By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2007 – The Independent Review Group recently established by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wants to hear from patients and family members about their experiences with military medical care, the review group announced today. Gates established the group this month, charging it with identifying shortfalls in rehabilitative care and administrative processes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and with recommending needed improvements.
To identify shortcomings and recommend improvements, it is important for the group to get input from patients and families who are dealing with the system, said Marianne Coates, public affairs officer for the Independent Review Group. The group will sponsor public meetings next week, and patients and family members can also submit comments through the Internet and a phone hotline, she said.
"The way we learn about it is, obviously, to talk to people who are experts, but very importantly we have to talk to patients and families," Coates said.
The public meetings will be held at Walter Reed on March 13 and at the National Naval Medical Center on March 14. Locations for these meetings are the Joel Auditorium in Building 2 at Walter Reed and the Clark Auditorium, Building 10, in Bethesda. Both meetings will begin at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3 p.m.
The review group also is looking at the possibility of holding additional meetings for patients and families, Coates said.
Details about how patients and family members may offer comments at the meetings appear on the Independent Review Group's Web site: www.ha.osd.mil/dhb/irg.
In addition, patients and family members may provide their experiences and insights via the Internet, and may do so anonymously if they choose. In the left column of the review group Web site, there is a caption titled "How You Can Help." People can click on that caption and provide comments.
The independent review group also has arranged a hotline that may be accessed by dialing 1-866-268-2285.
Comments submitted via telephone also may be anonymous. When patients and family members use the telephone and Internet to provide their experiences and insights, Independent Review Group members or staff will not be on the line. Submissions, however, will be recorded and reviewed by the staff throughout the day. If the staff members determine that they need clarification regarding patient and family member comments, they will contact those who have provided contact information.
The two sources for providing information will be in operation for the duration of the Independent Review Group's charter, until April 16.
The Independent Review Group will use these comments as a basis for seeking further details from the military services and for summary inclusion in their final report.
Coates emphasized that the review group, chaired by former Veterans Affairs Secretary and Army Secretary Togo West and former Army Secretary John O. Marsh, has hit the ground running. Group members have visited Walter Reed several times and have toured housing facilities there, she said. Also, group members visited Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to see how wounded troops arrive from overseas and how they are met, received and transported.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
Friday, March 09, 2007
NORTHCOM Nominee Regards Command Position as 'Sacred Honor'
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2007 – The nominee to lead U.S. Northern Command and North America Aerospace Defense Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee here yesterday that he realizes the missions of both organizations are demanding and challenging, but that he would consider leading them to be a "sacred honor." Air Force Lt. Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. said he would not let the country down if confirmed into the top position for the two commands focusing on homeland defense.
NORTHCOM was established following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, to provide for the defense of the United States and to provide military support to civil authorities when requested by the president or secretary of defense.
NORTHCOM also is responsible for overseeing military responses to natural and man-made disasters, such as hurricanes and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction within the United States.
Renuart told the Senators that his service both in the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and within the Office of the Secretary of Defense has reinforced the value of close working relationships among combatant commands, military services, defense agencies and Congress, in addition to governors and adjutants general across the nation.
"If confirmed, I'll join the men and women of NORAD and NORTHCOM in dedicating ourselves to the defense of the homeland," he said. "We'll work closely with our federal and state partners, our interagency partners, the National Guard, and the countries of Canada and Mexico, with whom we maintain a close relationship."
The general also told the members that he views intelligence sharing among relevant agencies as being vitally important.
Re-equipping National Guard troops and reservists also will be one of Renuart's focuses if confirmed for the position. "It will be one of my principal priorities to not only establish a better understanding on my behalf of the requirements for the Guard and Reserve," he said, "but to continue to be the strong advocate in the process for those requirements and to work towards getting them funded and resupplied."
The nominee assured the senators that one of his high priorities would be funding, training and equipping emergency response teams designated to work with local citizens and state first responders in the case of chemical or biological threats, in additional to natural disasters.
"It is important to have good visibility as the principal combatant commander on the readiness of potential forces," he said, "and to also understand carefully how the individual states view their capabilities to respond to a disaster or an emergency."
NORTHCOM will continue to work to deal with the effects of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. He said the command's current leadership has created pre-scripted mission orders and pre-positioned equipment in key areas for short-notice use.
"I'm completely committed to continuing that effort," he said, "with a special effort on the communications (so) that they're interoperable not just among the Guard and the active force, but among the various federal agencies who would respond."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2007 – The nominee to lead U.S. Northern Command and North America Aerospace Defense Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee here yesterday that he realizes the missions of both organizations are demanding and challenging, but that he would consider leading them to be a "sacred honor." Air Force Lt. Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. said he would not let the country down if confirmed into the top position for the two commands focusing on homeland defense.
NORTHCOM was established following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, to provide for the defense of the United States and to provide military support to civil authorities when requested by the president or secretary of defense.
NORTHCOM also is responsible for overseeing military responses to natural and man-made disasters, such as hurricanes and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction within the United States.
Renuart told the Senators that his service both in the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and within the Office of the Secretary of Defense has reinforced the value of close working relationships among combatant commands, military services, defense agencies and Congress, in addition to governors and adjutants general across the nation.
"If confirmed, I'll join the men and women of NORAD and NORTHCOM in dedicating ourselves to the defense of the homeland," he said. "We'll work closely with our federal and state partners, our interagency partners, the National Guard, and the countries of Canada and Mexico, with whom we maintain a close relationship."
The general also told the members that he views intelligence sharing among relevant agencies as being vitally important.
Re-equipping National Guard troops and reservists also will be one of Renuart's focuses if confirmed for the position. "It will be one of my principal priorities to not only establish a better understanding on my behalf of the requirements for the Guard and Reserve," he said, "but to continue to be the strong advocate in the process for those requirements and to work towards getting them funded and resupplied."
The nominee assured the senators that one of his high priorities would be funding, training and equipping emergency response teams designated to work with local citizens and state first responders in the case of chemical or biological threats, in additional to natural disasters.
"It is important to have good visibility as the principal combatant commander on the readiness of potential forces," he said, "and to also understand carefully how the individual states view their capabilities to respond to a disaster or an emergency."
NORTHCOM will continue to work to deal with the effects of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. He said the command's current leadership has created pre-scripted mission orders and pre-positioned equipment in key areas for short-notice use.
"I'm completely committed to continuing that effort," he said, "with a special effort on the communications (so) that they're interoperable not just among the Guard and the active force, but among the various federal agencies who would respond."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
U.S. Strategic Command Refines, Fields New Capabilities
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2007 – To adapt to the shifting national security environment, United States Strategic Command is refining and fielding new capabilities, the organization's commander said yesterday. Army Gen. James E. Cartwright outlined the transformation from Cold War-era structures to "new functionally aligned organizations designed to improve our operational speed and progress" in a prepared statement he submitted to the strategic forces subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee.
"We've moved from the old triad construct of the bombers, the submarines and the (intercontinental ballistic missiles) to one that is more integrated and offers the country a broader range of activities that can deter and assure our allies," Cartwright said.
According to Cartwright's statement, the functional components for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; network warfare; global network operations; information operations; integrated missile defense; and combating weapons of mass destruction are at or nearing full operational capability.
In addition, STRATCOM is constructing an organizational system "that can be joint from the start, can move to combined or allied type of configuration ... so that we don't have to build those in a time of crisis," Cartwright said.
"Having a balanced ... defense infrastructure underpinned by command and control and the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is critical to the strategy," he said.
Subcommittee members asked Cartwright how the newly organized STRACOM will address issues like the reliable replacement warhead program to modernize U.S. nuclear capabilities. They also asked about China's recent anti-satellite testing and the U.S. missile defense system, which some critics say has not yet sufficiently integrated the warfighters who operate it.
"One of the key issues before us today involving the nuclear arsenal is the reliable replacement warhead program," said Rep. Ellen Tauscher, the subcommittee's chair. "We must ask, first and foremost, do we really need such a significant modernization of our existing nuclear capabilities?"
Cartwright responded, "RRW is a form-fit function replacement, in that we're not changing any of the delivery vehicles. ... It puts us on the right path towards drawing this stockpile down to the minimum number necessary for national security.
"It has the same operational characteristics," he said, "but it is safer for the people who have to handle it. It's secure, so that one of these weapons does not end up in the wrong place, used in the wrong way. And it is reliable, which draws down the number of platforms I need and the number of weapons we have to deliver."
The general then addressed members' concerns about China's January anti-satellite test, which destroyed a Chinese satellite orbiting in the upper area of the low earth orbit belt, an estimated altitude of 530 miles.
Cartwright said debris from the destroyed satellite could interfere with commercial and government satellites and other space equipment orbiting in the same region.
"We're going to have to move to avoid this debris when it occurs; that is an impact on us," he said. "We're reactive in this; we're going to have to change our posture to (predict) where this debris is going to be."
Cartwright said such experiments are not unprecedented, referring to similar tests the U.S. and Soviet Union conducted during the Cold War, in which meddlesome debris took more than 20 years to disintegrate.
On the defensive side of the new triad, Cartwright said, the missile defense system has had success over the past year in forging the relationship between Strategic Command and the Missile Defense Agency.
"The test programs have moved to a much more successful footing," he said. "Technically, because Missile Defense Agency has done a great job, (and) operationally, because we have integrated the warfighter into the test program."
Cartwright said the system and its operators' readiness and capability were tested July 4, when North Korea launched several missiles.
"We stayed in an operational configuration for an extended period of time," he said. "The system worked well; we learned a lot. The system can be moved to an operational configuration any time."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2007 – To adapt to the shifting national security environment, United States Strategic Command is refining and fielding new capabilities, the organization's commander said yesterday. Army Gen. James E. Cartwright outlined the transformation from Cold War-era structures to "new functionally aligned organizations designed to improve our operational speed and progress" in a prepared statement he submitted to the strategic forces subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee.
"We've moved from the old triad construct of the bombers, the submarines and the (intercontinental ballistic missiles) to one that is more integrated and offers the country a broader range of activities that can deter and assure our allies," Cartwright said.
According to Cartwright's statement, the functional components for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; network warfare; global network operations; information operations; integrated missile defense; and combating weapons of mass destruction are at or nearing full operational capability.
In addition, STRATCOM is constructing an organizational system "that can be joint from the start, can move to combined or allied type of configuration ... so that we don't have to build those in a time of crisis," Cartwright said.
"Having a balanced ... defense infrastructure underpinned by command and control and the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is critical to the strategy," he said.
Subcommittee members asked Cartwright how the newly organized STRACOM will address issues like the reliable replacement warhead program to modernize U.S. nuclear capabilities. They also asked about China's recent anti-satellite testing and the U.S. missile defense system, which some critics say has not yet sufficiently integrated the warfighters who operate it.
"One of the key issues before us today involving the nuclear arsenal is the reliable replacement warhead program," said Rep. Ellen Tauscher, the subcommittee's chair. "We must ask, first and foremost, do we really need such a significant modernization of our existing nuclear capabilities?"
Cartwright responded, "RRW is a form-fit function replacement, in that we're not changing any of the delivery vehicles. ... It puts us on the right path towards drawing this stockpile down to the minimum number necessary for national security.
"It has the same operational characteristics," he said, "but it is safer for the people who have to handle it. It's secure, so that one of these weapons does not end up in the wrong place, used in the wrong way. And it is reliable, which draws down the number of platforms I need and the number of weapons we have to deliver."
The general then addressed members' concerns about China's January anti-satellite test, which destroyed a Chinese satellite orbiting in the upper area of the low earth orbit belt, an estimated altitude of 530 miles.
Cartwright said debris from the destroyed satellite could interfere with commercial and government satellites and other space equipment orbiting in the same region.
"We're going to have to move to avoid this debris when it occurs; that is an impact on us," he said. "We're reactive in this; we're going to have to change our posture to (predict) where this debris is going to be."
Cartwright said such experiments are not unprecedented, referring to similar tests the U.S. and Soviet Union conducted during the Cold War, in which meddlesome debris took more than 20 years to disintegrate.
On the defensive side of the new triad, Cartwright said, the missile defense system has had success over the past year in forging the relationship between Strategic Command and the Missile Defense Agency.
"The test programs have moved to a much more successful footing," he said. "Technically, because Missile Defense Agency has done a great job, (and) operationally, because we have integrated the warfighter into the test program."
