By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Hawaii, March 26, 2007 – Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating will bring the same good judgment and decisiveness to the U.S. Pacific Command that he demonstrated as commander of U.S. Northern Command, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates spoke at a ceremony in which Keating assumed command of the largest U.S. combatant command, which encompasses 51 percent of the Earth's surface and includes 43 countries.
Gates said the admiral has demonstrated being able to handle a wide variety of complex and challenging assignments.
"He commanded a carrier group based in Japan, and later the Navy's 5th Fleet during Operation Iraqi Freedom," Gates said.
As the commander of U.S. Northern Command, he was responsible for guarding the United States "against a range of threats and means of attack from weapons of all kinds - some so small that they could even fit inside a thimble. His area of responsibility ranged from our nation's cities and coastlines to outer space and everything in between."
Keating, whose father served in World War II, assumed command under a cloud-studded Hawaiian sky. Flags snapped in the tradewinds as he accepted the flag signifying the change of command. He said he believes in the "power of the Pacific," and that PACOM servicemembers and civilian employees will work collaboratively with other agencies and ambassadors to perform the missions needed to protect the United States, its allies and American interests in the region.
"We are going to work hard to minimize internal staff churn and 'self-licking ice cream cone' assessments and instead concentrate on working with our ambassadors and our forward troops throughout this theater," the admiral said.
Gates thanked the men and women of U.S. Pacific Command. "I know that Admiral Keating would agree that much of what has been accomplished in this region is due to your dedication and professionalism," he said. "You and your families have our appreciation and thanks for everything you do for our nation."
Representatives from many countries in the Pacific Command area of operations - including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand -- attended the ceremony.
"I suspect that Admiral Keating may be visiting many of your countries in the coming months," Gates said.
The secretary said the sheer size of the command demands any country's attention. "But more than that, the scope of relationships and challenges encompassed in this area of responsibility are key to the security and continued welfare of the United States," he said.
The area is home to some of America's oldest allies on one hand and some of its emerging relationships on the other, Gates said.
"A great many partnerships across this command - old and new - have grown considerably stronger in recent years," the secretary said. "The restoration of military relations with Indonesia comes to mind, as does the strengthening of our long-standing ties with Japan and Australia."
Gates said the nations of the region must face both the newest and oldest threats to security. Missile and nuclear proliferation are problems, as is the threat of piracy. But there are other uncertainties as well, he said.
"Countries with limited transparency are taking actions that seem contrary to international stability - causing other countries to question their intentions," the secretary said. "And violent jihadists are trying to undermine the foundations of free society that have allowed many countries in this region to prosper."
Keating understands today's challenges and opportunities, Gates said. "He is fully prepared to continue the record of accomplishments that the countries of this region have built together," Gates said.
"The opportunities are immense. They are profound," Keating said. "We are going to capitalize on that."
He said the command and all its members will work hard to ensure a better quality of life for people throughout the region, free lines of communication, and the development of free and democratic societies throughout the Pacific Command area of responsibility.
Keating succeeds Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, who took command of U.S. Central Command on March 16. Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Leaf, PACOM's deputy commander, served as interim commander until today's ceremony.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Monday, March 26, 2007
DoD, Army Conclude Tillman's Death Was Accidental
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Army Spc. Patrick D. Tillman was accidentally shot and killed by members of his divided Ranger unit after part of it had been ambushed by enemy fighters in a canyon in Afghanistan, senior Defense Department and Army officials told reporters here today. An early unit-level report listed Tillman as being killed by hostile fire, acting DoD Inspector General Thomas Gimble told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.
However, findings of follow-on investigations showed that Tillman was the accidental victim of friendly fire, Gimble said. Yet, Tillman's parents weren't told that their son had died in that manner, he said, until a memorial service held weeks after his death.
"What should have happened (is) the moment that they'd suspected fratricide, there should have been a supplemental notification that processed through (the chain of command and to Tillman's family)," Gimble said.
This situation represents "a failure to follow the directives," and it's inexplicable at this point as to why the supplemental notification wasn't made, Gimble said.
Follow-up investigations will determine why the proper notification was delayed, Gimble said. At least nine individuals, including a general, have been identified for further questioning involving this and other administrative aspects surrounding the reporting of Tillman's death, he added.
Tillman, who was posthumously promoted to corporal, died at age 27 on April 22, 2004, on a hillside located not far from Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Gimble and Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commander of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, briefed reporters on the findings of two separate investigations into Tillman's death initiated by the DoD IG and Army investigators in 2005.
There was no criminal intent involved in the former National Football League player's death, Johnson said, noting that was the focus of his investigation. Soldiers in Tillman's unit bore him no ill will, he said.
Prior to the enemy attack, Tillman's company commander had divided the unit into two groups, Johnson said, and the command was towing a disabled vehicle. Tillman's section had just passed through a canyon, Johnson said, when enemy fighters engaged the trailing group.
Tillman requested and received permission to go back on foot with another American and an Afghan soldier to try to help the ambushed convoy, Johnson said. As the besieged Americans passed through the canyon in their vehicles, some of its soldiers mistook Tillman, standing midway on a hill overlooking the scene, for an enemy soldier. The American troops fired on Tillman, killing him, the Afghan soldier, and wounding the other U.S. soldier, Johnson said.
The DoD IG and Army investigations each performed a ground survey of the site where Tillman died, Gimble said. Investigators working the two investigations interviewed hundreds of people, he said, including eye-witnesses.
The DoD IG was focused on discovering if the proper administrative processes were followed surrounding reporting of Tillman's death, including the notification of his next of kin, as well as award processing, Gimble said. Not all of the information in Tillman's Silver Star Medal paperwork was accurate, he said, noting further investigation of this matter will be performed.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2007 – Army Spc. Patrick D. Tillman was accidentally shot and killed by members of his divided Ranger unit after part of it had been ambushed by enemy fighters in a canyon in Afghanistan, senior Defense Department and Army officials told reporters here today. An early unit-level report listed Tillman as being killed by hostile fire, acting DoD Inspector General Thomas Gimble told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.
However, findings of follow-on investigations showed that Tillman was the accidental victim of friendly fire, Gimble said. Yet, Tillman's parents weren't told that their son had died in that manner, he said, until a memorial service held weeks after his death.
"What should have happened (is) the moment that they'd suspected fratricide, there should have been a supplemental notification that processed through (the chain of command and to Tillman's family)," Gimble said.
This situation represents "a failure to follow the directives," and it's inexplicable at this point as to why the supplemental notification wasn't made, Gimble said.
Follow-up investigations will determine why the proper notification was delayed, Gimble said. At least nine individuals, including a general, have been identified for further questioning involving this and other administrative aspects surrounding the reporting of Tillman's death, he added.
Tillman, who was posthumously promoted to corporal, died at age 27 on April 22, 2004, on a hillside located not far from Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Gimble and Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commander of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, briefed reporters on the findings of two separate investigations into Tillman's death initiated by the DoD IG and Army investigators in 2005.
There was no criminal intent involved in the former National Football League player's death, Johnson said, noting that was the focus of his investigation. Soldiers in Tillman's unit bore him no ill will, he said.
Prior to the enemy attack, Tillman's company commander had divided the unit into two groups, Johnson said, and the command was towing a disabled vehicle. Tillman's section had just passed through a canyon, Johnson said, when enemy fighters engaged the trailing group.
Tillman requested and received permission to go back on foot with another American and an Afghan soldier to try to help the ambushed convoy, Johnson said. As the besieged Americans passed through the canyon in their vehicles, some of its soldiers mistook Tillman, standing midway on a hill overlooking the scene, for an enemy soldier. The American troops fired on Tillman, killing him, the Afghan soldier, and wounding the other U.S. soldier, Johnson said.
The DoD IG and Army investigations each performed a ground survey of the site where Tillman died, Gimble said. Investigators working the two investigations interviewed hundreds of people, he said, including eye-witnesses.
The DoD IG was focused on discovering if the proper administrative processes were followed surrounding reporting of Tillman's death, including the notification of his next of kin, as well as award processing, Gimble said. Not all of the information in Tillman's Silver Star Medal paperwork was accurate, he said, noting further investigation of this matter will be performed.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Pace Visit Paves Way for Better Relations With China
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2007 – By their words and deeds, Chinese military leaders made Marine Gen. Peter Pace welcome in their country and showed their desire to find common ground. Pace and his staff arrived in Beijing March 22 and left from Nanjing today. In between, there were a number of "firsts" for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Every single Chinese leader I met with went out of their way to make sure that our needs were accommodated," Pace said during an interview on his way back to the United States. "They made it abundantly clear to me both in the way they treated us person-to-person and in the things that we saw that they were interested in this being a successful trip."
The trip was a way to continue dialogue between senior U.S. and Chinese leaders and to build military-to-military relations. During the first meeting with his Chinese counterpart, People's Liberation Army Gen. Liang Guanglie listed a number of suggestions to move the relationship forward.
Liang suggested exchanges of students at the cadet level, more junior officer level exchanges and more senior officer meetings, Pace said. The two military leaders said they would also like to do more search and rescue exercises and find ways to cooperate on humanitarian relief exercises.
"All of the proposals they offered were well-within the realm of the possible based on the current restrictions under which we both operate," Pace said.
The general will work with the services, U.S. Pacific Command, the Joint Staff and the office of the secretary of defense staff to quickly implement the proposals, "because they all made good sense," Pace said.
Both men want a hotline running between Beijing and the Pentagon set up quickly.
"Now that I have had a chance to visit with my counterpart and I can put a face to a name, and a personality to that name and face, being able to pick up a phone and say to General Liang ... 'we have an issue we need to talk about' is possible now," Pace said. "You can reduce considerably the confusion and miscalculation, if you can pick up the phone and say, 'this is what I'm seeing. What are you seeing?'"
Pace visited the PLA's University of Science and Technology - akin to the U.S. service academies - today before leaving Nanjing. "I told the cadets at their military academy that when I was graduating from our Naval Academy it was inconceivable that a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would do the things that I did on this trip," Pace said.
The Chinese let the chairman visit and get into their top-of-the-line air superiority fighter, the Su-27, during a visit to Anshan Air Base. They also let him examine and drive around in their state-of-the-art T-99 tank after he observed a military exercise at Dalian military training area. Both were firsts for U.S. officers, Chinese officials said.
"It was indicative the lengths which the Chinese wanted to indicate to me their willingness to find common ground," Pace said.
Pace said he would like to see continued visits at his level on a yearly basis. He would like to see visits by other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, staff visits by senior members of the Joint Staff with their Chinese counterparts and would like to see the leaders of the military academies visiting their counterparts.
"That's the kind of recurring dialogue that opens pathways for better understanding," Pace said.
A military force is by nature command driven, and now the leaders of both militaries have given their blessings to the continued cooperation. "You've got to have senior decision-makers deciding it's the right thing to do, that it's okay to do more," Pace said.
He said the Chinese clearly understand the U.S. position on military transparency. "I think they believe a lot of what they are doing is a head nod in the direction of transparency on their part," Pace said, alluding to being allowed to go to the Su-27 and T-99 tank.
Chinese leaders also took time to talk about the details of their newest defense budget. Chinese military spending jumped almost 18 percent this year to around $44 billion. "I think they want to be more transparent, but like anything else that we do together, there's a difference between the things that we would want to know and the things they want to show us," Pace said. "We have to close that gap."
Pace understand that no military is going to share everything. "It's not as important how much money they are spending on the budget, as it is what capabilities they are buying and why they want those capabilities," he said.
Pace used the example of the U.S. Quadrennial Defense Review. He said that document is important because it details where the United States wants to go in military development and why. "If we had the same kind of transparency from the Chinese, it would go a long way towards reducing misunderstandings," he said.
And understanding each other was at the heart of the trip to China. "It was amply clear to me that they wanted me to feel welcome and they wanted to show me things they had never shown anybody else to make the point that they wanted to move closer," he said.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2007 – By their words and deeds, Chinese military leaders made Marine Gen. Peter Pace welcome in their country and showed their desire to find common ground. Pace and his staff arrived in Beijing March 22 and left from Nanjing today. In between, there were a number of "firsts" for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Every single Chinese leader I met with went out of their way to make sure that our needs were accommodated," Pace said during an interview on his way back to the United States. "They made it abundantly clear to me both in the way they treated us person-to-person and in the things that we saw that they were interested in this being a successful trip."
