Based on combat observations and medical studies by the US and British military it is becoming apparent that methamphetamine use among the terrorist population is on a dramatic increase. Used as a strategic tool methamphetamine offers those in the Iraqi Area of Operations a whole new trend of issues that compromise the safety of those combating terrorism. Whether operating as a contractor or a soldier the dangers associated with methamphetamine use among those you are fighting need to be addressed.
First reports of the drug appear to have come out of the Basra area. Known as “pinkies” the stimulant was in the form of a tablet.
Stimulants in the combat zone are nothing new. The fact that we are encountering them in the “War on Terror” should not surprise us in the least. The Germans used methamphetamine during World War II. We all heard of the blitzkrieg conducted by German forces during the early days of the war. German soldiers would march for days taking up large pieces of land and conquering everything in their wake. Everyone thought that the German soldier was some sort of “super” soldier that could not be stopped. They marched, fought and destroyed with little food or rest.
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Monday, April 23, 2007
Gates Expresses Condolences on Death of Yeltsin
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2007 – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here for meetings with Russian leaders, expressed his sympathies on today's death of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin. "He was an important man in Russian history," Gates told U.S. and Russian reporters here.
Gates is in Moscow to meet with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian leaders to discuss U.S. plans to deploy missile defense assets in Eastern Europe. From here, the secretary is slated to travel to Poland and Germany to meet with senior leaders on the topic.
Yeltsin was the first president of the Russian Federation. He served from July 1991 until December 1999.
"No Americans at least will forget seeing him standing on the tank outside the (Russian) White House resisting the coup attempt," Gates said, referring to the former president's public defiance of a communist coup just a month after he took office.
Gates noted that Yeltsin received him in the Kremlin during a 1992 visit.
"I think he was an important figure in Russia's evolution toward democracy," the secretary said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2007 – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here for meetings with Russian leaders, expressed his sympathies on today's death of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin. "He was an important man in Russian history," Gates told U.S. and Russian reporters here.
Gates is in Moscow to meet with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian leaders to discuss U.S. plans to deploy missile defense assets in Eastern Europe. From here, the secretary is slated to travel to Poland and Germany to meet with senior leaders on the topic.
Yeltsin was the first president of the Russian Federation. He served from July 1991 until December 1999.
"No Americans at least will forget seeing him standing on the tank outside the (Russian) White House resisting the coup attempt," Gates said, referring to the former president's public defiance of a communist coup just a month after he took office.
Gates noted that Yeltsin received him in the Kremlin during a 1992 visit.
"I think he was an important figure in Russia's evolution toward democracy," the secretary said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
VoTech Grads to Pour Into Iraqi Labor Pool
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2007 – Graduates from Iraq's vocational and technical centers are creating a "pool of skilled laborers" that officials hope will reduce the country's staggering unemployment rates. The Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division and the U.S. Agency for International Development have teamed with Iraq's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to revitalize the VoTech centers, where students learn trades like electrical installation, computer operation, auto mechanics, welding and other construction trades.
"They take people that are unemployed currently, train them in a skill, and then provide them a job after they complete their training so they can continue to work and improve the economy," Navy Cmdr. Stuart Satterwhite, an operations officer in the Gulf Region Division, told reporters during an April 21 roundtable discussion in Iraq.
A vocational program was in place before Operation Iraq Freedom, and U.S. efforts to re-implement the system "have not done as well as we hoped," Satterwhite said. According to USAID, 20 percent of Iraqis are totally unemployed and 30 percent are "underemployed," working 15 or fewer hours per week.
But the Corps of Engineers and Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs are working to "bring the (VoTech) program back on line" to combat Iraq's "acute shortage of skilled labor," he said. "USAID currently runs three sites, and they've made great progress there already.
"There's a great opportunity for the construction trades to develop here in Iraq as rebuilding (occurs) throughout the country," Satterwhite added.
Upon graduating, students are piped into labor and service markets, bringing their technical expertise to construction sites, or receive micro-loans that help Iraqi entrepreneurs finance new businesses. Satterwhite gave a hypothetical example of an Iraqi student who studies sewing at the VoTech, then receives a micro-loan to set up her own seamstress shop after graduating.
To date, about 8,000 Iraqis have matriculated at the country's 23 VoTech centers, 11 of which are located in Baghdad. "If we were to take each of the vocational training centers right now and run one shift of classes per day, ... we could run 25,000 students through in a year," Satterwhite said.
"(We are) trying to maximize the capacity to develop a national vocational training program that's open to all Iraqis, so that everyone has that benefit to learn a skill so they can go out and be able to work in the economy and be able to provide for their families," he said.
Navy Cmdr. George Milla, deputy director with the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, said efforts to modernize VoTech sites are occurring in southern Iraq.
"Our approach is to work with the minister of labor and social affairs at the national level and work with school directors at each site," Milla said. "(Directors) identify what their equipment requirements are, what their shortfalls or needs are, both in equipment they need to conduct the classes, and ... equipment or building rehabilitations they need to do in order to improve the site."
Site rehabilitation and other modernization projects will be bid to local Iraqi contractors, Milla said, stimulating economic competition among laborers within each district.
"We want the contractors from those districts to make the improvements to these sites," he said. "It helps the economy locally in that facet, along with assisting in the marketability of the Iraqi people who are going to those schools."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2007 – Graduates from Iraq's vocational and technical centers are creating a "pool of skilled laborers" that officials hope will reduce the country's staggering unemployment rates. The Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division and the U.S. Agency for International Development have teamed with Iraq's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to revitalize the VoTech centers, where students learn trades like electrical installation, computer operation, auto mechanics, welding and other construction trades.
"They take people that are unemployed currently, train them in a skill, and then provide them a job after they complete their training so they can continue to work and improve the economy," Navy Cmdr. Stuart Satterwhite, an operations officer in the Gulf Region Division, told reporters during an April 21 roundtable discussion in Iraq.
A vocational program was in place before Operation Iraq Freedom, and U.S. efforts to re-implement the system "have not done as well as we hoped," Satterwhite said. According to USAID, 20 percent of Iraqis are totally unemployed and 30 percent are "underemployed," working 15 or fewer hours per week.
But the Corps of Engineers and Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs are working to "bring the (VoTech) program back on line" to combat Iraq's "acute shortage of skilled labor," he said. "USAID currently runs three sites, and they've made great progress there already.
"There's a great opportunity for the construction trades to develop here in Iraq as rebuilding (occurs) throughout the country," Satterwhite added.
Upon graduating, students are piped into labor and service markets, bringing their technical expertise to construction sites, or receive micro-loans that help Iraqi entrepreneurs finance new businesses. Satterwhite gave a hypothetical example of an Iraqi student who studies sewing at the VoTech, then receives a micro-loan to set up her own seamstress shop after graduating.
To date, about 8,000 Iraqis have matriculated at the country's 23 VoTech centers, 11 of which are located in Baghdad. "If we were to take each of the vocational training centers right now and run one shift of classes per day, ... we could run 25,000 students through in a year," Satterwhite said.
"(We are) trying to maximize the capacity to develop a national vocational training program that's open to all Iraqis, so that everyone has that benefit to learn a skill so they can go out and be able to work in the economy and be able to provide for their families," he said.
Navy Cmdr. George Milla, deputy director with the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, said efforts to modernize VoTech sites are occurring in southern Iraq.
"Our approach is to work with the minister of labor and social affairs at the national level and work with school directors at each site," Milla said. "(Directors) identify what their equipment requirements are, what their shortfalls or needs are, both in equipment they need to conduct the classes, and ... equipment or building rehabilitations they need to do in order to improve the site."
Site rehabilitation and other modernization projects will be bid to local Iraqi contractors, Milla said, stimulating economic competition among laborers within each district.
"We want the contractors from those districts to make the improvements to these sites," he said. "It helps the economy locally in that facet, along with assisting in the marketability of the Iraqi people who are going to those schools."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Asks Russia to Partner on Missile Defense Development
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2007 – The United States intends to be prepared for future threats and is inviting Russia to become a partner in a defensive endeavor, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. "We now face new threats that require new strategy for both deterrence and defense," Gates told U.S. and Russian reporters. "Moreover, the ever-increasing pace of technological innovation, combined with the proliferation of mass destruction and delivery systems, means the threats we face now may be much more ominous in 10 to 20 years.
"Indeed, who can say in 2007, what states or groups may have such capabilities in 2017?" he asked.
Gates came to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior defense leaders to discuss U.S. plans to deploy missile defense assets in Eastern Europe. He said the main focus of his trip was to continue developing responses to the challenges posed by weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile proliferation.
Following his first meeting with Defense Minister Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov at the Russian Ministry of Defense, Gates said he would reiterate in all his meetings that the United States is willing to "explore cooperation with Russia across a full spectrum of missile defense activities."
"We could potentially work together," he said, "to experiment with new concepts and technology, conduct research and development on missile defense systems and components, to share early warning data, to promote stability and to improve the capabilities of our forces to conduct successful, cooperative missile defense operations during peacekeeping or other joint military operation."