Cartwright said the system and its operators' readiness and capability were tested July 4, when North Korea launched several missiles.
"We stayed in an operational configuration for an extended period of time," he said. "The system worked well; we learned a lot. The system can be moved to an operational configuration any time."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
Commander Expresses Optimism About Pacific Region Missile Defense
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – Spurred by North Korean missile testing in 2006, the United States has made significant strides this year in upgrading its missile detection in the Pacific region, the top U.S. Pacific Command official said yesterday. PACOM commander Navy Adm. William J. Fallon told the House Armed Services Committee that North Korea's testing forced the command "to really pay attention to the details of what we might do if the North Koreans, for example, were successful in actually getting (a Taepo Dong missile) to actually function as we think it was designed."
He said two failed North Korean Missile tests are encouraging, but U.S. leaders have got to assume that "sooner or later, they may figure out how to make (a missile) fly correctly."
"What we discovered was that we needed to really refocus our attention to the pieces of the chain which we would be able to detect and do something with these missiles if they threatened the U.S. today," Fallon said. "We've got to be prepared."
North Korea does not currently have a missile that can reach the U.S., Fallon said, but does have the ability to launch short- and medium-range missiles that can cover the Korean Peninsula and reach Japan.
A combination of linked sensors has been put in place to detect missiles fired from North Korea in the direction of the U.S. The first sensor is an X-band radar deployed in northwestern Japan.
Also, U.S. Navy ships equipped with the Aegis combat system, and integrated missile-guidance system, and Japanese naval ships, equipped with modified spy radar, are out in "significant" numbers in the Pacific Ocean, Fallon said.
Finally, a new sea-based X-band radar was deployed to a converted oil platform near the Aleutian Islands. This sensor is larger than the one in Japan and can detect and track missiles incoming to the U.S., Fallon said.
While the missile defense system still relies on overhead systems for the initial warning, the combination of the other sensors will pick up the missile and track it on the upside of its trajectory, Fallon said.
Ground based interceptors, as well as forward deployed newly modified standard missiles on U.S. Navy ships in the Pacific Ocean, would destroy any detected missile.
"These pieces, and the network that ties them together, are new this year. This is the first time we've actually had this system arrayed and tested, and we did it in real time during these (North Korean) missile shots in July," Fallon said.
"I think we've made a lot of progress here," he said.
Fallon was recently nominated to head U.S. Central Command, based in Florida.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – Spurred by North Korean missile testing in 2006, the United States has made significant strides this year in upgrading its missile detection in the Pacific region, the top U.S. Pacific Command official said yesterday. PACOM commander Navy Adm. William J. Fallon told the House Armed Services Committee that North Korea's testing forced the command "to really pay attention to the details of what we might do if the North Koreans, for example, were successful in actually getting (a Taepo Dong missile) to actually function as we think it was designed."
He said two failed North Korean Missile tests are encouraging, but U.S. leaders have got to assume that "sooner or later, they may figure out how to make (a missile) fly correctly."
"What we discovered was that we needed to really refocus our attention to the pieces of the chain which we would be able to detect and do something with these missiles if they threatened the U.S. today," Fallon said. "We've got to be prepared."
North Korea does not currently have a missile that can reach the U.S., Fallon said, but does have the ability to launch short- and medium-range missiles that can cover the Korean Peninsula and reach Japan.
A combination of linked sensors has been put in place to detect missiles fired from North Korea in the direction of the U.S. The first sensor is an X-band radar deployed in northwestern Japan.
Also, U.S. Navy ships equipped with the Aegis combat system, and integrated missile-guidance system, and Japanese naval ships, equipped with modified spy radar, are out in "significant" numbers in the Pacific Ocean, Fallon said.
Finally, a new sea-based X-band radar was deployed to a converted oil platform near the Aleutian Islands. This sensor is larger than the one in Japan and can detect and track missiles incoming to the U.S., Fallon said.
While the missile defense system still relies on overhead systems for the initial warning, the combination of the other sensors will pick up the missile and track it on the upside of its trajectory, Fallon said.
Ground based interceptors, as well as forward deployed newly modified standard missiles on U.S. Navy ships in the Pacific Ocean, would destroy any detected missile.
"These pieces, and the network that ties them together, are new this year. This is the first time we've actually had this system arrayed and tested, and we did it in real time during these (North Korean) missile shots in July," Fallon said.
"I think we've made a lot of progress here," he said.
Fallon was recently nominated to head U.S. Central Command, based in Florida.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
Colorado Town Welcomes Wounded Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – For the fourth consecutive year, 25 veterans wounded in the global war on terrorism will test their mettle on the slopes thanks to the Vail Veterans Program's winter sports clinic that kicked off here yesterday. "We're really a stepping stone in their recovery. This is therapeutic for them to be here," Cheryl Jensen, director of the Vail Veterans Program said during a kick-off dinner here yesterday. "By the time they leave here, they're totally comfortable with themselves or have confidence that they never had.
"They grow emotionally and physically while they're here in a matter of four days," she added.
Army Maj. Dave Rozelle, administrator for Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Amputee Care Center, knows how true this is. He lost part of his right foot while serving in Iraq in 2003. He told the group that skiing had made him feel free and independent after his injury.
"I felt like an angel coming down that mountain," he said. "I hope you all find the same freedom I did."
Rozelle served a second tour in Iraq after being injured.
The Vail Veterans Program can offers this weekend to the servicemembers thanks, in part, to the generosity of this community, Jensen said. Lodging for the troops and the majority of the airfare to get them to the slopes here was donated. The story is the same for equipment rental, lift tickets, instruction for the veterans and their guests. Most meals, including a special meal on the final evening prepared by the local firefighters, are gratis, as well.
For five of the veterans, this winter sports clinic is old hat, and they'll serve as mentors, Jensen said. The other 20 servicemembers are patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, and this is the first major trip away from the facility for most of them.
Throughout the program, which concludes March 11, the wounded warriors receive private instruction in a number of snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding. To accommodate their injuries, which include missing limbs, the instructors help them learn to use adaptive equipment, Jensen said.
While the veterans are acquiring or polishing their skills, their guests participate in group lessons. While Willow Fesmire's husband, former Marine Sgt. Christopher Fesmire, who has gone through the program three times, works with the first-timers, she'll polish her snowboarding skills.
"(I'm) very excited," she said about her first experience with the program.
Sgt. Fesmire, an avid snowboarder before his injury, was medically retired from the 1st Marine Division after losing both legs above the knee in Qaim, Iraq, in October 2004.
First organized in 2004 as a one-time event, the Vail Veterans Program has earned nonprofit status and doubled the number of veterans it invited the first year. Still, it remains small enough to provide the veterans one-on-one attention, and that's what attracted the support of this year's title sponsor, the Wounded Warrior Project. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin, an aerospace manufacturer, also is sponsoring this year's event.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
"It's a small-enough group to where everybody can know everybody and support one another," Bruce Nitsche, executive vice president of the Wounded Warrior Project, said. "I think it's more like being with your family, and I think when it's really a community-based program ... the level of caring comes through easier."
Nitsche added that his organization has signed on to sponsor two summer sports clinics the Vail Veterans Program will offer this year. The first summer clinic was held in 2006.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – For the fourth consecutive year, 25 veterans wounded in the global war on terrorism will test their mettle on the slopes thanks to the Vail Veterans Program's winter sports clinic that kicked off here yesterday. "We're really a stepping stone in their recovery. This is therapeutic for them to be here," Cheryl Jensen, director of the Vail Veterans Program said during a kick-off dinner here yesterday. "By the time they leave here, they're totally comfortable with themselves or have confidence that they never had.
"They grow emotionally and physically while they're here in a matter of four days," she added.
Army Maj. Dave Rozelle, administrator for Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Amputee Care Center, knows how true this is. He lost part of his right foot while serving in Iraq in 2003. He told the group that skiing had made him feel free and independent after his injury.
"I felt like an angel coming down that mountain," he said. "I hope you all find the same freedom I did."
Rozelle served a second tour in Iraq after being injured.
The Vail Veterans Program can offers this weekend to the servicemembers thanks, in part, to the generosity of this community, Jensen said. Lodging for the troops and the majority of the airfare to get them to the slopes here was donated. The story is the same for equipment rental, lift tickets, instruction for the veterans and their guests. Most meals, including a special meal on the final evening prepared by the local firefighters, are gratis, as well.
For five of the veterans, this winter sports clinic is old hat, and they'll serve as mentors, Jensen said. The other 20 servicemembers are patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, and this is the first major trip away from the facility for most of them.
Throughout the program, which concludes March 11, the wounded warriors receive private instruction in a number of snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding. To accommodate their injuries, which include missing limbs, the instructors help them learn to use adaptive equipment, Jensen said.
While the veterans are acquiring or polishing their skills, their guests participate in group lessons. While Willow Fesmire's husband, former Marine Sgt. Christopher Fesmire, who has gone through the program three times, works with the first-timers, she'll polish her snowboarding skills.
"(I'm) very excited," she said about her first experience with the program.
Sgt. Fesmire, an avid snowboarder before his injury, was medically retired from the 1st Marine Division after losing both legs above the knee in Qaim, Iraq, in October 2004.
First organized in 2004 as a one-time event, the Vail Veterans Program has earned nonprofit status and doubled the number of veterans it invited the first year. Still, it remains small enough to provide the veterans one-on-one attention, and that's what attracted the support of this year's title sponsor, the Wounded Warrior Project. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin, an aerospace manufacturer, also is sponsoring this year's event.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
"It's a small-enough group to where everybody can know everybody and support one another," Bruce Nitsche, executive vice president of the Wounded Warrior Project, said. "I think it's more like being with your family, and I think when it's really a community-based program ... the level of caring comes through easier."
Nitsche added that his organization has signed on to sponsor two summer sports clinics the Vail Veterans Program will offer this year. The first summer clinic was held in 2006.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
Armed Services YMCA Honors Military Medics, Corpsmen
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – The Armed Services YMCA paid tribute to military medics and corpsmen here last night during its first Angels of the Battlefield awards dinner. The gala event singled out the contributions of military men and women who administer lifesaving medical treatment to U.S. troops on the front lines. Army medics and Navy corpsmen serve all branches of the military, including the reserves and National Guard.
"We cannot match the ultimate gift of hope that medics and corpsmen give to the wounded and their families," Eugene E. Habiger, chairman of the Armed Services YMCA, said. "Their brave and honorable service saves lives and allows families to be reunited. Their contributions are tremendous, and tonight we salute them."
Marine Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, was the keynote speaker at last night's event. Because of the efforts of medics and corpsmen, 75 percent of wounded troops return to duty, he told the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen that's a figure that has never been heard of before," he said. "It's just an absolutely incredible tribute to our medics and corpsmen."
Conway said medics and corpsmen exhibit a great deal of courage while performing their job. Instead of taking cover during a firefight, they enter the chaotic scene to aid those in need, he said.
"An incredible amount of heroism contributes in its entirety to the whole idea of those percentages I talked about," he said. "If you ask them about it, they say, 'It just goes with the job.'"
Habiger noted that one reason medics and corpsmen do their job so well is because of their outstanding training. "Training is the finest weapon in their arsenal," he said. "Thanks to their knowledge and training, these brave men and women are able to save lives of our wounded servicemembers."
Habiger also made the point that military medical personnel have a stellar record of treating journalists and other civilians injured on the battlefield. One such journalist is CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier, who was seriously wounded in Iraq in May 2006. She was on hand at the awards ceremony to thank Army medics for saving her life.
"It is because of Army medics that I'm able to stand here today and speak to you," she said.
Dozier and her crew were struck by a car bomb while reporting a story in Baghdad about American soldiers working with Iraqi security forces. Cameraman Paul Douglas, soundman James Brolan, a U.S. Army captain and an Iraqi translator were killed by the blast.
Spc. Izzy Flores, an Army medic, was one the first on the scene to treat Dozier and the other victims. "Izzy Flores and the soldiers who came to our aid did everything they could to keep us alive," Dozier said. "They saved three of us who should have been on the other side of death's door."
Dozier also thanked the medical personnel at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., where she received long-term medical care. "They helped me keep my sanity and preserve my dignity," she said. "To all of them, thank you."
Flores, now assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, earned a Bronze Star for his actions that day.
"It was like going into robot mode," Flores told American Forces Press Service. "You do everything you're trained to do in a situation like that. My main concern was just to get everybody out of harm's way and fix them up."
The Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit national affiliate of the YMCA of the USA. It is the leading provider of social and support services to members of the U.S. military and their families.
The organization is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that highlights the way American individuals, groups and corporations are supporting the nation's men and women in uniform.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – The Armed Services YMCA paid tribute to military medics and corpsmen here last night during its first Angels of the Battlefield awards dinner. The gala event singled out the contributions of military men and women who administer lifesaving medical treatment to U.S. troops on the front lines. Army medics and Navy corpsmen serve all branches of the military, including the reserves and National Guard.
"We cannot match the ultimate gift of hope that medics and corpsmen give to the wounded and their families," Eugene E. Habiger, chairman of the Armed Services YMCA, said. "Their brave and honorable service saves lives and allows families to be reunited. Their contributions are tremendous, and tonight we salute them."
Marine Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, was the keynote speaker at last night's event. Because of the efforts of medics and corpsmen, 75 percent of wounded troops return to duty, he told the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen that's a figure that has never been heard of before," he said. "It's just an absolutely incredible tribute to our medics and corpsmen."
Conway said medics and corpsmen exhibit a great deal of courage while performing their job. Instead of taking cover during a firefight, they enter the chaotic scene to aid those in need, he said.
"An incredible amount of heroism contributes in its entirety to the whole idea of those percentages I talked about," he said. "If you ask them about it, they say, 'It just goes with the job.'"
Habiger noted that one reason medics and corpsmen do their job so well is because of their outstanding training. "Training is the finest weapon in their arsenal," he said. "Thanks to their knowledge and training, these brave men and women are able to save lives of our wounded servicemembers."
Habiger also made the point that military medical personnel have a stellar record of treating journalists and other civilians injured on the battlefield. One such journalist is CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier, who was seriously wounded in Iraq in May 2006. She was on hand at the awards ceremony to thank Army medics for saving her life.
"It is because of Army medics that I'm able to stand here today and speak to you," she said.
Dozier and her crew were struck by a car bomb while reporting a story in Baghdad about American soldiers working with Iraqi security forces. Cameraman Paul Douglas, soundman James Brolan, a U.S. Army captain and an Iraqi translator were killed by the blast.
Spc. Izzy Flores, an Army medic, was one the first on the scene to treat Dozier and the other victims. "Izzy Flores and the soldiers who came to our aid did everything they could to keep us alive," Dozier said. "They saved three of us who should have been on the other side of death's door."
Dozier also thanked the medical personnel at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., where she received long-term medical care. "They helped me keep my sanity and preserve my dignity," she said. "To all of them, thank you."
Flores, now assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, earned a Bronze Star for his actions that day.
"It was like going into robot mode," Flores told American Forces Press Service. "You do everything you're trained to do in a situation like that. My main concern was just to get everybody out of harm's way and fix them up."
The Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit national affiliate of the YMCA of the USA. It is the leading provider of social and support services to members of the U.S. military and their families.
The organization is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that highlights the way American individuals, groups and corporations are supporting the nation's men and women in uniform.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
DoD, State Department Criticize Red Cross Law of War Study
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – The top lawyers in the State Department and DoD have sent a letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross criticizing the methodology authors used in compiling a study that purports to be a definitive explanation of the laws of war. The letter, signed by John B. Bellinger III, the legal adviser for the State Department, and William J. Haynes II, DoD's general counsel, says the books, titled "Customary International Humanitarian Law," - while noble - are flawed in execution.
Jean-Marie Henckaerts and Eric Mongelard, members of the ICRC's legal division, authored the study. Their 10-year effort produced three volumes, which together are about a foot thick.
"We recognize that a significant number of the rules set forth in the study are applicable in international armed conflict because they have achieved universal status," Bellinger and Haynes wrote in their letter. "Nonetheless, it is important to make clear -- both to you and to the greater international community -- that, based upon our review thus far, we are concerned about the methodology used to ascertain rules and about whether the authors have proffered sufficient facts and evidence to support those rules."
The study is an ICRC attempt to define "customary international humanitarian law." Even this term is somewhat contentious, officials said. In the letter to the ICRC, the U.S. officials state that the preferred term for this body of law is "the law of war" or "the law of armed conflict."
The ICRC tried to pull together the practices of all nations with respect to the law of war and compile rules that the ICRC concludes reflect customary international law binding on nations, said Charles A. Allen, DoD's deputy general counsel for international affairs.
"In doing so, however, they approached it in a way that was problematic, and we think, in terms of process and approach, they did some things wrong, as explained by Mr. Haynes and Mr. Bellinger, that call into question the validity of many of the rules articulated," Allen said.
The United States is the first country to comment officially on the ICRC work, and many countries have looked to the United States for its take on the study, DoD officials said. "We have always had a leadership role in respecting and implementing the law of war," said W. Hays Parks, DoD's premier expert on the law of war and the chairman of the DoD Law of War Working Group.
The main problem with the study is what appears to be a lack of rigor and discrimination in assessing information that was gathered, Parks said. He likened the methods the authors used to performing an Internet search and then not assessing the results for applicability or accuracy. The authors took information from many sources without judging whether it accurately mirrored that state's practice. For example, Parks said, one source the authors cited was a study prepared by an Air Force judge advocate for a class he was teaching. That study certainly was not official U.S. government policy, he said.
The study also fails to take into consideration what a country does, rather than what its officials say the country does. How military forces operate on the ground and how they put the law of war in practice are certainly more important than a "pie in the sky" government statement that does not reflect actual practices, Allen said.
The authors also seemed to give equal weight to statements of all countries. The statements by a country that hasn't been in a war in a century is given the same weight as those of countries that have participated in armed conflicts through the 20th century, Parks said. U.S. officials believe the authors should have given the positions of countries with experience in the law of war on the field of battle more weight than those whose armed forces haven't been involved in armed conflict, he said.
The U.S. letter detailed only four of the 161 rules the study published. "But there are problems with many others," Parks said, "and we anticipate further work to identify the more serious additional shortcomings of the study."
Although U.S. officials have issues with the report's methodology and conclusions, they applaud the commission's effort. "The law of war is extremely important and deserves our utmost attention in clarifying it and to ensure all of our forces understand their responsibilities for complying with it," Allen said. "The United States scrupulously adheres to the law of war, and DoD policies are clear that the law of war is to be adhered to in all DoD operations."
It is in part because of the importance of the law of war that the United States sees the need to bring to light the significant concerns the officials have with this study, he added.
"We work constantly with the ICRC in this and many other areas," Allen said. "We look forward to continuing that work in the future."
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – The top lawyers in the State Department and DoD have sent a letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross criticizing the methodology authors used in compiling a study that purports to be a definitive explanation of the laws of war. The letter, signed by John B. Bellinger III, the legal adviser for the State Department, and William J. Haynes II, DoD's general counsel, says the books, titled "Customary International Humanitarian Law," - while noble - are flawed in execution.
Jean-Marie Henckaerts and Eric Mongelard, members of the ICRC's legal division, authored the study. Their 10-year effort produced three volumes, which together are about a foot thick.
"We recognize that a significant number of the rules set forth in the study are applicable in international armed conflict because they have achieved universal status," Bellinger and Haynes wrote in their letter. "Nonetheless, it is important to make clear -- both to you and to the greater international community -- that, based upon our review thus far, we are concerned about the methodology used to ascertain rules and about whether the authors have proffered sufficient facts and evidence to support those rules."
The study is an ICRC attempt to define "customary international humanitarian law." Even this term is somewhat contentious, officials said. In the letter to the ICRC, the U.S. officials state that the preferred term for this body of law is "the law of war" or "the law of armed conflict."
The ICRC tried to pull together the practices of all nations with respect to the law of war and compile rules that the ICRC concludes reflect customary international law binding on nations, said Charles A. Allen, DoD's deputy general counsel for international affairs.
"In doing so, however, they approached it in a way that was problematic, and we think, in terms of process and approach, they did some things wrong, as explained by Mr. Haynes and Mr. Bellinger, that call into question the validity of many of the rules articulated," Allen said.
The United States is the first country to comment officially on the ICRC work, and many countries have looked to the United States for its take on the study, DoD officials said. "We have always had a leadership role in respecting and implementing the law of war," said W. Hays Parks, DoD's premier expert on the law of war and the chairman of the DoD Law of War Working Group.
The main problem with the study is what appears to be a lack of rigor and discrimination in assessing information that was gathered, Parks said. He likened the methods the authors used to performing an Internet search and then not assessing the results for applicability or accuracy. The authors took information from many sources without judging whether it accurately mirrored that state's practice. For example, Parks said, one source the authors cited was a study prepared by an Air Force judge advocate for a class he was teaching. That study certainly was not official U.S. government policy, he said.
The study also fails to take into consideration what a country does, rather than what its officials say the country does. How military forces operate on the ground and how they put the law of war in practice are certainly more important than a "pie in the sky" government statement that does not reflect actual practices, Allen said.
The authors also seemed to give equal weight to statements of all countries. The statements by a country that hasn't been in a war in a century is given the same weight as those of countries that have participated in armed conflicts through the 20th century, Parks said. U.S. officials believe the authors should have given the positions of countries with experience in the law of war on the field of battle more weight than those whose armed forces haven't been involved in armed conflict, he said.
The U.S. letter detailed only four of the 161 rules the study published. "But there are problems with many others," Parks said, "and we anticipate further work to identify the more serious additional shortcomings of the study."
Although U.S. officials have issues with the report's methodology and conclusions, they applaud the commission's effort. "The law of war is extremely important and deserves our utmost attention in clarifying it and to ensure all of our forces understand their responsibilities for complying with it," Allen said. "The United States scrupulously adheres to the law of war, and DoD policies are clear that the law of war is to be adhered to in all DoD operations."
It is in part because of the importance of the law of war that the United States sees the need to bring to light the significant concerns the officials have with this study, he added.
"We work constantly with the ICRC in this and many other areas," Allen said. "We look forward to continuing that work in the future."
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
Officials Concerned That Walter Reed Problems Could Damage Staff Morale
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – Top DoD and Army officials are concerned that recent widely publicized problems in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here might overshadow the quality of inpatient care and lower staff morale. It is critical that the military community remain confident in the military health system, Assistant Defense Secretary for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., told members of the House Armed Services Committee today.
"I believe that it's very important at this time that we maintain the morale of our medical professionals, of all those who serve our warriors," Winkenwerder said.
"We need to maintain the confidence of our entire military in the military health system. It's critically important," he said. "People should not question, should not lose their confidence in the care that they are going to received."
Walter Reed employs about 600 full-time physicians, about 600 military and civilian registered nurses, and 550 licensed practical nurses and other para-professionals, according to the center's Web site. It is the Army's largest medical facility and one of the largest in DoD.
The Army's top officer expressed concerns that the widely reported images of substandard housing and administrative at the center paint a broad picture of poor care across the branch.
"Every day there are thousands of very dedicated medical professionals that are tending to our soldiers and their families," said Army Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, Army chief of staff.
"I really am concerned that we paint broadly across this entire professional community things that have been reported and fail to recognized that there are real heroes on the battlefield and everywhere else in the medical community that every day are working against great odds, great obstacles, great bureaucracy to tend to our soldiers and their families," he said. "I am very, very proud of these people."
The Army's top medical officer said soldiers don't go to war on the battlefield without combat medics.
"It is said a soldier won't attack an objective out of the sight of a medic. Our '68 Whiskey' medics are the best in the history of our Army," said Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, Army surgeon general.
"Care for soldiers on the battlefield is second to none," he said.
Kiley conceded that the center needs to fix problems with the outpatient managing of soldiers, their quality of life and the disability system, but said that no one has complained about the quality of medical care they have received at the top medical facility in the Army.
Dr. David S. C. Chu, defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, said the high standards of the military's medical services are evident in their historic successes during this war.
"We have the lowest disease and non-battle injury rate in the history of the republic and the highest rate of survival from wounds the American military has ever sustained," he said.
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – Top DoD and Army officials are concerned that recent widely publicized problems in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here might overshadow the quality of inpatient care and lower staff morale. It is critical that the military community remain confident in the military health system, Assistant Defense Secretary for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., told members of the House Armed Services Committee today.
"I believe that it's very important at this time that we maintain the morale of our medical professionals, of all those who serve our warriors," Winkenwerder said.
"We need to maintain the confidence of our entire military in the military health system. It's critically important," he said. "People should not question, should not lose their confidence in the care that they are going to received."