The trip was a way to continue dialogue between senior U.S. and Chinese leaders and to build military-to-military relations. During the first meeting with his Chinese counterpart, People's Liberation Army Gen. Liang Guanglie listed a number of suggestions to move the relationship forward.
Liang suggested exchanges of students at the cadet level, more junior officer level exchanges and more senior officer meetings, Pace said. The two military leaders said they would also like to do more search and rescue exercises and find ways to cooperate on humanitarian relief exercises.
"All of the proposals they offered were well-within the realm of the possible based on the current restrictions under which we both operate," Pace said.
The general will work with the services, U.S. Pacific Command, the Joint Staff and the office of the secretary of defense staff to quickly implement the proposals, "because they all made good sense," Pace said.
Both men want a hotline running between Beijing and the Pentagon set up quickly.
"Now that I have had a chance to visit with my counterpart and I can put a face to a name, and a personality to that name and face, being able to pick up a phone and say to General Liang ... 'we have an issue we need to talk about' is possible now," Pace said. "You can reduce considerably the confusion and miscalculation, if you can pick up the phone and say, 'this is what I'm seeing. What are you seeing?'"
Pace visited the PLA's University of Science and Technology - akin to the U.S. service academies - today before leaving Nanjing. "I told the cadets at their military academy that when I was graduating from our Naval Academy it was inconceivable that a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would do the things that I did on this trip," Pace said.
The Chinese let the chairman visit and get into their top-of-the-line air superiority fighter, the Su-27, during a visit to Anshan Air Base. They also let him examine and drive around in their state-of-the-art T-99 tank after he observed a military exercise at Dalian military training area. Both were firsts for U.S. officers, Chinese officials said.
"It was indicative the lengths which the Chinese wanted to indicate to me their willingness to find common ground," Pace said.
Pace said he would like to see continued visits at his level on a yearly basis. He would like to see visits by other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, staff visits by senior members of the Joint Staff with their Chinese counterparts and would like to see the leaders of the military academies visiting their counterparts.
"That's the kind of recurring dialogue that opens pathways for better understanding," Pace said.
A military force is by nature command driven, and now the leaders of both militaries have given their blessings to the continued cooperation. "You've got to have senior decision-makers deciding it's the right thing to do, that it's okay to do more," Pace said.
He said the Chinese clearly understand the U.S. position on military transparency. "I think they believe a lot of what they are doing is a head nod in the direction of transparency on their part," Pace said, alluding to being allowed to go to the Su-27 and T-99 tank.
Chinese leaders also took time to talk about the details of their newest defense budget. Chinese military spending jumped almost 18 percent this year to around $44 billion. "I think they want to be more transparent, but like anything else that we do together, there's a difference between the things that we would want to know and the things they want to show us," Pace said. "We have to close that gap."
Pace understand that no military is going to share everything. "It's not as important how much money they are spending on the budget, as it is what capabilities they are buying and why they want those capabilities," he said.
Pace used the example of the U.S. Quadrennial Defense Review. He said that document is important because it details where the United States wants to go in military development and why. "If we had the same kind of transparency from the Chinese, it would go a long way towards reducing misunderstandings," he said.
And understanding each other was at the heart of the trip to China. "It was amply clear to me that they wanted me to feel welcome and they wanted to show me things they had never shown anybody else to make the point that they wanted to move closer," he said.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
President Requests Spending Bill Without Deployment Restrictions, Deadlines
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2007 – President Bush yesterday urged Congress to send him an emergency war-spending bill that funds overseas troop operations, but contains no deployment restrictions or deadlines for a withdrawal of forces from Iraq. "One of the most urgent legislative priorities is to fund our troops fighting the war on terror," Bush said during his weekly national radio address. "I've asked Congress to pass an emergency war spending bill that gives our troops what they need, without strings and without delay."
The Defense Department's emergency fiscal 2007 supplemental requests includes $93.4 billion to help fund U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the global war on terror. The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a defense funding bill that includes some domestic spending measures and requires U.S. combat troops to depart Iraq by Aug. 31, 2008.
The House war-spending bill "would cut the number of troops below the level our military commanders say they need to accomplish the mission," Bush pointed out. "It would set an artificial timetable for withdrawal that would allow the enemy to wait us out."
And, military deployment restrictions outlined in the House bill "would take an army of lawyers" to sort out, the president said.
The president has been adamant that he would not support such legislation.
"I have made it clear that I will veto any such bill, and it is clear that my veto would be sustained," Bush said, noting time is running short for Congress to send him a favorable bill.
If the supplemental funding bill is not passed by April 15, the Army will be compelled to consider curtailing and suspending training for Reserve and National Guard units, slow up training of units scheduled to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, and possibly cut funding for the upgrade and renovation of barracks and other facilities, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters during a March 22 news conference at the Pentagon.
"This kind of disruption to key programs will have a genuinely adverse effect on the readiness of the Army and quality of life for soldiers and their families," Gates said at the news conference.
Bush concurred with Gates' assessment, noting that implementation of the U.S. House of Representatives' war spending bill in its present form would hurt the military.
"Our men and women in uniform will face significant disruptions - and so will their families," the president said.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 25, 2007 – President Bush yesterday urged Congress to send him an emergency war-spending bill that funds overseas troop operations, but contains no deployment restrictions or deadlines for a withdrawal of forces from Iraq. "One of the most urgent legislative priorities is to fund our troops fighting the war on terror," Bush said during his weekly national radio address. "I've asked Congress to pass an emergency war spending bill that gives our troops what they need, without strings and without delay."
The Defense Department's emergency fiscal 2007 supplemental requests includes $93.4 billion to help fund U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the global war on terror. The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a defense funding bill that includes some domestic spending measures and requires U.S. combat troops to depart Iraq by Aug. 31, 2008.
The House war-spending bill "would cut the number of troops below the level our military commanders say they need to accomplish the mission," Bush pointed out. "It would set an artificial timetable for withdrawal that would allow the enemy to wait us out."
And, military deployment restrictions outlined in the House bill "would take an army of lawyers" to sort out, the president said.
The president has been adamant that he would not support such legislation.
"I have made it clear that I will veto any such bill, and it is clear that my veto would be sustained," Bush said, noting time is running short for Congress to send him a favorable bill.
If the supplemental funding bill is not passed by April 15, the Army will be compelled to consider curtailing and suspending training for Reserve and National Guard units, slow up training of units scheduled to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, and possibly cut funding for the upgrade and renovation of barracks and other facilities, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters during a March 22 news conference at the Pentagon.
"This kind of disruption to key programs will have a genuinely adverse effect on the readiness of the Army and quality of life for soldiers and their families," Gates said at the news conference.
Bush concurred with Gates' assessment, noting that implementation of the U.S. House of Representatives' war spending bill in its present form would hurt the military.
"Our men and women in uniform will face significant disruptions - and so will their families," the president said.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Top U.S. Officer Gives Young Chinese Troops Career Advice
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 24, 2007 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had some career advice here today for junior members of the Chinese Peoples' Liberation Army. A PLA television crew asked Marine Gen. Peter Pace how people build successful careers in the military. Pace had just finished observing a PLA military exercise. Standing in front of a Chinese T-99 main battle tank, Pace said it was important to understand the job that servicemembers have, "and do your job to the best of your ability."
Pace said servicemembers must know what those two levels below them are supposed to be doing, and to understand the intent of those two levels above them. "So that as you do your job to the best of your ability, you can take care of those who look to you for leadership and respond properly to those who look to you to follow," he said.
Troops should not think any job is beneath them or that any job deserves less than their best efforts. "We have an expression that says, 'Grow where you are planted,'" Pace said. "So what ever job you are given, do your best, and you will get another good job."
Pace also spoke about the military exercise he had just seen and an earlier visit to Anshan air base. He said the visit hasn't changed his attitude toward the Chinese military, "because I came here with great respect for the Peoples' Liberation Army, Navy and Air Force," he said.
The chairman said his visit reinforced his belief that the Chinese military is "world-class." It also reinforces the idea that there is much that the armed forces of the United States and China can do together to promote world peace, he said.
The PLA reporter asked the general if he considered China a threat to the United States.
"I believe a threat has two parts to it: One part is capability and the other part is intent," Pace replied. "Both the armed forces of the United States and China have great capabilities or capacities. But neither country has the intent to attack the other country. Because of that we are not a threat to each other."
He said exchanges between the Chinese and American militaries are key to bringing the two countries closer together.
"What we do need to do is have more opportunities to work together, to understand each other better, so we can build trust and confidence that will allow our two countries to go forward together," Pace said.
Pace listed some of the many new proposals to encourage these military-to-military contacts. He said his Chinese counterpart Gen. Liang Guanglie had suggested some of these proposals during Pace's first meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing March 22.
"I agreed with the proposals immediately," Pace said. "There were such things as having our cadets at our academies trade experiences with each other. (Another would) have our junior officers trade places at some of our educational institutions."
Still another is to boost maritime search and rescue exercises and to find ways to cooperate on humanitarian missions.
"We need to just to seek ways to allow our armed forces to get to know each other better, to understand each other better," he said. "That will allow us, then, to build trust and confidence then that will allow us to work more closely together in the future."
He said there are 300 million Americans and 1.3 billion Chinese. Those men and women who serve in the respective militaries "can help both countries provide a better future for all 1.6 billion of those people," Pace said.
Pace moved to Nanjing, China where he will speak to the members of the PLA University of Science and Technology.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 24, 2007 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had some career advice here today for junior members of the Chinese Peoples' Liberation Army. A PLA television crew asked Marine Gen. Peter Pace how people build successful careers in the military. Pace had just finished observing a PLA military exercise. Standing in front of a Chinese T-99 main battle tank, Pace said it was important to understand the job that servicemembers have, "and do your job to the best of your ability."
Pace said servicemembers must know what those two levels below them are supposed to be doing, and to understand the intent of those two levels above them. "So that as you do your job to the best of your ability, you can take care of those who look to you for leadership and respond properly to those who look to you to follow," he said.
Troops should not think any job is beneath them or that any job deserves less than their best efforts. "We have an expression that says, 'Grow where you are planted,'" Pace said. "So what ever job you are given, do your best, and you will get another good job."
Pace also spoke about the military exercise he had just seen and an earlier visit to Anshan air base. He said the visit hasn't changed his attitude toward the Chinese military, "because I came here with great respect for the Peoples' Liberation Army, Navy and Air Force," he said.
The chairman said his visit reinforced his belief that the Chinese military is "world-class." It also reinforces the idea that there is much that the armed forces of the United States and China can do together to promote world peace, he said.
The PLA reporter asked the general if he considered China a threat to the United States.
"I believe a threat has two parts to it: One part is capability and the other part is intent," Pace replied. "Both the armed forces of the United States and China have great capabilities or capacities. But neither country has the intent to attack the other country. Because of that we are not a threat to each other."
He said exchanges between the Chinese and American militaries are key to bringing the two countries closer together.
"What we do need to do is have more opportunities to work together, to understand each other better, so we can build trust and confidence that will allow our two countries to go forward together," Pace said.
Pace listed some of the many new proposals to encourage these military-to-military contacts. He said his Chinese counterpart Gen. Liang Guanglie had suggested some of these proposals during Pace's first meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing March 22.
"I agreed with the proposals immediately," Pace said. "There were such things as having our cadets at our academies trade experiences with each other. (Another would) have our junior officers trade places at some of our educational institutions."
Still another is to boost maritime search and rescue exercises and to find ways to cooperate on humanitarian missions.
"We need to just to seek ways to allow our armed forces to get to know each other better, to understand each other better," he said. "That will allow us, then, to build trust and confidence then that will allow us to work more closely together in the future."
He said there are 300 million Americans and 1.3 billion Chinese. Those men and women who serve in the respective militaries "can help both countries provide a better future for all 1.6 billion of those people," Pace said.
Pace moved to Nanjing, China where he will speak to the members of the PLA University of Science and Technology.
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Pace Visits Chinese Air Base, Checks Out Su-27 Fighter-Bomber
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 24, 2007 – In a move toward openness, Chinese military officials let the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff examine their top-of-the-line combat aircraft and allowed him to speak with pilots and ground personnel here. Marine Gen. Peter Pace and his party toured Anshan Air Base, home of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force's 1st Air Division, and he examined a Chinese-built Su-27 fighter-bomber. The base was part of a visit to the Shenyang Military Region.
