By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 4, 2007 – After 37 years of commissioned service, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr. will retire in August. Giambastiani will retire after serving two years as America's second-highest ranking military officer. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970 and is a career submariner who has spent an extensive amount of time in joint assignments and in experimentation and concept development.
During his career, the admiral has worked on every Quadrennial Defense Review, and has worked to implement the recommendations of those important documents.
Giambastiani spoke about his tenure as vice chairman during an interview today. He said he came back to the Pentagon in 2005 after serving as Commander Joint Forces Command and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation to work on the "business of business" of the Department of Defense. He teamed with Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England to refine management processes and change the way the department develops, acquires and maintains defense capabilities.
"Ed Giambastiani has given a lifetime for service to his Nation and he will be deeply missed," England said. "His strong, steady leadership has ensured that our military is prepared for any challenge it may face, both today and in the future.
"He has been a close partner and friend to me and a champion of the men and women of our armed forces and their families," England continued. "America will miss this great Naval Officer, and we wish Ed and his family every blessing in their future."
Giambastiani says that transforming the military will continue under Defense Secretary Gates. "You try to make yourself a learning institution, you want to embed a 'change culture,' and you want people to understand that a 'change culture' is good," the admiral said.
Giambastiani also talked about how the military needs to continue the process of change, identify and act on lessons learned and look at itself critically. "We've embedded some of this, but frankly this mindset, this culture and this process need to be reinforced continually," he said.
The military has developed institutions to do this, and developed leaders at all levels to continue this process, the admiral said.
He said that Deputy Defense Secretary England is a "national treasure" and a key person in the whole change process. Giambastiani said that it has been an honor to work with Secretary England.
"He is dedicated to the department, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he brings a focus to this that is really quite remarkable and healthy for the system," he said.
Giambastiani and England have been involved in making the Defense bureaucracy more agile and able to move quickly. The two have worked to include the combatant commanders and the Pentagon stakeholders in an expanded Joint Requirements Oversight Council, as well as working with civilian and uniformed leaders on the Defense Acquisition Board and the Deputies Advisory Working Group.
The refined, collaborative and transparent business processes being employed by these entities improve resource decisions that affect servicemembers serving in combat zones. Among these are the decision to get combat capabilities like the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle to troops faster. Other decisions include accelerating unmanned aerial vehicle acquisition and development of intelligence capabilities.
Establishing the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization is another example of working to develop comprehensive fixes to a problem - that of IEDs and car bombs - which cuts across the department and includes technology, tactics, techniques and procedures to combat the threat, he said.
Giambastiani said his most memorable time in the military has been "continuously working all these years with the fine young people. They are inspirational and remarkable. Getting up every morning and coming to work with them, working to help them be successful, and trying to provide them with the equipment and capabilities they need to get their job done has been the most rewarding part."
The admiral also said that meeting with servicemembers worldwide and "seeing how they apply themselves to the mission at hand" has been inspiring.
The admiral, from Canastota, N.Y., has not given any thought to what he will do after retirement. "I'll decide that after I retire, I'm too busy now," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
New Technology Tests for IEDs
Improvised explosive devices based on peroxide containing materials have increasingly been used in recent years by various terrorist organizations. The main reason is that such peroxide-based explosives can be easily “home-made” using inexpensive, readily available starting materials which can be purchased in most hardware and paint stores, even in bulk quantities.
A new patented peroxide explosive tester - ACRO-P.E.T., developed by Acro, Inc.(www.acrosec.com). The innovative pen-like tester is able to identify peroxide based explosives, such as Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), which may appear in a variety of shapes and forms, including liquid explosives. Peroxide-based explosives are almost impossible to identify since they don't contain nitro groups and are colorless.
ACRO-P.E.T has been designed for rapid, on-site detection of peroxide-based explosives using three chemical solutions, through direct contact with the suspicious substance. Its main advantages are high sensitivity, high selectivity, fast response, simple operation, small size and cost effectiveness. For example, ACRO-P.E.T can detect less than 50 micrograms (0.00005 gram) of TATP.
ACRO-P.E.T. is based on an invention of Professor Ehud Keinan of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Prof. Keinan is the former Dean of the Technion's Faculty of Chemistry. He is a member of Acro's board of directors and the company's chief scientific advisor. Prof. Keinan is one of the world’s foremost experts in the science of improvised explosives, winner of the Technion award for security science and technology, and consultant to many US and European government agencies in the area of improvised explosives.
Acro’s Advisory Board includes General (ret.) Ehud Barak, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Prime Minister of Israel, Prof. K. Barry Sharpless, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and Prof. Richard A. Lerner, President and CEO of The Scripps Research Institute, which is considered one of the most influential scientific institutes worldwide.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
A new patented peroxide explosive tester - ACRO-P.E.T., developed by Acro, Inc.(www.acrosec.com). The innovative pen-like tester is able to identify peroxide based explosives, such as Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), which may appear in a variety of shapes and forms, including liquid explosives. Peroxide-based explosives are almost impossible to identify since they don't contain nitro groups and are colorless.
ACRO-P.E.T has been designed for rapid, on-site detection of peroxide-based explosives using three chemical solutions, through direct contact with the suspicious substance. Its main advantages are high sensitivity, high selectivity, fast response, simple operation, small size and cost effectiveness. For example, ACRO-P.E.T can detect less than 50 micrograms (0.00005 gram) of TATP.
ACRO-P.E.T. is based on an invention of Professor Ehud Keinan of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Prof. Keinan is the former Dean of the Technion's Faculty of Chemistry. He is a member of Acro's board of directors and the company's chief scientific advisor. Prof. Keinan is one of the world’s foremost experts in the science of improvised explosives, winner of the Technion award for security science and technology, and consultant to many US and European government agencies in the area of improvised explosives.
Acro’s Advisory Board includes General (ret.) Ehud Barak, former IDF Chief of Staff and former Prime Minister of Israel, Prof. K. Barry Sharpless, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and Prof. Richard A. Lerner, President and CEO of The Scripps Research Institute, which is considered one of the most influential scientific institutes worldwide.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Gates: Asian Leaders Receptive to Call for More Help in Afghanistan
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Asian defense and military leaders meeting here showed "great receptivity" to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' call for Asian countries to contribute more toward stabilizing Afghanistan and Central Asia, Gates told reporters today. Gates issued a challenge here yesterday to participants in the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, urging their countries to help Afghanistan and its newly independent neighbors in Central Asia become secure, fully sovereign nations.
He asked participants to contribute through economic development, counterterrorism and counternarcotics support and by providing military trainers, peacekeepers and advisors to strengthen new defense establishments.
Today, Gates said representatives of 25 Asia-Pacific nations at the three-day conference engaged in "a protracted discussion" of the request. They talked during a defense minister's luncheon following his address about getting more Asian countries to join the 42-nation coalition in Afghanistan and increasing the support among those already involved, he said.
The talks extended to improving the way coalition members coordinate their activities. Gates cited the need for this during a question-and-answer session following yesterday's keynote address.
"We need to do a much better job of sharing with each other what we are doing in a place like Afghanistan and coordinating those efforts so we can benefit from the experience that each has had," he said.
Gates emphasized today that while many in the group were open to his request, no formal new commitments have yet been made.
"It's important to understand that the people at this conference are defense ministers and representatives of the defense ministries," he said. "Additional commitments to Afghanistan, in virtually every case, require a political decision on the part of their governments."
Defense representatives wrapping up the conference's third and final day will have to go back to their capitals and work with their governments before making firm new commitments, he said.
Gates said he did not specifically extend his request to include Iraq. We have not made any requests for new commitments in Iraq from Asian countries," he said. "We have encouraged those who are already there to sustain their presence, to sustain their help."
During yesterday's speech, Gates emphasized the far-reaching security consequences of failed governments in the region.
"Whatever your views on how we got to this point in Iraq, it is clear that a failed state in that part of the world would destabilize the region and embolden violent extremists elsewhere," he told the group. "The effects of chaos in Central or Southwest Asia will not recognize national, continental or regional boundaries."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 3, 2007 – Asian defense and military leaders meeting here showed "great receptivity" to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' call for Asian countries to contribute more toward stabilizing Afghanistan and Central Asia, Gates told reporters today. Gates issued a challenge here yesterday to participants in the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, urging their countries to help Afghanistan and its newly independent neighbors in Central Asia become secure, fully sovereign nations.
He asked participants to contribute through economic development, counterterrorism and counternarcotics support and by providing military trainers, peacekeepers and advisors to strengthen new defense establishments.
Today, Gates said representatives of 25 Asia-Pacific nations at the three-day conference engaged in "a protracted discussion" of the request. They talked during a defense minister's luncheon following his address about getting more Asian countries to join the 42-nation coalition in Afghanistan and increasing the support among those already involved, he said.
The talks extended to improving the way coalition members coordinate their activities. Gates cited the need for this during a question-and-answer session following yesterday's keynote address.
"We need to do a much better job of sharing with each other what we are doing in a place like Afghanistan and coordinating those efforts so we can benefit from the experience that each has had," he said.
Gates emphasized today that while many in the group were open to his request, no formal new commitments have yet been made.
"It's important to understand that the people at this conference are defense ministers and representatives of the defense ministries," he said. "Additional commitments to Afghanistan, in virtually every case, require a political decision on the part of their governments."
Defense representatives wrapping up the conference's third and final day will have to go back to their capitals and work with their governments before making firm new commitments, he said.
Gates said he did not specifically extend his request to include Iraq. We have not made any requests for new commitments in Iraq from Asian countries," he said. "We have encouraged those who are already there to sustain their presence, to sustain their help."
During yesterday's speech, Gates emphasized the far-reaching security consequences of failed governments in the region.
"Whatever your views on how we got to this point in Iraq, it is clear that a failed state in that part of the world would destabilize the region and embolden violent extremists elsewhere," he told the group. "The effects of chaos in Central or Southwest Asia will not recognize national, continental or regional boundaries."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Gates: New U.S.-China Hotline Represents 'Step Forward'
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today lauded movement toward establishing a defense hotline between the United States and China. He called it "another step forward" in the two countries' developing relationship. Gates, here for the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, expressed optimism about the Chinese delegation leader's assertion that the hotline issue will be settled this fall.
Lt. Gen. Zhang Qinsheng, director of military intelligence for the People's Republic of China and the highest-level Chinese military official ever to attend this conference, said the hotline issue will be nailed down during defense meetings in the United States slated for September.
Gates called the concept of a hotline -- a secure landline provided through the "Defense Telephone Link" structure -- "just the next step forward" for the United States and China. "It is an important start," he said.
"These hotlines are established principally to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculations and provide a direct linkage so if there were an incident or something was to happen, there could be direct contact and people could understand exactly what was going on," he said. "So I see it as another step forward in the further development of the relationship."
Gates told reporters he considered Quinsheng's speech "very matter of fact." In the speech, Quinsheng defended China's military buildup as defensive posturing. The secretary said Quinsheng "dealt fairly directly with the issues before us."
Gates said he welcomes further dialogue between the two countries. "I think there are further opportunities for understanding better some of the strategic intentions of the Chinese and some of their modernization programs," he said "I think further dialogue will provide the opportunity for that."
During his keynote address to defense and military leaders from 25 Asian nations, Gates recognized that the United States shares common interests with China on issues such as terrorism, counterproliferation and energy security.
"But we are concerned about the opaqueness of Beijing's military spending and modernization programs."
Gates avoided dwelling on that subject, one that dominated the Shangri-La Dialogue conference two years ago. Instead, he noted improvements in the U.S.-China relationship. "I believe there is reason to be optimistic, he said.
The secretary cited Marine Gen. Peter Pace's last visit to China, during which the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sat in the cockpit of a top-of-the-line Chinese fighter jet.
Gates also noted the "huge economic and trade relationship" between the two countries. "Indeed, I have been told that if just one American (business), Wal-Mart, were a country, it would be China's eighth-largest trading partner," he said.
He expressed confidence that this economic bilateral relationship will continue to improve through efforts such as the second meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, which wrapped up last week in Washington.
"As we gain experience in dealing with each other, relationships can be forged that will build trust over time," he said.