Walter Reed employs about 600 full-time physicians, about 600 military and civilian registered nurses, and 550 licensed practical nurses and other para-professionals, according to the center's Web site. It is the Army's largest medical facility and one of the largest in DoD.
The Army's top officer expressed concerns that the widely reported images of substandard housing and administrative at the center paint a broad picture of poor care across the branch.
"Every day there are thousands of very dedicated medical professionals that are tending to our soldiers and their families," said Army Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, Army chief of staff.
"I really am concerned that we paint broadly across this entire professional community things that have been reported and fail to recognized that there are real heroes on the battlefield and everywhere else in the medical community that every day are working against great odds, great obstacles, great bureaucracy to tend to our soldiers and their families," he said. "I am very, very proud of these people."
The Army's top medical officer said soldiers don't go to war on the battlefield without combat medics.
"It is said a soldier won't attack an objective out of the sight of a medic. Our '68 Whiskey' medics are the best in the history of our Army," said Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, Army surgeon general.
"Care for soldiers on the battlefield is second to none," he said.
Kiley conceded that the center needs to fix problems with the outpatient managing of soldiers, their quality of life and the disability system, but said that no one has complained about the quality of medical care they have received at the top medical facility in the Army.
Dr. David S. C. Chu, defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, said the high standards of the military's medical services are evident in their historic successes during this war.
"We have the lowest disease and non-battle injury rate in the history of the republic and the highest rate of survival from wounds the American military has ever sustained," he said.
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Disability Evaluation System Needs 'Top-Down' Overhaul, Officials Say
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – One of the Defense Department's top officials said today he is not surprised that servicemembers get different disability ratings from each of the services, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. They are three different systems governed by their own sets of laws and rate disabilities using scales unique to each department, said Dr. David S. C. Chu, the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness.
Each system has "fundamentally different approaches to the basis on which you should rate the individual. It is, therefore, not surprising that they reach different answers," Chu said.
"From the individual's perspective, this is surely complex ... and frustrating in its character," he said.
Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee today, Chu expressed confidence that, with legislative support, the system could be fixed.
DoD currently is revising its disability evaluation system. Each service manages its own evaluation process within the framework of the DoD system.
The Assistant Defense Secretary for health affairs, Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., said servicemembers deserve fair, consistent and timely determinations.
"Complex procedures should be streamlined or removed. The system must not be adversarial, and people should not have to go through a maze or prove themselves to get the benefits they deserve," Winkenwerder said.
He said now is the time to question the system and make changes needed for servicemembers and their families.
"It's turning back to the bureaucracy and saying, 'Why can't we do it this way,'" Winkenwerder said. "If it's not meeting the needs of the customer, it's not getting the job done".
The Army's top officer said that now is the time for a "top-down" overhaul.
"There is an opportunity here that I hope we take. That is to fix things comprehensively," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker said.
"This isn't about painting things and dealing with mildew and fixing some administrative processes," he said.
About 900 active-duty soldiers are in medical holding units around the Army, said Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley. About 3,200 reserve-component soldiers are in a holdover status, including about 1,800 who have returned home and use local hospital systems to complete their care.
In fiscal 2006, service eligibility board caseloads were 13,162 for the Army, 5,684 for the navy services, and 4,139 for the Air Force. In 2001, the numbers were: 7,218 for the Army, 4,999 for the naval services and 2,816 in the Air Force.
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – One of the Defense Department's top officials said today he is not surprised that servicemembers get different disability ratings from each of the services, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. They are three different systems governed by their own sets of laws and rate disabilities using scales unique to each department, said Dr. David S. C. Chu, the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness.
Each system has "fundamentally different approaches to the basis on which you should rate the individual. It is, therefore, not surprising that they reach different answers," Chu said.
"From the individual's perspective, this is surely complex ... and frustrating in its character," he said.
Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee today, Chu expressed confidence that, with legislative support, the system could be fixed.
DoD currently is revising its disability evaluation system. Each service manages its own evaluation process within the framework of the DoD system.
The Assistant Defense Secretary for health affairs, Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., said servicemembers deserve fair, consistent and timely determinations.
"Complex procedures should be streamlined or removed. The system must not be adversarial, and people should not have to go through a maze or prove themselves to get the benefits they deserve," Winkenwerder said.
He said now is the time to question the system and make changes needed for servicemembers and their families.
"It's turning back to the bureaucracy and saying, 'Why can't we do it this way,'" Winkenwerder said. "If it's not meeting the needs of the customer, it's not getting the job done".
The Army's top officer said that now is the time for a "top-down" overhaul.
"There is an opportunity here that I hope we take. That is to fix things comprehensively," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker said.
"This isn't about painting things and dealing with mildew and fixing some administrative processes," he said.
About 900 active-duty soldiers are in medical holding units around the Army, said Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley. About 3,200 reserve-component soldiers are in a holdover status, including about 1,800 who have returned home and use local hospital systems to complete their care.
In fiscal 2006, service eligibility board caseloads were 13,162 for the Army, 5,684 for the navy services, and 4,139 for the Air Force. In 2001, the numbers were: 7,218 for the Army, 4,999 for the naval services and 2,816 in the Air Force.
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
China Not Strategic Adversary of U.S., Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – China is not a strategic adversary of the United States, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a news roundtable yesterday. "I do not see China at this point as a strategic adversary of the United States," Gates said. "It's a partner in some respects. It's a competitor in other respects. And so we are simply watching to see what they're doing."
Chinese government officials announced last week that the Chinese military budget would increase 17 percent. This would be the 19th year of double-digit growth in defense spending, DoD officials said. China will budget roughly $45 billion for defense.
However, the real size of the Chinese budget could be twice as much, a defense official said today on background. The nature of the regime is such that defense spending could be hidden, and this lack of transparency is a hindrance to better Sino-American relations, the official said.
"I think that greater transparency would help from the standpoint of the Chinese in terms of both what they're doing and what their strategies are, their intent in modernizing their forces. A greater openness about the purposes (would help)," Gates said during the roundtable. "My guess is that what they've announced does not represent their entire military budget. ... I think one of the most significant things they could do to provide reassurance to people is greater openness or transparency about what they're doing."
The increase alone doesn't worry Gates, as the money will buy more capability, but does not reveal the country's intentions. China is building its capabilities and, over the past 20 years, has moved forward on modernizing and streamlining the Peoples' Liberation Army and its rocket forces. The country also recently conducted a successful anti-satellite missile test.
In addition, the Chinese have invested in more and quieter submarines, state-of-the-art fighter/bombers and better communications and computer equipment for command and control purposes, DoD officials said.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace agreed that the Chinese have built capabilities, but tried to provide context on whether China is a threat to the United States. "A threat has two fundamental parts to it: One is capacity, and two is intent," Pace said. "When you see the global capacity growing in any area, we need to make sure that the United States military's capable of handling any threat that might develop, without regard to current intent.
"This is why in the budget, ... there's not only the money for continuing the global war on terror, but also ensuring that we have the Air Force we need, the Navy we need and all the things that we need for conventional battle, so that our potential adversaries don't miscalculate our capacities," he added.
Pace said the United States doesn't develop capacities aimed at any one country.
"We look at the types of capacities that are coming on line, regardless of country," the general said. "We assure ourselves that we can deal with that capacity and that we have overmatching capacity for that. And where we don't, ... we ask in the budget for the funding to be able to address that gap."
Pace said in Indonesia in February that it was important to keep engaging China.
"Trade between the United States and China has grown exponentially in the last several years; that is good," he said during a news conference in Jakarta on Feb. 13. "I think the more nations trade with each other and become dependent on each other, the less likely they are going to find their way into some kind of a conflict."
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – China is not a strategic adversary of the United States, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a news roundtable yesterday. "I do not see China at this point as a strategic adversary of the United States," Gates said. "It's a partner in some respects. It's a competitor in other respects. And so we are simply watching to see what they're doing."
Chinese government officials announced last week that the Chinese military budget would increase 17 percent. This would be the 19th year of double-digit growth in defense spending, DoD officials said. China will budget roughly $45 billion for defense.
However, the real size of the Chinese budget could be twice as much, a defense official said today on background. The nature of the regime is such that defense spending could be hidden, and this lack of transparency is a hindrance to better Sino-American relations, the official said.
"I think that greater transparency would help from the standpoint of the Chinese in terms of both what they're doing and what their strategies are, their intent in modernizing their forces. A greater openness about the purposes (would help)," Gates said during the roundtable. "My guess is that what they've announced does not represent their entire military budget. ... I think one of the most significant things they could do to provide reassurance to people is greater openness or transparency about what they're doing."
The increase alone doesn't worry Gates, as the money will buy more capability, but does not reveal the country's intentions. China is building its capabilities and, over the past 20 years, has moved forward on modernizing and streamlining the Peoples' Liberation Army and its rocket forces. The country also recently conducted a successful anti-satellite missile test.
In addition, the Chinese have invested in more and quieter submarines, state-of-the-art fighter/bombers and better communications and computer equipment for command and control purposes, DoD officials said.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace agreed that the Chinese have built capabilities, but tried to provide context on whether China is a threat to the United States. "A threat has two fundamental parts to it: One is capacity, and two is intent," Pace said. "When you see the global capacity growing in any area, we need to make sure that the United States military's capable of handling any threat that might develop, without regard to current intent.
"This is why in the budget, ... there's not only the money for continuing the global war on terror, but also ensuring that we have the Air Force we need, the Navy we need and all the things that we need for conventional battle, so that our potential adversaries don't miscalculate our capacities," he added.
Pace said the United States doesn't develop capacities aimed at any one country.
"We look at the types of capacities that are coming on line, regardless of country," the general said. "We assure ourselves that we can deal with that capacity and that we have overmatching capacity for that. And where we don't, ... we ask in the budget for the funding to be able to address that gap."
Pace said in Indonesia in February that it was important to keep engaging China.
"Trade between the United States and China has grown exponentially in the last several years; that is good," he said during a news conference in Jakarta on Feb. 13. "I think the more nations trade with each other and become dependent on each other, the less likely they are going to find their way into some kind of a conflict."
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
Top Commander in Korea Wants to End One-Year Tours
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 7, 2007 – The top U.S. commander in Korea today said he wants to end one-year tours there and replace them with standard three-year tours, enabling more family members to move to the region. U.S. and Republic of Korea forces have reached a transformation and re-stationing agreement that will move troops away from the northern, more hostile combat zones to two safer "hubs" south of Seoul, Army Gen. Burwell B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea told members of the House Armed Services Committee.
"It's time to end our one-year, war-zone rotational tours, which needlessly add to our high worldwide operational tempo, while handicapping our engagement opportunities with our longtime Korean ally," Bell said. "I'm advocating three-year, normal family-accompanied tours for our small force in Korea. It is absolutely the right thing to do."
Under the plan, the combined forces will transition command and control of the Korean military to Korean leaders by 2012, Bell said. The Republic of Korea has agreed to fund most of the costs associated with moving the troops, and the move will allow U.S. officials to focus on improving living and working conditions there, Bell said.
Bell said that only two percent, or 30,000, of active-duty servicemembers are stationed in Korea. More than 60 percent are married, he said.
Currently about 5,000 family members are stationed in Korea. Only about 3,000 are authorized, Bell said. Family members are sometimes allowed to move there at their own expense and can use military facilities on a space-available basis.
The change will allow a cultural exchange between the families of the two countries, Bell said. He added that he'd like to see Korea become an assignment "where families engage culturally and in partnership. On the weekends they get to know each other and make life-long friends."
"The ability to build the alliance one family at a time is all lost because my servicemembers are sitting in the barracks lonely because they are missing their family," he said.
While he remains cautious of North Korea's long-term military objectives, Bell said that there is less of a threat now, and the Republic of Korea army is a capable, competent force.
"The Republic of Korea military is extremely competent. They are a modern nation with a modern military, modern battle-command capabilities and very good equipment," Bell said.
"Our air and naval forces, in conjunction with the Republic of Korea army are much more than a match for the North Korean army," Bell said.
The transformation will result in a new independent and supporting U.S. joint command. The U.S. will maintain clear command over all American forces, Bell said.
After commanding troops there for the past year, Bell gave high praise for the relationship between U.S. and Korean forces.
"The Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance is enduring and continues to function as a pillar of national security and regional security in that area of the world," he said.
