By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 8, 2008 - Sgt. Kevin Knight has been a Marine for four years. He has deployed three times to Iraq. The first was in 2004, when he was just out of his infantry training. He returned from his most recent deployment in November. With their commanders ushered from the room, Knight and about 50 other Marines fresh from deployment were able to sit across the table from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates here yesterday to ask straight questions and get straight answers on whatever was on their minds.
The Marines met the secretary in a small conference room in a building nestled in the sprawling, scraggly hills of these coastal training grounds about 35 miles north of San Diego. Like Knight, many of the Marines in the room had served multiple deployments.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said the meeting turned out to be anything but a gripe session, as questions ran the gamut from housing issues to educational benefits to politics. Most of the Marines were concerned not about their individual situations, but rather about what could be changed to benefit others, he said.
Fresh from his most recent deployment, Knight said he returned here to see a new urban assault training center being built. He wondered why such a training site was not built sooner, offering critical training for deploying troops.
"We lost a lot of Marines in urban combat that if we would have had these facilities two or three years ago, it could have helped prevent (that)," Knight said. The sergeant said he asked Gates why it seemed the military was "behind the curve" in funding training and facilities to prepare troops for urban combat.
The secretary's answer was straightforward and logical, Knight said: no one anticipated that U.S. forces would be in Iraq, fighting this kind of war for this long.
"He gave decisive answers," Knight said. "He actually talked to (us and) ... helped us understand what was going on with Iran, with Pakistan, Korea, Iraq in general.,"
Knight said the secretary helped the Marines understand some of the funding issues facing the military and gave them a "broader picture."
"I thought it went really well. All the questions that the secretary was asked, he was very knowledgeable about," he said. "I think it's incredible. Nobody would ever think that as young enlisted Marines we'd be able to talk to one of the senior members of our chain of command. I think it shows a lot about our nation caring about the opinions of the younger military forces -- not just looking at us as numbers, but wanting to hear our point of views on world matters."
In his first trip to the area as defense secretary, Gates visited Navy and Marine bases in southern California after spending the holidays at his home in Washington state. Morrell said officials try to fit in stops to bases in the United States as the defense secretary travels. Gates "derives a great deal of sustenance" from his meetings with servicemembers and goes back to the Pentagon "rejuvenated and confident" from the conversations, Morrell told reporters.
Gates started the morning touring the Naval Special Warfare Group 1 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, where he met with sailors and SEALs. He viewed the latest in robotic devices that help detect and dismantle roadside bombs in Iraq. He also pinned Bronze Stars on the chests of about 20 sailors just coming back from combat in Iraq, and he meritoriously promoted two of them.
He met with the sailors in closed-door sessions, and publicly thanked them for their service and that of their families.
The secretary had awards and special praise for members of a mobile explosive ordnance detachment who set up an EOD compound in southern Baghdad and performed 400 missions, disabling more than 90 improvised explosive devices.
"One of my great honors as the secretary of defense is to participate in ceremonies like these," he said. "I am always humbled and inspired by what our troops accomplish under the most demanding and challenging conditions."
Others receiving awards were SEALs who had just returned from secret duties against what Gates called "some of the most ruthless killers" in Iraq. He noted most of the SEALs' duties are performed in the shadows and are rarely recognized.
"That's why I'm particularly grateful to be here today -- to have the opportunity to look them in the eye, and say 'thank you' from the bottom of my heart," Gates said.
A small group of families sat on the sidelines during the ceremonies, holding babies and toddlers who fidgeted as their fathers received the awards. Gates acknowledged that the secrecy and imminent danger of the SEALs' missions sometimes make the life especially hard for their families.
"Your loved ones are deployed most often to the most hostile places. You may know next to nothing about where your husband or son is serving, and when or whether he will return," Gates said. "To the families, to all of you here today, you have my deepest personal appreciation and respect."
As he was leaving, a small group of SEAL first-week recruits issued a customary greeting to the secretary. "Hoo-yah, Secretary Gates," they shouted in unison.
Gates went on to tour the latest San Antonio-class vessel, the USS New Orleans, docked in San Diego. Commissioned in March, it's an amphibious transport ship made to accommodate the latest in Marine equipment. It holds a crew of about 350 and can accommodate 800 Marines with gear and vehicles. It also has a complete hospital and can perform humanitarian aid missions. The ship is scheduled for its first deployment next year.
Gates lunched with sailors, again hearing concerns and fielding questions. In the afternoon, he went to Camp Pendleton for more meetings, and a quick stop to talk to some recruits in their 11th week of training, readying for their final field exercise before becoming full-fledged Marines.
He then boarded a flight to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where he's scheduled to talk with commanders today about intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs in the combat theater and how to field more unmanned aerial vehicles there, Morrell said.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
'Why We Serve' Program Connects Servicemembers, Civilians
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 7, 2008 - Media outlets portray a version of the U.S. military as seen from the outside, but Americans across the country can access the primary source: hearing the military experience described by a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine who lives it. At universities, high schools and rotary clubs in scores of U.S. cities, "Why We Serve," a Defense Department outreach program, is connecting men and women in uniform to the American public they serve. Started in July 2006, the program provides a platform for servicemembers recently returned from operations in Afghanistan, Iraq or the Horn of Africa to discuss their experiences with the country at large.
"Americans want a way to hear directly from the men and women in uniform who have served. They want to hear personal stories and experiences first-hand," said Jennifer Giglio, the program's deputy director. "By providing the public one-on-one interaction with their military, Why We Serve creates that opportunity."
Now in its sixth quarterly iteration, the outreach program conceived by then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace underscores an effort by the Defense Department to bridge gaps between military and civilian cultures. The program is apolitical by design, and speakers do not address department policies; rather, each member offers Americans a glimpse of military life as seen through the eyes of someone in uniform.
The current group of a dozen servicemember speakers comprises a diverse swath of the armed forces that includes a wide range of military branch and rank, and represents both sexes, as well as many races and creeds. Three members from each service branch make up this iteration, and together they account for 130 years of military experience.
The breadth of the speakers' backgrounds and experience is matched by the vast geography the tour encompasses: In January alone, participants will appear at 31 engagements in 15 cities, from Sarasota, Fla., to San Diego, in addition to three radio interviews with a station in Riverside, Iowa.
Community organizations, business associations, academic institutions, veterans groups, and other nonprofit or nonpartisan organizations may invite a Why We Serve speaker by making a request online at www.whyweserve.mil. The Defense Department provides speakers to approved host organizations anywhere in the country free of charge.
By hosting uniformed servicemembers to speak about their individual experiences in current U.S. operations, audiences around the country are offered a personal and relevant perspective on military service.
"No longer do Americans need to rely on the media alone for balanced coverage," Giglio said. "They can request a servicemember to speak in their local community, and have the opportunity to ask questions and hear answers from someone who has had their boots on the ground."
Speakers from the most recent iteration include Marine Staff Sgt. John Costa, a native of Somerville, Mass., who deployed to Iraq's Anbar province in August 2006, when the region was one of the country's most contentious.
During Why We Serve engagements, Costa, who decided as a boy to join the U.S. military to help the "greater good," told audiences how efforts by coalition forces tamped down violence in Ramadi, creating the political breathing room necessary to forge vital alliances between local tribal sheiks and coalition operators.
Though it was widely covered in the news media, Costa offered audiences a unique perspective on what was later dubbed the "Anbar Awakening," a societal purging of extremism by Anbaris that ushered in a level of stability unprecedented since U.S. operations in Iraq began.
"In the end, it turned out that Ramadi did a complete 180," Costa told American Forces Press Service during a November 2007 interview. "I got pictures in September from the unit that had relieved us, and I just couldn't believe it. I didn't think I was looking at the same city."
In conjunction with the speaking tour, American Forces Press Service will profile each Why We Serve participant in a feature article that will be available on www.defenselink.mil, the Defense Department's official Web site.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 7, 2008 - Media outlets portray a version of the U.S. military as seen from the outside, but Americans across the country can access the primary source: hearing the military experience described by a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine who lives it. At universities, high schools and rotary clubs in scores of U.S. cities, "Why We Serve," a Defense Department outreach program, is connecting men and women in uniform to the American public they serve. Started in July 2006, the program provides a platform for servicemembers recently returned from operations in Afghanistan, Iraq or the Horn of Africa to discuss their experiences with the country at large.
"Americans want a way to hear directly from the men and women in uniform who have served. They want to hear personal stories and experiences first-hand," said Jennifer Giglio, the program's deputy director. "By providing the public one-on-one interaction with their military, Why We Serve creates that opportunity."
Now in its sixth quarterly iteration, the outreach program conceived by then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace underscores an effort by the Defense Department to bridge gaps between military and civilian cultures. The program is apolitical by design, and speakers do not address department policies; rather, each member offers Americans a glimpse of military life as seen through the eyes of someone in uniform.
The current group of a dozen servicemember speakers comprises a diverse swath of the armed forces that includes a wide range of military branch and rank, and represents both sexes, as well as many races and creeds. Three members from each service branch make up this iteration, and together they account for 130 years of military experience.
The breadth of the speakers' backgrounds and experience is matched by the vast geography the tour encompasses: In January alone, participants will appear at 31 engagements in 15 cities, from Sarasota, Fla., to San Diego, in addition to three radio interviews with a station in Riverside, Iowa.
Community organizations, business associations, academic institutions, veterans groups, and other nonprofit or nonpartisan organizations may invite a Why We Serve speaker by making a request online at www.whyweserve.mil. The Defense Department provides speakers to approved host organizations anywhere in the country free of charge.
By hosting uniformed servicemembers to speak about their individual experiences in current U.S. operations, audiences around the country are offered a personal and relevant perspective on military service.
"No longer do Americans need to rely on the media alone for balanced coverage," Giglio said. "They can request a servicemember to speak in their local community, and have the opportunity to ask questions and hear answers from someone who has had their boots on the ground."
Speakers from the most recent iteration include Marine Staff Sgt. John Costa, a native of Somerville, Mass., who deployed to Iraq's Anbar province in August 2006, when the region was one of the country's most contentious.
