AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $262,500,000 contract for the long lead parts and material procurement for the 4th Space Based Infrared Systems Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Satellite and the 4th Highly Elliptical Orit Payload. At this time $137, 125,000 has been obligated. Space Based Infrared Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002).
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory, San Jose, Calif., was awarded a $71,147,842 cost plus incentive fee contract to provide MQ-1 unmanned aerial system communication intelligence airborne signals intelligence payload -1 C scaled sensors for the Predator unmanned aerial system. At this time, $69,851,657 has been obligated at this time. Reconnaissance Systems Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-3004).
ARMY
J. Kokolakis Contracting, Inc., Bohemia, N.Y., was awarded on July 7, 2009 a $ 103,748,350 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of relocation of United States Military Preparatory School, United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Work is to b performed in West Point, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 7, 2012. Sixty bids solicited with six bids received. Corp of Engineers, CENAN-CT, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-09-C-0012).
Alliant Techsystems Inc. Keyser, W.V., was awarded on July 8, 2009 a $ 5,725,179 firm-fixed-price contract for the M11155A1 Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS) System. Work is to be performed in Keyser, W.V., with an estimated completion date of July 23, 2012. Three bids solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, CCJM-CA, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-C-0095).
NAVY
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded $71,081,162 for firm-fixed- priced delivery order 0006 modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of battle damage assessment and repair (BDAR) kits. This order is in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. The BDAR Kits will sustain both the MaxxPro Base and MaxxPro Plus vehicle variants. Work will be performed at the Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, and deliveries are expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $71,081,162 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The base contract was competitively awarded, and the new requirements are sole source additions to the contract. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $33,066,885 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2307) to exercise options for the accomplishment of Lead Yard Class services for the DDG 51 Class AEGIS destroyer program. This work will provide technical assistance to the Follow Yard in the interpretation and application of the detailed design developed by Bath Iron Works Corp., the Lead Yard contractor. DDG 51 Class services include: liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistic services, class design agent services and class change design services for follow ships. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics – Ordnance and Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $20,756,123 firm-fixed-price delivery order #0021 under previously awarded contract M67854-05-D-6014, for the procurement of 20 full rate production expeditionary fire support systems (EFSS) together with their corresponding basic issue item kits, additional authorization list hardware and mortar weapon spares. The EFSS provides all-weather, ground-based, close supporting, accurate, immediately responsive, and lethal indirect fires. The EFSS is defined as a launcher, mobility platform (prime mover), ammunition (not included in this order), ammunition supply vehicle, and technical fire direction equipment necessary for orienting the weapon on to an azimuth of fire and accurately computing firing data. Work will be performed in St. Aubin, France (29 percent); Robbins, N.C. (10 percent); and Forest, Va. (7 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The basic contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-05-D-6014).
The Northrop Grumman Corporation, Marine Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $14,318,064 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract to develop and design launcher subsystem risk reduction demonstration hardware, test stand, and necessary related test equipment with the capability to conduct an underwater launch demonstration of a D5 missile in a large diameter missile tube. This contract contains an option, which is exercised will bring the contract value to $17,111,932. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Mar. 31, 2010, with one option for studies with a period of performance of 12 months from the date the option is exercised (if exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-09-C-0015).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $12,803,117 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide the engineering, material and test support for the Joint Multi Effects Warhead System Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD). The JCTD will serve to integrate several warhead technologies onto the Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile, and demonstrate an expanded capability against hard and large area targets using a two-stage warhead design in a "multi-effects" system. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (90 percent) and China Lake, Calif., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to the FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0062).
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $10,234,993 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for engineering services in support of the AN/BYG-1 Weapons Control System. The 117,000 engineering service hours will be used to migrate the AN/BYG-1 weapons control system from a technology insertion (TI-08) baseline to a TI-10 baseline and integrate advanced processing build (APB-09) and deliver this capability in multiple variants to multiple submarine platforms. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., (53.6 percent); Cape Canaveral, Fla., (17.6 percent); Roswell, Ga., (12.5 percent); Middletown, R.I., (7.7 percent); McLean, Va., (2.6 percent); Hampton, Va., (4.6 percent); Greensboro, N.C., (1.2 percent); Arlington, Va., (.05 percent); Fairfax Station, Va., (.06 percent); and Waterford, Conn., (.09 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-6246).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Belleville Shoe Mfg., Co., Belleville, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $21,969,550 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other location of performance is Arkansas. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second one-year option period. The date of performance completion is July 9, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1518).
Altama Footwear, Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $19,363,621 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract hot weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are Puerto Rico and Tennessee. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second one-year option period. The date of performance completion is July 9, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C10-07-D-1519).
Wellco Enterprises, Inc., Waynesville, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $14,498,933 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are Puerto Rico. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second one-year option period. The date of performance completion is July 9, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1522).
Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico is being awarded a maximum $6,940,833 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, contract for utility coveralls. Other locations of performance are Puerto Rico. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was Web solicited with 13 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first one-year option period. The date of performance completion is Oct. 10, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-08-D-1054).
Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc., Nelsonville, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $6,149,352 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are Puerto Rico. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second one-year option period. The date of performance completion is July 9, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1523).
Friday, July 10, 2009
Stavridis at Forward Edge as Military Embraces Social Media
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The very day he assumed his post as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe last week, Navy Adm. James Stavridis reached out in a way none of the previous 15 NATO commanders since Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower had: he posted a blog. Stavridis has had a lot of firsts in his military career. He's the first sailor to hold NATO's top military post and command of U.S. European Command. But before that, he was the first geographic combatant commander, at U.S. Southern Command, to use Facebook and a personal blog to convey the importance of partnership and cooperation to confront threats facing Latin America and the Caribbean.
Now in his new post, he's wasting no time using the social media to get word out about his goals for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and Eucom.
Stavridis named his new blog, "From the Bridge," a reference to the two commands' focus on bridging the Atlantic to link the United States and Europe.
With headquarters in both Mons, Belgium, and Stuttgart, Germany, he acknowledged in his inaugural blog the importance of being able to communicate Eucom's and NATO's message intelligently -- and his own leadership principles effectively.
"The professional characteristics that matter to me are simple: civility, quiet confidence, creativity, teamwork and collaboration, determination, and -- above all -- honesty and integrity," he wrote. "I'll write a future post about these characteristics and why I think they are essential."
Stavridis may be among the pioneers in recognizing the importance of social media to the military, but he's far from the exception. A growing number of senior military and defense leaders are turning to blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter entries and other social networking venues to share information and seek feedback.
They're using these new tools to communicate their goals and activities, seek broader input they can apply to their decision making, and engage with groups that simply can't be reached through traditional communication channels.
The efforts run the gamut -- from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' Facebook page to Joint Chiefs Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's Twitter entries to blogs regularly updated by everyone from combatant commanders to troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Social media is a new phenomenon, with the first recognizable social network site tracing its roots to just 1997. But it's taken the world by storm. By some estimates, more than 60 million people maintain a blog. Meanwhile, the MySpace and Facebook social networking sites have quickly risen to become the most-visited U.S. Web sites.
The military has taken notice.
Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was among the first military leaders to embrace social media. Before his current post, while commanding U.S. Strategic Command, he made the cutting-edge move of launching a command-and-control blog. His goal was to cut through the traditional top-down military structure and information stovepipes to improve communications.
Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart, commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, blogs regularly on his command's Web site.
When U.S. Africa Command was standing up as the newest geographic command, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward made the first entry on its online blog, "Africom Dialogue" to describe the command's goals to his own staff and the public at large. Since then, Ward and his staff regularly post updates about the command's activities in the region, providing a feedback box that invites readers to respond.
Mullen announced on a July 2 Twitter "tweet" that he'd just launched his own Facebook page. More than 3,300 of his Twitter followers get regular updates of his travels, messages and other news.
Meanwhile, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, has been a long-time Facebook member. More than 6,250 fans have signed up for his page, and their comments are posted unfiltered, alongside many photos.
Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, updates his Facebook page daily with photos, news and comments from his fans. The fan base grew exponentially -- to almost 3,000 members -- just two and a half weeks after the page launched in early April, after it was mentioned during a TV interview.
These and other defense leaders recognize social media forums as the information tool of choice among the "millennial generation" -- 18-to-25-year-olds, many of whom don't read newspapers, tune in to network news or visit official Web sites.
In addition, they introduce a dynamic that leaders simply can't get through traditional communication methods: unfettered two-way engagement.
For example, 19 responders to Stavridis' new blog extended nuggets that may -- or may not -- have made it to him through his handlers. Most offered congratulations and best wishes. A couple had questions or advice about addressing strategic communications within NATO. One suggested that he make a video of himself when he travels to Afghanistan to underscore why the mission there matters.
"I'd like this forum to be a place where we can share ideas and opinions," Stavridis wrote, responding to their comments. "Please feel free to share your thoughts on how we might communicate most effectively -- or on anything else, for that matter!"
Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, the new Southcom commander, quickly took Stavridis' lead, posting his first "In the Americas" blog July 3, a week after his change-of-command ceremony in Miami.
Fraser used his first blog message to outline his expectations of his staff and himself in engaging with the region. But he also made it clear he welcomes the open and professional exchange taking place throughout the command, the product of hard work and communication that can only be enhanced through social media tools.
"I hope we can all continue to build on this," he wrote. "I truly feel that no one of us is as strong as all of us together!"
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The very day he assumed his post as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe last week, Navy Adm. James Stavridis reached out in a way none of the previous 15 NATO commanders since Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower had: he posted a blog. Stavridis has had a lot of firsts in his military career. He's the first sailor to hold NATO's top military post and command of U.S. European Command. But before that, he was the first geographic combatant commander, at U.S. Southern Command, to use Facebook and a personal blog to convey the importance of partnership and cooperation to confront threats facing Latin America and the Caribbean.
Now in his new post, he's wasting no time using the social media to get word out about his goals for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and Eucom.
Stavridis named his new blog, "From the Bridge," a reference to the two commands' focus on bridging the Atlantic to link the United States and Europe.
With headquarters in both Mons, Belgium, and Stuttgart, Germany, he acknowledged in his inaugural blog the importance of being able to communicate Eucom's and NATO's message intelligently -- and his own leadership principles effectively.
"The professional characteristics that matter to me are simple: civility, quiet confidence, creativity, teamwork and collaboration, determination, and -- above all -- honesty and integrity," he wrote. "I'll write a future post about these characteristics and why I think they are essential."
Stavridis may be among the pioneers in recognizing the importance of social media to the military, but he's far from the exception. A growing number of senior military and defense leaders are turning to blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter entries and other social networking venues to share information and seek feedback.
They're using these new tools to communicate their goals and activities, seek broader input they can apply to their decision making, and engage with groups that simply can't be reached through traditional communication channels.
The efforts run the gamut -- from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' Facebook page to Joint Chiefs Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's Twitter entries to blogs regularly updated by everyone from combatant commanders to troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Social media is a new phenomenon, with the first recognizable social network site tracing its roots to just 1997. But it's taken the world by storm. By some estimates, more than 60 million people maintain a blog. Meanwhile, the MySpace and Facebook social networking sites have quickly risen to become the most-visited U.S. Web sites.
The military has taken notice.
Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was among the first military leaders to embrace social media. Before his current post, while commanding U.S. Strategic Command, he made the cutting-edge move of launching a command-and-control blog. His goal was to cut through the traditional top-down military structure and information stovepipes to improve communications.
Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart, commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, blogs regularly on his command's Web site.
When U.S. Africa Command was standing up as the newest geographic command, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward made the first entry on its online blog, "Africom Dialogue" to describe the command's goals to his own staff and the public at large. Since then, Ward and his staff regularly post updates about the command's activities in the region, providing a feedback box that invites readers to respond.
Mullen announced on a July 2 Twitter "tweet" that he'd just launched his own Facebook page. More than 3,300 of his Twitter followers get regular updates of his travels, messages and other news.
Meanwhile, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, has been a long-time Facebook member. More than 6,250 fans have signed up for his page, and their comments are posted unfiltered, alongside many photos.
Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, updates his Facebook page daily with photos, news and comments from his fans. The fan base grew exponentially -- to almost 3,000 members -- just two and a half weeks after the page launched in early April, after it was mentioned during a TV interview.
These and other defense leaders recognize social media forums as the information tool of choice among the "millennial generation" -- 18-to-25-year-olds, many of whom don't read newspapers, tune in to network news or visit official Web sites.
In addition, they introduce a dynamic that leaders simply can't get through traditional communication methods: unfettered two-way engagement.
For example, 19 responders to Stavridis' new blog extended nuggets that may -- or may not -- have made it to him through his handlers. Most offered congratulations and best wishes. A couple had questions or advice about addressing strategic communications within NATO. One suggested that he make a video of himself when he travels to Afghanistan to underscore why the mission there matters.
