By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - Some Army civilian employees may get layoff notices before Christmas, because $178 billion in emergency funds have not yet been approved to continue the war on terror, a senior Defense Department official said today. President Bush called on Congress twice publicly this week to pass an emergency funding bill, but has vowed to veto any bill that imposes a mandatory troop withdrawal date.
Some members of Congress have responded by saying the Pentagon has funds to continue operations through March, but a Pentagon spokesman today said furlough notices for Army employees could start going out the middle of this month. The employees would not be furloughed until after Christmas, but some contracts require a 60-day notice if the furlough will be longer than 60 days, Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters at the Pentagon. The department is using fiscal 2008 funds – not part of the supplemental funding needed – to keep operations going in the war on terror, he explained.
"Anyone who thinks that this is not a serious situation is simply misinformed or is ignoring the facts. We have tried to be as matter of fact as we can on this, but the reality is that we are using our program budget for FY 08 ... to fund our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan," Whitman said.
DoD is using its readiness funding, or operations and maintenance accounts, which typically pay for training, supplies, and maintenance of weapons and equipment.
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates requested to shift $3.7 billion from Navy and Air Force payrolls and an $800 million excess in the working capital fund to Army and Marine Corps operations.
If funding continues to be delayed, it could affect as many as 200,000 civilian employees and contractors, DoD officials reported earlier.
"In mid-February, the Army will run out of all of their O&M funding for the entire year, because they will have spent it on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. That will require some fairly significant and harsh actions by the department, specifically the Army. And the Marine Corps is only about a month behind them," Whitman said.
Military installations soon will have to shut down operations and furlough civilian employees, terminate contracts, and move into what Whitman called a "warm" status.
"Facts are the facts. We're trying to keep people as well informed as we can, but anybody that thinks that we have sufficient funding to go beyond what we have stated is just either misinformed or electing not to examine the facts," he said.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
America Supports You: Chefs Let Wounded Troops Taste Gratitude
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - In an effort to lift spirits and say "thank you" during the holiday season, 10 area chefs presented recovering servicemembers and their families with a mouth-watering meal last night. "As chefs here in the nation's capital, we do a lot of fundraisers for a lot of different organizations, but this one means so much," said Chef Robert Wiedmaier, owner of Marcel's and Brasserie Beck, in the dining room at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Mologne House. "For us to be able to come up here at Christmas and use our talents to do something really nice for them makes us feel good, and hopefully they warm their bellies and feel really good about it."
The residents dined on fare that included barbequed brisket, beef stew with potato puree and roasted chestnut soup, among other delicious entrees. Two restaurants provided pecan pie and other assorted deserts.
The idea for the dinner, which is completely apolitical, Wiedmaier said, started with his mother, Virginia Ann Wiedmaier. While a patient at Walter Reed, she told her son he needed to go to the hospital and cook for the wounded troops.
The event, which was renamed the Virginia Ann Wiedmaier Holiday Dinner when she passed away a little more than two years ago, celebrated its fifth year last night.
Wiedmaier, whose father is a retired Army colonel, said the dinners would continue "as long as we need to keep doing it."
"It's in honor of my mother ... so I feel strongly about it," he said. "I'm also hoping that one day we won't have to do this any more."
Until that day arrives, the dinner is just the best medicine the doctors can't order, said Pete Anderson, manager of Mologne House.
"It's kind of a compilation of the community coming together and taking care of the servicemembers ... and showing them a good time," he said. "I think it's as beneficial for all of the restaurants to come up here and be around the servicemembers as it is for the servicemembers to come and enjoy some really, really wonderful food."
The servicemembers tended to be of like opinion.
"It was fantastic," said Army Spc. Cory Smith, who's recovering from injuries to his right eye and hand. "(I tried) everything; really, everything."
Army Spc. Travis Webb, a bilateral leg amputee, agreed the food was good, but said the event was a step better than just a good meal.
"It was better than the food I ate in Iraq and in the hospital," he said. "We appreciate people coming out here and doing stuff like this."
Stuff like the dinner serves as a reminder to the troops that they still have support back home, said Adrienne Trout, vice president of communications and development for United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
"It's not just the meal," she said. "I think it's a symbol that America is behind them, that people are thinking of them and they're not forgotten."
USO of Metropolitan Washington has helped to organize the event from the first year, and once again provided volunteers to help out at last night's event. USO volunteers helped to hand out door prizes and took boxed meals to hospital inpatients.
For the second year in a row, USO volunteers also took the same meal to sailors and Marines recovering at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.
As the evening concluded and Santa Claus finished handing out gifts to the children, the chefs gathered in the lobby to thank the servicemembers for their sacrifices. But they weren't the last thanks the troops and their families would receive.
Vice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of the Navy Reserve and commander of the Navy Reserve Force, offered his gratitude and holiday greetings on behalf of the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"Of all the countries in the world, there's about 112 constitutions, (but) there's only one constitution that starts with the word 'We,'" he said. "We're special. But we're extra special because of our forces we send overseas to give peace and freedom to other countries like you all have done in Afghanistan (and) in Iraq ... so they can enjoy the words 'freedom' and 'democracy' and celebrate their happy holidays and their own religions in their own way."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - In an effort to lift spirits and say "thank you" during the holiday season, 10 area chefs presented recovering servicemembers and their families with a mouth-watering meal last night. "As chefs here in the nation's capital, we do a lot of fundraisers for a lot of different organizations, but this one means so much," said Chef Robert Wiedmaier, owner of Marcel's and Brasserie Beck, in the dining room at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Mologne House. "For us to be able to come up here at Christmas and use our talents to do something really nice for them makes us feel good, and hopefully they warm their bellies and feel really good about it."
The residents dined on fare that included barbequed brisket, beef stew with potato puree and roasted chestnut soup, among other delicious entrees. Two restaurants provided pecan pie and other assorted deserts.
The idea for the dinner, which is completely apolitical, Wiedmaier said, started with his mother, Virginia Ann Wiedmaier. While a patient at Walter Reed, she told her son he needed to go to the hospital and cook for the wounded troops.
The event, which was renamed the Virginia Ann Wiedmaier Holiday Dinner when she passed away a little more than two years ago, celebrated its fifth year last night.
Wiedmaier, whose father is a retired Army colonel, said the dinners would continue "as long as we need to keep doing it."
"It's in honor of my mother ... so I feel strongly about it," he said. "I'm also hoping that one day we won't have to do this any more."
Until that day arrives, the dinner is just the best medicine the doctors can't order, said Pete Anderson, manager of Mologne House.
"It's kind of a compilation of the community coming together and taking care of the servicemembers ... and showing them a good time," he said. "I think it's as beneficial for all of the restaurants to come up here and be around the servicemembers as it is for the servicemembers to come and enjoy some really, really wonderful food."
The servicemembers tended to be of like opinion.
"It was fantastic," said Army Spc. Cory Smith, who's recovering from injuries to his right eye and hand. "(I tried) everything; really, everything."
Army Spc. Travis Webb, a bilateral leg amputee, agreed the food was good, but said the event was a step better than just a good meal.
"It was better than the food I ate in Iraq and in the hospital," he said. "We appreciate people coming out here and doing stuff like this."
Stuff like the dinner serves as a reminder to the troops that they still have support back home, said Adrienne Trout, vice president of communications and development for United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
"It's not just the meal," she said. "I think it's a symbol that America is behind them, that people are thinking of them and they're not forgotten."
USO of Metropolitan Washington has helped to organize the event from the first year, and once again provided volunteers to help out at last night's event. USO volunteers helped to hand out door prizes and took boxed meals to hospital inpatients.
For the second year in a row, USO volunteers also took the same meal to sailors and Marines recovering at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.
As the evening concluded and Santa Claus finished handing out gifts to the children, the chefs gathered in the lobby to thank the servicemembers for their sacrifices. But they weren't the last thanks the troops and their families would receive.
Vice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of the Navy Reserve and commander of the Navy Reserve Force, offered his gratitude and holiday greetings on behalf of the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
"Of all the countries in the world, there's about 112 constitutions, (but) there's only one constitution that starts with the word 'We,'" he said. "We're special. But we're extra special because of our forces we send overseas to give peace and freedom to other countries like you all have done in Afghanistan (and) in Iraq ... so they can enjoy the words 'freedom' and 'democracy' and celebrate their happy holidays and their own religions in their own way."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
DoD Announces New Manufacturing Technology Program
Today the Department of Defense announced its new Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program for 2008 at the Defense Manufacturing Conference in Las Vegas. John J. Kubricky, deputy under secretary of defense for advanced systems and concepts, explained that the Army, Navy and Air Force have successfully managed their individual ManTech programs for decades; this is the first year for DoD's defense-wide program.
“The services have realized billions in savings and cost avoidance over the years by applying ManTech to production and sustainment of their major systems," said Kubricky. "Now, the department and Congress want to apply ManTech to a broader set of defense technologies where prudent investments will yield benefits to all of the armed services."
Beginning in the federal government's fiscal 2008, the program expects to fund investments that will mature ceramic matrix composites manufacturing processes, system-on-chip packaging technology and design guidelines, and advanced manufacturing processes for prosthetics for our wounded warriors. "Other project candidates are being evaluated, and we anticipate returns-on-investment that range from 6:1 to 12:1 in terms of procurement and operating costs, improved operational availability rates, and faster availability for deployment," said Kubricky.
The defense-wide ManTech program aims to mature cross-cutting manufacturing processes in parallel with new and emerging technologies that are inserted into DoD systems. ManTech enables a cost-efficient and collaborative development process that concurrently retires cross-cutting manufacturing risk with technology risk to enable product-ready technology insertion. Equally important, the program aligns research and development investments with suitable levels of technology maturity or calls for corrective options in advance of Milestone B decisions.
"The ManTech processes that are developed, demonstrated and deployed through this program will be used to produce increasingly complex defense systems so our nation maintains superior equipment that is more affordable to acquire, operate and maintain," added Kubricky. ManTech generally measures results in decreased cycle time for production, lower manufacturing costs, more predictable performance, and improved reliability that yields reductions in life-cycle-costs.
Over the longer term, DoD anticipates the defense-wide ManTech program will transition to the Services to execute cross-cutting manufacturing projects that benefit all of the armed services.
More information regarding the Defense Manufacturing Conference can be found at: http://www.dmc.utcdayton.com.
“The services have realized billions in savings and cost avoidance over the years by applying ManTech to production and sustainment of their major systems," said Kubricky. "Now, the department and Congress want to apply ManTech to a broader set of defense technologies where prudent investments will yield benefits to all of the armed services."
Beginning in the federal government's fiscal 2008, the program expects to fund investments that will mature ceramic matrix composites manufacturing processes, system-on-chip packaging technology and design guidelines, and advanced manufacturing processes for prosthetics for our wounded warriors. "Other project candidates are being evaluated, and we anticipate returns-on-investment that range from 6:1 to 12:1 in terms of procurement and operating costs, improved operational availability rates, and faster availability for deployment," said Kubricky.
The defense-wide ManTech program aims to mature cross-cutting manufacturing processes in parallel with new and emerging technologies that are inserted into DoD systems. ManTech enables a cost-efficient and collaborative development process that concurrently retires cross-cutting manufacturing risk with technology risk to enable product-ready technology insertion. Equally important, the program aligns research and development investments with suitable levels of technology maturity or calls for corrective options in advance of Milestone B decisions.
"The ManTech processes that are developed, demonstrated and deployed through this program will be used to produce increasingly complex defense systems so our nation maintains superior equipment that is more affordable to acquire, operate and maintain," added Kubricky. ManTech generally measures results in decreased cycle time for production, lower manufacturing costs, more predictable performance, and improved reliability that yields reductions in life-cycle-costs.
Over the longer term, DoD anticipates the defense-wide ManTech program will transition to the Services to execute cross-cutting manufacturing projects that benefit all of the armed services.
More information regarding the Defense Manufacturing Conference can be found at: http://www.dmc.utcdayton.com.
Gates: Intelligence Estimate Shows Need to Keep Up Pressure on Iran
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today pointed to the new national intelligence estimate as evidence that non-military means are the best way for the United States to deal with Iran's nuclear enrichment program. Responding to a reporter's query during a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here, Gates said the estimate, released yesterday, also underscores the need for the international community to continue pressuring Iran not to restart its nuclear weapons program.
"If anything, the new national estimate validates the administration's strategy of bringing diplomatic and economic pressures to bear on the Iranian government to change its policies," Gates told reporters.
The report finds that the intelligence community "has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," national security advisor Stephen Hadley said in a Washington news briefing yesterday.
The estimate concludes that international scrutiny and pressure probably led Iran to halt work involving uranium enrichment that had previous gone undeclared.
Gates said the NIE gives the U.S. intelligence community "more confidence than ever before" that Iran had, in fact, had a nuclear weapons program before suspending it.
The secretary said the report underscores the role international pressure played in forcing that action, but expressed concern that Iran continues to "keep its options open."
"As long as they continue with their enrichment activities, then the opportunity to resume that nuclear weapons program is always present," he said.