Gates talked with reporters following bilaterial meetings with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony and South Korean National Defense Minister Kim Jang-soo.
Gates and Kim reported after their meeting that they had constructive talks about topics including the relocation of U.S. bases south of Seoul and the transition of wartime operational control of South Korea's forces to its own control. The United States and South Korea have agreed to transition U.S. command over these forces in April 2012.
Gates said he also asked South Korea to reconsider its timetable for withdraw from Afghanistan.
Today's meeting helped resolve several difficult issues "and paves the way for future, even closer cooperation," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today lauded movement toward establishing a defense hotline between the United States and China. He called it "another step forward" in the two countries' developing relationship. Gates, here for the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, expressed optimism about the Chinese delegation leader's assertion that the hotline issue will be settled this fall.
Lt. Gen. Zhang Qinsheng, director of military intelligence for the People's Republic of China and the highest-level Chinese military official ever to attend this conference, said the hotline issue will be nailed down during defense meetings in the United States slated for September.
Gates called the concept of a hotline -- a secure landline provided through the "Defense Telephone Link" structure -- "just the next step forward" for the United States and China. "It is an important start," he said.
"These hotlines are established principally to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculations and provide a direct linkage so if there were an incident or something was to happen, there could be direct contact and people could understand exactly what was going on," he said. "So I see it as another step forward in the further development of the relationship."
Gates told reporters he considered Quinsheng's speech "very matter of fact." In the speech, Quinsheng defended China's military buildup as defensive posturing. The secretary said Quinsheng "dealt fairly directly with the issues before us."
Gates said he welcomes further dialogue between the two countries. "I think there are further opportunities for understanding better some of the strategic intentions of the Chinese and some of their modernization programs," he said "I think further dialogue will provide the opportunity for that."
During his keynote address to defense and military leaders from 25 Asian nations, Gates recognized that the United States shares common interests with China on issues such as terrorism, counterproliferation and energy security.
"But we are concerned about the opaqueness of Beijing's military spending and modernization programs."
Gates avoided dwelling on that subject, one that dominated the Shangri-La Dialogue conference two years ago. Instead, he noted improvements in the U.S.-China relationship. "I believe there is reason to be optimistic, he said.
The secretary cited Marine Gen. Peter Pace's last visit to China, during which the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sat in the cockpit of a top-of-the-line Chinese fighter jet.
Gates also noted the "huge economic and trade relationship" between the two countries. "Indeed, I have been told that if just one American (business), Wal-Mart, were a country, it would be China's eighth-largest trading partner," he said.
He expressed confidence that this economic bilateral relationship will continue to improve through efforts such as the second meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, which wrapped up last week in Washington.
"As we gain experience in dealing with each other, relationships can be forged that will build trust over time," he said.
Gates talked with reporters following bilaterial meetings with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony and South Korean National Defense Minister Kim Jang-soo.
Gates and Kim reported after their meeting that they had constructive talks about topics including the relocation of U.S. bases south of Seoul and the transition of wartime operational control of South Korea's forces to its own control. The United States and South Korea have agreed to transition U.S. command over these forces in April 2012.
Gates said he also asked South Korea to reconsider its timetable for withdraw from Afghanistan.
Today's meeting helped resolve several difficult issues "and paves the way for future, even closer cooperation," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Diplomacy Best Way to Confront Iran's Nuclear Programs, Gates Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2007 – A diplomatic solution is best way to deal with Iran's nuclear program, because "having to take care of this problem militarily is in no one's interest," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Speaking at the sixth annual International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, Gates expressed optimism about progress in curbing North Korea's nuclear ambitions through the "Six-Party Talks." He said he's hopeful the diplomatic approach will prove successful in addressing Iraq's efforts, too.
Iraq poses a threat to Southwest Asia and potentially Europe, particularly as it builds missiles of increasing range, Gates told defense and military leaders from 25 Asian nations during his keynote address.
During a question-and-answer session that followed the speech, Gates said the U.S. intelligence community generally agrees that Iraq will be able to develop a nuclear weapon sometime between 2010 and 2015, and possibly even earlier. "There are those who believe that that could happen much sooner, in late 2008 or 2009," he said.
Efforts to get Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities aren't aimed at legitimate energy-production programs, he stressed. "I don't think anyone begrudges Iran the capacity to have peaceful nuclear power under proper safeguards and supervision," he said. "They key is whether they will have nuclear weapons."
That's a distinction Gates said is impossible to make due to the way Iran conducts its affairs. "The reality is ... we really don't know," he said.
As a result, Gates called on the United Nations Security Council to "ratchet up pressure" on Iran, "not next year or the year after, but right now."
In addition, he called for the international community to come together to strengthen sanctions against Iran so it has to make some hard decisions.
These sanctions would force the Tehran government to "begin to face some serious tradeoffs in terms of their economic well-being and their economic future for having nuclear weapons," Gates said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2007 – A diplomatic solution is best way to deal with Iran's nuclear program, because "having to take care of this problem militarily is in no one's interest," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Speaking at the sixth annual International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, Gates expressed optimism about progress in curbing North Korea's nuclear ambitions through the "Six-Party Talks." He said he's hopeful the diplomatic approach will prove successful in addressing Iraq's efforts, too.
Iraq poses a threat to Southwest Asia and potentially Europe, particularly as it builds missiles of increasing range, Gates told defense and military leaders from 25 Asian nations during his keynote address.
During a question-and-answer session that followed the speech, Gates said the U.S. intelligence community generally agrees that Iraq will be able to develop a nuclear weapon sometime between 2010 and 2015, and possibly even earlier. "There are those who believe that that could happen much sooner, in late 2008 or 2009," he said.
Efforts to get Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities aren't aimed at legitimate energy-production programs, he stressed. "I don't think anyone begrudges Iran the capacity to have peaceful nuclear power under proper safeguards and supervision," he said. "They key is whether they will have nuclear weapons."
That's a distinction Gates said is impossible to make due to the way Iran conducts its affairs. "The reality is ... we really don't know," he said.
As a result, Gates called on the United Nations Security Council to "ratchet up pressure" on Iran, "not next year or the year after, but right now."
In addition, he called for the international community to come together to strengthen sanctions against Iran so it has to make some hard decisions.
These sanctions would force the Tehran government to "begin to face some serious tradeoffs in terms of their economic well-being and their economic future for having nuclear weapons," Gates said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates: U.S. Continues to Build, Strengthen Asian Relationships
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2007 – The United States hasn't let Asia slip from its radar screen in light of operational demands in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates assured Asian defense and military leaders here today. "In fact, far from neglecting Asia, the United States is more engaged than ever before," Gates told representatives of 25 countries participating in the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Gates said the U.S. is building on its long history of engagement with Asia to strengthen existing relationships in the region and build new ones to confront current challenges, including terrorism.
The secretary cited the United States' historical roots as a Pacific nation committed to stability and peace in the region and the price it has paid over the past century in both lives and treasure to live up to that commitment.
"We are an Asian power with significant and long-term political, economic and security interests," he told the audience. "Our commitments elsewhere notwithstanding, we will fulfill our commitments in Asia."
The United States has been "extraordinarily busy" reshaping and strengthening its security ties in the region in recent years, he said. As part of that process, it has formed new bilateral relationships and renewed and modernized others.
Gates cited the U.S. relationships with South Korea and Japan as examples. As South Korea is assumes more responsibility for its own defense, the United States is reducing its military footprint there. Similarly, the United States is realigning and repositioning its forces in Japan while cooperating in new areas, such as missile defense.
These moves shouldn't be viewed as a U.S. retreat from the region, he said, but rather as an effort to create stronger, more balanced security partnerships. "In carefully calibrating and refining each of these important relationships, we are guided by one overarching principle: to make each relationship more relevant, more resilient, more responsive and more enduring," he said.
Gates pointed to improved U.S. relationships elsewhere in the region, including expanded ties with India and Mongolia and the reestablishment of military-to-military relationships with India and Pakistan that were cut off in the late 1990s.
Meanwhile, he said, the U.S. also has been active in key regional initiatives focused on counterterrorism, non-proliferation, missile defense, maritime security, and crisis response.
U.S.-Asian relationships and the security benefits they yield offer a blueprint for the cooperation needed to confront violent extremism and other emerging threats, he said.
No single country, however wealthy or powerful it might be, can face these threats alone, he said. They demonstrate "the need for civilized nations to come together in new and dynamic ways -- as we are doing in Asia," he said.
Gates said the cooperation demonstrated in Asia, which has had a longstanding impact on the region's security, is proving even more important today. "Through commitment, partnership, cooperation and resolve, we are overcoming current challenges to our freedom, prosperity and security as we overcame the threats of the past," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2007 – The United States hasn't let Asia slip from its radar screen in light of operational demands in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates assured Asian defense and military leaders here today. "In fact, far from neglecting Asia, the United States is more engaged than ever before," Gates told representatives of 25 countries participating in the International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Gates said the U.S. is building on its long history of engagement with Asia to strengthen existing relationships in the region and build new ones to confront current challenges, including terrorism.
The secretary cited the United States' historical roots as a Pacific nation committed to stability and peace in the region and the price it has paid over the past century in both lives and treasure to live up to that commitment.
"We are an Asian power with significant and long-term political, economic and security interests," he told the audience. "Our commitments elsewhere notwithstanding, we will fulfill our commitments in Asia."
The United States has been "extraordinarily busy" reshaping and strengthening its security ties in the region in recent years, he said. As part of that process, it has formed new bilateral relationships and renewed and modernized others.
Gates cited the U.S. relationships with South Korea and Japan as examples. As South Korea is assumes more responsibility for its own defense, the United States is reducing its military footprint there. Similarly, the United States is realigning and repositioning its forces in Japan while cooperating in new areas, such as missile defense.
These moves shouldn't be viewed as a U.S. retreat from the region, he said, but rather as an effort to create stronger, more balanced security partnerships. "In carefully calibrating and refining each of these important relationships, we are guided by one overarching principle: to make each relationship more relevant, more resilient, more responsive and more enduring," he said.
Gates pointed to improved U.S. relationships elsewhere in the region, including expanded ties with India and Mongolia and the reestablishment of military-to-military relationships with India and Pakistan that were cut off in the late 1990s.
Meanwhile, he said, the U.S. also has been active in key regional initiatives focused on counterterrorism, non-proliferation, missile defense, maritime security, and crisis response.
U.S.-Asian relationships and the security benefits they yield offer a blueprint for the cooperation needed to confront violent extremism and other emerging threats, he said.
No single country, however wealthy or powerful it might be, can face these threats alone, he said. They demonstrate "the need for civilized nations to come together in new and dynamic ways -- as we are doing in Asia," he said.
Gates said the cooperation demonstrated in Asia, which has had a longstanding impact on the region's security, is proving even more important today. "Through commitment, partnership, cooperation and resolve, we are overcoming current challenges to our freedom, prosperity and security as we overcame the threats of the past," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
22 Months Undercover
Note: The author is former US Navy.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Michael Egbert of the Houston Police Department is the 564th state or local police officer to be added to the website.
Michael Egbert first experienced law enforcement during his enlistment with the United States Navy. In the Navy, he was temporarily assigned to the Armed Forces Police detachment on Guam. His short assignment in the Navy changed the career course of his life. After his discharge, Michael Egbert joined the Arapahoe County Sheriff Department as a jailer in 1973 and quickly transferred to patrol. He attended the state police training academy in Golden, Colorado and achieving certification in November 1974.
His law enforcement career accelerated when he was hand picked to join the Special Crime Attack Team then promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December 1977. Michael furthered his career by joining the Houston Police Department in April 1981 and obtaining Texas State certification and currently holds the highest certification, that of Master Peace Officer.
For a short while, Michael Egbert was assigned to the Houston Police Department Helicopter Patrol where he gained more than 700 hours of flight time as an observer in 1985. Michael received media attention for an assignment he worked from 1989 through 1991 where he was credited with over 4000 arrests during that two-year period. In 1997 Michael represented the Houston Police Department as a member of the International Police Task Force in Bosnia.