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
American Forces Press Service
March 7, 2007 – The top U.S. commander in Korea today said he wants to end one-year tours there and replace them with standard three-year tours, enabling more family members to move to the region. U.S. and Republic of Korea forces have reached a transformation and re-stationing agreement that will move troops away from the northern, more hostile combat zones to two safer "hubs" south of Seoul, Army Gen. Burwell B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea told members of the House Armed Services Committee.
"It's time to end our one-year, war-zone rotational tours, which needlessly add to our high worldwide operational tempo, while handicapping our engagement opportunities with our longtime Korean ally," Bell said. "I'm advocating three-year, normal family-accompanied tours for our small force in Korea. It is absolutely the right thing to do."
Under the plan, the combined forces will transition command and control of the Korean military to Korean leaders by 2012, Bell said. The Republic of Korea has agreed to fund most of the costs associated with moving the troops, and the move will allow U.S. officials to focus on improving living and working conditions there, Bell said.
Bell said that only two percent, or 30,000, of active-duty servicemembers are stationed in Korea. More than 60 percent are married, he said.
Currently about 5,000 family members are stationed in Korea. Only about 3,000 are authorized, Bell said. Family members are sometimes allowed to move there at their own expense and can use military facilities on a space-available basis.
The change will allow a cultural exchange between the families of the two countries, Bell said. He added that he'd like to see Korea become an assignment "where families engage culturally and in partnership. On the weekends they get to know each other and make life-long friends."
"The ability to build the alliance one family at a time is all lost because my servicemembers are sitting in the barracks lonely because they are missing their family," he said.
While he remains cautious of North Korea's long-term military objectives, Bell said that there is less of a threat now, and the Republic of Korea army is a capable, competent force.
"The Republic of Korea military is extremely competent. They are a modern nation with a modern military, modern battle-command capabilities and very good equipment," Bell said.
"Our air and naval forces, in conjunction with the Republic of Korea army are much more than a match for the North Korean army," Bell said.
The transformation will result in a new independent and supporting U.S. joint command. The U.S. will maintain clear command over all American forces, Bell said.
After commanding troops there for the past year, Bell gave high praise for the relationship between U.S. and Korean forces.
"The Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance is enduring and continues to function as a pillar of national security and regional security in that area of the world," he said.
Police and military personnel who have authored books along with criminal justice online leadership sponsored this article.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Wrestlers Offers Free Tickets to Troops
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Servicemembers can take advantage of the generosity of professional wrestlers by getting free admittance into World Wrestling Entertainment events worldwide. Members of the military can receive a free ticket to WWE events, based on availability and excluding WrestleMania events, when they provide valid identification to the box office on performance day.
"As a company, we feel that if it wasn't for troops laying their lives on the line we couldn't do what we do every day here in the states," said Sue Aitchison, senior manager for community relations.
WWE became a corporate partner with the Defense Department's America Supports You program in May 2005. America Supports You connects the nation's support of the troops directly to servicemembers and their families.
World Wrestling Entertainment has been a long-time supporter of the armed forces by visiting the wounded in military hospitals overseas and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md.
For the past three years, WWE superstars have traveled to Iraq to tape a televised holiday special that was broadcast to Americans and troops around the globe. They also have sent millions of dollars worth of T-shirts, videos, promotional items, magazines and compact discs to military personnel operating on the front lines.
"It is our philosophy that it doesn't matter what one's political preference is; we have to support these guys," Aitchison said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Servicemembers can take advantage of the generosity of professional wrestlers by getting free admittance into World Wrestling Entertainment events worldwide. Members of the military can receive a free ticket to WWE events, based on availability and excluding WrestleMania events, when they provide valid identification to the box office on performance day.
"As a company, we feel that if it wasn't for troops laying their lives on the line we couldn't do what we do every day here in the states," said Sue Aitchison, senior manager for community relations.
WWE became a corporate partner with the Defense Department's America Supports You program in May 2005. America Supports You connects the nation's support of the troops directly to servicemembers and their families.
World Wrestling Entertainment has been a long-time supporter of the armed forces by visiting the wounded in military hospitals overseas and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md.
For the past three years, WWE superstars have traveled to Iraq to tape a televised holiday special that was broadcast to Americans and troops around the globe. They also have sent millions of dollars worth of T-shirts, videos, promotional items, magazines and compact discs to military personnel operating on the front lines.
"It is our philosophy that it doesn't matter what one's political preference is; we have to support these guys," Aitchison said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
European Command Deputy Strengthens Partnerships in East Africa
By Tech. Sgt. Devin L. Fisher, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – A week-long visit by the deputy commander of U.S. European Command to five East African nations focused on fostering relationships and improving bilateral military engagements in the region. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward returned March 3 from a trip that included meeting with Ethiopian and African Union officials, as well as addressing the Africa Center for Strategic Studies' Senior Leaders Seminar, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He also met with senior leaders in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
U.S. European Command has responsibility for U.S. operations in most areas of Africa.
Ward reinforced the importance of fostering partnerships as he presented the Senior Leaders Seminar attendees with a brief look at the current security environment, followed by a top-down approach to U.S. engagement in Africa. He also provided an overview of the recently announced U.S. Africa Command, designed to focus the Department of Defense, Department of State and other U.S. government institutions in cooperating with African partners to achieve a more stable and secure environment for Africa.
Ward visited key leaders in the four other East African nations to get perspectives on issues affecting bilateral military engagements in the region. The nations "play an active role in maintaining security and stability in the region," Ward said. "We support these nations' contributions to the cause of peace in the region."
Ward met with the presidents, ministers of defense, chiefs of defense and U.S. ambassadors in all four nations.
The general's visit in Uganda included a tour of the Kasenyi Training Site. He also toured Rwanda's Gako Training Academy, where the country's forces train for peacekeeping missions in Sudan.
In addition, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Gisozi Genocide Memorial that acknowledges the loss of the Rwandan people during the 1994 genocide.
"We came to pay our respects to all those who died during this tragic time in Rwandan history," Ward said. "Our responsibility is to do our very best to stop cases where humankind does such terrible things to other members of the human race."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – A week-long visit by the deputy commander of U.S. European Command to five East African nations focused on fostering relationships and improving bilateral military engagements in the region. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward returned March 3 from a trip that included meeting with Ethiopian and African Union officials, as well as addressing the Africa Center for Strategic Studies' Senior Leaders Seminar, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He also met with senior leaders in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
U.S. European Command has responsibility for U.S. operations in most areas of Africa.
Ward reinforced the importance of fostering partnerships as he presented the Senior Leaders Seminar attendees with a brief look at the current security environment, followed by a top-down approach to U.S. engagement in Africa. He also provided an overview of the recently announced U.S. Africa Command, designed to focus the Department of Defense, Department of State and other U.S. government institutions in cooperating with African partners to achieve a more stable and secure environment for Africa.
Ward visited key leaders in the four other East African nations to get perspectives on issues affecting bilateral military engagements in the region. The nations "play an active role in maintaining security and stability in the region," Ward said. "We support these nations' contributions to the cause of peace in the region."
Ward met with the presidents, ministers of defense, chiefs of defense and U.S. ambassadors in all four nations.
The general's visit in Uganda included a tour of the Kasenyi Training Site. He also toured Rwanda's Gako Training Academy, where the country's forces train for peacekeeping missions in Sudan.
In addition, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Gisozi Genocide Memorial that acknowledges the loss of the Rwandan people during the 1994 genocide.
"We came to pay our respects to all those who died during this tragic time in Rwandan history," Ward said. "Our responsibility is to do our very best to stop cases where humankind does such terrible things to other members of the human race."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Michigan Auto Shops Offer Free Oil Change for Military Families
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Military family members in Michigan don't have to squeak by anymore when it comes to routine auto maintenance thanks to eight auto garages throughout the state. "We offer a full-service oil change with a brief safety inspection," said Rob Hopp, owner of Auto Advantage. "We're offering them to any military dependent, active or reserve."
The services are free once every 90 days with an appointment and a military dependent identification card, he said. The Oil Change Help program began just a few months after the fighting started in Iraq and will continue until at least Dec. 31.
Tom Ham, who owns Ham's Automotive, was the key player in getting the program going, Hopp said. "He (Ham) has three children who are Marines," he said. "Two of them have been to Iraq and back."
Hopp had his own reasons for wanting to help out though.
"Gratitude for one thing, for the freedom that we enjoy," he said. "I know that our military is one of the primary reasons that we're able to have the freedom we have today."
He said a customer made the need for his and the other garage owners' services apparent. "(We) just got to talking about things that don't get done, or things that she wonders if they're done right," Hopp said. "(Car maintenance is) one thing that tends to fall to the bottom of the priority list."
News about the free service mostly has been spread by word of mouth, though the local newspaper and radio in the Grand Haven area have given it mention, he said. So little publicity has kept the numbers of those taking advantage of the service at Hopp's garage to about one a week, though he's sure he can handle more.
"I've never hesitated to think that we could handle all (the dependents) that were in this area," he said. "We would need to set appointments, of course, and spread it out a little bit."
Military dependents also can find participating garages in Grand Rapids, the Oak Park area of Detroit, and Marshall. Other garages are welcome to join the program, though there are some requirements that must be met, Hopp said.
"I'm open to others (participating)," he said. "There are some specifics that need to be maintained as far as ethics, (for example) not using it as a tool to lasso people in."
Garages interested in becoming part of the free oil change program can e-mail Hopp through the contact link on the Oil Change Help Web site. The Web site also has contact information for military dependents wanting to make appointments.
As for the servicemembers, Hopp has a simple message for them: "Keep up the great work."
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their families. A listing of these groups and information about their efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Military family members in Michigan don't have to squeak by anymore when it comes to routine auto maintenance thanks to eight auto garages throughout the state. "We offer a full-service oil change with a brief safety inspection," said Rob Hopp, owner of Auto Advantage. "We're offering them to any military dependent, active or reserve."
The services are free once every 90 days with an appointment and a military dependent identification card, he said. The Oil Change Help program began just a few months after the fighting started in Iraq and will continue until at least Dec. 31.
Tom Ham, who owns Ham's Automotive, was the key player in getting the program going, Hopp said. "He (Ham) has three children who are Marines," he said. "Two of them have been to Iraq and back."
Hopp had his own reasons for wanting to help out though.
"Gratitude for one thing, for the freedom that we enjoy," he said. "I know that our military is one of the primary reasons that we're able to have the freedom we have today."
He said a customer made the need for his and the other garage owners' services apparent. "(We) just got to talking about things that don't get done, or things that she wonders if they're done right," Hopp said. "(Car maintenance is) one thing that tends to fall to the bottom of the priority list."
News about the free service mostly has been spread by word of mouth, though the local newspaper and radio in the Grand Haven area have given it mention, he said. So little publicity has kept the numbers of those taking advantage of the service at Hopp's garage to about one a week, though he's sure he can handle more.
"I've never hesitated to think that we could handle all (the dependents) that were in this area," he said. "We would need to set appointments, of course, and spread it out a little bit."
Military dependents also can find participating garages in Grand Rapids, the Oak Park area of Detroit, and Marshall. Other garages are welcome to join the program, though there are some requirements that must be met, Hopp said.
"I'm open to others (participating)," he said. "There are some specifics that need to be maintained as far as ethics, (for example) not using it as a tool to lasso people in."
Garages interested in becoming part of the free oil change program can e-mail Hopp through the contact link on the Oil Change Help Web site. The Web site also has contact information for military dependents wanting to make appointments.
As for the servicemembers, Hopp has a simple message for them: "Keep up the great work."
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their families. A listing of these groups and information about their efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
VA Seeks Volunteers to Play 'Taps' at National Cemeteries
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official said here yesterday. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19 and is co-sponsored by the VA's National Cemetery Administration and "Bugles Across America," a volunteer group, said Michael Nacincik, the cemetery administration's chief of communications and outreach support.
"Echo Taps" will take place at VA-operated national cemeteries, U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service national cemeteries, and American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries located overseas, Nacincik said.
"It is an extremely important event for a number of reasons," Nacincik said. "It honors the service of veterans to our country."
The initiative also encourages musicians to perform as live buglers at veterans' funeral ceremonies year round, Nacincik said. In 2006, 688,000 veterans died in the United States, he noted, with most belonging to the World War II generation.
"There is overwhelming popular support to have 'Taps' played at veterans' funerals," Nacincik said. "And, obviously, with that many burials taking place, there are not enough buglers to provide a live bugler at every burial."