The 1st Air Division has three flying regiments and has Su-27s, F-8s and F-7Es. The Su-27 is the top of the food chain for the PLA Air Force, and Pace was the first American to get such a close look at the aircraft, senior Chinese officials said.
NATO pilots know the aircraft by the code name Flanker, and former Soviet Union engineers designed it to counter the American F-15 Eagle. The Su-27 was engineered to be an air superiority fighter and the Chinese still use it in that role, but they also can use it as a precision ground-attack aircraft. The Russians licensed the Chinese to build the plane in China.
The Su-27 does have some drawbacks. Some of the avionic packages are Russian, and the "warranty isn't the best," said a U.S. military official speaking on background. There is no air-to-air refueling capability for the Su-27, and that limits the Flanker to a range of about 1,500 kilometers.
Pace, Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman, and Air Force Brig. Gen. Ralph Jodice, the defense attache at the American embassy in Beijing, climbed into the cockpit of the aircraft. In addition, Chinese pilots flew four aircraft around the airfield to give the chairman and his party a small look at what the aircraft can do in the air.
While he said examining the aircraft was good, Pace said he was even more interested in the PLA Air Force personnel. The chairman spoke to pilots and enlisted men about their service, the qualities of their aircraft and their training and experience of the personnel. He said they were highly motivated and impressed him with their professionalism.
Chinese officials said all their pilots are college graduates and that 96 percent of them are capable of handling complex air operations. The officials said pilots average 120 hours of flying time per year with most of their training centered on tactical considerations. Roughly 35 percent of pilot training is at night. They said they had about 130 pilots for the 100 aircraft in the unit.
In comparison, U.S. Air Force pilots average about 250 flying hours per year and there are roughly 120 pilots per 100 aircraft.
Pace thanked the Chinese personnel for their work. He said their efforts are helping to bring China and the United States closer together. Pace told the airmen that the United States and China have many common national interests and that it is in Asia's and the world's interest for the two countries to cooperate.
During the visit, the base commander pinned a set of Chinese pilot wings on Pace's uniform. Pace told the commander, and all the pilots he met, that, "while I did not earn the wings, I will wear them as a compliment to your professionalism."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 24, 2007 – In a move toward openness, Chinese military officials let the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff examine their top-of-the-line combat aircraft and allowed him to speak with pilots and ground personnel here. Marine Gen. Peter Pace and his party toured Anshan Air Base, home of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force's 1st Air Division, and he examined a Chinese-built Su-27 fighter-bomber. The base was part of a visit to the Shenyang Military Region.
The 1st Air Division has three flying regiments and has Su-27s, F-8s and F-7Es. The Su-27 is the top of the food chain for the PLA Air Force, and Pace was the first American to get such a close look at the aircraft, senior Chinese officials said.
NATO pilots know the aircraft by the code name Flanker, and former Soviet Union engineers designed it to counter the American F-15 Eagle. The Su-27 was engineered to be an air superiority fighter and the Chinese still use it in that role, but they also can use it as a precision ground-attack aircraft. The Russians licensed the Chinese to build the plane in China.
The Su-27 does have some drawbacks. Some of the avionic packages are Russian, and the "warranty isn't the best," said a U.S. military official speaking on background. There is no air-to-air refueling capability for the Su-27, and that limits the Flanker to a range of about 1,500 kilometers.
Pace, Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman, and Air Force Brig. Gen. Ralph Jodice, the defense attache at the American embassy in Beijing, climbed into the cockpit of the aircraft. In addition, Chinese pilots flew four aircraft around the airfield to give the chairman and his party a small look at what the aircraft can do in the air.
While he said examining the aircraft was good, Pace said he was even more interested in the PLA Air Force personnel. The chairman spoke to pilots and enlisted men about their service, the qualities of their aircraft and their training and experience of the personnel. He said they were highly motivated and impressed him with their professionalism.
Chinese officials said all their pilots are college graduates and that 96 percent of them are capable of handling complex air operations. The officials said pilots average 120 hours of flying time per year with most of their training centered on tactical considerations. Roughly 35 percent of pilot training is at night. They said they had about 130 pilots for the 100 aircraft in the unit.
In comparison, U.S. Air Force pilots average about 250 flying hours per year and there are roughly 120 pilots per 100 aircraft.
Pace thanked the Chinese personnel for their work. He said their efforts are helping to bring China and the United States closer together. Pace told the airmen that the United States and China have many common national interests and that it is in Asia's and the world's interest for the two countries to cooperate.
During the visit, the base commander pinned a set of Chinese pilot wings on Pace's uniform. Pace told the commander, and all the pilots he met, that, "while I did not earn the wings, I will wear them as a compliment to your professionalism."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Chairman Observes Chinese Land Combat Exercise
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 24, 2007 – Artillery and mortar fire poured in on one impact area, while attack helicopters launched strikes that absolutely pulverized another. Tanks and armored personnel carriers raced down tank trails, firing main guns and disgorging soldiers who immediately went on the attack with small arms. All this - and more - went on under the watchful eyes of Gen. Peter Pace. As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a Marine for 40 years, Pace has participated in countless exercises like this one.
But this one was different for the chairman. The troops, tanks, aircraft and armored vehicles were Chinese. Pace observed the exercise at the Dalian Training Area here at the invitation of the leaders of the People's Liberation Army.
Pace came here to increase understanding and military-to-military cooperation between the United States and China. He met with senior Chinese defense and foreign affairs leaders in Beijing March 22 and 23. After the meetings, he flew to Shenyang, China and was hosted by soldiers of the Military Region. Today, he visited airmen of the 1st Air Division at Anshan Air Base and then flew in a PLA Air Force Boeing 737-300 here to observe the exercise conducted by soldiers of the 39th Army Corps.
Fog on the peninsula jutting out into the Yellow Sea almost cancelled the trip. But it cleared enough to continue. Pace and his staff ate lunch with the leaders of the unit and then climbed a steep hill to observe the exercise. A Chinese senior colonel described what would take place through an interpreter.
And then the crack of artillery began.
The Chinese military ran the exercise without mistake or mishap, even though banks of fog sometimes obscured the terrain. Pace watched as state-of-the-art T-99 tanks rumbled into view and he could hear the squeal of the tracks as they went over the roadwheels.
Chinese soldiers ran out of BMPs - armored personnel carriers - to open lanes through simulated minefields. Some vehicles were "hit" and large clouds of red smoke billowed from them. The follow on forces drove on to the battlefield in older T-80 tanks.
The sights, the noise, the smells, the orders pouring over the radio net were familiar to seasoned U.S. military professionals observing the exercise. Even the feeling as the overpressure of an explosion a mile away reaches the observation point seemed normal. One difference was that in the United States, the friendly forces are called the "blue forces." In China, the friendly forces are called "red forces."
Following the exercise, Pace spoke with PLA leaders and then met with the soldiers who put on the demonstration. Pace thanked the soldiers for the extra work they had to put in to make the demonstration so successful. He told them he was honored to be with them, and said the free and truthful exchange of ideas by military professionals can make the world a safer place.
After a group photo, Pace and Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey shook hands with each of the soldiers involved.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 24, 2007 – Artillery and mortar fire poured in on one impact area, while attack helicopters launched strikes that absolutely pulverized another. Tanks and armored personnel carriers raced down tank trails, firing main guns and disgorging soldiers who immediately went on the attack with small arms. All this - and more - went on under the watchful eyes of Gen. Peter Pace. As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a Marine for 40 years, Pace has participated in countless exercises like this one.
But this one was different for the chairman. The troops, tanks, aircraft and armored vehicles were Chinese. Pace observed the exercise at the Dalian Training Area here at the invitation of the leaders of the People's Liberation Army.
Pace came here to increase understanding and military-to-military cooperation between the United States and China. He met with senior Chinese defense and foreign affairs leaders in Beijing March 22 and 23. After the meetings, he flew to Shenyang, China and was hosted by soldiers of the Military Region. Today, he visited airmen of the 1st Air Division at Anshan Air Base and then flew in a PLA Air Force Boeing 737-300 here to observe the exercise conducted by soldiers of the 39th Army Corps.
Fog on the peninsula jutting out into the Yellow Sea almost cancelled the trip. But it cleared enough to continue. Pace and his staff ate lunch with the leaders of the unit and then climbed a steep hill to observe the exercise. A Chinese senior colonel described what would take place through an interpreter.
And then the crack of artillery began.
The Chinese military ran the exercise without mistake or mishap, even though banks of fog sometimes obscured the terrain. Pace watched as state-of-the-art T-99 tanks rumbled into view and he could hear the squeal of the tracks as they went over the roadwheels.
Chinese soldiers ran out of BMPs - armored personnel carriers - to open lanes through simulated minefields. Some vehicles were "hit" and large clouds of red smoke billowed from them. The follow on forces drove on to the battlefield in older T-80 tanks.
The sights, the noise, the smells, the orders pouring over the radio net were familiar to seasoned U.S. military professionals observing the exercise. Even the feeling as the overpressure of an explosion a mile away reaches the observation point seemed normal. One difference was that in the United States, the friendly forces are called the "blue forces." In China, the friendly forces are called "red forces."
Following the exercise, Pace spoke with PLA leaders and then met with the soldiers who put on the demonstration. Pace thanked the soldiers for the extra work they had to put in to make the demonstration so successful. He told them he was honored to be with them, and said the free and truthful exchange of ideas by military professionals can make the world a safer place.
After a group photo, Pace and Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey shook hands with each of the soldiers involved.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Medal of Honor Heroes Set the Standard, England Says
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 22, 2007 – Medal of Honor recipients are heroes, despite their many humble objections to the label, and are important to the fabric of our society, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told those gathered yesterday to celebrate the official naming of March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day. Medal of Honor recipients and their families, politicians, senior military members and others packed the historic caucus room in the Russell Senate Office Building to honor those wearing the nation's highest military award for bravery.
Congress this month designated March 25 each year as National Medal of Honor Day. The day is significant as the day the first Medal of Honor was presented in 1863.
At last night's ceremony, England highlighted the importance of the honor and its recipients to the nation and its military.
"Heroes are important. They are important to our military. But they are also important to every citizen and to every person in the world who enjoys and yearns for freedom and liberty," England said.
"Heroes set standards for the rest of us to aspire to. And by their example they encourage others to excel," he said.
England also recognized at the ceremony the two most recent recipients of the award, Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham and Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, both recognized posthumously for bravery in the war in Iraq.
"They are an example of this generation of Americans who volunteer to serve and who serve today in sacrifice for all of us," England said. "In performing these acts, the recipients have demonstrated resolve, commitment, determination, will and raw courage to prevail. Those qualities are the underpinning of our nation."
England read a letter from President Bush to the group. In the letter, Bush said the country owes Medal of Honor recipients a debt for their service and, for many, the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.
"Our country is in debt to these great warriors and that debt is one that we can never fully pay," Bush wrote. "The courage and leadership of the men and women who are honored on this day represent the highest ideals in military service and each of them has set a fine example of what it means to be a fine American."
Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. and Medal of Honor recipient Gary L. Littrell took the podium following the evening's longest ovation for a speaker.
Littrell said that during the past two years he has visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that such visits help him appreciate the freedom we have in America.
"When we get complacent -- which I do quite often, and I forget the freedom that we have -- all you have to do is visit a third-world country, and how quickly will you appreciate what the young men and women in uniform are doing for the freedoms that we have today," he said.
Littrell said that during his visits he likes to ask the servicemembers if they know why they are serving and fighting.
"I get a stern look," he said.
"They look at me and they say, 'Sergeant Major, I am here because I am fighting this global war on terrorism on their land and in their country to keep them from bringing it back to ours,'" Littrell said.
Littrell said he views National Medal of Honor Day as a call to action for its living recipients to help perpetuate the purpose of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
"I do not view 25 March for the years to come as a day to honor 'we' the Medal of Honor recipients," he said. "I view the 25th of March as a day that we the Medal of Honor recipients can give back to our youth."
Littrell said he plans to spend the day each year speaking to groups such as the Boy or Girl Scouts, or at schools.
"Let's educate our youth. Let's give to our kids -- the future leaders of this great nation," Littrell said.
Littrell is the current president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Littrell was a sergeant first class in Vietnam in 1970 when his actions earned him the Medal of Honor.