Michael Egbert is the co-author of S.C.A.T. According to the book description, “Michael Egbert spent 22 months with an undercover unit somewhere in Colorado where he dealt with an unbelievable array of career criminals. From spending the night in jail with a murderer to posing as an infamous underworld figure, Michael Egbert has a story to tell, a story that will keep you turning the pages, and wanting to read more. This book will give you a whole new appreciation for the brave men and women who protect and serve.”
One reader of S.C.A.T. remarked, “This was the first book I had ever read about law enforcement. I was hooked from the first chapter by its sensitivity. The stories showed brave men and women doing dangerous jobs while remaining sensitive to the victims. I laughed at times and bit my nails at other times anticipating what might happen next. I did not want the book to end and will be anxious to read Michaels next book. I sure hope there will be another one.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 564 police officers (representing 235 police departments) and their 1184 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Michael Egbert of the Houston Police Department is the 564th state or local police officer to be added to the website.
Michael Egbert first experienced law enforcement during his enlistment with the United States Navy. In the Navy, he was temporarily assigned to the Armed Forces Police detachment on Guam. His short assignment in the Navy changed the career course of his life. After his discharge, Michael Egbert joined the Arapahoe County Sheriff Department as a jailer in 1973 and quickly transferred to patrol. He attended the state police training academy in Golden, Colorado and achieving certification in November 1974.
His law enforcement career accelerated when he was hand picked to join the Special Crime Attack Team then promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December 1977. Michael furthered his career by joining the Houston Police Department in April 1981 and obtaining Texas State certification and currently holds the highest certification, that of Master Peace Officer.
For a short while, Michael Egbert was assigned to the Houston Police Department Helicopter Patrol where he gained more than 700 hours of flight time as an observer in 1985. Michael received media attention for an assignment he worked from 1989 through 1991 where he was credited with over 4000 arrests during that two-year period. In 1997 Michael represented the Houston Police Department as a member of the International Police Task Force in Bosnia.
Michael Egbert is the co-author of S.C.A.T. According to the book description, “Michael Egbert spent 22 months with an undercover unit somewhere in Colorado where he dealt with an unbelievable array of career criminals. From spending the night in jail with a murderer to posing as an infamous underworld figure, Michael Egbert has a story to tell, a story that will keep you turning the pages, and wanting to read more. This book will give you a whole new appreciation for the brave men and women who protect and serve.”
One reader of S.C.A.T. remarked, “This was the first book I had ever read about law enforcement. I was hooked from the first chapter by its sensitivity. The stories showed brave men and women doing dangerous jobs while remaining sensitive to the victims. I laughed at times and bit my nails at other times anticipating what might happen next. I did not want the book to end and will be anxious to read Michaels next book. I sure hope there will be another one.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 564 police officers (representing 235 police departments) and their 1184 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
The Moral Warrior
Editor's Note: One of the authors is a decorated Vietnam Veteran.
June 2, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. The website has added Rocky Warren and David Rose, who co-authored Paradigm of the Moral Warrior.
Rocky Warren is a retired Sergeant from the Placer County Sheriff's Department (California). He has more than twenty-eight years of experience of law enforcement experience. As a former SWAT member, defensive tactics, impact weapon, firearms, and police use of force instructor he’s formed Warren Consulting to offer police training and expert witness services. Rocky is currently on staff at two community colleges.
Rocky Warren is a court tested expert in use of force, choking, firearms and police practices. He is the author of two published books; Behind the Badge: Real Stories from the Police Beat and Police Use of Force Case Law: Instructor's Manual. He is also the co-author of Paradigm of the Moral Warrior with Lieutenant David Rose, Placer County Sheriff’s Department (ret.).
Pulitzer Prize nominated author Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman (ret.) endorsed Paradigm of the Moral Warrior, saying, “The Paradigm of the Moral Warrior has the highest concentration of warrior wisdom I have ever found. Not just the remarkable, valuable and useful quotations, but the wise words of the authors will be of great service to warriors, (be they cops, soldiers or Marines) for many years to come. I will personally be mining nuggets (for my own writing) from this rich vein for many years to come.”
David Rose is a retired lieutenant from the Placer County Sheriff’s Department (California). He was with the Sheriffs Department since 1978. He was the departments lead physical skills instructor since 1982. Dave was a member of the department's Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.E.T) since 1980. He has been a team member, entry team leader, assistant team leader, team leader, and retired as the team commander. He has planned, participated in, or commanded over 200 Critical Incidents in his career.
David Rose has been awarded 2 Bronze Medals of Honor, 1 Bronze Medal of Valor, and 3 Silver Stars for Bravery. He received the J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Gold Medal for Distinguished Public Service from the American Police Hall of Fame (Nov. 2002). He appeared in the premier edition of the American Police Hall Fame "Heroes in Blue" baseball card edition. He is a U.S. Army Military Police Vietnam Veteran and was awarded a Bronze Star for his tour of duty.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 563 police officers (representing 235 police departments) and their 1183 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
June 2, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. The website has added Rocky Warren and David Rose, who co-authored Paradigm of the Moral Warrior.
Rocky Warren is a retired Sergeant from the Placer County Sheriff's Department (California). He has more than twenty-eight years of experience of law enforcement experience. As a former SWAT member, defensive tactics, impact weapon, firearms, and police use of force instructor he’s formed Warren Consulting to offer police training and expert witness services. Rocky is currently on staff at two community colleges.
Rocky Warren is a court tested expert in use of force, choking, firearms and police practices. He is the author of two published books; Behind the Badge: Real Stories from the Police Beat and Police Use of Force Case Law: Instructor's Manual. He is also the co-author of Paradigm of the Moral Warrior with Lieutenant David Rose, Placer County Sheriff’s Department (ret.).
Pulitzer Prize nominated author Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman (ret.) endorsed Paradigm of the Moral Warrior, saying, “The Paradigm of the Moral Warrior has the highest concentration of warrior wisdom I have ever found. Not just the remarkable, valuable and useful quotations, but the wise words of the authors will be of great service to warriors, (be they cops, soldiers or Marines) for many years to come. I will personally be mining nuggets (for my own writing) from this rich vein for many years to come.”
David Rose is a retired lieutenant from the Placer County Sheriff’s Department (California). He was with the Sheriffs Department since 1978. He was the departments lead physical skills instructor since 1982. Dave was a member of the department's Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.E.T) since 1980. He has been a team member, entry team leader, assistant team leader, team leader, and retired as the team commander. He has planned, participated in, or commanded over 200 Critical Incidents in his career.
David Rose has been awarded 2 Bronze Medals of Honor, 1 Bronze Medal of Valor, and 3 Silver Stars for Bravery. He received the J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Gold Medal for Distinguished Public Service from the American Police Hall of Fame (Nov. 2002). He appeared in the premier edition of the American Police Hall Fame "Heroes in Blue" baseball card edition. He is a U.S. Army Military Police Vietnam Veteran and was awarded a Bronze Star for his tour of duty.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 563 police officers (representing 235 police departments) and their 1183 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Gates, Asian Defense Leaders to Focus on Regional Security
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here this evening to meet with defense leaders from 25 nations participating in the sixth annual International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed participants tonight to the three-day conference, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue after the hotel where it's held.
Joining Gates at his first Shangri-La Dialogue are Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command.
"One of the central messages for our participation in the conference is that while we are fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a global war on terror, we have no intention of neglecting Asia," Gates told reporters during a stop at the Pacific Command headquarters, in Hawaii, while en route here. "We have been ... a Pacific power for a very long time, and we intend to continue to be one."
This statement speaks to concerns expressed by some in the region that the United States has lost focus of Asia's importance, particularly as demands in Iraq and Afghanistan have increased during the last 18 months, a senior defense official told reporters on background.
"Suggestions that we have allowed our current distractions in Iraq and Afghanistan to in some way lessen our commitment to Asia and reduce the level of activity here are without foundation," he said.
In his keynote address tomorrow, Gates plans to address some of the sweeping activities and initiatives under way that demonstrate U.S. commitment to the region, the secretary told reporters. The scope of these efforts "makes quite clear that we remain deeply ... (and) actively engaged," he said.
Gates cited the important partnerships, friendship and allies the United States maintains in the region and the breadth of Pacific Command's operations here.
"Pacific Command is certainly involved in the war on terror, but the range of activities (it) has under way completely independent of the war on terror with our friends in the region is just extraordinary," Gates said.
In his address tomorrow, Gates is expected to emphasize the stake all Asian countries have in the struggle for freedom in Central Asia and to express appreciation to those who have stepped up to the plate to provide support in the war on terrorism.
Gates noted today that the United States' Asian partners "play a critical role in the war on terror." Australia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Fiji, Mongolia, Tonga and New Zealand are making or have made significant contributions to the efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Some of the Asian countries have been victims in the war on terror and are strong allies in pursuing al Qaeda and other terrorist groups associated with al Qaeda," the secretary said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here this evening to meet with defense leaders from 25 nations participating in the sixth annual International Institute of Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed participants tonight to the three-day conference, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue after the hotel where it's held.
Joining Gates at his first Shangri-La Dialogue are Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command.
"One of the central messages for our participation in the conference is that while we are fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a global war on terror, we have no intention of neglecting Asia," Gates told reporters during a stop at the Pacific Command headquarters, in Hawaii, while en route here. "We have been ... a Pacific power for a very long time, and we intend to continue to be one."
This statement speaks to concerns expressed by some in the region that the United States has lost focus of Asia's importance, particularly as demands in Iraq and Afghanistan have increased during the last 18 months, a senior defense official told reporters on background.
"Suggestions that we have allowed our current distractions in Iraq and Afghanistan to in some way lessen our commitment to Asia and reduce the level of activity here are without foundation," he said.
In his keynote address tomorrow, Gates plans to address some of the sweeping activities and initiatives under way that demonstrate U.S. commitment to the region, the secretary told reporters. The scope of these efforts "makes quite clear that we remain deeply ... (and) actively engaged," he said.
Gates cited the important partnerships, friendship and allies the United States maintains in the region and the breadth of Pacific Command's operations here.
"Pacific Command is certainly involved in the war on terror, but the range of activities (it) has under way completely independent of the war on terror with our friends in the region is just extraordinary," Gates said.
In his address tomorrow, Gates is expected to emphasize the stake all Asian countries have in the struggle for freedom in Central Asia and to express appreciation to those who have stepped up to the plate to provide support in the war on terrorism.
Gates noted today that the United States' Asian partners "play a critical role in the war on terror." Australia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Fiji, Mongolia, Tonga and New Zealand are making or have made significant contributions to the efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Some of the Asian countries have been victims in the war on terror and are strong allies in pursuing al Qaeda and other terrorist groups associated with al Qaeda," the secretary said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
China Issues Critical, But Won't Dominate Asia Security Summit
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – Although it opens today on the heels of the Defense Department's May 25 release of its China Military Power Report, U.S. defense officials attending the Asia Security Summit here intend to let the "let the report speak for itself and let others draw conclusions," a senior official said. The official, speaking to reporters on background, said the summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, isn't expected to focus on China's growing military capability.
The annual China report, mandated by Congress, covers key developments in China over the past year and changes in Chinese military strategy. While this year's report emphasizes the need for China to be more transparent about its military programs and budget, it also notes China's increased willingness to engage with the United States and other countries, the official said.
As an example of that trend, China has sent its most senior military delegation ever to this year's Shangri-La Dialogue. Lt. Gen. Zhang Qinsheng, director of military intelligence for the People's Republic of China, will lead the group.
Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld promoted greater Chinese participation here during the 2006 conference and when he visited China in 2005. "The more people from China visit with the rest of these folks, I think it develops relationships and demystifies things in a way that's constructive," he told reporters covering last year's Shangri-La Dialogue.
Those initiatives now appear to be bearing fruit. "What we are seeing is a ... greater willingness and eagerness of the Chinese, I believe, to engage and engage at the uniformed officer level," the official said.
No formal bilateral meetings are scheduled between the two countries' delegations, he said. However, they will interface along with senior defense and military officials from 23 other countries throughout the three-day conference.
He noted that many other countries in the region share the United States' concerns about China and are watching the situation closely.