Gates said the estimate demonstrates the need for the international community to keep up its pressure on Iran so it doesn't restart the program. He urged nations of the world "to join the United States in bringing pressure to bear on the Iranian government."
This, he said, will help "ensure that what apparently was a suspension in 2003 becomes a policy of the Iranian government and that they agree to the requirements of the international community in terms of their enrichment program."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 4, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today pointed to the new national intelligence estimate as evidence that non-military means are the best way for the United States to deal with Iran's nuclear enrichment program. Responding to a reporter's query during a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here, Gates said the estimate, released yesterday, also underscores the need for the international community to continue pressuring Iran not to restart its nuclear weapons program.
"If anything, the new national estimate validates the administration's strategy of bringing diplomatic and economic pressures to bear on the Iranian government to change its policies," Gates told reporters.
The report finds that the intelligence community "has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," national security advisor Stephen Hadley said in a Washington news briefing yesterday.
The estimate concludes that international scrutiny and pressure probably led Iran to halt work involving uranium enrichment that had previous gone undeclared.
Gates said the NIE gives the U.S. intelligence community "more confidence than ever before" that Iran had, in fact, had a nuclear weapons program before suspending it.
The secretary said the report underscores the role international pressure played in forcing that action, but expressed concern that Iran continues to "keep its options open."
"As long as they continue with their enrichment activities, then the opportunity to resume that nuclear weapons program is always present," he said.
Gates said the estimate demonstrates the need for the international community to keep up its pressure on Iran so it doesn't restart the program. He urged nations of the world "to join the United States in bringing pressure to bear on the Iranian government."
This, he said, will help "ensure that what apparently was a suspension in 2003 becomes a policy of the Iranian government and that they agree to the requirements of the international community in terms of their enrichment program."
Monday, December 03, 2007
Gates Assesses 'Soft,' 'Hard' Power Applications in Djibouti
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here today to see firsthand how combining multiple elements of U.S. national power toward a common goal is helping to prevent terrorism from taking a foothold in the Horn of Africa. Gates met today with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Defense Minister Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed at the presidential palace. From there, he traveled to this former French Foreign Legion base that's headquarters to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to get a sense of what's working and how those lessons can be applied to the new U.S. Africa Command.
Navy Rear Adm. James M. Hart, task force commander, described operations under way to provide not just security assistance, but also humanitarian support and development to the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
These initiatives fall directly in line with the "soft" elements of national power Gates wants to see beefed up so non-military U.S. government entities can be stronger partners in advancing U.S. interests around the world.
Speaking last week at Kansas State University, Gates emphasized that the military can't go it alone in standing up to threats the country will face for the foreseeable future. He urged greater funding for diplomatic and other non-military aspects of U.S. national power so they're better able to complement the military's kinetic "hard-power" capabilities.
Gates told reporters today that he looks at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa as a model of that concept through its military-to-military efforts and humanitarian and civic-support activities.
"It's a good model for Africa Command, but also an indication of the mix of activities I think we should be doing more of," he said.
"Kinetic efforts alone cannot achieve our goals in today's type of conflict," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
She pointed to the "three Ds" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- as "three legs to a stool" that provide a solid base of support. "And you can't succeed in one without moving forward on all three in order to get to a stable environment," she said.
CJTF-HOA serves as a unique model for this approach, another official explained.
The task force initially stood up in November 2002 as a seafaring force aimed at blocking terrorists fleeing Afghanistan from setting up a new safe haven here. But within six months, it moved ashore and its mission morphed into a blend of military cooperation, military-to-military training and humanitarian assistance over a massive region two-thirds the size of the United States.
Today, CJTF-HOA applies the "three Ds" as personnel representing the Defense Department, State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development work hand-in-hand to create a stable climate that promotes a better quality of life for the local population.
Security is the base upon which other goals are built, an official said. So CJTF-HOA partners with nations within the Horn of Africa to build their military capacity so they can counter threats and maintain stability.
Meanwhile, the task force advances an active civil-works program and humanitarian assistance efforts from providing medical and veterinary care to promoting school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.
"JTF-HOA has been experimental and unique in that it is one of the places where we have integrated this concept of development (and) traditionally humanitarian-style outreach efforts in a non-combat environment," the official said.
Gates talked today with commanders about lessons learned -- the good as well as the bad -- and how they can be applied elsewhere, including Iraq and Afghanistan, she said. Those lessons will be critical as the new U.S. Africa Command takes shape, and in many ways, looks to CJTF-HOA as its model.
"How does he make sure the good (CJTF-)HOA is doing is maintained as AFRICOM stands up, and how do we find the right role for HOA itself as AFRICOM matures in the future?" the defense official asked.
Gates' discussions with Djiboutian officials included an assessment of the role CJTF-HOA will play in the new command and how to enhance efforts under way on the Horn of Africa. "It's a very unique opportunity for him to meet with the Djiboutian leadership to ask them their perspective and advice on JTF-HOA and the role it plays, not only in Djibouti, but in the region," she said.
That's critical in this area chock-full of real or potential flashpoints, including Somalia; Darfur, Sudan; the border region between Ethiopia and Eritrea; and ungoverned areas where terrorists driven from Afghanistan might seek refuge.
Navy Capt. Bob Wright, the task force's public affairs officer, said CJTF-HOA is actively working "to remove conditions that allow radicalization to occur."
"Our success will be in preventing conflict," he said.
While visiting with officials, Gates saw signs of the huge growth taking place that will expand Camp Lemonier from 97 to 500 acres. The expansion will provide vast quality-of-life improvements for troops here, replacing that tents some currently live in with permanent structures.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled here today to see firsthand how combining multiple elements of U.S. national power toward a common goal is helping to prevent terrorism from taking a foothold in the Horn of Africa. Gates met today with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Defense Minister Ougoureh Kifleh Ahmed at the presidential palace. From there, he traveled to this former French Foreign Legion base that's headquarters to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to get a sense of what's working and how those lessons can be applied to the new U.S. Africa Command.
Navy Rear Adm. James M. Hart, task force commander, described operations under way to provide not just security assistance, but also humanitarian support and development to the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
These initiatives fall directly in line with the "soft" elements of national power Gates wants to see beefed up so non-military U.S. government entities can be stronger partners in advancing U.S. interests around the world.
Speaking last week at Kansas State University, Gates emphasized that the military can't go it alone in standing up to threats the country will face for the foreseeable future. He urged greater funding for diplomatic and other non-military aspects of U.S. national power so they're better able to complement the military's kinetic "hard-power" capabilities.
Gates told reporters today that he looks at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa as a model of that concept through its military-to-military efforts and humanitarian and civic-support activities.
"It's a good model for Africa Command, but also an indication of the mix of activities I think we should be doing more of," he said.
"Kinetic efforts alone cannot achieve our goals in today's type of conflict," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
She pointed to the "three Ds" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- as "three legs to a stool" that provide a solid base of support. "And you can't succeed in one without moving forward on all three in order to get to a stable environment," she said.
CJTF-HOA serves as a unique model for this approach, another official explained.
The task force initially stood up in November 2002 as a seafaring force aimed at blocking terrorists fleeing Afghanistan from setting up a new safe haven here. But within six months, it moved ashore and its mission morphed into a blend of military cooperation, military-to-military training and humanitarian assistance over a massive region two-thirds the size of the United States.
Today, CJTF-HOA applies the "three Ds" as personnel representing the Defense Department, State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development work hand-in-hand to create a stable climate that promotes a better quality of life for the local population.
Security is the base upon which other goals are built, an official said. So CJTF-HOA partners with nations within the Horn of Africa to build their military capacity so they can counter threats and maintain stability.
Meanwhile, the task force advances an active civil-works program and humanitarian assistance efforts from providing medical and veterinary care to promoting school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.
"JTF-HOA has been experimental and unique in that it is one of the places where we have integrated this concept of development (and) traditionally humanitarian-style outreach efforts in a non-combat environment," the official said.
Gates talked today with commanders about lessons learned -- the good as well as the bad -- and how they can be applied elsewhere, including Iraq and Afghanistan, she said. Those lessons will be critical as the new U.S. Africa Command takes shape, and in many ways, looks to CJTF-HOA as its model.
"How does he make sure the good (CJTF-)HOA is doing is maintained as AFRICOM stands up, and how do we find the right role for HOA itself as AFRICOM matures in the future?" the defense official asked.
Gates' discussions with Djiboutian officials included an assessment of the role CJTF-HOA will play in the new command and how to enhance efforts under way on the Horn of Africa. "It's a very unique opportunity for him to meet with the Djiboutian leadership to ask them their perspective and advice on JTF-HOA and the role it plays, not only in Djibouti, but in the region," she said.
That's critical in this area chock-full of real or potential flashpoints, including Somalia; Darfur, Sudan; the border region between Ethiopia and Eritrea; and ungoverned areas where terrorists driven from Afghanistan might seek refuge.
Navy Capt. Bob Wright, the task force's public affairs officer, said CJTF-HOA is actively working "to remove conditions that allow radicalization to occur."
"Our success will be in preventing conflict," he said.
While visiting with officials, Gates saw signs of the huge growth taking place that will expand Camp Lemonier from 97 to 500 acres. The expansion will provide vast quality-of-life improvements for troops here, replacing that tents some currently live in with permanent structures.
Virtual Spouse Support Group Holds Conference at Fort Bragg
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Anticipatory grief, reintegration, and relocation are terms that often resonate with military spouses. As servicemembers are fighting on the front lines, spouses at home are forming the support networks that are keeping families strong. This sacrifice and shared understanding was the focus of the third "SpouseBuzzLive" conference near Fort Bragg.
The conference is an extension of a "blog" -- an online diary -- for military spouses hosted by Military.com. Founded 14 months ago by Andi Hurley, an Army spouse, it has quickly become a virtual support group for spouses to connect with other spouses and share information about their experience.
More than 300 military spouses attended the conference, which featured a live Web broadcast from the site. Spouses participated in panels, visited booths, met face to face with other spouses, and talked about new avenues of communication that allow them to connect with each other as well as their military servicemembers.
Spouses explained the importance of connection and solidarity with others who understand the sacrifices of day-to-day military life. "I had my daughter three weeks after my husband was deployed," explained Michelle Rimel, a military spouse who lives in Fayetteville, N.C. "He was the only person I wanted to be there, but he couldn't be, and it was the support of other military wives that helped me get through it."
With online technology capabilities becoming more prevalent, online communities and support centers, such as SpouseBuzz, are becoming an important aspect of modern military life. Virtual communities provide support for daily challenges, raise issues of concern, and build a sense of connection with other spouses that would normally be unavailable due to geographic location.
Sarah Walter, one of 11 SpouseBuzz site authors, said the online community is important to her. "You cannot always find long-lasting relationships with military spouses if you are constantly relocating; now I can connect with other spouses no matter where they are in the country, and they already know my story."
While, in generations past, military spouses may spend days waiting for a letter, military spouses now are able to employ the use of webcams and other recording devices to endure spouses' deployments. "Technology is truly a blessing," said Chris, another panelist who posts information on the site under the screen name "Love my Tanker." "New things are constantly available, and it's great when we can find new ways to help each other."
Many of the spouses have used the technology to reach out and help others. "Doing good for others can help pass the time," said Melinda Warthman, a moderator of the event. "Groups like America Supports You can help connect you with the right organization."
America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Ginger Dosedel, an Air Force wife who founded "Sew Much Comfort," an organization that makes adaptive clothing for wounded soldiers, talked about how important her service to others is to her and stressed the importance of the online community. "We have distributed over 30,000 items to over 100 locations this year," she said.
Caren Ziegenfuss, whose husband was seriously wounded in Iraq, echoed this thought while talking about her work with "Valor IT," a project established by another group, "Soldiers' Angels," to help wounded soldiers get voice-activated computer software.
As technology continues to develop and online capabilities improve, more and more spouses seem to be turning to online communities like SpouseBuzz. "It's really my sense of sanity, cause I'm not around other military wives and the people around me don't always understand" Ziegenfuss said. "It's important for us to connect, but also to get out the message about the sacrifices we make every day."
(Jamie Findlater works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Anticipatory grief, reintegration, and relocation are terms that often resonate with military spouses. As servicemembers are fighting on the front lines, spouses at home are forming the support networks that are keeping families strong. This sacrifice and shared understanding was the focus of the third "SpouseBuzzLive" conference near Fort Bragg.
The conference is an extension of a "blog" -- an online diary -- for military spouses hosted by Military.com. Founded 14 months ago by Andi Hurley, an Army spouse, it has quickly become a virtual support group for spouses to connect with other spouses and share information about their experience.
More than 300 military spouses attended the conference, which featured a live Web broadcast from the site. Spouses participated in panels, visited booths, met face to face with other spouses, and talked about new avenues of communication that allow them to connect with each other as well as their military servicemembers.
Spouses explained the importance of connection and solidarity with others who understand the sacrifices of day-to-day military life. "I had my daughter three weeks after my husband was deployed," explained Michelle Rimel, a military spouse who lives in Fayetteville, N.C. "He was the only person I wanted to be there, but he couldn't be, and it was the support of other military wives that helped me get through it."