Since 1863, 3,444 servicemembers have received the nation's highest military honor for courage under fire.
There are 112 recipients living today.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 22, 2007 – Medal of Honor recipients are heroes, despite their many humble objections to the label, and are important to the fabric of our society, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told those gathered yesterday to celebrate the official naming of March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day. Medal of Honor recipients and their families, politicians, senior military members and others packed the historic caucus room in the Russell Senate Office Building to honor those wearing the nation's highest military award for bravery.
Congress this month designated March 25 each year as National Medal of Honor Day. The day is significant as the day the first Medal of Honor was presented in 1863.
At last night's ceremony, England highlighted the importance of the honor and its recipients to the nation and its military.
"Heroes are important. They are important to our military. But they are also important to every citizen and to every person in the world who enjoys and yearns for freedom and liberty," England said.
"Heroes set standards for the rest of us to aspire to. And by their example they encourage others to excel," he said.
England also recognized at the ceremony the two most recent recipients of the award, Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham and Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, both recognized posthumously for bravery in the war in Iraq.
"They are an example of this generation of Americans who volunteer to serve and who serve today in sacrifice for all of us," England said. "In performing these acts, the recipients have demonstrated resolve, commitment, determination, will and raw courage to prevail. Those qualities are the underpinning of our nation."
England read a letter from President Bush to the group. In the letter, Bush said the country owes Medal of Honor recipients a debt for their service and, for many, the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.
"Our country is in debt to these great warriors and that debt is one that we can never fully pay," Bush wrote. "The courage and leadership of the men and women who are honored on this day represent the highest ideals in military service and each of them has set a fine example of what it means to be a fine American."
Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. and Medal of Honor recipient Gary L. Littrell took the podium following the evening's longest ovation for a speaker.
Littrell said that during the past two years he has visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that such visits help him appreciate the freedom we have in America.
"When we get complacent -- which I do quite often, and I forget the freedom that we have -- all you have to do is visit a third-world country, and how quickly will you appreciate what the young men and women in uniform are doing for the freedoms that we have today," he said.
Littrell said that during his visits he likes to ask the servicemembers if they know why they are serving and fighting.
"I get a stern look," he said.
"They look at me and they say, 'Sergeant Major, I am here because I am fighting this global war on terrorism on their land and in their country to keep them from bringing it back to ours,'" Littrell said.
Littrell said he views National Medal of Honor Day as a call to action for its living recipients to help perpetuate the purpose of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
"I do not view 25 March for the years to come as a day to honor 'we' the Medal of Honor recipients," he said. "I view the 25th of March as a day that we the Medal of Honor recipients can give back to our youth."
Littrell said he plans to spend the day each year speaking to groups such as the Boy or Girl Scouts, or at schools.
"Let's educate our youth. Let's give to our kids -- the future leaders of this great nation," Littrell said.
Littrell is the current president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Littrell was a sergeant first class in Vietnam in 1970 when his actions earned him the Medal of Honor.
Since 1863, 3,444 servicemembers have received the nation's highest military honor for courage under fire.
There are 112 recipients living today.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Pace Calls for Closer Military Ties Between China, U.S.
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Military-to-military contacts will help China and the United States avoid misunderstandings and help build greater stability and prosperity in Asia, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here today. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke during a news conference at the American embassy. He arrived in China yesterday and went into a full plate of meetings with Chinese military and foreign ministry officials.
Pace said military transparency is key to helping Chinese and American military leaders build understanding. "The biggest fear I have for the future (of U.S.-Chinese relations) is miscalculation and misunderstanding based on misinformation," he said during the news conference.
The American and Chinese military leaders also spoke about establishing a hotline between Beijing and the Pentagon. This would be another tool to help avoid miscalculations, Pace said.
The chairman said he came to listen to Chinese military leaders and work with them "to find better ways to provide for the security and prosperity of 1.3 billion Chinese and 300 million Americans."
"Basically, what I am looking for it to find ways that the military in China and the military in U.S. can foster understanding between our militaries in a way that will help foster understanding between our countries," Pace said. "(This will allow) us to become partners for the future."
He said the meetings were candid and cordial, with a good, open dialogue. He said his Chinese counterpart, Army Gen. Liang Guanglie, made a number of suggestions for military-to-military measures that could help build trust and confidence between the two nations.
The chairman said he enthusiastically supports Liang's proposals and will work with Chinese officials to speed their implementation. One is an exchange program for young officers and military academy cadets and midshipmen. Another proposal will expand search-and-rescue exercises between the nations. A third looks toward cooperating in humanitarian operations.
Chinese officials brought up the subject of Taiwan in each of the meetings with the chairman. The Chinese fear that Taiwan will seek independence. "It's clearly a fundamental issue for the Chinese government, and we should respect the fundamental nature of that issue," Pace said.
President Bush has succinctly expressed American policy in regard to Taiwan, and the chairman reaffirmed that policy for the Chinese leaders. "As a nation, we support a One China policy, the Three Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act and a peaceful resolution to the issue," he said. "President Bush has also said he does not support Taiwan's independence."
The United States is determined to find "the proper, peaceful solution to the Taiwan issue," Pace said.
Pace called on Chinese leaders to foster transparency. He used the Chinese anti-satellite test as an example for the need. He said the test surprised the international community and caused confusion.
"It wasn't clear what their intent (with the test) was," the chairman said. "When the intent isn't clear, and when there are surprises and you confuse people, you raise suspicions. I think that is one area where we can work harder between the two militaries to make sure ... we tell each other what we're doing, why we're doing it, how we're doing it (and) what our intents are, so that it is clear."
The chairman said that when he assesses any nation militarily, he looks at the country's capacity and intent.
"Clearly, both China and the United States have enormous military capacity," he said. "But equally clearly, neither country has the intent to go to war with the other country. So absent intent, I don't find threat."
The danger is a miscalculation on either side, he said. He said China and the United States need to focus on fostering information flows that allow individuals, institutions and countries to understand each other better. Individuals and nations need to understand what motivates others.
Understanding why a country puts a policy in place is just as important as what that policy is, he noted. "Over time, you build up trust and confidence that allows, then, for more transparency," Pace said.
All nations will continue to have military secrets, and not every program is explained in a military budget. "Even best friends keep something from each other," he said. "This is not about being completely open about everything."
The Chinese military budget for 2007 will grow 17 percent, and that has caused critics to questions Chinese motives. "It is not only about how (many) resources are being put into the budget, but what is that money buying, and what is the intent of that capability," Pace said. "The more we are able to share the more comfortable we will all be."
Pace said there were no tensions in his talks with Chinese leaders. "I have been welcomed as a friend and I have been treated as a friend, to include speaking very openly and candidly, as you would to a friend, about things you agree on and things that are obstacles," he said. "Then we talked about how, as military men, we can help our countries work our way through those obstacles."
Pace's next stop is Shenyang, east of Beijing, where he will view Chinese air and ground capabilities.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Military-to-military contacts will help China and the United States avoid misunderstandings and help build greater stability and prosperity in Asia, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here today. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke during a news conference at the American embassy. He arrived in China yesterday and went into a full plate of meetings with Chinese military and foreign ministry officials.
Pace said military transparency is key to helping Chinese and American military leaders build understanding. "The biggest fear I have for the future (of U.S.-Chinese relations) is miscalculation and misunderstanding based on misinformation," he said during the news conference.
The American and Chinese military leaders also spoke about establishing a hotline between Beijing and the Pentagon. This would be another tool to help avoid miscalculations, Pace said.
The chairman said he came to listen to Chinese military leaders and work with them "to find better ways to provide for the security and prosperity of 1.3 billion Chinese and 300 million Americans."
"Basically, what I am looking for it to find ways that the military in China and the military in U.S. can foster understanding between our militaries in a way that will help foster understanding between our countries," Pace said. "(This will allow) us to become partners for the future."
He said the meetings were candid and cordial, with a good, open dialogue. He said his Chinese counterpart, Army Gen. Liang Guanglie, made a number of suggestions for military-to-military measures that could help build trust and confidence between the two nations.
The chairman said he enthusiastically supports Liang's proposals and will work with Chinese officials to speed their implementation. One is an exchange program for young officers and military academy cadets and midshipmen. Another proposal will expand search-and-rescue exercises between the nations. A third looks toward cooperating in humanitarian operations.
Chinese officials brought up the subject of Taiwan in each of the meetings with the chairman. The Chinese fear that Taiwan will seek independence. "It's clearly a fundamental issue for the Chinese government, and we should respect the fundamental nature of that issue," Pace said.
President Bush has succinctly expressed American policy in regard to Taiwan, and the chairman reaffirmed that policy for the Chinese leaders. "As a nation, we support a One China policy, the Three Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act and a peaceful resolution to the issue," he said. "President Bush has also said he does not support Taiwan's independence."
The United States is determined to find "the proper, peaceful solution to the Taiwan issue," Pace said.
Pace called on Chinese leaders to foster transparency. He used the Chinese anti-satellite test as an example for the need. He said the test surprised the international community and caused confusion.
"It wasn't clear what their intent (with the test) was," the chairman said. "When the intent isn't clear, and when there are surprises and you confuse people, you raise suspicions. I think that is one area where we can work harder between the two militaries to make sure ... we tell each other what we're doing, why we're doing it, how we're doing it (and) what our intents are, so that it is clear."
The chairman said that when he assesses any nation militarily, he looks at the country's capacity and intent.
"Clearly, both China and the United States have enormous military capacity," he said. "But equally clearly, neither country has the intent to go to war with the other country. So absent intent, I don't find threat."
The danger is a miscalculation on either side, he said. He said China and the United States need to focus on fostering information flows that allow individuals, institutions and countries to understand each other better. Individuals and nations need to understand what motivates others.
Understanding why a country puts a policy in place is just as important as what that policy is, he noted. "Over time, you build up trust and confidence that allows, then, for more transparency," Pace said.
All nations will continue to have military secrets, and not every program is explained in a military budget. "Even best friends keep something from each other," he said. "This is not about being completely open about everything."
The Chinese military budget for 2007 will grow 17 percent, and that has caused critics to questions Chinese motives. "It is not only about how (many) resources are being put into the budget, but what is that money buying, and what is the intent of that capability," Pace said. "The more we are able to share the more comfortable we will all be."
Pace said there were no tensions in his talks with Chinese leaders. "I have been welcomed as a friend and I have been treated as a friend, to include speaking very openly and candidly, as you would to a friend, about things you agree on and things that are obstacles," he said. "Then we talked about how, as military men, we can help our countries work our way through those obstacles."
Pace's next stop is Shenyang, east of Beijing, where he will view Chinese air and ground capabilities.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Keating Recaps Tenure at NORTHCOM, NORAD
By Petty Officer 1st Class Joaquin Juatai, USN
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – The outgoing commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command reflected on his tenure at a news conference here yesterday. Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, who will take command of U.S. Pacific Command, noted that NORTHCOM was created to bolster homeland defense in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
"I think NORTHCOM represents a significant improvement in our nation's ability to defend itself," Keating said. "We are better prepared today by far to defend our homeland because of the existence of Northern Command."
During Keating's two-and-a-half-year tenure as commander of NORAD and NORTHCOM, many improvements and upgrades to the way both commands perform their missions were enacted, including realignment to the Cheyenne Mountain Directorate, the traditional command center of NORAD.
"It is beneficial to improved combat efficiency and effectiveness," Keating said. "It will provide increased combat effectiveness for NORAD and USNORTHCOM."
Keating praised the personnel assigned to NORAD and NORTHCOM, stating that the United States and Canada have provided both commands with the "quality personnel and first-rate equipment" required to fulfill their respective missions.
"I am confident that we have the systems in place that will continue to deter those who would seek to attack us," Keating said. "I think the fact that there hasn't been an attack for five and a half years now is not accidental."
NORAD is a binational U.S. and Canadian command charged with aerospace and maritime warning for North America. NORTHCOM is responsible for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.
Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart will accept command from Keating in a ceremony here today.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joaquin Juatai is assigned to NORAD and NORTHCOM Public Affairs.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – The outgoing commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command reflected on his tenure at a news conference here yesterday. Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, who will take command of U.S. Pacific Command, noted that NORTHCOM was created to bolster homeland defense in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
"I think NORTHCOM represents a significant improvement in our nation's ability to defend itself," Keating said. "We are better prepared today by far to defend our homeland because of the existence of Northern Command."