During Why We Serve engagements, Costa, who decided as a boy to join the U.S. military to help the "greater good," told audiences how efforts by coalition forces tamped down violence in Ramadi, creating the political breathing room necessary to forge vital alliances between local tribal sheiks and coalition operators.
Though it was widely covered in the news media, Costa offered audiences a unique perspective on what was later dubbed the "Anbar Awakening," a societal purging of extremism by Anbaris that ushered in a level of stability unprecedented since U.S. operations in Iraq began.
"In the end, it turned out that Ramadi did a complete 180," Costa told American Forces Press Service during a November 2007 interview. "I got pictures in September from the unit that had relieved us, and I just couldn't believe it. I didn't think I was looking at the same city."
In conjunction with the speaking tour, American Forces Press Service will profile each Why We Serve participant in a feature article that will be available on www.defenselink.mil, the Defense Department's official Web site.
America Supports You: Wounded Fort Hood Troops Receive Laptops
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 7, 2008 - Wounded servicemembers at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood, Texas, recently got some help staying connected with loved ones during their recovery. Operation Homelink, in collaboration with the Dell computer corporation, presented 30 refurbished laptops to wounded soldiers participating in the Army Wounded Warrior Program on Dec. 21.
The Army Wounded Warrior Program serves the most severely wounded, injured or ill soldiers and their families by helping them with their transition back into civilian or military life.
"This means a lot to us," said laptop recipient Leslie Mansur, a recently retired member of the Army's 4th Infantry Division and a participant in the Army program. "We cannot do our jobs as soldiers if it weren't for the support and faith of the American people and for programs like (Operation Homelink)."
Operation Homelink is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Having e-mail access during recovery meets soldiers' desires to stay in contact with fellow soldiers and family members, said Dan Shannon, founder and president of Illinois-based Operation Homelink.
Internet access also allows management of medical and financial matters and provides entertainment, which helps boost morale during extended recovery periods. Laptops provided to the most severely injured soldiers in the program have expanded functionality to run adaptive software and accessories.
"We are extremely grateful for Dell's continuing support of our expanded efforts to support our wounded warriors," Shannon said.
Operation Homelink strives to assist military support programs like Army Wounded Warrior Program by providing refurbished computers, which are donated by sponsors such as Dell.
"Dell has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. military," said Troy West, vice president of Dell Federal. "We are proud to assist programs like Operation Homelink in providing technology that will help soldiers like those in the Army Wounded Warrior Program to not only keep in touch with family, friends and fellow soldiers, but to also assist in their recovery processes."
Formed in 2003, Operation Homelink also provides desktop computers to families of servicemembers so they can stay in touch with deployed loved ones.
With this latest laptop donation, Operation Homelink has provided more than 100 laptops to wounded servicemembers. To date, the organization has connected more than 2,500 military families through its donations of laptop or desktop computers.
"If we ask our closest family members and dearest friends if they would die for us, we will get many different answers: but a soldier will die for us without being asked," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey Tucker, who attended the laptop distribution event. "They do not often hear thanks or praise for their efforts, so it is very much appreciated when organizations like Dell and volunteers from Operation Homelink show how much they value the sacrifices being made on their behalf."
(From an Operation Homelink news release.)
Jan. 7, 2008 - Wounded servicemembers at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood, Texas, recently got some help staying connected with loved ones during their recovery. Operation Homelink, in collaboration with the Dell computer corporation, presented 30 refurbished laptops to wounded soldiers participating in the Army Wounded Warrior Program on Dec. 21.
The Army Wounded Warrior Program serves the most severely wounded, injured or ill soldiers and their families by helping them with their transition back into civilian or military life.
"This means a lot to us," said laptop recipient Leslie Mansur, a recently retired member of the Army's 4th Infantry Division and a participant in the Army program. "We cannot do our jobs as soldiers if it weren't for the support and faith of the American people and for programs like (Operation Homelink)."
Operation Homelink is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Having e-mail access during recovery meets soldiers' desires to stay in contact with fellow soldiers and family members, said Dan Shannon, founder and president of Illinois-based Operation Homelink.
Internet access also allows management of medical and financial matters and provides entertainment, which helps boost morale during extended recovery periods. Laptops provided to the most severely injured soldiers in the program have expanded functionality to run adaptive software and accessories.
"We are extremely grateful for Dell's continuing support of our expanded efforts to support our wounded warriors," Shannon said.
Operation Homelink strives to assist military support programs like Army Wounded Warrior Program by providing refurbished computers, which are donated by sponsors such as Dell.
"Dell has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. military," said Troy West, vice president of Dell Federal. "We are proud to assist programs like Operation Homelink in providing technology that will help soldiers like those in the Army Wounded Warrior Program to not only keep in touch with family, friends and fellow soldiers, but to also assist in their recovery processes."
Formed in 2003, Operation Homelink also provides desktop computers to families of servicemembers so they can stay in touch with deployed loved ones.
With this latest laptop donation, Operation Homelink has provided more than 100 laptops to wounded servicemembers. To date, the organization has connected more than 2,500 military families through its donations of laptop or desktop computers.
"If we ask our closest family members and dearest friends if they would die for us, we will get many different answers: but a soldier will die for us without being asked," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey Tucker, who attended the laptop distribution event. "They do not often hear thanks or praise for their efforts, so it is very much appreciated when organizations like Dell and volunteers from Operation Homelink show how much they value the sacrifices being made on their behalf."
(From an Operation Homelink news release.)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Advancement and Promotion in Law Enforcement
Editor's Note: A great deal of the conversation will be applicable to military promotion and advancement.
January 5, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) The January 9, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features a nationally recognized expert on promotion and advancement in law enforcement.
Program Date: January 9, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Promotion and Advancement in Law Enforcement
Guest: Lieutenant Paul Patti (ret.)
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
Lieutenant Paul Patti (ret.) has over 27 years of law enforcement experience in southeast Florida. His policing experience includes over sixteen years as a department commander; four years in charge of hiring and interviewing; and, more than seventeen years as a permanent member of the department's Oral Interview Panel where he was the "Hardass" member that interviewed OVER 500 applicants for law enforcement positions. Lieutenant Paul Patti’s training and education includes a BA in Criminal Justice and he is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute and many other certifications, and thousands of hours of law enforcement training.
Additionally, Lieutenant Paul Patti’s police experience also includes Personnel Commander, Police Firearms and Academy Instructor, Training Supervisor, Patrol Commander, SWAT Commander, Criminal Investigations Commander, Acting Chief of Police, Acting Deputy Chief of Police, and many other department assignments.
Lieutenant Paul Patti is a published author of fiction and non-fiction books, magazine articles and special features, and has over 20 years of experience in résumé writing, employment interviewing and job counseling. Lieutenant Paul Patti is the author of three books: Silhouettes: An Andy and Gabrielle Amato Mystery; Death Mate; and Dead Time. According to the books description of his latest book, Dead Time, “In this mystery-science thriller, dead people are spilling government secrets, via their computer-stored consciousness! The government wants to shut everyone up, permanently, but an FBI Agent and a beautiful scientist fight to keep the dead people talking.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
January 5, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) The January 9, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features a nationally recognized expert on promotion and advancement in law enforcement.
Program Date: January 9, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Promotion and Advancement in Law Enforcement
Guest: Lieutenant Paul Patti (ret.)
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
Lieutenant Paul Patti (ret.) has over 27 years of law enforcement experience in southeast Florida. His policing experience includes over sixteen years as a department commander; four years in charge of hiring and interviewing; and, more than seventeen years as a permanent member of the department's Oral Interview Panel where he was the "Hardass" member that interviewed OVER 500 applicants for law enforcement positions. Lieutenant Paul Patti’s training and education includes a BA in Criminal Justice and he is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute and many other certifications, and thousands of hours of law enforcement training.
Additionally, Lieutenant Paul Patti’s police experience also includes Personnel Commander, Police Firearms and Academy Instructor, Training Supervisor, Patrol Commander, SWAT Commander, Criminal Investigations Commander, Acting Chief of Police, Acting Deputy Chief of Police, and many other department assignments.
Lieutenant Paul Patti is a published author of fiction and non-fiction books, magazine articles and special features, and has over 20 years of experience in résumé writing, employment interviewing and job counseling. Lieutenant Paul Patti is the author of three books: Silhouettes: An Andy and Gabrielle Amato Mystery; Death Mate; and Dead Time. According to the books description of his latest book, Dead Time, “In this mystery-science thriller, dead people are spilling government secrets, via their computer-stored consciousness! The government wants to shut everyone up, permanently, but an FBI Agent and a beautiful scientist fight to keep the dead people talking.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
America Supports You: New England Group Helps Veterans Move Forward
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - A group in Massachusetts is offering wounded servicemembers tools to help them transition into civilian life. "(We are) giving our wounded heroes a second chance at the opportunity to become marketable for the 21st century work force through education and training," said Michelle Saunders, director of Veterans Moving Forward.
As a part of the Veteran Hospice Homestead, Veterans Moving Forward is engaging community college and educational facilities around the country to create solutions to help alleviate the financial burdens of wounded veterans and their families, Saunders said.
The Veteran Hospice Homestead provides medical, psychological and spiritual care to veterans diagnosed with a terminal illness, as well as the elderly and disabled, according to the organization's Web site.
"Veterans Moving Forward will create an environment that allows (wounded veterans) and their families the opportunity to utilize and maximize their educational benefits without financial burden," she added.
The plan includes providing what Saunders referred to as "dignified" transitional housing, support and skills training these veterans need to successfully transition into the civilian work force.
Families have not been overlooked in this plan. Licensed social workers will help families of veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, Saunders said, adding that case managers also are available to help veterans and families with needed resources.
Veterans Moving Forward recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. Saunders said she hopes the affiliation will help her organization network with others to provide comprehensive support to the nation's servicemembers.
"There are so many organizations out there," she said. "We need to work together, and what better way to do that than through (America Supports You)? We are better together than we are separate."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - A group in Massachusetts is offering wounded servicemembers tools to help them transition into civilian life. "(We are) giving our wounded heroes a second chance at the opportunity to become marketable for the 21st century work force through education and training," said Michelle Saunders, director of Veterans Moving Forward.
