In 1974 Estimate, CIA Found that Israel Already Had a Nuclear Stockpile and that "Many Countries" Would Soon Have Nuclear Capabilities
Washington DC, January 14, 2008 - In the wake of the Indian "peaceful nuclear explosion" on May 17, 1974 and growing concern about the spread of nuclear weapons capabilities, the U.S. intelligence community prepared a Special National Intelligence Assessment, "Prospects for Further Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," published today by the National Security Archive.
The 1974 Indian test created shock waves in the U.S. government, not only because of its broader implications, but because the intelligence community had failed to detect that it was imminent (This failure led to an intelligence post-mortem.) The possibility that the Indian test might lead to a nuclear arms race in South Asia and create new pressures for nuclear proliferation elsewhere induced the U.S. government, which under Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had treated this problem as a lower-level issue, to begin viewing developing policies to curb proliferation as a higher priority.
That the SNIE estimated that "many countries" would have the economic and technological capability to produce nuclear weapons by the 1980s underlined the seriousness of the problem, as did another statement: "Terrorists might attempt theft of either weapons or fissionable materials." Noting that there were over 50,000 nuclear weapons in the world, the report observed that "absolute assurance about future security is impossible."
The CIA released the 1974 SNIE in response to a FOIA request by National Security Archive senior fellow Jeffrey Richelson, author of Spying on the Bomb: American Nuclear Intelligence from Nazi Germany to Iran and North Korea (New York: W.W. Norton,2006). Quicker than usual, the CIA posted the SNIE on its Web site before the National Security Archive published the document. In response to the CIA posting, the estimate has already received some play in the U.S. and Israeli press, as well as on www.armscontrolwonk.com. Interestingly, twenty years ago, the CIA released an excised version of the "Summary and Conclusions" of this document in response to a FOIA request by the Natural Resources Defense Council. It became the subject of a front-page story in The New York Times on 26 January 1978, under the headline, "C.I.A. Said in 1974 Israel had A-Bombs." In response to press queries, the CIA stated that the release was a mistake because it included some classified details.
Visit the Web site of the National Security Archive for more information about today's posting.
http://www.nsarchive.org
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
America Supports You: Foundation Offers Military Families Financial Help
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - Servicemembers on extended deployments can rest easier knowing that if their family experiences an unexpected financial emergency, help is available. The American Soldier Foundation was created to assist servicemembers on extended duty and their families, Daniel Wright, the organization's president, said. Assistance also can extend to families of those killed in the line of duty.
"We believe that the lives of the men and women keeping our country safe should not be any harder than they have to be," Wright said. "The foundation can provide grants or interest-free loans for medical expenses, education, funeral expenses, marriage counseling, financial planning and a wide variety of other services."
Through its Web site, the organization also offers resources for education, family life, employment and personal finance. Military families can get advice on whether to buy or rent a home, check current mortgage rates or even determine how much a skill set is worth in different job markets.
The American Soldier Foundation 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.
"I think the (affiliation) with America Supports You will provide a lot of exposure for a cause that can never be paid too much attention," Wright said. "There is no more valiant, heroic and, regrettably, too often a thankless job in this world than a (servicemember) in the United States military.
"It is because of these individuals that the rest of us can go to work, raise our families, and keep this country," he added.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - Servicemembers on extended deployments can rest easier knowing that if their family experiences an unexpected financial emergency, help is available. The American Soldier Foundation was created to assist servicemembers on extended duty and their families, Daniel Wright, the organization's president, said. Assistance also can extend to families of those killed in the line of duty.
"We believe that the lives of the men and women keeping our country safe should not be any harder than they have to be," Wright said. "The foundation can provide grants or interest-free loans for medical expenses, education, funeral expenses, marriage counseling, financial planning and a wide variety of other services."
Through its Web site, the organization also offers resources for education, family life, employment and personal finance. Military families can get advice on whether to buy or rent a home, check current mortgage rates or even determine how much a skill set is worth in different job markets.
The American Soldier Foundation 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.
"I think the (affiliation) with America Supports You will provide a lot of exposure for a cause that can never be paid too much attention," Wright said. "There is no more valiant, heroic and, regrettably, too often a thankless job in this world than a (servicemember) in the United States military.
"It is because of these individuals that the rest of us can go to work, raise our families, and keep this country," he added.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Guard Won't Hold Recruits to Contracts if Bonuses Aren't Authorized
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - Emphasizing that they expect a defense authorization act eventually to pass into law, Army officials indicated yesterday that National Guard recruits who enlist before it does won't be held to their contracts if the law doesn't provide the recruiting bonuses they're expecting. Army Secretary Pete Geren said he's confident the legislation will come, and that the Army will be able to offer the enlistment and re-enlistment incentives it relies on to attract and keep quality soldiers.
"I just can't imagine that we are not going to end up with an authorization bill at some point," he said adding that he believes Congress will make it retroactive to include the interim period before it takes effect. "I don't know how they'll get to the end game, but they will end up working it out."
The Fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes enlistment, re-enlistment and a variety of other special and incentive pays, is the focus of a standoff between Congress and the administration. President Bush announced Dec. 28 that he won't sign the bill until Congress revises some of its provisions regarding Iraq.
As a result, recruiters find themselves having to tell prospective recruits they may be able to offer enlistment bonuses, but can't make any promises. So recruits end up signing contingency contracts that acknowledge they could feasibly get no bonus.
In the unlikely event that Congress doesn't pass the legislation or doesn't make it retroactive to cover the interim period, the Army National Guard director said yesterday that the National Guard will make good on its commitments to troops now enlisting.
Army Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn said the Guard counts on the trust it has built in communities around the country. He indicated that if recruits sign up expecting an enlistment bonus and don't get it, they won't be required to continue serving.
State adjutants general and governors are responsible for National Guard recruiting in their states and have a lot of leeway in ensuring they keep their promises to their troops, Vaughn said.
"There is no adjutant general that will hold them responsible for something that we told them that didn't happen," Vaughn said. "They have a lot of flexibility to turn around and let them go if they renege on a promise. Some organizations can't do that."
Defense officials have expressed concern that the impasse over the Defense Authorization Act will hurt recruiting. "That can have a chilling impact on the propensity of a person to sign one of those contracts," said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. "That might affect their willingness to enter into a contract that conditionally promises a bonus."
Officials are hopeful the delay doesn't reverse positive momentum on the recruiting front. Defense Department officials announced yesterday that all four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, before authority for bonus payments expired Dec. 31.
The Army recruited 789 active-duty soldiers last month, 105 percent of its December goal. On the reserve-component side, the Army National Guard recruited 4,985 members, 120 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve, 3,280 soldiers, 107 percent of its goal.
Geren conceded yesterday that the authorization act delay poses yet another challenge to recruiters who work to attract high-quality men and women into a wartime force with a clear recognition that they're likely to deploy into combat. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the Army is increasing its end strength.
Despite these challenges, Geren expressed confidence the Army can overcome them and continue to meet its recruiting goals. "This will be a tough year; last year was a tough year," he said. "We are confident we will meet our goals this year, but I am also confident it won't come without a lot of work by a lot of folks."
While the authorization act situation also affects re-enlistments, Carr said, the impact isn't expected to be as big, or as immediate, as with recruiting bonuses. He said that's because many people already in the military have seen similar situations before -- in 1993, 1996 and most recently in 2006 -- and understand it's probably just a temporary hiccup.
"It has happened before, and Congress in the past has always gone back and made whole any circumstances that occurred during the lapse in authority," he said.
Carr said he's "guardedly optimistic" that Congress will do the same this year and make bonus payments in the authorization act retroactive to Jan. 1, and he's hopeful the situation will be resolved soon.
"The department is concerned whenever we throw a curve at those serving or at those who might choose to serve," he said. "When we upset the plans and the momentum you have in force, that is not good."