During Keating's two-and-a-half-year tenure as commander of NORAD and NORTHCOM, many improvements and upgrades to the way both commands perform their missions were enacted, including realignment to the Cheyenne Mountain Directorate, the traditional command center of NORAD.
"It is beneficial to improved combat efficiency and effectiveness," Keating said. "It will provide increased combat effectiveness for NORAD and USNORTHCOM."
Keating praised the personnel assigned to NORAD and NORTHCOM, stating that the United States and Canada have provided both commands with the "quality personnel and first-rate equipment" required to fulfill their respective missions.
"I am confident that we have the systems in place that will continue to deter those who would seek to attack us," Keating said. "I think the fact that there hasn't been an attack for five and a half years now is not accidental."
NORAD is a binational U.S. and Canadian command charged with aerospace and maritime warning for North America. NORTHCOM is responsible for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.
Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart will accept command from Keating in a ceremony here today.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joaquin Juatai is assigned to NORAD and NORTHCOM Public Affairs.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
DoD Investigates Hacking of Troops' Personal Computers
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Defense Department officials have launched an investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers' home computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection of funds from their military pay accounts. Over the past eight months, nearly two dozen Defense Finance and Accounting Service "myPay" participants have had their accounts accessed by unauthorized personnel, officials said. The myPay program allows DFAS users to manage pay information, leave and earnings statements and W-2s online.
The compromise likely came from personal information being stolen from home computers via spyware and keystroke-logging viruses, DFAS officials said.
A hacker redirected one servicemember's pay to a credit card vendor by changing account information the day before pay day, Tom LaRock, DFAS spokesman, said. However, he added, DFAS quickly worked with his bank to have funds returned to his account within two days.
When suspicious activity is detected under the current system used by DFAS, LaRock explained, financial institutions are immediately notified so reversals can be made to servicemember's accounts. DFAS plans to launch a new program soon that will increase the ability to detect unauthorized changes prior to processing by pay systems. This will make the system for myPay's 3.7 million users even more responsive, LaRock said.
"This won't completely stop compromises," he said, "but it will help alert us more quickly so appropriate actions can be taken."
Key-logging software often is installed on systems when an individual simply views e-mails or clicks links that look and seem like reputable sites. Hackers then are able to detect passwords and other personal information, DFAS officials said.
The organization is reminding customers that they have a responsibility to take measures to protect their personal information from scams and identity theft.
DFAS warns that a variety of methods can be used to attack home computers, including phishing, malicious software and outside takeovers via bad software configurations. Users are encouraged to install and continually update anti-virus and firewall software.
DFAS offers tips for security and protection to its users on its Web site, https://mypay.dfas.mil/PersonalData.htm.
The Defense Department also offers free downloads of antivirus and firewall software programs to servicemembers and civilians under terms of the DoD enterprise antivirus license with supporting companies.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Defense Department officials have launched an investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers' home computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection of funds from their military pay accounts. Over the past eight months, nearly two dozen Defense Finance and Accounting Service "myPay" participants have had their accounts accessed by unauthorized personnel, officials said. The myPay program allows DFAS users to manage pay information, leave and earnings statements and W-2s online.
The compromise likely came from personal information being stolen from home computers via spyware and keystroke-logging viruses, DFAS officials said.
A hacker redirected one servicemember's pay to a credit card vendor by changing account information the day before pay day, Tom LaRock, DFAS spokesman, said. However, he added, DFAS quickly worked with his bank to have funds returned to his account within two days.
When suspicious activity is detected under the current system used by DFAS, LaRock explained, financial institutions are immediately notified so reversals can be made to servicemember's accounts. DFAS plans to launch a new program soon that will increase the ability to detect unauthorized changes prior to processing by pay systems. This will make the system for myPay's 3.7 million users even more responsive, LaRock said.
"This won't completely stop compromises," he said, "but it will help alert us more quickly so appropriate actions can be taken."
Key-logging software often is installed on systems when an individual simply views e-mails or clicks links that look and seem like reputable sites. Hackers then are able to detect passwords and other personal information, DFAS officials said.
The organization is reminding customers that they have a responsibility to take measures to protect their personal information from scams and identity theft.
DFAS warns that a variety of methods can be used to attack home computers, including phishing, malicious software and outside takeovers via bad software configurations. Users are encouraged to install and continually update anti-virus and firewall software.
DFAS offers tips for security and protection to its users on its Web site, https://mypay.dfas.mil/PersonalData.htm.
The Defense Department also offers free downloads of antivirus and firewall software programs to servicemembers and civilians under terms of the DoD enterprise antivirus license with supporting companies.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Marine Receives Distinguished Flying Cross at Buckingham Palace
By Gunnery Sgt. Donald E. Preston, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – A U.S. Marine appeared before Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace March 21 to receive the United Kingdom's Distinguished Flying Cross for saving lives and in recognition for his bravery during combat operations in Iraq. Marine Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr., is the first U.S. servicemember to be so honored since World War II.
Assigned as an exchange officer with the Royal Air Force's 847th Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, England, the U.S. Marine flew the RAF's Lynx Mk7 helicopter -- the aircraft he used to dodge insurgent's bullets and rocket-propelled grenades.
Through flight school training at Pensacola, Fla., and Corpus Christi, Texas, he mastered the Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter -- a two-seater armed with Hellfire, Sidewinder and Sidearm missiles.
When he joined the RAF squadron in 2005, he traded in the Super Cobra for the Lynx.
"It's a very agile aircraft," said Chesareck, whose call sign is "Punchy." "Its maneuverability is significantly enhanced, compared to a Cobra. It's like comparing a Mustang to a Porsche. They're both great, but different." Flying the evening of June 10, 2006, Chesarek was providing radio communication relay for British ground troops conducting a company-sized search operation near Amarah, Iraq. Listening to radio transmissions, he overheard that a vehicle involved in the operation had became disabled and a crowd of insurgents was firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at the company.
According to his award citation, "Chesarek elected to fly low over the area in an attempt to distract the crowd and if possible, to engage the insurgents." Because the crowd was so close to the ground troops, instead of engaging his machine gun, he "opted instead to provide bold, harassing, very low level flight over the area in an attempt to disperse the crowd."
However, radio traffic from the ground told Chesarek he was now the target and was drawing small-arms fire, and that a rocket-propelled grenade had just passed the rear of his aircraft.
This was not his first time in combat. He and his wife, Christine, a U.S. Navy nurse, had served simultaneously in Operation Iraqi Freedom during the initial stages. But now in a different aircraft, with a different purpose, things were different. Last month, Chesarek's RAF commander and his crew had been shot down flying in the same type of aircraft.
"I had been in a couple of situations with troops in contact before," the 32-year-old Chesarek said. "I had a good idea of the kind of potential danger involved, but now I was listening to the individual commander on the ground. Someone was injured; what can we do?"
Using his view from above, Chesarek applied his training as an airborne forward air controller to coordinate, designate and control fixed-wing assets in conducting close air support, resulting in the dispersing the insurgents.
Chesarek made the unconventional move - what's considered an "implied mission" in military parlance -- to conduct a medical evacuation with the Lynx to help a British soldier with a life-threatening head injury. As the only aircraft available to assist, he landed the Lynx near the company in distress as his door gunner and another crew member jumped out.
"My door gunner jumped out and picked up the injured soldier and put him in the helicopter," Chesarek said. "My other crew member had to stay, or we would have been overweight to fly."
Now, nine months later, Chesarek's name echoed throughout the ballroom of Buckingham Palace as he was called before the queen to be recognized and credited for "having a pivotal role in ensuring the rapid evacuation of (a) badly injured soldier and the safe extraction of the Company."
Wearing his ceremonial uniform, Chesarek stood before the queen and hundreds in attendance, including his parents, his wife and their 2-year-old son, William. After Chesarek bowed, the custom when in front of the queen, the British monarch placed her kingdom's level-three award for gallantry in the air while on active operation against the enemy on his chest.
Chesarek reflected on his lost comrades and brothers in arms.
"I am greatly honored and would like to accept this prestigious award for 847 NAS in memory of Lt. Cmdr. Darren Chapman (Royal Navy), Capt. David Dobson (Army Air Corps), and Marine Paul Collins (Royal Marines), who were killed in action over Basrah in May 2006," Chesarek said. "The awarded actions were only possible due to the combined effort of my combat crew; Lt. David Williams (Royal Navy) and Lance Cpl. Max Carter (Royal Marines). My greatest sense of achievement that day is in knowing the ground troops all made it home."
(Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Donald E. Preston is assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – A U.S. Marine appeared before Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace March 21 to receive the United Kingdom's Distinguished Flying Cross for saving lives and in recognition for his bravery during combat operations in Iraq. Marine Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr., is the first U.S. servicemember to be so honored since World War II.
Assigned as an exchange officer with the Royal Air Force's 847th Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, England, the U.S. Marine flew the RAF's Lynx Mk7 helicopter -- the aircraft he used to dodge insurgent's bullets and rocket-propelled grenades.
Through flight school training at Pensacola, Fla., and Corpus Christi, Texas, he mastered the Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter -- a two-seater armed with Hellfire, Sidewinder and Sidearm missiles.
When he joined the RAF squadron in 2005, he traded in the Super Cobra for the Lynx.
"It's a very agile aircraft," said Chesareck, whose call sign is "Punchy." "Its maneuverability is significantly enhanced, compared to a Cobra. It's like comparing a Mustang to a Porsche. They're both great, but different." Flying the evening of June 10, 2006, Chesarek was providing radio communication relay for British ground troops conducting a company-sized search operation near Amarah, Iraq. Listening to radio transmissions, he overheard that a vehicle involved in the operation had became disabled and a crowd of insurgents was firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at the company.
According to his award citation, "Chesarek elected to fly low over the area in an attempt to distract the crowd and if possible, to engage the insurgents." Because the crowd was so close to the ground troops, instead of engaging his machine gun, he "opted instead to provide bold, harassing, very low level flight over the area in an attempt to disperse the crowd."
However, radio traffic from the ground told Chesarek he was now the target and was drawing small-arms fire, and that a rocket-propelled grenade had just passed the rear of his aircraft.
This was not his first time in combat. He and his wife, Christine, a U.S. Navy nurse, had served simultaneously in Operation Iraqi Freedom during the initial stages. But now in a different aircraft, with a different purpose, things were different. Last month, Chesarek's RAF commander and his crew had been shot down flying in the same type of aircraft.
"I had been in a couple of situations with troops in contact before," the 32-year-old Chesarek said. "I had a good idea of the kind of potential danger involved, but now I was listening to the individual commander on the ground. Someone was injured; what can we do?"
Using his view from above, Chesarek applied his training as an airborne forward air controller to coordinate, designate and control fixed-wing assets in conducting close air support, resulting in the dispersing the insurgents.
Chesarek made the unconventional move - what's considered an "implied mission" in military parlance -- to conduct a medical evacuation with the Lynx to help a British soldier with a life-threatening head injury. As the only aircraft available to assist, he landed the Lynx near the company in distress as his door gunner and another crew member jumped out.
"My door gunner jumped out and picked up the injured soldier and put him in the helicopter," Chesarek said. "My other crew member had to stay, or we would have been overweight to fly."
Now, nine months later, Chesarek's name echoed throughout the ballroom of Buckingham Palace as he was called before the queen to be recognized and credited for "having a pivotal role in ensuring the rapid evacuation of (a) badly injured soldier and the safe extraction of the Company."
Wearing his ceremonial uniform, Chesarek stood before the queen and hundreds in attendance, including his parents, his wife and their 2-year-old son, William. After Chesarek bowed, the custom when in front of the queen, the British monarch placed her kingdom's level-three award for gallantry in the air while on active operation against the enemy on his chest.
Chesarek reflected on his lost comrades and brothers in arms.
"I am greatly honored and would like to accept this prestigious award for 847 NAS in memory of Lt. Cmdr. Darren Chapman (Royal Navy), Capt. David Dobson (Army Air Corps), and Marine Paul Collins (Royal Marines), who were killed in action over Basrah in May 2006," Chesarek said. "The awarded actions were only possible due to the combined effort of my combat crew; Lt. David Williams (Royal Navy) and Lance Cpl. Max Carter (Royal Marines). My greatest sense of achievement that day is in knowing the ground troops all made it home."
(Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Donald E. Preston is assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Circus Honors Wounded Servicemembers
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – About than 60 wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., spent last night clowning around at Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus's Military Appreciation Night. Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus is a corporate team member of America Supports You, the Defense Department program that highlights the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's military.
Army Cpl. John Callahan, a patient from Walter Reed, said he hadn't been to the circus since he was 11. "I love coming out when I get a chance. I think it's good for the morale, too."
Marine Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bryant, also a Walter Reed patient, agreed the night was about having fun, but he said the fact that the servicemembers were the guests of honor made the night even better.
"We're just glad that people recognize our service most of all," he said. "We're just glad to be here, just glad to have fun. (We want to) thank everybody for supporting us."
America Supports You home-front group Our Military Kids also attended the circus to inform circus-goers about its program. The group provides grants and scholarships to children of deployed and severely injured Reserve and National Guard military personnel to continue sports, fine arts and tutoring activities. Three of their families also were able to attend, Linda Davidson, executive director of Our Military Children, said.
"We're supporting the children of severely injured and deployed Reserve and National Guard (servicemembers), and I think when we think of circuses we think of children and we think of families," Davidson said. "We felt it was a great opportunity to showcase the Our Military Kids program."
Before the festivities officially began, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Sattler, director for strategic plans and policy for the Joint Staff, joked with the clowns and greeted the wounded warriors and their families. He called the circus's gesture of free tickets to the performance "a great tribute" to the servicemembers.
"I think it's great that Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey is honoring them tonight," Sattler said. "It makes the families feel good, (and) I think the rest of us who are here, it gives us kind of a warm touch in your heart to realize this kind of generosity exists."
The general's backstage experience wouldn't have been complete without photos with Army Sgt. Tom Davis and his family and, of course, Karen the elephant. Karen showed her patriotic appreciation by sporting an elephant-sized America Supports You dog tag.
Kenneth Feld, chairman and chief executive officer of Feld Entertainment, which owns the circus, said supporting the troops is a part of the circus's culture now.
"Every performance, ... before the show starts, we talk about our relationship with America Supports You," he said. "The response it generates - the applause, the support - we see that as we play in over 135 cities across America every year."
As the evening's performance began, Feld, on behalf of the circus, expressed pride in being a part of the Defense Department's program. "This is a very special night," he said. "We're excited that this is the second year of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's partnership with the Department of Defense America Supports You program."
Then Sattler, as the guest ringmaster, took the spotlight.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank you and Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus for sponsoring some of our wounded warriors here at the circus," he said. "What we have with us tonight are some of the soldiers and Marines, sailors and airmen who went forward and stood on the wall and looked evil in the eye and said, 'Not on my watch!'"
After a round of applause for the servicemembers in attendance, it was all about fun for the general.
"This is the one time in my life where I get to say, 'Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth! Ooo-Rah!'" Sattler said to open the show.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – About than 60 wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., spent last night clowning around at Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus's Military Appreciation Night. Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus is a corporate team member of America Supports You, the Defense Department program that highlights the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's military.
Army Cpl. John Callahan, a patient from Walter Reed, said he hadn't been to the circus since he was 11. "I love coming out when I get a chance. I think it's good for the morale, too."
Marine Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bryant, also a Walter Reed patient, agreed the night was about having fun, but he said the fact that the servicemembers were the guests of honor made the night even better.
"We're just glad that people recognize our service most of all," he said. "We're just glad to be here, just glad to have fun. (We want to) thank everybody for supporting us."
America Supports You home-front group Our Military Kids also attended the circus to inform circus-goers about its program. The group provides grants and scholarships to children of deployed and severely injured Reserve and National Guard military personnel to continue sports, fine arts and tutoring activities. Three of their families also were able to attend, Linda Davidson, executive director of Our Military Children, said.
"We're supporting the children of severely injured and deployed Reserve and National Guard (servicemembers), and I think when we think of circuses we think of children and we think of families," Davidson said. "We felt it was a great opportunity to showcase the Our Military Kids program."
Before the festivities officially began, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Sattler, director for strategic plans and policy for the Joint Staff, joked with the clowns and greeted the wounded warriors and their families. He called the circus's gesture of free tickets to the performance "a great tribute" to the servicemembers.
"I think it's great that Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey is honoring them tonight," Sattler said. "It makes the families feel good, (and) I think the rest of us who are here, it gives us kind of a warm touch in your heart to realize this kind of generosity exists."
The general's backstage experience wouldn't have been complete without photos with Army Sgt. Tom Davis and his family and, of course, Karen the elephant. Karen showed her patriotic appreciation by sporting an elephant-sized America Supports You dog tag.
Kenneth Feld, chairman and chief executive officer of Feld Entertainment, which owns the circus, said supporting the troops is a part of the circus's culture now.
"Every performance, ... before the show starts, we talk about our relationship with America Supports You," he said. "The response it generates - the applause, the support - we see that as we play in over 135 cities across America every year."
As the evening's performance began, Feld, on behalf of the circus, expressed pride in being a part of the Defense Department's program. "This is a very special night," he said. "We're excited that this is the second year of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's partnership with the Department of Defense America Supports You program."
Then Sattler, as the guest ringmaster, took the spotlight.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank you and Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus for sponsoring some of our wounded warriors here at the circus," he said. "What we have with us tonight are some of the soldiers and Marines, sailors and airmen who went forward and stood on the wall and looked evil in the eye and said, 'Not on my watch!'"
After a round of applause for the servicemembers in attendance, it was all about fun for the general.
"This is the one time in my life where I get to say, 'Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth! Ooo-Rah!'" Sattler said to open the show.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
U.S. Increases Africa Security with Proactive Stance, General Says
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – A proactive stance in Africa will help to enhance stability and deter terrorist activity in the future, the deputy commander of U.S. European Command said here yesterday. By harnessing security, humanitarian, and diplomatic elements, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward said, EUCOM is working with international partners to enhance the continent's commerce, education and overall success.
"The United States is using a focused approach in what we do to help them stabilize, socially and politically," he said, "so we can have a situation that doesn't foster bad things, but a situation that causes the people there to be satisfied and provide them with a horizon of hope for the future."
Ward, who recently attended the Trans-Sahara Partnership Chiefs of Defense Conference, said Africa's leaders are grateful for outside assistance in helping to improve the economy and establish solid governance of the continent, but that the United States can't do it alone.
"If we were independent, we wouldn't be as effective," he said. "The key is reaching out to other international partners to ensure collective results and aiming for the best objective."
The Defense Department has helped meet these objectives by training and equipping peacekeepers for the State Department's Global Peace Operations Initiative. Through the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program, U.S. servicemembers provide training, equipment and logistical capability to meet United Nations peace operations standards.
Ward said U.S. troops are, in essence, being diplomats as they work side by side with Africans to drill wells, build schools and provide other humanitarian assistance.
"The functions of Navy Seabees and Army engineers help increase the capability of these nations by providing an example and also following up on it," Ward said. "The services our men and women are providing are critical."
DoD also is playing an increasingly proactive role through Operation Enduring Freedom Trans-Sahara while working with the State Department in a counterterrorism partnership. This groundbreaking program seeks to leverage the capabilities of those U.S. government agencies involved in building security on the Africa continent, with an emphasis on counterterrorism in North Africa.
By implementing reforms, the partnership hopes to help nations become more self-reliant in security and more stable in governance.
U.S. special operations forces are helping to train partners on how to conduct these operations. "We are watching it evolve in a positive way," Ward said. "It does matter, and it is making a difference."
EUCOM's Maritime Domain Awareness program helps to protect natural resources and achieve long-term security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea. The focus of this initiative is to prevent the region's political, economic, and social issues from becoming regional stability problems requiring international involvement.
This is increasingly important, Ward said. The military can serve as a structure to work together in more effective ways to create stability.
The general said the United States has a great opportunity in Africa today to make a small investment, economically and socially, that will provide stability and will preclude spending major resources down the road.
"The ones doing that work are the nation's young servicemembers," he said. "They are doing it day in and day out, and are doing a great job. They know they are helping bring stability and peace to these nations."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – A proactive stance in Africa will help to enhance stability and deter terrorist activity in the future, the deputy commander of U.S. European Command said here yesterday. By harnessing security, humanitarian, and diplomatic elements, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward said, EUCOM is working with international partners to enhance the continent's commerce, education and overall success.
"The United States is using a focused approach in what we do to help them stabilize, socially and politically," he said, "so we can have a situation that doesn't foster bad things, but a situation that causes the people there to be satisfied and provide them with a horizon of hope for the future."
Ward, who recently attended the Trans-Sahara Partnership Chiefs of Defense Conference, said Africa's leaders are grateful for outside assistance in helping to improve the economy and establish solid governance of the continent, but that the United States can't do it alone.
"If we were independent, we wouldn't be as effective," he said. "The key is reaching out to other international partners to ensure collective results and aiming for the best objective."
The Defense Department has helped meet these objectives by training and equipping peacekeepers for the State Department's Global Peace Operations Initiative. Through the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program, U.S. servicemembers provide training, equipment and logistical capability to meet United Nations peace operations standards.
Ward said U.S. troops are, in essence, being diplomats as they work side by side with Africans to drill wells, build schools and provide other humanitarian assistance.
"The functions of Navy Seabees and Army engineers help increase the capability of these nations by providing an example and also following up on it," Ward said. "The services our men and women are providing are critical."
DoD also is playing an increasingly proactive role through Operation Enduring Freedom Trans-Sahara while working with the State Department in a counterterrorism partnership. This groundbreaking program seeks to leverage the capabilities of those U.S. government agencies involved in building security on the Africa continent, with an emphasis on counterterrorism in North Africa.
By implementing reforms, the partnership hopes to help nations become more self-reliant in security and more stable in governance.
U.S. special operations forces are helping to train partners on how to conduct these operations. "We are watching it evolve in a positive way," Ward said. "It does matter, and it is making a difference."
EUCOM's Maritime Domain Awareness program helps to protect natural resources and achieve long-term security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea. The focus of this initiative is to prevent the region's political, economic, and social issues from becoming regional stability problems requiring international involvement.
This is increasingly important, Ward said. The military can serve as a structure to work together in more effective ways to create stability.
The general said the United States has a great opportunity in Africa today to make a small investment, economically and socially, that will provide stability and will preclude spending major resources down the road.
"The ones doing that work are the nation's young servicemembers," he said. "They are doing it day in and day out, and are doing a great job. They know they are helping bring stability and peace to these nations."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Group Works on Behalf of Military Families
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Since it began in 1969 as the Military Wives Association, the National Military Family Association, with headquarters here, has been a voice for military families. The National Military Family Association is a member of America Support You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Serving all seven branches of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, the organization initially worked to create financial security for the survivors of servicemembers and retirees. Those efforts resulted in the Survivor Benefit Plan. By 1984, however, the association had expanded.
"NMFA realized that as it grew as a professional organization, those who benefited from the work were military families, and not just military wives," Michelle Joyner, communications director for the organization, said. "As the association grows and military life changes, we understand that military families also include family members ... who aren't necessarily uniformed services ID card holders.
"All family members support the servicemember and are affected by the challenges of military life," she added.
Over the years, the association has continued to educate military families about their rights, while fighting for better quality of life for those same families, Joyner said. Some of its many accomplishments include improvements in the areas of health benefits, dependent education, retiree and survivor benefits as well as spouse employment.
With representatives in military communities worldwide, there's a direct link between the families the association serves and the central office.
The association also administers the Joanne Holbrook Patton Spouse Scholarship through its Military Spouse Scholarship Program. Ranging from $500 to $1,000, the scholarships may be used for tuition, fees and school room and board. Full details about the scholarship program are available on the association's Web site, www.nmfa.org.
Despite its workload, the National Military Family Association's paid staff is small. But the organization has a solid corps of 200 volunteers who are committed and passionate about the work they do, Joyner said. Whether paid or volunteer, most working with NMFA are military family members who have a unique understanding of the issues and can speak from experience.
"Our volunteers lead the association as board members around the world, and support military families through the events of our lives such as deployments, reunions, moves, births and deaths," she said.
Her organization's membership in America Supports You has made its job easier by providing the means to connect those in need with those who can help, Joyner said.
"(America Supports You) has allowed NMFA to reach out to the American public with information about resources such as our summer camps for military children and scholarships for military spouses," she said. "(It has enabled) many more families to benefit from these incredible programs."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Since it began in 1969 as the Military Wives Association, the National Military Family Association, with headquarters here, has been a voice for military families. The National Military Family Association is a member of America Support You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers.