Gates reassured the Russian defense minister that the U.S. plan for missile defense is not aimed at Russia or any particular country.
"They are oriented against potential aggressors in the Middle East and Southwest Asia whose leaders could someday use a handful of ballistic missiles in an attempt to blackmail Europe and America and sow chaos and sap our collective will," he said.
President Bush believes "the deployment of missile defense is an essential element of our broader efforts to transform our defense and deterrence policies and capabilities to meet the new threats we face," Gates said. "To that end, the United States is responding with a comprehensive political, diplomatic and military strategy that includes working with our allies and partners in other countries.
"We invite Russia to join our defensive endeavor as a partner," he said. "We've agreed an expert group will continue our discussions on ballistic missile defense and other subjects of mutual interest and concern."
Gates thanked the Russian defense minister for hosting their first meeting. The secretary said he found it "to be quite valuable as we engaged in honest and frank discussion of current challenges and opportunities in the world and the ways in which we can jointly address them."
"The days of the Cold War are over," he said, "and no one can seek to return to them. In today's post-Cold War yet still challenging world, no longer is it presumed that one side must win and one side must lose when addressing specific issues. When both the United States and Russia work together, both countries and others win. The inverse is just as true: When we fail to work together, both countries may lose."
Serdyukov said he hopes the negotiations with Gates would make a significant contribution to the further improvement of regional and global security.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 23, 2007 – The United States intends to be prepared for future threats and is inviting Russia to become a partner in a defensive endeavor, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. "We now face new threats that require new strategy for both deterrence and defense," Gates told U.S. and Russian reporters. "Moreover, the ever-increasing pace of technological innovation, combined with the proliferation of mass destruction and delivery systems, means the threats we face now may be much more ominous in 10 to 20 years.
"Indeed, who can say in 2007, what states or groups may have such capabilities in 2017?" he asked.
Gates came to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior defense leaders to discuss U.S. plans to deploy missile defense assets in Eastern Europe. He said the main focus of his trip was to continue developing responses to the challenges posed by weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile proliferation.
Following his first meeting with Defense Minister Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov at the Russian Ministry of Defense, Gates said he would reiterate in all his meetings that the United States is willing to "explore cooperation with Russia across a full spectrum of missile defense activities."
"We could potentially work together," he said, "to experiment with new concepts and technology, conduct research and development on missile defense systems and components, to share early warning data, to promote stability and to improve the capabilities of our forces to conduct successful, cooperative missile defense operations during peacekeeping or other joint military operation."
Gates reassured the Russian defense minister that the U.S. plan for missile defense is not aimed at Russia or any particular country.
"They are oriented against potential aggressors in the Middle East and Southwest Asia whose leaders could someday use a handful of ballistic missiles in an attempt to blackmail Europe and America and sow chaos and sap our collective will," he said.
President Bush believes "the deployment of missile defense is an essential element of our broader efforts to transform our defense and deterrence policies and capabilities to meet the new threats we face," Gates said. "To that end, the United States is responding with a comprehensive political, diplomatic and military strategy that includes working with our allies and partners in other countries.
"We invite Russia to join our defensive endeavor as a partner," he said. "We've agreed an expert group will continue our discussions on ballistic missile defense and other subjects of mutual interest and concern."
Gates thanked the Russian defense minister for hosting their first meeting. The secretary said he found it "to be quite valuable as we engaged in honest and frank discussion of current challenges and opportunities in the world and the ways in which we can jointly address them."
"The days of the Cold War are over," he said, "and no one can seek to return to them. In today's post-Cold War yet still challenging world, no longer is it presumed that one side must win and one side must lose when addressing specific issues. When both the United States and Russia work together, both countries and others win. The inverse is just as true: When we fail to work together, both countries may lose."
Serdyukov said he hopes the negotiations with Gates would make a significant contribution to the further improvement of regional and global security.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Medical Transcription Ideal Career for Military Spouses, Navy Vet Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
April 22, 2007 – When Leslie Slusarski got out of the Navy in 1979, her fast-paced military lifestyle didn't change. Her husband, Walter, was a weapons officer for submarines, so her family still had to move every 18 months or so. Slusarski was able to find a rewarding career that meshed well with her lifestyle -- medical transcription, which she says other military spouses should consider.
Medical transcription is an in-demand, technically oriented career field that can be done from almost anywhere, said Slusarski, who has worked in the career field for 28 years.
"I was able to be at home with my kids, and I always had a job," Slusarski recalled of her medical transcription career while her husband served in the Navy.
Medical transcription "worked out great for me," she said.
People in the medical transcription field translate and transcribe patient medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, prognoses and outcomes from oral to written form on paper or electronically, according to the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, formerly known as the American Association for Medical Transcription.
Slusarski, an 18-year resident of Bremerton, Wash., served five years as a Navy corpsman. Her husband retired after 25 years in the Navy, many of those spent aboard a submarine.
After leaving the Navy as a petty officer 2nd class, Slusarski found administrative work -- and her medical transcription career -- at a doctor's office.
"They just asked me to transcribe some tapes one day, and it went from there," she recalled.
Slusarski performed medical transcription work at doctors' offices and hospitals for the first part of her career, she recalled. Later, the interfacing of computers and the Internet enabled her to work from home.
The medical transcription field has evolved from a time when practitioners would use audiocassette tapes, typewriters and carbon paper, Slusarski said.
"Now we use a digital dictation system, (and) everything is done over the Internet," she said. "It's all routed and printed electronically."
Today, during her daily at-home work routine, Slusarski accesses a secure computer connection to transcribe medical records from physicians' real-time audio notations. Completed transcriptions are automatically moved into electronic medical records files and printed, she said.
"You press the 'finished' key and the computer takes care of it from there," Slusarski said. "The server routes it to printers and to electronic folders, as needed."
The medical transcription career field is especially attractive to military spouses who experience frequent moves, she said, because they can take their jobs with them. "You can continue with your company when you move and won't have to start all over again," Slusarski pointed out.
And, since most companies allow employees to complete their daily transcription work within 12 hours, time-conscious military spouses usually have plenty of time to attend to their children's needs and other business.
Military spouses interested in the medical transcription career field should contact the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity or other medical transcription associations and get a mentor, Slusarski suggested.
"Being involved with the local association, you're able to meet other transcriptionists and military spouses in the same situation that you're in," she said. "It helps that there's somebody there who understands the military lifestyle."
The departments of Defense and Labor are collaborating with the AHDI and the Medical Transcription Industry Association to promote the medical transcription field as a viable career for military spouses.
Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, discussed how education and networking with other government and civilian organizations can assist military spouses in obtaining satisfying, rewarding careers at a medical transcription association and education seminar last night in Jacksonville, Fla.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 22, 2007 – When Leslie Slusarski got out of the Navy in 1979, her fast-paced military lifestyle didn't change. Her husband, Walter, was a weapons officer for submarines, so her family still had to move every 18 months or so. Slusarski was able to find a rewarding career that meshed well with her lifestyle -- medical transcription, which she says other military spouses should consider.
Medical transcription is an in-demand, technically oriented career field that can be done from almost anywhere, said Slusarski, who has worked in the career field for 28 years.
"I was able to be at home with my kids, and I always had a job," Slusarski recalled of her medical transcription career while her husband served in the Navy.
Medical transcription "worked out great for me," she said.
People in the medical transcription field translate and transcribe patient medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, prognoses and outcomes from oral to written form on paper or electronically, according to the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, formerly known as the American Association for Medical Transcription.
Slusarski, an 18-year resident of Bremerton, Wash., served five years as a Navy corpsman. Her husband retired after 25 years in the Navy, many of those spent aboard a submarine.
After leaving the Navy as a petty officer 2nd class, Slusarski found administrative work -- and her medical transcription career -- at a doctor's office.
"They just asked me to transcribe some tapes one day, and it went from there," she recalled.
Slusarski performed medical transcription work at doctors' offices and hospitals for the first part of her career, she recalled. Later, the interfacing of computers and the Internet enabled her to work from home.
The medical transcription field has evolved from a time when practitioners would use audiocassette tapes, typewriters and carbon paper, Slusarski said.
"Now we use a digital dictation system, (and) everything is done over the Internet," she said. "It's all routed and printed electronically."
Today, during her daily at-home work routine, Slusarski accesses a secure computer connection to transcribe medical records from physicians' real-time audio notations. Completed transcriptions are automatically moved into electronic medical records files and printed, she said.
"You press the 'finished' key and the computer takes care of it from there," Slusarski said. "The server routes it to printers and to electronic folders, as needed."
The medical transcription career field is especially attractive to military spouses who experience frequent moves, she said, because they can take their jobs with them. "You can continue with your company when you move and won't have to start all over again," Slusarski pointed out.
And, since most companies allow employees to complete their daily transcription work within 12 hours, time-conscious military spouses usually have plenty of time to attend to their children's needs and other business.
Military spouses interested in the medical transcription career field should contact the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity or other medical transcription associations and get a mentor, Slusarski suggested.