Another downside of the authorization act impasse is its impact on servicemembers' paychecks. The 2008 Defense Authorization Act had called for a 3.5 percent pay raise for military members. Bush authorized a 3 percent raise -- an amount based on an economic index – that took effect Jan. 1 until the authorization act passes into law, when the 3.5 percent figure takes effect. Carr said he hopes Congress will approve making the 3.5 percent hike retroactive to Jan. 1, as it has in the past.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - Emphasizing that they expect a defense authorization act eventually to pass into law, Army officials indicated yesterday that National Guard recruits who enlist before it does won't be held to their contracts if the law doesn't provide the recruiting bonuses they're expecting. Army Secretary Pete Geren said he's confident the legislation will come, and that the Army will be able to offer the enlistment and re-enlistment incentives it relies on to attract and keep quality soldiers.
"I just can't imagine that we are not going to end up with an authorization bill at some point," he said adding that he believes Congress will make it retroactive to include the interim period before it takes effect. "I don't know how they'll get to the end game, but they will end up working it out."
The Fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes enlistment, re-enlistment and a variety of other special and incentive pays, is the focus of a standoff between Congress and the administration. President Bush announced Dec. 28 that he won't sign the bill until Congress revises some of its provisions regarding Iraq.
As a result, recruiters find themselves having to tell prospective recruits they may be able to offer enlistment bonuses, but can't make any promises. So recruits end up signing contingency contracts that acknowledge they could feasibly get no bonus.
In the unlikely event that Congress doesn't pass the legislation or doesn't make it retroactive to cover the interim period, the Army National Guard director said yesterday that the National Guard will make good on its commitments to troops now enlisting.
Army Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn said the Guard counts on the trust it has built in communities around the country. He indicated that if recruits sign up expecting an enlistment bonus and don't get it, they won't be required to continue serving.
State adjutants general and governors are responsible for National Guard recruiting in their states and have a lot of leeway in ensuring they keep their promises to their troops, Vaughn said.
"There is no adjutant general that will hold them responsible for something that we told them that didn't happen," Vaughn said. "They have a lot of flexibility to turn around and let them go if they renege on a promise. Some organizations can't do that."
Defense officials have expressed concern that the impasse over the Defense Authorization Act will hurt recruiting. "That can have a chilling impact on the propensity of a person to sign one of those contracts," said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. "That might affect their willingness to enter into a contract that conditionally promises a bonus."
Officials are hopeful the delay doesn't reverse positive momentum on the recruiting front. Defense Department officials announced yesterday that all four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, before authority for bonus payments expired Dec. 31.
The Army recruited 789 active-duty soldiers last month, 105 percent of its December goal. On the reserve-component side, the Army National Guard recruited 4,985 members, 120 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve, 3,280 soldiers, 107 percent of its goal.
Geren conceded yesterday that the authorization act delay poses yet another challenge to recruiters who work to attract high-quality men and women into a wartime force with a clear recognition that they're likely to deploy into combat. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the Army is increasing its end strength.
Despite these challenges, Geren expressed confidence the Army can overcome them and continue to meet its recruiting goals. "This will be a tough year; last year was a tough year," he said. "We are confident we will meet our goals this year, but I am also confident it won't come without a lot of work by a lot of folks."
While the authorization act situation also affects re-enlistments, Carr said, the impact isn't expected to be as big, or as immediate, as with recruiting bonuses. He said that's because many people already in the military have seen similar situations before -- in 1993, 1996 and most recently in 2006 -- and understand it's probably just a temporary hiccup.
"It has happened before, and Congress in the past has always gone back and made whole any circumstances that occurred during the lapse in authority," he said.
Carr said he's "guardedly optimistic" that Congress will do the same this year and make bonus payments in the authorization act retroactive to Jan. 1, and he's hopeful the situation will be resolved soon.
"The department is concerned whenever we throw a curve at those serving or at those who might choose to serve," he said. "When we upset the plans and the momentum you have in force, that is not good."
Another downside of the authorization act impasse is its impact on servicemembers' paychecks. The 2008 Defense Authorization Act had called for a 3.5 percent pay raise for military members. Bush authorized a 3 percent raise -- an amount based on an economic index – that took effect Jan. 1 until the authorization act passes into law, when the 3.5 percent figure takes effect. Carr said he hopes Congress will approve making the 3.5 percent hike retroactive to Jan. 1, as it has in the past.
Why We Serve: Army Major Wants to Share Her Success Story
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - Army Maj. Lisa L. Carter, a two-time Iraq veteran, wants to share her life's success story with the American public. Carter recalled her days as a single mother working at a post office in Atlanta while caring for her 2-year-old daughter a few years after her 1984 graduation from Fulton High School there.
"I met a lot of retired military personnel" at the post office, Carter said, noting the veterans encouraged her to join the Army Reserve as a way to improve her life.
Today, Carter is an active-duty Army officer. She also is among 12 servicemembers participating in the sixth quarterly iteration of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public-outreach program. Carter will tell her story to community, business and veterans group audiences, and at other gatherings.
Carter said she enjoys her career as an Army officer and wants the public to know military people have the same dreams and aspirations as their civilian counterparts. "We are human beings just as they are," Carter observed.
And although wartime deployments may be hard on servicemembers' personal lives, military members remain dedicated to their pledge to defend the nation, she said.
"It is stressful to be deployed. It is stressful to be away from your family. But servicemembers know that this is their job and responsibility -- to serve," Carter said.
Following the advice of her post office co-workers, Carter enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1987 as an administrative specialist. During her initial training at Fort Jackson, S.C., she said, she experienced a revelation that jolted her mind.
"I saw a black female officer," Carter recalled. "I looked at her and thought: 'If she can do it, surely I can do it.'"
Then and there, Carter set a personal goal to obtain a college degree and a commission. In 1996, she graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor's degree in social work and earned an Army lieutenant's gold bars through the school's ROTC program.
Her quest to obtain a degree and a commission as a single parent "was a long process," Carter acknowledged, citing the effort and time required to balance work, school, and caring for her daughter.
In 1997, Carter, then a junior Quartermaster Corps officer, took her daughter along on a three-year duty tour in Hanau, Germany. "It was a great experience," Carter said of her service in Germany, noting her daughter learned German while overseas.
In the spring of 2003, Carter was a captain and the commander of a maintenance company in Iraq that supported a Patriot missile unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She earned the Bronze Star Medal for her wartime service.
Carter said all commanders carry responsibility not only in wartime, but also during periods of peace.
"I came to understand the importance of making sure that you take care of soldiers, because the family members depend on you as a leader to bring their son or daughter or husband or wife back all in one piece, and that is a great responsibility upon one individual's shoulders," she said.
Carter, whose maiden name is Weems, said she enriched her personal life when she married a fellow Army officer about three years ago.
In November 2007, Carter deployed to Iraq for a second time, but that tour was cut short due to her selection to participate in the Why We Serve program. By this time, she was an Acquisition Corps officer specializing in the management of unmanned sensors used for reconnaissance and targeting purposes in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation.
The Why We Serve program provides unfiltered communication between military members engaged in the war on terrorism and the American public, Carter said. The program, she added, features servicemembers' thoughts and viewpoints on military life, she noted.
Carter intends to convey a key personal message at each of her Why We Serve speaking appearances: "I wear this uniform and I enjoy doing what I'm doing," she declared.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - Army Maj. Lisa L. Carter, a two-time Iraq veteran, wants to share her life's success story with the American public. Carter recalled her days as a single mother working at a post office in Atlanta while caring for her 2-year-old daughter a few years after her 1984 graduation from Fulton High School there.
"I met a lot of retired military personnel" at the post office, Carter said, noting the veterans encouraged her to join the Army Reserve as a way to improve her life.