Nevertheless, Bugles Across America has done "a very good job" of obtaining volunteers to play "Taps" at military funerals, Nacincik said.
"It is important that our nation preserves the tradition of a live bugler to play final military honors," Leslie Hampton, a Navy veteran and Bugles Across America volunteer, stated in a recent VA news release.
"Hopefully, 'Echo Taps' will go even further and help to identify people who know how to play 'Taps' or are willing to learn how to play 'Taps' and motivate them to want to provide the service when they're available at veterans' funerals in the future," Nacincik said.
Volunteer buglers and trumpeters must register through the VA's website, which is attached to the "Echo Taps" site at www.echotaps.org, Nacincik said.
The VA operates 124 veterans' cemeteries across the United States, Nacincik said. Generally, persons who've received other than dishonorable discharges after completion of military service are eligible for burial at a VA-operated national cemetery, he noted.
Related Sites:
Participate in Echo Taps Worldwide
Echo Taps
Department of Veterans Affairs Burial and Memorials information
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official said here yesterday. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19 and is co-sponsored by the VA's National Cemetery Administration and "Bugles Across America," a volunteer group, said Michael Nacincik, the cemetery administration's chief of communications and outreach support.
"Echo Taps" will take place at VA-operated national cemeteries, U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service national cemeteries, and American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries located overseas, Nacincik said.
"It is an extremely important event for a number of reasons," Nacincik said. "It honors the service of veterans to our country."
The initiative also encourages musicians to perform as live buglers at veterans' funeral ceremonies year round, Nacincik said. In 2006, 688,000 veterans died in the United States, he noted, with most belonging to the World War II generation.
"There is overwhelming popular support to have 'Taps' played at veterans' funerals," Nacincik said. "And, obviously, with that many burials taking place, there are not enough buglers to provide a live bugler at every burial."
Nevertheless, Bugles Across America has done "a very good job" of obtaining volunteers to play "Taps" at military funerals, Nacincik said.
"It is important that our nation preserves the tradition of a live bugler to play final military honors," Leslie Hampton, a Navy veteran and Bugles Across America volunteer, stated in a recent VA news release.
"Hopefully, 'Echo Taps' will go even further and help to identify people who know how to play 'Taps' or are willing to learn how to play 'Taps' and motivate them to want to provide the service when they're available at veterans' funerals in the future," Nacincik said.
Volunteer buglers and trumpeters must register through the VA's website, which is attached to the "Echo Taps" site at www.echotaps.org, Nacincik said.
The VA operates 124 veterans' cemeteries across the United States, Nacincik said. Generally, persons who've received other than dishonorable discharges after completion of military service are eligible for burial at a VA-operated national cemetery, he noted.
Related Sites:
Participate in Echo Taps Worldwide
Echo Taps
Department of Veterans Affairs Burial and Memorials information
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
General Officer Assignment
The Army announces the assignment of the following general officer:
Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, Fort Detrick, Md. to commanding general, North Atlantic Regional Medical Command/Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, effective March 3, 2007.
Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, Fort Detrick, Md. to commanding general, North Atlantic Regional Medical Command/Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, effective March 3, 2007.
Bush Dispatches USNS Comfort on Goodwill Mission
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – The hospital ship USNS Comfort will provide health care to disadvantaged citizens at several Latin American and Caribbean ports of call this summer, President Bush announced here yesterday. "The United States military is a symbol of strength for this nation, but it's also a symbol of the great compassion of the American people and our desire to help those in our neighborhood who need help," Bush told members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The Baltimore-based hospital ship's doctors, nurses and support personnel expect to treat 85,000 patients and conduct up to 1,500 surgeries during its voyage, Bush said.
The USNS Comfort will depart in June and make port calls in Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Haiti, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana and Suriname, Bush said.
Bush said the United States has nearly doubled the amount of foreign aid to Latin America and the Caribbean region since he took office, noting that $1.6 billion was spent last year. The United States also is launching several new medical, economic and educational initiatives to assist poverty-stricken Latin Americans and Caribbean citizens, the president said.
"These are people who need help. These are people who might not otherwise get the basic health care they need to realize a better tomorrow," Bush said. "The Comfort is also going to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services on a new initiative to provide all care to the region's poor. Dentists and hygienists will fill cavities and treat infections and provide treatment for the young children."
He added that military medical teams will be operating inland to help bring care to other communities. "These teams do everything from vaccinating people against disease to building new medical clinics," Bush said.
He highlighted a current humanitarian mission in Nicaragua, where 250 U.S. airmen, soldiers and Marines are partnering with 30 Nicaraguan army soldiers to build a new medical clinic.
Through the deployment of the Comfort and the work of military medical teams throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, "we're making it absolutely clear to people that we care," Bush said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – The hospital ship USNS Comfort will provide health care to disadvantaged citizens at several Latin American and Caribbean ports of call this summer, President Bush announced here yesterday. "The United States military is a symbol of strength for this nation, but it's also a symbol of the great compassion of the American people and our desire to help those in our neighborhood who need help," Bush told members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The Baltimore-based hospital ship's doctors, nurses and support personnel expect to treat 85,000 patients and conduct up to 1,500 surgeries during its voyage, Bush said.
The USNS Comfort will depart in June and make port calls in Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Haiti, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana and Suriname, Bush said.
Bush said the United States has nearly doubled the amount of foreign aid to Latin America and the Caribbean region since he took office, noting that $1.6 billion was spent last year. The United States also is launching several new medical, economic and educational initiatives to assist poverty-stricken Latin Americans and Caribbean citizens, the president said.
"These are people who need help. These are people who might not otherwise get the basic health care they need to realize a better tomorrow," Bush said. "The Comfort is also going to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services on a new initiative to provide all care to the region's poor. Dentists and hygienists will fill cavities and treat infections and provide treatment for the young children."
He added that military medical teams will be operating inland to help bring care to other communities. "These teams do everything from vaccinating people against disease to building new medical clinics," Bush said.
He highlighted a current humanitarian mission in Nicaragua, where 250 U.S. airmen, soldiers and Marines are partnering with 30 Nicaraguan army soldiers to build a new medical clinic.
Through the deployment of the Comfort and the work of military medical teams throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, "we're making it absolutely clear to people that we care," Bush said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
IRS Offers Free Tax Assistance for Troops, Families
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – With income tax deadlines quickly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding troops and their families that free assistance is available to them at military tax centers worldwide. The IRS has provided the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program to servicemembers from more than 25 years.
Bill Cressman, an IRS spokesman, said the revenue service wants to help lift the burden of tax filing from members of the military who often run into complicated tax exemptions.
"The IRS offers volunteer income tax assistance to both military servicemembers and civilians," Cressman said. "We want to make tax compliance easier."
Commanders throughout the services have supported the program by providing personnel, space and equipment for tax centers. The IRS provides tax software and training.
The program, overseen by the Armed Forces Tax Council, works to train military volunteers on installations through a series of intensive training sessions so they can understand current laws and offer tax advice, preparation, return filing and other tax assistance, Cressman said.
IRS tax laws provide special benefits to active-duty servicemembers, particularly those in combat zones. For federal tax purposes, "armed forces" includes officers and enlisted members in regular and reserve units controlled by the secretaries of Defense, Army, Navy and Air Force, in addition to the Coast Guard.
According to the IRS Web site, three combat zones have been designated by executive order from the president in areas where armed forces are or have engaged in combat, this includes the air space above those areas. These are the Arabian Peninsula, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
The Defense Department also has certified locations for combat zone tax benefits due to the direct support of military operations during operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. A listing of these locations can be found at www.irs.gov/newsroom by clicking on the "Armed Forces" tab.
Those who qualify for combat zone provisions can apply for military pay exclusions, deadline extensions and miscellaneous provisions by writing "combat zone" and their deployment date in red ink on the top of tax returns.
Qualifying taxpayers may directly notify the IRS of their exclusion status by e-mailing combatzone@irs.gov. Servicemembers should provide name, stateside address, date of birth, and date of deployment to the combat zone. They should not include social security numbers in an e-mail. This notification may be made by the taxpayer, spouse, or authorized agent or representative.
Enlisted members and warrant officers serving in a combat zone for any part of a month qualify to have all military pay for that month excluded from gross income tax. Officers' monthly exclusions are capped at the highest enlisted pay rate, plus hostile fire or imminent danger pay received.
Deadline extensions are not confined to those serving in combat zones. They also apply to civilian personnel acting under direction of the armed forces and spouses who are stateside.
Telephone calls originating in combat zones by members of the armed forces are also exempt from federal excise tax and must be certified for exemption by the telephone company. If servicemembers already have filed, they can still apply for a refund.
Recent law changes also have allowed military members to count tax-free combat pay when determining contributions to Roth and traditional individual retirement accounts. This also can apply to taxes filed since 2004. Troops are allowed to go back and make contributions for those years.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – With income tax deadlines quickly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding troops and their families that free assistance is available to them at military tax centers worldwide. The IRS has provided the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program to servicemembers from more than 25 years.
Bill Cressman, an IRS spokesman, said the revenue service wants to help lift the burden of tax filing from members of the military who often run into complicated tax exemptions.
"The IRS offers volunteer income tax assistance to both military servicemembers and civilians," Cressman said. "We want to make tax compliance easier."
Commanders throughout the services have supported the program by providing personnel, space and equipment for tax centers. The IRS provides tax software and training.
The program, overseen by the Armed Forces Tax Council, works to train military volunteers on installations through a series of intensive training sessions so they can understand current laws and offer tax advice, preparation, return filing and other tax assistance, Cressman said.
IRS tax laws provide special benefits to active-duty servicemembers, particularly those in combat zones. For federal tax purposes, "armed forces" includes officers and enlisted members in regular and reserve units controlled by the secretaries of Defense, Army, Navy and Air Force, in addition to the Coast Guard.
According to the IRS Web site, three combat zones have been designated by executive order from the president in areas where armed forces are or have engaged in combat, this includes the air space above those areas. These are the Arabian Peninsula, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
The Defense Department also has certified locations for combat zone tax benefits due to the direct support of military operations during operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. A listing of these locations can be found at www.irs.gov/newsroom by clicking on the "Armed Forces" tab.
Those who qualify for combat zone provisions can apply for military pay exclusions, deadline extensions and miscellaneous provisions by writing "combat zone" and their deployment date in red ink on the top of tax returns.
Qualifying taxpayers may directly notify the IRS of their exclusion status by e-mailing combatzone@irs.gov. Servicemembers should provide name, stateside address, date of birth, and date of deployment to the combat zone. They should not include social security numbers in an e-mail. This notification may be made by the taxpayer, spouse, or authorized agent or representative.
Enlisted members and warrant officers serving in a combat zone for any part of a month qualify to have all military pay for that month excluded from gross income tax. Officers' monthly exclusions are capped at the highest enlisted pay rate, plus hostile fire or imminent danger pay received.
Deadline extensions are not confined to those serving in combat zones. They also apply to civilian personnel acting under direction of the armed forces and spouses who are stateside.
Telephone calls originating in combat zones by members of the armed forces are also exempt from federal excise tax and must be certified for exemption by the telephone company. If servicemembers already have filed, they can still apply for a refund.
Recent law changes also have allowed military members to count tax-free combat pay when determining contributions to Roth and traditional individual retirement accounts. This also can apply to taxes filed since 2004. Troops are allowed to go back and make contributions for those years.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Officials' Testimony Focuses on Fixing Health Care System
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Questions to top Army and DoD officials before the Senate Armed Services Committee today focused on how to eliminate the bureaucracies that many say permeate servicemembers' outpatient health care. The committee questioned top defense officials regarding reports of substandard living conditions and delays in outpatient services at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.
Army and defense leaders did not dispute the claims. The Army's top officer, Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, compared the system's bureaucracy to "running in hip boots in a swamp."
"It sucks the energy out of you," he said.
Schoomaker said the Army is acting quickly to fix the problems it can, and the service will work with DoD and other agencies on those that cross service boundaries or require legislative support. "I stand accountable. All of our energy is going into making sure the proper actions are taken," he said.
Schoomaker offered up a list of steps taken by Army leadership so far that includes installing a new commander and deputy commander at the center, as well as a new battalion commander and command sergeant major, all combat veterans.
A one-stop family assistance center there now allows soldiers and family members access to all of the services they need in one spot, he said.