"Being involved with the local association, you're able to meet other transcriptionists and military spouses in the same situation that you're in," she said. "It helps that there's somebody there who understands the military lifestyle."
The departments of Defense and Labor are collaborating with the AHDI and the Medical Transcription Industry Association to promote the medical transcription field as a viable career for military spouses.
Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, discussed how education and networking with other government and civilian organizations can assist military spouses in obtaining satisfying, rewarding careers at a medical transcription association and education seminar last night in Jacksonville, Fla.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Wounded Warriors Hit Links in Full Swing
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
April 22, 2007 – In golf jargon, a "handicap" refers to the number of strokes that separates an amateur golfer from a pro. On the Woodmont Country Club driving range here April 20, the term described a more literal disadvantage. "It's just an obstacle," said Tom Willard, a novelist and a former Army paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division whose left arm was amputated after he was shot five times in Vietnam. With the aid of the "Amputee Golf Grip," a prosthetic device Willard invented, he has continued driving, pitching and putting through the years.
"You can go over the obstacle, under it, around it or through it," he said. "And 'through' is the best way to go."
Several disabled golf instructors like Willard joined Disabled Sports USA with its partner program Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project in offering 10 wounded servicemembers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., the "First Swing" golf seminar here. In 2007, the partnered programs will sponsor more than 70 events in 19 different sports in 14 states.
"There is no tool better than sports to get people active again, self-confident again and to believe in themselves again after they've become disabled," said Kirk M. Bauer, executive director of Disabled Sports USA, who lost his leg in Vietnam when a grenade detonated nearby.
"(Wounded servicemembers) teach all of us that no matter what life throws at you, if you've got the right opportunities and the right attitude, you can overcome that and go on and lead a very active and a very successful life," he said. "But you have to move forward, and you have to believe in yourself. That's what they're teaching all of us."
In the country club ballroom, wounded vets listened as Bob Buck, the executive director of Eastern Amputee Golf Association, explained various prosthetic golfing devices and adaptive equipment. He suggested putter extensions for above-knee amputees who have difficulty bending over, specially-designed gloves for golfers with hand injuries, and clubs with swiveling heads that allow a golfer to swing from a seated position if necessary.
Buck said the Eastern Amputee Golf Association has a 3,000-person mailing list that includes 1,100 amputees, sponsors eight 36-hole tournaments, conducts golf clinics around the country, and currently gives 18 scholarships to amputee servicemembers or their children. Through a donation by Buck's associate, Don Boyd, each of the wounded vets would receive a set of clubs as a parting gift and as incentive to keep swinging.
Having received a prosthetic right leg in 1970 after a car accident, Buck is proof that amputee golfers can excel on the links. "I was about a 12 handicap before I lost my leg at age 28, and I've been as low as a four since then. My swing has probably improved," he said.
Army Sgt. 1st Class David Cook, from Westchester, Ill., said he was excited to try golfing for the first time since his right leg was amputated below the knee five weeks ago. Sitting in a wheelchair with his amputation site wrapped in a bandage, Cook had set his sights low.
"I wish I had my prosthetic so I could stand up and hit the ball," Cook said. "I'm just looking forward to getting back out there. Realistically, I'm not going to be able to hit the ball since I don't have the other foot yet."
"You'll be surprised," Buck interjected.
In a convoy of golf carts, the disabled veterans and their instructors wheeled around freshly cut fairways, and onto the driving range that overlooked a lightly down-sloping pitch. During the sunny afternoon, flags indicating various distances downrange flapped in the breeze.
Cook drove his "Golf Xpress" single-rider cart to a spot on the range next to a shiny pyramid of golf balls, and then rotated his seat 90 degrees to face the stack. Rising from the seat, Cook hopped on his left foot and used a six-iron to fish a ball from the top of the pyramid. Then he hopped into swinging position.
"I've never done this before," he said, still hopping. Balancing himself, Cook began his backswing. His club shaft was nearly parallel to the ground before he drove the iron toward the ball.
Upon contact, a large earthy divot flew almost as far as the ball. Then Cook launched a low line drive that hooked into the trees just off the fairway for his second shot.
On his third swing, Cook hit a picture-perfect iron shot that sailed straight down the range and rolled near the black-and-white checkered flag marking 120 yards.
"Now I liked that one," Cook said after firing off an equally clean drive that breezed well past the checkered flag. "I could do this every day."
Willard took a break from instructing to sneak in a few shots using a six-iron he gripped with his prosthetic device. He then stepped back and observed the other golfers' progress. "It's not here or here that's important," Willard said, pointing to his arm then to his leg.
Motioning towards his heart, he said, "It's about what's in here."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 22, 2007 – In golf jargon, a "handicap" refers to the number of strokes that separates an amateur golfer from a pro. On the Woodmont Country Club driving range here April 20, the term described a more literal disadvantage. "It's just an obstacle," said Tom Willard, a novelist and a former Army paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division whose left arm was amputated after he was shot five times in Vietnam. With the aid of the "Amputee Golf Grip," a prosthetic device Willard invented, he has continued driving, pitching and putting through the years.
"You can go over the obstacle, under it, around it or through it," he said. "And 'through' is the best way to go."
Several disabled golf instructors like Willard joined Disabled Sports USA with its partner program Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project in offering 10 wounded servicemembers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., the "First Swing" golf seminar here. In 2007, the partnered programs will sponsor more than 70 events in 19 different sports in 14 states.
"There is no tool better than sports to get people active again, self-confident again and to believe in themselves again after they've become disabled," said Kirk M. Bauer, executive director of Disabled Sports USA, who lost his leg in Vietnam when a grenade detonated nearby.
"(Wounded servicemembers) teach all of us that no matter what life throws at you, if you've got the right opportunities and the right attitude, you can overcome that and go on and lead a very active and a very successful life," he said. "But you have to move forward, and you have to believe in yourself. That's what they're teaching all of us."
In the country club ballroom, wounded vets listened as Bob Buck, the executive director of Eastern Amputee Golf Association, explained various prosthetic golfing devices and adaptive equipment. He suggested putter extensions for above-knee amputees who have difficulty bending over, specially-designed gloves for golfers with hand injuries, and clubs with swiveling heads that allow a golfer to swing from a seated position if necessary.
Buck said the Eastern Amputee Golf Association has a 3,000-person mailing list that includes 1,100 amputees, sponsors eight 36-hole tournaments, conducts golf clinics around the country, and currently gives 18 scholarships to amputee servicemembers or their children. Through a donation by Buck's associate, Don Boyd, each of the wounded vets would receive a set of clubs as a parting gift and as incentive to keep swinging.
Having received a prosthetic right leg in 1970 after a car accident, Buck is proof that amputee golfers can excel on the links. "I was about a 12 handicap before I lost my leg at age 28, and I've been as low as a four since then. My swing has probably improved," he said.
Army Sgt. 1st Class David Cook, from Westchester, Ill., said he was excited to try golfing for the first time since his right leg was amputated below the knee five weeks ago. Sitting in a wheelchair with his amputation site wrapped in a bandage, Cook had set his sights low.
"I wish I had my prosthetic so I could stand up and hit the ball," Cook said. "I'm just looking forward to getting back out there. Realistically, I'm not going to be able to hit the ball since I don't have the other foot yet."
"You'll be surprised," Buck interjected.
In a convoy of golf carts, the disabled veterans and their instructors wheeled around freshly cut fairways, and onto the driving range that overlooked a lightly down-sloping pitch. During the sunny afternoon, flags indicating various distances downrange flapped in the breeze.
Cook drove his "Golf Xpress" single-rider cart to a spot on the range next to a shiny pyramid of golf balls, and then rotated his seat 90 degrees to face the stack. Rising from the seat, Cook hopped on his left foot and used a six-iron to fish a ball from the top of the pyramid. Then he hopped into swinging position.
"I've never done this before," he said, still hopping. Balancing himself, Cook began his backswing. His club shaft was nearly parallel to the ground before he drove the iron toward the ball.
Upon contact, a large earthy divot flew almost as far as the ball. Then Cook launched a low line drive that hooked into the trees just off the fairway for his second shot.
On his third swing, Cook hit a picture-perfect iron shot that sailed straight down the range and rolled near the black-and-white checkered flag marking 120 yards.
"Now I liked that one," Cook said after firing off an equally clean drive that breezed well past the checkered flag. "I could do this every day."
Willard took a break from instructing to sneak in a few shots using a six-iron he gripped with his prosthetic device. He then stepped back and observed the other golfers' progress. "It's not here or here that's important," Willard said, pointing to his arm then to his leg.
Motioning towards his heart, he said, "It's about what's in here."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Pace Speaks With Servicemembers in Afghanistan
By Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher, USAF
American Forces Press Service
April 22, 2007 – Extensions, training and congressional support topped the list of topics discussed at a town hall meeting here yesterday with Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pace and his senior enlisted advisor, Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, addressed servicemembers from all service branches and answered questions as part of a visit to the air base.