"I'd like this forum to be a place where we can share ideas and opinions," Stavridis wrote, responding to their comments. "Please feel free to share your thoughts on how we might communicate most effectively -- or on anything else, for that matter!"
Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, the new Southcom commander, quickly took Stavridis' lead, posting his first "In the Americas" blog July 3, a week after his change-of-command ceremony in Miami.
Fraser used his first blog message to outline his expectations of his staff and himself in engaging with the region. But he also made it clear he welcomes the open and professional exchange taking place throughout the command, the product of hard work and communication that can only be enhanced through social media tools.
"I hope we can all continue to build on this," he wrote. "I truly feel that no one of us is as strong as all of us together!"
Chairman Welcomes New National Defense University President
By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - If anyone can build on the achievements of the National Defense University's outgoing president, it's her successor, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a change-of-command ceremony here today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen officiated as Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frances Wilson passed command of the institution to Navy Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau in a brief ceremony at Fort McNair, where the university is located.
"I've charged her to ... expand on what Fran has advanced here by inventing a new whole-of-government approach to education in the future of public service," Mullen said. "[I've asked her] to reach out deeper and farther and wider, not just to partners we have, but to those we would like to have to make this university not only about preserving our national defense, but also about pursuing our national security.
"Just a reminder Ann, you have an office call with me a week from Tuesday," he joked.
Those are tall orders considering Wilson's accomplishments. During her three-year tenure as president, she established the Institute for National Security Ethics and Leadership, the Center for Joint and Strategic Logistics Excellence and laid out the university's first formal strategic plan, among other undertakings.
Before Wilson officially handed the reins to Rondeau, Mullen thanked her for her stalwart leadership of the institution.
"I know I speak for the entire staff and faculty of [the National Defense University], as well as the military interagency and international leadership gathered here today, when I say that you will truly be missed," Mullen said. "We thank you for your commitment and your principled leadership, [and] we thank you for caring about the future of public service."
Wilson, in turn, thanked her colleagues and family before welcoming her successor.
"It has been an honor, privilege, and a pleasure to serve with each of you," she said. "Ann, you are about to assume stewardship of a tremendous institution. You will find it uniquely engaging, stimulating, challenging, and ultimately very satisfying."
After accepting the university's flag from Mullen in a symbolic transfer of authority, Rondeau expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the institution's president.
"On this day I thank you for this privilege of service, for the friends and the mentors, and for all of you who are part of this knowledgeable community," she said. "Gratitude and thank you to Lieutenant General Fran Wilson [who has] made my job that much better, because we can take it from here ... based upon the honorable and good decisions which you have made."
Rondeau last served as the deputy commander of U.S. Transportation Command. She holds a degree in history from Eisenhower College, a master's degree in comparative government from Georgetown University, and is pursuing a doctoral degree from Northern Illinois University. This is in addition to holding subspecialty qualifications in political-military affairs, operational intelligence, operations analysis, strategy and planning and military transportation.
Army Guard On Course to Reach End-strength Goal
By Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The Army National Guard is changing recruiting policies to lower its end strength by the end of the fiscal year, Guard officials said today. These changes will enable the Army Guard to decrease its end strength from 362,493 soldiers to a congressionally mandated force of 358,200 by Sept. 30.
"When you go from a growth mode to a contraction mode, it takes six to eight months to get everybody to move towards reduction," said Col. Michael Jones, commander of Army National Guard Strength Command.
The Army National Guard implemented many recruiting initiatives to grow from 330,000 in June 2005 to more than 362,000 in 2008. Increasing bonuses and the number of recruiters, and programs such as the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program, or G-RAP, which pays $1,000 to Guard members for referring someone who enlists and $1,000 when that person ships to basic training, made the difference.
The Army Guard grew by 18,800 members over two fiscal years, an unprecedented growth for any Defense Department component since the draft era, Jones said. For the first time in history, the Army Guard had achieved more total end strength than all other Defense Department components combined.
To adjust this year, the Army Guard is making changes that will affect both soldiers coming into the Guard and those transitioning out.
"We're tightening up the criteria it takes to qualify to come into the National Guard," Jones said. For those enlisting in the Army Guard, the maximum enlistment age is being lowered to 35 from 42. Medical and bad-conduct waivers will not be granted to new enlistees, and enlistment and retention bonuses will be eliminated for all soldiers currently not serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The Army Guard also is making it easier for soldiers to leave. "The discharge process was a little bit cumbersome and a little bit lengthy, so we've streamlined that," Jones said.
Finally, soldiers who fail to ship to basic training within 12 months will be discharged.
"We need to have [soldiers] qualified now," Jones said. "If they can't get qualified now, we need to move them out of our end strength."
Even in a scaled-back recruiting environment, however, some highly sought-after vacancies need to be filled. The Army Guard will shift its focus to officer and warrant officer recruiting and encourage current enlisted members to consider these options.
These measures have had the desired effect on end strength. For the past 12 weeks, the Army Guard's end strength has steadily declined by about 500 soldiers a week. The trend has Jones feeling optimistic about reaching the goal. "We'll get to 358,000," he said. "Not a problem."
Defense Department officials announced overall recruiting numbers for June today. The Army National Guard fell short of its mark, recruiting 84 percent of its goal to add 3,209 soldiers, while the Air National Guard had 867 accessions with a goal of 810, for 107 percent.
(Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The Army National Guard is changing recruiting policies to lower its end strength by the end of the fiscal year, Guard officials said today. These changes will enable the Army Guard to decrease its end strength from 362,493 soldiers to a congressionally mandated force of 358,200 by Sept. 30.
"When you go from a growth mode to a contraction mode, it takes six to eight months to get everybody to move towards reduction," said Col. Michael Jones, commander of Army National Guard Strength Command.
The Army National Guard implemented many recruiting initiatives to grow from 330,000 in June 2005 to more than 362,000 in 2008. Increasing bonuses and the number of recruiters, and programs such as the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program, or G-RAP, which pays $1,000 to Guard members for referring someone who enlists and $1,000 when that person ships to basic training, made the difference.
The Army Guard grew by 18,800 members over two fiscal years, an unprecedented growth for any Defense Department component since the draft era, Jones said. For the first time in history, the Army Guard had achieved more total end strength than all other Defense Department components combined.
To adjust this year, the Army Guard is making changes that will affect both soldiers coming into the Guard and those transitioning out.
"We're tightening up the criteria it takes to qualify to come into the National Guard," Jones said. For those enlisting in the Army Guard, the maximum enlistment age is being lowered to 35 from 42. Medical and bad-conduct waivers will not be granted to new enlistees, and enlistment and retention bonuses will be eliminated for all soldiers currently not serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The Army Guard also is making it easier for soldiers to leave. "The discharge process was a little bit cumbersome and a little bit lengthy, so we've streamlined that," Jones said.
Finally, soldiers who fail to ship to basic training within 12 months will be discharged.
"We need to have [soldiers] qualified now," Jones said. "If they can't get qualified now, we need to move them out of our end strength."
Even in a scaled-back recruiting environment, however, some highly sought-after vacancies need to be filled. The Army Guard will shift its focus to officer and warrant officer recruiting and encourage current enlisted members to consider these options.
These measures have had the desired effect on end strength. For the past 12 weeks, the Army Guard's end strength has steadily declined by about 500 soldiers a week. The trend has Jones feeling optimistic about reaching the goal. "We'll get to 358,000," he said. "Not a problem."
Defense Department officials announced overall recruiting numbers for June today. The Army National Guard fell short of its mark, recruiting 84 percent of its goal to add 3,209 soldiers, while the Air National Guard had 867 accessions with a goal of 810, for 107 percent.
(Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Def Leppard, Raven Drum Foundation Offer Free Concert Tickets
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - To honor the military and provide a little fun and excitement over the summer months, the rock group Def Leppard and Raven Drum Foundation have started giving away 100 free concert tickets to military members and veterans with military ID for each show in the 2009 Def Leppard summer concert tour. Poison and Cheap Trick also will perform on the entire tour.
"Def Leppard's involvement came through a desire to give something back, and what better way to honor these heroes than with a night of music?" said Rick Allen, Def Leppard's drummer and Raven Drum Foundation founder. "We wanted to thank these heroes in a meaningful way for their service."
The summer tour kicked off in Camden, N.J., June 23 and is scheduled to run through Sept. 12, with concerts in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Washington.
"To date, there have been nine U.S. shows," said Jennifer Buzza, director of the Raven Drum Foundation. "Approximately 100 tickets have been given to military families and veterans for these shows. There are approximately 100 tickets for each of the remaining 33 shows. Nearly half have already been claimed."
Military personnel and veterans with a military ID are eligible to receive two tickets to one Def Leppard show. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at http://ravendrumfoundation.org/news-events/free-dl-tickets-for-veterans.html to be placed on the guest list, then show military ID to a representative near the box office before the show. In addition to checking ID, the representative will ensure the person picking up the tickets is registered and on the guest list.
"We are working closely with the Wounded Warrior Project," Buzza said. "For many shows, one of their volunteers or staff people will be the representative handing out tickets." The Salute America's Heroes troop-support group also is helping with ticket distribution.
The free concert tickets are directly related to the Raven Drum Foundation's mission.
"Music is just one of the tools we use to promote healing -- to serve, educate and empower veterans and people in crisis through the power of the drum," Allen said. "It is so exciting to have my band, family and so many others contributing to this effort. I thank everyone involved, especially the veterans."
Buzza said the band and the foundation want to brighten some lives. "We wanted to offer an evening of pure entertainment, an evening free of normal troubles," she said. "This venture allows Raven Drum and Def Leppard to do just that."
Concert dates and venues are listed on the registration Web site.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - To honor the military and provide a little fun and excitement over the summer months, the rock group Def Leppard and Raven Drum Foundation have started giving away 100 free concert tickets to military members and veterans with military ID for each show in the 2009 Def Leppard summer concert tour. Poison and Cheap Trick also will perform on the entire tour.
"Def Leppard's involvement came through a desire to give something back, and what better way to honor these heroes than with a night of music?" said Rick Allen, Def Leppard's drummer and Raven Drum Foundation founder. "We wanted to thank these heroes in a meaningful way for their service."
The summer tour kicked off in Camden, N.J., June 23 and is scheduled to run through Sept. 12, with concerts in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Washington.
"To date, there have been nine U.S. shows," said Jennifer Buzza, director of the Raven Drum Foundation. "Approximately 100 tickets have been given to military families and veterans for these shows. There are approximately 100 tickets for each of the remaining 33 shows. Nearly half have already been claimed."
Military personnel and veterans with a military ID are eligible to receive two tickets to one Def Leppard show. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at http://ravendrumfoundation.org/news-events/free-dl-tickets-for-veterans.html to be placed on the guest list, then show military ID to a representative near the box office before the show. In addition to checking ID, the representative will ensure the person picking up the tickets is registered and on the guest list.
"We are working closely with the Wounded Warrior Project," Buzza said. "For many shows, one of their volunteers or staff people will be the representative handing out tickets." The Salute America's Heroes troop-support group also is helping with ticket distribution.
The free concert tickets are directly related to the Raven Drum Foundation's mission.
"Music is just one of the tools we use to promote healing -- to serve, educate and empower veterans and people in crisis through the power of the drum," Allen said. "It is so exciting to have my band, family and so many others contributing to this effort. I thank everyone involved, especially the veterans."
Buzza said the band and the foundation want to brighten some lives. "We wanted to offer an evening of pure entertainment, an evening free of normal troubles," she said. "This venture allows Raven Drum and Def Leppard to do just that."
Concert dates and venues are listed on the registration Web site.
Official Cites Need for Technology Acquisition Reform
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The Defense Department's information technology acquisition process is too slow to be cost-effective, a senior Pentagon official told Congress yesterday, citing the need for acquisition reform within the department. "Based on my experience, the traditional [Defense Department] acquisition process is far too slow to keep pace with the extremely rapid pace of information technology change," said Tim Harp, acting deputy assistant defense secretary for command, control, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and information technology acquisition.
Harp explained to the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on defense acquisition reform that the current process, which mirrors the department's weapons systems acquisition procedure, doesn't work for information technology. The various phases of weapons system acquisition are ill-suited for information technology systems, he said.
Harp described the department's acquisition process and how it contradicts President Barack Obama's desire to cut back on government spending.
The first phase in acquisition is to mature the purchased technology, he said, but information technologies in the commercial sector already are largely established. The next phase is intended to prepare a program for production, though information technology isn't produced in quantities. The final phase of production is irrelevant, he said, again because information technology isn't produced by numbers, he said.