As a part of the Veteran Hospice Homestead, Veterans Moving Forward is engaging community college and educational facilities around the country to create solutions to help alleviate the financial burdens of wounded veterans and their families, Saunders said.
The Veteran Hospice Homestead provides medical, psychological and spiritual care to veterans diagnosed with a terminal illness, as well as the elderly and disabled, according to the organization's Web site.
"Veterans Moving Forward will create an environment that allows (wounded veterans) and their families the opportunity to utilize and maximize their educational benefits without financial burden," she added.
The plan includes providing what Saunders referred to as "dignified" transitional housing, support and skills training these veterans need to successfully transition into the civilian work force.
Families have not been overlooked in this plan. Licensed social workers will help families of veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, Saunders said, adding that case managers also are available to help veterans and families with needed resources.
Veterans Moving Forward recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. Saunders said she hopes the affiliation will help her organization network with others to provide comprehensive support to the nation's servicemembers.
"There are so many organizations out there," she said. "We need to work together, and what better way to do that than through (America Supports You)? We are better together than we are separate."
Cartoonist Continues Strip, Publishes Book While Deployed
By Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - It's hard being only a figment of someone's imagination. Just ask Air Force 1st Lt. Kenneth Dahl, an F-15 fighter pilot with the imaginary 809th Fighter Squadron. Dahl, call sign "Barbie," is the star of the online comic strip "Air Force Blues," and is a hero, of sorts, to his Internet following. The fictional fighter jock is the creation of Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin M. May, a public affairs specialist deployed here from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
The general process for production is this: an idea born in May's brain makes its way on to paper. From there, the comic is scanned into a computer, and eventually is published on www.afblues.com. The site boasts as many as 1,000 hits per day when the comic is updated.
Dahl's antics were published in a new book that made its debut in November. The strip also is slated to appear in an upcoming issue of the Air Force's flagship publication, Airman Magazine.
May, who has been drawing since he was a child, said he began the comic strip in February 2007 because he felt it was time to "step things up."
"For almost a year, I had been doing random Air Force-related comics for a friend's Web site, but I was ready to try launching my own site," he explained. "I wanted a consistent base, a recognizable duty station, and above all, a main character everyone could eventually relate to."
The sergeant said he chose a fighter pilot as his main character for a variety of reasons, the biggest being the wealth of comic potential associated with that particular group of airmen.
"Everywhere you look there are movies, books, video games and more, all glorifying fighter pilots," he said. "Why not a comic to make fun of them? After all, they do some pretty off-the-wall things sometimes."
May should know. As a former aircrew member stationed at a specialized undergraduate pilot training base, he has spent practically his entire Air Force career surrounded by fliers.
He noted that the comic doesn't make fun of any specific group of people as a whole, but lumps several stereotypes into one character who becomes the butt of most of the strip's jokes, a proven formula for a successful comic. Just as Beetle Bailey is only one goofy soldier in the Army, Dahl is not necessarily representative of today's men and women in uniform, May said.
The sergeant's first comic strip, AWACker, was started while he was deployed to Southwest Asia as an airborne battle management systems operator on the Airborne Warning and Control System E-3 Sentry. When he wasn't flying missions, May put pen to paper and drew comic after comic to circulate among his fellow fliers. His deployment helped him compile a binder full of comics, which was the basis for the now defunct domain AWACker.com. The site, founded with a fellow AWACS crewmember, had a good run until it was hacked in August 2005, he said. The site never recovered.
"I went on to cross-train into a new career field, and neither of us really had time to rebuild the Web site from the ground up," he said.
Helping May with the current Web site is Air Force Senior Airman Justin Coffman from the 552nd Computer Systems Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., who volunteers his off-duty time as the webmaster, forum administrator and "faithful lackey," he said.
Coffman is a recurring character in the strip and is described as the "Airman Agitator" who pokes fun at the other characters. However, it's all in good fun, Coffman said.
"I think humor is a required part of daily life," he explained. "If you aren't laughing, you aren't living. Everyone knows it's just a comic and that it's exaggerated."
Longtime reader Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. William Gordon, from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., agreed, saying the comic pokes "good-natured fun" at the idea of a stereotypical throttle jockey.
"I enjoy the entire concept of Air Force Blues," he said. "It brings together all types of people from different parts of the Air Force who normally would not interact. It (also) has opened my eyes to different things about the Air Force that I would not have considered before."
Dahl's personality developed as May elaborated on his new creation, reflecting himself. The character is an F-15 fighter pilot stationed at the fictional "Elmendork" Air Force Base. May's first duty station was at the very real Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
"He's very young. He's pretty new to the Air Force still, and he is so in love with himself and his job," May said in describing the character. "He's like a kid who realized what he wanted to do when he grew up and stuck to it," a trait that rings true for the artist today.
"My parents used to take me to air shows when I was little kid. I didn't know what I wanted to do, only that I wanted to one day join the Air Force," said the 25-year-old native of Katy, Texas.
Donations from readers help to fund the project, and May said his greatest reward is knowing people enjoy his creations. Many readers e-mail him saying how much they look forward to the new strips, he said.
Though some money comes n, none of it ends up in his pocket, the sergeant emphasized.
"I don't do it for profit at all," May said. "All the money I make from selling coins, stickers and the books goes back into the site for Web hosting, drawing supplies, more coins and stickers. I've also sponsored a couple of events at the Laughlin Club."
Dahl is gearing up for a deployment to support the real global war on terrorism at a fictional air base abroad. Readers can follow along online to learn what makes deployments so special for Dahl: "deployment mustaches," he said in a recent strip.
But just because the faux fighter pilot won't be flying real combat missions in his F-15, he will be delivering humor from his cockpit in cyberspace to a desktop near you.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs serves with Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 4, 2008 - It's hard being only a figment of someone's imagination. Just ask Air Force 1st Lt. Kenneth Dahl, an F-15 fighter pilot with the imaginary 809th Fighter Squadron. Dahl, call sign "Barbie," is the star of the online comic strip "Air Force Blues," and is a hero, of sorts, to his Internet following. The fictional fighter jock is the creation of Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin M. May, a public affairs specialist deployed here from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
The general process for production is this: an idea born in May's brain makes its way on to paper. From there, the comic is scanned into a computer, and eventually is published on www.afblues.com. The site boasts as many as 1,000 hits per day when the comic is updated.
Dahl's antics were published in a new book that made its debut in November. The strip also is slated to appear in an upcoming issue of the Air Force's flagship publication, Airman Magazine.
May, who has been drawing since he was a child, said he began the comic strip in February 2007 because he felt it was time to "step things up."
"For almost a year, I had been doing random Air Force-related comics for a friend's Web site, but I was ready to try launching my own site," he explained. "I wanted a consistent base, a recognizable duty station, and above all, a main character everyone could eventually relate to."
The sergeant said he chose a fighter pilot as his main character for a variety of reasons, the biggest being the wealth of comic potential associated with that particular group of airmen.
"Everywhere you look there are movies, books, video games and more, all glorifying fighter pilots," he said. "Why not a comic to make fun of them? After all, they do some pretty off-the-wall things sometimes."
May should know. As a former aircrew member stationed at a specialized undergraduate pilot training base, he has spent practically his entire Air Force career surrounded by fliers.
He noted that the comic doesn't make fun of any specific group of people as a whole, but lumps several stereotypes into one character who becomes the butt of most of the strip's jokes, a proven formula for a successful comic. Just as Beetle Bailey is only one goofy soldier in the Army, Dahl is not necessarily representative of today's men and women in uniform, May said.
The sergeant's first comic strip, AWACker, was started while he was deployed to Southwest Asia as an airborne battle management systems operator on the Airborne Warning and Control System E-3 Sentry. When he wasn't flying missions, May put pen to paper and drew comic after comic to circulate among his fellow fliers. His deployment helped him compile a binder full of comics, which was the basis for the now defunct domain AWACker.com. The site, founded with a fellow AWACS crewmember, had a good run until it was hacked in August 2005, he said. The site never recovered.
"I went on to cross-train into a new career field, and neither of us really had time to rebuild the Web site from the ground up," he said.
Helping May with the current Web site is Air Force Senior Airman Justin Coffman from the 552nd Computer Systems Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., who volunteers his off-duty time as the webmaster, forum administrator and "faithful lackey," he said.
Coffman is a recurring character in the strip and is described as the "Airman Agitator" who pokes fun at the other characters. However, it's all in good fun, Coffman said.
"I think humor is a required part of daily life," he explained. "If you aren't laughing, you aren't living. Everyone knows it's just a comic and that it's exaggerated."
Longtime reader Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. William Gordon, from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., agreed, saying the comic pokes "good-natured fun" at the idea of a stereotypical throttle jockey.
"I enjoy the entire concept of Air Force Blues," he said. "It brings together all types of people from different parts of the Air Force who normally would not interact. It (also) has opened my eyes to different things about the Air Force that I would not have considered before."
Dahl's personality developed as May elaborated on his new creation, reflecting himself. The character is an F-15 fighter pilot stationed at the fictional "Elmendork" Air Force Base. May's first duty station was at the very real Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
"He's very young. He's pretty new to the Air Force still, and he is so in love with himself and his job," May said in describing the character. "He's like a kid who realized what he wanted to do when he grew up and stuck to it," a trait that rings true for the artist today.
"My parents used to take me to air shows when I was little kid. I didn't know what I wanted to do, only that I wanted to one day join the Air Force," said the 25-year-old native of Katy, Texas.
Donations from readers help to fund the project, and May said his greatest reward is knowing people enjoy his creations. Many readers e-mail him saying how much they look forward to the new strips, he said.
Though some money comes n, none of it ends up in his pocket, the sergeant emphasized.
"I don't do it for profit at all," May said. "All the money I make from selling coins, stickers and the books goes back into the site for Web hosting, drawing supplies, more coins and stickers. I've also sponsored a couple of events at the Laughlin Club."
Dahl is gearing up for a deployment to support the real global war on terrorism at a fictional air base abroad. Readers can follow along online to learn what makes deployments so special for Dahl: "deployment mustaches," he said in a recent strip.