With online technology capabilities becoming more prevalent, online communities and support centers, such as SpouseBuzz, are becoming an important aspect of modern military life. Virtual communities provide support for daily challenges, raise issues of concern, and build a sense of connection with other spouses that would normally be unavailable due to geographic location.
Sarah Walter, one of 11 SpouseBuzz site authors, said the online community is important to her. "You cannot always find long-lasting relationships with military spouses if you are constantly relocating; now I can connect with other spouses no matter where they are in the country, and they already know my story."
While, in generations past, military spouses may spend days waiting for a letter, military spouses now are able to employ the use of webcams and other recording devices to endure spouses' deployments. "Technology is truly a blessing," said Chris, another panelist who posts information on the site under the screen name "Love my Tanker." "New things are constantly available, and it's great when we can find new ways to help each other."
Many of the spouses have used the technology to reach out and help others. "Doing good for others can help pass the time," said Melinda Warthman, a moderator of the event. "Groups like America Supports You can help connect you with the right organization."
America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Ginger Dosedel, an Air Force wife who founded "Sew Much Comfort," an organization that makes adaptive clothing for wounded soldiers, talked about how important her service to others is to her and stressed the importance of the online community. "We have distributed over 30,000 items to over 100 locations this year," she said.
Caren Ziegenfuss, whose husband was seriously wounded in Iraq, echoed this thought while talking about her work with "Valor IT," a project established by another group, "Soldiers' Angels," to help wounded soldiers get voice-activated computer software.
As technology continues to develop and online capabilities improve, more and more spouses seem to be turning to online communities like SpouseBuzz. "It's really my sense of sanity, cause I'm not around other military wives and the people around me don't always understand" Ziegenfuss said. "It's important for us to connect, but also to get out the message about the sacrifices we make every day."
(Jamie Findlater works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)
U.S.-China Consultative Talks Under Way in Pentagon
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - The United States-Peoples' Republic of China Defense Consultative Talks got under way at the Pentagon today in the shadow of China's refusal to let U.S. ships make port calls in Hong Kong. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Eric S. Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the People's Liberation Army's deputy chief of general staff for foreign affairs, were slated to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, the global war on terror and missile defense.
The two were to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, and the global war on terror and missile defense. "The United States Defense Department continues to maintain a strong dialogue and continues to seek ways to strengthen the military-to-military relationship" with China, Whitman said.
Whitman would not comment on other areas of discussion, but noted that the dispute over the USS Kitty Hawk visit did not cause the United States to postpone or cancel the Chinese visit.
Chinese authorities refused permission for the USS Kitty Hawk carrier battle group to make a port visit to Hong Kong over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Chinese also refused to allow two U.S. Navy minesweepers to seek refuge from a storm in Hong Kong's harbor.
U.S. authorities did not let the incidents affect the consultative talks, an annual meeting that has been scheduled for months, defense officials said. "The United States Defense Department values this relationship and will try to strengthen it through our dialogue with our Chinese counterparts," Whitman said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - The United States-Peoples' Republic of China Defense Consultative Talks got under way at the Pentagon today in the shadow of China's refusal to let U.S. ships make port calls in Hong Kong. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Eric S. Edelman, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, the People's Liberation Army's deputy chief of general staff for foreign affairs, were slated to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, the global war on terror and missile defense.
The two were to discuss U.S.-Chinese defense relations, regional and global defense issues, and the global war on terror and missile defense. "The United States Defense Department continues to maintain a strong dialogue and continues to seek ways to strengthen the military-to-military relationship" with China, Whitman said.
Whitman would not comment on other areas of discussion, but noted that the dispute over the USS Kitty Hawk visit did not cause the United States to postpone or cancel the Chinese visit.
Chinese authorities refused permission for the USS Kitty Hawk carrier battle group to make a port visit to Hong Kong over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Chinese also refused to allow two U.S. Navy minesweepers to seek refuge from a storm in Hong Kong's harbor.
U.S. authorities did not let the incidents affect the consultative talks, an annual meeting that has been scheduled for months, defense officials said. "The United States Defense Department values this relationship and will try to strengthen it through our dialogue with our Chinese counterparts," Whitman said.
Gates Arrives in Afghanistan to Assess Conditions
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today on a fact-finding mission to get a face-to-face assessment from commanders about conditions on the ground, particularly in the volatile southern region. The situation in the area will be the focus of a meeting the secretary is to attend next week in Scotland.
Gates, on his third trip here as defense secretary, told reporters he also plans get input from President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak, following up his and Wardak's recent Pentagon visit.
The secretary last visited Afghanistan in June.
He acknowledged "there's clearly a lot going on" here and added that he plans to delve into the current situation with commanders and Afghan officials.
Among topics Gates said he plans to explore are operations in Khowst province, which has been described to him as "a model of the combination of kinetic operations and comprehensive strategic development."
"Were having very good results (in Khowst), and we're interested in ideas like how you might export concepts from this location to other parts of Afghanistan," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates encouraged greater application of this concept in U.S. operations -- combining "hard" and "soft" elements of U.S. national power to forward national interests -- during a major speech last month at Kansas State University.
He revisited the topic earlier today during a stop at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa headquarters. Gates pointed to the task force's application of "three D's" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- in the Horn of Africa as a model for U.S. operations elsewhere around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said he also wants to look into whether recent trouble within the Pakistani government has had an impact on operations along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
As he receives briefings on the situation in all regional commands in Afghanistan, Gates said, he is particularly interested in hearing about operations in Regional Command South. The area, the most volatile in Afghanistan, will be the focus of a mid-December meeting in Edinburg of defense ministers from countries with troops committed to RC South.
Asked if additional U.S. troops are likely to be committed to deal with violence in the southern region -- a strategy defense officials report is proving successful in Iraq -- a senior defense official traveling with the secretary said it's probably "not in the cards."
The Regional Command South meeting and Gates' visit here are expected to resurrect the issue of caveats, restrictions individual countries place on their troops supporting NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.
"NATO caveats are a restriction," another defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. "And let's be frank. It's a problem. It's a continuing problem. I am sure it's one of the topics the secretary is going to raise."
Despite the fact that violence is up in some areas, Gates is not worried as much that progress in Afghanistan is slipping as "how we continue the momentum moving forward," he said during a news conference in Djibouti.
A defense official noted that during the recent NATO informal ministerial conference in Nordwijk, Netherlands, the secretary pressed for the alliance to come up with a strategic concept for its International Security Assistance Force.
Developing such a concept, would focus NATO on goals it hopes to achieve over the next three to five years "rather than thinking about heading for the exits in 2008," the official said. "Also, it provides an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and seeing what we could be doing differently or better."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today on a fact-finding mission to get a face-to-face assessment from commanders about conditions on the ground, particularly in the volatile southern region. The situation in the area will be the focus of a meeting the secretary is to attend next week in Scotland.
Gates, on his third trip here as defense secretary, told reporters he also plans get input from President Hamid Karzai and Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak, following up his and Wardak's recent Pentagon visit.
The secretary last visited Afghanistan in June.
He acknowledged "there's clearly a lot going on" here and added that he plans to delve into the current situation with commanders and Afghan officials.
Among topics Gates said he plans to explore are operations in Khowst province, which has been described to him as "a model of the combination of kinetic operations and comprehensive strategic development."
"Were having very good results (in Khowst), and we're interested in ideas like how you might export concepts from this location to other parts of Afghanistan," a senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters.
Gates encouraged greater application of this concept in U.S. operations -- combining "hard" and "soft" elements of U.S. national power to forward national interests -- during a major speech last month at Kansas State University.
He revisited the topic earlier today during a stop at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa headquarters. Gates pointed to the task force's application of "three D's" -- defense, diplomacy and development -- in the Horn of Africa as a model for U.S. operations elsewhere around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates said he also wants to look into whether recent trouble within the Pakistani government has had an impact on operations along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
As he receives briefings on the situation in all regional commands in Afghanistan, Gates said, he is particularly interested in hearing about operations in Regional Command South. The area, the most volatile in Afghanistan, will be the focus of a mid-December meeting in Edinburg of defense ministers from countries with troops committed to RC South.
Asked if additional U.S. troops are likely to be committed to deal with violence in the southern region -- a strategy defense officials report is proving successful in Iraq -- a senior defense official traveling with the secretary said it's probably "not in the cards."
The Regional Command South meeting and Gates' visit here are expected to resurrect the issue of caveats, restrictions individual countries place on their troops supporting NATO's International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan.
"NATO caveats are a restriction," another defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. "And let's be frank. It's a problem. It's a continuing problem. I am sure it's one of the topics the secretary is going to raise."
Despite the fact that violence is up in some areas, Gates is not worried as much that progress in Afghanistan is slipping as "how we continue the momentum moving forward," he said during a news conference in Djibouti.
A defense official noted that during the recent NATO informal ministerial conference in Nordwijk, Netherlands, the secretary pressed for the alliance to come up with a strategic concept for its International Security Assistance Force.
Developing such a concept, would focus NATO on goals it hopes to achieve over the next three to five years "rather than thinking about heading for the exits in 2008," the official said. "Also, it provides an opportunity to take a look at what we are doing and seeing what we could be doing differently or better."
America Supports You: Toys Salute Soldiers with Holiday Classic
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it's a big "thank you" from the cast of "The Nutcracker." For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it "Military Night."
"The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and their families, and many, if not most, of our students either are or have been affected by these conflicts," said Sherry Polk, president of the Community Ballet Association. "The dancers, staff, and board members involved take great pride in this production, (and) it gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude in a way that brings holiday cheer to (the servicemembers)."
Military Night is open to active duty military, National Guardsman and Reservists as well as retired military and their families. One valid military identification card admits the entire family, Polk said.
The Dec. 6 program will begin with a military color guard presenting the colors before the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk and select military personnel also will offer some opening comments before distinguished guests are recognized.
While the dancers always are excited about the chance to perform, Military Night is special to them, Polk said. Just having a live audience is a thrill, she added, but to have such a receptive and enthusiastic group energizes the dancers, adding to the special importance of the event.
"The strife in the Middle East had served to remind us in a very dramatic way of how much we owe to our men and women in military service, and how military families frequently sacrifice very much," she said. "It's gratifying to be able to do something so special for them."
The association is a nonprofit organization working to provide the community with programs that bring the physical and mental benefits of dance to a large, varied audience, Polk said.
This performance marks the association's fourth Military Night and its 39th annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - It may be just a dress rehearsal for Clara, the toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy, but for servicemembers and their families in the audience, it's a big "thank you" from the cast of "The Nutcracker." For the past four years, the Community Ballet Association of Huntsville, Ala., has recognized the sacrifices of servicemembers past and present with a special performance of the holiday classic. Originally a night reserved for a full-dress rehearsal, the association closed the performance and dubbed it "Military Night."
"The Huntsville community is comprised of thousands of military and their families, and many, if not most, of our students either are or have been affected by these conflicts," said Sherry Polk, president of the Community Ballet Association. "The dancers, staff, and board members involved take great pride in this production, (and) it gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude in a way that brings holiday cheer to (the servicemembers)."
Military Night is open to active duty military, National Guardsman and Reservists as well as retired military and their families. One valid military identification card admits the entire family, Polk said.
The Dec. 6 program will begin with a military color guard presenting the colors before the Pledge of Allegiance. Polk and select military personnel also will offer some opening comments before distinguished guests are recognized.
While the dancers always are excited about the chance to perform, Military Night is special to them, Polk said. Just having a live audience is a thrill, she added, but to have such a receptive and enthusiastic group energizes the dancers, adding to the special importance of the event.
"The strife in the Middle East had served to remind us in a very dramatic way of how much we owe to our men and women in military service, and how military families frequently sacrifice very much," she said. "It's gratifying to be able to do something so special for them."
The association is a nonprofit organization working to provide the community with programs that bring the physical and mental benefits of dance to a large, varied audience, Polk said.
This performance marks the association's fourth Military Night and its 39th annual production of "The Nutcracker."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Bush Asks Congress to Pass Funds for Troops
By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Congress needs to act soon to approve emergency funding for troops in the war on terror, President Bush said here today. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Bush said Congress' first priority before breaking for the holidays should be to provide troops the money they need for the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The president said "we're seeing the benefits of success" brought about by the Iraq strategy.
"This month, more of our troops will return home as a result of the success we're seeing in Iraq. People are coming home," Bush said. "For Congress to insist on setting an arbitrary date for withdrawal would put the gains (Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander) and our troops have made in danger, and that would threaten the security of our country."
Bush noted that, beginning in February, he submitted detailed funding requests to Congress for the war on terror. The president said Congress has refused to approve these requests without attaching a date of withdrawal for U.S. troops from Iraq.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other Pentagon officials have warned that further delays in funding will mean major cuts for the Defense Department and military, Bush said.
Unless Congress acts, DoD soon will have to begin giving furlough notices to about 100,000 civilian employees. Also, the military task force developing ways to better detect and protect troops from roadside bombs will run out of money by early next year, the Army will run out of operations and maintenance money in February, and the Marine Corps will run out of similar funds in March.