The thought of information technology in terms of life-cycles has become ambiguous, Harp told the House panel. Rather than completely rebuild or reproduce new technology after a certain amount of time, as is the case with weapons system life-cycles, information technology can be updated and adjusted periodically to keep pace with the commercial sector, he said.
"The pace of commercial information technology development allows us to build or adopt information technology and continue to modify it indefinitely," he explained, "rather than replace an entire system in a pre-determined period of time."
That the powers of information technology will double every 18 months is a compelling idea that's been proven valid among the systems acquired by the Defense Department, he said. That reality places high demands on defense officials to change system requirements much sooner than they may originally have anticipated to enable relevant technology fielding on the battlefield or home station, he added.
"Combat operations are being conducted in rapidly changing circumstances, placing pressure to change requirements ... to respond to adversary tactics," he said. "Also, the warfighters of today are information-technology savvy, with expectations to leverage the unprecedented innovation in the commercial market to enhance [the Defense Department's] information systems and capability.
"The combination of these very real forces lead to significant requirements-change pressure on our information technology process," he continued. "We should begin to embrace the concept that changing requirements might actually be desirable for information technology acquisitions, rather than follow the inherent weapons-system acquisition process assumption of stable requirements over time."
An information technology acquisition model recently proposed by the Defense Science Board recognizes the distinctive facets of information technology and addresses the funding and process challenges, he said. The proposal suggests a more agile process and exploitation of the inherent module and nature of the information technology that builds smaller capability releases, rather than large programs.
In fiscal 2010, the Defense Department will establish 10 pilot programs to acquire information technology under a new process, Harp told the subcommittee, adding that he expects the programs rapidly will improve defense acquisition.
The goal will be to implement smaller programs to meet the needs of more people in a timelier manner, he explained.
"Smaller programs are more successful," Harp said. "We can compete with industry delivering programs of 75,000 lines of code or less. When you start getting up into [millions of] lines of code, even industry can't deliver them on time and on schedule.
"This whole direction that we're going with the small, modular approach may lend itself to more successes," he said.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The Defense Department's information technology acquisition process is too slow to be cost-effective, a senior Pentagon official told Congress yesterday, citing the need for acquisition reform within the department. "Based on my experience, the traditional [Defense Department] acquisition process is far too slow to keep pace with the extremely rapid pace of information technology change," said Tim Harp, acting deputy assistant defense secretary for command, control, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and information technology acquisition.
Harp explained to the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on defense acquisition reform that the current process, which mirrors the department's weapons systems acquisition procedure, doesn't work for information technology. The various phases of weapons system acquisition are ill-suited for information technology systems, he said.
Harp described the department's acquisition process and how it contradicts President Barack Obama's desire to cut back on government spending.
The first phase in acquisition is to mature the purchased technology, he said, but information technologies in the commercial sector already are largely established. The next phase is intended to prepare a program for production, though information technology isn't produced in quantities. The final phase of production is irrelevant, he said, again because information technology isn't produced by numbers, he said.
The thought of information technology in terms of life-cycles has become ambiguous, Harp told the House panel. Rather than completely rebuild or reproduce new technology after a certain amount of time, as is the case with weapons system life-cycles, information technology can be updated and adjusted periodically to keep pace with the commercial sector, he said.
"The pace of commercial information technology development allows us to build or adopt information technology and continue to modify it indefinitely," he explained, "rather than replace an entire system in a pre-determined period of time."
That the powers of information technology will double every 18 months is a compelling idea that's been proven valid among the systems acquired by the Defense Department, he said. That reality places high demands on defense officials to change system requirements much sooner than they may originally have anticipated to enable relevant technology fielding on the battlefield or home station, he added.
"Combat operations are being conducted in rapidly changing circumstances, placing pressure to change requirements ... to respond to adversary tactics," he said. "Also, the warfighters of today are information-technology savvy, with expectations to leverage the unprecedented innovation in the commercial market to enhance [the Defense Department's] information systems and capability.
"The combination of these very real forces lead to significant requirements-change pressure on our information technology process," he continued. "We should begin to embrace the concept that changing requirements might actually be desirable for information technology acquisitions, rather than follow the inherent weapons-system acquisition process assumption of stable requirements over time."
An information technology acquisition model recently proposed by the Defense Science Board recognizes the distinctive facets of information technology and addresses the funding and process challenges, he said. The proposal suggests a more agile process and exploitation of the inherent module and nature of the information technology that builds smaller capability releases, rather than large programs.
In fiscal 2010, the Defense Department will establish 10 pilot programs to acquire information technology under a new process, Harp told the subcommittee, adding that he expects the programs rapidly will improve defense acquisition.
The goal will be to implement smaller programs to meet the needs of more people in a timelier manner, he explained.
"Smaller programs are more successful," Harp said. "We can compete with industry delivering programs of 75,000 lines of code or less. When you start getting up into [millions of] lines of code, even industry can't deliver them on time and on schedule.
"This whole direction that we're going with the small, modular approach may lend itself to more successes," he said.
All Active-Duty, Most Reserve Components Meet Recruiting Goals
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - All active-duty military components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in June, with the Marine Corps adding the highest percentage of its target to its ranks, Defense Department officials announced today. Military reserve components, with the exception of the Army National Guard, also met or exceeded their goals.
Data published on the Defense Department Web site shows that the Marine Corps goal was to add 3,655 new Marines, which it exceeded by 14 percent, recruiting a total of 4,155. The Marine Corps Reserve more than doubled its goal of 565, adding more than 1,200 Marines.
The Army National Guard fell short of its mark, recruiting 84 percent of its goal to add 3,209 soldiers.
Here is the breakdown of the other components:
-- Active-duty Army: 6,207 accessions with a goal of 6,025, for 103 percent;
-- Active-duty Navy: 3,428 accessions with a goal of 3,428, for 100 percent;
-- Active-duty Air Force: 2,846 accessions with a goal of 2,835, for 100 percent;
-- Army Reserve: 4,091 accessions with a goal of 3,488, for 117 percent;
-- Navy Reserve: 726 accessions with a goal of 726, for 100 percent;
-- Air National Guard: 867 accessions with a goal of 810, for 107 percent; and
-- Air Force Reserve: 836 accessions with a goal of 836 for 100 percent.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - All active-duty military components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in June, with the Marine Corps adding the highest percentage of its target to its ranks, Defense Department officials announced today. Military reserve components, with the exception of the Army National Guard, also met or exceeded their goals.
Data published on the Defense Department Web site shows that the Marine Corps goal was to add 3,655 new Marines, which it exceeded by 14 percent, recruiting a total of 4,155. The Marine Corps Reserve more than doubled its goal of 565, adding more than 1,200 Marines.
The Army National Guard fell short of its mark, recruiting 84 percent of its goal to add 3,209 soldiers.
Here is the breakdown of the other components:
-- Active-duty Army: 6,207 accessions with a goal of 6,025, for 103 percent;
-- Active-duty Navy: 3,428 accessions with a goal of 3,428, for 100 percent;
-- Active-duty Air Force: 2,846 accessions with a goal of 2,835, for 100 percent;
-- Army Reserve: 4,091 accessions with a goal of 3,488, for 117 percent;
-- Navy Reserve: 726 accessions with a goal of 726, for 100 percent;
-- Air National Guard: 867 accessions with a goal of 810, for 107 percent; and
-- Air Force Reserve: 836 accessions with a goal of 836 for 100 percent.
Report Urges Timeline for Tobacco-free Military
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The military has come a long way from the time when it packaged cigarettes in with rations, but more must be done, according to an Institute of Medicine report. The report, titled "Combating Tobacco in Military and Veteran Populations," calls for the Defense Department to set a timeline to eliminate smoking on military installations.
Officials from the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs asked the institute to prepare the report in 2007. It was released June 28.
More than 30 percent of active-duty military members use tobacco products of some kind. "Of greater concern, the rate of tobacco use in the military has increased since 1998, threatening to reverse the steady decline of the last several decades," the report says. "Furthermore, smoking rates among military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may be 50 percent higher than rates among nondeployed military personnel."
The Defense Department and the services have worked hard to become tobacco-free. The services have banned use of tobacco products during basic training, the report said, and they have launched extensive public-education campaigns and commander training. "The committee recommends that [the Defense Department] establish a timeline to eliminate all tobacco use on military installations to protect the health of all military personnel, civilian employees, family members and visitors," the report says.
The committee --– chaired by Stuart Bondurant, a professor of medicine and dean emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill --– found that "achieving a tobacco-free military begins by closing the pipeline of new tobacco users entering the military and by promoting cessation programs to ensure abstinence."
The committee recommends using a phased approach. The military academies and officer training programs should become tobacco-free first, followed by new enlisted recruits and finally all other active-duty personnel, the report says.
The Defense Department fully supports the goal of a tobacco-free military, said Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith, and officials believe it's achievable through development and execution of a comprehensive plan as recommended by the report. "However," she added, "achieving that goal will in part depend on coincident reductions of tobacco use in the civilian population."
The department has been at the forefront of tobacco-cessation efforts. Officials recently launched the "Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud" campaign at http://www.ucanquit2.org. It targets young enlisted men and women who use tobacco. The Web site provides information, resources, interactive tools and practical help. Servicemembers who want to quit tobacco can get immediate help from a trained tobacco-cessation coach from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST every day.
The report also recommends that the Defense Department to stop selling tobacco products in military commissaries and exchanges, to prohibit tobacco use anywhere on military installations, and to treat tobacco use in the same way as other health-related behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and poor physical fitness.
American Forces Press Service
July 10, 2009 - The military has come a long way from the time when it packaged cigarettes in with rations, but more must be done, according to an Institute of Medicine report. The report, titled "Combating Tobacco in Military and Veteran Populations," calls for the Defense Department to set a timeline to eliminate smoking on military installations.
Officials from the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs asked the institute to prepare the report in 2007. It was released June 28.
More than 30 percent of active-duty military members use tobacco products of some kind. "Of greater concern, the rate of tobacco use in the military has increased since 1998, threatening to reverse the steady decline of the last several decades," the report says. "Furthermore, smoking rates among military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may be 50 percent higher than rates among nondeployed military personnel."
The Defense Department and the services have worked hard to become tobacco-free. The services have banned use of tobacco products during basic training, the report said, and they have launched extensive public-education campaigns and commander training. "The committee recommends that [the Defense Department] establish a timeline to eliminate all tobacco use on military installations to protect the health of all military personnel, civilian employees, family members and visitors," the report says.
The committee --– chaired by Stuart Bondurant, a professor of medicine and dean emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill --– found that "achieving a tobacco-free military begins by closing the pipeline of new tobacco users entering the military and by promoting cessation programs to ensure abstinence."
The committee recommends using a phased approach. The military academies and officer training programs should become tobacco-free first, followed by new enlisted recruits and finally all other active-duty personnel, the report says.
The Defense Department fully supports the goal of a tobacco-free military, said Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith, and officials believe it's achievable through development and execution of a comprehensive plan as recommended by the report. "However," she added, "achieving that goal will in part depend on coincident reductions of tobacco use in the civilian population."
The department has been at the forefront of tobacco-cessation efforts. Officials recently launched the "Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud" campaign at http://www.ucanquit2.org. It targets young enlisted men and women who use tobacco. The Web site provides information, resources, interactive tools and practical help. Servicemembers who want to quit tobacco can get immediate help from a trained tobacco-cessation coach from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST every day.
The report also recommends that the Defense Department to stop selling tobacco products in military commissaries and exchanges, to prohibit tobacco use anywhere on military installations, and to treat tobacco use in the same way as other health-related behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and poor physical fitness.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Honduras v Nicaragua
Events in Honduras have given Hugo Chavez an excuse to meddle in Central America; with the tacit approval of President Obama.
For the record, former Honduran president, Mel Zelaya, was not ousted in a coup. He was removed by the army which was executing an order issued by the Honduran supreme court, unanimously backed by the congress.
Pajamas Media has a man in Honduras who reports that almost all of Honduras is united behind the government. PJM also reports that the violence there is being fomented by Venezuela's socialist dictator, Hugo Chavez, who hopes to us the unrest there as en excuse to send troops into the country. To that end, there are reports of Nicaraguan troops massing on the border with Honduras. Nicaragua is of course run by communist Daniel Ortega.
The military of Nicaragua numbers about 14,000 men divided into five military regions, apparently for internal security operations.
In contrast the Honduran army is organized into five infantry brigades (each of two battalions and usually a third with a specialty, armor, recon, etc...) plus a special operations brigade. They also receive American weapons, and officer training in the US.
Will's book about the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Battle of 73 Easting, is called A Line Through the Desert. It may be purchased at Amazon.