The chairman began the meeting by congratulating the troops and commending them on their actions during the Taliban's attempted spring offensive. "This year's spring offensive, you all have them trying to figure out what they're going to do next," Pace said.
He took questions on a variety of topics and attempted to settle concerns about media and congressional support for the troops and the war effort. "The American people are with you," he said. "There are Americans who support the war and Americans who do not. They all support you.
"If you go all the way back to 2001 and remember the initial attacks on Afghanistan and in 2003 the attacks on Iraq, there was 24-hour coverage," he continued. "Over time, the amount of time on TV allocated to the war has gone down. What gets on television is the bombs going off, not the well being dug. We can either wring our hands about this or realize what the environment is and adjust to it."
Despite what troops might hear on television, Congress continues to support them in the field, Pace said. "Our Congress has continued to fund everything we ask for," he said. "They will come to whatever compromise they need to come to, to give us what we need. That's why you're here: to protect the right to have those kinds of debate."
The chairman said troops can help shape that debate by talking to people when their deployments are complete. "When you come home, talk to some group in your hometown," he encouraged. "If all of us do that, there will be more Americans who get a bit of information here and bit there."
Pace also addressed the recently announced extensions that soldiers in U.S. Central Command, which includes Afghanistan, will now serve. "We did it to stop the just-in-time decisions," he told the troops, "to stop telling people they'll be home for 12 months and then nipping away at that."
The general added that he understands the sacrifices soldiers and their families are making. "It really is the families sacrificing the most here," he said. "You know when you're in danger. They don't, so they think about you in danger a lot."
At the end of the town hall meeting, Pace shook all the servicemembers' hand and thanked them for their sacrifices. "I don't know how to thank you properly," he said. "You're making a difference."
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher is assigned to the Regional Command East Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 22, 2007 – Extensions, training and congressional support topped the list of topics discussed at a town hall meeting here yesterday with Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pace and his senior enlisted advisor, Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, addressed servicemembers from all service branches and answered questions as part of a visit to the air base.
The chairman began the meeting by congratulating the troops and commending them on their actions during the Taliban's attempted spring offensive. "This year's spring offensive, you all have them trying to figure out what they're going to do next," Pace said.
He took questions on a variety of topics and attempted to settle concerns about media and congressional support for the troops and the war effort. "The American people are with you," he said. "There are Americans who support the war and Americans who do not. They all support you.
"If you go all the way back to 2001 and remember the initial attacks on Afghanistan and in 2003 the attacks on Iraq, there was 24-hour coverage," he continued. "Over time, the amount of time on TV allocated to the war has gone down. What gets on television is the bombs going off, not the well being dug. We can either wring our hands about this or realize what the environment is and adjust to it."
Despite what troops might hear on television, Congress continues to support them in the field, Pace said. "Our Congress has continued to fund everything we ask for," he said. "They will come to whatever compromise they need to come to, to give us what we need. That's why you're here: to protect the right to have those kinds of debate."
The chairman said troops can help shape that debate by talking to people when their deployments are complete. "When you come home, talk to some group in your hometown," he encouraged. "If all of us do that, there will be more Americans who get a bit of information here and bit there."
Pace also addressed the recently announced extensions that soldiers in U.S. Central Command, which includes Afghanistan, will now serve. "We did it to stop the just-in-time decisions," he told the troops, "to stop telling people they'll be home for 12 months and then nipping away at that."
The general added that he understands the sacrifices soldiers and their families are making. "It really is the families sacrificing the most here," he said. "You know when you're in danger. They don't, so they think about you in danger a lot."
At the end of the town hall meeting, Pace shook all the servicemembers' hand and thanked them for their sacrifices. "I don't know how to thank you properly," he said. "You're making a difference."
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher is assigned to the Regional Command East Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
500th Police Officer Author
Editor's Note: Two of the authors are former military.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. With the Jack Sullivan, Mary Sullivan and Joe Sanchez, Police-Writers.com now lists over 500 state and local police officers who have written books. Command Jack Sullivan, USN(r) is the 500th Writer added to the list.
Commander Jack Sullivan, United States Navy (R), was called to active duty in three wars: World War II; Korean War; and, Vietnam War. He was also called to active during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His book, Shields of Honor, “tells of his part in these wars and realistically portrays the role the Reserve Component of the Navy played in each. He combines the lighter parts of his life in the Navy with his role in combat. His characters are portrayed with true service humor, but also depict their sincere dedication to duty as well. It's an interesting read for anyone who had a friend or relative in the Reserve or National Guard.” When he wasn’t serving his county in the Navy, Jack Sullivan was a detective for the New York Police Department.
According to Lona Manning, New York Police Department, “policewoman Mary Sullivan was banished from the undercover assignments she loved, to a succession of dreary station-houses, doing the usual woman’s work – looking after lost children and guarding female suspects. It was the height of the Roaring Twenties, there were plenty of bootleggers, drug traffickers and fake fortune-tellers to apprehend, and Sullivan, a young widow with a friendly Irish manner, impressed her superiors with her ability to transform herself into a dance hall girl or a society dame looking for a good speakeasy.” Mary Sullivan’s Biography, My Double Life: The Story of a New York Policewoman, was originally published in 1938 and re-released in 1983.
Joe Sanchez is a former New York Police Department police officer who lived the life and times he writes about in his book A Tale of Police Omerta from the NYPD. The stories are his, and though they're fiction, he has drawn on his on-the-job experience for their inspiration. He returned from Vietnam as a combat-wounded veteran to embark on a law enforcement career that included the Port Author of New York City, the New York Police Department and the New York Department of Corrections.
According to the book description, Joe Sanchez “has been trying to tell this story for some time. It’s his story, but not his alone. It’s also the story of those who lived and died alongside him, in Viet Nam and in that other battle, for justice and safety under the shield of the law, that is fought daily in the streets of every big city by every honest cop. In his case, the city was the Naked City and the cop was a Latino. And the battle was neither for the civilians alone, nor just against the bad guys in the street. Sometimes the bad guys were in the Department. And sometimes the people who needed protection were the honest cops.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 501 police officers (representing 208 police departments) and their 1057 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. With the Jack Sullivan, Mary Sullivan and Joe Sanchez, Police-Writers.com now lists over 500 state and local police officers who have written books. Command Jack Sullivan, USN(r) is the 500th Writer added to the list.
Commander Jack Sullivan, United States Navy (R), was called to active duty in three wars: World War II; Korean War; and, Vietnam War. He was also called to active during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His book, Shields of Honor, “tells of his part in these wars and realistically portrays the role the Reserve Component of the Navy played in each. He combines the lighter parts of his life in the Navy with his role in combat. His characters are portrayed with true service humor, but also depict their sincere dedication to duty as well. It's an interesting read for anyone who had a friend or relative in the Reserve or National Guard.” When he wasn’t serving his county in the Navy, Jack Sullivan was a detective for the New York Police Department.
According to Lona Manning, New York Police Department, “policewoman Mary Sullivan was banished from the undercover assignments she loved, to a succession of dreary station-houses, doing the usual woman’s work – looking after lost children and guarding female suspects. It was the height of the Roaring Twenties, there were plenty of bootleggers, drug traffickers and fake fortune-tellers to apprehend, and Sullivan, a young widow with a friendly Irish manner, impressed her superiors with her ability to transform herself into a dance hall girl or a society dame looking for a good speakeasy.” Mary Sullivan’s Biography, My Double Life: The Story of a New York Policewoman, was originally published in 1938 and re-released in 1983.
Joe Sanchez is a former New York Police Department police officer who lived the life and times he writes about in his book A Tale of Police Omerta from the NYPD. The stories are his, and though they're fiction, he has drawn on his on-the-job experience for their inspiration. He returned from Vietnam as a combat-wounded veteran to embark on a law enforcement career that included the Port Author of New York City, the New York Police Department and the New York Department of Corrections.
According to the book description, Joe Sanchez “has been trying to tell this story for some time. It’s his story, but not his alone. It’s also the story of those who lived and died alongside him, in Viet Nam and in that other battle, for justice and safety under the shield of the law, that is fought daily in the streets of every big city by every honest cop. In his case, the city was the Naked City and the cop was a Latino. And the battle was neither for the civilians alone, nor just against the bad guys in the street. Sometimes the bad guys were in the Department. And sometimes the people who needed protection were the honest cops.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 501 police officers (representing 208 police departments) and their 1057 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
113 NYPD Cops
Note: One of the writers is a former US Marine.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. With the addition of Kendall J. Matthews, Cliff Mariani and William J. McCullough, the number of New York Police Department police officers who have written books is 113.
Kendall J. Matthews is a former United States Marine who served in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, the horn of Africa. He’s a graduate of Virginia State University and Hunter College’s Graduate School of Urban Affairs and Planning. Kendall is a member of the New York Police Department, currently assigned to the Housing Bureau in the South Bronx. He also volunteers as a tutor at the East Harlem Tutorial Program. His first book, Mommy I want to be a Cop, is a children’s book.