Earlier this year, congressional leaders were trying to impose conditions on funds because they said the U.S. strategy in Iraq was not working, Bush said. However, the administration changed its strategy and even those who initially opposed the troop surge now acknowledge it is working, he said.
"It is time for members of Congress to meet their responsibility to our men and women in uniform, and they should stay in session until they pass these emergency funds for our troops," Bush said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Congress needs to act soon to approve emergency funding for troops in the war on terror, President Bush said here today. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Bush said Congress' first priority before breaking for the holidays should be to provide troops the money they need for the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The president said "we're seeing the benefits of success" brought about by the Iraq strategy.
"This month, more of our troops will return home as a result of the success we're seeing in Iraq. People are coming home," Bush said. "For Congress to insist on setting an arbitrary date for withdrawal would put the gains (Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander) and our troops have made in danger, and that would threaten the security of our country."
Bush noted that, beginning in February, he submitted detailed funding requests to Congress for the war on terror. The president said Congress has refused to approve these requests without attaching a date of withdrawal for U.S. troops from Iraq.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other Pentagon officials have warned that further delays in funding will mean major cuts for the Defense Department and military, Bush said.
Unless Congress acts, DoD soon will have to begin giving furlough notices to about 100,000 civilian employees. Also, the military task force developing ways to better detect and protect troops from roadside bombs will run out of money by early next year, the Army will run out of operations and maintenance money in February, and the Marine Corps will run out of similar funds in March.
Earlier this year, congressional leaders were trying to impose conditions on funds because they said the U.S. strategy in Iraq was not working, Bush said. However, the administration changed its strategy and even those who initially opposed the troop surge now acknowledge it is working, he said.
"It is time for members of Congress to meet their responsibility to our men and women in uniform, and they should stay in session until they pass these emergency funds for our troops," Bush said.
Intel Community Reports on Iran's Nuclear Program
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - A new intelligence estimate that says Iran stopped its covert nuclear weapons program in 2003 is good news, but also presents cause for concern, President Bush's national security advisor said today. Stephen Hadley briefed White House reporters today on the report, which was produced by the office of the director of national intelligence.
The estimate is the intelligence community's judgment given the available information. All 16 U.S. intelligence agencies – including eight within the Defense Department – participated in the effort.
While the Iranian government continues closure of its covert nuclear weapons program, the country re-started its uranium enrichment program in 2005. The material made from this could be used to fuel bombs.
The estimate is complicated, Hadley said. "On one hand, it confirms we were right to be worried about Iran seeking to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said. "On the other hand, it tells us that we have made some progress in trying to ensure that it does not happen. But it also tells us that the risk of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons remains a very serious problem."
The estimate strengthens the Bush Administration's contention that Iran can be persuaded to stop its program via diplomacy. "And it suggests we have the right strategy: intensified international pressure, along with a willingness to negotiate a solution that serves Iranian interests while ensuring the world that it will never have to face a nuclear-armed Iran," he said.
The bottom line for the strategy is the international community must turn up the pressure on Iran with "diplomatic isolation, United Nations sanctions and with other financial pressures, and Iran has to decide that it wants to negotiate a solution," Hadley said.
Hadley summarized the key judgments in the estimate. The first is that the intelligence community "has high confidence" that Iran had a covert nuclear weapons program that it has never acknowledged and continues to deny. "The intelligence community has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," Hadley said.
The estimate has high confidence in the judgment that Iran's halt and other nuclear related decisions was directed primarily in response to increased international scrutiny and pressure resulting from exposure of Iran's previously undeclared nuclear work involving uranium enrichment, Hadley said.
The estimate admits that analysts "do not know whether Iran currently intends to develop weapons, but they assess with moderate to high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said.
While pressure, sanctions and other international efforts seem to move Iran along, the estimate says that convincing Iranian leaders to forgo the eventual development of nuclear weapons "will be difficult," the national security advisor said.
The United States has been asking nations around the world to continue to put pressure on Iran to end its nuclear weapons program since Iran resumed its nuclear enrichment effort, Hadley said.
"If we are to avoid the grim choice between accepting an Iran on the path to nuclear weapons or considering the use of force, we need to intensify our pressure on Iran while making clear that if they do suspend enrichment, there is an opportunity for better relations with the international community," Hadley said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - A new intelligence estimate that says Iran stopped its covert nuclear weapons program in 2003 is good news, but also presents cause for concern, President Bush's national security advisor said today. Stephen Hadley briefed White House reporters today on the report, which was produced by the office of the director of national intelligence.
The estimate is the intelligence community's judgment given the available information. All 16 U.S. intelligence agencies – including eight within the Defense Department – participated in the effort.
While the Iranian government continues closure of its covert nuclear weapons program, the country re-started its uranium enrichment program in 2005. The material made from this could be used to fuel bombs.
The estimate is complicated, Hadley said. "On one hand, it confirms we were right to be worried about Iran seeking to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said. "On the other hand, it tells us that we have made some progress in trying to ensure that it does not happen. But it also tells us that the risk of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons remains a very serious problem."
The estimate strengthens the Bush Administration's contention that Iran can be persuaded to stop its program via diplomacy. "And it suggests we have the right strategy: intensified international pressure, along with a willingness to negotiate a solution that serves Iranian interests while ensuring the world that it will never have to face a nuclear-armed Iran," he said.
The bottom line for the strategy is the international community must turn up the pressure on Iran with "diplomatic isolation, United Nations sanctions and with other financial pressures, and Iran has to decide that it wants to negotiate a solution," Hadley said.
Hadley summarized the key judgments in the estimate. The first is that the intelligence community "has high confidence" that Iran had a covert nuclear weapons program that it has never acknowledged and continues to deny. "The intelligence community has high confidence that Iran halted its covert nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003 and they have moderate confidence that they have not restarted that program as of mid-2007," Hadley said.
The estimate has high confidence in the judgment that Iran's halt and other nuclear related decisions was directed primarily in response to increased international scrutiny and pressure resulting from exposure of Iran's previously undeclared nuclear work involving uranium enrichment, Hadley said.
The estimate admits that analysts "do not know whether Iran currently intends to develop weapons, but they assess with moderate to high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons," Hadley said.
While pressure, sanctions and other international efforts seem to move Iran along, the estimate says that convincing Iranian leaders to forgo the eventual development of nuclear weapons "will be difficult," the national security advisor said.
The United States has been asking nations around the world to continue to put pressure on Iran to end its nuclear weapons program since Iran resumed its nuclear enrichment effort, Hadley said.
"If we are to avoid the grim choice between accepting an Iran on the path to nuclear weapons or considering the use of force, we need to intensify our pressure on Iran while making clear that if they do suspend enrichment, there is an opportunity for better relations with the international community," Hadley said.
Military Kids Attend White House Holiday Party
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - President Bush told 200 military children -- about half of whom had a deployed parent -- gathered in the East Room of the White House for a holiday party that he had two jobs today. "One is to introduce you to my wife, Laura," he said. "Two is to tell you how much we admire your moms and dads (and) how much we appreciate their service to our country."
First lady Laura Bush echoed the president's sentiments and officially began the annual program with a brief history lesson.
"The theme (for the White House's holiday decorations) is, 'Our National Parks,'" she said presenting them with a pop quiz. "Have you ever been in a national park?"
As the children offered mixed responses and the adults in the room chuckled, she gave them the answer to the trick question.
"Guess what? You're in one right now," she told them, noting that there are 25 national parks in Washington.
A highlight of the holiday event came from Ford's Theatre, another of those national parks. Actors from Ford's Theatre presented a portion of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The show is currently running at the Shakespeare Theater.
The presentation was about more than entertaining the children, however. "I think we're going to learn a good lesson when we watch it about how to keep Christmas in our heart all year long," Laura Bush said in welcoming the Ford's Theatre Society and the show's cast.
The musical adaptation of the holiday classic featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim kept the children nearly silent for the next 20 minutes. One young man took advantage of his catbird seat between the Bushes to ask the couple questions throughout the production, which featured the Ghost of Christmas Present and plenty of music.
At the conclusion of the program, the first lady welcomed Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service, who had a special treat for the kids.
"Today we're going to make you Junior Rangers," she told the children. "We're going to take the pledge to be future junior rangers of the National Park."
Mrs. Bush wrapped up the event with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a few stops to talk with children as she exited the room.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - President Bush told 200 military children -- about half of whom had a deployed parent -- gathered in the East Room of the White House for a holiday party that he had two jobs today. "One is to introduce you to my wife, Laura," he said. "Two is to tell you how much we admire your moms and dads (and) how much we appreciate their service to our country."
First lady Laura Bush echoed the president's sentiments and officially began the annual program with a brief history lesson.
"The theme (for the White House's holiday decorations) is, 'Our National Parks,'" she said presenting them with a pop quiz. "Have you ever been in a national park?"
As the children offered mixed responses and the adults in the room chuckled, she gave them the answer to the trick question.
"Guess what? You're in one right now," she told them, noting that there are 25 national parks in Washington.
A highlight of the holiday event came from Ford's Theatre, another of those national parks. Actors from Ford's Theatre presented a portion of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The show is currently running at the Shakespeare Theater.
The presentation was about more than entertaining the children, however. "I think we're going to learn a good lesson when we watch it about how to keep Christmas in our heart all year long," Laura Bush said in welcoming the Ford's Theatre Society and the show's cast.
The musical adaptation of the holiday classic featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim kept the children nearly silent for the next 20 minutes. One young man took advantage of his catbird seat between the Bushes to ask the couple questions throughout the production, which featured the Ghost of Christmas Present and plenty of music.
At the conclusion of the program, the first lady welcomed Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service, who had a special treat for the kids.
"Today we're going to make you Junior Rangers," she told the children. "We're going to take the pledge to be future junior rangers of the National Park."
Mrs. Bush wrapped up the event with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a few stops to talk with children as she exited the room.
Five Guard Brigades Alerted for 2009 Deployments
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense officials announced today the deployment of five National Guard brigade combat teams to begin in summer 2009. These units will replace units that have not yet deployed. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters the units are being identified well in advance to give maximum time possible for mission-specific training.
"It's a tribute to the military planners who are trying to provide -- particularly for our National Guard brigades -- the type of timely notification so they can be prepared for the specific missions, but also to give the predictability for their families and employers," Whitman said.
The soldiers will be mobilized for 12 months.
The Defense Department alerted the 53rd and 48th brigade combat teams, roughly 7,000 soldiers, to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "The 48th Infantry Brigade is from Georgia, and its mission will be to train the Afghan national security forces," Whitman said. "The 53rd, out of Florida, will assume battlespace in Afghanistan and conduct the full spectrum of operations."
The 32nd BCT from the Wisconsin Guard, the 41st BCT of the Oregon Guard and the 155th BCT from the Mississippi Guard have been alerted for deployment to Iraq in summer 2009.
The roughly 8,000 soldiers will take over the security force mission "and will ensure freedom of movement and continuity of operations within the country," Whitman said. The units will be responsible for base defense and route security within Kuwait and Iraq.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense officials announced today the deployment of five National Guard brigade combat teams to begin in summer 2009. These units will replace units that have not yet deployed. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters the units are being identified well in advance to give maximum time possible for mission-specific training.
"It's a tribute to the military planners who are trying to provide -- particularly for our National Guard brigades -- the type of timely notification so they can be prepared for the specific missions, but also to give the predictability for their families and employers," Whitman said.
The soldiers will be mobilized for 12 months.
The Defense Department alerted the 53rd and 48th brigade combat teams, roughly 7,000 soldiers, to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "The 48th Infantry Brigade is from Georgia, and its mission will be to train the Afghan national security forces," Whitman said. "The 53rd, out of Florida, will assume battlespace in Afghanistan and conduct the full spectrum of operations."
The 32nd BCT from the Wisconsin Guard, the 41st BCT of the Oregon Guard and the 155th BCT from the Mississippi Guard have been alerted for deployment to Iraq in summer 2009.
The roughly 8,000 soldiers will take over the security force mission "and will ensure freedom of movement and continuity of operations within the country," Whitman said. The units will be responsible for base defense and route security within Kuwait and Iraq.
Top Enlisted Member Says He's Alive Because Someone 'Checked It'
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - On a cold, rainy Christmas morning in 2004 in Iraq, a small group of soldiers huddled before a patrol. The first sergeant introduced the group to a new way to steer out of a spin if a Humvee were to start sliding into a canal. The patrol would be passing canals. If a driver were to steer incorrectly, the vehicle would overturn and drown those trapped inside, the first sergeant said. Steer correctly, the Humvee would not turn over, and everyone lives.
Before pulling out that morning, the first sergeant checked again with each driver, looked them in the eyes and made sure they understood his instructions. That single action saved the life of Army Command Sgt. Major William J. Gainey, now serving as the nation's top enlisted member.
As it happened, the Humvee in which Gainey was riding during that patrol did spin near a canal. The driver responded correctly, and all walked away from the incident. Gainey directly attributes surviving the accident to the first sergeant's actions.