Pacom Nominee Pledges to Keep Watchful Eye on North Korea
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - The United States is right to keep a watchful eye on North Korea, the president's nominee to be the next commander of U.S. Pacific Command said today. "We should be concerned about North Korea and continue to be vigilant in watching over their behavior and prepare to defend against a provocation should [the North Korean leader] follow up on one of his threats," Navy Adm. Robert Willard, the now commander of the U.S Pacific Fleet, said during his confirmation testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"We've been looking at this country for 50 years," Willard said. "We pay a lot of attention to what's going on in North Korea."
Willard said he is confident about U.S. intelligence on North Korea's capabilities, but the motivations for some of its actions, such as the latest round of provocative missile launches, remain a mystery.
In May, North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test, prompting the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution on June 12 banning all weapons exports from the country and the import of all but small arms. Just last week, North Korea launched a series of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, and a Taepo Dong II missile was launched some weeks ago, Willard said.
North Korea wouldn't be the only challenge Willard would face if confirmed as the leader of Pacific Command. China, upset by U.S. authorization of weapons sales to Taiwan, had severed military-to-military interaction, Willard noted.
"The military-to-military dialogue with China has just, in recent weeks, recommenced beginning with an international fleet review that was held in China," he said. "I think it's incumbent first on both nations to realize the value, the benefit of military-to-military dialogue and to sustain it."
Willard said he is looking forward to seeking new venues through which to engage the Chinese military if he is confirmed.
Another important challenge is the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command, part of Pacific Command, which doesn't have enough scientific personnel to increase the number of identifications of remains recovered.
"If confirmed, I'll look forward to understanding fully the resourcing requirements for JPAC," Willard said. "I think resourcing is part of this answer. I think being able to access that level of scientific expertise and the availability of scientists of that caliber to perform this ... work is the other [part]."
Willard, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has extensive experience in the Pacific region and a thorough knowledge and understanding of the region's history. An F-14 aviator, he was operations officer and executive officer for the "Top Gun" Navy Fighter Weapons School, and he commanded the "Screaming Eagles" of Fighter Squadron 51 and the USS Abraham Lincoln before becoming commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet.
If confirmed, Willard would succeed Navy Adm. James Stavridis as Pacom commander. Stavridis recently took over as commander of U.S. European Command and as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe.
American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - The United States is right to keep a watchful eye on North Korea, the president's nominee to be the next commander of U.S. Pacific Command said today. "We should be concerned about North Korea and continue to be vigilant in watching over their behavior and prepare to defend against a provocation should [the North Korean leader] follow up on one of his threats," Navy Adm. Robert Willard, the now commander of the U.S Pacific Fleet, said during his confirmation testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"We've been looking at this country for 50 years," Willard said. "We pay a lot of attention to what's going on in North Korea."
Willard said he is confident about U.S. intelligence on North Korea's capabilities, but the motivations for some of its actions, such as the latest round of provocative missile launches, remain a mystery.
In May, North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test, prompting the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution on June 12 banning all weapons exports from the country and the import of all but small arms. Just last week, North Korea launched a series of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, and a Taepo Dong II missile was launched some weeks ago, Willard said.
North Korea wouldn't be the only challenge Willard would face if confirmed as the leader of Pacific Command. China, upset by U.S. authorization of weapons sales to Taiwan, had severed military-to-military interaction, Willard noted.
"The military-to-military dialogue with China has just, in recent weeks, recommenced beginning with an international fleet review that was held in China," he said. "I think it's incumbent first on both nations to realize the value, the benefit of military-to-military dialogue and to sustain it."
Willard said he is looking forward to seeking new venues through which to engage the Chinese military if he is confirmed.
Another important challenge is the Joint POW-MIA Accounting Command, part of Pacific Command, which doesn't have enough scientific personnel to increase the number of identifications of remains recovered.
"If confirmed, I'll look forward to understanding fully the resourcing requirements for JPAC," Willard said. "I think resourcing is part of this answer. I think being able to access that level of scientific expertise and the availability of scientists of that caliber to perform this ... work is the other [part]."
Willard, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has extensive experience in the Pacific region and a thorough knowledge and understanding of the region's history. An F-14 aviator, he was operations officer and executive officer for the "Top Gun" Navy Fighter Weapons School, and he commanded the "Screaming Eagles" of Fighter Squadron 51 and the USS Abraham Lincoln before becoming commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet.
If confirmed, Willard would succeed Navy Adm. James Stavridis as Pacom commander. Stavridis recently took over as commander of U.S. European Command and as NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe.
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 9, 2009
ARMY
Fluor Intercontinental, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a $1.5 billion task order cost plus award fee contract for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP IV) services in Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Greenville, S.C. (5 percent), and Afghanistan (95 percent) with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2010. Three bids solicited with three bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-D-0008).
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a $1.5 billion task order cost plus award fee contract for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP IV) services in Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (5 percent), and Afghanistan (95 percent) with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2010. Three bids solicited with three bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-D-0007).
Alliant Ammunition and Power Co., LLC, Radford, Va., is being awarded a $22,468,063 requirements firm-fixed-price contract for TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) Type I, Flake: TNT procured to MIL-DTL-248, Revision D, May 14, 2002, with amendment 1, June 27, 2007. Quantity: 5,225,131. Work is to be performed in Radford, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. Bids were solicited using World Wide Web with three bids received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AR, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-D-0017).
Nicholson Construction Co., Cuddy, Pa., is being awarded a $8,445,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Howard Hanson Dam, Right Abutment Interim Measure. Work is to be performed in Howard Hanson Dam, Green River, Palmer, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 1, 2009. Bids were solicited using World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-09-C-0011).
Day & Zimmerman, Camden Operations, Camden, Ark., is being awarded a $6,600,711 firm-fixed-price contract. This award is a sole source re-procurement of the MK-45 Electric Primer under the authority of FAR clause 25.249-8 Default, (Fixed Price Supply and Services) as a result of the termination of contract W52P1J-05-C-0076. Work is to be performed in Camden, Ark., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-C00021).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., is being awarded a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract HQ0006-09-C-0004 for $24,832,170. Under this contract, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory will provide technical services in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and other government agencies, in the areas of research, design, development, program management, engineering, analysis, prototyping, test, demonstration, and evaluation of Guidance, Navigation and Control Technologies. The work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass. The performance period is from June 30, 2009 through June 29, 2014. The amount obligated on this action is $150,000 using fiscal year 2009 research, development, test and evaluation funds. MDA is the contracting activity (HQ0006-09-C-0004).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $15,725,252 modified contract for the Advanced EHF Satellite program in the MILSATCOM Systems Wing to increase the level of interim contractor sustainment activities. At this time, $14,566,254 has been obligated. Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0002).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Incorporated, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $12,052,945 cost plus fixed fee contract to support the NightLighter program, which is an optical change detection system with full day/night capability. At this time, $11,540,000 has been obligated. Detachment 1 AFRL/PKSE, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-1636).
NAVY
Superior Electric Company, Farmington, Conn., is being awarded a $20,421,400 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition of various quantities of 15 Kilovolt and 30 Kilovolt Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR's). Work will be performed in Farmington, Conn., and is expected to be completed by June 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $1,890,400 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured utilizing unrestricted full and open competition with two offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0021).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $14,811,181 modification to previously awarded contract to increase the ceiling amount for Systems Engineering and Systems Software/Firmware support for the various Electronic Warfare Systems for the AN/SLQ-32 System, the threat detection system aboard Navy ships. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., (75 percent), Buffalo, N.Y., (10 percent), Dahlgren, Va., (10 percent), and Hollywood, Md., (5 percent) and is expected to be completed by December 2014. No funds will be placed on the contract at time of award. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-05-D-8718).
Sauer Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $7,021,100 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract for the design and construction to expand and renovate three facilities at Stennis Space Center, Miss. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction for renovation and expansion of building 3205 and a new stand alone Buoy Blast & Paint Facility for the National Data Buoy Center, a tenant organization of the Space Center. The task order also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase the cumulative task order value to $8,999,800. Work will be performed at Stennis Space Center, Miss., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N62467-05-D-0181).
EDO Communications and Countermeasures Systems, Inc., Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $5,672,111 modification to previously awarded contract for the production and support of six Automated Test Units (ATEs) and support services provided by eight Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and one Subject Matter Expert (SME) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6311).
Fluor Intercontinental, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a $1.5 billion task order cost plus award fee contract for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP IV) services in Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Greenville, S.C. (5 percent), and Afghanistan (95 percent) with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2010. Three bids solicited with three bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-D-0008).
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a $1.5 billion task order cost plus award fee contract for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program IV (LOGCAP IV) services in Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (5 percent), and Afghanistan (95 percent) with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2010. Three bids solicited with three bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-D-0007).
Alliant Ammunition and Power Co., LLC, Radford, Va., is being awarded a $22,468,063 requirements firm-fixed-price contract for TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) Type I, Flake: TNT procured to MIL-DTL-248, Revision D, May 14, 2002, with amendment 1, June 27, 2007. Quantity: 5,225,131. Work is to be performed in Radford, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. Bids were solicited using World Wide Web with three bids received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AR, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-D-0017).
Nicholson Construction Co., Cuddy, Pa., is being awarded a $8,445,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Howard Hanson Dam, Right Abutment Interim Measure. Work is to be performed in Howard Hanson Dam, Green River, Palmer, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 1, 2009. Bids were solicited using World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-09-C-0011).
Day & Zimmerman, Camden Operations, Camden, Ark., is being awarded a $6,600,711 firm-fixed-price contract. This award is a sole source re-procurement of the MK-45 Electric Primer under the authority of FAR clause 25.249-8 Default, (Fixed Price Supply and Services) as a result of the termination of contract W52P1J-05-C-0076. Work is to be performed in Camden, Ark., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-C00021).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., is being awarded a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract HQ0006-09-C-0004 for $24,832,170. Under this contract, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory will provide technical services in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and other government agencies, in the areas of research, design, development, program management, engineering, analysis, prototyping, test, demonstration, and evaluation of Guidance, Navigation and Control Technologies. The work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass. The performance period is from June 30, 2009 through June 29, 2014. The amount obligated on this action is $150,000 using fiscal year 2009 research, development, test and evaluation funds. MDA is the contracting activity (HQ0006-09-C-0004).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $15,725,252 modified contract for the Advanced EHF Satellite program in the MILSATCOM Systems Wing to increase the level of interim contractor sustainment activities. At this time, $14,566,254 has been obligated. Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0002).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Incorporated, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $12,052,945 cost plus fixed fee contract to support the NightLighter program, which is an optical change detection system with full day/night capability. At this time, $11,540,000 has been obligated. Detachment 1 AFRL/PKSE, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-1636).
NAVY
Superior Electric Company, Farmington, Conn., is being awarded a $20,421,400 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition of various quantities of 15 Kilovolt and 30 Kilovolt Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR's). Work will be performed in Farmington, Conn., and is expected to be completed by June 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $1,890,400 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured utilizing unrestricted full and open competition with two offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0021).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $14,811,181 modification to previously awarded contract to increase the ceiling amount for Systems Engineering and Systems Software/Firmware support for the various Electronic Warfare Systems for the AN/SLQ-32 System, the threat detection system aboard Navy ships. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., (75 percent), Buffalo, N.Y., (10 percent), Dahlgren, Va., (10 percent), and Hollywood, Md., (5 percent) and is expected to be completed by December 2014. No funds will be placed on the contract at time of award. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-05-D-8718).
Sauer Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $7,021,100 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract for the design and construction to expand and renovate three facilities at Stennis Space Center, Miss. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction for renovation and expansion of building 3205 and a new stand alone Buoy Blast & Paint Facility for the National Data Buoy Center, a tenant organization of the Space Center. The task order also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase the cumulative task order value to $8,999,800. Work will be performed at Stennis Space Center, Miss., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N62467-05-D-0181).
EDO Communications and Countermeasures Systems, Inc., Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $5,672,111 modification to previously awarded contract for the production and support of six Automated Test Units (ATEs) and support services provided by eight Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and one Subject Matter Expert (SME) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6311).
Combat Camera Teams Document Military at War
By Ian Graham
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - From the use of newspapers and pamphlets to stoke the American Revolution to embedded journalists in the War in Iraq, the media has played a major role in every American conflict. A story often lost in the mix is that of military journalists -- men and women in uniform whose weapon of choice isn't an M4 carbine with a laser sight, but a D3 with a 17-to-200mm lens. Members of the Air Force's Combat Camera team spoke in a July 7 "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable about their role in documenting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
By shooting photographs, recording video and writing news articles, Combat Camera airmen provide a unique view inside the military during wartime.
Air Force Capt. Phil Ventura, officer in charge of an Air Force Combat Camera team; Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, a photojournalist; Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary, the team's print journalist; and Senior Airman Brian Economides, the team's videographer, spoke about their work and training.