There's no question that the Chinese are building significant military capacity, Gates told reporters during a stop at U.S. Pacific Command Headquarters, in Hawaii, while en route here. "Our concern is over their intent," he said.
That's hard to gauge in light of China's secretiveness about its programs, he said, expressing a desire to see more openness.
"Tell us more about where you are headed. What are your intentions? That is the real issue," Gates said. "The fact that they are building capacity is just a fact. It's what they plan or do not plan to do with it that is of interest, and that is where their transparency ... would be helpful to everyone."
Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, recently travelled to China and met with Chinese officials to help address this concern.
His discussions with Chinese officials emphasized "developing a better understanding of intentions so as to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding," he said during a media roundtable with Gates. "It is complicated enough as is, and if there aren't open channels of communication, if there aren't better ways of communicating intent, ... the likelihood of a miscalculation increases."
Not knowing China's intentions, the United States has no choice but to assume the worst, the senior defense official said. "If you don't have any ... really good idea about why they are deploying a certain system or developing competence in a particular area, you are left then to guess," he said. "And when you guess, you have to hedge. And when you hedge, you have to assume worst-case scenarios."
More transparency on China's part would help the United States narrow those scenarios, the official said. That, in turn, "would probably allow us to be less concerned and cause us to hedge less," he said. "And I think that's where we are heading."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – Although it opens today on the heels of the Defense Department's May 25 release of its China Military Power Report, U.S. defense officials attending the Asia Security Summit here intend to let the "let the report speak for itself and let others draw conclusions," a senior official said. The official, speaking to reporters on background, said the summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, isn't expected to focus on China's growing military capability.
The annual China report, mandated by Congress, covers key developments in China over the past year and changes in Chinese military strategy. While this year's report emphasizes the need for China to be more transparent about its military programs and budget, it also notes China's increased willingness to engage with the United States and other countries, the official said.
As an example of that trend, China has sent its most senior military delegation ever to this year's Shangri-La Dialogue. Lt. Gen. Zhang Qinsheng, director of military intelligence for the People's Republic of China, will lead the group.
Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld promoted greater Chinese participation here during the 2006 conference and when he visited China in 2005. "The more people from China visit with the rest of these folks, I think it develops relationships and demystifies things in a way that's constructive," he told reporters covering last year's Shangri-La Dialogue.
Those initiatives now appear to be bearing fruit. "What we are seeing is a ... greater willingness and eagerness of the Chinese, I believe, to engage and engage at the uniformed officer level," the official said.
No formal bilateral meetings are scheduled between the two countries' delegations, he said. However, they will interface along with senior defense and military officials from 23 other countries throughout the three-day conference.
He noted that many other countries in the region share the United States' concerns about China and are watching the situation closely.
There's no question that the Chinese are building significant military capacity, Gates told reporters during a stop at U.S. Pacific Command Headquarters, in Hawaii, while en route here. "Our concern is over their intent," he said.
That's hard to gauge in light of China's secretiveness about its programs, he said, expressing a desire to see more openness.
"Tell us more about where you are headed. What are your intentions? That is the real issue," Gates said. "The fact that they are building capacity is just a fact. It's what they plan or do not plan to do with it that is of interest, and that is where their transparency ... would be helpful to everyone."
Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, recently travelled to China and met with Chinese officials to help address this concern.
His discussions with Chinese officials emphasized "developing a better understanding of intentions so as to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding," he said during a media roundtable with Gates. "It is complicated enough as is, and if there aren't open channels of communication, if there aren't better ways of communicating intent, ... the likelihood of a miscalculation increases."
Not knowing China's intentions, the United States has no choice but to assume the worst, the senior defense official said. "If you don't have any ... really good idea about why they are deploying a certain system or developing competence in a particular area, you are left then to guess," he said. "And when you guess, you have to hedge. And when you hedge, you have to assume worst-case scenarios."
More transparency on China's part would help the United States narrow those scenarios, the official said. That, in turn, "would probably allow us to be less concerned and cause us to hedge less," he said. "And I think that's where we are heading."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Pace Speaks With U.S. Servicemembers on Guam
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace prides himself on "speaking truth" as he knows it, and servicemembers here had a chance today to hear the military's highest ranking officer speak about regional threats, the war in Iraq and a variety of other concerns. Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stopped here overnight on his way to Singapore to attend the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Asia Security Conference. He took the opportunity to address about 500 airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines, thanking them for their service so far from home and stressing the importance of their duty in Guam.
"Certainly, the day-to-day fight is in Iraq, Afghanistan and perhaps in the Horn of Africa," Pace told the troops, "but the fact of the matter is that Guam figures hugely in all of our strategic planning. For example, as we take ground assets from the Pacific theater, to go fight this war, the importance of what's here in Guam increases dramatically."
While there is no current threat in the region, he said, anyone considering posing a threat must take into account the military capacity on the U.S. island territory more than 3,000 miles southwest of Hawaii.
"The planes that are out here, the ships that port call here, and all the special things that happen from Guam are strategically important to the United States," he said.
Such assets ensure the U.S. balance of power remains sufficient to be a strong deterrent.
After his brief remarks about Guam, Pace opened the floor to questions from the troops. He offered one of his signature coins to the first person to ask a question, joking that it would be worth about $5,000 on an online auction site. An Air Force sergeant took the plunge, got the coin and was first at the microphone.
He asked the chairman about growing capabilities in the region that might threaten U.S. satellites. Pace replied that China now has the capacity to shoot down U.S. satellites, but whether that represents a threat depends on China's intent. Threats are a combination of capacity and intent," he said, and "right now, China's capacity is certainly growing."
"It's natural for any nation's military to modernize, to become more efficient, to get better at what they're doing," he said. "In and of itself, I don't consider that a threat. The capacity they now have to shoot down satellites is something we need to think through as to how we would overcome or adjust to that capacity."
Pace said one of his responsibilities is to make recommendations to allocate resources to overcome a potential adversary's advantage in one area or another.
"Without any intent on the part of China to do us harm right now," he said, "we still need to understand that they have some capacities that are new, emerging and we need to understand how we would work around those if we ever had to."
Responding to a question about the buildup of Marines on Guam, Pace said the plan to transfer 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam by 2010 is on track. The Japanese government has agreed to contribute $6 billion of the estimated $10 billion cost, and U.S. officials continue working with local officials on the need for additional infrastructure.
"There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle that need to fall into place," Pace said. "I think you'll see this unfold at whatever speed (in keeping with) the environmental impact statements and the ability to build the buildings."
Five or 10 years down the road, Guam will be even more important than it is today. "I see a very bright future, from a military standpoint, for Guam. I believe that the influx of that $10 billion dollars, plus the influx of billions of dollars that will flow in over the years will be good for the local economy."
Asked about his personal thoughts on "the surge," the current buildup of troops in Iraq, Pace assured the troops that his personal and professional thoughts are one.
"They should be identical, otherwise I should be in another job," he stressed. "My responsibility is to give my best military advice. I cannot imagine having a professional military opinion be different than my heart of hearts.
"My responsibility," he said, "is to make sure they are the same and to speak truth as I know it to the president, the secretary of defense, the National Security Council, Homeland Security Council and the Congress when asked."
Pace said he has told the nation's leaders the following:
"Any number of troops, whether it be 20,000 or 100,000, would make no difference at all if all they do is go in, do what we were doing, and come out, without commensurate surges in governance on the part of the Iraqis and economic development on the part of the international community," Pace said.
"But if there is going to be a commitment by the Iraqi government to 'surge' their activities, and if there's going to be a commitment by our own government to get with other governments to help with the economy, then the surge makes sense because you do need security for the first two things to happen," Pace said. "But the security is not going to last unless those other two things do happen."
Pace said that progress made to date in Iraq's Anbar province is evidence that the surge can work. Last year at this time, al Qaeda had a wide presence there, and things were not going well.
This year, he said, all the signs are good, not because of more coalition troops, but because the local sheiks said they wanted al Qaeda out of their territory and they were willing to work with the coalition and central government to make it happen. Because of that change by local leaders, thousands of young men are being encouraged to join their local army to push al Qaeda out.
"That's making all the difference in the world," Pace said. "This is why I believe the current surge in forces is capable of providing enough additional security if the local leaders and national leaders in Iraq say they want to succeed and they get their followers to follow them down a peaceful path instead of a destructive one."
An Air Force chief master sergeant asked how top leaders plan to take care of servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder. Pace noted that part of the reason health professionals are seeing more PTSD is because people now know what symptoms to look for.
Military medical officials are paying attention, and the services are conducting interviews to identify troops who may have signs of the disorder, he said. However, initial interviews prior to homecoming may not be the most revealing, he added.
"It's not inconceivable that Sergeant Pace coming back from Iraq does not want to get slowed down in going home by saying yes to a question that if he answered no, (might delay) him getting back to his family," the chairman said.
It's also possible that the servicemember doesn't yet know he or she has a problem, he said. This is why follow-up three-month and six-month interviews are so important.
"We also need to do a better job of educating family members about what to look for in their loved ones," he said. "Education is key to identifying symptoms early."
Military leaders also are looking at reducing the stress of repeat deployments, the chairman said. The goal is to increase servicemembers' time at home. Right now, soldiers spend 15 months deployed and 12 months home. The goal is to have ground forces deploy for one year and spend two years home.
Defense officials are increasing the size of the force by 65,000 soldiers and the Marine Corps by 27,000 Marines, he said, but this will take time. "There are some real-world constraints on how fast we can build this force inside the all-volunteer military."
Military leaders are working to reduce the numbers of brigades deployed, Pace said. Currently, 33 brigade equivalents are deployed: 28 in Iraq, three in Afghanistan, one in Kosovo, and one in Korea.
All of these things are important to reducing stress on the force and on individual servicemembers, he said.
After about an hour of questions and answers that ranged from a sailor's question on pay to equipping the National Guard, the audience gave the chairman a standing ovation, and Pace wrapped up his visit by giving each servicemember one of his signature coins.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace prides himself on "speaking truth" as he knows it, and servicemembers here had a chance today to hear the military's highest ranking officer speak about regional threats, the war in Iraq and a variety of other concerns. Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stopped here overnight on his way to Singapore to attend the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Asia Security Conference. He took the opportunity to address about 500 airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines, thanking them for their service so far from home and stressing the importance of their duty in Guam.
"Certainly, the day-to-day fight is in Iraq, Afghanistan and perhaps in the Horn of Africa," Pace told the troops, "but the fact of the matter is that Guam figures hugely in all of our strategic planning. For example, as we take ground assets from the Pacific theater, to go fight this war, the importance of what's here in Guam increases dramatically."
While there is no current threat in the region, he said, anyone considering posing a threat must take into account the military capacity on the U.S. island territory more than 3,000 miles southwest of Hawaii.
"The planes that are out here, the ships that port call here, and all the special things that happen from Guam are strategically important to the United States," he said.
Such assets ensure the U.S. balance of power remains sufficient to be a strong deterrent.
After his brief remarks about Guam, Pace opened the floor to questions from the troops. He offered one of his signature coins to the first person to ask a question, joking that it would be worth about $5,000 on an online auction site. An Air Force sergeant took the plunge, got the coin and was first at the microphone.
He asked the chairman about growing capabilities in the region that might threaten U.S. satellites. Pace replied that China now has the capacity to shoot down U.S. satellites, but whether that represents a threat depends on China's intent. Threats are a combination of capacity and intent," he said, and "right now, China's capacity is certainly growing."
"It's natural for any nation's military to modernize, to become more efficient, to get better at what they're doing," he said. "In and of itself, I don't consider that a threat. The capacity they now have to shoot down satellites is something we need to think through as to how we would overcome or adjust to that capacity."
Pace said one of his responsibilities is to make recommendations to allocate resources to overcome a potential adversary's advantage in one area or another.
"Without any intent on the part of China to do us harm right now," he said, "we still need to understand that they have some capacities that are new, emerging and we need to understand how we would work around those if we ever had to."
Responding to a question about the buildup of Marines on Guam, Pace said the plan to transfer 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam by 2010 is on track. The Japanese government has agreed to contribute $6 billion of the estimated $10 billion cost, and U.S. officials continue working with local officials on the need for additional infrastructure.