Today, Carter is an active-duty Army officer. She also is among 12 servicemembers participating in the sixth quarterly iteration of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public-outreach program. Carter will tell her story to community, business and veterans group audiences, and at other gatherings.
Carter said she enjoys her career as an Army officer and wants the public to know military people have the same dreams and aspirations as their civilian counterparts. "We are human beings just as they are," Carter observed.
And although wartime deployments may be hard on servicemembers' personal lives, military members remain dedicated to their pledge to defend the nation, she said.
"It is stressful to be deployed. It is stressful to be away from your family. But servicemembers know that this is their job and responsibility -- to serve," Carter said.
Following the advice of her post office co-workers, Carter enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1987 as an administrative specialist. During her initial training at Fort Jackson, S.C., she said, she experienced a revelation that jolted her mind.
"I saw a black female officer," Carter recalled. "I looked at her and thought: 'If she can do it, surely I can do it.'"
Then and there, Carter set a personal goal to obtain a college degree and a commission. In 1996, she graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor's degree in social work and earned an Army lieutenant's gold bars through the school's ROTC program.
Her quest to obtain a degree and a commission as a single parent "was a long process," Carter acknowledged, citing the effort and time required to balance work, school, and caring for her daughter.
In 1997, Carter, then a junior Quartermaster Corps officer, took her daughter along on a three-year duty tour in Hanau, Germany. "It was a great experience," Carter said of her service in Germany, noting her daughter learned German while overseas.
In the spring of 2003, Carter was a captain and the commander of a maintenance company in Iraq that supported a Patriot missile unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She earned the Bronze Star Medal for her wartime service.
Carter said all commanders carry responsibility not only in wartime, but also during periods of peace.
"I came to understand the importance of making sure that you take care of soldiers, because the family members depend on you as a leader to bring their son or daughter or husband or wife back all in one piece, and that is a great responsibility upon one individual's shoulders," she said.
Carter, whose maiden name is Weems, said she enriched her personal life when she married a fellow Army officer about three years ago.
In November 2007, Carter deployed to Iraq for a second time, but that tour was cut short due to her selection to participate in the Why We Serve program. By this time, she was an Acquisition Corps officer specializing in the management of unmanned sensors used for reconnaissance and targeting purposes in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation.
The Why We Serve program provides unfiltered communication between military members engaged in the war on terrorism and the American public, Carter said. The program, she added, features servicemembers' thoughts and viewpoints on military life, she noted.
Carter intends to convey a key personal message at each of her Why We Serve speaking appearances: "I wear this uniform and I enjoy doing what I'm doing," she declared.
Pacific Commander to Visit China to Bolster Communication, Cooperation
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - The top U.S. military officer in the Pacific is slated to travel to China to help bolster the two countries' military relationship and iron out issues, including those over China's recent port denials to U.S. Navy ships. Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, will leave his Honolulu headquarters tomorrow for the four-day visit, his second visit to China since taking command in March. James Shinn, sworn in yesterday as the new assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific affairs, will join Keating on the trip.
While in China, Keating is slated to meet with senior officials from the Central Military Commission, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou Military Area Command and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The trip also will include stops in Shanghai, China's financial hub, and Guangzhou, where Keating will visit Chinese army bases and hold a seminar with Chinese military officials, the Chinese National Defense Ministry announced.
Keating said he hopes build on groundwork laid during his visit to China in May to strengthen Sino-U.S. military ties.
The visit follows Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' visit with Chinese leaders in early November and the U.S.-Peoples' Republic of China annual defense consultative talks, led by Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Eric S. Edelman, in early December.
"This trip is an opportunity to meet with key leaders and build relationships that will ultimately ensure greater cooperation and collaboration across the spectrum of military-to-military relations," Keating said.
Keating said his goal is to develop and enhance a constructive relationship through increased military-to-military engagement. "We will work with our Chinese counterparts to increase understanding between our militaries, encourage cooperation on mutual security concerns, capitalize on gains we have realized and reduce chances for miscalculation."
Discussions are expected to include China's denial of a Thanksgiving port call to Hong Kong by U.S. aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk battle group, and an earlier denial to U.S. minesweepers seeking refuge from a brewing storm.
Keating told Pentagon reporters days after the Kitty Hawk incident that he's concerned by the port visit denials, calling them "perplexing and troublesome," particularly when hundreds of the sailors' family members had flown from Japan to spend the holiday with their loved ones.
By the time China reversed its decision, the U.S. ships had already turned around. "It was too late by then," Keating told reporters.
The incident came on the heels of what the admiral called an even more troublesome situation: China's refusal to admit two U.S. minesweepers into Hong Kong to seek refuge from a brewing storm.
The Patriot and Guardian were operating in international waters when fierce weather conditions drove them to seek shelter in Hong Kong, Keating said. China refused their request, forcing them to get refueled at sea so they could return to their homeport in Sasebo, Japan.
China's denial of their request violated "an unwritten rule among seamen that if someone is in need, regardless of genus, phylum or species, you let them come in -- you give them safe harbor," Keating said.
A senior defense official said this week on background that the misunderstanding that led to the port visit denials signals the potential for much more serious misunderstandings in the future that could have strategic consequences if not cleared up now.
"The whole experience showed us that we have a lot to do to better understand what the Chinese are doing and to help the Chinese understand our position on things," he said.
The bottom line, Keating told reporters in November, is that solid communication between the United States and China will help reduce the potential for misunderstanding. This will leave "less room for confusion that could lead to confrontation, to crisis," he said.
"That's our goal," he said. "To get there, we reduce the chance for misunderstanding."
In addition to discussing the decision-making process within the Chinese military and explaining the United States' own process, Keating will push for more and larger U.S.-Sino exercises and exchanges.
China recently turned down an invitation to participate as an observer in the Rim of the Pacific naval exercise this summer in Hawaii. Russia announced that it will be a first-time participant in the multinational exercise that takes place every other year in the waters off Oahu and Kauai.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 11, 2008 - The top U.S. military officer in the Pacific is slated to travel to China to help bolster the two countries' military relationship and iron out issues, including those over China's recent port denials to U.S. Navy ships. Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, will leave his Honolulu headquarters tomorrow for the four-day visit, his second visit to China since taking command in March. James Shinn, sworn in yesterday as the new assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific affairs, will join Keating on the trip.
While in China, Keating is slated to meet with senior officials from the Central Military Commission, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou Military Area Command and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The trip also will include stops in Shanghai, China's financial hub, and Guangzhou, where Keating will visit Chinese army bases and hold a seminar with Chinese military officials, the Chinese National Defense Ministry announced.
Keating said he hopes build on groundwork laid during his visit to China in May to strengthen Sino-U.S. military ties.
The visit follows Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' visit with Chinese leaders in early November and the U.S.-Peoples' Republic of China annual defense consultative talks, led by Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Eric S. Edelman, in early December.
"This trip is an opportunity to meet with key leaders and build relationships that will ultimately ensure greater cooperation and collaboration across the spectrum of military-to-military relations," Keating said.
Keating said his goal is to develop and enhance a constructive relationship through increased military-to-military engagement. "We will work with our Chinese counterparts to increase understanding between our militaries, encourage cooperation on mutual security concerns, capitalize on gains we have realized and reduce chances for miscalculation."
Discussions are expected to include China's denial of a Thanksgiving port call to Hong Kong by U.S. aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk battle group, and an earlier denial to U.S. minesweepers seeking refuge from a brewing storm.
Keating told Pentagon reporters days after the Kitty Hawk incident that he's concerned by the port visit denials, calling them "perplexing and troublesome," particularly when hundreds of the sailors' family members had flown from Japan to spend the holiday with their loved ones.
