far fight' is in many ways inseparable from 'near fight,'" he said. "What happens in the streets of a distant capital in Asia or Africa can affect citizens in Mexico City, Ottawa and Washington, D.C."
Gates praised Canada for its steadfast contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where nearly 3,000 Canadian troops are deployed. Eighty-five members of Canada's military have died in Afghanistan, he added.
"The role of Afghanistan in the 9/11 attacks reminds us that this is no hypothetical scenario. We fight there now and in other distant lands to prevent another attack here at home," he said.
Gates said interactions between the United States and Mexico are few and far between. He said that in the future, he hopes to see more interaction and cooperation between the armed forces of Mexico and those of the United States, where some 30 million Americans list their ancestry as Mexican.
"Close to home, both in and out of government," Gates said, "we are looking to strengthen existing ties and forge new ones with our neighbors to the north and south."
Thursday, April 24, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS April 24, 2008
NAVY
Rockwell Collins, Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $22,327,539 order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0016) for the non-recurring engineering, installation and test of the internet protocol and bandwidth expansion phase 3 on one E-6B aircraft. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas (76 percent); Wichita, Kan., (16 percent); Cedar Rapids, Iowa, (4 percent); and Oklahoma City, Okla., (4 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Services, Inc., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $17,083,954 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee/cost-plus incentive fee, performance based contract with the option to issue fixed-price task orders as appropriate to provide support services for engineering, technical, logistical, sustainment and administrative requirements for Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems/equipment. The contract services to be acquired include technical and systems engineering, analytical design, system/equipment sustainment/repair, training support, surveys and corrective action, and Intranet/Extranet web based support. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $89,958,520. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (70 percent) and Havelock, N.C., (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Apr. 2009 (Apr. 2013 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured by full and open competition and twooffers were received via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-5802).
American Science & Engineering, Billerica, Mass., is being awarded $14,834,433 firm-fixed-priced order #P00006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-06-C-5163) for the purchase of sustainment items in support of the Z-Backscatter X-ray Van (ZBV) inspection system, including field service representatives, maintenance and warranty. The ZBV is a highly maneuverable, effective, high-throughput X-Ray imaging device built into a commercially available delivery van. It is used in the detection of vehicle bombs, explosives, weapons, radioactive threats, stowaways, and illegal narcotics. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections - without impeding the flow of commerce. Work will be performed in Billerica, Mass., and work is expected to be completed Apr. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Computer Sciences Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $10,082,762 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for airborne and tactical data link systems support for the E-2C aircraft platform for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) San Diego's command and control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) programs. This award represents a modification to a previously awarded contract of Jul. 10, 2006. The original three-year base award and the one, two-year option have been contractually modified into an overall, five-year period of performance. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website, with one offer received. SSC San Diego is the contracting activity (N66001-06-D-0079).
Compass Systems, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $9,955,179 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-07-C-0011) to exercise an option for research and development for various Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (C4ISR&T) programs, sensors, mission and targeting systems, communication suites, and small aircraft vehicle systems. These efforts are in support of the Roll-On Roll-Off Sensor System for the Contingency Airborne Response Program. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., (45 percent), Washington, D.C., (25 percent), Reston, Va., (25 percent), and Patuxent River, Md., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc., Federal Way, Wash., is being awarded a $7,903,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the six-month charter of SS Westward Venture - a U.S.-flagged and U.S.-built, contractor-owned, self-sustaining, roll-on/roll-off vessel - in support of the war on terrorism and the U.S. Central Command. The contract includes one six-month option that, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $15,765,000. Work will be performed primarily between the U.S. East Coast and the Persian Gulf, and work is expected to be completed May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Military Sealift Command's website, with more than 80 proposals solicited and three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N00033-08-C-5507).
Lockheed Martin, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,132,580 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-07-C-5202 for engineering support to the Navy's AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Undersea Warfare System. The AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 is a surface ship combat system with the capabilities to search, detect, classify, localize and track undersea contacts and to engage and evade submarines, mine-like small objects, and torpedo threats. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (97.9 percent) and the Government of Spain (2.10 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $300,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C. is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $8,641,109.98. This contract modification exercises options for the installation of large aircraft infrared countermeasure retrofit kits at the Boeing Support Support - San Antonio location and Warner Robins (WR) - Air Logistics Center. The contractor shall perform five installations at BSS-SA and six installations at WR-ALC. At this time $8,641,109.98 has been obligated. Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004 P00244).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $7,985,581. This contract action will provide research and development analysis, modeling and simulation deliverables for U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, Program Analysis and Integration Office. At this time $2,705,314 has been obligated. Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, Delivery Order: 0251).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $12,939,007.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical supplies. Other locations of performance are in Virginia, Calif., Wash., Fla., Maine, Texas, Miss., and N. J.. Using service is Navy Fleet and Hospital Ships USNS Comfort and Mercy. There were originally 11 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is May 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-04-D-7020).
ARMY
JLG Indistries, Inc., McConnellsburg, Pa., was awarded on Apr. 23, 2008, an $8,702,747 firm-fixed price contract for all-terrain lifter and army system rough terrain forklifts. Work will be performed in McConnellsburg, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 18, 2005. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV05-C-0229).
General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 31, 2008, an $8,472,000 contract for four months of operational and support services to the highlighter systems operating in Iraq. Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Jul. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 25, 2008. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-T205).
Correction: Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Meadows, Ill. was awarded on Apr. 16, 2008, a $6,030,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to further develop, fabricate, demonstrate and leverage a two-color uncooled, mid-wave, lead selenide passive infrared cueing system. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed on Apr. 18, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jul 20, 2007, and two bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-P001).
Rockwell Collins, Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $22,327,539 order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0016) for the non-recurring engineering, installation and test of the internet protocol and bandwidth expansion phase 3 on one E-6B aircraft. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas (76 percent); Wichita, Kan., (16 percent); Cedar Rapids, Iowa, (4 percent); and Oklahoma City, Okla., (4 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Services, Inc., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $17,083,954 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee/cost-plus incentive fee, performance based contract with the option to issue fixed-price task orders as appropriate to provide support services for engineering, technical, logistical, sustainment and administrative requirements for Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems/equipment. The contract services to be acquired include technical and systems engineering, analytical design, system/equipment sustainment/repair, training support, surveys and corrective action, and Intranet/Extranet web based support. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $89,958,520. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (70 percent) and Havelock, N.C., (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Apr. 2009 (Apr. 2013 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured by full and open competition and twooffers were received via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-5802).
American Science & Engineering, Billerica, Mass., is being awarded $14,834,433 firm-fixed-priced order #P00006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-06-C-5163) for the purchase of sustainment items in support of the Z-Backscatter X-ray Van (ZBV) inspection system, including field service representatives, maintenance and warranty. The ZBV is a highly maneuverable, effective, high-throughput X-Ray imaging device built into a commercially available delivery van. It is used in the detection of vehicle bombs, explosives, weapons, radioactive threats, stowaways, and illegal narcotics. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections - without impeding the flow of commerce. Work will be performed in Billerica, Mass., and work is expected to be completed Apr. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Computer Sciences Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $10,082,762 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for airborne and tactical data link systems support for the E-2C aircraft platform for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) San Diego's command and control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) programs. This award represents a modification to a previously awarded contract of Jul. 10, 2006. The original three-year base award and the one, two-year option have been contractually modified into an overall, five-year period of performance. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website, with one offer received. SSC San Diego is the contracting activity (N66001-06-D-0079).
Compass Systems, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $9,955,179 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-07-C-0011) to exercise an option for research and development for various Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (C4ISR&T) programs, sensors, mission and targeting systems, communication suites, and small aircraft vehicle systems. These efforts are in support of the Roll-On Roll-Off Sensor System for the Contingency Airborne Response Program. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., (45 percent), Washington, D.C., (25 percent), Reston, Va., (25 percent), and Patuxent River, Md., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc., Federal Way, Wash., is being awarded a $7,903,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the six-month charter of SS Westward Venture - a U.S.-flagged and U.S.-built, contractor-owned, self-sustaining, roll-on/roll-off vessel - in support of the war on terrorism and the U.S. Central Command. The contract includes one six-month option that, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $15,765,000. Work will be performed primarily between the U.S. East Coast and the Persian Gulf, and work is expected to be completed May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Military Sealift Command's website, with more than 80 proposals solicited and three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N00033-08-C-5507).
Lockheed Martin, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,132,580 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-07-C-5202 for engineering support to the Navy's AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Undersea Warfare System. The AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 is a surface ship combat system with the capabilities to search, detect, classify, localize and track undersea contacts and to engage and evade submarines, mine-like small objects, and torpedo threats. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (97.9 percent) and the Government of Spain (2.10 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $300,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C. is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $8,641,109.98. This contract modification exercises options for the installation of large aircraft infrared countermeasure retrofit kits at the Boeing Support Support - San Antonio location and Warner Robins (WR) - Air Logistics Center. The contractor shall perform five installations at BSS-SA and six installations at WR-ALC. At this time $8,641,109.98 has been obligated. Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004 P00244).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $7,985,581. This contract action will provide research and development analysis, modeling and simulation deliverables for U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, Program Analysis and Integration Office. At this time $2,705,314 has been obligated. Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, Delivery Order: 0251).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $12,939,007.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical supplies. Other locations of performance are in Virginia, Calif., Wash., Fla., Maine, Texas, Miss., and N. J.. Using service is Navy Fleet and Hospital Ships USNS Comfort and Mercy. There were originally 11 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is May 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-04-D-7020).
ARMY
JLG Indistries, Inc., McConnellsburg, Pa., was awarded on Apr. 23, 2008, an $8,702,747 firm-fixed price contract for all-terrain lifter and army system rough terrain forklifts. Work will be performed in McConnellsburg, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 18, 2005. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV05-C-0229).
General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 31, 2008, an $8,472,000 contract for four months of operational and support services to the highlighter systems operating in Iraq. Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Jul. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 25, 2008. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-T205).
Correction: Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Meadows, Ill. was awarded on Apr. 16, 2008, a $6,030,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to further develop, fabricate, demonstrate and leverage a two-color uncooled, mid-wave, lead selenide passive infrared cueing system. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed on Apr. 18, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jul 20, 2007, and two bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-P001).
U.S. Mission in Colombia Impresses Civic Leaders
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2008 - As a senior vice president of investments for UBS in Cincinnati, Steve Lee never gave much thought to Colombia. "Not really at all," said the easy-going executive, who is touring here as part of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, a program for America's civic and business leaders interested in expanding their knowledge of the military and national defense, sponsored by the secretary of defense.
Yesterday, Lee had a front-row seat to a dramatic show of the capabilities of the country's special forces. He toured its drug eradication headquarters, saw a mockup of a jungle cocaine lab and watched in awe as a team of urban counterterrorist commandos rescued a mock hostage with precision fire, speed, explosions and smoke.
"I have opened my eyes to a whole new part of the world that I haven't thought too much about," Lee said at the end of the day.