"There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle that need to fall into place," Pace said. "I think you'll see this unfold at whatever speed (in keeping with) the environmental impact statements and the ability to build the buildings."
Five or 10 years down the road, Guam will be even more important than it is today. "I see a very bright future, from a military standpoint, for Guam. I believe that the influx of that $10 billion dollars, plus the influx of billions of dollars that will flow in over the years will be good for the local economy."
Asked about his personal thoughts on "the surge," the current buildup of troops in Iraq, Pace assured the troops that his personal and professional thoughts are one.
"They should be identical, otherwise I should be in another job," he stressed. "My responsibility is to give my best military advice. I cannot imagine having a professional military opinion be different than my heart of hearts.
"My responsibility," he said, "is to make sure they are the same and to speak truth as I know it to the president, the secretary of defense, the National Security Council, Homeland Security Council and the Congress when asked."
Pace said he has told the nation's leaders the following:
"Any number of troops, whether it be 20,000 or 100,000, would make no difference at all if all they do is go in, do what we were doing, and come out, without commensurate surges in governance on the part of the Iraqis and economic development on the part of the international community," Pace said.
"But if there is going to be a commitment by the Iraqi government to 'surge' their activities, and if there's going to be a commitment by our own government to get with other governments to help with the economy, then the surge makes sense because you do need security for the first two things to happen," Pace said. "But the security is not going to last unless those other two things do happen."
Pace said that progress made to date in Iraq's Anbar province is evidence that the surge can work. Last year at this time, al Qaeda had a wide presence there, and things were not going well.
This year, he said, all the signs are good, not because of more coalition troops, but because the local sheiks said they wanted al Qaeda out of their territory and they were willing to work with the coalition and central government to make it happen. Because of that change by local leaders, thousands of young men are being encouraged to join their local army to push al Qaeda out.
"That's making all the difference in the world," Pace said. "This is why I believe the current surge in forces is capable of providing enough additional security if the local leaders and national leaders in Iraq say they want to succeed and they get their followers to follow them down a peaceful path instead of a destructive one."
An Air Force chief master sergeant asked how top leaders plan to take care of servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder. Pace noted that part of the reason health professionals are seeing more PTSD is because people now know what symptoms to look for.
Military medical officials are paying attention, and the services are conducting interviews to identify troops who may have signs of the disorder, he said. However, initial interviews prior to homecoming may not be the most revealing, he added.
"It's not inconceivable that Sergeant Pace coming back from Iraq does not want to get slowed down in going home by saying yes to a question that if he answered no, (might delay) him getting back to his family," the chairman said.
It's also possible that the servicemember doesn't yet know he or she has a problem, he said. This is why follow-up three-month and six-month interviews are so important.
"We also need to do a better job of educating family members about what to look for in their loved ones," he said. "Education is key to identifying symptoms early."
Military leaders also are looking at reducing the stress of repeat deployments, the chairman said. The goal is to increase servicemembers' time at home. Right now, soldiers spend 15 months deployed and 12 months home. The goal is to have ground forces deploy for one year and spend two years home.
Defense officials are increasing the size of the force by 65,000 soldiers and the Marine Corps by 27,000 Marines, he said, but this will take time. "There are some real-world constraints on how fast we can build this force inside the all-volunteer military."
Military leaders are working to reduce the numbers of brigades deployed, Pace said. Currently, 33 brigade equivalents are deployed: 28 in Iraq, three in Afghanistan, one in Kosovo, and one in Korea.
All of these things are important to reducing stress on the force and on individual servicemembers, he said.
After about an hour of questions and answers that ranged from a sailor's question on pay to equipping the National Guard, the audience gave the chairman a standing ovation, and Pace wrapped up his visit by giving each servicemember one of his signature coins.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Defense Department Honors Asian Pacific American Servicemembers
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – About 500 guests gathered to pay tribute to Asian Pacific American servicemembers here yesterday at the Defense Department's 6th Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month luncheon and military awards ceremony. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon sponsored by the Defense Department and the Federal Asian Pacific American Council.
"It is widely agreed that today's military is the finest force this nation has ever fielded, and that quality reflects the quality of our people," Chu told the audience. "Diversity is part of that quality, and it has made us stronger -- diversity that is offered in good measure by the Asian Pacific community."
The Asian Pacific community is a "tapestry" that comprises Americans with Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Native Hawaiian, Cambodian, Thai, Tibetan, Burmese, Laotian and ancestries from about 20 other nations, Chu said. Asian Pacific Americans now represent more than 4 percent of the U.S. population, he added.
Asian Pacific Americans played a vital role as the U.S. military personnel during World War II, Chu said. Japanese-Americans were denied entry into the military in 1943, he noted, but they later were admitted and became part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team that earned more than 18,000 individual decorations for valor during campaigns in Italy and France.
Asian Pacific Americans continue to contribute as military members, Chu said, and he paid a special tribute to former and current servicemembers from American Samoa - a small, unincorporated U.S. territory between New Zealand and Hawaii.
American Samoa has suffered the highest number of casualties in the war on terrorism, "more than any other American state or territory on a per capita basis," Chu said.
American Samoa has a total population of less than 58,663. More than 200 American Samoans deployed to Iraq in 2005 and 2006, and 12 of them lost their lives, Chu said.
"This diverse group of Asian Pacific Americans has helped the nation build a military force capable of preserving our national liberty while serving as a role model for other freedom-seeking nations and people around the world," he said. "And many have given their lives."
Chu, the most senior Asian-American in the Defense Department, helped to hand out meritorious service awards to nine servicemembers, most of whom were recognized for their contributions to diversity and equal opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans in the federal workplace.
The theme for this year's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month observance -- "Pursuing excellence through leadership, diversity, and unity" -- is embodied by the award recipients from each service branch, Chu said.
Servicemembers recognized during the ceremony were:
-- Army Staff Sgt. Karim-Azar A. Grajo, who continuously promotes national and cultural heritages in the military and civilian communities in which he has lived and served for the past 18 years. Grajo's selfless efforts in founding and organizing Asian Pacific American Association events have paid huge dividends in promoting cross-cultural awareness and fostering a positive living environment.
-- Army Reserve Lt. Col. Evelyn Langford, who has made significant contributions to helping pave the way for Asian Pacific Americans throughout her 24 years of military service. With the start of her career in the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, the most highly decorated unit of World War II, Langford made history by becoming the first American Samoan woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.
-- Navy Capt. Myles Esmele Jr., whose passion and enduring vision have helped create opportunities and promote diversity for Asian Pacific Americans within the armed forces and the federal civil service. His role as a leader and mentor in spreading cultural awareness truly stands out in both local and international communities.
-- Navy Reserve Cmdr. Thirumanaliyur Subramanian Shankar, who distinguished himself as a Sunni engagement officer for multinational forces in Baghdad, and who also supported operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. In his role as a senior engagement officer in the Directorate of Strategic Effects, Office of National Reconciliation, he works on various confidence-building measures directed at insurgent groups, and he actively assists with implementation of the new Counterinsurgency Manual doctrine.
-- Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Stephane M. Castonguay, who distinguished himself as the noncommissioned officer in charge of a recruiting substation in Hawaii and as Pacific recruiter instructor for the 12th Marine Corps District. While in Hawaii, Castonguay led seven canvassing recruiters in assessing 135 applicants in the Far East. Toward the end of his tour as NCO in charge, he restructured and expanded Recruiting Substation Hawaii into two recruiting substations.
-- Air Force Maj. Leonard J. Kosinski, who distinguished himself as an operations officer with the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. He led a diverse group of more than 200 officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians through 11 major operational activities supporting the wing's C-17A Globemaster III airlift mission. His leadership enabled 1,100 crewmembers to accomplish the missions of combat and humanitarian airlift and airdrop throughout the world.
-- Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Bernie H. Lagasca III, who distinguished himself as a paralegal in the California Army National Guard. He consistently provided positive representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as well as other ethnic groups, both within and beyond the California Army National Guard. He demonstrated excellence in individual achievement and became a valuable asset to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate by providing legal assistance to the office, as well as to countless soldiers who request legal assistance.
-- Air National Guard Maj. Anni Mu Loeb, who distinguished herself as executive officer for the director of the California Air National Guard's Joint Staff and the 162nd Combat Communications Group. As a committee member for the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month ceremony, Loeb excelled in supporting initiatives that created a positive focus on cultural awareness to enhance the representation of Asian Americans in the California National Guard. She contributes her talents by mentoring servicemembers and individuals in the local community.
-- Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Krysia Pohl, who distinguished herself as a waterways management officer for the Coast Guard's Delaware Bay sector. She is a positive role model for Asian Pacific Americans. Pohl volunteered to mentor a company of recruits at Training Center Cape May, N.J. She prepared discussion notes and activities for a group of more than 60 recruits on two separate visits at which she shared insights about her experience within and outside the service. As a result, the recruits invited her to be the keynote speaker for their graduation.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – About 500 guests gathered to pay tribute to Asian Pacific American servicemembers here yesterday at the Defense Department's 6th Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month luncheon and military awards ceremony. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon sponsored by the Defense Department and the Federal Asian Pacific American Council.
"It is widely agreed that today's military is the finest force this nation has ever fielded, and that quality reflects the quality of our people," Chu told the audience. "Diversity is part of that quality, and it has made us stronger -- diversity that is offered in good measure by the Asian Pacific community."
The Asian Pacific community is a "tapestry" that comprises Americans with Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Native Hawaiian, Cambodian, Thai, Tibetan, Burmese, Laotian and ancestries from about 20 other nations, Chu said. Asian Pacific Americans now represent more than 4 percent of the U.S. population, he added.
Asian Pacific Americans played a vital role as the U.S. military personnel during World War II, Chu said. Japanese-Americans were denied entry into the military in 1943, he noted, but they later were admitted and became part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team that earned more than 18,000 individual decorations for valor during campaigns in Italy and France.
Asian Pacific Americans continue to contribute as military members, Chu said, and he paid a special tribute to former and current servicemembers from American Samoa - a small, unincorporated U.S. territory between New Zealand and Hawaii.
American Samoa has suffered the highest number of casualties in the war on terrorism, "more than any other American state or territory on a per capita basis," Chu said.
American Samoa has a total population of less than 58,663. More than 200 American Samoans deployed to Iraq in 2005 and 2006, and 12 of them lost their lives, Chu said.
"This diverse group of Asian Pacific Americans has helped the nation build a military force capable of preserving our national liberty while serving as a role model for other freedom-seeking nations and people around the world," he said. "And many have given their lives."
Chu, the most senior Asian-American in the Defense Department, helped to hand out meritorious service awards to nine servicemembers, most of whom were recognized for their contributions to diversity and equal opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans in the federal workplace.
The theme for this year's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month observance -- "Pursuing excellence through leadership, diversity, and unity" -- is embodied by the award recipients from each service branch, Chu said.
Servicemembers recognized during the ceremony were:
-- Army Staff Sgt. Karim-Azar A. Grajo, who continuously promotes national and cultural heritages in the military and civilian communities in which he has lived and served for the past 18 years. Grajo's selfless efforts in founding and organizing Asian Pacific American Association events have paid huge dividends in promoting cross-cultural awareness and fostering a positive living environment.
-- Army Reserve Lt. Col. Evelyn Langford, who has made significant contributions to helping pave the way for Asian Pacific Americans throughout her 24 years of military service. With the start of her career in the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, the most highly decorated unit of World War II, Langford made history by becoming the first American Samoan woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.
-- Navy Capt. Myles Esmele Jr., whose passion and enduring vision have helped create opportunities and promote diversity for Asian Pacific Americans within the armed forces and the federal civil service. His role as a leader and mentor in spreading cultural awareness truly stands out in both local and international communities.
-- Navy Reserve Cmdr. Thirumanaliyur Subramanian Shankar, who distinguished himself as a Sunni engagement officer for multinational forces in Baghdad, and who also supported operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. In his role as a senior engagement officer in the Directorate of Strategic Effects, Office of National Reconciliation, he works on various confidence-building measures directed at insurgent groups, and he actively assists with implementation of the new Counterinsurgency Manual doctrine.
-- Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Stephane M. Castonguay, who distinguished himself as the noncommissioned officer in charge of a recruiting substation in Hawaii and as Pacific recruiter instructor for the 12th Marine Corps District. While in Hawaii, Castonguay led seven canvassing recruiters in assessing 135 applicants in the Far East. Toward the end of his tour as NCO in charge, he restructured and expanded Recruiting Substation Hawaii into two recruiting substations.
-- Air Force Maj. Leonard J. Kosinski, who distinguished himself as an operations officer with the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. He led a diverse group of more than 200 officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians through 11 major operational activities supporting the wing's C-17A Globemaster III airlift mission. His leadership enabled 1,100 crewmembers to accomplish the missions of combat and humanitarian airlift and airdrop throughout the world.
-- Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Bernie H. Lagasca III, who distinguished himself as a paralegal in the California Army National Guard. He consistently provided positive representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as well as other ethnic groups, both within and beyond the California Army National Guard. He demonstrated excellence in individual achievement and became a valuable asset to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate by providing legal assistance to the office, as well as to countless soldiers who request legal assistance.
-- Air National Guard Maj. Anni Mu Loeb, who distinguished herself as executive officer for the director of the California Air National Guard's Joint Staff and the 162nd Combat Communications Group. As a committee member for the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month ceremony, Loeb excelled in supporting initiatives that created a positive focus on cultural awareness to enhance the representation of Asian Americans in the California National Guard. She contributes her talents by mentoring servicemembers and individuals in the local community.
-- Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Krysia Pohl, who distinguished herself as a waterways management officer for the Coast Guard's Delaware Bay sector. She is a positive role model for Asian Pacific Americans. Pohl volunteered to mentor a company of recruits at Training Center Cape May, N.J. She prepared discussion notes and activities for a group of more than 60 recruits on two separate visits at which she shared insights about her experience within and outside the service. As a result, the recruits invited her to be the keynote speaker for their graduation.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe Prepares For AFRICOM Stand Up
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – U.S. Naval Forces Europe, an organization responsible for naval operations in much of Africa, is preparing to work with the new U.S. Africa Command, which is slated to stand up sometime in October, the naval forces' commander said here yesterday. "We hope, as they stand up, to fold into their intentions and their planning," Navy Adm. Henry G. Ulrich III, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, told reporters at Fort Lesley J. McNair here. He said his command "will adjust, as necessary" as AFRICOM becomes operational.
A U.S. Navy ship will embark on a six-month deployment to the Gulf of Guinea region this fall, part of a multinational maritime security and safety training initiative that partners with several west- and central-African countries. Ulrich said his command did the planning for the Gulf of Guinea initiative. That mission, he said, falls within "the spirit of AFRICOM and the initial operating capacity of AFRICOM."
In the past, Ulrich's command has worked with U.S. European Command, which was responsible for all mainland African nations except Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya, which now fall under U.S. Central command.
AFRICOM will eventually have responsibility for the entire continent of Africa, except Egypt and the surrounding islands.
President Bush in February directed the Defense Department to create a unified combatant command for Africa. U.S. Africa Command is to be stood up by the end of fiscal 2008.
"This new command will strengthen our security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of our partners in Africa," Bush said in a White House statement dated Feb. 6. "Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring peace and stability to the people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, health, education, democracy, and economic growth in Africa."
The Gulf of Guinea mission dovetails with U.S. Africa Command's mandate, Ulrich said.
"If you look at the direction that the Africa Command has been given and the purpose of standing up the AFRICOM, you'll see that (the Gulf of Guinea initiative) is closely aligned," the admiral said.
The African continent currently is divided among three combatant commands: U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. U.S. Central Command has responsibility for Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya. U.S. European Command currently has responsibility for the rest of the nations in the African mainland. U.S. Pacific Command has responsibility for Madagascar, the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean area off the African coast.
Details of the new command are still being worked, and its transition team is based at Kelley Barracks, in Stuttgart, Germany. DoD eventually would like to place AFRICOM's headquarters in Africa.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – U.S. Naval Forces Europe, an organization responsible for naval operations in much of Africa, is preparing to work with the new U.S. Africa Command, which is slated to stand up sometime in October, the naval forces' commander said here yesterday. "We hope, as they stand up, to fold into their intentions and their planning," Navy Adm. Henry G. Ulrich III, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, told reporters at Fort Lesley J. McNair here. He said his command "will adjust, as necessary" as AFRICOM becomes operational.
A U.S. Navy ship will embark on a six-month deployment to the Gulf of Guinea region this fall, part of a multinational maritime security and safety training initiative that partners with several west- and central-African countries. Ulrich said his command did the planning for the Gulf of Guinea initiative. That mission, he said, falls within "the spirit of AFRICOM and the initial operating capacity of AFRICOM."
In the past, Ulrich's command has worked with U.S. European Command, which was responsible for all mainland African nations except Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya, which now fall under U.S. Central command.
AFRICOM will eventually have responsibility for the entire continent of Africa, except Egypt and the surrounding islands.
President Bush in February directed the Defense Department to create a unified combatant command for Africa. U.S. Africa Command is to be stood up by the end of fiscal 2008.
"This new command will strengthen our security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of our partners in Africa," Bush said in a White House statement dated Feb. 6. "Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring peace and stability to the people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, health, education, democracy, and economic growth in Africa."
The Gulf of Guinea mission dovetails with U.S. Africa Command's mandate, Ulrich said.
"If you look at the direction that the Africa Command has been given and the purpose of standing up the AFRICOM, you'll see that (the Gulf of Guinea initiative) is closely aligned," the admiral said.
The African continent currently is divided among three combatant commands: U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. U.S. Central Command has responsibility for Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya. U.S. European Command currently has responsibility for the rest of the nations in the African mainland. U.S. Pacific Command has responsibility for Madagascar, the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean area off the African coast.
Details of the new command are still being worked, and its transition team is based at Kelley Barracks, in Stuttgart, Germany. DoD eventually would like to place AFRICOM's headquarters in Africa.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Army Helps Prepare Hurricane States for Heavy Season
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – The Army is helping out U.S. states and territories that are in the paths of potentially deadly hurricanes by providing equipment to help fill shortages identified by National Guard commanders there, a senior Army official said today. The Army is either issuing or loaning 2,600 pieces of equipment to a handful of coastal states, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, said Army Brig. Gen. David Halverson, director of operations, readiness and mobilization, for the deputy chief of staff for operations and plans.
This announcement comes on the first official day of an Atlantic hurricane season that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting will be "above normal" in its hurricane activity, according to the NOAA Web site. NOAA is predicting as many as five major hurricanes that could be Category 3 or above. Hurricane Katrina was a Category 5 hurricane.
"Just like any war fight, we are trying to be postured mentally and physically so we can have success," Halverson said.
The equipment includes relief necessities, such as generators, trucks, Humvees and radios. Some of the equipment will be permanently assigned to fill shortages at the states, Halverson said. Equipment on loan is temporarily assigned and positioned within the state and will be returned at the end of hurricane season, in November.
The Army started issuing the equipment in May and expects that all will be in place by mid-June, Halverson said. Right now, a little more than half of the equipment is in place, he said. Some equipment is in transit to Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Halverson said that Army officials asked National Guard commanders in March for equipment assessments. With the supplemental equipping, Halverson said, commanders reported back to senior Army leaders that they can manage storms up to Category 3.
Above Category 3, Halverson said, states would use Emergency Management Assistance Compacts in place that would allow governors to borrow equipment and personnel from surrounding states. Above Category 5, states may need federal help with personnel and equipment, Halverson said.
Overall, lines of communication between state and federal agencies are now better equipped to manage disaster relief, and agencies are more focused on how to provide aid and less on establishing lines of control, Halverson said.
"It's just not about equipment. It's really about how you bring the whole interagency team together to be able to provide lifesaving capabilities and to be able to stop the suffering at the local area," he said.
In 2006, the states and territories asked the Army for 11,000 pieces of equipment, Halverson said. Last year it took until September to distribute all of the equipment.
"This year we're much better prepared than we were last year," he said.
The National Guard is the first military responder in the event of a hurricane, under the control of the state governors. At the request of the governor, the president can authorize use of federal forces to assist in disaster relief, Halverson said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – The Army is helping out U.S. states and territories that are in the paths of potentially deadly hurricanes by providing equipment to help fill shortages identified by National Guard commanders there, a senior Army official said today. The Army is either issuing or loaning 2,600 pieces of equipment to a handful of coastal states, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, said Army Brig. Gen. David Halverson, director of operations, readiness and mobilization, for the deputy chief of staff for operations and plans.
This announcement comes on the first official day of an Atlantic hurricane season that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting will be "above normal" in its hurricane activity, according to the NOAA Web site. NOAA is predicting as many as five major hurricanes that could be Category 3 or above. Hurricane Katrina was a Category 5 hurricane.
"Just like any war fight, we are trying to be postured mentally and physically so we can have success," Halverson said.
The equipment includes relief necessities, such as generators, trucks, Humvees and radios. Some of the equipment will be permanently assigned to fill shortages at the states, Halverson said. Equipment on loan is temporarily assigned and positioned within the state and will be returned at the end of hurricane season, in November.
The Army started issuing the equipment in May and expects that all will be in place by mid-June, Halverson said. Right now, a little more than half of the equipment is in place, he said. Some equipment is in transit to Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Halverson said that Army officials asked National Guard commanders in March for equipment assessments. With the supplemental equipping, Halverson said, commanders reported back to senior Army leaders that they can manage storms up to Category 3.
Above Category 3, Halverson said, states would use Emergency Management Assistance Compacts in place that would allow governors to borrow equipment and personnel from surrounding states. Above Category 5, states may need federal help with personnel and equipment, Halverson said.
Overall, lines of communication between state and federal agencies are now better equipped to manage disaster relief, and agencies are more focused on how to provide aid and less on establishing lines of control, Halverson said.
"It's just not about equipment. It's really about how you bring the whole interagency team together to be able to provide lifesaving capabilities and to be able to stop the suffering at the local area," he said.
In 2006, the states and territories asked the Army for 11,000 pieces of equipment, Halverson said. Last year it took until September to distribute all of the equipment.
"This year we're much better prepared than we were last year," he said.
The National Guard is the first military responder in the event of a hurricane, under the control of the state governors. At the request of the governor, the president can authorize use of federal forces to assist in disaster relief, Halverson said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Workshop Prosthetic Technology
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – As the use of improvised explosive devices has continued steadily against U.S. troops in Iraq, the Defense Department has made treating those troops seriously injured in the blasts a top priority. That was the focus of a three-day workshop for Defense Department and Veterans Affairs medical professionals at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, who gathered to discuss advancements in treating traumatic amputee patients.
"We in the Army have lived by a warrior ethos, and part of that ethos is that we do not leave a fallen comrade. You're seeing that here, exemplified in the work of these great caregivers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and throughout the Army medical department and the military health system every day," Army Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, commander of Walter Reed, said at the beginning of a media demonstration today.
Several of the workshop presenters and Walter Reed patients demonstrated the latest prosthetic technology and the rehabilitation process for amputees.
The warrior ethos also includes a commitment to never accept defeat or give up, Schoomaker noted, and that's what amputee care and rehabilitation is all about.
"What you're seeing here today is a personification of not accepting defeat and not quitting," he said. "The mission of the warrior who's wounded is to turn that mission focus to restoring their own health and well-being, and restoring their full function. That's what the Army and the joint force is about; it's about restoring the full function and retaining great warriors."
The technology demonstrated today included a "power knee," which is the first motor-powered prosthetic; a powered ankle-foot unit with microprocessor technology to detect changes in terrain; a microprocessor knee with artificial intelligence that recognizes and adjusts to changes in speed; and "cheetah feet," which are prostheses specially designed for sprinting and high-level competition.
Amputee patients also demonstrated different training techniques physical therapists use during rehabilitation. The troops start with running drills that use five steps to introduce the amputee to running with a prosthesis. They move into multi-directional drills, which teach them to move on different planes and work on speed, agility and power. The amputees also work on speed drills, which use resistance to increase stride length and frequency.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Angel Barcenas was one of the amputees demonstrating training techniques today. Barcenas was wounded by an improvised explosive device in Iraq in July 2006 and lost both legs below the knee. He has been using the "cheetah feet" for about three weeks and today demonstrated several running drills, one using a parachute for resistance, and agility drills with hurdles.