Also, officials opened a telephone hotline that allows anytime access for reporting problems.
Two teams have been dispatched to review services at in- and out-patient facilities across the Army, Schoomaker said.
Assistant Defense Secretary for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., said his office's top priority is finding and fixing the problems, and he wants patients to speak up about the quality of care they have received. "We welcome public scrutiny, even when it's critical and painful to hear," he said.
"Defensiveness and explanations are not the route to getting things done," Winkenwerder said.
He divided the problems into three categories for the committee: facilities, the disability determination process, and care coordination.
Winkenwerder said he believes the Army is fixing the facilities that were not up to standards.
Changes to the disability determination process cross organizational boundaries and will not happen quickly, but the process should be fair, consistent and timely, and not adversarial, he said.
When pressed by a committee member, Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley conceded that some soldiers have probably been shortchanged by the Army's disability evaluation system because it is set up to recognize the value of a "loss of limb" but not designed to understand the "nuances" of post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.
To aid the process of care coordination, officials are hiring more case managers and other staff to lower the ratio of patients to staff. "No servicemember should ever have to work through a maze ... to figure things out," Winkenwerder said.
Kiley said a complete system overhaul is required. "We really need to reinvent this entire process," he said.
The individual obstacles of the system are being fixed by Kiley's office, but the way disability compensation is awarded, which is governed by regulations, needs to be revamped, he said.
Kiley said he shared in responsibility for the failures in outpatient care at Walter Reed and "accepts the responsibility of rapid corrective action."
"I am committed to fixing it," he said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 6, 2007 – Questions to top Army and DoD officials before the Senate Armed Services Committee today focused on how to eliminate the bureaucracies that many say permeate servicemembers' outpatient health care. The committee questioned top defense officials regarding reports of substandard living conditions and delays in outpatient services at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.
Army and defense leaders did not dispute the claims. The Army's top officer, Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, compared the system's bureaucracy to "running in hip boots in a swamp."
"It sucks the energy out of you," he said.
Schoomaker said the Army is acting quickly to fix the problems it can, and the service will work with DoD and other agencies on those that cross service boundaries or require legislative support. "I stand accountable. All of our energy is going into making sure the proper actions are taken," he said.
Schoomaker offered up a list of steps taken by Army leadership so far that includes installing a new commander and deputy commander at the center, as well as a new battalion commander and command sergeant major, all combat veterans.
A one-stop family assistance center there now allows soldiers and family members access to all of the services they need in one spot, he said.
Also, officials opened a telephone hotline that allows anytime access for reporting problems.
Two teams have been dispatched to review services at in- and out-patient facilities across the Army, Schoomaker said.
Assistant Defense Secretary for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., said his office's top priority is finding and fixing the problems, and he wants patients to speak up about the quality of care they have received. "We welcome public scrutiny, even when it's critical and painful to hear," he said.
"Defensiveness and explanations are not the route to getting things done," Winkenwerder said.
He divided the problems into three categories for the committee: facilities, the disability determination process, and care coordination.
Winkenwerder said he believes the Army is fixing the facilities that were not up to standards.
Changes to the disability determination process cross organizational boundaries and will not happen quickly, but the process should be fair, consistent and timely, and not adversarial, he said.
When pressed by a committee member, Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley conceded that some soldiers have probably been shortchanged by the Army's disability evaluation system because it is set up to recognize the value of a "loss of limb" but not designed to understand the "nuances" of post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.
To aid the process of care coordination, officials are hiring more case managers and other staff to lower the ratio of patients to staff. "No servicemember should ever have to work through a maze ... to figure things out," Winkenwerder said.
Kiley said a complete system overhaul is required. "We really need to reinvent this entire process," he said.
The individual obstacles of the system are being fixed by Kiley's office, but the way disability compensation is awarded, which is governed by regulations, needs to be revamped, he said.
Kiley said he shared in responsibility for the failures in outpatient care at Walter Reed and "accepts the responsibility of rapid corrective action."
"I am committed to fixing it," he said.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Texas Teen Focuses on Supporting Troops
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – As a senior in high school, Tania Foster could easily focus all her energy in preparing for her collegiate pursuits in biochemistry this autumn. However, the 18-year-old is instead putting her spare time into helping others -- primarily the men and women of the armed forces -- through her nonprofit organization "Dallas is Love."
During a family vacation to South Korea in 2004, she interacted for the first time with U.S. troops stationed there. "I had no idea of the strain that they were under, as the majority of them are in Korea without family members," Tania said.
When she returned to the states, she began spreading the word to friends and businesses in the Dallas area that there are troops on the Korean Peninsula who need to be shown the support of the American public.
"I just knew that something had to be done to let these men and women know how much we, the people of America, appreciate them for all their efforts and sacrifices they make every day," Tania said.
In an effort to heighten the visibility of her organization and therefore help more troops, she sought assistance from military officials at the Pentagon. In November 2006, Dallas is Love became a member of America Supports You, the Defense Department program designed to connect grassroots home front groups with members of the military at home and overseas.
"The help that we received from America Supports You and public affairs offices at the Pentagon and in Korea was wonderful," her mother, Linda, said. "These offices have done so much to guide her in the right direction and have helped us in so many ways."
Before joining the DoD team, Tania was primarily getting requests for assistance from troops in Korea; now requests are coming in from around the globe, Linda said.
Through her Web site, www.dallasislove.org, Tania has raised more than $8,000 for Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards for soldiers. Although her organization has primarily focused on Army troops in Korea, she began branching out in February to meet the needs of members of other services stationed in other parts of the world.
The increase in troop coverage has resulted in a revamping of her Web site.
Korean War veteran Keith Fannon serves as the organization's Web master. The 77-year-old said he and his fellow members of the Sam Johnson Chapter 270 of the Korean War Veterans Association first encouraged Tania to go forward with her idea of supporting troops on the peninsula. Fannon volunteered to create and monitor the site.
"Anything I can do for those guys over there, I'm willing to do it," Fannon said. "A lot of these guys don't hear from their families. It means so much to get something from home; it's uplifting."
Former Dallas Cowboys star Tony Hill also has been an active sponsor of Tania's efforts to support U.S. troops. He has autographed more than $1,600 worth of Cowboys merchandise to send to servicemembers stationed overseas. Hill also has appeared with Tania on local radio station 570 KLIS to promote Dallas is Love and encourage others in the community to get involved.
The Texas radio station sent a crew to Iraq in mid-February to do a live broadcast for their Dallas listeners. While there, the KLIS crew distributed more than $1,000 worth of gift cards to troops, in addition to personal hygiene items and compact discs gathered from local businesses by Tania's organization.
Tania's younger brother, Patrick Henry, 15, also is lending a helping hand. He is in charge of keeping track of the money given to the organization and personally writes each donor a thank you letter.
"It is very rewarding to reach out and give to people," Linda said. "(My husband and I) have always emphasized the importance of giving to others even though we aren't rich. We are just a regular, middle-class family."
Although their family has no personal connection with the military, Tania said that Dallas is Love has given her insight into the military lifestyle and has inspired her to continue her efforts to support U.S. troops.
"As American citizens, we must realize that we have troops all around the world to protect not only our country," Tania said, "but others as well."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – As a senior in high school, Tania Foster could easily focus all her energy in preparing for her collegiate pursuits in biochemistry this autumn. However, the 18-year-old is instead putting her spare time into helping others -- primarily the men and women of the armed forces -- through her nonprofit organization "Dallas is Love."
During a family vacation to South Korea in 2004, she interacted for the first time with U.S. troops stationed there. "I had no idea of the strain that they were under, as the majority of them are in Korea without family members," Tania said.
When she returned to the states, she began spreading the word to friends and businesses in the Dallas area that there are troops on the Korean Peninsula who need to be shown the support of the American public.
"I just knew that something had to be done to let these men and women know how much we, the people of America, appreciate them for all their efforts and sacrifices they make every day," Tania said.
In an effort to heighten the visibility of her organization and therefore help more troops, she sought assistance from military officials at the Pentagon. In November 2006, Dallas is Love became a member of America Supports You, the Defense Department program designed to connect grassroots home front groups with members of the military at home and overseas.
"The help that we received from America Supports You and public affairs offices at the Pentagon and in Korea was wonderful," her mother, Linda, said. "These offices have done so much to guide her in the right direction and have helped us in so many ways."
Before joining the DoD team, Tania was primarily getting requests for assistance from troops in Korea; now requests are coming in from around the globe, Linda said.
Through her Web site, www.dallasislove.org, Tania has raised more than $8,000 for Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift cards for soldiers. Although her organization has primarily focused on Army troops in Korea, she began branching out in February to meet the needs of members of other services stationed in other parts of the world.
The increase in troop coverage has resulted in a revamping of her Web site.
Korean War veteran Keith Fannon serves as the organization's Web master. The 77-year-old said he and his fellow members of the Sam Johnson Chapter 270 of the Korean War Veterans Association first encouraged Tania to go forward with her idea of supporting troops on the peninsula. Fannon volunteered to create and monitor the site.
"Anything I can do for those guys over there, I'm willing to do it," Fannon said. "A lot of these guys don't hear from their families. It means so much to get something from home; it's uplifting."
Former Dallas Cowboys star Tony Hill also has been an active sponsor of Tania's efforts to support U.S. troops. He has autographed more than $1,600 worth of Cowboys merchandise to send to servicemembers stationed overseas. Hill also has appeared with Tania on local radio station 570 KLIS to promote Dallas is Love and encourage others in the community to get involved.
The Texas radio station sent a crew to Iraq in mid-February to do a live broadcast for their Dallas listeners. While there, the KLIS crew distributed more than $1,000 worth of gift cards to troops, in addition to personal hygiene items and compact discs gathered from local businesses by Tania's organization.
Tania's younger brother, Patrick Henry, 15, also is lending a helping hand. He is in charge of keeping track of the money given to the organization and personally writes each donor a thank you letter.
"It is very rewarding to reach out and give to people," Linda said. "(My husband and I) have always emphasized the importance of giving to others even though we aren't rich. We are just a regular, middle-class family."
Although their family has no personal connection with the military, Tania said that Dallas is Love has given her insight into the military lifestyle and has inspired her to continue her efforts to support U.S. troops.
"As American citizens, we must realize that we have troops all around the world to protect not only our country," Tania said, "but others as well."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
New Yorkers Enjoy Taste of Home in Texas
By Elaine Wilson
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – A handful of wounded warriors recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center here are getting a taste of home -- minus the neck-wrenching skyscrapers and taxi-filled city streets. The servicemembers, all New York natives, are the lucky recipients of a week's worth of the Big Apple's best delicacies, thanks to the generosity of a handful of the city's top restaurants, delicatessens, fine food stores and bakeries.
The first shipment from Zabar's arrived Feb. 23, to the culinary delight of Marine Sgt. Rocky Ramirez, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.
"I'm going to get all the New Yorkers here together for a banquet," he said, as he pulled a bounty of bagels, cookies and fruit from the box.
The Taste of New York project was conceived in late January here at the grand opening of the Army's new rehabilitation center, the Center for the Intrepid. The veterans visited with New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and mentioned how much they missed New York City food.
"Mrs. Quinn asked for a list of food we wanted," said Ramirez, adding that he personally requested rice and beans.
The speaker's office then enlisted the help of a group of New Yorkers, including Tim Zagat; Kathy Wylde, president and CEO of Partnership for New York City; Bill White, president of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund; and the five borough presidents.
"The Intrepid Center is providing these brave New Yorkers with the best possible care; however, the one thing the center can't provide is the feeling of home," Quinn said.
Along with Zabar's, throughout the week the servicemembers will receive tasty treats from Moma's of Corona, Sahadi, Joe's Place, Murray Cheese and Jive Turkey.
"They're trying to get me fat," Ramirez joked, also expressing his gratitude for the tasty gesture. He will be happy to know that his beloved rice and beans are on the way.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – A handful of wounded warriors recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center here are getting a taste of home -- minus the neck-wrenching skyscrapers and taxi-filled city streets. The servicemembers, all New York natives, are the lucky recipients of a week's worth of the Big Apple's best delicacies, thanks to the generosity of a handful of the city's top restaurants, delicatessens, fine food stores and bakeries.
The first shipment from Zabar's arrived Feb. 23, to the culinary delight of Marine Sgt. Rocky Ramirez, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.
"I'm going to get all the New Yorkers here together for a banquet," he said, as he pulled a bounty of bagels, cookies and fruit from the box.