"Our job is to document, but our job is also to tell a story and to tell a compelling story," Weismiller said. "And throughout my career in the military, I've been taught, as well as rest of the photographers in the military, that our job is to tell a story and to tell it with emotion and to tell it in the best light possible -- not to just strictly look through the viewfinder and click the shutter. Every time we take a picture, there's a purpose and there's a direction."
A Combat Camera team can be attached to one of many kinds of units, from combat engineers in the mountains of Afghanistan to infantrymen in Baghdad, so the members have to be ready to act as wartime airmen to defend themselves at any time.
"As far as what kind of equipment we take for protection, you need your helmet. You need your body armor. You need to be able to carry a combat load, which [consists of] seven M4 magazines and two M9s," Zachary said. "And then you also carry your sidearm. So at any given point -- I weigh 110 pounds -- I'm carrying 150 pounds on me. So we travel with a lot of gear."
Ventura said his team's look and training when they go into a mission help them to be accepted by the unit they're covering.
"We focus very much on being an asset and not a liability to those that we work with, and our gear lends ourselves to that, as does the training we show up with," he said. "So that is a huge enabler to our mission."
Zachary said his team's recent missions include a humanitarian airlift to Pakistan's Swat Valley, operational missions with the search and rescue teams embedded with provincial reconstruction teams and patrolling a Baghdad neighborhood with security forces airmen.
Sometimes, those missions hamper what they can do with their equipment, so the team members have to improvise to get the shot they need. Weismiller said he's come to prefer using natural light, due in no small part to the fact that using a flash during night missions can affect night-vision equipment users and give away a group's position.
Economides said until he got a special lens called an Astroscope to get night video, he had to make do with what he had.
"There have been instances where I simply took night-vision lenses that you use to see, and I have rigged it to the front of my lens and taken pictures that way," he said.
For airmen with training in reporting, photography or videography, one of the most gratifying experiences is seeing their work distributed globally alongside that of veteran journalists working for major news outlets, as well as within the military for mission-related purposes, they said.
"It's humbling to see how many outlets use our products, not just for news media," Zachary said. "Operational commanders and leaders throughout the Department of Defense rely on it to make informed decisions. Our pictures, videos and stories can often be used for intelligence, reconnaissance, engineering, legal and other operations involving the military services."
The team's imagery and stories appear internally on department Web sites such as af.mil, defenselink.mil and defenseimagery.mil, and externally on blogs, international newspapers and television news programs.
(Ian Graham works for the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 9, 2009 - From the use of newspapers and pamphlets to stoke the American Revolution to embedded journalists in the War in Iraq, the media has played a major role in every American conflict. A story often lost in the mix is that of military journalists -- men and women in uniform whose weapon of choice isn't an M4 carbine with a laser sight, but a D3 with a 17-to-200mm lens. Members of the Air Force's Combat Camera team spoke in a July 7 "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable about their role in documenting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
By shooting photographs, recording video and writing news articles, Combat Camera airmen provide a unique view inside the military during wartime.
Air Force Capt. Phil Ventura, officer in charge of an Air Force Combat Camera team; Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, a photojournalist; Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary, the team's print journalist; and Senior Airman Brian Economides, the team's videographer, spoke about their work and training.
"Our job is to document, but our job is also to tell a story and to tell a compelling story," Weismiller said. "And throughout my career in the military, I've been taught, as well as rest of the photographers in the military, that our job is to tell a story and to tell it with emotion and to tell it in the best light possible -- not to just strictly look through the viewfinder and click the shutter. Every time we take a picture, there's a purpose and there's a direction."
A Combat Camera team can be attached to one of many kinds of units, from combat engineers in the mountains of Afghanistan to infantrymen in Baghdad, so the members have to be ready to act as wartime airmen to defend themselves at any time.
"As far as what kind of equipment we take for protection, you need your helmet. You need your body armor. You need to be able to carry a combat load, which [consists of] seven M4 magazines and two M9s," Zachary said. "And then you also carry your sidearm. So at any given point -- I weigh 110 pounds -- I'm carrying 150 pounds on me. So we travel with a lot of gear."
Ventura said his team's look and training when they go into a mission help them to be accepted by the unit they're covering.
"We focus very much on being an asset and not a liability to those that we work with, and our gear lends ourselves to that, as does the training we show up with," he said. "So that is a huge enabler to our mission."
Zachary said his team's recent missions include a humanitarian airlift to Pakistan's Swat Valley, operational missions with the search and rescue teams embedded with provincial reconstruction teams and patrolling a Baghdad neighborhood with security forces airmen.
Sometimes, those missions hamper what they can do with their equipment, so the team members have to improvise to get the shot they need. Weismiller said he's come to prefer using natural light, due in no small part to the fact that using a flash during night missions can affect night-vision equipment users and give away a group's position.
Economides said until he got a special lens called an Astroscope to get night video, he had to make do with what he had.
"There have been instances where I simply took night-vision lenses that you use to see, and I have rigged it to the front of my lens and taken pictures that way," he said.
For airmen with training in reporting, photography or videography, one of the most gratifying experiences is seeing their work distributed globally alongside that of veteran journalists working for major news outlets, as well as within the military for mission-related purposes, they said.
"It's humbling to see how many outlets use our products, not just for news media," Zachary said. "Operational commanders and leaders throughout the Department of Defense rely on it to make informed decisions. Our pictures, videos and stories can often be used for intelligence, reconnaissance, engineering, legal and other operations involving the military services."
The team's imagery and stories appear internally on department Web sites such as af.mil, defenselink.mil and defenseimagery.mil, and externally on blogs, international newspapers and television news programs.
(Ian Graham works for the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Chairman Discusses Military Operations, Threats, 'People' Issues
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - While devoting much of his National Press Club address today to efforts under way in Afghanistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was quizzed on a broad range of other defense issues ranging from the war in Iraq to the defense budget to possible revisions to the military ban on homosexuals. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen focused on three major areas: efforts under way in the broader Middle East, military challenges elsewhere in the world, and the need to reduce stress on the force and take care of wounded warriors and the families.
Here are highlights of his comments and responses during a question-and-answer session:
On Iraq:
Drawdown plans are on track, with the significant decreases to begin early next year, Mullen said, noting that violence is down to the lowest level since 2003 and 2004.
Meanwhile, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated in the U.S.-Iraq security agreement proceeded smoothly. "That doesn't mean that it isn't a vulnerable time. Times of transition always are," he said. "But I'm confident right now that we've got the strategy right and we're in support of the Iraqi security forces."
On Iran:
Iran's nuclear-weapons development plan – one Mullen said he believes is moving forward – has the potential to cause an "incredibly destabilizing" impact on the region, the admiral told the group. "They still continue to move down the road toward nuclear weapons," he said. "They are state sponsors of terrorism. And they are generally a destabilizing influence in the region, and still are in both Iraq and Afghanistan."
On North Korea:
North Korea's leadership "continues to be a destabilizing force" in the region, he said, as evidenced most recently by its missile launches conducted in defiance of the United Nations Security Council. "I'm actually encouraged by the unity of the international community with respect to continuing to isolate the North Korean leadership," Mullen told the group. "And I think that's important," he said, "and that we need to keep that pressure up."
On China:
Mullen said he's long believed that a rising China is a positive for the world, as long as it rises as a peaceful nation. But he expressed concerns about China's strategic intent, and questions about its increasing investment in defense. "Where is that going?" he asked. "Clarifying that strategic intent over time, I think, is very important."
On cyber security:
While not directly addressing the recent spate of cyber attacks targeting U.S. and South Korean Web sites, Mullen said he's "increasingly concerned" about the threat, whether from individual hackers or state entities. "That's something I think we all need to be concerned about," he said. "It's a growing concern."
The Defense Department is "constantly probed in the cyber world," he conceded, but he added that he's "comfortable that we are on alert."
"We recognize the probes, and we are responding," he said.
Leadership across the board has recognized and is addressing the threat, but Mullen said a corps of cyber-security experts needs to be cultivated to maintain the focus.
"It's a growing concern, and we need to have this as a big part of our focus with respect to [it being] a growing concern, and we need to have this as a big part of our focus with respect to the threat now and in the future."
On balancing military capabilities:
Mullen called it "absolutely critical" that the military build more irregular warfare capability, an emphasis Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has built into the fiscal 2010 defense budget request. The goal is to "move that pendulum" from its current position, in which 60 to 70 percent of defense spending goes to conventional capability, he said.
"For me, it's all about balance," he said. "It isn't about moving the pendulum from one side all the way to the other. It's about balance for the future."
On stress on the force:
Mullen said he sees "growing indicators" -- including rising suicide rates across the military -- that the troops are under stress. Today's troops are the best he's seen throughout his career, Mullen said. "And yet we've asked them to deploy multiple times, for longer periods of time than expected," he added. "And there is extraordinary pressure and stress on them, and not just on the members, but also on the families." The military is addressing those needs, beginning with top-level emphasis, he said, noting that the key, more than anything else, is leadership focus on these great men and women."
On caring for wounded warriors and families of the wounded and fallen:
The United States as a nation owes these troops and their families a huge debt that must be repaid, Mullen said. He noted that their lives have changed dramatically, through wounds or loss of a loved one, but their dreams haven't.
Mullen credited stepped-up cooperation between the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs with helping to meet their needs and reach toward their aspirations.
But another big part of the equation, he said, comes from the American public. "Communities throughout the country reach out to those who've given so much and touch them where they need support and make a difference that sustains their lives over a period of time," he said.
On possible changes to the military ban on homosexuality:
Mullen said the president wants to change the so-called "Don't, ask, don't tell" policy, which prohibits officials from inquiring into servicemembers' sexual orientation in the absence of disallowed behaviors, but allows action to be taken if a servicemember discloses homosexuality by word or action. But he noted that the policy is a law that's been in effect since 1993, and changing it would require legislation.
In the meantime, Mullen said, the secretary of defense has directed the department's general counsel "to look at a more humane way to execute the policy."
Mullen said he hopes that any policy change is implemented in a way that "recognizes the challenges and the stress that we're under right now."
"Should the law change, certainly we will carry it out," he said. "I'll certainly lead."
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - While devoting much of his National Press Club address today to efforts under way in Afghanistan, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was quizzed on a broad range of other defense issues ranging from the war in Iraq to the defense budget to possible revisions to the military ban on homosexuals. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen focused on three major areas: efforts under way in the broader Middle East, military challenges elsewhere in the world, and the need to reduce stress on the force and take care of wounded warriors and the families.
Here are highlights of his comments and responses during a question-and-answer session:
On Iraq:
Drawdown plans are on track, with the significant decreases to begin early next year, Mullen said, noting that violence is down to the lowest level since 2003 and 2004.
Meanwhile, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated in the U.S.-Iraq security agreement proceeded smoothly. "That doesn't mean that it isn't a vulnerable time. Times of transition always are," he said. "But I'm confident right now that we've got the strategy right and we're in support of the Iraqi security forces."
On Iran:
Iran's nuclear-weapons development plan – one Mullen said he believes is moving forward – has the potential to cause an "incredibly destabilizing" impact on the region, the admiral told the group. "They still continue to move down the road toward nuclear weapons," he said. "They are state sponsors of terrorism. And they are generally a destabilizing influence in the region, and still are in both Iraq and Afghanistan."
On North Korea:
North Korea's leadership "continues to be a destabilizing force" in the region, he said, as evidenced most recently by its missile launches conducted in defiance of the United Nations Security Council. "I'm actually encouraged by the unity of the international community with respect to continuing to isolate the North Korean leadership," Mullen told the group. "And I think that's important," he said, "and that we need to keep that pressure up."
On China:
Mullen said he's long believed that a rising China is a positive for the world, as long as it rises as a peaceful nation. But he expressed concerns about China's strategic intent, and questions about its increasing investment in defense. "Where is that going?" he asked. "Clarifying that strategic intent over time, I think, is very important."
On cyber security:
While not directly addressing the recent spate of cyber attacks targeting U.S. and South Korean Web sites, Mullen said he's "increasingly concerned" about the threat, whether from individual hackers or state entities. "That's something I think we all need to be concerned about," he said. "It's a growing concern."
The Defense Department is "constantly probed in the cyber world," he conceded, but he added that he's "comfortable that we are on alert."
"We recognize the probes, and we are responding," he said.
Leadership across the board has recognized and is addressing the threat, but Mullen said a corps of cyber-security experts needs to be cultivated to maintain the focus.
"It's a growing concern, and we need to have this as a big part of our focus with respect to [it being] a growing concern, and we need to have this as a big part of our focus with respect to the threat now and in the future."