This is the first time a JCOC has toured the U.S. Southern Command area of operations since the program began in 1948. And while most of the previous conferences have focused on shows of military might and have even featured trips to combat zones, this JCOC group is seeing more of the U.S. military's humanitarian assistance and other aid-oriented missions, known as "soft power."
Lee and the 47 others in the group were guided through the tour by members of the U.S. military group assigned here to help Colombia build its capabilities to fight its narco-terrorism problems. Terrorist groups in Colombia are heavily involved in narcotics production and trafficking. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, is believed to be responsible for more than half of the cocaine entering the United States, according to U.S. State Department documents.
Colombia is the size of Texas and California combined, with about 45 million people spread out over its diverse terrain. It has deserts in the north, tropical jungles in the south, high mountain ranges and two oceans on its borders.
The United States has its third-largest contingent of such military troops here, about 500, whose strategic objectives are to defend a fellow democracy, stop the flow of drugs to the United States and build a regional partnership, Army Col. Kevin Saderup, the military group commander here.
The U.S. servicemembers serve in an advisory role, mostly helping Colombian troops to allocate the $150 million in annual U.S. assistance to ensure they get the right equipment and training.
Many Colombian military personnel receive training in the United States or from U.S. instructors in Colombia. The United States provides equipment to the Colombian military and police through the military assistance program, foreign military sales and the international narcotics control program, according to the State Department.
U.S. troops are prohibited by law from participating in actual combat operations here. They use an indirect approach to help the Colombian forces rid the country of narco-terrorists, Saderup said.
"If we are successful here in the defense of our nation's interest in working with our Colombian partners, no U.S. soldier, sailor airman or Marine will have to give up his life in defense of U.S. interests here in Colombia," Saderup said.
The JCOC group started the day flying to Tolemaida Air Base, the training site for the Colombian's special forces – the Lanceros – and its air assault and airborne troops. Located west of Bogota, the base trains about 22,000 troops at a time, and is the largest training installation south of Fort Hood, Texas. The JCOC participants watched as the Lanceros showed off their capabilities, rappelling down towers and firing their weapons, swooping along ropes and demonstrating extractions of hostages and troops from simulated enemy territory.
Afterward, participants were given the chance to try their hand at rappelling.
Lee, who had never rappelled before and who said he is so afraid of heights he wouldn't even change the security lights on the outside second story of his house using a ladder, decided to give it a try.
"I've been scared of heights forever. I just said 'I'm going to do this,'" he said afterward.
The first step, he said, was the scariest.
"You take that first step and there's no turning back," Lee said. "It was a heck of a lot of fun. I was thrilled to get to do that."
After a flight back to Bogota, a brief lunch and briefings at the U.S. Embassy, the group got to see up close what a cocaine lab that's typically hidden in remote parts of the country looks like. The Colombian police force unit that flies eradication missions spraying coca fields with weed killer briefed the JCOC group, and the participants talked with the troops who provide security for the missions.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that more than 80 percent of the worldwide cocaine supply and as much as 90 percent of the cocaine smuggled into the United States is produced in Colombia.
But, between 2004 and 2007, Colombian security forces interdicted almost 700 metric tons of cocaine, coca base and heroin, according to U.S. State Department records. Coca cultivation decreased by 10 percent from 2001 to 2007, while opium poppy cultivation decreased by 67 percent from 2001 to 2007.
The finale for the day was a stop at the Colombian urban counterterrorist special forces headquarters. After a briefing by the troops on the tactics, gear and weapons they use, the JCOC group donned helmets and flak vests for an up-close look at the team's commando-style house-clearing and hostage-rescue procedures.
The group gathered on a catwalk above the four-room mock house for a bird's eye view of the action. The scenario was a hostage situation with about 20 "bad guys." Once the order was given, a sniper "took out" the guard and an explosion breached the entrance of the house.
With precision and speed, the four-man group went room to room, shooting targets that represented terrorists. Real ammunition was used – no blanks. More explosions rattled the helmets nearly off the heads of some JCOC participants. The hostage was recovered, and afterward the participants were able to go into the rooms and see where the rounds hit the targets.
"Those 10 minutes were worth the entire trip," said Dirk Beveridge, president of 4th Generation Systems in Barrington, Ill. "You see it in the movies, you read about in the papers, but to experience it like that, hearing that, feeling that -- it was awesome."
Beveridge, like Lee, said that before yesterday's events he never thought a lot about Colombia. Now, he said, he sees a direct tie between what the U.S. forces are doing here and security in the United States for his children.
"Having a 19-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter, I am so very much appreciative of what they're doing to help us in the United States to curb drug trafficking," Beveridge said. "You don't think of Colombia. You don't know about the presence that the United States has here in Colombia. Thank God that we've got individuals that we met out here today to put themselves on the line to protect my 19-year-old and 17-year-old."
Beveridge said he was most impressed by the commitment of the Colombian forces and their willingness to risk their lives to stop narco-terrorism and make their country a better place.
"These guys said they want to make Colombia a better place to live, and they are wiling to give their life for that. They are special people," he said. "What these Colombian forces are doing [is that] they're making the United States a better place."
Roslyn Brock, vice chairman of the Baltomore-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored Poeple's national board of directors, said most of her previous impressions of Colombia were based on movies.
"You see the movies about Colombia and the drug trade, and you think it's just a country full of a bunch of drug dealers," she said. "But ... there are people who are citizens who just every day want to go to work, who are concerned about their security, concerned about quality of life and they want to do the right thing."
Brock said that before the JCOC visit she thought mainly of the U.S. military in terms of security and defense. But now she sees that building partnerships with other agencies to help other countries and providing a variety of aid is more of a comprehensive strategy for U.S. military forces.
"Colombians are always looked at as the bad guys. But to see that we're working together to secure our borders, to eradicate narcotics, it's just awesome, and I think we need to do more of this," Brock said.
JCOC is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program, and the current tour is the 75th in the series.
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2008 - As a senior vice president of investments for UBS in Cincinnati, Steve Lee never gave much thought to Colombia. "Not really at all," said the easy-going executive, who is touring here as part of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, a program for America's civic and business leaders interested in expanding their knowledge of the military and national defense, sponsored by the secretary of defense.
Yesterday, Lee had a front-row seat to a dramatic show of the capabilities of the country's special forces. He toured its drug eradication headquarters, saw a mockup of a jungle cocaine lab and watched in awe as a team of urban counterterrorist commandos rescued a mock hostage with precision fire, speed, explosions and smoke.
"I have opened my eyes to a whole new part of the world that I haven't thought too much about," Lee said at the end of the day.
This is the first time a JCOC has toured the U.S. Southern Command area of operations since the program began in 1948. And while most of the previous conferences have focused on shows of military might and have even featured trips to combat zones, this JCOC group is seeing more of the U.S. military's humanitarian assistance and other aid-oriented missions, known as "soft power."
Lee and the 47 others in the group were guided through the tour by members of the U.S. military group assigned here to help Colombia build its capabilities to fight its narco-terrorism problems. Terrorist groups in Colombia are heavily involved in narcotics production and trafficking. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, is believed to be responsible for more than half of the cocaine entering the United States, according to U.S. State Department documents.
Colombia is the size of Texas and California combined, with about 45 million people spread out over its diverse terrain. It has deserts in the north, tropical jungles in the south, high mountain ranges and two oceans on its borders.
The United States has its third-largest contingent of such military troops here, about 500, whose strategic objectives are to defend a fellow democracy, stop the flow of drugs to the United States and build a regional partnership, Army Col. Kevin Saderup, the military group commander here.
The U.S. servicemembers serve in an advisory role, mostly helping Colombian troops to allocate the $150 million in annual U.S. assistance to ensure they get the right equipment and training.
Many Colombian military personnel receive training in the United States or from U.S. instructors in Colombia. The United States provides equipment to the Colombian military and police through the military assistance program, foreign military sales and the international narcotics control program, according to the State Department.
U.S. troops are prohibited by law from participating in actual combat operations here. They use an indirect approach to help the Colombian forces rid the country of narco-terrorists, Saderup said.
"If we are successful here in the defense of our nation's interest in working with our Colombian partners, no U.S. soldier, sailor airman or Marine will have to give up his life in defense of U.S. interests here in Colombia," Saderup said.
The JCOC group started the day flying to Tolemaida Air Base, the training site for the Colombian's special forces – the Lanceros – and its air assault and airborne troops. Located west of Bogota, the base trains about 22,000 troops at a time, and is the largest training installation south of Fort Hood, Texas. The JCOC participants watched as the Lanceros showed off their capabilities, rappelling down towers and firing their weapons, swooping along ropes and demonstrating extractions of hostages and troops from simulated enemy territory.
Afterward, participants were given the chance to try their hand at rappelling.
Lee, who had never rappelled before and who said he is so afraid of heights he wouldn't even change the security lights on the outside second story of his house using a ladder, decided to give it a try.
"I've been scared of heights forever. I just said 'I'm going to do this,'" he said afterward.
The first step, he said, was the scariest.
"You take that first step and there's no turning back," Lee said. "It was a heck of a lot of fun. I was thrilled to get to do that."
After a flight back to Bogota, a brief lunch and briefings at the U.S. Embassy, the group got to see up close what a cocaine lab that's typically hidden in remote parts of the country looks like. The Colombian police force unit that flies eradication missions spraying coca fields with weed killer briefed the JCOC group, and the participants talked with the troops who provide security for the missions.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that more than 80 percent of the worldwide cocaine supply and as much as 90 percent of the cocaine smuggled into the United States is produced in Colombia.
But, between 2004 and 2007, Colombian security forces interdicted almost 700 metric tons of cocaine, coca base and heroin, according to U.S. State Department records. Coca cultivation decreased by 10 percent from 2001 to 2007, while opium poppy cultivation decreased by 67 percent from 2001 to 2007.
The finale for the day was a stop at the Colombian urban counterterrorist special forces headquarters. After a briefing by the troops on the tactics, gear and weapons they use, the JCOC group donned helmets and flak vests for an up-close look at the team's commando-style house-clearing and hostage-rescue procedures.
The group gathered on a catwalk above the four-room mock house for a bird's eye view of the action. The scenario was a hostage situation with about 20 "bad guys." Once the order was given, a sniper "took out" the guard and an explosion breached the entrance of the house.
With precision and speed, the four-man group went room to room, shooting targets that represented terrorists. Real ammunition was used – no blanks. More explosions rattled the helmets nearly off the heads of some JCOC participants. The hostage was recovered, and afterward the participants were able to go into the rooms and see where the rounds hit the targets.
"Those 10 minutes were worth the entire trip," said Dirk Beveridge, president of 4th Generation Systems in Barrington, Ill. "You see it in the movies, you read about in the papers, but to experience it like that, hearing that, feeling that -- it was awesome."
Beveridge, like Lee, said that before yesterday's events he never thought a lot about Colombia. Now, he said, he sees a direct tie between what the U.S. forces are doing here and security in the United States for his children.
"Having a 19-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter, I am so very much appreciative of what they're doing to help us in the United States to curb drug trafficking," Beveridge said. "You don't think of Colombia. You don't know about the presence that the United States has here in Colombia. Thank God that we've got individuals that we met out here today to put themselves on the line to protect my 19-year-old and 17-year-old."