But just because the faux fighter pilot won't be flying real combat missions in his F-15, he will be delivering humor from his cockpit in cyberspace to a desktop near you.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs serves with Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs.)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
'Battlemind' Prepares Soldiers for Combat, Returning Home
By Susan Huseman
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Every soldier headed to Iraq and Afghanistan receives "Battlemind" training designed to help them deal with combat experiences, but few know the science behind the program. Consequently, Dr. Amy Adler, a senior research psychologist with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research's U.S. Army Medical Research Unit Europe, in Heidelberg, Germany, visited Patch Barracks here, breaking down the program, which is a system of support and intervention.
The Battlemind system includes separate pre-deployment training modules for soldiers, unit leaders, health care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There are also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for soldiers.
Not every soldier who deploys is at risk for mental health problems; the main risk factor is the level of combat experienced, Adler explained to her audience of medical, mental health and family support professionals.
Army studies show the greater the combat exposure a soldier encounters, the greater the risk for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anger and relationship problems. When soldiers first return home, they may not notice any problems; sometimes it takes a few months for problems to develop.
For those in the medical community, "our challenge was how to develop interventions that can get at all these things," the doctor recalled. "How do you develop a mental health training of some sort that's going to prevent that eventual increase over time?
"We realized we needed to develop some kind of alternative," Adler continued. "There was no existing mental health training that made sense for these sets of questions. It's not like there was something off the shelf in civilian literature that would begin to address this."
Post-deployment health briefings didn't specifically target soldiers going into combat and coming back with adjustment challenges, so researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research began to define their objectives for a mental health training program. Adler said the team needed to develop something that was "going to make sense for different phases of the deployment cycle."
"For example," she said, "the existing mental health brief (at the time) was the same for pre- and post-deployment. That doesn't make sense. The challenges are different."
"Secondly," she continued, "we wanted to make sure it was integrated. If we tell somebody something at (pre-(deployment), we want to make sure whatever theme we're going for or concept we're trying to communicate, it's going to connect with the same information that we're going to talk about at (post-deployment)."
The result? Battlemind, a term used to describe combat readiness that the researchers felt was appropriate for the training they were designing. Adler called it a soldier's inner strength to face fear and adversity in combat with courage, labeling it "resiliency."
The Battlemind system is built on findings from surveys and interviews given to soldiers and Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, many of the researchers themselves have deployed.
The research team gathered soldiers' accounts of specific events and incidents, turning them into teaching tools that warriors can relate to. "Some of these stories tell more than any briefing ever could," Adler said.
The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle.
As part of her presentation here, Adler discussed various challenges in developing a relevant pre-deployment mental health briefing for soldiers.
"You have 45 minutes, maybe an hour, to tell soldiers, before they deploy to Iraq, something about mental health," she said. "What are you going to tell them? You don't want to sugarcoat it, but you don't want to teach them a whole lot of new information right at a time when they are focused on the task ahead of them."
The researchers first chose to identify the reality of combat and deployment. It may sound rudimentary, but earlier research found that soldiers were not telling other soldiers what to expect. Soldiers didn't want to sound as if they were bragging, Adler said.
Pre-deployment Battlemind tells soldiers what they are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while deployed by describing the worst-case scenario.
For the post-deployment phase, Battlemind addresses safety concerns and relationship issues, normalizes combat-related mental health reactions and symptoms, and teaches soldiers when they should seek mental health support for themselves or for their buddies.
The researchers realized that this post-deployment briefing, the original Battlemind, was not enough. The soldiers they talked to were raw, edgy and angry. Another training program, Battlemind II, was developed to be given three to six months into redeployment.
The system reemphasizes normal reactions and symptoms related to combat and "Battlemind checks," which are signs that indicate mental health support is needed.
"If you're still carrying a weapon around with you during the three- to six-month post-deployment phase, ... if you're still looking around for snipers, if your sleep is still really messed up, these might be signs that your transition is not going smoothly," she explained. "These are signs that you need to get help."
(Susan Huseman serves in the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - Every soldier headed to Iraq and Afghanistan receives "Battlemind" training designed to help them deal with combat experiences, but few know the science behind the program. Consequently, Dr. Amy Adler, a senior research psychologist with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research's U.S. Army Medical Research Unit Europe, in Heidelberg, Germany, visited Patch Barracks here, breaking down the program, which is a system of support and intervention.
The Battlemind system includes separate pre-deployment training modules for soldiers, unit leaders, health care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There are also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for soldiers.
Not every soldier who deploys is at risk for mental health problems; the main risk factor is the level of combat experienced, Adler explained to her audience of medical, mental health and family support professionals.
Army studies show the greater the combat exposure a soldier encounters, the greater the risk for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anger and relationship problems. When soldiers first return home, they may not notice any problems; sometimes it takes a few months for problems to develop.
For those in the medical community, "our challenge was how to develop interventions that can get at all these things," the doctor recalled. "How do you develop a mental health training of some sort that's going to prevent that eventual increase over time?
"We realized we needed to develop some kind of alternative," Adler continued. "There was no existing mental health training that made sense for these sets of questions. It's not like there was something off the shelf in civilian literature that would begin to address this."
Post-deployment health briefings didn't specifically target soldiers going into combat and coming back with adjustment challenges, so researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research began to define their objectives for a mental health training program. Adler said the team needed to develop something that was "going to make sense for different phases of the deployment cycle."
"For example," she said, "the existing mental health brief (at the time) was the same for pre- and post-deployment. That doesn't make sense. The challenges are different."
"Secondly," she continued, "we wanted to make sure it was integrated. If we tell somebody something at (pre-(deployment), we want to make sure whatever theme we're going for or concept we're trying to communicate, it's going to connect with the same information that we're going to talk about at (post-deployment)."
The result? Battlemind, a term used to describe combat readiness that the researchers felt was appropriate for the training they were designing. Adler called it a soldier's inner strength to face fear and adversity in combat with courage, labeling it "resiliency."
The Battlemind system is built on findings from surveys and interviews given to soldiers and Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, many of the researchers themselves have deployed.
The research team gathered soldiers' accounts of specific events and incidents, turning them into teaching tools that warriors can relate to. "Some of these stories tell more than any briefing ever could," Adler said.
The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle.
As part of her presentation here, Adler discussed various challenges in developing a relevant pre-deployment mental health briefing for soldiers.
"You have 45 minutes, maybe an hour, to tell soldiers, before they deploy to Iraq, something about mental health," she said. "What are you going to tell them? You don't want to sugarcoat it, but you don't want to teach them a whole lot of new information right at a time when they are focused on the task ahead of them."
The researchers first chose to identify the reality of combat and deployment. It may sound rudimentary, but earlier research found that soldiers were not telling other soldiers what to expect. Soldiers didn't want to sound as if they were bragging, Adler said.
Pre-deployment Battlemind tells soldiers what they are likely to see, to hear, to think and to feel while deployed by describing the worst-case scenario.
For the post-deployment phase, Battlemind addresses safety concerns and relationship issues, normalizes combat-related mental health reactions and symptoms, and teaches soldiers when they should seek mental health support for themselves or for their buddies.
The researchers realized that this post-deployment briefing, the original Battlemind, was not enough. The soldiers they talked to were raw, edgy and angry. Another training program, Battlemind II, was developed to be given three to six months into redeployment.
The system reemphasizes normal reactions and symptoms related to combat and "Battlemind checks," which are signs that indicate mental health support is needed.
"If you're still carrying a weapon around with you during the three- to six-month post-deployment phase, ... if you're still looking around for snipers, if your sleep is still really messed up, these might be signs that your transition is not going smoothly," she explained. "These are signs that you need to get help."
(Susan Huseman serves in the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Public Affairs Office.)
Sailor Missing from WWII is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is Seaman 1st Class General P. Douglas, U.S. Navy, of Newcomb, Tenn. He will be buried Jan. 26 in Sneedville, Tenn.
On July 6, 1943, the light cruiser "USS Helena"was struck by torpedoes fired by Japanese destroyers off the coast of Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, in what would become known as the Battle of the Kula Gulf. More than 700 servicemen were rescued, but Douglas was one of more than 150 servicemen who were missing as the ship sunk.
In June 2006, a resident of Ranongga Island, Solomon Islands, notified U.S. officials that he exhumed human remains and Douglas' dog tag that he found eroding out of the ground near a trail by his village. The officials contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) who subsequently traveled to Ranongga Island to examine the burial location where they verified that no additional remains were present.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA 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.
He is Seaman 1st Class General P. Douglas, U.S. Navy, of Newcomb, Tenn. He will be buried Jan. 26 in Sneedville, Tenn.
On July 6, 1943, the light cruiser "USS Helena"was struck by torpedoes fired by Japanese destroyers off the coast of Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, in what would become known as the Battle of the Kula Gulf. More than 700 servicemen were rescued, but Douglas was one of more than 150 servicemen who were missing as the ship sunk.
In June 2006, a resident of Ranongga Island, Solomon Islands, notified U.S. officials that he exhumed human remains and Douglas' dog tag that he found eroding out of the ground near a trail by his village. The officials contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) who subsequently traveled to Ranongga Island to examine the burial location where they verified that no additional remains were present.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA 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.
America Supports You: Calendar Provides Troop-Support Ideas
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 3, 2008 - New Year's resolutions frequently include good intentions, such as joining a gym, calling parents or organizing closets. But through its America Supports You program, the Defense Department is helping Americans resolve to support the nation's servicemembers throughout 2008. America Supports You is a DoD program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. It's ringing in 2008 with a 12-month calendar suggesting ways to support the nation's military men and women and their families each month.
"Remembering the troops at a time when people are already setting goals will help keep the nation's servicemen and women in the forefront of our minds throughout the year," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications.
The calendar, which can be downloaded into Outlook or iCal calendars, is available on AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The site not only offers ideas on how individuals can support the troops, but also contains information about troop-support groups in their area.
Some suggestions found on the calendar include sending Valentine's Day cards to troops serving overseas during February or lending a helping hand to military families during April, the Month of the Military Child.