On balancing military capabilities:
Mullen called it "absolutely critical" that the military build more irregular warfare capability, an emphasis Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has built into the fiscal 2010 defense budget request. The goal is to "move that pendulum" from its current position, in which 60 to 70 percent of defense spending goes to conventional capability, he said.
"For me, it's all about balance," he said. "It isn't about moving the pendulum from one side all the way to the other. It's about balance for the future."
On stress on the force:
Mullen said he sees "growing indicators" -- including rising suicide rates across the military -- that the troops are under stress. Today's troops are the best he's seen throughout his career, Mullen said. "And yet we've asked them to deploy multiple times, for longer periods of time than expected," he added. "And there is extraordinary pressure and stress on them, and not just on the members, but also on the families." The military is addressing those needs, beginning with top-level emphasis, he said, noting that the key, more than anything else, is leadership focus on these great men and women."
On caring for wounded warriors and families of the wounded and fallen:
The United States as a nation owes these troops and their families a huge debt that must be repaid, Mullen said. He noted that their lives have changed dramatically, through wounds or loss of a loved one, but their dreams haven't.
Mullen credited stepped-up cooperation between the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs with helping to meet their needs and reach toward their aspirations.
But another big part of the equation, he said, comes from the American public. "Communities throughout the country reach out to those who've given so much and touch them where they need support and make a difference that sustains their lives over a period of time," he said.
On possible changes to the military ban on homosexuality:
Mullen said the president wants to change the so-called "Don't, ask, don't tell" policy, which prohibits officials from inquiring into servicemembers' sexual orientation in the absence of disallowed behaviors, but allows action to be taken if a servicemember discloses homosexuality by word or action. But he noted that the policy is a law that's been in effect since 1993, and changing it would require legislation.
In the meantime, Mullen said, the secretary of defense has directed the department's general counsel "to look at a more humane way to execute the policy."
Mullen said he hopes that any policy change is implemented in a way that "recognizes the challenges and the stress that we're under right now."
"Should the law change, certainly we will carry it out," he said. "I'll certainly lead."
Geren Highlights Soldiers, Families as He Prepares to Step Down
By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - To Army Secretary Pete Geren, the Army is not some amorphous entity that the country calls on in time of crisis. To him, the Army is people – soldiers and families – serving something larger than themselves. He knows this from visiting soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. He knows this from meeting with families as they cope with long-term and repeated deployments. And he knows this from attending funerals and burials at Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60 for young men and women killed fighting America's wars.
As Geren prepares to step down as secretary, he can look back on solid accomplishments – all centered on soldiers and their families. "They are truly the strength of our nation," he said during a recent interview. President Barack Obama has nominated U.S. Rep. John McHugh of New York to succeed Geren as Army secretary.
Geren, who had been serving as Army undersecretary, took over as acting secretary in March 2007 after the resignation of Francis Harvey, who left office after revelations of systemic shortfalls in outpatient care at military health care facilities. He took office in his own right in four months later, and the Obama administration kept him on when it took office in January.
His tenure has been eventful. In March 2007, the surge in Iraq was continuing, and it featured heavy fighting and casualties. Soldiers sent to the U.S. Central Command region – including those in Afghanistan – served 15-month deployments.
The Army was having problems meeting its recruiting goals. The service had to improve care to wounded warriors, including improving treatment of the signature injuries of the wars – post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. Support to families had to increase. "On top of this, we needed to take care of the long-term goals for the Army," Geren said.
In short, the Army had to fight today's wars while positioning the service to maintain its edge in the future.
Balance for soldiers is key to maintaining the foremost combat force in the world, Geren said. "This is the first time since we've had an all-volunteer force that we've gone through extended deployments," the secretary said. The Army of World War II, Korea and Vietnam were mostly single, male draftees. The soldiers of today's force are volunteers and are married, and women serve in large numbers.
The stresses and strains on the all-volunteer force became apparent soon after beginning this conflict, Geren said. Over the past several years, the Army has devoted more and more resources to families.
"Soldiers who are married have expectations for their families, and we've been trying to meet those expectations," he said. "Over the past two years, we've doubled the amount of money that goes into family programs – [from] $700 million to $1.4 billion.
In his travels around the Army, Geren said, he has heard a lot of concern about the availability and affordability of quality child care. The Army has stepped up construction and manning of child care centers and is working to reduce the cost for enlisted families.
The service is stressed, Geren acknowledged, but he said soldiers continue to meet the challenges. Many of the soldiers have served three and four deployments, and some are gone as much as they are home. Increasing dwell time – the time soldiers are at home stations with families – is a priority. "The Army is growing, and we hope to meet the 1-to-2 goal [of one year deployed followed by two years at home station] by 2011," the secretary said.
Part of the problem is demand. Some 130,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq, and almost 60,000 servicemembers are in Afghanistan. The current dwell ratio is a bit over 1-to-1. "This is a work in progress," Geren said. "We must do more."
The role of reserve-component soldiers and the support provided to them increased during Geren's tenure. "It is clear that the reserves' role in the war has been crucial," he said. "We could not do what we have done without the reserves."
Yet equipping and training Army National Guard and Army Reserve units was far below that of active duty forces. Coordination with Congress has led to a significant increase in equipment funding. National Guard units are receiving the same equipment – often at the same time – as their active duty counterparts. The last "deuce and a half" – the trucks driven by Army forces since World War II – will be out of the service in fiscal 2011, all replaced by medium tactical trucks.
Personal protective equipment, night-vision goggles, communications systems, helicopters and much more are flowing to reserve-component units. Funding for Army National Guard equipment was $1 billion in fiscal 2001. Today, it is $3.9 billion yearly.
The reserves are valuable for another reason: their civilian experiences. Army Reserve and National Guardsmen take lessons learned in their civilian jobs to the battlefield, Geren noted. "We have units of soldiers who are farmers from states in the Midwest," he said. "They are working with Afghan farmers." The units are helping Afghan farmers cope with drought, plant crops other than the poppy that fuels the illicit drug trade and finances terrorist activities, and in keeping livestock alive and producing.
Other reservists are lawyers, city managers, firefighters and police, and they work with Afghan and Iraqi counterparts to build governance and economic bases.
"We need to do better in identifying these skills and putting them to work," Geren said.
But again, he emphasized, families matter.
"We must do a better job getting assistance to the families of our deployed reservists," he said. Reserve-component servicemembers are not centered at a base, as active duty units are. Updating family programs for reservists is important. Making programs available where they live is a priority that the Army is working on, the secretary said.
Caring for the wounded or the families of those killed in service is a promise the Army and the country must fulfill, Geren said. Under Geren's watch, the Army has set up 36 warrior transition units that allow soldiers to focus on getting better, or – if they are not returning to their units– what they will do with the rest of their lives. "We have to get rid of administrative rules that make no sense," he said. "Two years later, I still hear of these."
Transitioning from the Defense Department health care system to the Department of Veterans Affairs system remains a problem, Geren said. "The Army continues to work with VA to streamline the system, and it's better than it was, but it needs to be better [than it is now]," he said.
The service has also established soldier and family assistance centers to centralize services for transition. "If soldiers want educational opportunities, here's the place to get them," he said. "If they need help with housing or getting a job or signing up for VA benefits, it's all there."
The Warrior Care and Transition Program is the way the service will take the hard-won lessons and translate them to results. This past year, the Army spent $751 million on the program, and anticipates spending $1.2 billion this year. "This is the least we can do, given the tremendous sacrifices these soldiers and their families have made for us," Geren said.
The secretary said he appreciates that the American people support their soldiers, "but I don't think they understand the scope of their sacrifices," he said.
"They come up and shake their hands when walking through airports, but they don't fully understand what it is that these soldiers do for us every day," the secretary said. "We need to communicate that better, because just a small percentage of Americans volunteer for military service."
Geren, a former congressman from Texas, first started working at the Defense Department as a special assistant in 2001. "I was just going to spend two years and go home," he said. He served as acting secretary of the Air Force before becoming undersecretary of the Army, and ultimately secretary.
"For nearly eight years, I have watched soldiers go off to war and their families stand with them," he said. "I always will remember that I had the privilege to work for them when our nation was asking so much of them - truly the privilege of a lifetime.”
Air Force Office of Special Investigations
On August 7, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.), formerly of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Program Date: August 7, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
About the Guest
Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.) is a retired Special Agent of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). The OSI is the Air Force equivalent of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), was modeled after the FBI, and has dual missions: felony-level criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations.
During Colonel Michael Angley’s 25-year OSI career, he has literally “seen it all.” When he was a young Special Agent in northern California he worked a number of undercover narcotics operations targeting Air Force jet mechanics that were using, selling, and distributing a variety of narcotics. Following a firm grounding in criminal investigations, to include, murder, arson, and child crime cases, Michael Angley began to specialize in counterintelligence operations. During his career he held thirteen different assignments worldwide, with most of his overseas time in the Far East and Middle East. In 1996 Michael Angley took command of all OSI units in the Middle East where he was responsible for operations in 23 countries. He established groundbreaking concepts for the conduct of counterterrorism programs that led the way to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Michael Angley retired in 2007, he was the Commander of OSI Region 8, Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado. He was responsible for all OSI criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations at thirteen Air Force Space Command locations in the United States. Colonel Michael Angley is the author of Child Finder.
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.
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 E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety 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/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: August 7, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
About the Guest
Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.) is a retired Special Agent of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). The OSI is the Air Force equivalent of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), was modeled after the FBI, and has dual missions: felony-level criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations.
During Colonel Michael Angley’s 25-year OSI career, he has literally “seen it all.” When he was a young Special Agent in northern California he worked a number of undercover narcotics operations targeting Air Force jet mechanics that were using, selling, and distributing a variety of narcotics. Following a firm grounding in criminal investigations, to include, murder, arson, and child crime cases, Michael Angley began to specialize in counterintelligence operations. During his career he held thirteen different assignments worldwide, with most of his overseas time in the Far East and Middle East. In 1996 Michael Angley took command of all OSI units in the Middle East where he was responsible for operations in 23 countries. He established groundbreaking concepts for the conduct of counterterrorism programs that led the way to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Michael Angley retired in 2007, he was the Commander of OSI Region 8, Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado. He was responsible for all OSI criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations at thirteen Air Force Space Command locations in the United States. Colonel Michael Angley is the author of Child Finder.
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.
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 E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety 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/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Ceremony Commemorates Vietnam War's First Combat Casualties
By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - Bright blue skies above the National Mall today belied the solemnity of the ceremony commemorating the first two American combat casualties of the Vietnam War. "On this date 50 years ago, two men lost their lives in a country that most of us here in the United States had never heard of at the time," said Jan C. Scruggs, founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. "The deaths of U.S. Army military advisors Maj. Dale Buis and Master Sgt. Chester Ovnand marked the beginning of a lengthy war, which became a very divisive event for our society."
U.S. involvement in Vietnam ended in 1975. By then, the fighting had claimed the lives of more than 58,000 U.S. servicemembers and nearly 2 million Vietnamese.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stanley Karnow, a World War II veteran, was there from the beginning, covering Asia for Time and Life magazines. In July 1959, he happened to be in Saigon, then the capital of South Vietnam and now known as Ho Chi Minh City, when he heard about an incident at a South Vietnamese army camp in the small town of Bien Hoa, about 25 miles to the north.
After a taxi ride to the camp, he discovered two Americans had been killed in an ambush as they watched a movie during a break in their duties as part of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group.
The movie, "The Tattered Dress," was two reels long, and when Ovnand turned on the lights to change the reel, the enemy, who had surrounded the building and pushed gun muzzles through windows, opened fire.
Buis, 38, of California, had been in Bien Hoa just two days when he died in the hail of bullets. Ovnand, of Texas, was a hair's breadth from retirement and exactly two months shy of his 45th birthday.
Army Capt. Howard Boston of Iowa was seriously wounded in the incident, and two Vietnamese guards were killed.
Karnow wrote in his Time article that if it hadn't been for Army Maj. Jack Hellet of Baton Rouge, La., who turned the lights out again, all six Americans in the room might have died.
"I was quite astonished, but ... I'd been around wars for awhile, so the idea of a couple of guys getting killed in a remote place that nobody's ever heard of in America struck me as an interesting story," Karnow told those gathered for today's ceremony.
His dispatch to Time magazine ended up as a three-paragraph summary when the magazine was published, and as all Time stories were then, it was anonymous.
"It was just a minor incident in a faraway place. Here I was at the beginning of one of America's longest wars," Karnow said, noting that witnesses to history often don't recognize it at the time.
"I have a lot of experience of being at historic occasions, which at the time they occurred, I did not know they were historic," he said.
When Scruggs and his Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund were authorized by Congress in the late 1970s to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the decision was made to list the casualties in chronological order. The question then became where to start.