Beveridge said he was most impressed by the commitment of the Colombian forces and their willingness to risk their lives to stop narco-terrorism and make their country a better place.
"These guys said they want to make Colombia a better place to live, and they are wiling to give their life for that. They are special people," he said. "What these Colombian forces are doing [is that] they're making the United States a better place."
Roslyn Brock, vice chairman of the Baltomore-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored Poeple's national board of directors, said most of her previous impressions of Colombia were based on movies.
"You see the movies about Colombia and the drug trade, and you think it's just a country full of a bunch of drug dealers," she said. "But ... there are people who are citizens who just every day want to go to work, who are concerned about their security, concerned about quality of life and they want to do the right thing."
Brock said that before the JCOC visit she thought mainly of the U.S. military in terms of security and defense. But now she sees that building partnerships with other agencies to help other countries and providing a variety of aid is more of a comprehensive strategy for U.S. military forces.
"Colombians are always looked at as the bad guys. But to see that we're working together to secure our borders, to eradicate narcotics, it's just awesome, and I think we need to do more of this," Brock said.
JCOC is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program, and the current tour is the 75th in the series.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Command Provides New Way for African Nations to Connect, England Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 28, 2008 - In an interconnected world, U.S. Africa Command is another way the United States can connect with the countries of the continent, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told representatives from more than 40 African nations here yesterday. England spoke at the U.S.-Africa Joint Defense Dialogue. The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs sponsored the conference.
The deputy secretary stressed that the meeting was a chance for U.S. officials to listen to African allies and learn how the United States can help.
"This is an opportunity for us to learn so we can get a better mutual understanding of one another's problems and perspectives and issues and, more important perhaps, the way ahead," England said.
The world today is interconnected on many levels, the former systems engineer told the African and American audience.
"It's pretty obvious to me that policies around the world all have an effect on everybody else," England said. "I will tell you this world is a large, integrated system. I know from my systems experience, you can make changes in that system and they can have large, unanticipated consequences somewhere else. Therefore, it is very important to understand how this system works."
Security is part of the complex, interconnected world. "You can no longer separate countries in terms of the threats that are in the world today," England said. Transnational threats -- such as terrorism, proliferation, ethnic and tribal violence, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and others -- affect all nations.
"These problems transcend nations, regions, even continental boundaries, and then they are exaggerated and made worse by a number of factors, and that can include economic, agriculture, health and political challenges," the deputy secretary said.
Developed countries have the infrastructure and trained people to be able to survive an economic or security downturn. Many African nations have no such margin, England said. "When you operate relatively close to the margin, things become much more critical, and all these factors become more critical in terms of outcomes," he said.
U.S. defense policy stresses the need for partnerships among nations. These continuing partnerships, England said, may obviate the need for military force. Having cooperation and partnership with nations may forestall the kind of problems that, in the past, the United States or other nations would typically deal with militarily.
Africa is an important developing market for the United States. Africa's economy is growing at about 5 percent a year, England said. Oil and minerals account for much of that growth. Vying for these resources, he noted, can be a potential conflict point among the nations of the continent.
The vast portion of U.S. policy focus on Africa is in the civilian side, the deputy secretary said. U.S. government civilian agencies work to support democratic reform, respect for human rights, free trade, open investment regimes and economic opportunity.
The United States will spend $8.7 billion this year in development assistance. America also has worked to achieve debt relief for African nations. The African Growth and Opportunity Act allows 98 percent of African exports to the United States to enter duty-free.
In addition, the United States government has partnered with many African nations to alleviate hunger, expand education and fight disease.
On the security side, the Defense Department put in place programs that have trained more than 39,000 African peacekeepers from 20 countries. The U.S. military has participated in numerous exercises, medical efforts and operations with allies across the continent.
All of this leads to U.S. Africa Command. "AFRICOM reflects the lessons learned; it is all about working together to accomplish mutual objectives, both for security and economic development," England said.
The deputy secretary said security or stability cannot be viewed alone. Security is inseparable from economic development, he said.
"You have to have security for economic development, and you have to have economic development for security long-term," he told the audience. "You have to work both of these together. In today's highly interconnected world, money moves at the push of a button, the push of a mouse, and security is critically important for economic development."
DoD routinely works in support of many agencies in the U.S. government. Servicemembers work closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. departments of State, Agriculture, Commerce and Justice, and other organizations. The military helps all those organizations in coordinating relief operations, disaster assistance and medical care, England said.
"But we have never focused on Africa -- those 53 nations -- the way we have other parts of the world. It has just not been the focus of the Department of Defense," England said. "AFRICOM will allow us in DoD to work better with our sister agencies and with the countries in Africa to better advance our mutual interests."
The command will provide a better framework for the cooperation and economic development. The civilian and military staff of AFRICOM oversees security cooperation, builds partnership capability and facilitates defense support to nonmilitary missions.
Interagency cooperation is crucial, England said, noting that studies are under way inside the U.S. government to improve interagency cooperation. The result may be that "you will see a much more unified approach to how we deal with countries around the world," he said.
The new command is a chance for all the nations in Africa to come together to improve the security and economic stability of every country in Africa, England said. That will "improve the lives of everyone in Africa and thereby secure the peace and freedom for everybody around the world."
American Forces Press Service
March 28, 2008 - In an interconnected world, U.S. Africa Command is another way the United States can connect with the countries of the continent, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told representatives from more than 40 African nations here yesterday. England spoke at the U.S.-Africa Joint Defense Dialogue. The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs sponsored the conference.
The deputy secretary stressed that the meeting was a chance for U.S. officials to listen to African allies and learn how the United States can help.
"This is an opportunity for us to learn so we can get a better mutual understanding of one another's problems and perspectives and issues and, more important perhaps, the way ahead," England said.
The world today is interconnected on many levels, the former systems engineer told the African and American audience.
"It's pretty obvious to me that policies around the world all have an effect on everybody else," England said. "I will tell you this world is a large, integrated system. I know from my systems experience, you can make changes in that system and they can have large, unanticipated consequences somewhere else. Therefore, it is very important to understand how this system works."
Security is part of the complex, interconnected world. "You can no longer separate countries in terms of the threats that are in the world today," England said. Transnational threats -- such as terrorism, proliferation, ethnic and tribal violence, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and others -- affect all nations.
"These problems transcend nations, regions, even continental boundaries, and then they are exaggerated and made worse by a number of factors, and that can include economic, agriculture, health and political challenges," the deputy secretary said.
Developed countries have the infrastructure and trained people to be able to survive an economic or security downturn. Many African nations have no such margin, England said. "When you operate relatively close to the margin, things become much more critical, and all these factors become more critical in terms of outcomes," he said.
U.S. defense policy stresses the need for partnerships among nations. These continuing partnerships, England said, may obviate the need for military force. Having cooperation and partnership with nations may forestall the kind of problems that, in the past, the United States or other nations would typically deal with militarily.
Africa is an important developing market for the United States. Africa's economy is growing at about 5 percent a year, England said. Oil and minerals account for much of that growth. Vying for these resources, he noted, can be a potential conflict point among the nations of the continent.
The vast portion of U.S. policy focus on Africa is in the civilian side, the deputy secretary said. U.S. government civilian agencies work to support democratic reform, respect for human rights, free trade, open investment regimes and economic opportunity.
The United States will spend $8.7 billion this year in development assistance. America also has worked to achieve debt relief for African nations. The African Growth and Opportunity Act allows 98 percent of African exports to the United States to enter duty-free.
In addition, the United States government has partnered with many African nations to alleviate hunger, expand education and fight disease.
On the security side, the Defense Department put in place programs that have trained more than 39,000 African peacekeepers from 20 countries. The U.S. military has participated in numerous exercises, medical efforts and operations with allies across the continent.
All of this leads to U.S. Africa Command. "AFRICOM reflects the lessons learned; it is all about working together to accomplish mutual objectives, both for security and economic development," England said.
The deputy secretary said security or stability cannot be viewed alone. Security is inseparable from economic development, he said.
"You have to have security for economic development, and you have to have economic development for security long-term," he told the audience. "You have to work both of these together. In today's highly interconnected world, money moves at the push of a button, the push of a mouse, and security is critically important for economic development."
DoD routinely works in support of many agencies in the U.S. government. Servicemembers work closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. departments of State, Agriculture, Commerce and Justice, and other organizations. The military helps all those organizations in coordinating relief operations, disaster assistance and medical care, England said.
"But we have never focused on Africa -- those 53 nations -- the way we have other parts of the world. It has just not been the focus of the Department of Defense," England said. "AFRICOM will allow us in DoD to work better with our sister agencies and with the countries in Africa to better advance our mutual interests."
The command will provide a better framework for the cooperation and economic development. The civilian and military staff of AFRICOM oversees security cooperation, builds partnership capability and facilitates defense support to nonmilitary missions.
Interagency cooperation is crucial, England said, noting that studies are under way inside the U.S. government to improve interagency cooperation. The result may be that "you will see a much more unified approach to how we deal with countries around the world," he said.
The new command is a chance for all the nations in Africa to come together to improve the security and economic stability of every country in Africa, England said. That will "improve the lives of everyone in Africa and thereby secure the peace and freedom for everybody around the world."
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Commanders Discuss Operational Issues at House Hearing
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2008 - The senior military leaders of U.S. European Command, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Africa Command discussed issues related to their areas of operation during testimony before a House panel here yesterday. Supporting the global war against terrorism is his top priority, Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and European Command chief, told House Armed Services Committee members.
However, "EUCOM is also focused on sustaining Europe as a global partner and furthering U.S. security relationships," Craddock pointed out. Command objectives in this sphere, he explained, include "promoting lasting security and stability, maintaining the ability to employ the full range of capabilities across the spectrum of conflict, and fostering the growth of partner nation capacity and capability."
Servicemembers assigned to EUCOM routinely deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Craddock said, while other troops "are included in our global force pool and stand available for (other) missions as required."
From his NATO perspective, Craddock told the committee that nearly 50,000 NATO-aligned troops are in Afghanistan, including about 19,000 U.S. servicemembers.
"NATO remains committed to collective security and, increasingly, to a broader and more comprehensive view of security in an interdependent world," Craddock said.
The alliance "has taken the lead for security and stability in Afghanistan," Craddock reported. More than 47,000 International Security Assistance Force troops now deployed there are assisting Afghan forces in the fight against Taliban insurgents, he said.
European Command also supports efforts to keep the peace in newly independent Kosovo, Craddock said. U.S. forces make up about 10 percent of the 16,000 international troops in Kosovo, he noted.
Craddock said his organization also works closely with U.S. Africa Command, which was stood up at Kelly Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, on Oct. 1. European Command previously had responsibility for several African nations.
U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility includes all of Latin America and parts of the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM chief Navy Adm. James Stavridis described the region as a "vibrant and diverse part of the world" where $1.2 trillion worth of U.S. economic trade is transacted.
Yet, SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility also includes challenges, Stavridis said.
"There are enormous challenges, starting with poverty, but also drugs," the four-star admiral noted. Regional terrorists, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, increasingly rely on narcotics trafficking as a way to raise funds, he said.