According to Kendall Matthews’ book description, “this book is about a neighborhood boy who had dreams of becoming a cop. Considering how dangerous of a job a Police Officer can be his mommy took him out for a day to see if she could change his mind of becoming a cop to a less dangerous profession. At the end of the day, and after experiencing what it would be like to wear the hats of different professions, the boy sticks to his dream of someday wearing the hat of a Police Officer.”
For over 25 years, Cliff Mariani was a member of the New York Police Department. Cliff Mariani began his writing career in the early 1970's. With an eye for detail and a skill with words, he wrote unique and innovative study and reference publications for the law enforcement community. In addition to being a police officer and writer, he has been a researcher and editor. Cliff Mariani is the author of a number of books for the law enforcement and criminal justice community: Domestic Violence Survival Guide; Terrorism Prevention and Response: The Definitive Law Enforcement Guide to Prepare for Terrorist Activity; Police Supervisor's Test Manual; New Jersey Motor Vehicles - Condensed Guide; A.B.C. Manual For Law Enforcement Officials; and, Connecticut Motor Vehicles - Condensed Guide. Additionally, he has published a number of promotional and operational materials geared toward New York Police Department police officers.
William J. McCullough, is a retired New York Police Department captain. He is the author of Pistol Instruction Handbook, How to Become a Police Officer and Police Promotional Manual. According to the book description of Police Promotional Manual it is “a promotional preparation cornerstone for more than 30 years! More than 750 true/false and multiple choice questions designed to inform, instruct and challenge! This extensive study aid has been a law enforcement favorite for more than three decades. Overflowing with the exact information you need to climb the ranks—from key police management principles and crucial supervisory skills to the ins and outs of criminal law and the elements of successful field operations—this is your ticket to top performance both in the classroom and on the street!”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 495 police officers (representing 208 police departments) and their 1046 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. With the addition of Kendall J. Matthews, Cliff Mariani and William J. McCullough, the number of New York Police Department police officers who have written books is 113.
Kendall J. Matthews is a former United States Marine who served in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, the horn of Africa. He’s a graduate of Virginia State University and Hunter College’s Graduate School of Urban Affairs and Planning. Kendall is a member of the New York Police Department, currently assigned to the Housing Bureau in the South Bronx. He also volunteers as a tutor at the East Harlem Tutorial Program. His first book, Mommy I want to be a Cop, is a children’s book.
According to Kendall Matthews’ book description, “this book is about a neighborhood boy who had dreams of becoming a cop. Considering how dangerous of a job a Police Officer can be his mommy took him out for a day to see if she could change his mind of becoming a cop to a less dangerous profession. At the end of the day, and after experiencing what it would be like to wear the hats of different professions, the boy sticks to his dream of someday wearing the hat of a Police Officer.”
For over 25 years, Cliff Mariani was a member of the New York Police Department. Cliff Mariani began his writing career in the early 1970's. With an eye for detail and a skill with words, he wrote unique and innovative study and reference publications for the law enforcement community. In addition to being a police officer and writer, he has been a researcher and editor. Cliff Mariani is the author of a number of books for the law enforcement and criminal justice community: Domestic Violence Survival Guide; Terrorism Prevention and Response: The Definitive Law Enforcement Guide to Prepare for Terrorist Activity; Police Supervisor's Test Manual; New Jersey Motor Vehicles - Condensed Guide; A.B.C. Manual For Law Enforcement Officials; and, Connecticut Motor Vehicles - Condensed Guide. Additionally, he has published a number of promotional and operational materials geared toward New York Police Department police officers.
William J. McCullough, is a retired New York Police Department captain. He is the author of Pistol Instruction Handbook, How to Become a Police Officer and Police Promotional Manual. According to the book description of Police Promotional Manual it is “a promotional preparation cornerstone for more than 30 years! More than 750 true/false and multiple choice questions designed to inform, instruct and challenge! This extensive study aid has been a law enforcement favorite for more than three decades. Overflowing with the exact information you need to climb the ranks—from key police management principles and crucial supervisory skills to the ins and outs of criminal law and the elements of successful field operations—this is your ticket to top performance both in the classroom and on the street!”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 495 police officers (representing 208 police departments) and their 1046 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Movie Exhibition Industry Shows Gratitude to Military
American Forces Press Service
April 20, 2007 – Servicemembers and their families are being treated to free movies and refreshments, thanks to a member of the motion picture exhibition industry. National Amusements has teamed up with the United Service Organizations of Metropolitan New York to offer free movies, popcorn and small drinks to active-duty military personnel and their families through April 30.
Beginning May 1, all National Amusements movie theaters in the United States will continue to show their appreciation to military personnel by offering a discounted general admission rate of $7, with $5 rates for matinees and children.
The partnership with the movie theaters is the single largest donation the metropolitan New York USO has ever received, said Brian Whiting, USO executive director.
The ability for military and their loved ones to receive complimentary movie admission, popcorn and refreshments is an immeasurable contribution and will make a direct impact on the lives of our servicemen and women, he said.
"This program will serve thousands of our armed forces and their families who sacrifice so much for our country," Whiting said. "Allowing military members to get back in touch with family after a long stretch in combat is an experience that can't be matched."
"The USO excels at providing the programs and services that the military and their families need for recreation, entertainment and to build community and keep families connected in challenging situations," said Shari Redstone, president of National Amusements.
National Amusements wanted to continue that tradition, and what better way to offer enjoyment and relaxation, and to keep families together, than with the magic of movies, Redstone said.
"We are very excited to offer this program to our men and women in uniform, and their families," Redstone said, "as a small token of the appreciation and respect we feel for those who serve our country and put their lives at risk on a daily basis."
National Amusements theaters are located in the following states: California, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. More information about specific locations can be found at www.nationalamusemements.com.
(Compiled from a National Amusements news release.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
April 20, 2007 – Servicemembers and their families are being treated to free movies and refreshments, thanks to a member of the motion picture exhibition industry. National Amusements has teamed up with the United Service Organizations of Metropolitan New York to offer free movies, popcorn and small drinks to active-duty military personnel and their families through April 30.
Beginning May 1, all National Amusements movie theaters in the United States will continue to show their appreciation to military personnel by offering a discounted general admission rate of $7, with $5 rates for matinees and children.
The partnership with the movie theaters is the single largest donation the metropolitan New York USO has ever received, said Brian Whiting, USO executive director.
The ability for military and their loved ones to receive complimentary movie admission, popcorn and refreshments is an immeasurable contribution and will make a direct impact on the lives of our servicemen and women, he said.
"This program will serve thousands of our armed forces and their families who sacrifice so much for our country," Whiting said. "Allowing military members to get back in touch with family after a long stretch in combat is an experience that can't be matched."
"The USO excels at providing the programs and services that the military and their families need for recreation, entertainment and to build community and keep families connected in challenging situations," said Shari Redstone, president of National Amusements.
National Amusements wanted to continue that tradition, and what better way to offer enjoyment and relaxation, and to keep families together, than with the magic of movies, Redstone said.
"We are very excited to offer this program to our men and women in uniform, and their families," Redstone said, "as a small token of the appreciation and respect we feel for those who serve our country and put their lives at risk on a daily basis."
National Amusements theaters are located in the following states: California, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. More information about specific locations can be found at www.nationalamusemements.com.
(Compiled from a National Amusements news release.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
U.S. Must Maintain Superiority in Space, General Says
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
April 20, 2007 – Maintaining superiority in space will go a long way toward protecting U.S. national interests, the commander of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center said here. "If adversaries are using space in ways that would threaten America or our forces on the battlefield, we have to be able to disrupt or deny their use of those capabilities," Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel told American Forces Press Service during the the center's Industry Days held here April 17-19. "Space capabilities will become increasingly critical to our national well-being."
The center is located on Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, Calif. Personnel at the center are responsible for researching, developing and purchasing military space systems, ranging from global positioning technology and space-based infrared surveillance and tracking, to launching and maintaining military satellites. As the Air Force's executive officer for space, Hamel is also responsible for America's deployed and fielded intercontinental ballistic missile forces, as well as developing the next generations of missile capabilities.
"If it has something to do with military space, somewhere within SMC we either are or should be working on the concepts and technologies," Hamel said. "We have a responsibility for the life cycle from the initial idea to actually working with industry to build it, launch it, and operate and sustain it."
Hamel said all nations have the right to operate in space, but it is important the U.S. can protect its commercial and military interests in the realm. He said the concept of space superiority is very similar to land, sea or maritime superiority.
"With maritime superiority, we acknowledge that all nations have the right to operate on the high seas, but we also recognize that if our freedom to navigate is threatened, we have to be able to enforce our rights. It's very similar in space," he said.
Current space capabilities are comprised of three principle elements: satellites on-orbit, ground control stations that operate the satellites, and the links that connect the two. "We have to look at how to protect those from threats," Hamel said.
Hamel pointed out that space technology, especially as it relates to satellites, is an integral part of everyday life. Global positioning systems in cars, commercial television feeds, and financial transactions at ATMs all depend on space technology.