Retired Army Col. Nathaniel P. Ward III, the advisory group's chief of staff at the time of the Bien Hoa incident, took an active role in ensuring Buis and Ovnand were properly recognized as the first U.S. casualties.
Initially, the Defense Department was considering an Army captain killed in 1961 as the first name to be inscribed on The Wall, retired Army Capt. Nathaniel P. Ward IV said during the ceremony. That didn't set well with his father, who had worked with Buis and Ovnand in Bien Hoa.
"[My father] petitioned for about a year, and they finally agreed to go with Major Buis and Sergeant Ovnand," the younger Ward said.
Ovnand's name appears on The Wall twice. The first time is on the first line of panel 1E, next to Buis's name. It later was re-inscribed on panel 7E, Row 46 because of a misspelling in the original inscription.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of "Taps," and the placing of a wreath at the apex of The Wall, below the names of the first two U.S. combat casualties of the Vietnam War.
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 8, 2009
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp., Van Nuys, Calif.; Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, Co.; and General Dynamic Advanced Information Systems, Dayton, Ohio are awarded a combined $600,000,000 indefinite delivery/quantity contract to support the National Air and Space Intelligence Center's Advanced Technical Exploitation Program. At this time, $64,969 has been obligated to both Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace; and $64,919 has been obligated to General Dynamics. ASC/PKESI is the contracting activity (FA8604-09-D-7975; FA5604-09-D-7976; FA8604-09-D-7977).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $52,167,673 firm fixed price, sole source contract for spare parts supply to support numerous aircraft platforms. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the fourth one-year option period. The date of performance completion is July 7, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va.,
NAVY
General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $32,727,170 not to exceed, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for development of a prototype hybrid electric drive (HED) system for a full-scale demonstration. HED is aimed at improving the operating efficiency of the engineering plant on DDG 51 Class Ships and is intended to demonstrate the capability for significant fuel savings by incorporating advanced electric machine technology. This supports the national defense imperative to reduce dependence on foreign non-renewable energy resources. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (50 percent); Milwaukee, Wis., (24 percent), and Hudson, Mass., (26 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under a Broad Agency Announcement, with 23 offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-4222).
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $21,600,000 modification to previously awarded delivery order N00024-08-G-6321 for off-hull fabrication of the port retractable bow plane, and material procurement and off-hull fabrication of the sail for the USS Hartford (SSN 768). Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (30 percent) and Quonset Point, R.I., (70 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $21,600,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Strategic Missile Programs, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $13,843,373 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide the nuclear weapons security (NWS) equipment installation and maintenance and training services for various NWS projects. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., (54 percent); Pittsfield, Mass., (19 percent); Denver, Colo., (2 percent); St. Marys, Ga., (8 percent); Cocoa Beach, Fla., (8 percent); Silverdale, Wash., (8 percent); New York, N.Y., (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $1,801,239 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting agency (N00030-09-C-0019).
Sippican/GSM Submarine Antenna Joint Venture, LCC, Marion, Mass., is being awarded a $6,925,993 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed fee contract (N00039-09-C-0038) for design and development of an Increment 2 capability of the multi-function mast (OE-538) antenna system. SPAWAR awarded the contract on behalf of its organizational partner, the Navy's program executive office for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence systems. This contract includes options for low rate initial production and full rate production quantities of OE-538 Increment 2 hardware, as well as options for engineering/depot repair services and provisioning item orders, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $57,638,081. Work will be performed in Marion, Mass., (97 percent) and Manchester, N.H., (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until September 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-09-C-0038).
Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp., Van Nuys, Calif.; Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, Co.; and General Dynamic Advanced Information Systems, Dayton, Ohio are awarded a combined $600,000,000 indefinite delivery/quantity contract to support the National Air and Space Intelligence Center's Advanced Technical Exploitation Program. At this time, $64,969 has been obligated to both Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace; and $64,919 has been obligated to General Dynamics. ASC/PKESI is the contracting activity (FA8604-09-D-7975; FA5604-09-D-7976; FA8604-09-D-7977).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $52,167,673 firm fixed price, sole source contract for spare parts supply to support numerous aircraft platforms. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the fourth one-year option period. The date of performance completion is July 7, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va.,
NAVY
General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $32,727,170 not to exceed, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for development of a prototype hybrid electric drive (HED) system for a full-scale demonstration. HED is aimed at improving the operating efficiency of the engineering plant on DDG 51 Class Ships and is intended to demonstrate the capability for significant fuel savings by incorporating advanced electric machine technology. This supports the national defense imperative to reduce dependence on foreign non-renewable energy resources. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (50 percent); Milwaukee, Wis., (24 percent), and Hudson, Mass., (26 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under a Broad Agency Announcement, with 23 offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-4222).
General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $21,600,000 modification to previously awarded delivery order N00024-08-G-6321 for off-hull fabrication of the port retractable bow plane, and material procurement and off-hull fabrication of the sail for the USS Hartford (SSN 768). Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (30 percent) and Quonset Point, R.I., (70 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $21,600,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Strategic Missile Programs, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $13,843,373 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide the nuclear weapons security (NWS) equipment installation and maintenance and training services for various NWS projects. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., (54 percent); Pittsfield, Mass., (19 percent); Denver, Colo., (2 percent); St. Marys, Ga., (8 percent); Cocoa Beach, Fla., (8 percent); Silverdale, Wash., (8 percent); New York, N.Y., (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $1,801,239 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting agency (N00030-09-C-0019).
Sippican/GSM Submarine Antenna Joint Venture, LCC, Marion, Mass., is being awarded a $6,925,993 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed fee contract (N00039-09-C-0038) for design and development of an Increment 2 capability of the multi-function mast (OE-538) antenna system. SPAWAR awarded the contract on behalf of its organizational partner, the Navy's program executive office for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence systems. This contract includes options for low rate initial production and full rate production quantities of OE-538 Increment 2 hardware, as well as options for engineering/depot repair services and provisioning item orders, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $57,638,081. Work will be performed in Marion, Mass., (97 percent) and Manchester, N.H., (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until September 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-09-C-0038).
Face of Defense: Soldier Prepares for President's Ghana Visit
American Forces Press ServiceJuly 8, 2009 - A North Dakota Army National Guard officer is on the front end of President Barack Obama's visit to the country later this week. Maj. Michael A. Holly is assigned here as the bilateral affairs officer for North Dakota's State Partnership Program with Ghana. He and his family relocated to Ghana last year, and he works out of the U.S. Embassy here in Ghana's capital.
For the past month, he also has served as the deputy arrival and departure contact officer for the upcoming presidential visit.
"This includes everything from meeting the aircraft to coordinating Ghana armed forces' honor guard, 21-gun salute and band," Holly said. "We also work the customs and immigration clearance of all personnel. This includes the press corps and all other affiliated travelers."
It's another unique mission for Holly, who worked as an observer during Ghana's January elections. His main missions directly involve the State Partnership Program, which North Dakota began with Ghana in 2004 as part of a Defense Department-sponsored initiative that aligns states with partner countries to encourage the development of economic, political and military ties.
Building these relationships helps Guardsmen learn to interact within cultures with which they are unfamiliar, an increasingly important skill, while also bringing expertise and knowledge to a country anxious to prosper, Guard officials say.
"Ghanaians are very excited about this event," Holly said of the president's visit. "While it will be short, they consider it a fantastic honor that President Obama has chosen to visit Ghana."
The trip will be the president's first to sub-Saharan Africa. According to a White House news release, the trip to Accra will highlight "the critical role that sound governance and civil society play in promoting lasting development."
"At times my friends kid me about being just a tooth on a cog in a large machine," Holly said. "But from my perspective, being a part of something like this is another way to develop relationships with Ghanaians; and that allows me to better support the programs of our ambassador, Africa Command and North Dakota."
(From a North Dakota National Guard news release.)
Defense Schools Work to Raise Awareness, Prevent Suicides
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - Defense Department schools are taking on the tough topic of suicide to prevent what is a leading cause of death among teens. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That makes it an important topic for the Department of Defense Education Activity, which runs a school system that serves the children of servicemembers and the department's civilian employees overseas and at many stateside locations.
The activity's schools use "SOS Signs of Suicide," a program developed by Screening for Mental Health, a private company that provides age-appropriate materials for students in Grades 6 through 12.
"It's a wonderful program [that] goes through all of the typical things that a student should see in other students when they are considering hurting themselves," said Mary Patton, the activity's pupil personnel service coordinator.
The middle school program teaches students how to identify symptoms of depression, self-injury and suicidal indicators in themselves and friends. The high school program builds on that, educating students that depression is treatable and equipping them to deal with a friend or family member at risk of committing suicide.
Students learn which behaviors signal that a friend or family member might be in trouble, and what to do if they encounter someone exhibiting those behaviors.
"They're now very attuned to what to look for," Patton said. "They don't go looking for it, but if they have a friend that all of a sudden starts giving away all his prized possessions, they know that's an immediate sign. Students learn to notify an adult – a teacher, principal or school counselor – if they notice danger signs.
"A child cannot have that responsibility of doing something," Patton said. "They have to tell somebody who has the skills and the knowledge and the resources to do something for that child [in crisis]."
Patton suggests the same approach if a parent is concerned about a child. Talking to the school nurse, principal or counselor is always the best thing to do, she said.
"You can read all you want, but sitting down and describing it [is more effective]," she said. "I don't think a parent ever needs to be embarrassed that their child has strange behaviors, and if it turns out it's just teenage strange behavior, good."
Officials are making a concerted effort to prevent suicide among the activity's students, Patton said. In addition to the suicide prevention programs, she explained, the Defense Department schools have the nationally recommended number of school counselors and psychologists: a counselor for every 300 students, and a psychologist for every 1,000 students within the system.
"Military family life consultants who work under contract also are part of the effort. "They're licensed social workers and psychologists who rotate in and out of our schools," Patton said.
That rotation allows for fresh perspectives on how to help those who may be struggling with mental health issues, she added. The consultants serve in areas with high deployment rates and other areas where issues that seem to cause mental health problems exist.
Commanders at Fort Campbell, Ky., took three days in May to address the high number of suicides on the post this year, but the schools aren't seeing a correlation between the wars and students' risk for suicide, Patton said.
The education activity doesn't keep statistics on suicides among students, she said, but does track serious-incident reports. Among those, data does not indicate increased suicides among students since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, she said.
While she can't say for certain, Patton said, the lack of increases in student suicides or attempted suicides would lead officials to consider the prevention programs successful.
But that doesn't mean students can't become "at risk," she emphasized.
"Any time there's a change in a student's behavior, that's one of the first indicators," Patton said. "Any time there's a drop in grades, we look at that.
An increase in absences, physical ailments that seem to defy definition or diagnosis, depression of any kind, or a lack of interest in things that usually brought happiness -- all are indicators that a child may be at risk, she added.
Friends and family also should note if a depressed child suddenly becomes cheerful, which could indicate a decision to commit suicide, Patton said.
Defense schools do much to stave off situations that may lead a child to become depressed enough to consider suicide, she said. The schools offer a variety of activities such as sports, clubs and places where students can feel that they fit in.
If they have a place where they belong, Patton said, children feel more secure and are happier.
"I would never minimize the importance of family time," she added, noting that family doesn't have to just be blood relatives. "Kids need a place to belong, and usually the family is the safest place. [But] families don't necessarily include a mom or a dad. A lot of military families have friends that are family members."
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping lines of communication open as another way to prevent suicide. Asking the child's pediatrician for guidance also can be helpful, Patton said.
American Forces Press Service
July 8, 2009 - Defense Department schools are taking on the tough topic of suicide to prevent what is a leading cause of death among teens. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That makes it an important topic for the Department of Defense Education Activity, which runs a school system that serves the children of servicemembers and the department's civilian employees overseas and at many stateside locations.
The activity's schools use "SOS Signs of Suicide," a program developed by Screening for Mental Health, a private company that provides age-appropriate materials for students in Grades 6 through 12.
"It's a wonderful program [that] goes through all of the typical things that a student should see in other students when they are considering hurting themselves," said Mary Patton, the activity's pupil personnel service coordinator.
The middle school program teaches students how to identify symptoms of depression, self-injury and suicidal indicators in themselves and friends. The high school program builds on that, educating students that depression is treatable and equipping them to deal with a friend or family member at risk of committing suicide.
Students learn which behaviors signal that a friend or family member might be in trouble, and what to do if they encounter someone exhibiting those behaviors.
"They're now very attuned to what to look for," Patton said. "They don't go looking for it, but if they have a friend that all of a sudden starts giving away all his prized possessions, they know that's an immediate sign. Students learn to notify an adult – a teacher, principal or school counselor – if they notice danger signs.