"Twenty-five December 2004 should have been my headstone, but because he checked it, I am here talking to you today," Gainey said in an interview about the Defense Department's "Check-It" campaign. "Because of him checking it -- he checked to make sure everyone understood his intent ... -- because he did that, I didn't drown."
The Check-it campaign began in 2006 to increase awareness of the effectiveness of internal controls across all functions in the military to save lives, preserve resources and make the best use of taxpayer dollars.
Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports the program whole-heartedly. He said checks are fundamental to the success of the military as an organization and are key to safety.
"If you check each other, you will prevent deficiencies from happening. People who don't help correct the problems or ignore them become part of the problem," Gainey said.
Servicemembers don't have to be designated leaders to "check it," he said.
Junior enlisted servicemembers should check their buddies. Also, everyone should carry checklists, Gainey said. He carries one daily in his wallet.
"If you don't have a checklist, shame on you. Your old mind can only remember so much," Gainey said.
The command sergeant major said that if he was "king for a day" he would put every servicemember through the Army's jumpmaster course for senior paratroopers. The course is heavy on teaching proper inspections and teaches servicemembers "what right looks like" when it comes to making checks.
Gainey said Check-It applies to troops stationed everywhere, not just in combat. It especially can be applied to combating terrorism.
"If you are passing someone down the hall in the Pentagon (or on any installation) who looks out of place and is not normal, stop him," Gainey said. "Anything could happen. When you see something that looks out of the norm, check into it immediately.
"We pass each other too much, and we never stop to look and see if something looks out of the norm. That concerns me," Gainey said. "Don't wait to check it out, because it could be too late. And be embarrassed. I'd rather you make an honest human mistake and stop something that could have been devastating ... than just walk by it and let it go."
Gainey also said buddy-checks could stem servicemember suicides. He said junior enlisted troops should be checking their buddies, especially those who return from combat, to make sure they are not suffering from signs of depression or trauma. The sergeant major said he understands that troops don't want to appear disloyal to their buddies by referring them to their commands, but it could save their lives.
"You don't want to be a rat. You don't want to be a squealer. In reality, if you did that, you would be a true friend," he said.
Gainey said every servicemember should reflect on where their actions fit into the Check-It campaign.
"I would challenge every troop from E-1 to E-9 to really look at the Check-It program and say, 'Where do I fit into this equation? What can I do as an individual to help this program be successful?'" Gainey said. "If you do that, you will save lives. If you don't do that, you could be the reason someone doesn't live through the mission."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 3, 2007 - On a cold, rainy Christmas morning in 2004 in Iraq, a small group of soldiers huddled before a patrol. The first sergeant introduced the group to a new way to steer out of a spin if a Humvee were to start sliding into a canal. The patrol would be passing canals. If a driver were to steer incorrectly, the vehicle would overturn and drown those trapped inside, the first sergeant said. Steer correctly, the Humvee would not turn over, and everyone lives.
Before pulling out that morning, the first sergeant checked again with each driver, looked them in the eyes and made sure they understood his instructions. That single action saved the life of Army Command Sgt. Major William J. Gainey, now serving as the nation's top enlisted member.
As it happened, the Humvee in which Gainey was riding during that patrol did spin near a canal. The driver responded correctly, and all walked away from the incident. Gainey directly attributes surviving the accident to the first sergeant's actions.
"Twenty-five December 2004 should have been my headstone, but because he checked it, I am here talking to you today," Gainey said in an interview about the Defense Department's "Check-It" campaign. "Because of him checking it -- he checked to make sure everyone understood his intent ... -- because he did that, I didn't drown."
The Check-it campaign began in 2006 to increase awareness of the effectiveness of internal controls across all functions in the military to save lives, preserve resources and make the best use of taxpayer dollars.
Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports the program whole-heartedly. He said checks are fundamental to the success of the military as an organization and are key to safety.
"If you check each other, you will prevent deficiencies from happening. People who don't help correct the problems or ignore them become part of the problem," Gainey said.
Servicemembers don't have to be designated leaders to "check it," he said.
Junior enlisted servicemembers should check their buddies. Also, everyone should carry checklists, Gainey said. He carries one daily in his wallet.
"If you don't have a checklist, shame on you. Your old mind can only remember so much," Gainey said.
The command sergeant major said that if he was "king for a day" he would put every servicemember through the Army's jumpmaster course for senior paratroopers. The course is heavy on teaching proper inspections and teaches servicemembers "what right looks like" when it comes to making checks.
Gainey said Check-It applies to troops stationed everywhere, not just in combat. It especially can be applied to combating terrorism.
"If you are passing someone down the hall in the Pentagon (or on any installation) who looks out of place and is not normal, stop him," Gainey said. "Anything could happen. When you see something that looks out of the norm, check into it immediately.
"We pass each other too much, and we never stop to look and see if something looks out of the norm. That concerns me," Gainey said. "Don't wait to check it out, because it could be too late. And be embarrassed. I'd rather you make an honest human mistake and stop something that could have been devastating ... than just walk by it and let it go."
Gainey also said buddy-checks could stem servicemember suicides. He said junior enlisted troops should be checking their buddies, especially those who return from combat, to make sure they are not suffering from signs of depression or trauma. The sergeant major said he understands that troops don't want to appear disloyal to their buddies by referring them to their commands, but it could save their lives.
"You don't want to be a rat. You don't want to be a squealer. In reality, if you did that, you would be a true friend," he said.
Gainey said every servicemember should reflect on where their actions fit into the Check-It campaign.
"I would challenge every troop from E-1 to E-9 to really look at the Check-It program and say, 'Where do I fit into this equation? What can I do as an individual to help this program be successful?'" Gainey said. "If you do that, you will save lives. If you don't do that, you could be the reason someone doesn't live through the mission."
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as UAVs, is a rapidly emerging technology that has exceptional appeal to law enforcement. A UAS consists of an unmanned aircraft, an aircraft control station, and command and control links. UAS are considered as aircraft. These aircraft can often be flown autonomously and at great distances from the command station. In addition, these aircraft can be very small, under 25 lbs and still carry enough equipment to provide video downlink capabilities. The operation of a UAS by a public agency, whether it is Federal, State or Local Law Enforcement, is enforced by FAA regulations and Federal statutes.
With the increase in use of UAS by the military in overseas operations, there has been a significant increase in the number of vendors both producing and marketing these same units to law enforcement. Prior to purchasing or leasing a UAS please consider the following: For a public aircraft operation, the FAA holds the position that a Certificate of Authorization (COA) is required to operate UAS in the National Airspace.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/law_enforcement_unmanned_aircraft_systems.html
With the increase in use of UAS by the military in overseas operations, there has been a significant increase in the number of vendors both producing and marketing these same units to law enforcement. Prior to purchasing or leasing a UAS please consider the following: For a public aircraft operation, the FAA holds the position that a Certificate of Authorization (COA) is required to operate UAS in the National Airspace.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/law_enforcement_unmanned_aircraft_systems.html
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Military Must Understand, Master Change, Mullen Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - The U.S. military needs to understand change and the pace of change if it will succeed in the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told students at the Army War College earlier this week. "Some of the change is happening so quickly we have no idea how (it) will end up," Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen told the students, at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., on Nov. 28.
The admiral used two examples to illustrate his point. The first example was how drastically the mission of reserve-component forces has changed. The mission of the reserve components did not significantly change from World War I to the end of the Cold War: They were forces in reserve. In the war on terror, the National Guard and reserves have become integral forces that have deployed alongside the active components. Personnel in the Guard and reserves have to worry about not only training and equipping the force, but also "balancing their reserve duty with civilian life" in a way they did not have to do before, Mullen said.
Another example is advances in the military medical field. The changes and breakthroughs in battlefield medicine have been incredible, he said. "It is difficult to predict what these will mean in the future," the admiral said.
Change is not limited to processes; it extends to relationships among nations, the admiral said. Mullen thanked representatives of more than 40 nations attending the U.S. Army College. He said their contributions in the United States and back in their native lands will help bring peace and stability.
Change in the strategic landscape presents incredible challenges, Mullen said. The whole war against radical extremist jihadists and the potential of proliferation presents a "huge potential for great catastrophe," he said.
While the problem of the Middle East consumes most of America's attention, the United States also must be concerned with other potential hotspots, he said. "Governments that are challenged by famine and disease are fertile grounds for growing terrorists," Mullen said.
But, he said, there are some constants in this time of change. "The United States in the future is going to stay globally engaged," he said. "I've tried to keep my head up and focused on those challenges. We will be a global force focused on the complete mission set from full-up war to counterinsurgency operations."
Another constant is that the United States cannot provide security around the world alone. "We will need partnerships and coalitions all over the world," he said.
The global environment has potential for pandemics. Natural disasters, such as this month's cyclone in Bangladesh, will challenge the world. Other aspects need to be watched, as well, he said. "We certainly need to be mindful of the growth in China," Mullen said.
The country can be a huge economic engine for progress, Mullen said, and he told the students that U.S. officials have raised questions about "transparency" with Chinese military leaders, urging them to be more open about their military programs.
He also mentioned Russia as a country that needs to be watched. "Russia is emerging again," he said. "What does that mean?"
The military will be part of overcoming the challenges of the strategic environment, but the "clear lesson in Iraq is the military can't do it all," he said. "One of the changes I think has to occur, is the organization of our government.
"We in the military have raised question marks about generating capacity out of other parts of the government, which hasn't occurred to the degree that we in the military would like," he continued. "Part of the answer to that is they are not organized for that; they are not trained for that; they don't have the depth; they don't have the career paths. We haven't stepped up to that in the last 15 to 20 years in ways that would position them to make the contributions that we need."
The admiral said military officials "need to argue for a strategic assessment for what our other agencies need to look like, what the interagency needs to look like, and how they can provide the needed capability and capacity that we have to have for the future."
Above all, one thing that will not change is the need for leadership, the admiral said. "You must lead in all that you do," he said. "The reason I am still in the Navy is because I was given leadership challenges when I was young, and it continues to be the case right through this time."
People are at the heart of the military, Mullen said. "They are pressed right now; the O-3s are having to make tough career decisions," he said. "I also see it in the faces of the E-5s and 6s. They are our most precious resource, and we've got to reach them and we've got to reach their families, too, and it's got to be an active reach. The decisions to stay or go are made by families."
Mullen said that taking care of those wounded in battle is a top priority with him. "I'm of a mind that we need to take care of them and their families for the rest of their lives," he said. "The Marines do this well. They talk about people being a Marine for life."
In many cases, the admiral said, wounded servicemembers' lives are dramatically changed for the rest of their lives. "The least we can do as a country is to make sure they are OK," he said. "This is not just physical -- traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, we cannot just ignore that."
He told the students that the military has to be much more aggressive in treating such ailments. Leaders standing up and seeking help themselves are keys to changing the prevailing mindset. "If our juniors see us do that, they will see it's OK," he said. "If we do not do that, they will think their careers will be in jeopardy. This is a tough nut do crack, but crack it we must, lead it we must, or we will be dealing with it decades later."
Things Mullen saw as a young officer in Vietnam shape his priorities as an admiral, he said. "As someone who grew up with Vietnam, I am dealing with the aftermath of what we did and didn't do there. I am committed to make sure that doesn't happen to those who are injured in this war," he said.
Mullen also thanked the War College students for serving their country in "the most vital, the most unpredictable and could be the most dangerous time" that he has seen in his 40 years of service.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - The U.S. military needs to understand change and the pace of change if it will succeed in the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told students at the Army War College earlier this week. "Some of the change is happening so quickly we have no idea how (it) will end up," Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen told the students, at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., on Nov. 28.
The admiral used two examples to illustrate his point. The first example was how drastically the mission of reserve-component forces has changed. The mission of the reserve components did not significantly change from World War I to the end of the Cold War: They were forces in reserve. In the war on terror, the National Guard and reserves have become integral forces that have deployed alongside the active components. Personnel in the Guard and reserves have to worry about not only training and equipping the force, but also "balancing their reserve duty with civilian life" in a way they did not have to do before, Mullen said.
Another example is advances in the military medical field. The changes and breakthroughs in battlefield medicine have been incredible, he said. "It is difficult to predict what these will mean in the future," the admiral said.
Change is not limited to processes; it extends to relationships among nations, the admiral said. Mullen thanked representatives of more than 40 nations attending the U.S. Army College. He said their contributions in the United States and back in their native lands will help bring peace and stability.
Change in the strategic landscape presents incredible challenges, Mullen said. The whole war against radical extremist jihadists and the potential of proliferation presents a "huge potential for great catastrophe," he said.
While the problem of the Middle East consumes most of America's attention, the United States also must be concerned with other potential hotspots, he said. "Governments that are challenged by famine and disease are fertile grounds for growing terrorists," Mullen said.
But, he said, there are some constants in this time of change. "The United States in the future is going to stay globally engaged," he said. "I've tried to keep my head up and focused on those challenges. We will be a global force focused on the complete mission set from full-up war to counterinsurgency operations."