Barcenas' healing process went quickly after being transported back to the U.S.; he started walking in September 2006, just three months after being injured. He credits the professionals at Walter Reed for his quick recovery.
"I don't know how they do it," he said. "They have a lot of work to do and they dedicated a lot of time just to me to make sure I was okay."
Barcenas said that the "cheetah feet" make a huge difference in his running ability, giving him more ability to push off with his ankles and toes. He participated in the entire workshop, which he said showcases a different side of Walter Reed than is usually portrayed.
"They have a tremendous amount of people here with the biggest hearts. They become really good friends; they become really personal, and it helps the patients," he said.
Another important message from this program and others like it is that even traumatic injuries can be overcome, Barcenas said. "It's possible to get back up on your feet and do exactly the things you were doing before without struggling," he said.
Amputee rehabilitation programs have returned 20 percent of amputees to active service, Schoomaker said. "We have soldiers fighting today in Afghanistan and elsewhere who are wearing prostheses that were fitted and that they were trained to use here," he said.
The Defense Department is committed to investing in cutting-edge technology and partnering with other government agencies and the civilian medical community to provide the best care possible for amputees, Schoomaker said. Ultimately, the Defense Department medical community hopes to move beyond injured servicemembers and benefit the U.S. population at large and even the global community, he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
June 1, 2007 – As the use of improvised explosive devices has continued steadily against U.S. troops in Iraq, the Defense Department has made treating those troops seriously injured in the blasts a top priority. That was the focus of a three-day workshop for Defense Department and Veterans Affairs medical professionals at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, who gathered to discuss advancements in treating traumatic amputee patients.
"We in the Army have lived by a warrior ethos, and part of that ethos is that we do not leave a fallen comrade. You're seeing that here, exemplified in the work of these great caregivers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and throughout the Army medical department and the military health system every day," Army Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, commander of Walter Reed, said at the beginning of a media demonstration today.
Several of the workshop presenters and Walter Reed patients demonstrated the latest prosthetic technology and the rehabilitation process for amputees.
The warrior ethos also includes a commitment to never accept defeat or give up, Schoomaker noted, and that's what amputee care and rehabilitation is all about.
"What you're seeing here today is a personification of not accepting defeat and not quitting," he said. "The mission of the warrior who's wounded is to turn that mission focus to restoring their own health and well-being, and restoring their full function. That's what the Army and the joint force is about; it's about restoring the full function and retaining great warriors."
The technology demonstrated today included a "power knee," which is the first motor-powered prosthetic; a powered ankle-foot unit with microprocessor technology to detect changes in terrain; a microprocessor knee with artificial intelligence that recognizes and adjusts to changes in speed; and "cheetah feet," which are prostheses specially designed for sprinting and high-level competition.
Amputee patients also demonstrated different training techniques physical therapists use during rehabilitation. The troops start with running drills that use five steps to introduce the amputee to running with a prosthesis. They move into multi-directional drills, which teach them to move on different planes and work on speed, agility and power. The amputees also work on speed drills, which use resistance to increase stride length and frequency.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Angel Barcenas was one of the amputees demonstrating training techniques today. Barcenas was wounded by an improvised explosive device in Iraq in July 2006 and lost both legs below the knee. He has been using the "cheetah feet" for about three weeks and today demonstrated several running drills, one using a parachute for resistance, and agility drills with hurdles.
Barcenas' healing process went quickly after being transported back to the U.S.; he started walking in September 2006, just three months after being injured. He credits the professionals at Walter Reed for his quick recovery.
"I don't know how they do it," he said. "They have a lot of work to do and they dedicated a lot of time just to me to make sure I was okay."
Barcenas said that the "cheetah feet" make a huge difference in his running ability, giving him more ability to push off with his ankles and toes. He participated in the entire workshop, which he said showcases a different side of Walter Reed than is usually portrayed.
"They have a tremendous amount of people here with the biggest hearts. They become really good friends; they become really personal, and it helps the patients," he said.
Another important message from this program and others like it is that even traumatic injuries can be overcome, Barcenas said. "It's possible to get back up on your feet and do exactly the things you were doing before without struggling," he said.
Amputee rehabilitation programs have returned 20 percent of amputees to active service, Schoomaker said. "We have soldiers fighting today in Afghanistan and elsewhere who are wearing prostheses that were fitted and that they were trained to use here," he said.
The Defense Department is committed to investing in cutting-edge technology and partnering with other government agencies and the civilian medical community to provide the best care possible for amputees, Schoomaker said. Ultimately, the Defense Department medical community hopes to move beyond injured servicemembers and benefit the U.S. population at large and even the global community, he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Post Traumatic Stress in Law Enforcement
Editor's Note: The PTSD issues seem relevent to the military.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to researching and listing state and local police officers who have written books. The website now hosts 560 police officers (representing 234 police departments) and their 1179 books in six categories. The website also researches and lists separately, federal law enforcement writers, civilian police personnel and international law enforcement officers. The website added a new international police writer from Australia, Esther Mckay.
Esther McKay served in the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force (Australia) for seventeen years, attaining the rank of Detective (technical) Senior Constable. She worked in Forensic Services for fifteen years, specializing in crime-scene examination and vehicle identification. She has a Diploma of Applied Science in Forensic Investigation (NSW Police) and was awarded the National Medal of service in 2001. Esther Mckay retired in 2001 after becoming medically unfit with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Esther Mckay is the president of the Police Post Trauma Support group; and, a strong advocate for improving the mental health conditions for both active and retired law enforcement officials. She is the author of the Australian bestseller Crime Scene.
Esther Mckay said of Crime Scene, “it is an autobiographical account of my work as a Crime Scene Examiner and the gradual onset of PTSD due to the constant exposure to trauma. Day after day my life was consumed by killings, distress and gruesome sites, each one adding another piece to an ever-growing mosaic that seemed to be made up of bloodied disposable gloves, plastic bags and human waste.”
According to the book description, “When Esther McKay, an idealistic young constable with the NSW police, entered the tough, male-dominated world of forensic investigation; she was determined to hold her own. She soon found herself at deeply confronting crime scenes, often working alone and without supervision. After years of long, lonely, exhausting days and nights, and following a particularly harrowing high-profile case involving the disappearance of two young boys, Esther had a break-down and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. This is Esther's story. Powerful, moving and unforgettable, Crime Scene takes us inside the life of a forensic investigator, and reveals as never before the extraordinary demands and dangers of forensic work.”
The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force was established by the Police Regulation Act 1862, which was replaced by the Police Regulation Act 1899. In June 1987, the NSW Police Force (operations) and the NSW Police Department (policy and administrative support) were combined.
The NSW Police Force is Australia's oldest and largest police organization and one of the biggest in the English speaking world. It has 17,000 employees, including more than 13,300 police officers. The police officers serve a population of seven million in the state of New South Wales, an 801,600 square kilometer area comparable in size to Texas, and double the combined geographic areas of England, Scotland and Wales. The New South Wales Police Force operates on land, sea and from the air; and, provides community based policing from more than 500 police stations to a wide range of ethnic communities speaking more than 30 languages.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to researching and listing state and local police officers who have written books. The website now hosts 560 police officers (representing 234 police departments) and their 1179 books in six categories. The website also researches and lists separately, federal law enforcement writers, civilian police personnel and international law enforcement officers. The website added a new international police writer from Australia, Esther Mckay.
Esther McKay served in the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force (Australia) for seventeen years, attaining the rank of Detective (technical) Senior Constable. She worked in Forensic Services for fifteen years, specializing in crime-scene examination and vehicle identification. She has a Diploma of Applied Science in Forensic Investigation (NSW Police) and was awarded the National Medal of service in 2001. Esther Mckay retired in 2001 after becoming medically unfit with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Esther Mckay is the president of the Police Post Trauma Support group; and, a strong advocate for improving the mental health conditions for both active and retired law enforcement officials. She is the author of the Australian bestseller Crime Scene.
Esther Mckay said of Crime Scene, “it is an autobiographical account of my work as a Crime Scene Examiner and the gradual onset of PTSD due to the constant exposure to trauma. Day after day my life was consumed by killings, distress and gruesome sites, each one adding another piece to an ever-growing mosaic that seemed to be made up of bloodied disposable gloves, plastic bags and human waste.”
According to the book description, “When Esther McKay, an idealistic young constable with the NSW police, entered the tough, male-dominated world of forensic investigation; she was determined to hold her own. She soon found herself at deeply confronting crime scenes, often working alone and without supervision. After years of long, lonely, exhausting days and nights, and following a particularly harrowing high-profile case involving the disappearance of two young boys, Esther had a break-down and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. This is Esther's story. Powerful, moving and unforgettable, Crime Scene takes us inside the life of a forensic investigator, and reveals as never before the extraordinary demands and dangers of forensic work.”
The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force was established by the Police Regulation Act 1862, which was replaced by the Police Regulation Act 1899. In June 1987, the NSW Police Force (operations) and the NSW Police Department (policy and administrative support) were combined.
The NSW Police Force is Australia's oldest and largest police organization and one of the biggest in the English speaking world. It has 17,000 employees, including more than 13,300 police officers. The police officers serve a population of seven million in the state of New South Wales, an 801,600 square kilometer area comparable in size to Texas, and double the combined geographic areas of England, Scotland and Wales. The New South Wales Police Force operates on land, sea and from the air; and, provides community based policing from more than 500 police stations to a wide range of ethnic communities speaking more than 30 languages.
Military author selected for prestigious academic fellowship
Military-Writers.com is a website dedicated to researching and listing current, former and active United States Military personnel who have authored books. Wally Adamchik, the author of No YELLING: The Nine Secrets of Marine Corps Leadership you MUST know to WIN in business, has been selected as a Non-Resident Fellow for Marine Corps University for the 2007-2008 academic year.
The Non-Resident Fellows is a distinguished group of leadership experts and practitioners from active duty as well as the civilian sector; but the common thread with all Fellows is the desire to increase the study and application of leadership in the Marine Corps. Fellows will work with the Lejeune Leadership Institute by providing non-resident perspective and expertise. This may include: contributing to leadership curricula at various schools; writing papers for publication; assisting with the development of case studies or tools for use in the operating forces; and, assisting in local Lejeune Leadership Institute support visits to USMC bases and stations.
The mission of Lejeune Leadership Institute is to advance the study and practice of leadership excellence throughout the Marine Corps, focusing on leader development founded on core values. Institute Director, Dr. Joseph Thomas points out, “there are many, many needs. The Fellows perspective from outside of Marine Corps University is most welcome and we look forward to their input.”
When asked how he felt about this selection Adamchik commented, “It is kind of amazing that I can continue to make a contribution to the Marines in a very significant way a decade after I served. In fact, it is what I learned since the Marines that gives me a perspective they want to hear. We will learn from each other and make our Corps better. It is a bonus that my clients will benefit from this also.”
Major Wally Adamchik, a former tank commander and helicopter pilot with the United States Marine Corps, is the founder and president of FireStarter Speaking and Consulting, a national leadership development and consulting firm. His book, No Yelling: The 9 Secrets of Marine Corps Leadership You Must Know to Win in Business, draws upon the real-life experiences of those currently serving in the Marines and those now in the civilian sector to explain how anyone can incorporate the nine essential behaviors of Marine Corps leadership into their daily business life.
The book includes more than 100 interviews with current and former Marines, and offers side-by-side comparisons of their application in military and civilian settings. “The leadership techniques displayed by the United States Marine Corps have proven themselves time and again in battle,” says Adamchik. “These same principles can be applied from the break room to the board room to help anyone excel in business.”
For more information contact Wally Adamchik at wally@beafirestarter.com or 919-673-9499; or, for more information on his book, go to www.military-writers.com/wally_adamchik.html.