When summer rolls around with swim lessons, camp dates and family vacations, the June calendar includes a reminder to donate frequent-flier miles to servicemembers and their families who so often are separated. September brings the opportunity to join in or plan a local America Supports You Freedom Walk to commemorate victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to honor veterans, past and present.
The calendar also includes ways to honor servicemembers on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
"There are so many ways to show the military men and women we support them and the work they do," Barber said. "I hope people nationwide will take the time to remember the troops when setting their New Year's goals and that they find the reminders in the calendar helpful in achieving them."
For more information about the calendar, visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil and click on the New Year's Resolution icon.
Jan. 3, 2008 - New Year's resolutions frequently include good intentions, such as joining a gym, calling parents or organizing closets. But through its America Supports You program, the Defense Department is helping Americans resolve to support the nation's servicemembers throughout 2008. America Supports You is a DoD program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. It's ringing in 2008 with a 12-month calendar suggesting ways to support the nation's military men and women and their families each month.
"Remembering the troops at a time when people are already setting goals will help keep the nation's servicemen and women in the forefront of our minds throughout the year," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications.
The calendar, which can be downloaded into Outlook or iCal calendars, is available on AmericaSupportsYou.mil. The site not only offers ideas on how individuals can support the troops, but also contains information about troop-support groups in their area.
Some suggestions found on the calendar include sending Valentine's Day cards to troops serving overseas during February or lending a helping hand to military families during April, the Month of the Military Child.
When summer rolls around with swim lessons, camp dates and family vacations, the June calendar includes a reminder to donate frequent-flier miles to servicemembers and their families who so often are separated. September brings the opportunity to join in or plan a local America Supports You Freedom Walk to commemorate victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to honor veterans, past and present.
The calendar also includes ways to honor servicemembers on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
"There are so many ways to show the military men and women we support them and the work they do," Barber said. "I hope people nationwide will take the time to remember the troops when setting their New Year's goals and that they find the reminders in the calendar helpful in achieving them."
For more information about the calendar, visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil and click on the New Year's Resolution icon.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Police History, Korea and Community Relations
Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.
January 2, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. Police officers who have written on history and community policing were added to the website.
Todd L. Shulman is a seven-year member of the Napa Police Department, (California) currently serving as a detective. An avid historian, Todd Shulman founded the Napa Police Historical Society in 2006 and has culled their archives for many of the photographs included in his book, Napa County Police. According the book description of Napa County Police, “with dazzling vintage imagery and rich historical text, Todd Shulman tells the tale of policing Napa County - from the Wild West days of the 1850s, through the boom era of the 1940s, and into the 21st century.”
Alfred F. McDonald, a retired Buffalo Police Department (New York) Lieutenant, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944 – 1947, was placed on inactive reserves and was called back to duty during the Korean Conflict in 1950. He served in the Navy again from late in 1950 through 1952. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Alfred McDonald returned to civilian life as a husband and father. Having been brought up with strong family values and work ethic, Al worked hard at the railroad as a brakeman, until becoming a police officer in 1956. From there, Al’s career flourished and he advanced until reaching his retirement rank of Lieutenant. Alfred McDonald is the author of Korea ‘Operation War Dance.’
According to the book description, Korea – Operation War Dance is “one man’s personal account of shipboard life of the men on the U.S.S. Silverstein. It’s about being under attack, living conditions on the ship, every aspect of a sailor’s life during the time period; and, is a tribute to the brave men and women who served their country during the Korean Conflict.”
Rick Braziel has been a member of the Sacramento Police Department for 28 years, and a Deputy Chief since 2002. In December 2007, he was appointed as chief of police of the Sacramento Police Department. He is a second generation police officer with his father Dick serving the Department for over 20 years. Rick Braziel consults and instructs for Humboldt State University in Teambuilding, Communication Skills, and Leadership. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication from California State University, Sacramento.
In 2006, Rick Braziel received a Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Rick is also a 2002 graduate and class spokesperson of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Command College; and 2004 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (P.E.R.F.) Senior Management Institute for Police.
Rick Braziel is co-author of the book titled COP Talk: Essential Communication Skills for Community Policing.
According to Kevin Brown, of Montana State University-Northern, in the American Communication Journal, “In this text for police officers the authors lay out the basics of the communication process with helpful vignettes derived from actual police experience to illustrate the principles. The authors lead the reader through a tour of contemporary communication contexts. The authors start with interpersonal communication and cover work groups, public speaking, community meetings, problem solving, network building and finally, public relations. The book is written for a beginning communication student and reflects an understanding that many police officers have had no formal communication training.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 820 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1731 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
January 2, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. Police officers who have written on history and community policing were added to the website.
Todd L. Shulman is a seven-year member of the Napa Police Department, (California) currently serving as a detective. An avid historian, Todd Shulman founded the Napa Police Historical Society in 2006 and has culled their archives for many of the photographs included in his book, Napa County Police. According the book description of Napa County Police, “with dazzling vintage imagery and rich historical text, Todd Shulman tells the tale of policing Napa County - from the Wild West days of the 1850s, through the boom era of the 1940s, and into the 21st century.”
Alfred F. McDonald, a retired Buffalo Police Department (New York) Lieutenant, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944 – 1947, was placed on inactive reserves and was called back to duty during the Korean Conflict in 1950. He served in the Navy again from late in 1950 through 1952. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Alfred McDonald returned to civilian life as a husband and father. Having been brought up with strong family values and work ethic, Al worked hard at the railroad as a brakeman, until becoming a police officer in 1956. From there, Al’s career flourished and he advanced until reaching his retirement rank of Lieutenant. Alfred McDonald is the author of Korea ‘Operation War Dance.’
According to the book description, Korea – Operation War Dance is “one man’s personal account of shipboard life of the men on the U.S.S. Silverstein. It’s about being under attack, living conditions on the ship, every aspect of a sailor’s life during the time period; and, is a tribute to the brave men and women who served their country during the Korean Conflict.”
Rick Braziel has been a member of the Sacramento Police Department for 28 years, and a Deputy Chief since 2002. In December 2007, he was appointed as chief of police of the Sacramento Police Department. He is a second generation police officer with his father Dick serving the Department for over 20 years. Rick Braziel consults and instructs for Humboldt State University in Teambuilding, Communication Skills, and Leadership. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Communication from California State University, Sacramento.
In 2006, Rick Braziel received a Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense) from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Rick is also a 2002 graduate and class spokesperson of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Command College; and 2004 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s (P.E.R.F.) Senior Management Institute for Police.
Rick Braziel is co-author of the book titled COP Talk: Essential Communication Skills for Community Policing.
According to Kevin Brown, of Montana State University-Northern, in the American Communication Journal, “In this text for police officers the authors lay out the basics of the communication process with helpful vignettes derived from actual police experience to illustrate the principles. The authors lead the reader through a tour of contemporary communication contexts. The authors start with interpersonal communication and cover work groups, public speaking, community meetings, problem solving, network building and finally, public relations. The book is written for a beginning communication student and reflects an understanding that many police officers have had no formal communication training.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 820 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1731 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
DoD Announces Venue for Wearable Power Competition
The Department of Defense announced today the inaugural $1.75 million Wearable Power Prize competition will be held at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept.22 until Oct. 4, 2008.
The Wearable Power Prize Competition was first announced in Jul. 2007. Its 13-day capstone event culminates on Oct 4 at MCAGCC with a "Power Wear Off" competition. The Wearable Power Prize competition gathers and tests wearable power-generating methods and techniques. The goal is to reduce the weight of power systems that warfighters carry to operate their radios, navigation, weapons, and other gear. Competitors will demonstrate wearable systems that can power military equipment for 96 hours, but that weigh less than half the current battery load.
Finalists, whose entries must produce power on test stands continuously for 88 hours, will wear their power systems in field conditions, testing their ability to work when in motion and exposed to weather.
The first-place team meeting the required energy requirements will win $1 million for building the lightest weight system that generates 20 watts average power for 96 hours (including the "wear-off"). The second-place team will win $500,000 and the third place team, $250,000. A total of 169 teams have registered for the competition.
The "Wearable Power" prize competition is sponsored by the director, Defense Research and Engineering. William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for Laboratories and Basic Sciences is responsible for overseeing the competition.
"We are pleased to host this competition because it directly addresses one of the real, growing problems of our ground warriors," said Brig. Gen. Melvin Spiese, Commanding General, MCAGCC.
"This competition focuses the ingenuity and creativity of inventors, scientists, engineers, and students on finding the best, light-weight, wearable power systems," says Rees. "It makes sense to compete at Twentynine Palms, a place that replicates many of the real-life conditions our warfighters face everyday. I thank Gen. Spiese and his leadership team for recognizing the value of this competition and helping us move it forward. We are eagerly looking forward to this exciting and successful event."
On the final day of the competition, the top three competitors that demonstrate a complete, wearable system that produces 20 watts average power for 96 hours and weighs less than 4 kilograms (~8.8 lbs) will be determined.
For more information about the competition, visit: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize.
The Wearable Power Prize Competition was first announced in Jul. 2007. Its 13-day capstone event culminates on Oct 4 at MCAGCC with a "Power Wear Off" competition. The Wearable Power Prize competition gathers and tests wearable power-generating methods and techniques. The goal is to reduce the weight of power systems that warfighters carry to operate their radios, navigation, weapons, and other gear. Competitors will demonstrate wearable systems that can power military equipment for 96 hours, but that weigh less than half the current battery load.
Finalists, whose entries must produce power on test stands continuously for 88 hours, will wear their power systems in field conditions, testing their ability to work when in motion and exposed to weather.
The first-place team meeting the required energy requirements will win $1 million for building the lightest weight system that generates 20 watts average power for 96 hours (including the "wear-off"). The second-place team will win $500,000 and the third place team, $250,000. A total of 169 teams have registered for the competition.
The "Wearable Power" prize competition is sponsored by the director, Defense Research and Engineering. William S. Rees Jr., deputy under secretary of defense for Laboratories and Basic Sciences is responsible for overseeing the competition.