Stavridis also sees "the beginnings of Islamic radical terrorism" in some parts of his area of responsibility.
On the Caribbean watch, Cuba remains the sole dictatorship in the Americas, Stavridis said, while noting Haiti "continues to be a nation that is trying to overcome extreme challenges of poverty."
The admiral also cited recent tensions caused by a border dispute between Colombia and its neighbors Venezuela and Ecuador. Venezuela and Ecuador accused Colombia of violating their sovereignty during recent Colombian military operations that attacked terrorists operating along the countries' common borders.
"Thankfully, those (tensions) appear to be diminished," Stavridis said.
Reporting on AFRICOM affairs, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward said the command's creation "signals a new focus on United States' strategic interests for Africa and its island nations."
AFRICOM will work with its partners on the African continent "to help create a secure and encouraging future" for all, Ward said.
"Our intent is to enable them to provide for their own security," Ward explained. Other U.S. agencies in addition to the Defense Department are involved in this endeavor, Ward continued, including the State Department's Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program.
ACOTA "has helped prepare thousands of African military personnel for international peacekeeping operations," Ward pointed out. He said ACOTA-trained forces participate in U.N.- and African Union-sponsored peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Somalia and other areas of conflict.
U.S. soldiers and Marine now provide military training to African peacekeepers and professional development at the individual and unit level, Ward said, while the U.S. Air Force contributes airlift and logistical support.
"We also provide special operations counterterrorism training teams to strengthen national capabilities and enhance multinational cooperation," Ward added.
U.S. military forces also support numerous humanitarian missions in Africa, Ward said, in concert with the State Department's U.S. Agency for International Development.
In addition, the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard "are helping African nations increase their maritime safety and security through training activities and programs that enhance maritime awareness," Ward pointed out.
Ward's face-to-face meetings with African military and political leaders "have made it clear that they want these programs to continue," the four-star general said.
"We will sustain our current efforts, and through Africa Command, we will improve military programs through our strategy of active security" to prevent conflict, Ward said.
American Forces Press Service
March 14, 2008 - The senior military leaders of U.S. European Command, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Africa Command discussed issues related to their areas of operation during testimony before a House panel here yesterday. Supporting the global war against terrorism is his top priority, Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe and European Command chief, told House Armed Services Committee members.
However, "EUCOM is also focused on sustaining Europe as a global partner and furthering U.S. security relationships," Craddock pointed out. Command objectives in this sphere, he explained, include "promoting lasting security and stability, maintaining the ability to employ the full range of capabilities across the spectrum of conflict, and fostering the growth of partner nation capacity and capability."
Servicemembers assigned to EUCOM routinely deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Craddock said, while other troops "are included in our global force pool and stand available for (other) missions as required."
From his NATO perspective, Craddock told the committee that nearly 50,000 NATO-aligned troops are in Afghanistan, including about 19,000 U.S. servicemembers.
"NATO remains committed to collective security and, increasingly, to a broader and more comprehensive view of security in an interdependent world," Craddock said.
The alliance "has taken the lead for security and stability in Afghanistan," Craddock reported. More than 47,000 International Security Assistance Force troops now deployed there are assisting Afghan forces in the fight against Taliban insurgents, he said.
European Command also supports efforts to keep the peace in newly independent Kosovo, Craddock said. U.S. forces make up about 10 percent of the 16,000 international troops in Kosovo, he noted.
Craddock said his organization also works closely with U.S. Africa Command, which was stood up at Kelly Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, on Oct. 1. European Command previously had responsibility for several African nations.
U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility includes all of Latin America and parts of the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM chief Navy Adm. James Stavridis described the region as a "vibrant and diverse part of the world" where $1.2 trillion worth of U.S. economic trade is transacted.
Yet, SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility also includes challenges, Stavridis said.
"There are enormous challenges, starting with poverty, but also drugs," the four-star admiral noted. Regional terrorists, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, increasingly rely on narcotics trafficking as a way to raise funds, he said.
Stavridis also sees "the beginnings of Islamic radical terrorism" in some parts of his area of responsibility.
On the Caribbean watch, Cuba remains the sole dictatorship in the Americas, Stavridis said, while noting Haiti "continues to be a nation that is trying to overcome extreme challenges of poverty."
The admiral also cited recent tensions caused by a border dispute between Colombia and its neighbors Venezuela and Ecuador. Venezuela and Ecuador accused Colombia of violating their sovereignty during recent Colombian military operations that attacked terrorists operating along the countries' common borders.
"Thankfully, those (tensions) appear to be diminished," Stavridis said.
Reporting on AFRICOM affairs, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward said the command's creation "signals a new focus on United States' strategic interests for Africa and its island nations."
AFRICOM will work with its partners on the African continent "to help create a secure and encouraging future" for all, Ward said.
"Our intent is to enable them to provide for their own security," Ward explained. Other U.S. agencies in addition to the Defense Department are involved in this endeavor, Ward continued, including the State Department's Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program.
ACOTA "has helped prepare thousands of African military personnel for international peacekeeping operations," Ward pointed out. He said ACOTA-trained forces participate in U.N.- and African Union-sponsored peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Somalia and other areas of conflict.
U.S. soldiers and Marine now provide military training to African peacekeepers and professional development at the individual and unit level, Ward said, while the U.S. Air Force contributes airlift and logistical support.
"We also provide special operations counterterrorism training teams to strengthen national capabilities and enhance multinational cooperation," Ward added.
U.S. military forces also support numerous humanitarian missions in Africa, Ward said, in concert with the State Department's U.S. Agency for International Development.
In addition, the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard "are helping African nations increase their maritime safety and security through training activities and programs that enhance maritime awareness," Ward pointed out.
Ward's face-to-face meetings with African military and political leaders "have made it clear that they want these programs to continue," the four-star general said.
"We will sustain our current efforts, and through Africa Command, we will improve military programs through our strategy of active security" to prevent conflict, Ward said.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Pacific Command Strategy Hinges on Military Engagement
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2008 - Military preeminence and strategic cooperation are at the heart of every action taken by U.S. Pacific Command, the chief of America's largest combatant command said here yesterday. The command's scope is just one aspect, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating said. PACOM's area of responsibility includes the two largest countries in the world -- China and India -- as well as established regional powers, growing nations, struggling states and the overarching threat of transnational terrorism in the area, he said. PACOM is a maritime command, but its area includes five of the world's largest standing armies.
"We try to emphasize two things in everything we do: military preeminence and strategic cooperation," Keating said during an interview in his office overlooking Pearl Harbor. "Our job as a United States combat command is to protect the United States of America from attack and our allies and partners, of which we have many in this region."
The U.S. military must be strong enough to deter aggressors and, if attacked, able to defeat any enemy quickly. But the lesson of the region is that you don't have to be a shooter to be effective, the admiral said.
"Everywhere we go -- to one degree or another, but unmistakable nonetheless -- is the theme that those countries want us in some way, shape or form to be nearby, to be associated, to be close, to help," Keating said.
They want to have the phone number to call in case of a tsunami in Indonesia or a Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, he said. Responding to natural or manmade disasters is a mission of the command.
"If we can keep those folks in the frame of mind that the United States is here -- we are the indispensable element to ensure they know they can trust us and we can trust them -- the likelihood of kinetic military activity is much, much lower," he said.
And it has been working; guns in the Pacific are quiet for now, but there are concerns. Terrorist activity still plagues the southern Philippines. The military dictatorship in Burma remains a concern. The command watches developments in North Korea very carefully. There is tension between the Peoples' Republic of China and Taiwan.
"We think it's being monitored carefully and managed delicately," Keating said.
But while there are no shooting wars in the region, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Defense Department civilians in the region are busy.
"There are many exercises, exchanges and programs being conducted that will strengthen the sense of trust we are trying to nurture," the admiral said.
Actions in U.S. Central Command obviously affect readiness of U.S. military forces worldwide. "The readiness of our forces in the Pacific is affected by combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq," Keating said. "But every day I report to the secretary of defense that we are ready to execute the plans that he expects of us."
Since the war on terror began, the command has had to assume a bit more risk and change contingency plans. "We've had to adjust them a little bit because of the 30,000 Marines and soldiers who are ordinarily in our (area), but are not (now)," he said. "We are at a higher risk state than we would be if there were no military operations in the Central Command, but we can execute the plans that are on the shelf."
Keating said he always is asked when he testifies before Congress what keeps him awake at night. "The answer is, 'Nothing does,'" he said.
Exercises and military-to-military contacts are the building blocks of the command's strategic partnership program.
"Last summer in the Bay of Bengal, two U.S. aircraft carriers, an Indian aircraft carrier and ships from Singapore, Australia and Japan participated in a 10-day multilateral, multiservice exercise, ... and we were able to communicate on a classified system in real time," Keating said. "That's a profound development."
Keating noted he was previously assigned to the command in 1985. "The notion of getting those five countries together in a maritime exercise (then) was a nonstarter," he said. "And now it happens as a matter of course."
More than 8,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are in the Philippines providing medical and engineering assistance throughout the southern Philippines. Terrorism is a danger in the country, but U.S. servicemembers are helping the Filipinos develop their capabilities.
"There are a wide variety of very effective nonshooting activities in which our men and women in uniform are involved," Keating said, adding that there are a number of bilateral and multilateral exercises, including the biggie: Cobra Gold in Thailand. At least half a dozen countries will send troops and equipment for Cobra Gold, and many more will send military observers.
Participating in these exercises has a long-range payoff, too. "Having had the luxury of participating in a bunch of these things since I was an ensign, you can move around the world and look up someone and say, 'Hey, how are you? How are things going?'" Keating said. "It goes back to that trust and confidence we are looking to not just build, but to nurture."
He said developing that type of trust with the region's largest nation has been somewhat troublesome.
"We are having a little bit of trouble engendering that trust and confidence with the People's Liberation Army in China," Keating acknowledged.
Keating said he can get in touch with senior Chinese military officials, but he must work through the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and that delays the process.
He can make those calls to other military leaders in the region, he said. "It is an on-the-spot, real-time way of at least reducing misunderstanding," Keating said. "If misunderstanding festers, it can lead to confusion and then crisis, and then even conflict."
Keating indicated that he is hopeful that communication with China will improve and that military-to-military contacts will continue to grow in scope and importance. "We are engaging with all of these countries in exercises, personnel exchanges at the senior NCO through the four-star level," he said. "(These are) a significant benefit to us, and we need to tell the American people."
Countries of the region are responding to U.S. engagement. The Indonesians are getting better at counter terrorism; the Malaysians are getting better at preventing piracy, "and it's not just because they are hanging with the United States," Keating said.
The Malaysian, Indonesian and Singaporean forces are working together better in providing increased security in the Straits of Malacca, a strategic choke point through which 90 percent of Asia's oil flows.
"Enhanced maritime security, enhanced awareness, information sharing, intelligence gathering -- all of those factors combine to make a more secure Straits of Malacca, and that transfers throughout the region as it all fits together," Keating said.