"A child cannot have that responsibility of doing something," Patton said. "They have to tell somebody who has the skills and the knowledge and the resources to do something for that child [in crisis]."
Patton suggests the same approach if a parent is concerned about a child. Talking to the school nurse, principal or counselor is always the best thing to do, she said.
"You can read all you want, but sitting down and describing it [is more effective]," she said. "I don't think a parent ever needs to be embarrassed that their child has strange behaviors, and if it turns out it's just teenage strange behavior, good."
Officials are making a concerted effort to prevent suicide among the activity's students, Patton said. In addition to the suicide prevention programs, she explained, the Defense Department schools have the nationally recommended number of school counselors and psychologists: a counselor for every 300 students, and a psychologist for every 1,000 students within the system.
"Military family life consultants who work under contract also are part of the effort. "They're licensed social workers and psychologists who rotate in and out of our schools," Patton said.
That rotation allows for fresh perspectives on how to help those who may be struggling with mental health issues, she added. The consultants serve in areas with high deployment rates and other areas where issues that seem to cause mental health problems exist.
Commanders at Fort Campbell, Ky., took three days in May to address the high number of suicides on the post this year, but the schools aren't seeing a correlation between the wars and students' risk for suicide, Patton said.
The education activity doesn't keep statistics on suicides among students, she said, but does track serious-incident reports. Among those, data does not indicate increased suicides among students since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, she said.
While she can't say for certain, Patton said, the lack of increases in student suicides or attempted suicides would lead officials to consider the prevention programs successful.
But that doesn't mean students can't become "at risk," she emphasized.
"Any time there's a change in a student's behavior, that's one of the first indicators," Patton said. "Any time there's a drop in grades, we look at that.
An increase in absences, physical ailments that seem to defy definition or diagnosis, depression of any kind, or a lack of interest in things that usually brought happiness -- all are indicators that a child may be at risk, she added.
Friends and family also should note if a depressed child suddenly becomes cheerful, which could indicate a decision to commit suicide, Patton said.
Defense schools do much to stave off situations that may lead a child to become depressed enough to consider suicide, she said. The schools offer a variety of activities such as sports, clubs and places where students can feel that they fit in.
If they have a place where they belong, Patton said, children feel more secure and are happier.
"I would never minimize the importance of family time," she added, noting that family doesn't have to just be blood relatives. "Kids need a place to belong, and usually the family is the safest place. [But] families don't necessarily include a mom or a dad. A lot of military families have friends that are family members."
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping lines of communication open as another way to prevent suicide. Asking the child's pediatrician for guidance also can be helpful, Patton said.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
'Patriot' Walks for Deployed Troops
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2009 - The best way to show deployed troops you care, says Cody Anderson, is to send them prepaid international phone cards so they can call home to their friends and loved ones. Today, Anderson, 54, of Mineral Bluff, Ga., is wrapping a four-and-a-half-week personal sojourn, walking back and forth from the U.S. Capitol to the White House to raise awareness about the troops and encourage people to donate phone cards for them.
Yesterday, Anderson's walking shoes were showing signs of his 1,000-mile personal walkathon as he plodded back and forth between the two national icons, passing out white business cards to everyone he encountered to promote his cause. "What better cause than to support our troops?" he asked.
Anderson's goal is to generate one international phone card for every servicemember deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I do this because I'm a patriot. I love our country and support our troops," he said. "I figure that this is one thing I can do to make their life a little better."
So six days a week – from 9 each morning to 5 at night -- he has walked nonstop, through rain, blazing heat, aching legs and even on his birthday, July 4, as Independence Day crowds descended on the nation's capital. On Sundays, he took a break to attend church and rest his weary bones.
Anderson is no stranger to unusual ways of showing support for the troops. He did a 45-mile walk between Naples and Fort Myers City, Fla., in December 2003 to encourage people to "adopt" deployed troops by sending cards and letters of encouragement. For several years, he's collected, packed, shipped and delivered care packages and phone cards to troops stationed around the world.
"I love doing this," he said. "We owe our troops so much for what they do for us."
As he conducted his Washington walk, Anderson already had his sights set on his next one: between Atlanta and Fort Benning, Ga.
"I'm going to keep doing whatever I can to get phone cards to the troops," he said. "I'm still at it, working hard."
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2009 - The best way to show deployed troops you care, says Cody Anderson, is to send them prepaid international phone cards so they can call home to their friends and loved ones. Today, Anderson, 54, of Mineral Bluff, Ga., is wrapping a four-and-a-half-week personal sojourn, walking back and forth from the U.S. Capitol to the White House to raise awareness about the troops and encourage people to donate phone cards for them.
Yesterday, Anderson's walking shoes were showing signs of his 1,000-mile personal walkathon as he plodded back and forth between the two national icons, passing out white business cards to everyone he encountered to promote his cause. "What better cause than to support our troops?" he asked.
Anderson's goal is to generate one international phone card for every servicemember deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I do this because I'm a patriot. I love our country and support our troops," he said. "I figure that this is one thing I can do to make their life a little better."
So six days a week – from 9 each morning to 5 at night -- he has walked nonstop, through rain, blazing heat, aching legs and even on his birthday, July 4, as Independence Day crowds descended on the nation's capital. On Sundays, he took a break to attend church and rest his weary bones.
Anderson is no stranger to unusual ways of showing support for the troops. He did a 45-mile walk between Naples and Fort Myers City, Fla., in December 2003 to encourage people to "adopt" deployed troops by sending cards and letters of encouragement. For several years, he's collected, packed, shipped and delivered care packages and phone cards to troops stationed around the world.
"I love doing this," he said. "We owe our troops so much for what they do for us."
As he conducted his Washington walk, Anderson already had his sights set on his next one: between Atlanta and Fort Benning, Ga.
"I'm going to keep doing whatever I can to get phone cards to the troops," he said. "I'm still at it, working hard."
Obama Proposes New Security Relationship with Russia
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2009 - President Barack Obama today called on current generations free from Cold War antipathy to chart a new course of U.S.-Russian relations that focuses on areas of mutual interests. Addressing an audience at the New Economic School in Moscow, Obama spoke about reducing nuclear arsenals, negotiating a missile defense program in Europe, and security topics such as Afghanistan and NATO.
"Together, we can build a world where people are protected, prosperity is enlarged, and our power truly serves progress," he said. "And it is all in your hands."
On nuclear weapon reduction, Obama noted that he and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev agreed yesterday to reduce U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons stockpiles by up to a third. In a meeting at the Kremlin, the leaders signed a pact to follow up the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START.
"America has an interest in reversing the spread of nuclear weapons and preventing their use. That is why America is committed to stopping nuclear proliferation, and ultimately seeking a world without nuclear weapons," Obama said. "And while I know this goal won't be met soon, pursuing it provides the legal and moral foundation to prevent the proliferation and eventual use of nuclear weapons."
As the United States and Russia stick to their own commitments, Obama said, they must also hold other nations accountable for meeting their obligations. He warned that Iranian or North Korean nuclear capabilities could spark an arms race in East Asia or the Middle East.
"I'm pleased that President Medvedev and I agreed upon a joint threat assessment of the ballistic missile challenges of the 21st century, including from Iran and North Korea," he said.
But Obama said nuclear nonproliferation is a concern for the international community writ large – an issue that's not solved by singling out individual nations.
"If we fail to stand together, then the [Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty] and the [United Nations] Security Council will lose credibility, and international law will give way to the law of the jungle," he said.
Acknowledging that U.S. plans to configure a missile defense in Europe has been met with opposition in Russia, the president reiterated that the system is designed to defend against an Iranian attack, not to weaken Moscow. He also proposed working with Moscow on creating acceptable missile defense architecture.
"I want us to work together on a missile defense architecture that makes us all safer," he said. "But if the threat from Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs is eliminated, the driving force for missile defense in Europe will be eliminated. That is in our mutual interest."
Speaking about Afghanistan, Obama highlighted another pact signed yesterday – one that permits the United States to transit troops and weapons across Russian territory en route to Afghanistan. The agreement allows for 4,500 flights per year through Russian airspace, and saves the U.S. government $133 million annually in transportation costs while boosting logistical efficiency.
He underscored America's goal in the region: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"I'm pleased that Russia has agreed to allow the United States to supply our coalition forces through your territory," Obama said. "Neither America nor Russia has an interest in an Afghanistan or Pakistan governed by the Taliban.
"It is time to work together on behalf of a different future – a future in which we leave behind the great game of the past and the conflict of the present; a future in which all of us contribute to the security of Central Asia," he said, alluding to the 19th and early 20th century geopolitical competition for Central Asian dominance known as the "Great Game."
Addressing a controversial topic, Obama said state sovereignty must be a cornerstone of international order – a reference to the five-day conflict last August during which Russia invaded an enclave within the borders of the former Soviet satellite of Georgia. The government in Tbilisi is seeking membership to NATO, which would guarantee protection under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which created the alliance. The article states that an attack against one NATO member is an attack against all.
But Obama underscored that NATO, a political and military alliance that came to rise during the Cold War, now seeks collaboration with Russia, not confrontation.
"For any country to become a member of NATO, a majority of its people must choose to, they must undertake reforms, and they must be able to contribute to the alliance's mission," he said. "And let me be clear: NATO seeks collaboration with Russia, not confrontation."
American Forces Press Service
July 7, 2009 - President Barack Obama today called on current generations free from Cold War antipathy to chart a new course of U.S.-Russian relations that focuses on areas of mutual interests. Addressing an audience at the New Economic School in Moscow, Obama spoke about reducing nuclear arsenals, negotiating a missile defense program in Europe, and security topics such as Afghanistan and NATO.
"Together, we can build a world where people are protected, prosperity is enlarged, and our power truly serves progress," he said. "And it is all in your hands."
On nuclear weapon reduction, Obama noted that he and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev agreed yesterday to reduce U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons stockpiles by up to a third. In a meeting at the Kremlin, the leaders signed a pact to follow up the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START.
"America has an interest in reversing the spread of nuclear weapons and preventing their use. That is why America is committed to stopping nuclear proliferation, and ultimately seeking a world without nuclear weapons," Obama said. "And while I know this goal won't be met soon, pursuing it provides the legal and moral foundation to prevent the proliferation and eventual use of nuclear weapons."
As the United States and Russia stick to their own commitments, Obama said, they must also hold other nations accountable for meeting their obligations. He warned that Iranian or North Korean nuclear capabilities could spark an arms race in East Asia or the Middle East.
"I'm pleased that President Medvedev and I agreed upon a joint threat assessment of the ballistic missile challenges of the 21st century, including from Iran and North Korea," he said.
But Obama said nuclear nonproliferation is a concern for the international community writ large – an issue that's not solved by singling out individual nations.
"If we fail to stand together, then the [Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty] and the [United Nations] Security Council will lose credibility, and international law will give way to the law of the jungle," he said.
Acknowledging that U.S. plans to configure a missile defense in Europe has been met with opposition in Russia, the president reiterated that the system is designed to defend against an Iranian attack, not to weaken Moscow. He also proposed working with Moscow on creating acceptable missile defense architecture.
"I want us to work together on a missile defense architecture that makes us all safer," he said. "But if the threat from Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs is eliminated, the driving force for missile defense in Europe will be eliminated. That is in our mutual interest."
Speaking about Afghanistan, Obama highlighted another pact signed yesterday – one that permits the United States to transit troops and weapons across Russian territory en route to Afghanistan. The agreement allows for 4,500 flights per year through Russian airspace, and saves the U.S. government $133 million annually in transportation costs while boosting logistical efficiency.
He underscored America's goal in the region: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"I'm pleased that Russia has agreed to allow the United States to supply our coalition forces through your territory," Obama said. "Neither America nor Russia has an interest in an Afghanistan or Pakistan governed by the Taliban.
"It is time to work together on behalf of a different future – a future in which we leave behind the great game of the past and the conflict of the present; a future in which all of us contribute to the security of Central Asia," he said, alluding to the 19th and early 20th century geopolitical competition for Central Asian dominance known as the "Great Game."
Addressing a controversial topic, Obama said state sovereignty must be a cornerstone of international order – a reference to the five-day conflict last August during which Russia invaded an enclave within the borders of the former Soviet satellite of Georgia. The government in Tbilisi is seeking membership to NATO, which would guarantee protection under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which created the alliance. The article states that an attack against one NATO member is an attack against all.
But Obama underscored that NATO, a political and military alliance that came to rise during the Cold War, now seeks collaboration with Russia, not confrontation.
"For any country to become a member of NATO, a majority of its people must choose to, they must undertake reforms, and they must be able to contribute to the alliance's mission," he said. "And let me be clear: NATO seeks collaboration with Russia, not confrontation."
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