By the time China reversed its decision, the U.S. ships had already turned around. "It was too late by then," Keating told reporters.
The incident came on the heels of what the admiral called an even more troublesome situation: China's refusal to admit two U.S. minesweepers into Hong Kong to seek refuge from a brewing storm.
The Patriot and Guardian were operating in international waters when fierce weather conditions drove them to seek shelter in Hong Kong, Keating said. China refused their request, forcing them to get refueled at sea so they could return to their homeport in Sasebo, Japan.
China's denial of their request violated "an unwritten rule among seamen that if someone is in need, regardless of genus, phylum or species, you let them come in -- you give them safe harbor," Keating said.
A senior defense official said this week on background that the misunderstanding that led to the port visit denials signals the potential for much more serious misunderstandings in the future that could have strategic consequences if not cleared up now.
"The whole experience showed us that we have a lot to do to better understand what the Chinese are doing and to help the Chinese understand our position on things," he said.
The bottom line, Keating told reporters in November, is that solid communication between the United States and China will help reduce the potential for misunderstanding. This will leave "less room for confusion that could lead to confrontation, to crisis," he said.
"That's our goal," he said. "To get there, we reduce the chance for misunderstanding."
In addition to discussing the decision-making process within the Chinese military and explaining the United States' own process, Keating will push for more and larger U.S.-Sino exercises and exchanges.
China recently turned down an invitation to participate as an observer in the Rim of the Pacific naval exercise this summer in Hawaii. Russia announced that it will be a first-time participant in the multinational exercise that takes place every other year in the waters off Oahu and Kauai.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
All Active Services Meet December Recruiting Goals
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - All four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, and five of the six reserve components showing similar success, Defense Department officials announced today. The Army recruited 789 active-duty soldiers last month, 105 percent of its December goal. On the reserve-component side, the Army National Guard recruited 4,985 members, 120 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve, 3,280 soldiers, 107 percent of its goal.
The Marine Corps recruited 1,992 active-duty Marines, 115 percent of its goal, and met its goal of recruiting 410 Marine Corps reservists.
The Air Force met its December goal of recruiting 1,772 active-duty airmen and 561 Air Force Reserve members. The Air National Guard achieved 96 percent of its goal, recruiting 624 members.
The Navy met its goals of recruiting 1,891 active-duty sailors and 682 Navy reservists.
Army Secretary Pete Geren conceded today that the Army has faced a "tough recruiting market for awhile," but said he's confident the Army will continue to meet its recruiting goals. He noted that last year alone, the Army recruited 175,000 people -- the size of the entire Marine Corps -- into its active force and the National Guard and Army Reserve.
"This will be a tough year; last year was a tough year," he said. "We are confident we will meet our goals this year, but I am also confident it won't come without a lot of work by a lot of folks."
Army Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, expressed even more confidence today in the Guard's ability to maintain the current momentum. "I'm on record right now that all I've got to do is get out of bed every morning and have a cup of coffee, and we are going to be over strength this year," he said. "That's the kind of machine that's running right now, and it has a lot to do with pride in the force."
Ultimately, the Army's recruiting successes boil down to Americans' willingness to serve, Geren said. "At the end of the day, what makes the difference is there are young men and women out there that, despite the challenges, are willing to step up and join the Army," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - All four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, and five of the six reserve components showing similar success, Defense Department officials announced today. The Army recruited 789 active-duty soldiers last month, 105 percent of its December goal. On the reserve-component side, the Army National Guard recruited 4,985 members, 120 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve, 3,280 soldiers, 107 percent of its goal.
The Marine Corps recruited 1,992 active-duty Marines, 115 percent of its goal, and met its goal of recruiting 410 Marine Corps reservists.
The Air Force met its December goal of recruiting 1,772 active-duty airmen and 561 Air Force Reserve members. The Air National Guard achieved 96 percent of its goal, recruiting 624 members.
The Navy met its goals of recruiting 1,891 active-duty sailors and 682 Navy reservists.
Army Secretary Pete Geren conceded today that the Army has faced a "tough recruiting market for awhile," but said he's confident the Army will continue to meet its recruiting goals. He noted that last year alone, the Army recruited 175,000 people -- the size of the entire Marine Corps -- into its active force and the National Guard and Army Reserve.
"This will be a tough year; last year was a tough year," he said. "We are confident we will meet our goals this year, but I am also confident it won't come without a lot of work by a lot of folks."
Army Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, expressed even more confidence today in the Guard's ability to maintain the current momentum. "I'm on record right now that all I've got to do is get out of bed every morning and have a cup of coffee, and we are going to be over strength this year," he said. "That's the kind of machine that's running right now, and it has a lot to do with pride in the force."
Ultimately, the Army's recruiting successes boil down to Americans' willingness to serve, Geren said. "At the end of the day, what makes the difference is there are young men and women out there that, despite the challenges, are willing to step up and join the Army," he said.
U.S., U.K. Monitor Possible Untested Blood Recipients
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - U.S. and British officials are monitoring less than 20 British soldiers who may have received U.S. blood or blood products since 2001 that did not meet U.S. testing standards. "The United Kingdom service personnel who received the U.S. blood or blood products were in emergency medical situations on military operations," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. "Under the circumstances, an emergency blood transfusion was the only way of saving the lives of gravely wounded U.K. personnel."
In some combat operations, fresh whole blood and platelets were collected and transfused in the field to meet demands of multiple, severe trauma cases, he said. Those blood products were not tested in the field by U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards due to the need for rapid, life-saving transfusions.
"In a few cases, emergency blood collections are used to save lives in battlefield hospitals when platelets or fresh whole blood is required to stop massive hemorrhage," Whitman said. "These short-shelf-life blood components must come from donations collected as close as possible to the point of need and are as safe as possible within the time available.
"For the trauma surgeons, it is a matter of risk versus benefit," he said.
Most patients in U.S. forward-deployed military hospitals receive blood collected elsewhere in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-licensed blood donor centers where blood is screened and tested accordingly. That blood is then shipped overseas.
"U.S. blood is as safe as possible in emergency situations," Whitman said. "The U.K and U.S. cooperate closely in developing world-class, lifesaving combat medical care
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - U.S. and British officials are monitoring less than 20 British soldiers who may have received U.S. blood or blood products since 2001 that did not meet U.S. testing standards. "The United Kingdom service personnel who received the U.S. blood or blood products were in emergency medical situations on military operations," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. "Under the circumstances, an emergency blood transfusion was the only way of saving the lives of gravely wounded U.K. personnel."
In some combat operations, fresh whole blood and platelets were collected and transfused in the field to meet demands of multiple, severe trauma cases, he said. Those blood products were not tested in the field by U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards due to the need for rapid, life-saving transfusions.
"In a few cases, emergency blood collections are used to save lives in battlefield hospitals when platelets or fresh whole blood is required to stop massive hemorrhage," Whitman said. "These short-shelf-life blood components must come from donations collected as close as possible to the point of need and are as safe as possible within the time available.
"For the trauma surgeons, it is a matter of risk versus benefit," he said.
Most patients in U.S. forward-deployed military hospitals receive blood collected elsewhere in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-licensed blood donor centers where blood is screened and tested accordingly. That blood is then shipped overseas.
"U.S. blood is as safe as possible in emergency situations," Whitman said. "The U.K and U.S. cooperate closely in developing world-class, lifesaving combat medical care
America Supports You: Country Musician Comes by Patriotism Naturally
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - Growing up as part of a military family, country music star Aaron Tippin learned a crucial lesson early in life: Freedom isn't free. "That might be a corny old saying, but you know what?" he asked. "It is still true. Freedom is not free."
Tippin, who was in Washington for some publicity appearances, said his father, Willis, served in the military. The senior Tippin always was deeply patriotic, even after he left the service, his son added.