One of the more successful U.S. efforts in the region was sending the USS Peleliu on a six-month cruise throughout the region. The amphibious assault ship had no Marines on it, but was filled with medical personnel from military and civilian agencies, he said, and it traveled the region providing medical care to all who needed it.
Keating visited the ship during its cruise. He met a 23-year-old Filipina mother whose 3-year-old child will live because of the care he received. The hospital ship the USNS Mercy will make a similar cruise in the region this year, the admiral said.
"When they see the military uniforms, we want them to know they can count on the United States of America to be there with the military power that we represent, but we don't want to use it," he said.
Reading for Narcotics Detectives provided support for the reproduction of this blog and entry.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2008 - Military preeminence and strategic cooperation are at the heart of every action taken by U.S. Pacific Command, the chief of America's largest combatant command said here yesterday. The command's scope is just one aspect, Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating said. PACOM's area of responsibility includes the two largest countries in the world -- China and India -- as well as established regional powers, growing nations, struggling states and the overarching threat of transnational terrorism in the area, he said. PACOM is a maritime command, but its area includes five of the world's largest standing armies.
"We try to emphasize two things in everything we do: military preeminence and strategic cooperation," Keating said during an interview in his office overlooking Pearl Harbor. "Our job as a United States combat command is to protect the United States of America from attack and our allies and partners, of which we have many in this region."
The U.S. military must be strong enough to deter aggressors and, if attacked, able to defeat any enemy quickly. But the lesson of the region is that you don't have to be a shooter to be effective, the admiral said.
"Everywhere we go -- to one degree or another, but unmistakable nonetheless -- is the theme that those countries want us in some way, shape or form to be nearby, to be associated, to be close, to help," Keating said.
They want to have the phone number to call in case of a tsunami in Indonesia or a Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, he said. Responding to natural or manmade disasters is a mission of the command.
"If we can keep those folks in the frame of mind that the United States is here -- we are the indispensable element to ensure they know they can trust us and we can trust them -- the likelihood of kinetic military activity is much, much lower," he said.
And it has been working; guns in the Pacific are quiet for now, but there are concerns. Terrorist activity still plagues the southern Philippines. The military dictatorship in Burma remains a concern. The command watches developments in North Korea very carefully. There is tension between the Peoples' Republic of China and Taiwan.
"We think it's being monitored carefully and managed delicately," Keating said.
But while there are no shooting wars in the region, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Defense Department civilians in the region are busy.
"There are many exercises, exchanges and programs being conducted that will strengthen the sense of trust we are trying to nurture," the admiral said.
Actions in U.S. Central Command obviously affect readiness of U.S. military forces worldwide. "The readiness of our forces in the Pacific is affected by combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq," Keating said. "But every day I report to the secretary of defense that we are ready to execute the plans that he expects of us."
Since the war on terror began, the command has had to assume a bit more risk and change contingency plans. "We've had to adjust them a little bit because of the 30,000 Marines and soldiers who are ordinarily in our (area), but are not (now)," he said. "We are at a higher risk state than we would be if there were no military operations in the Central Command, but we can execute the plans that are on the shelf."
Keating said he always is asked when he testifies before Congress what keeps him awake at night. "The answer is, 'Nothing does,'" he said.
Exercises and military-to-military contacts are the building blocks of the command's strategic partnership program.
"Last summer in the Bay of Bengal, two U.S. aircraft carriers, an Indian aircraft carrier and ships from Singapore, Australia and Japan participated in a 10-day multilateral, multiservice exercise, ... and we were able to communicate on a classified system in real time," Keating said. "That's a profound development."
Keating noted he was previously assigned to the command in 1985. "The notion of getting those five countries together in a maritime exercise (then) was a nonstarter," he said. "And now it happens as a matter of course."
More than 8,000 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are in the Philippines providing medical and engineering assistance throughout the southern Philippines. Terrorism is a danger in the country, but U.S. servicemembers are helping the Filipinos develop their capabilities.
"There are a wide variety of very effective nonshooting activities in which our men and women in uniform are involved," Keating said, adding that there are a number of bilateral and multilateral exercises, including the biggie: Cobra Gold in Thailand. At least half a dozen countries will send troops and equipment for Cobra Gold, and many more will send military observers.
Participating in these exercises has a long-range payoff, too. "Having had the luxury of participating in a bunch of these things since I was an ensign, you can move around the world and look up someone and say, 'Hey, how are you? How are things going?'" Keating said. "It goes back to that trust and confidence we are looking to not just build, but to nurture."
He said developing that type of trust with the region's largest nation has been somewhat troublesome.
"We are having a little bit of trouble engendering that trust and confidence with the People's Liberation Army in China," Keating acknowledged.
Keating said he can get in touch with senior Chinese military officials, but he must work through the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and that delays the process.
He can make those calls to other military leaders in the region, he said. "It is an on-the-spot, real-time way of at least reducing misunderstanding," Keating said. "If misunderstanding festers, it can lead to confusion and then crisis, and then even conflict."
Keating indicated that he is hopeful that communication with China will improve and that military-to-military contacts will continue to grow in scope and importance. "We are engaging with all of these countries in exercises, personnel exchanges at the senior NCO through the four-star level," he said. "(These are) a significant benefit to us, and we need to tell the American people."
Countries of the region are responding to U.S. engagement. The Indonesians are getting better at counter terrorism; the Malaysians are getting better at preventing piracy, "and it's not just because they are hanging with the United States," Keating said.
The Malaysian, Indonesian and Singaporean forces are working together better in providing increased security in the Straits of Malacca, a strategic choke point through which 90 percent of Asia's oil flows.
"Enhanced maritime security, enhanced awareness, information sharing, intelligence gathering -- all of those factors combine to make a more secure Straits of Malacca, and that transfers throughout the region as it all fits together," Keating said.
One of the more successful U.S. efforts in the region was sending the USS Peleliu on a six-month cruise throughout the region. The amphibious assault ship had no Marines on it, but was filled with medical personnel from military and civilian agencies, he said, and it traveled the region providing medical care to all who needed it.
Keating visited the ship during its cruise. He met a 23-year-old Filipina mother whose 3-year-old child will live because of the care he received. The hospital ship the USNS Mercy will make a similar cruise in the region this year, the admiral said.
"When they see the military uniforms, we want them to know they can count on the United States of America to be there with the military power that we represent, but we don't want to use it," he said.
Reading for Narcotics Detectives provided support for the reproduction of this blog and entry.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Cubbler, Sovino and Acklin
Editor's Note: Two of the authors are former servicemembers.
February 3, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three authors: Mathew Cubbler; John Savino; and, Bobby Acklin.
Matthew Cubbler joined the Collegeville Police Department (Pennsylvania) in June 2006. His law enforcement career began in 1994 when he joined the Royersford Borough Police Department. In 1996, he moved to the West Pottsgrove Township Police Department, and then in 2002, after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 he became a Federal Air Marshal. As a member of the Collegeville Police Department, Matthew Cubbler was one of the original members of the regional Chester-Montgomery Emergency Response Team. He has served as the Team's training and firearms instructor as well as an assistant team leader. Additionally, he is a United States Army Gulf War Veteran; having served as an intelligence analyst from 1989 to 1993. Matthew Cubbler is the author of A Brother's Love: A Memoir.
According to the description of A Brother's Love: A Memoir, “One’s role models in life are often found in the unexpected. The person who is our confidant and hero, or role model, may well be a teacher, parent, sibling, or friend who is appreciated too late. For me, my role model was my brother, Andy, who died too soon, at the age of twenty-one. Andy’s story and my own as it unfolds will tell the tale of two brothers who were each others’ best friend. We had a childhood filled with love, joy, laughter, and sadness. Unfortunately for me, I was so busy being my “brother’s keeper” that I never realized the phenomenal human being my brother, had become.
John Savino has been a member of the New York City Police Department since 1982. His career has spanned all aspects of law enforcement, beginning with a short assignment as a uniformed police officer and quick advancement to the Narcotics Division. His investigative skills began developing while assigned to the Manhattan North Narcotics Division. This assignment also helped develop his ability to talk with people from all walks of life, as he worked in an “undercover” capacity buying narcotics in Manhattan.
For the last 15 years he has been assigned to the Manhattan Special Victims Squad, where he investigates reports of Child Abuse and any Sexual Assault occurring in the Borough of Manhattan. While assigned to the Special Victims Squad, he has risen to the prestigious rank of 1st Grade Detective. Detective John Savino has been involved in thousands of investigations of rape and sexual assault, and has been the lead investigator in many successful serial rape and pattern investigations. John O. Savino is the co-author of the Rape Investigations Handbook.
According to the description of the Rape Investigation Handbook, This work addresses specific investigative and forensic processes related to sex crimes for those who work in law enforcement, the defense community, or in the private sector. It is an unprecedented collaborative work -- the first working manual for sex crime investigators, written by sex crime investigators and forensic scientists. The key feature of this work is a thorough overview of the investigative and forensic processes related to sex crime investigation. It takes the reader through investigative and forensic processes in a logical sequence, showing how investigations of rape and sexual assault can and should be conducted from start to finish.”
A nine year veteran of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Former Police Officer Bobby Acklin II authored Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers under the pseudonym “Kodiack.” According to Kodiak’s bio, he earned “multiple honors of valor for saving the lives of others in need. Kodiack was very outspoken against African Americans who perpetuate inner-city racial stereo types, and turned his 9 years with the police force into a critical analysis of police ethics and inner city crime. Prior service in the military, and graduation from college shaped Kodiack's world into a logical, serious, but humorous event, thus publishing an auto-biography titled Ass Backwards.”
According to the book description of Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers, “Much like a hibernating bear, author "Kodiack" awakens after thirty-five years to accept his role as the underdog and heed his calling to condemn irresponsible black leaders who encourage the slave mentality in black communities.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 839 police officers (representing 382 police departments) and their 1772 law enforcement books in 32 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
February 3, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three authors: Mathew Cubbler; John Savino; and, Bobby Acklin.
Matthew Cubbler joined the Collegeville Police Department (Pennsylvania) in June 2006. His law enforcement career began in 1994 when he joined the Royersford Borough Police Department. In 1996, he moved to the West Pottsgrove Township Police Department, and then in 2002, after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 he became a Federal Air Marshal. As a member of the Collegeville Police Department, Matthew Cubbler was one of the original members of the regional Chester-Montgomery Emergency Response Team. He has served as the Team's training and firearms instructor as well as an assistant team leader. Additionally, he is a United States Army Gulf War Veteran; having served as an intelligence analyst from 1989 to 1993. Matthew Cubbler is the author of A Brother's Love: A Memoir.
According to the description of A Brother's Love: A Memoir, “One’s role models in life are often found in the unexpected. The person who is our confidant and hero, or role model, may well be a teacher, parent, sibling, or friend who is appreciated too late. For me, my role model was my brother, Andy, who died too soon, at the age of twenty-one. Andy’s story and my own as it unfolds will tell the tale of two brothers who were each others’ best friend. We had a childhood filled with love, joy, laughter, and sadness. Unfortunately for me, I was so busy being my “brother’s keeper” that I never realized the phenomenal human being my brother, had become.