"We are pleased to host this competition because it directly addresses one of the real, growing problems of our ground warriors," said Brig. Gen. Melvin Spiese, Commanding General, MCAGCC.
"This competition focuses the ingenuity and creativity of inventors, scientists, engineers, and students on finding the best, light-weight, wearable power systems," says Rees. "It makes sense to compete at Twentynine Palms, a place that replicates many of the real-life conditions our warfighters face everyday. I thank Gen. Spiese and his leadership team for recognizing the value of this competition and helping us move it forward. We are eagerly looking forward to this exciting and successful event."
On the final day of the competition, the top three competitors that demonstrate a complete, wearable system that produces 20 watts average power for 96 hours and weighs less than 4 kilograms (~8.8 lbs) will be determined.
For more information about the competition, visit: http://www.dod.mil/ddre/prize.
America Supports You: Texas Group Embraces Wounded Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - A group of Texans is offering a warm embrace to make sure wounded servicemembers aren't forgotten. A three-person team from Operation Military Embrace has been making weekly visits to servicemembers recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center, on Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and their families since December 2005.
"Operation Military Embrace ... has visited the inpatients on a Sunday while setting up and serving breakfast to the outpatients in the day room of the 'med hold' barracks on the (following) Monday morning," said Jerry Reed, a former Marine and the organization's president and executive director. The group also sets up a "free PX" that provides simple necessities, he added.
The group's efforts also include outings that take recovering servicemembers to local restaurants. Those who are able can participate in Operation Military Embrace-organized hunting and fishing trips, as well.
"Brenda Kaiser offers her ranch to BAMC warriors in transition and their families for quiet, peaceful weekends away (from the hospital), where they can hunt and fish and relax with their families in ... solitude," Reed said. Kaiser is the group's vice president.
The group doesn't stop with morale-boosting activities for servicemembers, however. It also helps take care of practical needs through financial grants and financing of legal assistance.
Operation Military Embrace recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their family members serving at home and abroad.
"We expect to benefit (from the affiliation) by gaining exposure nationally and by being able to share with others what we are doing to help our men and women in uniform," Reed said.
Reed and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of a Marine veteran and an active-duty Marine.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - A group of Texans is offering a warm embrace to make sure wounded servicemembers aren't forgotten. A three-person team from Operation Military Embrace has been making weekly visits to servicemembers recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center, on Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and their families since December 2005.
"Operation Military Embrace ... has visited the inpatients on a Sunday while setting up and serving breakfast to the outpatients in the day room of the 'med hold' barracks on the (following) Monday morning," said Jerry Reed, a former Marine and the organization's president and executive director. The group also sets up a "free PX" that provides simple necessities, he added.
The group's efforts also include outings that take recovering servicemembers to local restaurants. Those who are able can participate in Operation Military Embrace-organized hunting and fishing trips, as well.
"Brenda Kaiser offers her ranch to BAMC warriors in transition and their families for quiet, peaceful weekends away (from the hospital), where they can hunt and fish and relax with their families in ... solitude," Reed said. Kaiser is the group's vice president.
The group doesn't stop with morale-boosting activities for servicemembers, however. It also helps take care of practical needs through financial grants and financing of legal assistance.
Operation Military Embrace recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their family members serving at home and abroad.
"We expect to benefit (from the affiliation) by gaining exposure nationally and by being able to share with others what we are doing to help our men and women in uniform," Reed said.
Reed and his wife, Debbie, are the parents of a Marine veteran and an active-duty Marine.
Bagram Servicemembers Ring in New Year
By Senior Airman James Bolinger, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Though no one popped open a bottle of bubbly, servicemembers here still found a way to have fun on the last night of 2007. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines celebrated the countdown to 2008 with live music and lots of laughs.
The tunes were courtesy of visiting Boston band Lansdowne and Level 82, part of the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Band. Comedians Daniel Kinno and Julie McCullough brought smiles to the faces of everyone who came to listen.
"I'm here listening to live music, which is one of my passions," said Army Spc. Craig Chick, 82nd Airborne Division Aviation Operations. "It's hard not spending time with my wife or friends on New Year's Eve, but I got a good laugh listening to the comedians, and I love listening to music."
Lansdowne, on their first Armed Forces Entertainment Tour, kicked off the show and came back for an encore before Level 82 rocked the stage.
"It has been educational; we've gotten a real view of everything," a member of the band said. "We got to see what's not on TV."
The band spent Christmas in Kyrgyzstan before coming here for New Year's Eve.
"It is an honor to play for you," lead singer John Ricci said. "Thank you all for what you do."
Servicemembers might have been missing their families, but they took some time to enjoy themselves.
"I would like to tell my wife that I love her," said Chick, who has been in Afghanistan for 12 months. "I want to say, 'Happy New Year's Eve' to my family. I miss you all, and I am coming home soon."
The servicemembers of Combined Joint Task Force 82 have been fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom for nearly one year, and one of them noted that every second they counted toward 2008 was one more second closer to going home.
(Air Force Senior Airman James Bolinger serves with Combined Joint Task Force 82 Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 2, 2008 - Though no one popped open a bottle of bubbly, servicemembers here still found a way to have fun on the last night of 2007. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines celebrated the countdown to 2008 with live music and lots of laughs.
The tunes were courtesy of visiting Boston band Lansdowne and Level 82, part of the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Band. Comedians Daniel Kinno and Julie McCullough brought smiles to the faces of everyone who came to listen.
"I'm here listening to live music, which is one of my passions," said Army Spc. Craig Chick, 82nd Airborne Division Aviation Operations. "It's hard not spending time with my wife or friends on New Year's Eve, but I got a good laugh listening to the comedians, and I love listening to music."
Lansdowne, on their first Armed Forces Entertainment Tour, kicked off the show and came back for an encore before Level 82 rocked the stage.
"It has been educational; we've gotten a real view of everything," a member of the band said. "We got to see what's not on TV."
The band spent Christmas in Kyrgyzstan before coming here for New Year's Eve.
"It is an honor to play for you," lead singer John Ricci said. "Thank you all for what you do."
Servicemembers might have been missing their families, but they took some time to enjoy themselves.
"I would like to tell my wife that I love her," said Chick, who has been in Afghanistan for 12 months. "I want to say, 'Happy New Year's Eve' to my family. I miss you all, and I am coming home soon."
The servicemembers of Combined Joint Task Force 82 have been fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom for nearly one year, and one of them noted that every second they counted toward 2008 was one more second closer to going home.
(Air Force Senior Airman James Bolinger serves with Combined Joint Task Force 82 Public Affairs.)
America Supports You: Foundation Seeks a Few Good Students
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is looking for eligible students to apply for its 2008 scholarships. "These scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for students that need financial assistance towards a college degree, and they increase their chances for success in their personal and professional lives," said Chris Randolph, the foundation's president. "That's critical for our Marine families."
Eligible students must be children of a current U.S. Marine or of a living or dead retired Marine. They also must be high school graduates or registered as undergraduate students at an accredited educational institution and have a family income of $77,000 or less. This limit increases if siblings apply.
Scholarships are not offered for graduate study.
Children whose parents are participating or have participated in operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom may qualify for additional scholarship funding.
The foundation provides assistance to children of Marines or Navy corpsmen serving with Marines, with special consideration given to children with a parent who was killed or wounded in action.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Application deadlines are March 3 for graduating high school seniors and first-time college freshman and April 15 for all other students.
Since its founding in 1962, the organization has distributed more than 21,000 needs-based college scholarships and bonds totaling more than $34 million. In 2007 alone, more than 1,000 Marine children received awards, foundation officials said.
More information about the foundation and its scholarships can be found on the organization's Web site, www.mcsf.org, or by phone at 800-292-7777.
(From a Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation news release.)
Dec. 31, 2007 - The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is looking for eligible students to apply for its 2008 scholarships. "These scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for students that need financial assistance towards a college degree, and they increase their chances for success in their personal and professional lives," said Chris Randolph, the foundation's president. "That's critical for our Marine families."
Eligible students must be children of a current U.S. Marine or of a living or dead retired Marine. They also must be high school graduates or registered as undergraduate students at an accredited educational institution and have a family income of $77,000 or less. This limit increases if siblings apply.
Scholarships are not offered for graduate study.
Children whose parents are participating or have participated in operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom may qualify for additional scholarship funding.
The foundation provides assistance to children of Marines or Navy corpsmen serving with Marines, with special consideration given to children with a parent who was killed or wounded in action.
The foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Application deadlines are March 3 for graduating high school seniors and first-time college freshman and April 15 for all other students.
Since its founding in 1962, the organization has distributed more than 21,000 needs-based college scholarships and bonds totaling more than $34 million. In 2007 alone, more than 1,000 Marine children received awards, foundation officials said.
More information about the foundation and its scholarships can be found on the organization's Web site, www.mcsf.org, or by phone at 800-292-7777.
(From a Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation news release.)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Criminal Investigations and Tactics
Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.
January 1, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website started out 2008 by adding three police officers from California who have written books on criminal investigations and police tactics.
Daniel R. Sullivan served twenty-five years with the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief. During his career with the Los Angeles Police Department Daniel Sullivan was the Program Manager for the Development of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Command Control Communication System and involved in the security planning for the 1984 Olympic Games.
Daniel Sullivan has a BS in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters in Public Administration. After his career with the Los Angeles Police Department, Daniel Sullivan entered the private security as a well known security specialist including being a member of a worldwide response team for kidnap for ransom and extortion cases covered by a Lloyds of London syndicate. Daniel R. Sullivan is the co-author of two books: Criminal Investigations Standards and Homicide Investigations.
Marvin G. Engquist retired as a Detective Supervisor after twenty five years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department. In his last assignment, he was responsible for the supervision of numerous high profile Homicide investigations in the City of Los Angeles. Marvin Engquist is a graduate of the FBI. National Academy. He has testified as an expert witness in Federal, State and County courts, and is recognized internationally as an expert in Major Case Death Investigation. Marvin Engquist is the author of California Criminal Evidence.
Wayne R. Lippert is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. During his 4-1/2 year period he served on various small ships, including two tours on large minesweepers off the beaches of North Korea in that "forgotten war." As executive officer he qualified for command, and did take temporary command of a minesweeper when the captain was no longer able to do so.