Another constant is that the United States cannot provide security around the world alone. "We will need partnerships and coalitions all over the world," he said.
The global environment has potential for pandemics. Natural disasters, such as this month's cyclone in Bangladesh, will challenge the world. Other aspects need to be watched, as well, he said. "We certainly need to be mindful of the growth in China," Mullen said.
The country can be a huge economic engine for progress, Mullen said, and he told the students that U.S. officials have raised questions about "transparency" with Chinese military leaders, urging them to be more open about their military programs.
He also mentioned Russia as a country that needs to be watched. "Russia is emerging again," he said. "What does that mean?"
The military will be part of overcoming the challenges of the strategic environment, but the "clear lesson in Iraq is the military can't do it all," he said. "One of the changes I think has to occur, is the organization of our government.
"We in the military have raised question marks about generating capacity out of other parts of the government, which hasn't occurred to the degree that we in the military would like," he continued. "Part of the answer to that is they are not organized for that; they are not trained for that; they don't have the depth; they don't have the career paths. We haven't stepped up to that in the last 15 to 20 years in ways that would position them to make the contributions that we need."
The admiral said military officials "need to argue for a strategic assessment for what our other agencies need to look like, what the interagency needs to look like, and how they can provide the needed capability and capacity that we have to have for the future."
Above all, one thing that will not change is the need for leadership, the admiral said. "You must lead in all that you do," he said. "The reason I am still in the Navy is because I was given leadership challenges when I was young, and it continues to be the case right through this time."
People are at the heart of the military, Mullen said. "They are pressed right now; the O-3s are having to make tough career decisions," he said. "I also see it in the faces of the E-5s and 6s. They are our most precious resource, and we've got to reach them and we've got to reach their families, too, and it's got to be an active reach. The decisions to stay or go are made by families."
Mullen said that taking care of those wounded in battle is a top priority with him. "I'm of a mind that we need to take care of them and their families for the rest of their lives," he said. "The Marines do this well. They talk about people being a Marine for life."
In many cases, the admiral said, wounded servicemembers' lives are dramatically changed for the rest of their lives. "The least we can do as a country is to make sure they are OK," he said. "This is not just physical -- traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, we cannot just ignore that."
He told the students that the military has to be much more aggressive in treating such ailments. Leaders standing up and seeking help themselves are keys to changing the prevailing mindset. "If our juniors see us do that, they will see it's OK," he said. "If we do not do that, they will think their careers will be in jeopardy. This is a tough nut do crack, but crack it we must, lead it we must, or we will be dealing with it decades later."
Things Mullen saw as a young officer in Vietnam shape his priorities as an admiral, he said. "As someone who grew up with Vietnam, I am dealing with the aftermath of what we did and didn't do there. I am committed to make sure that doesn't happen to those who are injured in this war," he said.
Mullen also thanked the War College students for serving their country in "the most vital, the most unpredictable and could be the most dangerous time" that he has seen in his 40 years of service.
Pilots Missing From The Vietnam War Are Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified.
They are Maj. Robert F. Woods, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Capt. Johnnie C. Cornelius, of Maricopa County, Ariz., both U.S. Air Force. Cornelius was buried with full military honors on Nov. 10 in Moore, Texas, and Woods' burial is being set by his family.
On June 26, 1968, Woods and Cornelius were flying a visual reconnaissance mission over Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, when their O-2A Skymaster aircraft crashed in a remote mountainous area. The crew of another aircraft in the flight saw no parachutes and reported hearing no emergency beeper signals. Immediate search efforts were unsuccessful.
Between 1988 and 1993, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and surveyed the crash site. The team interviewed several Vietnamese citizens, two of whom turned over human remains and the pilots' identification tags.
Between 1994 and 1997, joint teams re-surveyed the site two times to find a landing location to support a helicopter and recovery team. During their survey, one team found additional wreckage and life-support material.
Between 2000 and 2004, joint teams excavated the site four times. They recovered additional human remains, personal effects and life support materials.
In 2006, a joint team interviewed two former North Vietnamese soldiers who recalled the crash. The soldiers said that Woods and Cornelius were buried near the crash site. In 2007, another joint team excavated the burial site identified by the Vietnamese soldiers. The team recovered additional human remains.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
They are Maj. Robert F. Woods, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Capt. Johnnie C. Cornelius, of Maricopa County, Ariz., both U.S. Air Force. Cornelius was buried with full military honors on Nov. 10 in Moore, Texas, and Woods' burial is being set by his family.
On June 26, 1968, Woods and Cornelius were flying a visual reconnaissance mission over Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, when their O-2A Skymaster aircraft crashed in a remote mountainous area. The crew of another aircraft in the flight saw no parachutes and reported hearing no emergency beeper signals. Immediate search efforts were unsuccessful.
Between 1988 and 1993, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and surveyed the crash site. The team interviewed several Vietnamese citizens, two of whom turned over human remains and the pilots' identification tags.
Between 1994 and 1997, joint teams re-surveyed the site two times to find a landing location to support a helicopter and recovery team. During their survey, one team found additional wreckage and life-support material.
Between 2000 and 2004, joint teams excavated the site four times. They recovered additional human remains, personal effects and life support materials.
In 2006, a joint team interviewed two former North Vietnamese soldiers who recalled the crash. The soldiers said that Woods and Cornelius were buried near the crash site. In 2007, another joint team excavated the burial site identified by the Vietnamese soldiers. The team recovered additional human remains.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
Why We Serve: Chef Happiest at Sea Working with Sailors
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - Ask Master Chief Petty Officer Bruce "Skip" Binda why he joined the Navy nearly three decades ago and he'll tell you it was a matter of pride. At 19, Binda had spent all of his tuition money on beer and eight-track music cassettes and was too proud to ask his father for the $200 he needed to return to college.
Along came a Navy commercial proffering $1,500 to join, and Binda took the bait "hook, line and sinker," he said. Since joining in 1980, he has served on one submarine and 10 ships and served a combat tour in Iraq. He has spent nearly 20 years at sea, with only three shore-duty tours.
The career sailor is now one of 10 servicemembers selected to travel the country telling the military's story as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
"I've been able to do everything I wanted to do. I've been stationed everywhere I've wanted to be stationed. I've just been very lucky," Binda said.
Truthfully, Binda's future sea journeys were secured long before he ran into his tuition troubles. As a boy growing up on the Atlantic coast, Binda said, he would walk along the seawall in Marshfield, Mass., and tell his sister that one day he would be a sailor.
His father served in the Navy for two years, and Binda's uncle was a sailor who would return home with stories of his travels.
"I used to listen to his stories during the holidays when we all got together. Sometimes he'd wear his khaki hat. He was just a crusty old boatswain's mate. That was just amazing," Binda said.
Along with his love for the sea, Binda also inherited a passion for cooking. Binda said his great-grandfather was a popular chef in Boston. During the Depression, on Sundays after church, he would take food left over from hotels and feed the Italian-American community in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, Binda said.
"He kind of had his own soup kitchen out back, only you wouldn't know it was a soup kitchen, because he was a pretty renowned chef in Boston," Binda said.
And, when tourism slowed in the winter, his grandfather would cook on the cruise lines sailing to Florida. "I guess the ocean has always been in my blood, and cooking just came naturally," Binda said.
After graduating from high school in Marshfield, a town about 35 miles southeast of Boston, Binda attended culinary arts school at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. He joined the Navy as a mess management specialist, now called a culinary specialist. Binda has cooked his way to the top of the Navy enlisted ranks as a master chief petty officer and now manages the Navy's largest housing program at Naval Base San Diego's Combined Bachelor Housing.
Binda spent nearly 20 years on duty at sea because he chose those duty assignments. He said he loves sitting on deck and watching the sunrises and sunsets. But mostly he enjoys it because it gives allows him to work with junior sailors. "I love being at sea. That's really what I enjoy. I think you have a bigger impact taking sailors to different countries and working with them every single day," he said.
Binda said he likes to mentor and coach his sailors. "I'm a father figure to several of my junior sailors. They call me at all sorts of times. I've bailed kids out of jail with my own money; I wouldn't recommend that, but I haven't been disappointed yet. I just really love working with young people," Binda said.
In his duties, the chef sailor has served some of the nation's top officers, including Army Gen. Tommy Franks, then Central Command commander. But for Binda, the measure of his success always will be the satisfaction of the sailors.
"I consider what's important is feeding sailors every single day. I get much more satisfaction seeing sailors eating and enjoying themselves on the mess decks than I do serving the captain a formal dinner with ... distinguished visitors," Binda said.
His dedication to the lower enlisted sailors is what eventually landed Binda in the sands of Iraq "like a fish out of water," he said. As requirements came up to fill slots in Iraq as advisors or on training teams, Binda said, he realized one day that he was sending his sailors to a place that he personally knew nothing about. "I kind of felt bad sending him to some place I didn't know anything about," he said.
So when the opportunity opened in February 2006, Binda volunteered. It turned out to be one of the biggest learning experiences of his life, Binda said. There he was a military advisor to an Iraqi army brigade helping them set up their logistics systems.
"The thing I learned most the year in Iraq is how critical a public education is. I can tell you after being a year in Iraq and working with people who are largely uneducated ... that having that public education is imperative to being successful," Binda said.
For his efforts there, Binda was awarded the Bronze Star, presented by then Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen, now serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Now, as the clock winds down toward Binda's 30-year mark and mandatory retirement, the self-described workaholic said he hopes to do one more sea tour. He still gets up at 5 a.m. and runs every morning, "passing kids half my age," and gives no real thought to what he will do when he retires, Binda said. For now, he said, he is happy serving sailors in the Navy until his last day.
"I'm going to be the guy in the cartoon where I've got a parachute on my back, and Uncle Sam's got his foot on my chest, and I'm hanging out of the plane with my fingers and my toes gripping onto the edge of the plane, and I'm saying, 'I'm not ready to go yet.' Because I'm still having fun," Binda said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - Ask Master Chief Petty Officer Bruce "Skip" Binda why he joined the Navy nearly three decades ago and he'll tell you it was a matter of pride. At 19, Binda had spent all of his tuition money on beer and eight-track music cassettes and was too proud to ask his father for the $200 he needed to return to college.
Along came a Navy commercial proffering $1,500 to join, and Binda took the bait "hook, line and sinker," he said. Since joining in 1980, he has served on one submarine and 10 ships and served a combat tour in Iraq. He has spent nearly 20 years at sea, with only three shore-duty tours.
The career sailor is now one of 10 servicemembers selected to travel the country telling the military's story as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
"I've been able to do everything I wanted to do. I've been stationed everywhere I've wanted to be stationed. I've just been very lucky," Binda said.
Truthfully, Binda's future sea journeys were secured long before he ran into his tuition troubles. As a boy growing up on the Atlantic coast, Binda said, he would walk along the seawall in Marshfield, Mass., and tell his sister that one day he would be a sailor.
His father served in the Navy for two years, and Binda's uncle was a sailor who would return home with stories of his travels.
"I used to listen to his stories during the holidays when we all got together. Sometimes he'd wear his khaki hat. He was just a crusty old boatswain's mate. That was just amazing," Binda said.
Along with his love for the sea, Binda also inherited a passion for cooking. Binda said his great-grandfather was a popular chef in Boston. During the Depression, on Sundays after church, he would take food left over from hotels and feed the Italian-American community in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, Binda said.
"He kind of had his own soup kitchen out back, only you wouldn't know it was a soup kitchen, because he was a pretty renowned chef in Boston," Binda said.
And, when tourism slowed in the winter, his grandfather would cook on the cruise lines sailing to Florida. "I guess the ocean has always been in my blood, and cooking just came naturally," Binda said.
After graduating from high school in Marshfield, a town about 35 miles southeast of Boston, Binda attended culinary arts school at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. He joined the Navy as a mess management specialist, now called a culinary specialist. Binda has cooked his way to the top of the Navy enlisted ranks as a master chief petty officer and now manages the Navy's largest housing program at Naval Base San Diego's Combined Bachelor Housing.
Binda spent nearly 20 years on duty at sea because he chose those duty assignments. He said he loves sitting on deck and watching the sunrises and sunsets. But mostly he enjoys it because it gives allows him to work with junior sailors. "I love being at sea. That's really what I enjoy. I think you have a bigger impact taking sailors to different countries and working with them every single day," he said.
Binda said he likes to mentor and coach his sailors. "I'm a father figure to several of my junior sailors. They call me at all sorts of times. I've bailed kids out of jail with my own money; I wouldn't recommend that, but I haven't been disappointed yet. I just really love working with young people," Binda said.
In his duties, the chef sailor has served some of the nation's top officers, including Army Gen. Tommy Franks, then Central Command commander. But for Binda, the measure of his success always will be the satisfaction of the sailors.
"I consider what's important is feeding sailors every single day. I get much more satisfaction seeing sailors eating and enjoying themselves on the mess decks than I do serving the captain a formal dinner with ... distinguished visitors," Binda said.