"Space is a critical strategic capability for the nation," he said. "And we're going to have to ensure that others can't take that away from us." Hamel stressed that the U.S. is not weaponizing space and abides by all international treaties. The U.S. is not placing futuristic offensive weapons like lasers in space.
"What we do in space is in complete accord with our international commitments," he said. "We support the peaceful use of space, but we also recognize the legitimate rights of self defense. We view our satellite systems as our sovereign property and attacks or interference with those are viewed as an infringement on our sovereign rights."
Several countries have the ability to destroy orbiting satellites, including China, which destroyed one of its aging satellites with a ground-launched missile during a test in January.
Space technology also plays a crucial role in current U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is beneficial during humanitarian crises, the general said.
U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan rely on GPS technology in operations on the ground and for guiding munitions to their intended targets. "From a military standpoint, virtually every aspect of how we conduct our operations, you will find space imbedded in some fashion," he said.
Hamel said U.S. forces can turn a garden-variety iron bomb into a precision weapon by simply attaching a guidance package.
"The accuracy with which we're delivering these is on the order of two to three meters. Part of the reason this is so important is you can select the exact weapon to achieve the desired effect while minimizing collateral damage," he said.
Blue Force Tracking is another space technology that will become increasingly vital to situational awareness on the battlefield, Hamel said. Blue Force Tracking integrates GPS receiver packages with ground forces, aircraft and ships, and continuously broadcasts a position. By relaying the position of a specific Humvee, for instance, through a satellite link, it can be precisely pinpointed. "This is very critical to be able asses the status of friendly forces in large expanses of a battlefield," he said.
Through the proper integration into combat forces, space becomes a true force multiplier, he added.
High-tech space technology has also lent a hand in humanitarian operations. Following the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 and Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. Gulf Coast in 2005, military forces were able assess the damage through satellite imagery and determine how best to deliver relief. "Space capabilities were the first on scene, so to speak," Hamel said.
Because space acquisition is an inherently expensive and risky endeavor due to the technical demands involved, the government's relationship with industry is crucial to acquisition success. Since the military doesn't produce the space systems, it must define its needs and then work with contractors on the best engineering design, technologies and value proposition for building and fielding the systems.
"This is a demanding business. It requires excruciating attention to detail. All it takes is one detail overlooked and that spells the difference between success and total failure," Hamel said. "The misplacement of a decimal point in a guidance parameter can destroy the launch of a satellite into orbit."
The government must be an informed customer, and transparency and check and balances are essential during the development and acquisition process "because at the end of the day, we're accountable to the American taxpayer," Hamel said.
The general emphasized how far the United States has come since first setting its sights on space.
"We are now approaching 50 years of having operated as a nation in space," he said. "We have gone from the initial stumbling steps of trying to get satellites into orbit reliably to the point now where we have a tremendous spectrum of operating capabilities in space."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 20, 2007 – Maintaining superiority in space will go a long way toward protecting U.S. national interests, the commander of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center said here. "If adversaries are using space in ways that would threaten America or our forces on the battlefield, we have to be able to disrupt or deny their use of those capabilities," Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel told American Forces Press Service during the the center's Industry Days held here April 17-19. "Space capabilities will become increasingly critical to our national well-being."
The center is located on Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, Calif. Personnel at the center are responsible for researching, developing and purchasing military space systems, ranging from global positioning technology and space-based infrared surveillance and tracking, to launching and maintaining military satellites. As the Air Force's executive officer for space, Hamel is also responsible for America's deployed and fielded intercontinental ballistic missile forces, as well as developing the next generations of missile capabilities.
"If it has something to do with military space, somewhere within SMC we either are or should be working on the concepts and technologies," Hamel said. "We have a responsibility for the life cycle from the initial idea to actually working with industry to build it, launch it, and operate and sustain it."
Hamel said all nations have the right to operate in space, but it is important the U.S. can protect its commercial and military interests in the realm. He said the concept of space superiority is very similar to land, sea or maritime superiority.
"With maritime superiority, we acknowledge that all nations have the right to operate on the high seas, but we also recognize that if our freedom to navigate is threatened, we have to be able to enforce our rights. It's very similar in space," he said.
Current space capabilities are comprised of three principle elements: satellites on-orbit, ground control stations that operate the satellites, and the links that connect the two. "We have to look at how to protect those from threats," Hamel said.
Hamel pointed out that space technology, especially as it relates to satellites, is an integral part of everyday life. Global positioning systems in cars, commercial television feeds, and financial transactions at ATMs all depend on space technology.
"Space is a critical strategic capability for the nation," he said. "And we're going to have to ensure that others can't take that away from us." Hamel stressed that the U.S. is not weaponizing space and abides by all international treaties. The U.S. is not placing futuristic offensive weapons like lasers in space.
"What we do in space is in complete accord with our international commitments," he said. "We support the peaceful use of space, but we also recognize the legitimate rights of self defense. We view our satellite systems as our sovereign property and attacks or interference with those are viewed as an infringement on our sovereign rights."
Several countries have the ability to destroy orbiting satellites, including China, which destroyed one of its aging satellites with a ground-launched missile during a test in January.
Space technology also plays a crucial role in current U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is beneficial during humanitarian crises, the general said.
U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan rely on GPS technology in operations on the ground and for guiding munitions to their intended targets. "From a military standpoint, virtually every aspect of how we conduct our operations, you will find space imbedded in some fashion," he said.
Hamel said U.S. forces can turn a garden-variety iron bomb into a precision weapon by simply attaching a guidance package.
"The accuracy with which we're delivering these is on the order of two to three meters. Part of the reason this is so important is you can select the exact weapon to achieve the desired effect while minimizing collateral damage," he said.
Blue Force Tracking is another space technology that will become increasingly vital to situational awareness on the battlefield, Hamel said. Blue Force Tracking integrates GPS receiver packages with ground forces, aircraft and ships, and continuously broadcasts a position. By relaying the position of a specific Humvee, for instance, through a satellite link, it can be precisely pinpointed. "This is very critical to be able asses the status of friendly forces in large expanses of a battlefield," he said.
Through the proper integration into combat forces, space becomes a true force multiplier, he added.
High-tech space technology has also lent a hand in humanitarian operations. Following the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 and Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. Gulf Coast in 2005, military forces were able assess the damage through satellite imagery and determine how best to deliver relief. "Space capabilities were the first on scene, so to speak," Hamel said.
Because space acquisition is an inherently expensive and risky endeavor due to the technical demands involved, the government's relationship with industry is crucial to acquisition success. Since the military doesn't produce the space systems, it must define its needs and then work with contractors on the best engineering design, technologies and value proposition for building and fielding the systems.
"This is a demanding business. It requires excruciating attention to detail. All it takes is one detail overlooked and that spells the difference between success and total failure," Hamel said. "The misplacement of a decimal point in a guidance parameter can destroy the launch of a satellite into orbit."
The government must be an informed customer, and transparency and check and balances are essential during the development and acquisition process "because at the end of the day, we're accountable to the American taxpayer," Hamel said.
The general emphasized how far the United States has come since first setting its sights on space.
"We are now approaching 50 years of having operated as a nation in space," he said. "We have gone from the initial stumbling steps of trying to get satellites into orbit reliably to the point now where we have a tremendous spectrum of operating capabilities in space."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates: U.S. Committed to Relationship With Israel
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – The United States is committed to continue helping Israel "maintain its qualitative military edge" over other countries in the region that threaten its security, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates is on the fourth day of his Middle East visit. He arrived in Israel yesterday after meetings with defense and national leaders in Jordan and Egypt earlier this week.
Gates met this morning with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the prime minister's Jerusalem office.
The secretary noted that in his previous career as director of national intelligence he had built "very good friendships and professional relationships with both the leadership of the Israeli military and its intelligence services."
"I look forward to continuing those relationships," he added.
Later in the day, Gates told reporters traveling with him that his discussions with Israeli leaders included talks on military-to-military relations, as well as Syria and Iran, countries that pose a clear threat to Israel's security.
During the meeting, Olmert said he was "very, very proud and grateful" that Gates visited, nearly eight years after the last U.S. defense secretary, William Cohen, visited Israel.
"(The visit) gives us an opportunity to speak to the most powerful man in the defense establishment of the United States of America, which is extremely important to us," Olmert said.
The prime minister noted that Gates had visited Israel in his previous position and now has an opportunity to get to know the country better. "This is a unique perspective, which I am sure will allow you to look at Israel in (an) additional dimension," he said.
After the meeting, Gates visited Jerusalem's Yad Vashem, a 45-acre campus dedicated to holocaust remembrance and education. In what he called "a moving experience," he laid a wreath atop a concrete slab covering ashes of holocaust victims inside the Hall of Remembrance, a cavernous rough-hewn wood and concrete structure atop the Mount of Remembrance.
The secretary then walked through the Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem. This solemn memorial consists of darkened narrow hallways covered in mirrors. Tiny points of candlelight reflected over and over represent the 1.5 million children killed during the holocaust. As Gates made his way through the memorial, a lone voice recited names, ages and countries of Jewish children slaughtered during World War II.