"That really bled into me," he said. "So I have a great appreciation for my freedom and have a deep understanding that (servicemembers) are the people that are directly responsible for it."
The musician has expressed that appreciation many times through his music. One of his first hit songs, the 1991 single "You've Got to Stand for Something," earned him a spot entertaining the troops with comedian Bob Hope in the Persian Gulf region.
Since then, Tippin has entertained the troops numerous times, including the past three Thanksgiving holidays. Each visit gives him new perspective and renews his admiration for those serving the United States, he said.
What strikes him most is the progress being made and the troops' role in that growth. One Iraqi boy in particular made it clear that U.S. troops are making a difference during Tippin's 2007 trip.
After suffering serious facial injuries in a roadside bombing, the boy had undergone many surgeries and was still in the hospital recovering. He caught Tippin's attention as the singer visited the hospital, which just two years before had been filled with wounded American troops.
Tippin autographed a picture for the boy while a translator explained who the singer was and what he was doing.
"He got up off his little mat and he came over to me and he took the picture," the singer said. "He looked up at me and then looked at it again, and he walked over and gave me a great big hug and a kiss.
"That floored me," Tippin added.
The child's simple act was powerful enough, but it was more than just simple human emotion to Tippin.
"What I realized (through) the touch of that child (is), our troops know how to be great soldiers, great Marines, great airmen, great sailors," he said. "They do battle the way it should be done, and that was just so inspiring.
"If that would have been our enemy (that found the boy), they'd have left that little kid to die right there in the street," Tippin added.
The Nashville-based musician doesn't have to be oceans from home to be "wowed" by the troops, though. He frequently plays for military audiences in the states as well.
He considers it his reward when, while meeting fans at the end of a show, a servicemember shows him a photo from an overseas performance. It never fails that the photo strikes a familiar chord.
"It's me and them on the battlefield," Tippin said. "That's a cool moment because ... I've been waiting for the chance to see them here in our country and go, 'Thanks, Man. Glad to see you're home. Glad to see you're safe. Thanks so much; (we) appreciate what you do for us.'"
Tippin's overseas appearances are organized through Stars for Stripes, a nonprofit entertainment organization, and a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
The DoD program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - Growing up as part of a military family, country music star Aaron Tippin learned a crucial lesson early in life: Freedom isn't free. "That might be a corny old saying, but you know what?" he asked. "It is still true. Freedom is not free."
Tippin, who was in Washington for some publicity appearances, said his father, Willis, served in the military. The senior Tippin always was deeply patriotic, even after he left the service, his son added.
"That really bled into me," he said. "So I have a great appreciation for my freedom and have a deep understanding that (servicemembers) are the people that are directly responsible for it."
The musician has expressed that appreciation many times through his music. One of his first hit songs, the 1991 single "You've Got to Stand for Something," earned him a spot entertaining the troops with comedian Bob Hope in the Persian Gulf region.
Since then, Tippin has entertained the troops numerous times, including the past three Thanksgiving holidays. Each visit gives him new perspective and renews his admiration for those serving the United States, he said.
What strikes him most is the progress being made and the troops' role in that growth. One Iraqi boy in particular made it clear that U.S. troops are making a difference during Tippin's 2007 trip.
After suffering serious facial injuries in a roadside bombing, the boy had undergone many surgeries and was still in the hospital recovering. He caught Tippin's attention as the singer visited the hospital, which just two years before had been filled with wounded American troops.
Tippin autographed a picture for the boy while a translator explained who the singer was and what he was doing.
"He got up off his little mat and he came over to me and he took the picture," the singer said. "He looked up at me and then looked at it again, and he walked over and gave me a great big hug and a kiss.
"That floored me," Tippin added.
The child's simple act was powerful enough, but it was more than just simple human emotion to Tippin.
"What I realized (through) the touch of that child (is), our troops know how to be great soldiers, great Marines, great airmen, great sailors," he said. "They do battle the way it should be done, and that was just so inspiring.
"If that would have been our enemy (that found the boy), they'd have left that little kid to die right there in the street," Tippin added.
The Nashville-based musician doesn't have to be oceans from home to be "wowed" by the troops, though. He frequently plays for military audiences in the states as well.
He considers it his reward when, while meeting fans at the end of a show, a servicemember shows him a photo from an overseas performance. It never fails that the photo strikes a familiar chord.
"It's me and them on the battlefield," Tippin said. "That's a cool moment because ... I've been waiting for the chance to see them here in our country and go, 'Thanks, Man. Glad to see you're home. Glad to see you're safe. Thanks so much; (we) appreciate what you do for us.'"
Tippin's overseas appearances are organized through Stars for Stripes, a nonprofit entertainment organization, and a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
The DoD program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
'Active First' Program Shows Promise in Army Recruiting
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - Army Secretary Pete Geren is crediting a new National Guard program that brings new recruits into the active Army with a commitment to finish up their tours in the Guard or Reserve as an example of innovative initiatives that are helping maintain the force. More than 500 recruits enlisted in the "Active First" program since its kick-off Oct. 1. Army Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, director of the Army Guard, said he has no doubt the program will live up to Geren's 1,600-recruit goal for fiscal 2008.
"Sixteen hundred is not going to be hard, not at all," Vaughn said.
Geren called the program a partnership that "shows our Army is truly one Army" and is helping the Army keep its ranks filled with quality recruits. That's particularly important, he said, as the Army increases its active-force end strength by .2 percent by the end of 2010.
"We're on track to meet that goal, and if our trends continue, we may well exceed it. Certainly we are on track to meet it," he said. "Active First deserves growing credit for our ability to meet that goal.
"This partnership is bearing great fruit for the total Army," he added.
The Active First program has three phases. Recruits first join their hometown National Guard unit, which prepares them for the second phase: basic training and an active Army tour. After finishing out their active-duty commitments, the soldiers return to the National Guard to resume their eight-year military obligation.
Vaugh acknowledged that some Active First recruits ultimately may decide to stay on active duty rather than returning to the Guard. "Do we care if they stay on active duty? No. That's a great thing for the nation," he said.
Those Active First troops who finish out their commitments in the Guard will be welcomed additions to their Guard units because they can hit the ground running without immediately having to be sent off for training, Vaughn said. "They come back from a professional development tour in the active duty and they become valued and treasured members of that organization," he said. "So when we look at this thing and say, 'Is this a win?' it is a big win."
Officials say the program's strength is that it draws on the National Guard's close ties in the communities to draw troops into the force. "The Guard has strong contacts in the community all over America, and it is these contacts and the trust that the communities of America have in Guardsmen that enabled this program to get off the ground with such great strength," Geren said.
Troops who enlist through the program get the benefit of being mentored in their hometowns to ensure they're prepared for basic training, Vaughn said. They go to the firing ranges with their units and get exposed to a variety of military training activities. "We try to get every experience to them before they get to training," Vaughn said. "We make sure they start up this path the right way, and they make something for all of us to be proud of," he said.
About 60 percent of recruits into the Active First program were referred through another soldier, officials said. Pfc. Matt Millen, who joined the program through the Kansas National Guard, said a friend referred him. One Active First recruit, 19-year-old Pvt. Damien L. Jones, said he's already referred three other recruits through the program.
The program offers big bonus incentives: $40,000 for troops who sign up for four years of active duty, $30,000 for 36 months of active duty, and $20,000 for 30 months of active duty. Active First recruits who return to the National Guard after their active-duty commitments receive another $20,000, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 10, 2008 - Army Secretary Pete Geren is crediting a new National Guard program that brings new recruits into the active Army with a commitment to finish up their tours in the Guard or Reserve as an example of innovative initiatives that are helping maintain the force. More than 500 recruits enlisted in the "Active First" program since its kick-off Oct. 1. Army Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, director of the Army Guard, said he has no doubt the program will live up to Geren's 1,600-recruit goal for fiscal 2008.