His dedication to the lower enlisted sailors is what eventually landed Binda in the sands of Iraq "like a fish out of water," he said. As requirements came up to fill slots in Iraq as advisors or on training teams, Binda said, he realized one day that he was sending his sailors to a place that he personally knew nothing about. "I kind of felt bad sending him to some place I didn't know anything about," he said.
So when the opportunity opened in February 2006, Binda volunteered. It turned out to be one of the biggest learning experiences of his life, Binda said. There he was a military advisor to an Iraqi army brigade helping them set up their logistics systems.
"The thing I learned most the year in Iraq is how critical a public education is. I can tell you after being a year in Iraq and working with people who are largely uneducated ... that having that public education is imperative to being successful," Binda said.
For his efforts there, Binda was awarded the Bronze Star, presented by then Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen, now serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Now, as the clock winds down toward Binda's 30-year mark and mandatory retirement, the self-described workaholic said he hopes to do one more sea tour. He still gets up at 5 a.m. and runs every morning, "passing kids half my age," and gives no real thought to what he will do when he retires, Binda said. For now, he said, he is happy serving sailors in the Navy until his last day.
"I'm going to be the guy in the cartoon where I've got a parachute on my back, and Uncle Sam's got his foot on my chest, and I'm hanging out of the plane with my fingers and my toes gripping onto the edge of the plane, and I'm saying, 'I'm not ready to go yet.' Because I'm still having fun," Binda said.
Black Knights, Midshipmen Drum Up Support Before Army-Navy Game
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - Army and Navy drummers, buglers and cheerleaders stormed the halls of the Pentagon over the past two days, rallying or roiling soldiers and sailors in their wake before tomorrow's Army-Navy football game. The Navy Midshipmen, who enter the game with a 7-4 record, will try for their fifth consecutive win against the 3-8 Army Black Knights in the 108th year the teams face off on the gridiron. Despite being 14-point underdogs, the indomitable Black Knights, on hand at the Pentagon today, are poised to soldier on at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore tomorrow.
Lifting a yellow and black megaphone to his mouth, Army Secretary Pete Geren faced the crowd of Black Knight supporters and yelled, "GO ARMY!"
Geren led the throng to the office Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., who thanked the group for visiting him. He encouraged the vociferous crowd to make extra noise while passing by the office the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, his Navy counterpart.
Upon meeting Casey, Army Cadet Cpl. Jacob Frechette, a trumpeter in the band, made a deferential request of the chief of staff. Frechette asked Casey to order him to do push-ups while his fellow soldier took a picture.
"Nobody outranks him, so if somebody's going to make you do push-ups, it might as well be the highest-ranking guy in the Army," the cadet said.
But Frechette, who predicted an Army victory in the gridiron showdown, said the only reason the Army might do push-ups tomorrow would be to express celebration. "When we score a touchdown, we'll be out there pushing," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave a somewhat ambiguous message to the crowd after he accepted an Army scarf from a soldier who donned a "Goatbusters" costume, a flippant reference to the Navy ram mascot.
"May the best team win," Gates said in tongue-in-cheek fashion. "How's that for diplomacy?"
Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody had an unequivocal statement for the cheerleaders and band after they performed a choreographed medley that included the Army fight song. "I thought that was one of our best military operations to date!" he shouted.
"It's going to be a very tight game until the fourth quarter," Cody predicted to American Forces Press Service. "Then Army's going to win by seven."
Army Cadet Sgt. Wiley Grant, a trombonist in the band, said he's looking forward to seeing the first Army victory against Navy in his three years at U.S. Military Academy, at West Point, N.Y. Pep rallies like today's are the best way to get the hearts and minds of the fans -- known as the 12th man on a football team comprising 11 players -- prepared for the historic matchup, he added.
"Especially after five losses that we've had in the past, it's really important to get people fired up and to get people into the spirit and get them to believe," he said. "The players on the field are going to do their best, but without the crowd support, the support from the fans, and support from the Army at-large, we're not going to be able to win."
Grant said the Army-Navy game is one of the oldest football traditions in history, one that inculcates a sense of teamwork across military branches. "To borrow General (Douglas) MacArthur's quote, 'Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other fields will bear the fruits of victory,'" he said. "There's no more evident example of that than the Army-Navy game."
Following in another rich tradition -- the tradition of one-upmanship -- Cadet Brian Kossler led several fellow cadets up escalators toward the Pentagon's fifth floor, where a banner hung that read, "GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY" Kossler ascended a ladder and worked at unfastening the bolt that held the banner in place.
Minutes later, the 40-foot plastic homage to the Midshipmen lay in a heap on the fifth floor. A sailor who witnessed the act chided, "You can take our banner, but you're still going to lose tomorrow!"
But those who say Army doesn't have a prayer in tomorrow's game are wrong, at least according to the Army's chief of chaplains. "I pray that God shows favor on the Army," said Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver. "And my biggest prayer is that everybody be safe as they play."
Yesterday, the Midshipmen's esprit de corps was boosted by some of the Defense Department's top officials.
"I know it's a great week, the spirit's great, and it's a spectacularly important game," said Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "We want it to be played hard and played well, and in the end, let the best team win.
"And we have no doubt that's Navy!" Mullen, a 1968 graduate of the Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Md., shouted as the throng of Navy supporters gathered outside his office erupted in cheers.
Mullen told the crowd that in the spirit of "jointness" among military branches, he would sit on Army's side for the game's first half. "And then I'll be on the Navy side to see the victory," he said. "Just remember two words: Beat Army!"
"Anchors Aweigh," the Navy fight song, bounced around the stairwell near the Pentagon's Mall Entrance as the parade ascended to the second floor toward offices housing members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
"On Saturday, I will be neutral, but with some bias," said Gordon England, former Navy secretary and current deputy secretary of defense. "I hope it is a great game, and that's what we all want -- a great game between our two great service academies."
Donald C. Winter, secretary of the Navy, excited the crowd by listing significant Navy victories this season against the Air Force and Notre Dame. Amid the ruckus he added, "The season starts again on Saturday!"
"And one other thing," he said. "All the good words I said last week in theater about being part of the joint fight and the joint team -- on Saturday, those words are held in abeyance!"
Roughead, chief of naval operations and a 1973 Naval Academy graduate, thanked the Midshipmen musicians and cheerleaders for visiting his office. "You guys are getting spoiled; you never lose!" he said. "We'll see you there on Saturday; it's going to be a great day, and we're going to win!"
After interrupting staff meetings and conference calls in the Army Department corridor, the procession passed before a Pentagon display honoring Navy fleet admirals and sailors who went on to serve as president. Tubas blared before resolute photos of Chester Nimitz and William Halsey, and bass drums banged off near stately portraits of Gerald Ford and John F. Kennedy.
Navy Lt. Elizabeth Griffiths, the secretary of the Navy's protocol officer and a 2001 Naval Academy graduate, helped organize the rally, which is highly anticipated by Pentagon staffers, she said.
"I think this really gets people excited for the game, motivated for the game, and they just bring that much more spirit to the stadium, which really can help the players," she said. "I think that the best part about this game is how fierce the rivalry is, but when it comes down to it, everybody's playing on the same team.
"People enjoy the game so much because the teams are bonded for reasons that go way beyond just football," she said.
The CBS telecast of the game begins at noon EST tomorrow.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - Army and Navy drummers, buglers and cheerleaders stormed the halls of the Pentagon over the past two days, rallying or roiling soldiers and sailors in their wake before tomorrow's Army-Navy football game. The Navy Midshipmen, who enter the game with a 7-4 record, will try for their fifth consecutive win against the 3-8 Army Black Knights in the 108th year the teams face off on the gridiron. Despite being 14-point underdogs, the indomitable Black Knights, on hand at the Pentagon today, are poised to soldier on at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore tomorrow.
Lifting a yellow and black megaphone to his mouth, Army Secretary Pete Geren faced the crowd of Black Knight supporters and yelled, "GO ARMY!"
Geren led the throng to the office Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., who thanked the group for visiting him. He encouraged the vociferous crowd to make extra noise while passing by the office the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, his Navy counterpart.
Upon meeting Casey, Army Cadet Cpl. Jacob Frechette, a trumpeter in the band, made a deferential request of the chief of staff. Frechette asked Casey to order him to do push-ups while his fellow soldier took a picture.
"Nobody outranks him, so if somebody's going to make you do push-ups, it might as well be the highest-ranking guy in the Army," the cadet said.
But Frechette, who predicted an Army victory in the gridiron showdown, said the only reason the Army might do push-ups tomorrow would be to express celebration. "When we score a touchdown, we'll be out there pushing," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gave a somewhat ambiguous message to the crowd after he accepted an Army scarf from a soldier who donned a "Goatbusters" costume, a flippant reference to the Navy ram mascot.
"May the best team win," Gates said in tongue-in-cheek fashion. "How's that for diplomacy?"
Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody had an unequivocal statement for the cheerleaders and band after they performed a choreographed medley that included the Army fight song. "I thought that was one of our best military operations to date!" he shouted.
"It's going to be a very tight game until the fourth quarter," Cody predicted to American Forces Press Service. "Then Army's going to win by seven."
Army Cadet Sgt. Wiley Grant, a trombonist in the band, said he's looking forward to seeing the first Army victory against Navy in his three years at U.S. Military Academy, at West Point, N.Y. Pep rallies like today's are the best way to get the hearts and minds of the fans -- known as the 12th man on a football team comprising 11 players -- prepared for the historic matchup, he added.
"Especially after five losses that we've had in the past, it's really important to get people fired up and to get people into the spirit and get them to believe," he said. "The players on the field are going to do their best, but without the crowd support, the support from the fans, and support from the Army at-large, we're not going to be able to win."
Grant said the Army-Navy game is one of the oldest football traditions in history, one that inculcates a sense of teamwork across military branches. "To borrow General (Douglas) MacArthur's quote, 'Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other fields will bear the fruits of victory,'" he said. "There's no more evident example of that than the Army-Navy game."
Following in another rich tradition -- the tradition of one-upmanship -- Cadet Brian Kossler led several fellow cadets up escalators toward the Pentagon's fifth floor, where a banner hung that read, "GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY" Kossler ascended a ladder and worked at unfastening the bolt that held the banner in place.
Minutes later, the 40-foot plastic homage to the Midshipmen lay in a heap on the fifth floor. A sailor who witnessed the act chided, "You can take our banner, but you're still going to lose tomorrow!"
But those who say Army doesn't have a prayer in tomorrow's game are wrong, at least according to the Army's chief of chaplains. "I pray that God shows favor on the Army," said Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver. "And my biggest prayer is that everybody be safe as they play."
Yesterday, the Midshipmen's esprit de corps was boosted by some of the Defense Department's top officials.
"I know it's a great week, the spirit's great, and it's a spectacularly important game," said Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "We want it to be played hard and played well, and in the end, let the best team win.
"And we have no doubt that's Navy!" Mullen, a 1968 graduate of the Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Md., shouted as the throng of Navy supporters gathered outside his office erupted in cheers.
Mullen told the crowd that in the spirit of "jointness" among military branches, he would sit on Army's side for the game's first half. "And then I'll be on the Navy side to see the victory," he said. "Just remember two words: Beat Army!"
"Anchors Aweigh," the Navy fight song, bounced around the stairwell near the Pentagon's Mall Entrance as the parade ascended to the second floor toward offices housing members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
"On Saturday, I will be neutral, but with some bias," said Gordon England, former Navy secretary and current deputy secretary of defense. "I hope it is a great game, and that's what we all want -- a great game between our two great service academies."
Donald C. Winter, secretary of the Navy, excited the crowd by listing significant Navy victories this season against the Air Force and Notre Dame. Amid the ruckus he added, "The season starts again on Saturday!"
"And one other thing," he said. "All the good words I said last week in theater about being part of the joint fight and the joint team -- on Saturday, those words are held in abeyance!"
Roughead, chief of naval operations and a 1973 Naval Academy graduate, thanked the Midshipmen musicians and cheerleaders for visiting his office. "You guys are getting spoiled; you never lose!" he said. "We'll see you there on Saturday; it's going to be a great day, and we're going to win!"
After interrupting staff meetings and conference calls in the Army Department corridor, the procession passed before a Pentagon display honoring Navy fleet admirals and sailors who went on to serve as president. Tubas blared before resolute photos of Chester Nimitz and William Halsey, and bass drums banged off near stately portraits of Gerald Ford and John F. Kennedy.
Navy Lt. Elizabeth Griffiths, the secretary of the Navy's protocol officer and a 2001 Naval Academy graduate, helped organize the rally, which is highly anticipated by Pentagon staffers, she said.
"I think this really gets people excited for the game, motivated for the game, and they just bring that much more spirit to the stadium, which really can help the players," she said. "I think that the best part about this game is how fierce the rivalry is, but when it comes down to it, everybody's playing on the same team.
"People enjoy the game so much because the teams are bonded for reasons that go way beyond just football," she said.
The CBS telecast of the game begins at noon EST tomorrow.