After exiting the memorial back into the sunlight, Gates said he had come "to pay my respects to those who were killed by the Nazis."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – The United States is committed to continue helping Israel "maintain its qualitative military edge" over other countries in the region that threaten its security, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates is on the fourth day of his Middle East visit. He arrived in Israel yesterday after meetings with defense and national leaders in Jordan and Egypt earlier this week.
Gates met this morning with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the prime minister's Jerusalem office.
The secretary noted that in his previous career as director of national intelligence he had built "very good friendships and professional relationships with both the leadership of the Israeli military and its intelligence services."
"I look forward to continuing those relationships," he added.
Later in the day, Gates told reporters traveling with him that his discussions with Israeli leaders included talks on military-to-military relations, as well as Syria and Iran, countries that pose a clear threat to Israel's security.
During the meeting, Olmert said he was "very, very proud and grateful" that Gates visited, nearly eight years after the last U.S. defense secretary, William Cohen, visited Israel.
"(The visit) gives us an opportunity to speak to the most powerful man in the defense establishment of the United States of America, which is extremely important to us," Olmert said.
The prime minister noted that Gates had visited Israel in his previous position and now has an opportunity to get to know the country better. "This is a unique perspective, which I am sure will allow you to look at Israel in (an) additional dimension," he said.
After the meeting, Gates visited Jerusalem's Yad Vashem, a 45-acre campus dedicated to holocaust remembrance and education. In what he called "a moving experience," he laid a wreath atop a concrete slab covering ashes of holocaust victims inside the Hall of Remembrance, a cavernous rough-hewn wood and concrete structure atop the Mount of Remembrance.
The secretary then walked through the Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem. This solemn memorial consists of darkened narrow hallways covered in mirrors. Tiny points of candlelight reflected over and over represent the 1.5 million children killed during the holocaust. As Gates made his way through the memorial, a lone voice recited names, ages and countries of Jewish children slaughtered during World War II.
After exiting the memorial back into the sunlight, Gates said he had come "to pay my respects to those who were killed by the Nazis."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Groups' Monkeys Carry Encouragement to Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – About 1,000 sock monkeys are preparing to deploy to the Middle East with the mission of reminding servicemembers that the American public still supports them. "I feel that sometimes our soldiers kind of get forgotten," Beth VanSickle, the founder of Sock Monkey Ministries, said. "We're just trying to let everyone know, we need to kind of forget about the political and just remember that our soldiers are still there."
Each monkey, created from socks that are stuffed and hand sewn by one of more than 1,500 volunteers, also carries with it the thoughts and prayers of its creator in the form a small foam heart, VanSickle said.
To help her get the monkeys ready for "Operation Monkey Drop," the effort to send the monkeys to the troops, she enlisted the help of 322 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Chelsea Intermediate School in Chelsea, Ala., who stuffed 425 monkeys in one afternoon.
"That's about 800 pounds of stuffing," VanSickle said. She added that the students held a contest to see who could bring in the most "monkey making" supplies. The winning class got a pizza party.
In addition to stuffing the monkeys, the students completed more than 1,000 personal messages to accompany them, she said. The front of the message card explains the monkey's purpose and encourages servicemembers to pass it on to a child who could use a lift.
"We understand that the Iraqi people may not have a very good view of us," VanSickle said. "We're hoping with this little act of encouragement ... that it gives the (servicemembers) the opportunity to kind of befriend the (Iraqis)."
Fort Benning, Ga., has requested some monkeys to send to their soldiers for that very purpose, she said.
The organization, which has applied for nonprofit status, began in February 2005 in VanSickle's Sunday school class of first and second graders in Texas. She was looking for a way to teach them about service as well as maintain her participation in church activities while fighting with metastatic breast cancer.
The project, which she said helps keep her going, is now based in Alabama and has had a much greater impact than originally intended. VanSickle approaches community groups to help with the project.
"We try to go to those individuals that are in a situation where they don't feel like they're able to provide a service," VanSickle said. "So, by us going into the nursing homes or going to the hospitals to help people stuff monkeys, it kind of gives them a renewed sense of purpose as well."
VanSickle's group also reaches out to the families of fallen servicemembers, she said.
The "Fallen Hero" sock monkey has a U.S. flag embroidered on its chest and carries a special note for its recipient. Simply stated, it offers appreciation and gratitude for the family's sacrifice.
Nearly 4,800 sock monkeys have been created since 2005, far surpassing the original goal of 100. The monkeys have inspired hope in the lives of orphaned children, cancer patients, AIDS patients, homeless families, and anyone in need of encouragement as far away as Israel, or in their own backyard, VanSickle said.
They won't head off to the Middle East without a proper send off, though. Chelsea Intermediate School will hold its "Monkey March" on May 1, before shipping the monkeys out.
"We've invited the community leaders and we are going to march around the school to let everyone know that we support our troops and that we're not going to forget them," VanSickle said.
The students will also take the opportunity to present monkeys to several military family members who have been invited.
Those sock monkeys that are shipped overseas will get a lift from America Supports You home-front group Operation Homefront, which has offered to help with the shipping.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – About 1,000 sock monkeys are preparing to deploy to the Middle East with the mission of reminding servicemembers that the American public still supports them. "I feel that sometimes our soldiers kind of get forgotten," Beth VanSickle, the founder of Sock Monkey Ministries, said. "We're just trying to let everyone know, we need to kind of forget about the political and just remember that our soldiers are still there."
Each monkey, created from socks that are stuffed and hand sewn by one of more than 1,500 volunteers, also carries with it the thoughts and prayers of its creator in the form a small foam heart, VanSickle said.
To help her get the monkeys ready for "Operation Monkey Drop," the effort to send the monkeys to the troops, she enlisted the help of 322 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Chelsea Intermediate School in Chelsea, Ala., who stuffed 425 monkeys in one afternoon.
"That's about 800 pounds of stuffing," VanSickle said. She added that the students held a contest to see who could bring in the most "monkey making" supplies. The winning class got a pizza party.
In addition to stuffing the monkeys, the students completed more than 1,000 personal messages to accompany them, she said. The front of the message card explains the monkey's purpose and encourages servicemembers to pass it on to a child who could use a lift.
"We understand that the Iraqi people may not have a very good view of us," VanSickle said. "We're hoping with this little act of encouragement ... that it gives the (servicemembers) the opportunity to kind of befriend the (Iraqis)."
Fort Benning, Ga., has requested some monkeys to send to their soldiers for that very purpose, she said.
The organization, which has applied for nonprofit status, began in February 2005 in VanSickle's Sunday school class of first and second graders in Texas. She was looking for a way to teach them about service as well as maintain her participation in church activities while fighting with metastatic breast cancer.
The project, which she said helps keep her going, is now based in Alabama and has had a much greater impact than originally intended. VanSickle approaches community groups to help with the project.
"We try to go to those individuals that are in a situation where they don't feel like they're able to provide a service," VanSickle said. "So, by us going into the nursing homes or going to the hospitals to help people stuff monkeys, it kind of gives them a renewed sense of purpose as well."
VanSickle's group also reaches out to the families of fallen servicemembers, she said.
The "Fallen Hero" sock monkey has a U.S. flag embroidered on its chest and carries a special note for its recipient. Simply stated, it offers appreciation and gratitude for the family's sacrifice.
Nearly 4,800 sock monkeys have been created since 2005, far surpassing the original goal of 100. The monkeys have inspired hope in the lives of orphaned children, cancer patients, AIDS patients, homeless families, and anyone in need of encouragement as far away as Israel, or in their own backyard, VanSickle said.
They won't head off to the Middle East without a proper send off, though. Chelsea Intermediate School will hold its "Monkey March" on May 1, before shipping the monkeys out.
"We've invited the community leaders and we are going to march around the school to let everyone know that we support our troops and that we're not going to forget them," VanSickle said.
The students will also take the opportunity to present monkeys to several military family members who have been invited.
Those sock monkeys that are shipped overseas will get a lift from America Supports You home-front group Operation Homefront, which has offered to help with the shipping.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Defense Officials Work to Keep Environment Healthy
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – Keeping the natural environment healthy is essential to the Defense Department's success, and the department's officials are committed to being good stewards of the environment. "The better the quality of the air, the water (and) the less disturbed the land is, the better we are going to do our testing and training," Alex A. Beehler, assistant deputy undersecretary of defense for environment, safety and occupational health, said in an interview yesterday., "That's just a fundamental fact in order for us to carry out our national security mission."
Speaking several days before the April 22 Earth Day observance, traditionally a time when people around the globe express appreciation for nature, Beehler said the Defense Department "wants to make sure (it's) a good neighbor" to the environment.
To this end, he said, the department launched a procurement policy in 2004 urging employees and military to "buy green" - purchasing products like recycled office supplies and organically produced goods, and "green" services that benefit the environment.