John Savino has been a member of the New York City Police Department since 1982. His career has spanned all aspects of law enforcement, beginning with a short assignment as a uniformed police officer and quick advancement to the Narcotics Division. His investigative skills began developing while assigned to the Manhattan North Narcotics Division. This assignment also helped develop his ability to talk with people from all walks of life, as he worked in an “undercover” capacity buying narcotics in Manhattan.
For the last 15 years he has been assigned to the Manhattan Special Victims Squad, where he investigates reports of Child Abuse and any Sexual Assault occurring in the Borough of Manhattan. While assigned to the Special Victims Squad, he has risen to the prestigious rank of 1st Grade Detective. Detective John Savino has been involved in thousands of investigations of rape and sexual assault, and has been the lead investigator in many successful serial rape and pattern investigations. John O. Savino is the co-author of the Rape Investigations Handbook.
According to the description of the Rape Investigation Handbook, This work addresses specific investigative and forensic processes related to sex crimes for those who work in law enforcement, the defense community, or in the private sector. It is an unprecedented collaborative work -- the first working manual for sex crime investigators, written by sex crime investigators and forensic scientists. The key feature of this work is a thorough overview of the investigative and forensic processes related to sex crime investigation. It takes the reader through investigative and forensic processes in a logical sequence, showing how investigations of rape and sexual assault can and should be conducted from start to finish.”
A nine year veteran of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Former Police Officer Bobby Acklin II authored Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers under the pseudonym “Kodiack.” According to Kodiak’s bio, he earned “multiple honors of valor for saving the lives of others in need. Kodiack was very outspoken against African Americans who perpetuate inner-city racial stereo types, and turned his 9 years with the police force into a critical analysis of police ethics and inner city crime. Prior service in the military, and graduation from college shaped Kodiack's world into a logical, serious, but humorous event, thus publishing an auto-biography titled Ass Backwards.”
According to the book description of Ass Backwards: A Black Police Officers Hatred for Inner City Criminals and Their Enablers, “Much like a hibernating bear, author "Kodiack" awakens after thirty-five years to accept his role as the underdog and heed his calling to condemn irresponsible black leaders who encourage the slave mentality in black communities.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 839 police officers (representing 382 police departments) and their 1772 law enforcement books in 32 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Multilateral Cooperation Critical to Gulf Region Security, Gates Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 8, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates pressed today for expanded multilateral cooperation that could better protect the Persian Gulf region against threats from Iran and other destabilizing forces. While emphasizing the importance of U.S. bilateral ties with many countries in the region, Gates told delegates at the Manama Dialogue here, it's time to pool their efforts more closely to bolster their collective security.
The annual summit, now in its fourth year, brings together about 200 senior military leaders from 23 countries to discuss mutual security interests.
Gates called broader security relationships, with closer multilateral ties and cooperation, "an absolute necessity" that will enhance the entire region's security. Such a framework could help pave the way for a regional air and missile defense system that would provide a regional defense umbrella and deter a missile attack, he added. Some elements that could contribute to such a system already are in the works. Just this week, the Defense Department notified Congress that it might sell upgraded AWACs airborne early warning systems to Saudi Arabia, and also announced a proposal to sell Patriot missile defense and early warning systems to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
"We should bear in mind the deterrent effect such a system would have," Gates said. "If the chances of a successful attack are greatly reduced, then so too is the value of pursuing offensive weapons systems and delivery systems."
Gates told the delegates regional cooperation also would enhance maritime security by providing a better "maritime surface picture" and standardized procedures to improve defenses. These would help protect against seaborne threats such as terrorism, piracy, narcotics trafficking and smuggling, the secretary explained.
He also urged more cooperative military training and exercise participation to promote interoperability among participating countries' armed forces.
While urging leaders to get their countries to work more closely together, Gates emphasized that the United States remains committed to the region. He told them operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the challenges they present, haven't diminished U.S. resolve.
Gates quickly set the record straight when one delegate questioned whether some U.S. actions in the region consider U.S. interests alone.
With 40 years of personal engagement in the region, Gates told the questioner, he doesn't have "enough fingers and toes to count the times when the United States has helped its friends and allies in the region – all of its friends and allies."
He cited the U.S. role in liberating Kuwait from an Iraqi invader as a signal event, but said U.S. support goes far deeper.
"We have been the primary sponsor of virtually every peace agreement and cease-fire that has been signed in this region for the last 35 years."
"We have exercised a constructive influence in trying to promote positive change," he said.
Gates said the United States welcomes regional countries' efforts to "create their own narrative" or chart their own courses.
"That's the way it happens with sovereign states," he said. "But the United States is a friend and an ally, and we are prepared to work with you. And the truth of the matter is, we help you create the security climate in which you can create your own narrative."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 8, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates pressed today for expanded multilateral cooperation that could better protect the Persian Gulf region against threats from Iran and other destabilizing forces. While emphasizing the importance of U.S. bilateral ties with many countries in the region, Gates told delegates at the Manama Dialogue here, it's time to pool their efforts more closely to bolster their collective security.
The annual summit, now in its fourth year, brings together about 200 senior military leaders from 23 countries to discuss mutual security interests.
Gates called broader security relationships, with closer multilateral ties and cooperation, "an absolute necessity" that will enhance the entire region's security. Such a framework could help pave the way for a regional air and missile defense system that would provide a regional defense umbrella and deter a missile attack, he added. Some elements that could contribute to such a system already are in the works. Just this week, the Defense Department notified Congress that it might sell upgraded AWACs airborne early warning systems to Saudi Arabia, and also announced a proposal to sell Patriot missile defense and early warning systems to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
"We should bear in mind the deterrent effect such a system would have," Gates said. "If the chances of a successful attack are greatly reduced, then so too is the value of pursuing offensive weapons systems and delivery systems."
Gates told the delegates regional cooperation also would enhance maritime security by providing a better "maritime surface picture" and standardized procedures to improve defenses. These would help protect against seaborne threats such as terrorism, piracy, narcotics trafficking and smuggling, the secretary explained.
He also urged more cooperative military training and exercise participation to promote interoperability among participating countries' armed forces.
While urging leaders to get their countries to work more closely together, Gates emphasized that the United States remains committed to the region. He told them operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the challenges they present, haven't diminished U.S. resolve.
Gates quickly set the record straight when one delegate questioned whether some U.S. actions in the region consider U.S. interests alone.
With 40 years of personal engagement in the region, Gates told the questioner, he doesn't have "enough fingers and toes to count the times when the United States has helped its friends and allies in the region – all of its friends and allies."
He cited the U.S. role in liberating Kuwait from an Iraqi invader as a signal event, but said U.S. support goes far deeper.
"We have been the primary sponsor of virtually every peace agreement and cease-fire that has been signed in this region for the last 35 years."
"We have exercised a constructive influence in trying to promote positive change," he said.
Gates said the United States welcomes regional countries' efforts to "create their own narrative" or chart their own courses.
"That's the way it happens with sovereign states," he said. "But the United States is a friend and an ally, and we are prepared to work with you. And the truth of the matter is, we help you create the security climate in which you can create your own narrative."
Friday, October 26, 2007
Relationship With Russia Dominates NATO Session's Closing Day
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 25, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wrapped up his second day here focusing on NATO's relationship with Russia, as well as Russian objections to some alliance activities. Gates and other members of the NATO-Russia Council met with Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to talk about their common interests and attempt to iron out their differences.
The session took place amid mounting Russian criticism on issues ranging from a proposed missile shield in Eastern Europe to negotiations over Kosovo's future and NATO expansion plans.
The NATO-Russia Council, established in 2002, serves as a forum for all 26 NATO allies and Russia to work together as equal partners to advance NATO-Russia relations. It met during the second and last day of a NATO informal ministerial conference at this North Sea resort town.
Gates downplayed any disagreements with Russia earlier this week in Prague, telling Radio Free Europe that the United States considers Russia a strategic ally it shares many common interests with and wants to work with.
"I think our approach should be to consider Russia a strategic partner until and unless it proves otherwise," Gates said during the Oct. 23 interview. "There has been a lot of rhetoric, but in terms of specific actions so far, the Russians have not taken any irreversible decisions. And they have, in some areas, continued to play a constructive role."
For example, today's NATO-Russia Council meeting here followed a two-day session Russia hosted earlier this week on the council's counter narcotics training project for Afghanistan and Central Asia. Robert Simmons, NATO's deputy assistant secretary-general for security cooperation and partnership, praised the project as "one of the most significant successes of NATO-Russia cooperation."
Today's NRC meeting preceded Gates' bilateral meeting with Polish National Defense Minister Aleksander Szczyglo, which a U.S. defense official characterized as "a good conversation." The session focused on the NATO mission in Afghanistan and on a proposed missile defense system that would include 10 interceptor missiles in Poland.
The inteceptors would be part of a proposed missile defense system designed to protect Europe and the United States from a ballistic missile attack by rogue countries in the Middle East. It also would include a radar in the Czech Republic.
President Bush said earlier this week in Washington that the need for the system "is real, and I believe it's urgent."
Russia considers the system a threat to its security, but Gates said during an Oct. 23 news conference in Prague that he believes his and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's recent visit to Moscow put options on the table he hopes will lessen Russia's resistance.
Gates and Szczyglo talked about changes within the Polish government following Oct. 21 elections that moved the opposition party into power and their potential impact on the two countries' defense cooperation.
The secretary told reporters the day after the elections that he's confident the shift won't erode U.S.-Polish cooperation in Iraq and Afghanistan or missile defense plans.
Today's NATO-Russian Council session came as NATO was discussing another Russian sticking point: the alliance's support for U.N. Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari's plan that will lead to Kosovo's independence from Serbia. Russia wants Serbian and Kosovar leaders to agree to any plan on Kosovo's status.
A senior defense official traveling with Gates said yesterday's talks underscored the importance of the 16,000-member Kosovo Force, or KFOR, peacekeeping mission. The ministers agreed that "as we head toward final status decisions, KFOR becomes more important than ever, and we all need to meet our commitments in KFOR," the official said.
She noted that Gates has made clear he intends to keep U.S. forces there until next summer. "Other KFOR countries made similar commitments," she said. "I think virtually everybody who spoke on Kosovo talked about the importance of the KFOR being strong and ready now, and nobody said they have a problem maintaining their force."
Earlier this week, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Gates urged Southeastern Defense Ministerial members to continue their part in the KFOR stabilization mission "regardless of what happens after Dec. 10," the deadline for negotiations regarding Kosovo's future status.
NATO defense ministers here also discussed plans expand the 26-member alliance to include Croatia, Albania and Macedonia. Gates met with the NATO aspirants in Ukraine earlier this week to discuss their progress toward satisfying NATO membership requirements.
Gates also met with French Defense Minister Herve Morin today, with talks focusing on France's contributions in Afghanistan, as well as the Kosovo mission, missile defense and the NATO-European relationship, a defense official said.
The two leaders had "very candid and constructive" talks, the official said, noting that the U.S. and French counterparts have "a very good rapport and excellent working relationship."