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - U.S. sailors and Marines on a humanitarian mission to Bangladesh are being met with extreme gratitude as they work to prevent and treat waterborne illnesses and meet basic needs in the aftermath of a Nov. 15 cyclone, a U.S. commander there said today. "With all of our deliveries, we've been greeted warmly and with gratitude by the Bangladesh people," Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, commander of Navy Task Force 76, said in a news briefing broadcast from the USS Kearsarge.
Upon receiving medical treatment, one local man told American troops, "In the eyes of my village, you are the face of the world. You show that the world cares," she said.
The Task Force arrived off the Bangladeshi coast aboard the USS Kearsarge, along with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, on Nov. 23. In support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the troops have flown more than 21 sorties and delivered more than 9,000 gallons of water and 18,000 pounds of medical supplies. The United States is one of 25 countries providing more than $4 billion in aid, defense officials said.
Waterborne illnesses are a growing concern in Bangladesh, where most wells were destroyed by the storm, Pottenger said. U.S. forces have treated and evaluated more than 600 patients, mostly for trauma and water contamination, she said.
A major role for U.S. troops is to produce fresh water aboard the Kearsarge, which can filter 200,000 gallons per day, and distribute it in 5-gallon containers to various locations, Col. Douglas Stilwell, commander of the Marine unit said. Marines also have taken time to bond with the local people, including playing soccer with Bangladeshi children, he said.
Providing disaster assistance "is what the Navy task force and Marine expeditionary force are really good at," Pottenger said. "We watch every storm very carefully, and we recognized this as it headed to Bangladesh.
"This is very rewarding for every sailor and Marine involved in this effort," she said.
Asked by a reporter why the Bangladeshi government waited until a week after the storm to make its request for aid, Cmdr. Mohammad Fazale Rabbi, a Bangladeshi liaison officer said, "The initial assessment was not that easy for us."
Still, Rabbi said, the Bangladeshi government took precautions, including evacuating hundreds of thousands of residents, that caused the small, impoverished nation to fare better than in previous catastrophic storms. More than 3,000 people were killed in the latest storm, compared to 140,000 in a 1991 disaster, he said.
Pottenger, who was deployed from Okinawa, Japan, stressed that U.S. forces will leave Bangladesh as soon as possible, but added that she does not know when that will be. The Bangladeshi government's request was for only initial humanitarian aid, defense officials said.
"It's really not our mission to be there a long time, but we will be there as long as the Bangladesh government wants us," Pottenger said. "I really can't put a timeline on it."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - U.S. sailors and Marines on a humanitarian mission to Bangladesh are being met with extreme gratitude as they work to prevent and treat waterborne illnesses and meet basic needs in the aftermath of a Nov. 15 cyclone, a U.S. commander there said today. "With all of our deliveries, we've been greeted warmly and with gratitude by the Bangladesh people," Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, commander of Navy Task Force 76, said in a news briefing broadcast from the USS Kearsarge.
Upon receiving medical treatment, one local man told American troops, "In the eyes of my village, you are the face of the world. You show that the world cares," she said.
The Task Force arrived off the Bangladeshi coast aboard the USS Kearsarge, along with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, on Nov. 23. In support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the troops have flown more than 21 sorties and delivered more than 9,000 gallons of water and 18,000 pounds of medical supplies. The United States is one of 25 countries providing more than $4 billion in aid, defense officials said.
Waterborne illnesses are a growing concern in Bangladesh, where most wells were destroyed by the storm, Pottenger said. U.S. forces have treated and evaluated more than 600 patients, mostly for trauma and water contamination, she said.
A major role for U.S. troops is to produce fresh water aboard the Kearsarge, which can filter 200,000 gallons per day, and distribute it in 5-gallon containers to various locations, Col. Douglas Stilwell, commander of the Marine unit said. Marines also have taken time to bond with the local people, including playing soccer with Bangladeshi children, he said.
Providing disaster assistance "is what the Navy task force and Marine expeditionary force are really good at," Pottenger said. "We watch every storm very carefully, and we recognized this as it headed to Bangladesh.
"This is very rewarding for every sailor and Marine involved in this effort," she said.
Asked by a reporter why the Bangladeshi government waited until a week after the storm to make its request for aid, Cmdr. Mohammad Fazale Rabbi, a Bangladeshi liaison officer said, "The initial assessment was not that easy for us."
Still, Rabbi said, the Bangladeshi government took precautions, including evacuating hundreds of thousands of residents, that caused the small, impoverished nation to fare better than in previous catastrophic storms. More than 3,000 people were killed in the latest storm, compared to 140,000 in a 1991 disaster, he said.
Pottenger, who was deployed from Okinawa, Japan, stressed that U.S. forces will leave Bangladesh as soon as possible, but added that she does not know when that will be. The Bangladeshi government's request was for only initial humanitarian aid, defense officials said.
"It's really not our mission to be there a long time, but we will be there as long as the Bangladesh government wants us," Pottenger said. "I really can't put a timeline on it."
DoD Establishes Center of Excellence to Address Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health
The Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health (PH) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) began initial operations today. The DCoE will be fully functional by October 2009. It is currently operating in temporary office spaces in Rosslyn, Va., as part of its initial phase.
The Department of Defense (DoD), with support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is leading a national collaborative network to advance and disseminate PH/TBI knowledge, enhance clinical and management approaches, and facilitate other vital services to best serve the urgent and enduring needs of warrior families with PH and/or TBI.
"The center will integrate quality programs and advanced medical technology to give us unprecedented expertise in dealing with psychological health and traumatic brain injuries," said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. S. Ward Casscells. "In developing the national collaborative network, the DCoE will coordinate existing medical, academic, research, and advocacy assets within the services, with those of the VA and Health and Human Services, other federal, state and local agencies, as well as academic institutions."
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) is now integrated into the center. DVBIC has DoD's primary subject matter expertise on TBI and many of its functions are transitioning to the DCoE. The DoD Center for Deployment Psychology, currently at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, is also integrated into the training and education functions of the DCoE.
The Department of Defense (DoD), with support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is leading a national collaborative network to advance and disseminate PH/TBI knowledge, enhance clinical and management approaches, and facilitate other vital services to best serve the urgent and enduring needs of warrior families with PH and/or TBI.
"The center will integrate quality programs and advanced medical technology to give us unprecedented expertise in dealing with psychological health and traumatic brain injuries," said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. S. Ward Casscells. "In developing the national collaborative network, the DCoE will coordinate existing medical, academic, research, and advocacy assets within the services, with those of the VA and Health and Human Services, other federal, state and local agencies, as well as academic institutions."
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) is now integrated into the center. DVBIC has DoD's primary subject matter expertise on TBI and many of its functions are transitioning to the DCoE. The DoD Center for Deployment Psychology, currently at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, is also integrated into the training and education functions of the DCoE.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Leadership in Film
A number of courses and seminars use film, movies and television to express leadership concepts. The co-author of Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style, Raymond E. Foster, is collecting practitioner, student and academic input on leadership in film. Have you used film, movies or television to teach leadership? Have you viewed something in a leadership course? Or, have you viewed something that expressed a leadership lesson that you would like to share? Share your thoughts on Leadership in Film.
http://www.pokerleadership.com/leadership-in-film/
http://www.pokerleadership.com/leadership-in-film/
Face of Defense: Soldier Sacrifices Family Time to Serve
By Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert, USASpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 29, 2007 - Army Staff Sgt. Rosie Threatt could have been lost in the group of her large family. She's the fifth of six children, and her siblings have distinguished themselves by working in the medical, criminal justice and teaching fields. Threatt went in another direction: a career in the Army, where she has touched the lives of about 3,000 soldiers in some way over the past 14 months.
"I joined in hopes of being able to take care of myself and my daughter," said Threatt, a Port Gibson, Miss., native who joined the Army in 1999.
When she first deployed to Iraq near the end of 2003, a few years after deploying to Kosovo for six months, she and her family were concerned about it. There would be more deployments to follow.
"My family was scared, and I was scared," Threatt said. "When I deployed a second time, I thought that I hadn't had enough time with my family. When this, the third one, came along, my mom (Angelia Gibson) said: 'That's it.'"
While it was hard on Threatt being away from her daughters, Aubri, 9, and Amari, 4, and her husband, Staff Sgt. Cleo Threatt, she said the deployments are a part of an Army career.
"It was difficult, but I had to think about my future," Threatt said. "I decided that I had come this far, and I plan to take my career all the way up to retirement."
On this, her fourth deployment, including three in Iraq and one in Kosovo, Threatt serves as the senior human resources noncommissioned officer for 1st Air Cavalry "Warrior" Brigade. All promotion packets, award recommendations and other personnel actions go through her staff.
"She brings a genuine desire to take care of soldiers and their administrative needs," said Maj. Kevin McPherson, the brigade's personnel officer, who hails from Aztec, N.M. "She is extremely customer-service oriented."
While her job is to support all of the soldiers in the brigade with administrative support, she finds time to take care of her own soldiers, too.
"I think what I'm most proud of for this deployment is that every single one of my soldiers got a chance to achieve some of their goals," she said. "Each got promoted to at least two grades higher than when they deployed."
She is also proud of her soldiers' accomplishments, she said. "They have done so much as a section," she said. "We have processed 3,200 awards and 600 promotions for the brigade. They have worked 12 hours a day six days a week, and half days on Sunday. Most of them are first-time deployers, and they have really stepped up."
Threatt also is working toward her personal goals of getting an associate's degree in general studies and putting in a packet for the Warrant Officer Candidate School to become a human resources technician. She said she ultimately hopes to work in the medical field as a radiologist.
But for now, she is focused on the mission at hand -- assisting in the redeployment process for the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade as it returns to Fort Hood, Texas.
Although her position normally is held by someone at least two pay grades higher, Threatt has adapted well to the position, McPherson said.
"She had never worked in a (brigade personnel office) before; she had always worked at a personnel service battalion," he said. "She came into this shop with the small focus of those services provided at the (personnel services battalion) level, and was put in a position as the (NCO in charge) of a brigade shop. She is a brand new staff sergeant filling a master sergeant position, and she is doing an amazing job."
While she is focused on the redeployment, thoughts of family reunions are in the back of her mind, she said. "I am excited about going home," Threatt said. "I just want to spend a lot of time with my family -- with my kids, my mom and my sisters. We are all really close, and it's been a long time away."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Rick Emert is assigned to 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Public Affairs.)
Group Helps Disabled Vets Find Jobs
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 29, 2007 - Disabled veterans looking for employment opportunities have one more resource working for them. Hire Heroes USA, a program of the Georgia-based Health Careers Foundation, is working to link disabled veterans to employment opportunities nationwide. "Our mission is to be the bridge to a fulfilling career for our returning heroes with disabilities," said Bayne E. Tippins, director of the Hire Heroes USA program. "(We) want to ensure they have the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms they fought so hard to preserve."
The program offers career placement services to wounded veterans, regardless of their disability or its severity, Tippins said. To make these placements happen, Hire Heroes USA matches career interests and transferable skills to the needs of hiring companies who partner with the program.
"Now in our fifth month of operation, Hire Heroes USA is assisting more than 2,000 disabled veterans who are searching for career opportunities," Tippins said. "The program has received support through jobs (that need filling) and financial donations from more than 40 companies."
Hire Heroes USA is a new supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Tippins said he hopes to spread the program's message far and wide through the America Supports You network to reach those who could benefit from Hire Heroes USA.
"America Supports You will be a vital tool to ensure the continued success of Hire Heroes USA," Tippins said, adding that improvements in body armor and advances in medical technology are dramatically improving survival rates on the battlefield.
"Now more than ever before, our nation's disabled veterans will need support as they seek to establish productive lives, take care of their families and establish new careers," he said. "Programs such as Hire Heroes USA ... are instrumental in helping our wounded soldiers succeed I today's competitive job market."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 29, 2007 - Disabled veterans looking for employment opportunities have one more resource working for them. Hire Heroes USA, a program of the Georgia-based Health Careers Foundation, is working to link disabled veterans to employment opportunities nationwide. "Our mission is to be the bridge to a fulfilling career for our returning heroes with disabilities," said Bayne E. Tippins, director of the Hire Heroes USA program. "(We) want to ensure they have the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms they fought so hard to preserve."
The program offers career placement services to wounded veterans, regardless of their disability or its severity, Tippins said. To make these placements happen, Hire Heroes USA matches career interests and transferable skills to the needs of hiring companies who partner with the program.
"Now in our fifth month of operation, Hire Heroes USA is assisting more than 2,000 disabled veterans who are searching for career opportunities," Tippins said. "The program has received support through jobs (that need filling) and financial donations from more than 40 companies."
Hire Heroes USA is a new supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Tippins said he hopes to spread the program's message far and wide through the America Supports You network to reach those who could benefit from Hire Heroes USA.
"America Supports You will be a vital tool to ensure the continued success of Hire Heroes USA," Tippins said, adding that improvements in body armor and advances in medical technology are dramatically improving survival rates on the battlefield.
"Now more than ever before, our nation's disabled veterans will need support as they seek to establish productive lives, take care of their families and establish new careers," he said. "Programs such as Hire Heroes USA ... are instrumental in helping our wounded soldiers succeed I today's competitive job market."
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