After leaving the military, Wayne Lippert continued his life long interest in military history. He expanded his interest further by going through the Sheriff's academy at the ripe age of 52. He then served the Los Angles Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy Sheriff for 14 years. This included time in patrol cars as well as doing horse patrols in the mountains. He later worked at the pistol range. He held the highest reserve classification for the State of California (Level One - Designated). He was certified by the National Rifle Association as a police firearms instructor. He was a practicing C.P.A. in California for over 30 years. Wayne Lippert is the author of Stay alive: How to street fight with a pistol.
According to Joseph J. Truncale, of the American Society of Law Enforcement Officers, “The author is clearly at odds with the goals and objectives of competition shooting as compared to survival shooting. He feels that present police training does not focus enough on the type of shooting to survive on the streets. Police trainers who have the responsibility to provide their officers with realistic and practical methods to survive on the street will want a copy of this very informative manual.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 817 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1728 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
January 1, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website started out 2008 by adding three police officers from California who have written books on criminal investigations and police tactics.
Daniel R. Sullivan served twenty-five years with the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief. During his career with the Los Angeles Police Department Daniel Sullivan was the Program Manager for the Development of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Command Control Communication System and involved in the security planning for the 1984 Olympic Games.
Daniel Sullivan has a BS in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters in Public Administration. After his career with the Los Angeles Police Department, Daniel Sullivan entered the private security as a well known security specialist including being a member of a worldwide response team for kidnap for ransom and extortion cases covered by a Lloyds of London syndicate. Daniel R. Sullivan is the co-author of two books: Criminal Investigations Standards and Homicide Investigations.
Marvin G. Engquist retired as a Detective Supervisor after twenty five years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department. In his last assignment, he was responsible for the supervision of numerous high profile Homicide investigations in the City of Los Angeles. Marvin Engquist is a graduate of the FBI. National Academy. He has testified as an expert witness in Federal, State and County courts, and is recognized internationally as an expert in Major Case Death Investigation. Marvin Engquist is the author of California Criminal Evidence.
Wayne R. Lippert is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. During his 4-1/2 year period he served on various small ships, including two tours on large minesweepers off the beaches of North Korea in that "forgotten war." As executive officer he qualified for command, and did take temporary command of a minesweeper when the captain was no longer able to do so.
After leaving the military, Wayne Lippert continued his life long interest in military history. He expanded his interest further by going through the Sheriff's academy at the ripe age of 52. He then served the Los Angles Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy Sheriff for 14 years. This included time in patrol cars as well as doing horse patrols in the mountains. He later worked at the pistol range. He held the highest reserve classification for the State of California (Level One - Designated). He was certified by the National Rifle Association as a police firearms instructor. He was a practicing C.P.A. in California for over 30 years. Wayne Lippert is the author of Stay alive: How to street fight with a pistol.
According to Joseph J. Truncale, of the American Society of Law Enforcement Officers, “The author is clearly at odds with the goals and objectives of competition shooting as compared to survival shooting. He feels that present police training does not focus enough on the type of shooting to survive on the streets. Police trainers who have the responsibility to provide their officers with realistic and practical methods to survive on the street will want a copy of this very informative manual.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 817 police officers (representing 367 police departments) and their 1728 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Team Works to Defend Digital Battlefield in Europe
By Kristopher Joseph
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - In 1983, with the Cold War still going strong, a movie called "War Games" depicted an eccentric computer hacker named David Lightman, played by Matthew Broderick. With dogged determination to play a military-generated "game" -- Global Thermonuclear War -- David managed to hack into the North American Aerospace Defense Command computer system and almost caused an actual nuclear war with the Soviet Union. "War Games" represented the tensions and anxieties of the ever-looming nuclear threat during the Cold War nuclear arms race. The global war on terrorism has replaced many threats of the Cold War. Many believe that in today's "information age" there are real David Lightmans who pose a cyber threat to military networks that could cause the loss of innocent lives unless something is done about them.
"We are taking a proactive approach to stop these 'hacktivists' from attacking our systems," said Robert Hembrook, deputy chief of intelligence for United States Army Europe's 5th Signal Command here.
For the first time in the European military theater, a cyber-threat intelligence cell has been created for the specific purpose of detecting, monitoring and combating malicious digital infiltrations on military computer networks, Hembrook said.
Cyber defense is implemented at the Department of Defense level and already was under way in the halls of U.S. European Command, in Stuttgart, but a fully developed and funded European theater-level cyber cell now is active within 5th Signal Command, Hembrook said.
The cell consists of three experienced intelligence and computer experts whose jobs are to observe potentially harmful data passing from the Internet into friendly networks, identify patterns of attacks, analyze data, and advise the operators of the network so that they can take preventative action to ensure the safety and security of all systems in the European footprint.
"The fact is that there are people currently trying to break into our systems in an effort to obtain data or plant viruses that put servicemembers and their missions at risk," one of the cyber cell members said. "We simply cannot be vulnerable in this area."
The military, along with most other organizations, relies more and more on the speed and capabilities of computer-based technology to give it an edge on the battlefield. This reliance also allows an extra avenue of attack for the enemy. "This cyber cell marks a change of approach in the intel world," a team member said. "We are already experts on predicting physical attacks from the enemy, but we never had a dedicated staff to predict and prevent virtual attacks at a theater level."
Besides combating threats from the outside, the cell is also involved with helping its military users prevent "digital fratricide" from the inside. For work and morale purposes, DoD policy allows users filtered, monitored access to the World Wide Web on government computers. According to a cell member, this is to obtain business-related information and to visit non-work related sites as long as casual browsing does not affect getting missions accomplished.
"It's a delicate relationship of balancing functionality and security," a cell member said. "We know that many users can't do their job without computers and the Internet, so we look for ways to help protect them."
"Users need to know that Internet access is a privilege and not a right," one cyber cell member said.
The cell has taken another proactive step by leaving their offices and actively engaging and informing commanders and military communities of their findings as well as stressing the importance and relevance of the cyber battlefield.
Another cell member said that the team's audience is the leadership in theater because they are the ones who can affect changes in how members of the DoD deal with and fight these cyber threats.
"We have had nothing but positive feedback from commanders," one cell member said. "They are taking our reports seriously, and more and more they are seeing that, if our data or systems get compromised or abused, threats to our systems can affect not only those sitting behind a desk, but also those on the front lines."
Since the 5th Signal Cyber Cell has shared its results to the intelligence community, other military organizations are asking how they too can have a cyber cell to find their own digital landmines, team officials said.
"This (cyber cell) is unprecedented at this level," a cell member said. "I saw the need for this when I worked at the DoD level. Members of the cell believe that network-defensive measures should be implemented at all levels in the military because a computer's role is becoming just as vital as an M-16 rifle in terms of winning today's wars.
"As much as the military trains its own on weapon safety, so we should be training them on computer and network safety," the cell member said. "That is where informing the leadership and giving them briefings becomes so vital."
In a 2006 interview for Defense Systems magazine, Tom Reardon, chief of the Intelligence Division for Network Enterprise Technology Command at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., had this to say about the level of importance computer networks play in military operations: "Network-centric operations are how we prosecute war and sustain the warfighter. If an enemy can degrade or destroy that capability, the tide of the battle could easily be turned in their favor. Worse yet, if the enemy succeeds in denying our network-centric capability, our forces may not be able to deploy; we couldn't show up to seize or defend terrain or support an ally."
Today, the 5th Signal Cyber Threat Intelligence Cell team members are the U.S. Army Europe warfighters in virtual trenches making sure the digital frontlines are defended.
"From an intel point of view, we've gone from 'patch the leaks' to 'build a better boat,'" Hembrook said.
(Kristopher Joseph is a public affairs specialist and editor of 5th Signal Command's biannual Echo magazine.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - In 1983, with the Cold War still going strong, a movie called "War Games" depicted an eccentric computer hacker named David Lightman, played by Matthew Broderick. With dogged determination to play a military-generated "game" -- Global Thermonuclear War -- David managed to hack into the North American Aerospace Defense Command computer system and almost caused an actual nuclear war with the Soviet Union. "War Games" represented the tensions and anxieties of the ever-looming nuclear threat during the Cold War nuclear arms race. The global war on terrorism has replaced many threats of the Cold War. Many believe that in today's "information age" there are real David Lightmans who pose a cyber threat to military networks that could cause the loss of innocent lives unless something is done about them.
"We are taking a proactive approach to stop these 'hacktivists' from attacking our systems," said Robert Hembrook, deputy chief of intelligence for United States Army Europe's 5th Signal Command here.
For the first time in the European military theater, a cyber-threat intelligence cell has been created for the specific purpose of detecting, monitoring and combating malicious digital infiltrations on military computer networks, Hembrook said.
Cyber defense is implemented at the Department of Defense level and already was under way in the halls of U.S. European Command, in Stuttgart, but a fully developed and funded European theater-level cyber cell now is active within 5th Signal Command, Hembrook said.
The cell consists of three experienced intelligence and computer experts whose jobs are to observe potentially harmful data passing from the Internet into friendly networks, identify patterns of attacks, analyze data, and advise the operators of the network so that they can take preventative action to ensure the safety and security of all systems in the European footprint.
"The fact is that there are people currently trying to break into our systems in an effort to obtain data or plant viruses that put servicemembers and their missions at risk," one of the cyber cell members said. "We simply cannot be vulnerable in this area."
The military, along with most other organizations, relies more and more on the speed and capabilities of computer-based technology to give it an edge on the battlefield. This reliance also allows an extra avenue of attack for the enemy. "This cyber cell marks a change of approach in the intel world," a team member said. "We are already experts on predicting physical attacks from the enemy, but we never had a dedicated staff to predict and prevent virtual attacks at a theater level."
Besides combating threats from the outside, the cell is also involved with helping its military users prevent "digital fratricide" from the inside. For work and morale purposes, DoD policy allows users filtered, monitored access to the World Wide Web on government computers. According to a cell member, this is to obtain business-related information and to visit non-work related sites as long as casual browsing does not affect getting missions accomplished.