Serving all seven branches of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, the organization initially worked to create financial security for the survivors of servicemembers and retirees. Those efforts resulted in the Survivor Benefit Plan. By 1984, however, the association had expanded.
"NMFA realized that as it grew as a professional organization, those who benefited from the work were military families, and not just military wives," Michelle Joyner, communications director for the organization, said. "As the association grows and military life changes, we understand that military families also include family members ... who aren't necessarily uniformed services ID card holders.
"All family members support the servicemember and are affected by the challenges of military life," she added.
Over the years, the association has continued to educate military families about their rights, while fighting for better quality of life for those same families, Joyner said. Some of its many accomplishments include improvements in the areas of health benefits, dependent education, retiree and survivor benefits as well as spouse employment.
With representatives in military communities worldwide, there's a direct link between the families the association serves and the central office.
The association also administers the Joanne Holbrook Patton Spouse Scholarship through its Military Spouse Scholarship Program. Ranging from $500 to $1,000, the scholarships may be used for tuition, fees and school room and board. Full details about the scholarship program are available on the association's Web site, www.nmfa.org.
Despite its workload, the National Military Family Association's paid staff is small. But the organization has a solid corps of 200 volunteers who are committed and passionate about the work they do, Joyner said. Whether paid or volunteer, most working with NMFA are military family members who have a unique understanding of the issues and can speak from experience.
"Our volunteers lead the association as board members around the world, and support military families through the events of our lives such as deployments, reunions, moves, births and deaths," she said.
Her organization's membership in America Supports You has made its job easier by providing the means to connect those in need with those who can help, Joyner said.
"(America Supports You) has allowed NMFA to reach out to the American public with information about resources such as our summer camps for military children and scholarships for military spouses," she said. "(It has enabled) many more families to benefit from these incredible programs."
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Burn Patients Tour Center for Intrepid
By Nelia Schrum
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – When Army Sgt. Antonio Autrey was burned in Iraq by a blast that destroyed his Bradley fighting vehicle almost a year ago, all the former high school football receiver wanted to do was to be able to hold a football again. Now, after almost a year in recovery at the Burn Center here, the 4th Infantry Division soldier has set his sights on bench pressing, with a goal of lifting 345 pounds - something he regularly accomplished with ease before an insurgent's blast.
Touring the Center for the Intrepid here March 16 with fellow burn patients, Autrey, 26, said he hoped the new facility would help him get back in shape.
Burn patients, who receive both physical therapy and occupational therapy in the Burn Center, took an orientation tour of the Center for the Intrepid with an eye on how the rehabilitation center could help each of them once their therapists referred them for the next level of occupational and physical therapy.
To help the Center for the Intrepid with the increased patient load of Burn Center patients on their way to recovery, the Institute of Surgical Research is adding 25 staff members to work with the burn patients, including physical therapists, occupational therapist, physical therapy assistants and social workers.
Army Capt. Charles Quick, chief of occupational therapy at the Burn Center, arranged for the burn patients to have an in-depth look at the Center for the Intrepid.
"We want to give them the opportunity to restore function in all of their activities of daily living," Quick said. "This will give them opportunities to get back to the things they know and love."
He said each burn patient is evaluated weekly, and when therapists at the Burn Center identify a wounded warrior able to take on more advanced therapy, that patient would begin a course of treatment at the Center for the Intrepid. Each referred patient will be evaluated by Army Lt. Col. Jennifer Menetrez, medical director for the center, who will develop a rigorous individualized therapy plan.
Dr. Rebecca Hooper, Center for the Intrepid program manager, said the staff of the Brooke Army Medical Center's Amputee Care Center has worked with many patients who have lost limbs as a result of burn injury prior to the opening of the center.
At the Center for the Intrepid, burn patients who may not necessarily be amputees, but have functional loss in their extremities, also will be able to benefit from a variety of therapies that are provided in the new, larger space at the rehabilitation center that features new, world-class equipment.
Hooper said the Center for the Intrepid is not a gymnasium or a workout facility; it is a rehabilitation facility.
"Patients do not simply come in and work out, but are appointed for care using the BAMC outpatient appointment system," Hooper said. "All patients treated at the CFI have individually tailored treatment plans designed to help them meet their specific goals."
Many of the burn patients are looking forward to meeting their individualized goals and incorporating additional activities that will help with strengthening and endurance.
And for Army Spc. Richie Dominguez, a military policeman who suffered burns in August after an attack by a suicide truck bomber, the Center for the Intrepid's Fire Arms Training System will help him get back a critical skill.
"No other rehabilitation center in the country provides firearms training and certification," Dominguez said. "As a sSoldier and police officer, that is an important skill for me."
(Nelia Schrum is assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – When Army Sgt. Antonio Autrey was burned in Iraq by a blast that destroyed his Bradley fighting vehicle almost a year ago, all the former high school football receiver wanted to do was to be able to hold a football again. Now, after almost a year in recovery at the Burn Center here, the 4th Infantry Division soldier has set his sights on bench pressing, with a goal of lifting 345 pounds - something he regularly accomplished with ease before an insurgent's blast.
Touring the Center for the Intrepid here March 16 with fellow burn patients, Autrey, 26, said he hoped the new facility would help him get back in shape.
Burn patients, who receive both physical therapy and occupational therapy in the Burn Center, took an orientation tour of the Center for the Intrepid with an eye on how the rehabilitation center could help each of them once their therapists referred them for the next level of occupational and physical therapy.
To help the Center for the Intrepid with the increased patient load of Burn Center patients on their way to recovery, the Institute of Surgical Research is adding 25 staff members to work with the burn patients, including physical therapists, occupational therapist, physical therapy assistants and social workers.
Army Capt. Charles Quick, chief of occupational therapy at the Burn Center, arranged for the burn patients to have an in-depth look at the Center for the Intrepid.
"We want to give them the opportunity to restore function in all of their activities of daily living," Quick said. "This will give them opportunities to get back to the things they know and love."
He said each burn patient is evaluated weekly, and when therapists at the Burn Center identify a wounded warrior able to take on more advanced therapy, that patient would begin a course of treatment at the Center for the Intrepid. Each referred patient will be evaluated by Army Lt. Col. Jennifer Menetrez, medical director for the center, who will develop a rigorous individualized therapy plan.
Dr. Rebecca Hooper, Center for the Intrepid program manager, said the staff of the Brooke Army Medical Center's Amputee Care Center has worked with many patients who have lost limbs as a result of burn injury prior to the opening of the center.
At the Center for the Intrepid, burn patients who may not necessarily be amputees, but have functional loss in their extremities, also will be able to benefit from a variety of therapies that are provided in the new, larger space at the rehabilitation center that features new, world-class equipment.
Hooper said the Center for the Intrepid is not a gymnasium or a workout facility; it is a rehabilitation facility.
"Patients do not simply come in and work out, but are appointed for care using the BAMC outpatient appointment system," Hooper said. "All patients treated at the CFI have individually tailored treatment plans designed to help them meet their specific goals."
Many of the burn patients are looking forward to meeting their individualized goals and incorporating additional activities that will help with strengthening and endurance.
And for Army Spc. Richie Dominguez, a military policeman who suffered burns in August after an attack by a suicide truck bomber, the Center for the Intrepid's Fire Arms Training System will help him get back a critical skill.
"No other rehabilitation center in the country provides firearms training and certification," Dominguez said. "As a sSoldier and police officer, that is an important skill for me."
(Nelia Schrum is assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Commission: Changes Needed to Ensure Long-Term Guard Readiness
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – The National Guard has problems that affect its readiness, particularly at home, but fixing them requires a sweeping, intergovernmental effort, the chairman of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves told Congress today. Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro told the House Armed Services Committee many of the problems facing the Guard boil down to the fact that it changed from a strategic to an operational force, but without the benefit of other changes needed for it to succeed.
The Guard and Reserve operated as a strategic reserve during the Cold War, intentionally kept at low manning and equipment levels because they were considered a back-up force, he said. That's dramatically different from today, he noted, when the Guard and Reserve are operational reserves, actively deploying and supporting the war on terror.
"That is a fundamental change in the nature of how the Guard and Reserve is being used," Punaro told the committee. "However, (the Department of Defense) has not changed any of the fundamentals - underlying laws, policies, rules, regulations, procedures, processes, funding priorities, personnel management systems - to make it an operational reserve."
Without those changes, he said, the operational reserve can't sustain itself for the long haul, and its capabilities will continue to deteriorate.
Punaro cited other changes needed for the Guard and Reserve to operate effectively, particularly in their ability to respond to domestic crises.
One big problem, he said, is that the agencies that would operate together in a major domestic catastrophe don't work closely enough together to prepare for one.
"These are longstanding problems that require fundamental reforms to a number of our institutions of government," Punaro said. "This is not about one individual, the chief of the (National) Guard Bureau, not about one institution, the National Guard. This is about empowering the National Guard and giving them greater authority and clout as an integrated team."
State governors also need more authority, because they would serve as commanders in chief of most domestic incidents, particularly during the first 72 hours, he said.
Empowering the National Guard and state governors would enable them to be more effective members of a team that includes DoD, U.S. Northern Command and the Department of Homeland Security, Punaro said.
"All these agencies and institutions of government must take greater responsibility for building a coherent and competent interagency process of planning, coordinating and funding for the homeland mission," he said.
Punaro's commission originally was to report on the proposed "National Guard Empowerment Act" that aimed to increase the authority of National Guard leaders. Instead, the commission broadened its report -- Strengthening America's Defenses in the New Security Environment -- to include DoD, NORTHCOM, DHS and state governors.
The broadened report will help solve problems the reserves now face, Punaro said.
The commission's final report, due to Congress in January, will provide a more comprehensive look at reserve-component mobilization, pay, employer and family support issues.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – The National Guard has problems that affect its readiness, particularly at home, but fixing them requires a sweeping, intergovernmental effort, the chairman of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves told Congress today. Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro told the House Armed Services Committee many of the problems facing the Guard boil down to the fact that it changed from a strategic to an operational force, but without the benefit of other changes needed for it to succeed.
The Guard and Reserve operated as a strategic reserve during the Cold War, intentionally kept at low manning and equipment levels because they were considered a back-up force, he said. That's dramatically different from today, he noted, when the Guard and Reserve are operational reserves, actively deploying and supporting the war on terror.
"That is a fundamental change in the nature of how the Guard and Reserve is being used," Punaro told the committee. "However, (the Department of Defense) has not changed any of the fundamentals - underlying laws, policies, rules, regulations, procedures, processes, funding priorities, personnel management systems - to make it an operational reserve."
Without those changes, he said, the operational reserve can't sustain itself for the long haul, and its capabilities will continue to deteriorate.
Punaro cited other changes needed for the Guard and Reserve to operate effectively, particularly in their ability to respond to domestic crises.
One big problem, he said, is that the agencies that would operate together in a major domestic catastrophe don't work closely enough together to prepare for one.
"These are longstanding problems that require fundamental reforms to a number of our institutions of government," Punaro said. "This is not about one individual, the chief of the (National) Guard Bureau, not about one institution, the National Guard. This is about empowering the National Guard and giving them greater authority and clout as an integrated team."
State governors also need more authority, because they would serve as commanders in chief of most domestic incidents, particularly during the first 72 hours, he said.
Empowering the National Guard and state governors would enable them to be more effective members of a team that includes DoD, U.S. Northern Command and the Department of Homeland Security, Punaro said.
"All these agencies and institutions of government must take greater responsibility for building a coherent and competent interagency process of planning, coordinating and funding for the homeland mission," he said.
Punaro's commission originally was to report on the proposed "National Guard Empowerment Act" that aimed to increase the authority of National Guard leaders. Instead, the commission broadened its report -- Strengthening America's Defenses in the New Security Environment -- to include DoD, NORTHCOM, DHS and state governors.
The broadened report will help solve problems the reserves now face, Punaro said.
The commission's final report, due to Congress in January, will provide a more comprehensive look at reserve-component mobilization, pay, employer and family support issues.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Navy Names New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Jason Dunham
The Department of Navy announced today that the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer will be named the USS Jason Dunham, honoring Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, made the announcement in Dunham's hometown of Scio, N.Y.