The Non-Resident Fellows is a distinguished group of leadership experts and practitioners from active duty as well as the civilian sector; but the common thread with all Fellows is the desire to increase the study and application of leadership in the Marine Corps. Fellows will work with the Lejeune Leadership Institute by providing non-resident perspective and expertise. This may include: contributing to leadership curricula at various schools; writing papers for publication; assisting with the development of case studies or tools for use in the operating forces; and, assisting in local Lejeune Leadership Institute support visits to USMC bases and stations.
The mission of Lejeune Leadership Institute is to advance the study and practice of leadership excellence throughout the Marine Corps, focusing on leader development founded on core values. Institute Director, Dr. Joseph Thomas points out, “there are many, many needs. The Fellows perspective from outside of Marine Corps University is most welcome and we look forward to their input.”
When asked how he felt about this selection Adamchik commented, “It is kind of amazing that I can continue to make a contribution to the Marines in a very significant way a decade after I served. In fact, it is what I learned since the Marines that gives me a perspective they want to hear. We will learn from each other and make our Corps better. It is a bonus that my clients will benefit from this also.”
Major Wally Adamchik, a former tank commander and helicopter pilot with the United States Marine Corps, is the founder and president of FireStarter Speaking and Consulting, a national leadership development and consulting firm. His book, No Yelling: The 9 Secrets of Marine Corps Leadership You Must Know to Win in Business, draws upon the real-life experiences of those currently serving in the Marines and those now in the civilian sector to explain how anyone can incorporate the nine essential behaviors of Marine Corps leadership into their daily business life.
The book includes more than 100 interviews with current and former Marines, and offers side-by-side comparisons of their application in military and civilian settings. “The leadership techniques displayed by the United States Marine Corps have proven themselves time and again in battle,” says Adamchik. “These same principles can be applied from the break room to the board room to help anyone excel in business.”
For more information contact Wally Adamchik at wally@beafirestarter.com or 919-673-9499; or, for more information on his book, go to www.military-writers.com/wally_adamchik.html.
New Scam Targets Military Spouses
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – The American Red Cross is warning military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that targets family members of deployed troops. The Red Cross was alerted of the scam earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red Cross.
The scam involves a person with an American accent calling a military spouse, identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and telling the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and was medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then says that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth.
It is hard to determine how many spouses have been targeted by this scam, Goldburg said, as there are many ways for spouses to report problems like this. However, one confirmed report was enough for the Red Cross to act, she said.
"We know that it happened to one person; it was probably going to happen to others, and we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said.
American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant, according to a Red Cross news release. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.
In addition, Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member, the news release said. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members; the Defense Department will contact families directly about family members' injuries.
It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for a person to fraudulently pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, according to the news release. Any military family member that receives such a call is urged to report it to their local family readiness group or military personnel flight.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
May 31, 2007 – The American Red Cross is warning military spouses about a new identity-theft scam that targets family members of deployed troops. The Red Cross was alerted of the scam earlier this month, said Devorah Goldburg of the Red Cross.
The scam involves a person with an American accent calling a military spouse, identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and telling the spouse that her husband was hurt in Iraq and was medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then says that doctors can't start treatment until paperwork is completed, and that to start the paperwork they need the spouse to verify her husband's social security number and date of birth.
It is hard to determine how many spouses have been targeted by this scam, Goldburg said, as there are many ways for spouses to report problems like this. However, one confirmed report was enough for the Red Cross to act, she said.
"We know that it happened to one person; it was probably going to happen to others, and we wanted to be prudent and alert people," she said.
American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant, according to a Red Cross news release. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.
In addition, Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member, the news release said. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members; the Defense Department will contact families directly about family members' injuries.
It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for a person to fraudulently pretend to be a member of, or an agent for, the American Red Cross for the purpose of soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, according to the news release. Any military family member that receives such a call is urged to report it to their local family readiness group or military personnel flight.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Homefront Group Awarded $5.9 Million Grant
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – Operation Homefront, a military support group dedicated to providing emergency assistance and morale to servicemembers and their families, recently received a $5.9 million grant to expand its services. The grant came from the California Community Foundation's Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund.
"We were deeply honored to receive this grant, and it will fund some big dreams that we, and our volunteers, have had," Meredith Leyva, chairman of Operation Homefront, said. "For example ... we've been able to launch our Wounded Warrior Wives project."
The new Wounded Warrior Wives project is a combined effort of Operation Homefront and its online community, CinCHouse.com. The program is designed to provide comprehensive support to caregivers of wounded warriors, according to the CinCHouse Web site.
Operation Homefront and CinCHouse.com, are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"The grant allowed us to hire Dr. Julie Storey, a recently separated Air Force psychologist specializing in (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other issues related to wounded warriors," Leyva said. "She's overseeing our Wounded Warrior Wives effort."
Storey's role includes offering guidance to online and real-world support groups as well as providing articles and information through the CinCHouse.come site, she said.
Leyva said the most exciting thing about the grant is the ability to fund developments with Operation Homefront's state chapters. Many of those chapters began as small military support groups and have come under Operation Homefront's umbrella.
"It's hard to run a nonprofit. There's a lot of paperwork, administration, accounting, all the stuff that seems to pull you off the mission," she said. "Operation Homefront has worked really hard to develop easy-to-use-tools that take that burden off the volunteers and let them focus on the core mission."
The grant funds will be disbursed to the group over a two-year period.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – Operation Homefront, a military support group dedicated to providing emergency assistance and morale to servicemembers and their families, recently received a $5.9 million grant to expand its services. The grant came from the California Community Foundation's Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund.
"We were deeply honored to receive this grant, and it will fund some big dreams that we, and our volunteers, have had," Meredith Leyva, chairman of Operation Homefront, said. "For example ... we've been able to launch our Wounded Warrior Wives project."
The new Wounded Warrior Wives project is a combined effort of Operation Homefront and its online community, CinCHouse.com. The program is designed to provide comprehensive support to caregivers of wounded warriors, according to the CinCHouse Web site.
Operation Homefront and CinCHouse.com, are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"The grant allowed us to hire Dr. Julie Storey, a recently separated Air Force psychologist specializing in (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other issues related to wounded warriors," Leyva said. "She's overseeing our Wounded Warrior Wives effort."
Storey's role includes offering guidance to online and real-world support groups as well as providing articles and information through the CinCHouse.come site, she said.
Leyva said the most exciting thing about the grant is the ability to fund developments with Operation Homefront's state chapters. Many of those chapters began as small military support groups and have come under Operation Homefront's umbrella.
"It's hard to run a nonprofit. There's a lot of paperwork, administration, accounting, all the stuff that seems to pull you off the mission," she said. "Operation Homefront has worked really hard to develop easy-to-use-tools that take that burden off the volunteers and let them focus on the core mission."
The grant funds will be disbursed to the group over a two-year period.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Navy Was Natural Choice for Lifelong Sailor
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – A lifelong love for the sea led Lt. j.g. Katie Hagen to the Navy, and now her service is taking her around the country to share her pride in serving the nation. Hagen is participating in the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program as one of eight servicemembers who travel across the nation to speak to community groups, ranging from veterans organizations to grade schools, about their personal stories of military service.
Her success in the Navy seemed preordained. After sailing for nearly half her life, Hagen became a member of the Sea Scouts, part of the scouting movement that focuses on boat management and seamanship, when she was 14 years old.
Quickly rising to the rank of quartermaster, the equivalent of an Eagle Scout, she became a national boatswain and, at the age of 17, was hand-selected to serve as a U.S. representative in New Zealand to the 2000 America's Cup, considered to be the world's premier sailing event.
"I have to live on the water," the now 24-year-old Hagen said. "I can't imagine being landlocked."
The Slidell, La., native's love for water and sailing even played a role in choosing her college and, ultimately, her career.
"I was determined that I wanted to get through college on my own," Hagen said. This drive led her to make the "no-brainer" decision to join the ROTC. In addition to the fact it would pay for her education, she said, she knew life on the water was for her, either in the U.S. Coast Guard or the Navy.
After graduating from Tulane University in 2004, she was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy. Hagen said she found a career where she could apply the knowledge of the sea she had been developing since age 8.
Hagen has an impressive list of accomplishments on her resume. In support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, she served onboard the USS Donald Cook, where she helped perform anti-pirating operations off the coast of Somalia and maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf.
Her most recent assignment has been as a training officer within the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group, where she was responsible for security cooperation initiatives with four of the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation, a regional partnership among the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. She also coordinated replenishment operations between U.S. warships and oil rigs.
One of the lessons Hagen said she has learned during her military service is that "life seems to be so cheap in some parts of the world."
"I no longer take little things for granted," she said. "I didn't realize how good we have it in America. I appreciate life back here so much more."
She recounted coming across a small fishing boat in the Persian Gulf that had been the victim of piracy. "They had no food or water, and the ship was riddled with bullet holes," she said. "They had no radio to call for help."
Hagen said that the stranded victims were drifting in the middle of the Gulf and would have been in true peril if her crew had not come to their aid. The victims were extremely grateful when her team provided them enough food, water and fuel to get to their destination, she said.
Many local shipping and fishing vessels take advantage of the protection provided by coalition ships in the area, Hagen said. "Boats try to congregate near our ships because they know they will be safe from terrorists out on the seas."
People will go to desperate measures to survive, she said. "I'm just thankful for the opportunity to see acts of such desperation. It just drives the point home even further that the freedom we have as Americans is something that others don't have."
The experience has been an eye-opener, Hagen said. "I am so proud to be part of the Navy's mission in the region and get a chance to make a difference," she added.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2007 – A lifelong love for the sea led Lt. j.g. Katie Hagen to the Navy, and now her service is taking her around the country to share her pride in serving the nation. Hagen is participating in the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program as one of eight servicemembers who travel across the nation to speak to community groups, ranging from veterans organizations to grade schools, about their personal stories of military service.
Her success in the Navy seemed preordained. After sailing for nearly half her life, Hagen became a member of the Sea Scouts, part of the scouting movement that focuses on boat management and seamanship, when she was 14 years old.
Quickly rising to the rank of quartermaster, the equivalent of an Eagle Scout, she became a national boatswain and, at the age of 17, was hand-selected to serve as a U.S. representative in New Zealand to the 2000 America's Cup, considered to be the world's premier sailing event.
"I have to live on the water," the now 24-year-old Hagen said. "I can't imagine being landlocked."
The Slidell, La., native's love for water and sailing even played a role in choosing her college and, ultimately, her career.
"I was determined that I wanted to get through college on my own," Hagen said. This drive led her to make the "no-brainer" decision to join the ROTC. In addition to the fact it would pay for her education, she said, she knew life on the water was for her, either in the U.S. Coast Guard or the Navy.
After graduating from Tulane University in 2004, she was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy. Hagen said she found a career where she could apply the knowledge of the sea she had been developing since age 8.
Hagen has an impressive list of accomplishments on her resume. In support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, she served onboard the USS Donald Cook, where she helped perform anti-pirating operations off the coast of Somalia and maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf.
Her most recent assignment has been as a training officer within the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group, where she was responsible for security cooperation initiatives with four of the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation, a regional partnership among the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. She also coordinated replenishment operations between U.S. warships and oil rigs.
One of the lessons Hagen said she has learned during her military service is that "life seems to be so cheap in some parts of the world."
"I no longer take little things for granted," she said. "I didn't realize how good we have it in America. I appreciate life back here so much more."
She recounted coming across a small fishing boat in the Persian Gulf that had been the victim of piracy. "They had no food or water, and the ship was riddled with bullet holes," she said. "They had no radio to call for help."
Hagen said that the stranded victims were drifting in the middle of the Gulf and would have been in true peril if her crew had not come to their aid. The victims were extremely grateful when her team provided them enough food, water and fuel to get to their destination, she said.
Many local shipping and fishing vessels take advantage of the protection provided by coalition ships in the area, Hagen said. "Boats try to congregate near our ships because they know they will be safe from terrorists out on the seas."
People will go to desperate measures to survive, she said. "I'm just thankful for the opportunity to see acts of such desperation. It just drives the point home even further that the freedom we have as Americans is something that others don't have."
The experience has been an eye-opener, Hagen said. "I am so proud to be part of the Navy's mission in the region and get a chance to make a difference," she added.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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