"It's a delicate relationship of balancing functionality and security," a cell member said. "We know that many users can't do their job without computers and the Internet, so we look for ways to help protect them."
"Users need to know that Internet access is a privilege and not a right," one cyber cell member said.
The cell has taken another proactive step by leaving their offices and actively engaging and informing commanders and military communities of their findings as well as stressing the importance and relevance of the cyber battlefield.
Another cell member said that the team's audience is the leadership in theater because they are the ones who can affect changes in how members of the DoD deal with and fight these cyber threats.
"We have had nothing but positive feedback from commanders," one cell member said. "They are taking our reports seriously, and more and more they are seeing that, if our data or systems get compromised or abused, threats to our systems can affect not only those sitting behind a desk, but also those on the front lines."
Since the 5th Signal Cyber Cell has shared its results to the intelligence community, other military organizations are asking how they too can have a cyber cell to find their own digital landmines, team officials said.
"This (cyber cell) is unprecedented at this level," a cell member said. "I saw the need for this when I worked at the DoD level. Members of the cell believe that network-defensive measures should be implemented at all levels in the military because a computer's role is becoming just as vital as an M-16 rifle in terms of winning today's wars.
"As much as the military trains its own on weapon safety, so we should be training them on computer and network safety," the cell member said. "That is where informing the leadership and giving them briefings becomes so vital."
In a 2006 interview for Defense Systems magazine, Tom Reardon, chief of the Intelligence Division for Network Enterprise Technology Command at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., had this to say about the level of importance computer networks play in military operations: "Network-centric operations are how we prosecute war and sustain the warfighter. If an enemy can degrade or destroy that capability, the tide of the battle could easily be turned in their favor. Worse yet, if the enemy succeeds in denying our network-centric capability, our forces may not be able to deploy; we couldn't show up to seize or defend terrain or support an ally."
Today, the 5th Signal Cyber Threat Intelligence Cell team members are the U.S. Army Europe warfighters in virtual trenches making sure the digital frontlines are defended.
"From an intel point of view, we've gone from 'patch the leaks' to 'build a better boat,'" Hembrook said.
(Kristopher Joseph is a public affairs specialist and editor of 5th Signal Command's biannual Echo magazine.)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Department Engages Congress for Full 3.5 Percent Troop Pay Raise
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - Military members will receive a 3 percent pay raise effective tomorrow, as President Bush urges Congress to revise some provisions regarding Iraq contained in the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The president authorized the 3 percent pay raise in an executive order. The act includes authorization for a 0.5 percent additional pay raise for U.S. troops, but the president has, for now, elected not to sign the defense authorization bill in its present form while Congress is adjourned, a practice known as a "pocket veto."
On Dec. 28, President Bush announced his displeasure with some language pertaining to Iraq in the current version of the act, according to White House documents released that day. The president said he won't sign off on the bill until it is revised. Congress is now on its holiday recess.
In a statement, the president urged Congress "to ensure that any provisions affecting servicemember pay and bonuses, as well as provisions extending expiring authorities, are retroactive to January 1, 2008."
"The (Defense) Department will work closely with Congress toward the 3.5 percent pay raise effective Jan. 1, as originally envisioned in the bill," Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, said in a statement released today.
"Likewise," Carr's statement continued, "we will work to ensure the final bill features no interruption of bonus authorities."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2007 - Military members will receive a 3 percent pay raise effective tomorrow, as President Bush urges Congress to revise some provisions regarding Iraq contained in the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The president authorized the 3 percent pay raise in an executive order. The act includes authorization for a 0.5 percent additional pay raise for U.S. troops, but the president has, for now, elected not to sign the defense authorization bill in its present form while Congress is adjourned, a practice known as a "pocket veto."
On Dec. 28, President Bush announced his displeasure with some language pertaining to Iraq in the current version of the act, according to White House documents released that day. The president said he won't sign off on the bill until it is revised. Congress is now on its holiday recess.
In a statement, the president urged Congress "to ensure that any provisions affecting servicemember pay and bonuses, as well as provisions extending expiring authorities, are retroactive to January 1, 2008."
"The (Defense) Department will work closely with Congress toward the 3.5 percent pay raise effective Jan. 1, as originally envisioned in the bill," Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, said in a statement released today.
"Likewise," Carr's statement continued, "we will work to ensure the final bill features no interruption of bonus authorities."
Sunday, December 30, 2007
American Heroes Press
December 30, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) American Heroes Press was been established to assist law enforcement, fire, emergency service and military personnel in marketing and promoting their work.
In 2006, www.police-writers.com a website that lists state and local police officers who have authored books was developed. During 2007, www.military-writers.com a website that lists current, former and retired military personnel who have authored books was developed. In late 2007, www.firefighter-writers.com a website that lists fire and emergency services personnel who have authored books was launched.
Hi Tech Criminal Justice, the organization that developed and maintains all three websites announced the formation of American Heroes Press, an umbrella imprint for law enforcement, fire, emergency services and military personnel who have or anticipate publishing books.
American Heroes Press will assist new authors in navigating the world of publishing and assist new authors in marketing and promoting their work. Moreover, through the their information distribution network and “on ground” events, American Heroes Press will assist established authors in marketing and promoting their work.
Currently, www.police-writers.com, the more established of the three websites lists over 800 state and local law enforcement officials who have published. www.military-writers.com lists nearly 100 servicemembers and www.firefighter-writers.com, the newest addition, contains a single listing.
For more information about American Heroes Press visit the website at www.americanheroespress.com or send an email to editor@police-writers.com.
In 2006, www.police-writers.com a website that lists state and local police officers who have authored books was developed. During 2007, www.military-writers.com a website that lists current, former and retired military personnel who have authored books was developed. In late 2007, www.firefighter-writers.com a website that lists fire and emergency services personnel who have authored books was launched.
Hi Tech Criminal Justice, the organization that developed and maintains all three websites announced the formation of American Heroes Press, an umbrella imprint for law enforcement, fire, emergency services and military personnel who have or anticipate publishing books.
American Heroes Press will assist new authors in navigating the world of publishing and assist new authors in marketing and promoting their work. Moreover, through the their information distribution network and “on ground” events, American Heroes Press will assist established authors in marketing and promoting their work.
Currently, www.police-writers.com, the more established of the three websites lists over 800 state and local law enforcement officials who have published. www.military-writers.com lists nearly 100 servicemembers and www.firefighter-writers.com, the newest addition, contains a single listing.
For more information about American Heroes Press visit the website at www.americanheroespress.com or send an email to editor@police-writers.com.
Conversations with Cops
Editor's Note: This week's is a Colonel with the Texas State Guard
December 30, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) The January 2, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features a nationally recognized expert on stress in law enforcement.
Program Date: January 2, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Policing and Stress
Guest: Dr. James L. Greenstone
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
With 40 years of practice, and almost 25 years as a police officer, James L. Greenstone, Ed.D. has expertise as a police psychologist, a therapist, a teacher, an author, a police officer, a mediator and negotiator, and as a consultant. The field of Crisis Intervention has been his focus. For the better part of his career as a police officer, he has worked extensively in the field of hostage and crisis negotiations. As a mental health professional and consultant, and as a trainer of negotiators, as well as a member of hostage negotiations teams, he is knowledgeable about negotiator training, current practices in this area, dealing with suicidal and barricaded subjects, negotiations techniques, team development, and team and negotiator interactions with police tactical units. He has participated in numerous hostage, barricaded and suicidal situations, and has practical experience in all aspects of hostage and crisis negotiations team functioning.
Additionally, Dr. James L. Greenstone is currently a Colonel with the Medical Service Corps, Texas State Guard, Texas Military Forces. His current assignment is as Chief of Staff of the Medical Brigade. He is a member of the Editorial Board of Military Medicine, the Journal of the Association for Military Surgeons of the United States. Professionally, he is a Behavioral Health Officer. Colonel James Greenstone’s major focus has been in developing, and in providing, care for service members and their families affected by deployments and redeployments to current war zones. He has worked in this capacity since the Vietnam era and is involved with the Department of Defense in providing some of these services, and was recently tasked by the Texas Adjutant General and the Joint State Surgeon to make recommendations concerning psychological care for returning National Guard Soldiers.
Joining the conversation at the half-hour mark is Jennie Valencia a Victim Services Advocate, Pinal County Sheriff's Office (Arizona).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
December 30, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) The January 2, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features a nationally recognized expert on stress in law enforcement.
Program Date: January 2, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Policing and Stress
Guest: Dr. James L. Greenstone
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
With 40 years of practice, and almost 25 years as a police officer, James L. Greenstone, Ed.D. has expertise as a police psychologist, a therapist, a teacher, an author, a police officer, a mediator and negotiator, and as a consultant. The field of Crisis Intervention has been his focus. For the better part of his career as a police officer, he has worked extensively in the field of hostage and crisis negotiations. As a mental health professional and consultant, and as a trainer of negotiators, as well as a member of hostage negotiations teams, he is knowledgeable about negotiator training, current practices in this area, dealing with suicidal and barricaded subjects, negotiations techniques, team development, and team and negotiator interactions with police tactical units. He has participated in numerous hostage, barricaded and suicidal situations, and has practical experience in all aspects of hostage and crisis negotiations team functioning.
Additionally, Dr. James L. Greenstone is currently a Colonel with the Medical Service Corps, Texas State Guard, Texas Military Forces. His current assignment is as Chief of Staff of the Medical Brigade. He is a member of the Editorial Board of Military Medicine, the Journal of the Association for Military Surgeons of the United States. Professionally, he is a Behavioral Health Officer. Colonel James Greenstone’s major focus has been in developing, and in providing, care for service members and their families affected by deployments and redeployments to current war zones. He has worked in this capacity since the Vietnam era and is involved with the Department of Defense in providing some of these services, and was recently tasked by the Texas Adjutant General and the Joint State Surgeon to make recommendations concerning psychological care for returning National Guard Soldiers.
Joining the conversation at the half-hour mark is Jennie Valencia a Victim Services Advocate, Pinal County Sheriff's Office (Arizona).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
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