"Sixteen hundred is not going to be hard, not at all," Vaughn said.
Geren called the program a partnership that "shows our Army is truly one Army" and is helping the Army keep its ranks filled with quality recruits. That's particularly important, he said, as the Army increases its active-force end strength by .2 percent by the end of 2010.
"We're on track to meet that goal, and if our trends continue, we may well exceed it. Certainly we are on track to meet it," he said. "Active First deserves growing credit for our ability to meet that goal.
"This partnership is bearing great fruit for the total Army," he added.
The Active First program has three phases. Recruits first join their hometown National Guard unit, which prepares them for the second phase: basic training and an active Army tour. After finishing out their active-duty commitments, the soldiers return to the National Guard to resume their eight-year military obligation.
Vaugh acknowledged that some Active First recruits ultimately may decide to stay on active duty rather than returning to the Guard. "Do we care if they stay on active duty? No. That's a great thing for the nation," he said.
Those Active First troops who finish out their commitments in the Guard will be welcomed additions to their Guard units because they can hit the ground running without immediately having to be sent off for training, Vaughn said. "They come back from a professional development tour in the active duty and they become valued and treasured members of that organization," he said. "So when we look at this thing and say, 'Is this a win?' it is a big win."
Officials say the program's strength is that it draws on the National Guard's close ties in the communities to draw troops into the force. "The Guard has strong contacts in the community all over America, and it is these contacts and the trust that the communities of America have in Guardsmen that enabled this program to get off the ground with such great strength," Geren said.
Troops who enlist through the program get the benefit of being mentored in their hometowns to ensure they're prepared for basic training, Vaughn said. They go to the firing ranges with their units and get exposed to a variety of military training activities. "We try to get every experience to them before they get to training," Vaughn said. "We make sure they start up this path the right way, and they make something for all of us to be proud of," he said.
About 60 percent of recruits into the Active First program were referred through another soldier, officials said. Pfc. Matt Millen, who joined the program through the Kansas National Guard, said a friend referred him. One Active First recruit, 19-year-old Pvt. Damien L. Jones, said he's already referred three other recruits through the program.
The program offers big bonus incentives: $40,000 for troops who sign up for four years of active duty, $30,000 for 36 months of active duty, and $20,000 for 30 months of active duty. Active First recruits who return to the National Guard after their active-duty commitments receive another $20,000, officials said.
INTREPIDITY . . . .AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE ARMY PROFESSION
How many Army soldiers, particularly Leaders, who just read the title of this opinion piece, knew the meaning of the first word; how many brought to their reading an accurate understanding of the term? More importantly, how many Army Leaders could place a true meaning of the word into the context of the Army as a unique profession producing, for the security of the American people, fighting forces for effective land combat? Where does intrepidity fit in what the Army produces and how does the profession develop such a thing?
READ ON
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub847.pdf
READ ON
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub847.pdf
ChemBio Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- January 9, 2008
New York Presses To Deploy More Bioweapons Sensors
“[New York] City officials last month quietly activated some of the nation's newest generation of early warning sensors to detect a biological attack, turning on a limited number of filing-cabinet-size air filters in sensitive, high-volume areas of Manhattan. But city officials say their effort to expand the program has run into surprising resistance from the White House, which is not widely deploying the machines. Five years ago, officials here note, the Bush administration was prodding local authorities to move faster to detect the use of biological weapons and pouring billions into biosecurity-related initiatives. New York's leaders now say the administration's enthusiasm and sense of urgency has flagged in its final year in office.” (Washington Post, 09Jan08; Spencer S. Hsu) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR2008010803892.html?hpid=topnews
Will ‘NIMBY’ Syndrome Kill N.C. [North Carolina]’s Chances for Bioterror Lab?
“Tuesday’s news that the Granville County [North Carolina] Board of Commissioners has pulled support for building a bioterrorism lab near Butner is bad news for the project. The NIMBY syndrome – as in ‘not in my back yard’ – will chill local and state efforts to win the $450 million project and the hundreds of scientific research jobs that go with it.
However, […] federal officials are at fault for not helping to allay people’s concerns about the project. ‘Homeland Security is not talking to people, not answering their questions,’ local resident John Monroe [said]. Have concerns about the project? Go to our Web site, said Homeland Security. Poor communication about what exactly the project is – and how dangerous it could be – could very well throw North Carolina’s extensive recruitment efforts into turmoil.” (WRAL LocalTechWire.com, 09Jan08, Rick
Smith)
http://www.localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/opinion/blogpost/2275140/
Lab electrician contends firing was retaliatory
“A former electrician at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton [Montana] is alleging that he was fired last spring after lodging complaints about safety breaches at the research facility, which is building a lab to study dangerous diseases such as Ebola. The matter goes before a federal administrative judge in Missoula today for a two-day hearing to determine if managers fired the man as punishment for being a whistle-blower. Rick Hurley, a licensed master electrician who has worked for the federal government for more than 20 years, filed a whistle-blower complaint in March 2006. The National Institutes of Health, which ultimately oversees the lab, issued a statement Monday saying officials investigated all of Hurley's complaints regarding electrical safety at the lab and found them baseless. […] At issue in today's hearing is not whether Hurley's allegations are true, but if the lab was right to fire him and whether managers did so in retaliation for his allegations. The hearing is a result of Hurley's appealing his April 2007 termination.” (Billings Gazette, 07Jan08, Jennifer McKee) http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/01/08/news/state/24-electrician.txt
The growing number of immunocompromised
“It's estimated that about 10 million people in the United States (3.6 percent of the population) are immunocompromised. But that's likely an underestimate because it only includes those with HIV/AIDS (diagnosed and undiagnosed), organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients; there's a sizable population that takes immunosuppressive drugs for other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. This is a concern because while modern medicine allows many immunocompromised individuals to live longer, they're at an increased risk for acquiring and spreading infections to others. […] Agents of bioterrorism such as smallpox also pose a great risk to the immunocompromised, who are ineligible for the smallpox vaccine because it contains an active (although weakened) virus that could cause a deadly adverse reaction.”
(Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 07Jan08, Laura H. Kahn) http://www.thebulletin.org/columns/laura-kahn/20080107.html
Oregon commission reopens public testimony on Umatilla waste
“In response to a lawsuit, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted Tuesday to reopen public comment on the disposal of secondary waste from the destruction of aging chemical weapons stored at the Umatilla Chemical Depot near Hermiston. The waste includes plastic protective suits used by workers and contaminated carbon filters from the incinerators used to destroy the stockpile of Cold War chemical weapons at the Army depot in Eastern Oregon. The Government Accountability Project, based in Washington, D.C., won a ruling in April in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland ordering the state to review the ‘best available technology’ for disposing of secondary waste.” (OregonLive.com, 08Jan08, AP) http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1199832242189460.xml&storylist=orlocal
Army Corps hopes to resume chemical munitions dig
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is awaiting a safety board's approval to resume digging for buried chemical munitions near American University [Washington, D.C.]. Army Corps officials say they stopped digging in early December after the discovery of a shell that was configured to explode. Project manager Dan Noble says it's only the second explosively configured munition found in 15 years of digging for World War I munitions buried in the area. In a meeting with nearby residents late Tuesday, officials said the shell did not have a fuse attached, making the chance of an explosion highly unlikely. The Army operated a chemical warfare station at the university to develop and test weapons during the war. Munitions were buried behind the campus when the Army left decades ago.” (Examiner.com, 09Jan08)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1146999~Army_Corps_hopes_to_resume_chemical_munitions_dig.html
Feds, farm groups working to improve security of high-risk farm chemicals
“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to make the screening process regarding chemical security regulations more appropriate for farmers. The department recently announced a delay that exempts farmers and other agricultural facilities from having to complete the vulnerability screening, which has caused some confusion about who should complete the screening and who is exempt. The screening will help DHS determine if it needs to follow up with individuals to do further vulnerability assessments, according to a university report. ‘The system that is in place for chemical manufacturing, refining and distribution plants is not ideal for farm operations,’ says Purdue University Extension Disaster Education Network communication specialist and field staff liaison Steve Cain. ‘The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and farm organizations will work with the department to help develop a system more appropriate for agriculture.’” (Agriculture Online, 09Jan08) http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/1199892909300.xml
Poison sent to councillor 'strong enough to kill'
“The poison in a vodka bottle sent to a Blackburn [U.K.] councillor as part of a campaign for Scottish independence was strong enough to kill him, a court heard. Wayne Cook, 45, is on trial at the court charged with two counts of using noxious substances or things to cause harm and intimidate, under anti-terrorism legislation. The unemployed father-of-three is accused of sending a miniature bottle of vodka filled with caustic soda to Darwen councillor John Wright in April 2007 while another parcel with the same contents was posted to a Scottish journalist, Myra Philp. […] It is alleged that the parcels were sent as part of a campaign by the Scottish National Liberation Army (SNLA) to force the British Government out of Scotland. Cook denies the charges.” (Blackburn Citizen, 09Jan08, Telegraph Newsdesk) http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.1953786.0.poison_sent_to_councillor_strong_enought_to_kill.php
Congress Calls for Outside Look at Radiation Detectors
“The omnibus spending bill passed late last year by Congress has placed additional hurdles in front of the Homeland Security Department’s drive to roll out next-generation radiation detectors at U.S. ports, including demanding an outside scientific evaluation of the technology. The new requirements are just the latest development in a more than yearlong battle between the Government Accountability Office, lawmakers and DHS officials over the efficacy of the new technology and the way in which the department has tested it. The new detectors, called Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitors (or ASPs), are designed to not only detect radiation but to identify the nature of its source, eliminating the need for time-consuming secondary inspections to determine whether the material is innocuous or dangerous. A number of mundane items regularly shipped into the United States, including ceramic tiles and bananas, contain radioactive isotopes that can set off the radiation detectors.” (Global Security Newswire, 09Jan08, Jon Fox)
http://www.nti.org/d_newswire/issues/2008_1_9.html#65053A68
Press candidates on threat of nuclear terrorism, two say
“Voters should press the presidential candidates to say what they would do, if elected, to prevent terrorists from carrying out a nuclear attack in the U.S., an expert on nuclear terrorism and the daughter of a victim of the Sept. 11 attacks said Tuesday. Michael Hurley, a counter terrorism advisor to the Nuclear Threat Initiative and a senior staff member to the
911 Commission, and Carie Lemack, founder of Families of September 11, commended efforts since the 2001 attacks to avoid a promised al-Qaida-led nuclear attack on the nation, but they said more can be done.” (Arkansas News Bureau, 09Jan08, Rob Moritz) http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2008/01/09/News/344767.html
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
For more information and resources on CBW and WMD terrorism, visit the web page of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, at http://cns.miis.edu/research/cbw/index.htm
“[New York] City officials last month quietly activated some of the nation's newest generation of early warning sensors to detect a biological attack, turning on a limited number of filing-cabinet-size air filters in sensitive, high-volume areas of Manhattan. But city officials say their effort to expand the program has run into surprising resistance from the White House, which is not widely deploying the machines. Five years ago, officials here note, the Bush administration was prodding local authorities to move faster to detect the use of biological weapons and pouring billions into biosecurity-related initiatives. New York's leaders now say the administration's enthusiasm and sense of urgency has flagged in its final year in office.” (Washington Post, 09Jan08; Spencer S. Hsu) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR2008010803892.html?hpid=topnews
Will ‘NIMBY’ Syndrome Kill N.C. [North Carolina]’s Chances for Bioterror Lab?
“Tuesday’s news that the Granville County [North Carolina] Board of Commissioners has pulled support for building a bioterrorism lab near Butner is bad news for the project. The NIMBY syndrome – as in ‘not in my back yard’ – will chill local and state efforts to win the $450 million project and the hundreds of scientific research jobs that go with it.
However, […] federal officials are at fault for not helping to allay people’s concerns about the project. ‘Homeland Security is not talking to people, not answering their questions,’ local resident John Monroe [said]. Have concerns about the project? Go to our Web site, said Homeland Security. Poor communication about what exactly the project is – and how dangerous it could be – could very well throw North Carolina’s extensive recruitment efforts into turmoil.” (WRAL LocalTechWire.com, 09Jan08, Rick
Smith)
http://www.localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/opinion/blogpost/2275140/
Lab electrician contends firing was retaliatory
“A former electrician at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton [Montana] is alleging that he was fired last spring after lodging complaints about safety breaches at the research facility, which is building a lab to study dangerous diseases such as Ebola. The matter goes before a federal administrative judge in Missoula today for a two-day hearing to determine if managers fired the man as punishment for being a whistle-blower. Rick Hurley, a licensed master electrician who has worked for the federal government for more than 20 years, filed a whistle-blower complaint in March 2006. The National Institutes of Health, which ultimately oversees the lab, issued a statement Monday saying officials investigated all of Hurley's complaints regarding electrical safety at the lab and found them baseless. […] At issue in today's hearing is not whether Hurley's allegations are true, but if the lab was right to fire him and whether managers did so in retaliation for his allegations. The hearing is a result of Hurley's appealing his April 2007 termination.” (Billings Gazette, 07Jan08, Jennifer McKee) http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/01/08/news/state/24-electrician.txt
The growing number of immunocompromised
“It's estimated that about 10 million people in the United States (3.6 percent of the population) are immunocompromised. But that's likely an underestimate because it only includes those with HIV/AIDS (diagnosed and undiagnosed), organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients; there's a sizable population that takes immunosuppressive drugs for other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. This is a concern because while modern medicine allows many immunocompromised individuals to live longer, they're at an increased risk for acquiring and spreading infections to others. […] Agents of bioterrorism such as smallpox also pose a great risk to the immunocompromised, who are ineligible for the smallpox vaccine because it contains an active (although weakened) virus that could cause a deadly adverse reaction.”
(Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 07Jan08, Laura H. Kahn) http://www.thebulletin.org/columns/laura-kahn/20080107.html
Oregon commission reopens public testimony on Umatilla waste
“In response to a lawsuit, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted Tuesday to reopen public comment on the disposal of secondary waste from the destruction of aging chemical weapons stored at the Umatilla Chemical Depot near Hermiston. The waste includes plastic protective suits used by workers and contaminated carbon filters from the incinerators used to destroy the stockpile of Cold War chemical weapons at the Army depot in Eastern Oregon. The Government Accountability Project, based in Washington, D.C., won a ruling in April in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland ordering the state to review the ‘best available technology’ for disposing of secondary waste.” (OregonLive.com, 08Jan08, AP) http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1199832242189460.xml&storylist=orlocal
Army Corps hopes to resume chemical munitions dig
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is awaiting a safety board's approval to resume digging for buried chemical munitions near American University [Washington, D.C.]. Army Corps officials say they stopped digging in early December after the discovery of a shell that was configured to explode. Project manager Dan Noble says it's only the second explosively configured munition found in 15 years of digging for World War I munitions buried in the area. In a meeting with nearby residents late Tuesday, officials said the shell did not have a fuse attached, making the chance of an explosion highly unlikely. The Army operated a chemical warfare station at the university to develop and test weapons during the war. Munitions were buried behind the campus when the Army left decades ago.” (Examiner.com, 09Jan08)
http://www.examiner.com/a-1146999~Army_Corps_hopes_to_resume_chemical_munitions_dig.html
Feds, farm groups working to improve security of high-risk farm chemicals
“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to make the screening process regarding chemical security regulations more appropriate for farmers. The department recently announced a delay that exempts farmers and other agricultural facilities from having to complete the vulnerability screening, which has caused some confusion about who should complete the screening and who is exempt. The screening will help DHS determine if it needs to follow up with individuals to do further vulnerability assessments, according to a university report. ‘The system that is in place for chemical manufacturing, refining and distribution plants is not ideal for farm operations,’ says Purdue University Extension Disaster Education Network communication specialist and field staff liaison Steve Cain. ‘The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and farm organizations will work with the department to help develop a system more appropriate for agriculture.’” (Agriculture Online, 09Jan08) http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/1199892909300.xml
Poison sent to councillor 'strong enough to kill'
“The poison in a vodka bottle sent to a Blackburn [U.K.] councillor as part of a campaign for Scottish independence was strong enough to kill him, a court heard. Wayne Cook, 45, is on trial at the court charged with two counts of using noxious substances or things to cause harm and intimidate, under anti-terrorism legislation. The unemployed father-of-three is accused of sending a miniature bottle of vodka filled with caustic soda to Darwen councillor John Wright in April 2007 while another parcel with the same contents was posted to a Scottish journalist, Myra Philp. […] It is alleged that the parcels were sent as part of a campaign by the Scottish National Liberation Army (SNLA) to force the British Government out of Scotland. Cook denies the charges.” (Blackburn Citizen, 09Jan08, Telegraph Newsdesk) http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.1953786.0.poison_sent_to_councillor_strong_enought_to_kill.php
Congress Calls for Outside Look at Radiation Detectors
“The omnibus spending bill passed late last year by Congress has placed additional hurdles in front of the Homeland Security Department’s drive to roll out next-generation radiation detectors at U.S. ports, including demanding an outside scientific evaluation of the technology. The new requirements are just the latest development in a more than yearlong battle between the Government Accountability Office, lawmakers and DHS officials over the efficacy of the new technology and the way in which the department has tested it. The new detectors, called Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitors (or ASPs), are designed to not only detect radiation but to identify the nature of its source, eliminating the need for time-consuming secondary inspections to determine whether the material is innocuous or dangerous. A number of mundane items regularly shipped into the United States, including ceramic tiles and bananas, contain radioactive isotopes that can set off the radiation detectors.” (Global Security Newswire, 09Jan08, Jon Fox)
http://www.nti.org/d_newswire/issues/2008_1_9.html#65053A68
Press candidates on threat of nuclear terrorism, two say
“Voters should press the presidential candidates to say what they would do, if elected, to prevent terrorists from carrying out a nuclear attack in the U.S., an expert on nuclear terrorism and the daughter of a victim of the Sept. 11 attacks said Tuesday. Michael Hurley, a counter terrorism advisor to the Nuclear Threat Initiative and a senior staff member to the
911 Commission, and Carie Lemack, founder of Families of September 11, commended efforts since the 2001 attacks to avoid a promised al-Qaida-led nuclear attack on the nation, but they said more can be done.” (Arkansas News Bureau, 09Jan08, Rob Moritz) http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2008/01/09/News/344767.html
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
For more information and resources on CBW and WMD terrorism, visit the web page of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, at http://cns.miis.edu/research/cbw/index.htm
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Sneak Peak at Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style
January 8, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Dr. Andrew J. Harvey and Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA announced that portions of their book, Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style, were available for public review using the “Search Inside” function on Amazon.com. Go to www.pokerleadership.com and click on the image of the book and you will be taken directly to the Amazon.com page.
About the Book:
Using poker as analogy for leadership, Captain Andrew J. Harvey, CPD (ret.), Ed.D. and Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA found the right mix of practical experience and academic credentials to write a definitive book for leaders. Working together, Harvey and Foster have written Leadership: Texas Hold em Style. Most often leaders find they are given a set of resources people, equipment, funds, experience and a mission. As Foster noted, You are dealt a certain hand. How you play that hand as a leader determines your success
More than a book: A fun and entertaining journey through leadership that includes an interactive website to supplement knowledge gained from the book.
Proven and Tested: Not an academic approach to leadership, but rather a road-tested guide that has been developed through 50-years of author experience.
High Impact: Through the use of perspective, reflection, and knowledge, provides information that turns leadership potential into leadership practice.
Ease of Application: Theory is reinforced with real-life experience, which results in accessible and practical tools leaders can put to use immediately.
High Road Approach: Personal character and ethical beliefs are woven into each leadership approach, so leaders do the right thing for the right reasons.
Uses Game of Poker: Rather than a dry approach that is all fact and no flavor, the game of poker is used as a lens through which to view leadership concepts.
About the Authors:
Andrew J. Harvey served in law enforcement for 25 years, the last 12 as a captain with a Southern California police agency. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal State Los Angeles, and an educational doctorate in the field of organizational leadership from Pepperdine University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the California POST Command College, the West Point Leadership Program, and is recognized in California as a master instructor.
Dr. Andrew J. Harvey is an experienced college educator, currently serving as a professor at the University of Phoenix, and as a faculty advisor at the Union Institute and University. He has been published numerous times in national and international publications. He is a recognized expert in leadership and career development, and has served as an instructor in command leadership at the Los Angeles Police Department Academy.
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. He has completed the course work for his doctorate in Business Research. Raymond is a graduate of the West Point Leadership program and has attended law enforcement, technology and leadership programs such as the National Institute for Justice, Technology Institute, Washington, DC.
Raymond E. Foster 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 E. Foster 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.
For more information about the authors, send and email to editor@police-writers.com
About the Book:
Using poker as analogy for leadership, Captain Andrew J. Harvey, CPD (ret.), Ed.D. and Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA found the right mix of practical experience and academic credentials to write a definitive book for leaders. Working together, Harvey and Foster have written Leadership: Texas Hold em Style. Most often leaders find they are given a set of resources people, equipment, funds, experience and a mission. As Foster noted, You are dealt a certain hand. How you play that hand as a leader determines your success
More than a book: A fun and entertaining journey through leadership that includes an interactive website to supplement knowledge gained from the book.
Proven and Tested: Not an academic approach to leadership, but rather a road-tested guide that has been developed through 50-years of author experience.
High Impact: Through the use of perspective, reflection, and knowledge, provides information that turns leadership potential into leadership practice.
Ease of Application: Theory is reinforced with real-life experience, which results in accessible and practical tools leaders can put to use immediately.
High Road Approach: Personal character and ethical beliefs are woven into each leadership approach, so leaders do the right thing for the right reasons.
Uses Game of Poker: Rather than a dry approach that is all fact and no flavor, the game of poker is used as a lens through which to view leadership concepts.
About the Authors:
Andrew J. Harvey served in law enforcement for 25 years, the last 12 as a captain with a Southern California police agency. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal State Los Angeles, and an educational doctorate in the field of organizational leadership from Pepperdine University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the California POST Command College, the West Point Leadership Program, and is recognized in California as a master instructor.
Dr. Andrew J. Harvey is an experienced college educator, currently serving as a professor at the University of Phoenix, and as a faculty advisor at the Union Institute and University. He has been published numerous times in national and international publications. He is a recognized expert in leadership and career development, and has served as an instructor in command leadership at the Los Angeles Police Department Academy.
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. He has completed the course work for his doctorate in Business Research. Raymond is a graduate of the West Point Leadership program and has attended law enforcement, technology and leadership programs such as the National Institute for Justice, Technology Institute, Washington, DC.
Raymond E. Foster 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 E. Foster 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.
For more information about the authors, send and email to editor@police-writers.com
Defense Secretary Meets With Troops in California
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.
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.
'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.)
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