The secretary declined to confirm media reports that France could for the first time send military trainers into southern Afghanistan. Such a move, which would extend France's contribution beyond the 1,000 troops serving with the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Kabul and Kandahar, would represent a major strategic shift for France, a U.S. official told journalists.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 25, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wrapped up his second day here focusing on NATO's relationship with Russia, as well as Russian objections to some alliance activities. Gates and other members of the NATO-Russia Council met with Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to talk about their common interests and attempt to iron out their differences.
The session took place amid mounting Russian criticism on issues ranging from a proposed missile shield in Eastern Europe to negotiations over Kosovo's future and NATO expansion plans.
The NATO-Russia Council, established in 2002, serves as a forum for all 26 NATO allies and Russia to work together as equal partners to advance NATO-Russia relations. It met during the second and last day of a NATO informal ministerial conference at this North Sea resort town.
Gates downplayed any disagreements with Russia earlier this week in Prague, telling Radio Free Europe that the United States considers Russia a strategic ally it shares many common interests with and wants to work with.
"I think our approach should be to consider Russia a strategic partner until and unless it proves otherwise," Gates said during the Oct. 23 interview. "There has been a lot of rhetoric, but in terms of specific actions so far, the Russians have not taken any irreversible decisions. And they have, in some areas, continued to play a constructive role."
For example, today's NATO-Russia Council meeting here followed a two-day session Russia hosted earlier this week on the council's counter narcotics training project for Afghanistan and Central Asia. Robert Simmons, NATO's deputy assistant secretary-general for security cooperation and partnership, praised the project as "one of the most significant successes of NATO-Russia cooperation."
Today's NRC meeting preceded Gates' bilateral meeting with Polish National Defense Minister Aleksander Szczyglo, which a U.S. defense official characterized as "a good conversation." The session focused on the NATO mission in Afghanistan and on a proposed missile defense system that would include 10 interceptor missiles in Poland.
The inteceptors would be part of a proposed missile defense system designed to protect Europe and the United States from a ballistic missile attack by rogue countries in the Middle East. It also would include a radar in the Czech Republic.
President Bush said earlier this week in Washington that the need for the system "is real, and I believe it's urgent."
Russia considers the system a threat to its security, but Gates said during an Oct. 23 news conference in Prague that he believes his and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's recent visit to Moscow put options on the table he hopes will lessen Russia's resistance.
Gates and Szczyglo talked about changes within the Polish government following Oct. 21 elections that moved the opposition party into power and their potential impact on the two countries' defense cooperation.
The secretary told reporters the day after the elections that he's confident the shift won't erode U.S.-Polish cooperation in Iraq and Afghanistan or missile defense plans.
Today's NATO-Russian Council session came as NATO was discussing another Russian sticking point: the alliance's support for U.N. Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari's plan that will lead to Kosovo's independence from Serbia. Russia wants Serbian and Kosovar leaders to agree to any plan on Kosovo's status.
A senior defense official traveling with Gates said yesterday's talks underscored the importance of the 16,000-member Kosovo Force, or KFOR, peacekeeping mission. The ministers agreed that "as we head toward final status decisions, KFOR becomes more important than ever, and we all need to meet our commitments in KFOR," the official said.
She noted that Gates has made clear he intends to keep U.S. forces there until next summer. "Other KFOR countries made similar commitments," she said. "I think virtually everybody who spoke on Kosovo talked about the importance of the KFOR being strong and ready now, and nobody said they have a problem maintaining their force."
Earlier this week, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Gates urged Southeastern Defense Ministerial members to continue their part in the KFOR stabilization mission "regardless of what happens after Dec. 10," the deadline for negotiations regarding Kosovo's future status.
NATO defense ministers here also discussed plans expand the 26-member alliance to include Croatia, Albania and Macedonia. Gates met with the NATO aspirants in Ukraine earlier this week to discuss their progress toward satisfying NATO membership requirements.
Gates also met with French Defense Minister Herve Morin today, with talks focusing on France's contributions in Afghanistan, as well as the Kosovo mission, missile defense and the NATO-European relationship, a defense official said.
The two leaders had "very candid and constructive" talks, the official said, noting that the U.S. and French counterparts have "a very good rapport and excellent working relationship."
The secretary declined to confirm media reports that France could for the first time send military trainers into southern Afghanistan. Such a move, which would extend France's contribution beyond the 1,000 troops serving with the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Kabul and Kandahar, would represent a major strategic shift for France, a U.S. official told journalists.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Gates Arrives in Netherlands to Focus on NATO Issues, Challenges
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today to discuss the way ahead for the alliance with his NATO counterparts and encourage members to live up to commitments they've made to help in Afghanistan. Gates and the other NATO defense ministers will hold two days of informal meetings -- meaning no official decisions will be made -- at this North Sea resort town to talk about ways to ensure NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo get the resources they need.
The group is expected to lay important groundwork for decision making at its next formal session, the April 2008 summit in Bucharest, Romania.
The ministers are slated to consider the NATO International Security Assistance Force's role in Afghanistan as part of broader international efforts to support national security, governance and development there.
Gates told reporters in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he attended the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial conference on Oct. 22, that he'll pressure NATO members here to live up to troop commitments they made at the 2006 NATO summit in Riga, Latvia.
"I am not satisfied that an alliance whose members have over 2 million soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen can't find the modest additional resources that have been committed for Afghanistan," he told participants, some of them NATO members.
"This will be clearly the principal theme" of the Noordwijk meeting, he said.
All NATO allies have personnel in Afghanistan serving in some capacity, John Colston, NATO's assistant secretary general for defense policy and planning, noted during an Oct. 22 news conference here leading up to the informal ministerial conference.
He said the Noordwijk meeting "will not be a force-generation conference," but that he expects participants to focus on capabilities.
A senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters the secretary is likely to urge the alliance to take a hard look at the ISAF mission to evaluate what's working well, what needs improvement, and what needs to be built upon.
Colston predicted that the session will include talks about the best way to support Afghan national security forces while helping to establish stability and deal with narcotics issues in Afghanistan.
Talks also are expected to cover NATO's role in Kosovo as part of the Kosovo Force peacekeeping mission. Earlier this week in Kyiv, Gates urged the southeastern Europe ministers to keep their troops in Kosovo "regardless of what happens after Dec. 10," the deadline for negotiations on the disputed Serbian territory.
"We are giving the Troika talks a chance, but we are realistic," Gates told the group, referring to mediators from the United States, the European Union and Russia.
He urged NATO to complete its planning for missions directed by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, who has advocated an EU-supervised independence for Kosovo that gives broad autonomy for its Serb minority. Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Ahtisaari in 2005 as his special envoy to lead the political process to determine Kosovo's future status.
Gates said in Kyiv he opposes expanding KFOR's mandate. "The EU has an important role to play in Kosovo, and we support its efforts to establish a rule-of-law mission there," he said.
Plans to further expand the 26-member NATO alliance to include Croatia, Albania and Macedonia also will be discussed, although no decision is expected until April, when the ministers meet in Romania.
Gates met with the NATO aspirants in Kyiv to talk with them about progress toward satisfying NATO membership requirements.
The NATO agenda also includes talks about how the transformation of the alliance's defense capabilities is going. Ministers will discuss ways to ensure NATO continues to have the forces and capabilities to support its operations, including those of the NATO Response Force.
During an informal NATO-Russia Council meeting, the 27 ministers will address civil and military activities, as well as cooperation in Afghanistan and in the framework Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's counter terrorism operation in the Mediterranean.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today to discuss the way ahead for the alliance with his NATO counterparts and encourage members to live up to commitments they've made to help in Afghanistan. Gates and the other NATO defense ministers will hold two days of informal meetings -- meaning no official decisions will be made -- at this North Sea resort town to talk about ways to ensure NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo get the resources they need.
The group is expected to lay important groundwork for decision making at its next formal session, the April 2008 summit in Bucharest, Romania.
The ministers are slated to consider the NATO International Security Assistance Force's role in Afghanistan as part of broader international efforts to support national security, governance and development there.
Gates told reporters in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he attended the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial conference on Oct. 22, that he'll pressure NATO members here to live up to troop commitments they made at the 2006 NATO summit in Riga, Latvia.
"I am not satisfied that an alliance whose members have over 2 million soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen can't find the modest additional resources that have been committed for Afghanistan," he told participants, some of them NATO members.
"This will be clearly the principal theme" of the Noordwijk meeting, he said.
All NATO allies have personnel in Afghanistan serving in some capacity, John Colston, NATO's assistant secretary general for defense policy and planning, noted during an Oct. 22 news conference here leading up to the informal ministerial conference.
He said the Noordwijk meeting "will not be a force-generation conference," but that he expects participants to focus on capabilities.
A senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters the secretary is likely to urge the alliance to take a hard look at the ISAF mission to evaluate what's working well, what needs improvement, and what needs to be built upon.
Colston predicted that the session will include talks about the best way to support Afghan national security forces while helping to establish stability and deal with narcotics issues in Afghanistan.
Talks also are expected to cover NATO's role in Kosovo as part of the Kosovo Force peacekeeping mission. Earlier this week in Kyiv, Gates urged the southeastern Europe ministers to keep their troops in Kosovo "regardless of what happens after Dec. 10," the deadline for negotiations on the disputed Serbian territory.
"We are giving the Troika talks a chance, but we are realistic," Gates told the group, referring to mediators from the United States, the European Union and Russia.
He urged NATO to complete its planning for missions directed by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, who has advocated an EU-supervised independence for Kosovo that gives broad autonomy for its Serb minority. Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Ahtisaari in 2005 as his special envoy to lead the political process to determine Kosovo's future status.
Gates said in Kyiv he opposes expanding KFOR's mandate. "The EU has an important role to play in Kosovo, and we support its efforts to establish a rule-of-law mission there," he said.
Plans to further expand the 26-member NATO alliance to include Croatia, Albania and Macedonia also will be discussed, although no decision is expected until April, when the ministers meet in Romania.
Gates met with the NATO aspirants in Kyiv to talk with them about progress toward satisfying NATO membership requirements.
The NATO agenda also includes talks about how the transformation of the alliance's defense capabilities is going. Ministers will discuss ways to ensure NATO continues to have the forces and capabilities to support its operations, including those of the NATO Response Force.
During an informal NATO-Russia Council meeting, the 27 ministers will address civil and military activities, as well as cooperation in Afghanistan and in the framework Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's counter terrorism operation in the Mediterranean.
Burden-Sharing Urged as NATO Focuses on Afghanistan, Other Missions
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - Dutch Defense Minister Eimert van Middelkoop joined NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer here today in opening a two-day ministerial conference, reminding members of the importance of sharing the NATO's responsibilities in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. Van Middelkoop, who is hosting the two-day meeting, acknowledged that some NATO members have been carrying the lion's share of the load in NATO missions.
One of the biggest imbalances, one Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he intends to address here, involves NATO's contributions to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
At issue is some countries' failure to live up to the commitments they agreed to at the 2006 NATO summit in Riga, Latvia. That's left the mission short in terms of troops, trainers and helicopters, a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates, who has brought up the shortfall repeatedly during his tenure as defense secretary, rendered his most direct criticism when he addressed the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, earlier this week. "I am not satisfied that an alliance whose members have over 2 million soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen can't find the modest additional resources that have been committed for Afghanistan," he said.