"Jason Dunham, the friendly, kind-hearted, gifted athlete who followed his star in the United States Marine Corps, went on to become one of the most courageous, heroic and admired Marines this great country has ever known," said Winter. "His name will be forever associated with DDG 109. May those who serve in her always be inspired by the heroic deeds of Jason Dunham, and may all of us strive to be worthy of his sacrifice."
Dunham was born in Scio, Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2000 and completed recruit training 13 weeks later at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.
Following his first duty assignment with Marine Corps Security Forces, Kings Bay, Ga., Dunham transferred to the infantry and was later assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, based in Twentynine Palms, Calif. Before deploying to Iraq in spring 2004, Dunham was selected to lead a rifle squad, a position that ultimately placed him on the front line in the war against the Iraqi insurgency.
On April 14, 2004, Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander's convoy was ambushed. When Dunham's squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham.
As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand. He immediately alerted his fellow Marines, and when the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.
In November 2006 at the dedication of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia, President George W. Bush announced that the Medal of Honor would be awarded posthumously to Dunham.
During his speech, President Bush said, "As long as we have Marines like Corpoal Dunham, America will never fear for her liberty." President Bush presented Dunham's family with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 11, 2007.
In the spirit of this Marine, the USS Jason Dunham will continue protecting America's liberty by providing a multi-mission maritime platform to lead the Navy into the future.
Utilizing a gas turbine propulsion system, the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups. The ship's combat systems center on the Aegis combat system and the SPY-Ld (V) multifunction phased array radar.
With the combination of Aegis, the vertical launching system, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea.
For more information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4 .
For more information about the naming of DDG 109, contact the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, made the announcement in Dunham's hometown of Scio, N.Y.
"Jason Dunham, the friendly, kind-hearted, gifted athlete who followed his star in the United States Marine Corps, went on to become one of the most courageous, heroic and admired Marines this great country has ever known," said Winter. "His name will be forever associated with DDG 109. May those who serve in her always be inspired by the heroic deeds of Jason Dunham, and may all of us strive to be worthy of his sacrifice."
Dunham was born in Scio, Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2000 and completed recruit training 13 weeks later at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.
Following his first duty assignment with Marine Corps Security Forces, Kings Bay, Ga., Dunham transferred to the infantry and was later assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, based in Twentynine Palms, Calif. Before deploying to Iraq in spring 2004, Dunham was selected to lead a rifle squad, a position that ultimately placed him on the front line in the war against the Iraqi insurgency.
On April 14, 2004, Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander's convoy was ambushed. When Dunham's squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham.
As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand. He immediately alerted his fellow Marines, and when the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.
In November 2006 at the dedication of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia, President George W. Bush announced that the Medal of Honor would be awarded posthumously to Dunham.
During his speech, President Bush said, "As long as we have Marines like Corpoal Dunham, America will never fear for her liberty." President Bush presented Dunham's family with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 11, 2007.
In the spirit of this Marine, the USS Jason Dunham will continue protecting America's liberty by providing a multi-mission maritime platform to lead the Navy into the future.
Utilizing a gas turbine propulsion system, the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups. The ship's combat systems center on the Aegis combat system and the SPY-Ld (V) multifunction phased array radar.
With the combination of Aegis, the vertical launching system, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea.
For more information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4 .
For more information about the naming of DDG 109, contact the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Renuart Assumes Command of NORTHCOM, NORAD
By Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a ceremony here today. Defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities are top priorities for NORAD and NORTHCOM, the new commander said.
"We're engaged in a long struggle against violent extremists that seek to exploit any seams in our armor," Renuart said. "Our job ... is to mend those seams, to strengthen the shield."
Renuart assumed command from Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, who is scheduled to assume command of U.S. Pacific Command on March 26 in Hawaii.
NORAD and NORTHCOM "have quietly and professionally conducted a mission that, by its nature, cannot fail," Renuart said. "It also has to be something that is invisible and transparent to our nation."
Renuart credited the close partnership of the United States and Canada with making NORAD effective.
"We consider our shared and peaceful border a perfect metaphor for the relationship of two distinct, yet joined, partners," he said, adding that NORAD and NORTHCOM share an "ever-progressive" and "continually evolving" relationship with Mexico.
"The collaboration ... with both these nations really does reinforce the security of our homeland," Renuart said.
Before presiding over the NORAD change of command, Canadian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Rick Hillier awarded Keating the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross.
"No two sovereign nations in the world, except for Canada and the United States, have such a unique command structure," Hillier said. NORAD's and NORTHCOM's partnership with and assistance in standing up Canada Command "has enhanced the security of both our countries," he added.
During Keating's tenure, NORAD and NORTHCOM began the process of integrating into a single command center "to serve two nations better," Hillier said. "We fully support that, ... and our shoulder is behind anything that gives us efficacy and efficiency whilst continuing to give us a powerful and positive effect."
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates awarded Keating the Defense Distinguished Service Medal before presiding over the NORTHCOM change of command.
"NORTHCOM has come a long way in just a few years," Gates said. Fewer than 15 years ago, he said, the command didn't even exist and "few people were thinking seriously about the types of threats we face today."
Keating took charge of the commands two and a half years ago. "I thought I had a reasonable idea what it would be like at NORAD and at USNORTHCOM," Keating said. "I missed the mark by a wide margin. The complexity of the mission, the challenge for each and every one of the men and women who come to work here every day is massive."
NORAD is a binational command that includes both American and Canadian forces and is charged with aerospace and maritime warning for North America. NORTHCOM is responsible for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.
"This is a sacred mission," Renuart said, "and it's one that ... (my wife) Jill and I look forward to continuing to carry."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen is assigned to NORTHCOM and NORAD Public Affairs.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 23, 2007 – Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. became the 20th commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and the third commander of U.S. Northern Command in a ceremony here today. Defending the homeland and providing defense support of civil authorities are top priorities for NORAD and NORTHCOM, the new commander said.
"We're engaged in a long struggle against violent extremists that seek to exploit any seams in our armor," Renuart said. "Our job ... is to mend those seams, to strengthen the shield."
Renuart assumed command from Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, who is scheduled to assume command of U.S. Pacific Command on March 26 in Hawaii.
NORAD and NORTHCOM "have quietly and professionally conducted a mission that, by its nature, cannot fail," Renuart said. "It also has to be something that is invisible and transparent to our nation."
Renuart credited the close partnership of the United States and Canada with making NORAD effective.
"We consider our shared and peaceful border a perfect metaphor for the relationship of two distinct, yet joined, partners," he said, adding that NORAD and NORTHCOM share an "ever-progressive" and "continually evolving" relationship with Mexico.
"The collaboration ... with both these nations really does reinforce the security of our homeland," Renuart said.
Before presiding over the NORAD change of command, Canadian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Rick Hillier awarded Keating the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross.
"No two sovereign nations in the world, except for Canada and the United States, have such a unique command structure," Hillier said. NORAD's and NORTHCOM's partnership with and assistance in standing up Canada Command "has enhanced the security of both our countries," he added.
During Keating's tenure, NORAD and NORTHCOM began the process of integrating into a single command center "to serve two nations better," Hillier said. "We fully support that, ... and our shoulder is behind anything that gives us efficacy and efficiency whilst continuing to give us a powerful and positive effect."
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates awarded Keating the Defense Distinguished Service Medal before presiding over the NORTHCOM change of command.
"NORTHCOM has come a long way in just a few years," Gates said. Fewer than 15 years ago, he said, the command didn't even exist and "few people were thinking seriously about the types of threats we face today."
Keating took charge of the commands two and a half years ago. "I thought I had a reasonable idea what it would be like at NORAD and at USNORTHCOM," Keating said. "I missed the mark by a wide margin. The complexity of the mission, the challenge for each and every one of the men and women who come to work here every day is massive."
NORAD is a binational command that includes both American and Canadian forces and is charged with aerospace and maritime warning for North America. NORTHCOM is responsible for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.
"This is a sacred mission," Renuart said, "and it's one that ... (my wife) Jill and I look forward to continuing to carry."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen is assigned to NORTHCOM and NORAD Public Affairs.)
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
Retirement Home Chief: Resident Care 'First, Foremost' Concern
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 22, 2007 – Resident care is the paramount concern at the Armed Forces Retirement Home here, and allegations of poor conditions "are without merit," the facility's chief operating officer said in a statement released yesterday. Tim Cox responded to the Government Accountability Office's request that the Defense Department investigate allegations against the historic home in the heart of the nation's capital that has housed four U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln.
"Because nothing is more important than the safety and health of our heroes, we take these allegations very seriously," Cox said.
Cox noted that the GAO has not conducted its own investigation into what he called "inflammatory allegations" made by unidentified critics, despite the fact that GAO inspectors recently visited the campus twice on an unrelated inquiry required by Congress.
He acknowledged that the home has experienced incidents consistent with a nursing home environment. Half its residents are over the age 80, and many are frail and suffer from chronic health conditions, he said.
The GAO said patients may be at risk due to health-care problems ranging from serious pressure sores to one case involving maggots in the wound of a resident.
Cox noted that one particularly troublesome incident, involving maggots in the leg wound of an 87-year-old resident, occurred in August.
"Our medical staff discovered it and immediately took remedial action," Cox noted. He said the fact that the resident had refused medical treatment was no excuse for the incident, and that eight health-care workers were fired after an investigation showed they had failed to meet the home's standards of care.
The home is getting a close evaluation. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder sent a team of doctors on an unscheduled visit to the campus yesterday to assess conditions for themselves, Cox noted. In addition, legislative staffers are expected to visit the facility to see firsthand the care and security its staff provides. "We welcome these visits," Cox said.
More than 1,100 enlisted military veterans live at the home, which Cox said offers all the amenities of a retirement community. That's in addition to an extensive health care system, ranging from a wellness clinic for those who live independently to assisted living to long-term and hospice care.
"We are proud of our home for heroes, and put resident safety, health and security first and foremost," Cox said.
Congress consolidated the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home here with the U.S. Naval Home in Gulfport, Miss., in 1991, creating the Armed Forces Retirement Home as an independent establishment in the executive branch of the Federal government. Ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, the Gulfport campus closed in 2005. Nearly 400 residents of the Gulfport facility were relocated to the Washington campus.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
March 22, 2007 – Resident care is the paramount concern at the Armed Forces Retirement Home here, and allegations of poor conditions "are without merit," the facility's chief operating officer said in a statement released yesterday. Tim Cox responded to the Government Accountability Office's request that the Defense Department investigate allegations against the historic home in the heart of the nation's capital that has housed four U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln.
"Because nothing is more important than the safety and health of our heroes, we take these allegations very seriously," Cox said.
Cox noted that the GAO has not conducted its own investigation into what he called "inflammatory allegations" made by unidentified critics, despite the fact that GAO inspectors recently visited the campus twice on an unrelated inquiry required by Congress.
He acknowledged that the home has experienced incidents consistent with a nursing home environment. Half its residents are over the age 80, and many are frail and suffer from chronic health conditions, he said.
The GAO said patients may be at risk due to health-care problems ranging from serious pressure sores to one case involving maggots in the wound of a resident.
Cox noted that one particularly troublesome incident, involving maggots in the leg wound of an 87-year-old resident, occurred in August.
"Our medical staff discovered it and immediately took remedial action," Cox noted. He said the fact that the resident had refused medical treatment was no excuse for the incident, and that eight health-care workers were fired after an investigation showed they had failed to meet the home's standards of care.
The home is getting a close evaluation. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder sent a team of doctors on an unscheduled visit to the campus yesterday to assess conditions for themselves, Cox noted. In addition, legislative staffers are expected to visit the facility to see firsthand the care and security its staff provides. "We welcome these visits," Cox said.
More than 1,100 enlisted military veterans live at the home, which Cox said offers all the amenities of a retirement community. That's in addition to an extensive health care system, ranging from a wellness clinic for those who live independently to assisted living to long-term and hospice care.
"We are proud of our home for heroes, and put resident safety, health and security first and foremost," Cox said.
Congress consolidated the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home here with the U.S. Naval Home in Gulfport, Miss., in 1991, creating the Armed Forces Retirement Home as an independent establishment in the executive branch of the Federal government. Ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, the Gulfport campus closed in 2005. Nearly 400 residents of the Gulfport facility were relocated to the Washington campus.
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online and military and police personnel who have authored books.
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