The Taste of New York project was conceived in late January here at the grand opening of the Army's new rehabilitation center, the Center for the Intrepid. The veterans visited with New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and mentioned how much they missed New York City food.
"Mrs. Quinn asked for a list of food we wanted," said Ramirez, adding that he personally requested rice and beans.
The speaker's office then enlisted the help of a group of New Yorkers, including Tim Zagat; Kathy Wylde, president and CEO of Partnership for New York City; Bill White, president of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund; and the five borough presidents.
"The Intrepid Center is providing these brave New Yorkers with the best possible care; however, the one thing the center can't provide is the feeling of home," Quinn said.
Along with Zabar's, throughout the week the servicemembers will receive tasty treats from Moma's of Corona, Sahadi, Joe's Place, Murray Cheese and Jive Turkey.
"They're trying to get me fat," Ramirez joked, also expressing his gratitude for the tasty gesture. He will be happy to know that his beloved rice and beans are on the way.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
Craddock Discusses Africa, European Command Changes
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – Establishing U.S. Africa Command will mean big changes to U.S. European Command, the top U.S. military commander in Europe said at a news roundtable here today. Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe, said initial operating capability for U.S. Africa Command is tentatively set for Oct. 1, with full operational capability set for Oct. 1, 2008.
All the African nations currently under European Command will transfer to the new command. All the nations of the Horn of Africa will transfer from U.S. Central Command, and Madagascar and the Seychelles will transfer from U.S. Pacific Command.
The new command will be based in Stuttgart, Germany, for the time being. Officials ultimately hope the command will transfer its headquarters to Africa, Craddock said.
The teams working to set up AFRICOM are working in Washington and Stuttgart on the new command's manning, functions and missions. Craddock has taken the opportunity of the change to look at and refocus the mission of U.S. European Command.
"EUCOM has plenty of opportunities to look at," he said. "We've just got to be sure that we are arranged properly."
He said an enormous requirement will remain for the U.S. military to engage European and NATO nations. "NATO has 26 members and 23 partners," he said. "We have to look at the Trans-Caucusus area, (and) engagement with Russia. We've got to look at lines of communication. Sea lanes are important, (as is) energy security, which means different things to different nations."
Craddock said he sees the changes to both commands as a chance to reach out to other U.S. government agencies.
"I don't see Africa Command as a typical combatant command, as European Command or Southern Command of Pacific Command is today," he said. "I think given the roles and missions and challenges in Africa, it is going to have a little different scope."
Africa Command must be interagency from the start, he said, because of the challenges on the continent.
"We need to put together the organization to face the challenges of endemic disease, HIV/AIDS, agriculture, energy," he said. This will require people from the State Department, Health and Human Services, the Energy Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, to name a few.
If this approach is successful at Africa Command - and Craddock said he believes it will be - the general anticipates the changes would migrate to other geographic commands.
"The problem is there are so many different (agency) stovepipes," he said. "We've got to get these stovepipes connected horizontally.
"I think AFRICOM may be the spearhead - the pioneer here," he continued. "But I think there will be spin-offs and best practices we can use in re-crafting the combatant commands."
He said the model could be very much like that of the Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Fla. That group is an interagency force that has people empowered to make decisions.
The members from different agencies do not have to reach back to Washington to make a decision or commit resources, Craddock said, adding that he could see something along those lines replacing the European Command's interagency coordinating group.
"We'd like to populate the interagency group with decisional authority rather than having them reach back to Washington for a decision," he said. "It would enable greater opportunities for fast decisions and be able to do things on a higher-tempo basis."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – Establishing U.S. Africa Command will mean big changes to U.S. European Command, the top U.S. military commander in Europe said at a news roundtable here today. Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe, said initial operating capability for U.S. Africa Command is tentatively set for Oct. 1, with full operational capability set for Oct. 1, 2008.
All the African nations currently under European Command will transfer to the new command. All the nations of the Horn of Africa will transfer from U.S. Central Command, and Madagascar and the Seychelles will transfer from U.S. Pacific Command.
The new command will be based in Stuttgart, Germany, for the time being. Officials ultimately hope the command will transfer its headquarters to Africa, Craddock said.
The teams working to set up AFRICOM are working in Washington and Stuttgart on the new command's manning, functions and missions. Craddock has taken the opportunity of the change to look at and refocus the mission of U.S. European Command.
"EUCOM has plenty of opportunities to look at," he said. "We've just got to be sure that we are arranged properly."
He said an enormous requirement will remain for the U.S. military to engage European and NATO nations. "NATO has 26 members and 23 partners," he said. "We have to look at the Trans-Caucusus area, (and) engagement with Russia. We've got to look at lines of communication. Sea lanes are important, (as is) energy security, which means different things to different nations."
Craddock said he sees the changes to both commands as a chance to reach out to other U.S. government agencies.
"I don't see Africa Command as a typical combatant command, as European Command or Southern Command of Pacific Command is today," he said. "I think given the roles and missions and challenges in Africa, it is going to have a little different scope."
Africa Command must be interagency from the start, he said, because of the challenges on the continent.
"We need to put together the organization to face the challenges of endemic disease, HIV/AIDS, agriculture, energy," he said. This will require people from the State Department, Health and Human Services, the Energy Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, to name a few.
If this approach is successful at Africa Command - and Craddock said he believes it will be - the general anticipates the changes would migrate to other geographic commands.
"The problem is there are so many different (agency) stovepipes," he said. "We've got to get these stovepipes connected horizontally.
"I think AFRICOM may be the spearhead - the pioneer here," he continued. "But I think there will be spin-offs and best practices we can use in re-crafting the combatant commands."
He said the model could be very much like that of the Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Fla. That group is an interagency force that has people empowered to make decisions.
The members from different agencies do not have to reach back to Washington to make a decision or commit resources, Craddock said, adding that he could see something along those lines replacing the European Command's interagency coordinating group.
"We'd like to populate the interagency group with decisional authority rather than having them reach back to Washington for a decision," he said. "It would enable greater opportunities for fast decisions and be able to do things on a higher-tempo basis."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
Bush Forms Commission to Review Troops' Health Care
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – In response to problems recently reported at the Army's top medical center, President Bush today said his office is creating a bipartisan commission to review the overall quality of health care wounded servicemembers receive. In his weekly radio address, Bush called the reported problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center "unacceptable" and said the commission will review the care wounded servicemembers receive from the time they are injured on the battlefield to when they return to civilian life as veterans.
"This country has a moral obligation to provide our servicemen and women with the best possible care and treatment. They deserve it, and they will get it," he said.
On Feb. 23, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates toured the center's outpatient facility Building 18, where reported maintenance and administrative problems catapulted the center into the national spotlight in a series of Washington Post articles. He said injured servicemembers should not return home to battle the bureaucracies of a broken outpatient health care system.
The secretary of the Army yesterday fired the center's commander, Army Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, citing "lost trust and confidence" in his leadership abilities. The commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Command, Army Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley, will fill the spot temporarily.
Bush acknowledged that most of the staff members at Walter Reed are "dedicated professionals."
"Walter Reed has a long tradition of outstanding medical service," Bush said, and he pledged that his administration will ensure that the soldiers recovering there are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned.
Commission members will be announced in the next few days, Bush said.
Gates also formed an independent review group to investigate the reports of substandard living conditions and bogged-down administrative processes.
If Bush's fiscal 2008 budget proposal is approved, Veterans Affairs health care funding has increased by 83 percent over the past six years, from about $20 billion to more than $36 billion, he said. Bush is asking Congress for more than $86 billion overall for veterans' services this year. If approved, it would be a 77 percent increase since Bush took office.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – In response to problems recently reported at the Army's top medical center, President Bush today said his office is creating a bipartisan commission to review the overall quality of health care wounded servicemembers receive. In his weekly radio address, Bush called the reported problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center "unacceptable" and said the commission will review the care wounded servicemembers receive from the time they are injured on the battlefield to when they return to civilian life as veterans.
"This country has a moral obligation to provide our servicemen and women with the best possible care and treatment. They deserve it, and they will get it," he said.
On Feb. 23, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates toured the center's outpatient facility Building 18, where reported maintenance and administrative problems catapulted the center into the national spotlight in a series of Washington Post articles. He said injured servicemembers should not return home to battle the bureaucracies of a broken outpatient health care system.
The secretary of the Army yesterday fired the center's commander, Army Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, citing "lost trust and confidence" in his leadership abilities. The commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Command, Army Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley, will fill the spot temporarily.
Bush acknowledged that most of the staff members at Walter Reed are "dedicated professionals."
"Walter Reed has a long tradition of outstanding medical service," Bush said, and he pledged that his administration will ensure that the soldiers recovering there are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned.
Commission members will be announced in the next few days, Bush said.
Gates also formed an independent review group to investigate the reports of substandard living conditions and bogged-down administrative processes.
If Bush's fiscal 2008 budget proposal is approved, Veterans Affairs health care funding has increased by 83 percent over the past six years, from about $20 billion to more than $36 billion, he said. Bush is asking Congress for more than $86 billion overall for veterans' services this year. If approved, it would be a 77 percent increase since Bush took office.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
Army Secretary Resigns in Wake of Walter Reed Outpatient-Care Shortfalls
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced this afternoon that he has accepted the resignation of Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey in light of allegations of shortfalls in care of outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Published reports in February shed light on shortcomings in outpatient care for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army officials announced yesterday that the hospital commander, Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, had been relieved of duty.
In announcing that Harvey had resigned, Gates expressed disappointment that Army leaders were not taking the situation seriously enough.
"I am disappointed that some in the Army have not adequately appreciated the seriousness of the situation pertaining to outpatient care at Walter Reed," he said in a brief statement at the Pentagon. "Some have shown too much defensiveness and have not shown enough focus on digging into and addressing the problems."
He also said he is concerned that some Army leaders hadn't communicated well enough that caring for wounded troops is their top priority.
"Addressing (troops' and their families') concerns about the quality of their outpatient experience is critically important," Gates said. "Our wounded soldiers and their families have sacrificed much, and they deserve the best we can offer."
In contrast to his criticism of Army leaders, Gates praised the medical staff at Walter Reed for "their professionalism and dedication to providing caring treatment."
"From what I have learned, the problems at Walter Reed appear to be problems of leadership," he said "The Walter Reed doctors, nurses and other staff are among the best and the most caring in the world. They deserve our continued deepest thanks and strongest support."
Harvey had been secretary of the Army since Nov. 19, 2004. Gates announced that Undersecretary of the Army Pete Geren will serve as acting secretary until a new secretary is in place. Geren served as acting secretary of the Air Force from July to November 2005.
Army officials announced after Gates' news conference that Maj. Gen. Eric R. Schoomaker will be the new commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. Schoomaker currently is the commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Md.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 2, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced this afternoon that he has accepted the resignation of Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey in light of allegations of shortfalls in care of outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Published reports in February shed light on shortcomings in outpatient care for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army officials announced yesterday that the hospital commander, Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, had been relieved of duty.
In announcing that Harvey had resigned, Gates expressed disappointment that Army leaders were not taking the situation seriously enough.
"I am disappointed that some in the Army have not adequately appreciated the seriousness of the situation pertaining to outpatient care at Walter Reed," he said in a brief statement at the Pentagon. "Some have shown too much defensiveness and have not shown enough focus on digging into and addressing the problems."
He also said he is concerned that some Army leaders hadn't communicated well enough that caring for wounded troops is their top priority.
"Addressing (troops' and their families') concerns about the quality of their outpatient experience is critically important," Gates said. "Our wounded soldiers and their families have sacrificed much, and they deserve the best we can offer."
In contrast to his criticism of Army leaders, Gates praised the medical staff at Walter Reed for "their professionalism and dedication to providing caring treatment."
"From what I have learned, the problems at Walter Reed appear to be problems of leadership," he said "The Walter Reed doctors, nurses and other staff are among the best and the most caring in the world. They deserve our continued deepest thanks and strongest support."
Harvey had been secretary of the Army since Nov. 19, 2004. Gates announced that Undersecretary of the Army Pete Geren will serve as acting secretary until a new secretary is in place. Geren served as acting secretary of the Air Force from July to November 2005.
Army officials announced after Gates' news conference that Maj. Gen. Eric R. Schoomaker will be the new commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. Schoomaker currently is the commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Md.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books; and, by criminal justice online leadership.
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