Van Middelkoop opened today's session here by reminding participants: "One thing is certain: There is no such thing as a free ride to peace and security.
"It is not about what we are willing to say for a safer and more-just world. It ultimately depends on what we are willing to do," he said. "Fairness and burden sharing will remain a leading principle for this alliance."
De Hoop Scheffer said he will make the ISAF mission, being conducted under a U.N. Security Council mandate, a priority during the conference. "The most important thing we -- us, NATO, but also the international community -- can do is to strengthen Afghan capacity so that Afghanistan can stand on its own feet," he said. "NATO is helping to bring that day closer."
The secretary-general emphasized contributions the alliance is making: training and equipping the Afghan National Army, supporting local security and development through provincial reconstruction teams, and helping the Afghan government in its fight against illicit narcotics.
"And first and foremost, we are helping to provide a secure environment in which the Afghan people can build their country," he said. "We are fighting together with the Afghan forces against the Taliban and other extremists because we believe in fundamental human rights. And they know what the Taliban and the terrorists they support will do if they regain power."
Later today, NATO partners will discuss international support in Afghanistan with troop-contributing partners, Afghan Defense Ministers Abdul Rahim Wardak, and U.N., European Union and World Bank representatives, de Hoop Scheffer noted.
He praised the troops and civilians serving in NATO missions from Afghanistan to the Balkans and expressed condolences to families of those lost during these operations.
"Our men and women are courageously defending our security and our values in the most demanding circumstances," he said. "We are proud of them and of what they achieve every single day, and we are determined to see their operations and missions through to completion."
Setting the tone for the session, de Hoop Scheffer urged member nations to work together to deal with today's challenges and others the alliance will face in the future.
Van Middelkoop said he looks forward to "some real brainstorming in discussing the challenges our alliance is facing."
He told participants he considers this coastal North Sea venue a good omen for the sessions. "The sea breeze may blow away some of our old ideas and bring in some new fresh ones, and I think we need them," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 24, 2007 - Dutch Defense Minister Eimert van Middelkoop joined NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer here today in opening a two-day ministerial conference, reminding members of the importance of sharing the NATO's responsibilities in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. Van Middelkoop, who is hosting the two-day meeting, acknowledged that some NATO members have been carrying the lion's share of the load in NATO missions.
One of the biggest imbalances, one Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he intends to address here, involves NATO's contributions to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
At issue is some countries' failure to live up to the commitments they agreed to at the 2006 NATO summit in Riga, Latvia. That's left the mission short in terms of troops, trainers and helicopters, a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates, who has brought up the shortfall repeatedly during his tenure as defense secretary, rendered his most direct criticism when he addressed the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, earlier this week. "I am not satisfied that an alliance whose members have over 2 million soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen can't find the modest additional resources that have been committed for Afghanistan," he said.
Van Middelkoop opened today's session here by reminding participants: "One thing is certain: There is no such thing as a free ride to peace and security.
"It is not about what we are willing to say for a safer and more-just world. It ultimately depends on what we are willing to do," he said. "Fairness and burden sharing will remain a leading principle for this alliance."
De Hoop Scheffer said he will make the ISAF mission, being conducted under a U.N. Security Council mandate, a priority during the conference. "The most important thing we -- us, NATO, but also the international community -- can do is to strengthen Afghan capacity so that Afghanistan can stand on its own feet," he said. "NATO is helping to bring that day closer."
The secretary-general emphasized contributions the alliance is making: training and equipping the Afghan National Army, supporting local security and development through provincial reconstruction teams, and helping the Afghan government in its fight against illicit narcotics.
"And first and foremost, we are helping to provide a secure environment in which the Afghan people can build their country," he said. "We are fighting together with the Afghan forces against the Taliban and other extremists because we believe in fundamental human rights. And they know what the Taliban and the terrorists they support will do if they regain power."
Later today, NATO partners will discuss international support in Afghanistan with troop-contributing partners, Afghan Defense Ministers Abdul Rahim Wardak, and U.N., European Union and World Bank representatives, de Hoop Scheffer noted.
He praised the troops and civilians serving in NATO missions from Afghanistan to the Balkans and expressed condolences to families of those lost during these operations.
"Our men and women are courageously defending our security and our values in the most demanding circumstances," he said. "We are proud of them and of what they achieve every single day, and we are determined to see their operations and missions through to completion."
Setting the tone for the session, de Hoop Scheffer urged member nations to work together to deal with today's challenges and others the alliance will face in the future.
Van Middelkoop said he looks forward to "some real brainstorming in discussing the challenges our alliance is facing."
He told participants he considers this coastal North Sea venue a good omen for the sessions. "The sea breeze may blow away some of our old ideas and bring in some new fresh ones, and I think we need them," he said.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Police Books from Southern California
Editor's note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.
September 16, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists nearly 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police authors from Southern California.
Jeff Cope retired from the Huntington Beach Police Department after 29 years as a Lieutenant in charge of the Investigation Bureau. He is a POST Master Instructor and is Program Manager for the POST Institute of Criminal Investigation Instructor Development Program and is a consultant and expert witness specializing in Force Issues, Police Practices and related topics. He has taught at the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College for 22 years and also teaches in the ICI Instructor Update Workshop Jeff Cope is the author of Weaponless Control: For Law Enforcement and Security Personnel.
Currently an investigator with the California Department of Insurance, Fraud Bureau, Tony Alvarez’s law enforcement career began with the Los Angeles Police Department and spanned more than twenty-six years. For twenty-one of his twenty-six years with LAPD, he was a detective assigned to Narcotics Division. As a Detective supervisor assigned to the Major Violator Section of the Narcotics Group (LAPD), Detective Tony Alvarez gained extensive experience in the field of undercover operations, surveillance and informant control, development and management.
Tony Alvarez has been a contributing writer for the California Narcotic Officer's Association quarterly magazine. He is an instructor for the California Narcotic Officer's Association on Narcotic Officer Survival and has made his training presentations at the FBI Academy in Quantico (Virginia); and, has also instructed local, state and federal officers nationwide. In 1995, Detective Tony Alvarez was awarded the DEA Award of Valor, the INEOA Medal of Valor and the Al Steward Memorial Award (California Narcotic Officer of the Year). In 1996, he was awarded the LAPD Medal of Valor. He is the author of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations.
According to the book description of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations, “undercover work is one of the most dangerous yet challenging types of police investigation, requiring extensive tactical preparedness and close continuing assessment throughout the operation. If proper planning is lacking, explosive conflict can occur without warning. The author presents the wide range of considerations necessary to execute safe undercover teamwork, eliminating complacency, demonstrating how to seize contraband, obtain evidence and arrest violators. Conducted properly and safely, investigations provide immediate gratification to all involved. Furthermore, the techniques and procedures outline in this book can be easily adapted to any undercover operation.”
Ralph Askew was born in 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent a total of 10 years in the Ohio National Guard, the California National Guard and the United States Marine Corps where he developed an interest in military history. After graduating from UCLA, he joined the LAPD where he spent most of his patrol time at the Newton Street Patrol Division as a training officer. He retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 21 years. He is the author of Battleslave.
According to the book description of Battleslave, “Chrisinda Balderack, a battledroid, was artificially produced in a laboratory solely for the purpose of fighting wars for the Galaxy. The production of battledroids meant that planets associated with the Galaxy did not have to provide the Galaxy with their own men to be killed in a far off war. Very few battleroids ever returned home. Many of the missions the battledroids were sent on were without support. They were trained to kill their wounded to prevent them from falling into enemy hand, and revealing the objective of the mission or slowing down its completion. Battledroids were trained to have no feelings. After meeting a young girl her own age, Chrisinda develops emotions and feeling for her own fellow battledroids and finds that she cannot bring herself to kill her fellow wounded.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 741 police officers (representing 344 police departments) and their 1581 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
September 16, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists nearly 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police authors from Southern California.
Jeff Cope retired from the Huntington Beach Police Department after 29 years as a Lieutenant in charge of the Investigation Bureau. He is a POST Master Instructor and is Program Manager for the POST Institute of Criminal Investigation Instructor Development Program and is a consultant and expert witness specializing in Force Issues, Police Practices and related topics. He has taught at the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College for 22 years and also teaches in the ICI Instructor Update Workshop Jeff Cope is the author of Weaponless Control: For Law Enforcement and Security Personnel.
Currently an investigator with the California Department of Insurance, Fraud Bureau, Tony Alvarez’s law enforcement career began with the Los Angeles Police Department and spanned more than twenty-six years. For twenty-one of his twenty-six years with LAPD, he was a detective assigned to Narcotics Division. As a Detective supervisor assigned to the Major Violator Section of the Narcotics Group (LAPD), Detective Tony Alvarez gained extensive experience in the field of undercover operations, surveillance and informant control, development and management.
Tony Alvarez has been a contributing writer for the California Narcotic Officer's Association quarterly magazine. He is an instructor for the California Narcotic Officer's Association on Narcotic Officer Survival and has made his training presentations at the FBI Academy in Quantico (Virginia); and, has also instructed local, state and federal officers nationwide. In 1995, Detective Tony Alvarez was awarded the DEA Award of Valor, the INEOA Medal of Valor and the Al Steward Memorial Award (California Narcotic Officer of the Year). In 1996, he was awarded the LAPD Medal of Valor. He is the author of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations.
According to the book description of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations, “undercover work is one of the most dangerous yet challenging types of police investigation, requiring extensive tactical preparedness and close continuing assessment throughout the operation. If proper planning is lacking, explosive conflict can occur without warning. The author presents the wide range of considerations necessary to execute safe undercover teamwork, eliminating complacency, demonstrating how to seize contraband, obtain evidence and arrest violators. Conducted properly and safely, investigations provide immediate gratification to all involved. Furthermore, the techniques and procedures outline in this book can be easily adapted to any undercover operation.”
Ralph Askew was born in 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent a total of 10 years in the Ohio National Guard, the California National Guard and the United States Marine Corps where he developed an interest in military history. After graduating from UCLA, he joined the LAPD where he spent most of his patrol time at the Newton Street Patrol Division as a training officer. He retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 21 years. He is the author of Battleslave.
According to the book description of Battleslave, “Chrisinda Balderack, a battledroid, was artificially produced in a laboratory solely for the purpose of fighting wars for the Galaxy. The production of battledroids meant that planets associated with the Galaxy did not have to provide the Galaxy with their own men to be killed in a far off war. Very few battleroids ever returned home. Many of the missions the battledroids were sent on were without support. They were trained to kill their wounded to prevent them from falling into enemy hand, and revealing the objective of the mission or slowing down its completion. Battledroids were trained to have no feelings. After meeting a young girl her own age, Chrisinda develops emotions and feeling for her own fellow battledroids and finds that she cannot bring herself to kill her fellow wounded.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 741 police officers (representing 344 police departments) and their 1581 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
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