"The procurement folks (who) have access to electronic catalogues ... look in the catalogue and see if there's a 'green' item under the procurement that they can purchase for roughly the same price," Beehler said. "Very quickly, over 90 percent of the opportunities have been followed up and I think it's even higher now."
The Defense Department is the largest consumer of many items, Beehler said, so adopting more responsible consumer behavior is a success that resonates with the public.
"It's not only the actual purchase made by the military, but (it's) the recognition throughout our society and other federal agencies that 'the military is number one in this, they're leading the way, we should certainly be able to follow in their steps,'" he said.
Other Defense Department environment, safety and occupational health initiatives include cleanup at active and closing bases, maintaining compliance with environmental laws, and conserving natural and cultural resources. The department is also engaged in implementing environmental technology, fire protection, pest management and disease control for its activities worldwide.
Beehler's priorities include implementing the department's environmental readiness initiative, the Defense Environmental Restoration Program, unexploded ordnance management, explosive safety, and pollution prevention, he said. Being engaged in the natural environment creates "a legal requirement as well as a moral responsibility" to preserve nature, which begins with the individual servicemember, Beehler said.
"As individuals have a greater personal awareness of their own immediate environment, that redounds better to their health (and) their family's health," he said. "That becomes a 24-hour responsibility for the individual soldier, sailor (airman and Marine), and his or her respective family."
On a day-to-day basis, servicemembers can take responsibility for their environmental obligation. "All the major military bases (and Navy ships) have environmental management system plans that are being implemented, and in connection with that, there are also safety and occupational components," Beehler said.
In Hawaii, where 40 percent of the U.S.'s endangered and threatened species are based, the military has a "huge concentration of activity and plan to expand," he said. As a result of DoD's "buffer zone" program, an initiative to operate, manage and own conservationally desirable lands, the Defense Department "has specifically preserved some of these areas around military bases in Hawaii," he added.
Beehler said conservation partners are making a "concerted effort" to maintain buffer zones around Fort Carson, Colo., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., which has allowed the red caucated woodpecker and other endangered species to thrive.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – Keeping the natural environment healthy is essential to the Defense Department's success, and the department's officials are committed to being good stewards of the environment. "The better the quality of the air, the water (and) the less disturbed the land is, the better we are going to do our testing and training," Alex A. Beehler, assistant deputy undersecretary of defense for environment, safety and occupational health, said in an interview yesterday., "That's just a fundamental fact in order for us to carry out our national security mission."
Speaking several days before the April 22 Earth Day observance, traditionally a time when people around the globe express appreciation for nature, Beehler said the Defense Department "wants to make sure (it's) a good neighbor" to the environment.
To this end, he said, the department launched a procurement policy in 2004 urging employees and military to "buy green" - purchasing products like recycled office supplies and organically produced goods, and "green" services that benefit the environment.
"The procurement folks (who) have access to electronic catalogues ... look in the catalogue and see if there's a 'green' item under the procurement that they can purchase for roughly the same price," Beehler said. "Very quickly, over 90 percent of the opportunities have been followed up and I think it's even higher now."
The Defense Department is the largest consumer of many items, Beehler said, so adopting more responsible consumer behavior is a success that resonates with the public.
"It's not only the actual purchase made by the military, but (it's) the recognition throughout our society and other federal agencies that 'the military is number one in this, they're leading the way, we should certainly be able to follow in their steps,'" he said.
Other Defense Department environment, safety and occupational health initiatives include cleanup at active and closing bases, maintaining compliance with environmental laws, and conserving natural and cultural resources. The department is also engaged in implementing environmental technology, fire protection, pest management and disease control for its activities worldwide.
Beehler's priorities include implementing the department's environmental readiness initiative, the Defense Environmental Restoration Program, unexploded ordnance management, explosive safety, and pollution prevention, he said. Being engaged in the natural environment creates "a legal requirement as well as a moral responsibility" to preserve nature, which begins with the individual servicemember, Beehler said.
"As individuals have a greater personal awareness of their own immediate environment, that redounds better to their health (and) their family's health," he said. "That becomes a 24-hour responsibility for the individual soldier, sailor (airman and Marine), and his or her respective family."
On a day-to-day basis, servicemembers can take responsibility for their environmental obligation. "All the major military bases (and Navy ships) have environmental management system plans that are being implemented, and in connection with that, there are also safety and occupational components," Beehler said.
In Hawaii, where 40 percent of the U.S.'s endangered and threatened species are based, the military has a "huge concentration of activity and plan to expand," he said. As a result of DoD's "buffer zone" program, an initiative to operate, manage and own conservationally desirable lands, the Defense Department "has specifically preserved some of these areas around military bases in Hawaii," he added.
Beehler said conservation partners are making a "concerted effort" to maintain buffer zones around Fort Carson, Colo., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., which has allowed the red caucated woodpecker and other endangered species to thrive.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Freedom Walks Will Be Held Across the Nation
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – Thousands of school children, community leaders, church members and volunteers throughout the nation are preparing to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor military veterans past and present. In cities, schoolrooms, church halls and community centers, they're respectfully organizing plans and identifying routes for their 2007 America Supports You Freedom Walks.
"America Supports You Freedom Walks have become a new national tradition," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. "It is important for people to participate so we never forget what happened to our country and citizens on 9/11."
During the first Freedom Walk the Department of Defense initiated in 2005, about 10,000 people came together to walk from the Pentagon to the National Mall.
The Freedom Walk was launched as part of the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, set up in November 2004 to directly connect military members to the support of the America people. As the program developed, Barber said, it became a tool to help the general public find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Today, more than 250 "homefront" nonprofit support groups and numerous corporations have joined the ASY team to provide countless forms of support to those on the frontlines of the war on terrorism. A complete list of these groups is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
Just as the "America Support You" program attracted volunteers, the Freedom Walk concept also resonated with Americans who wanted to physically show their support. Many contacted the ASY program expressing their desire to host their own walks.
The response to the first Freedom Walk proved to be so strong, Barber said, particularly among families who called it a healing experience, that defense officials recognized the importance of extending its reach.
"We knew that we had to share the Freedom Walk with more than Washington, D.C.," she said. "And that is why in 2006, on the fifth anniversary of the attacks, we extended the invitation to fellow Americans so they could participate, too."
Defense officials began offering planning guides and information for community leaders who wanted to plan their own Freedom Walks. On the weekend of Sept. 11, 2006, about 15,000 people gathered for the second Freedom Walk in the nation's capital. Several thousand people participated in more than 130 walks in cities and towns in all 50 states.
Communities, volunteer groups and schools had organized their own Freedom Walks, each with its own unique concept. Many had military or community speakers, honor guards, guest vocalists, troop letter-writing opportunities and wreath-laying ceremonies. Most participants came out to the events dressed in patriotic colors or carrying flags and banners.
"The Freedom Walk was integrated into history lessons and provided a way for teachers to explain the attacks on our country while also facilitating an activity that resulted in unity and patriotism within the school body," Barber said.
This year, more than 130 communities have already pledged to participate in Freedom Walks. Defense Department organizers said they hope to get more than 300 cities to take part in the national commemoration, and now is the time for organizations to begin choosing locations and walk routes, contacting potential speakers and planning special events.
One example is College Gate Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska.
Last year, the school commemorated the 9/11 anniversary with walkers silently circling the school five times, a lap for each year that had passed since the attacks. The students then headed back inside to write an essay about what freedom meant to them. They sent the essays to troops serving in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
This year, school leaders are planning to ask a kindergartener whose father is soon deploying to Iraq to assist in planting a "Freedom Tree" in honor of all the men and women serving the nation in uniform.
The Freedom Walks aren't fundraisers or rallies, Barber stressed. They are expressions of respect and remembrance, and they have the same impact on communities and businesses as they do on schools.
More than 2,000 people turned out in Sebring, Ohio, last year to attend a Freedom Walk, for example. Nine-year-old Colton Lockner decided to organize the event after reading about it in his Weekly Reader.
"We are not on the Mall in Washington or on Times Square in New York City," John Smith, Sebring's mayor, said during his welcome to the crowd. "We are gathered here in a small village in northeast Ohio. We would not be here today if it weren't for a 9-year-old boy who had a desire to recognize those whose lives were lost five years ago today and those serving today to keep our freedom alive."
Lockner, now age 10, has already started planning this year's walk by sending out letters and e-mails asking for support.
"Every organization, business, church or school can organize or participate in a local Freedom Walk or the national Freedom Walk in Washington, D.C.," Barber said. "Information is available on the web at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – Thousands of school children, community leaders, church members and volunteers throughout the nation are preparing to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor military veterans past and present. In cities, schoolrooms, church halls and community centers, they're respectfully organizing plans and identifying routes for their 2007 America Supports You Freedom Walks.
"America Supports You Freedom Walks have become a new national tradition," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. "It is important for people to participate so we never forget what happened to our country and citizens on 9/11."
During the first Freedom Walk the Department of Defense initiated in 2005, about 10,000 people came together to walk from the Pentagon to the National Mall.
The Freedom Walk was launched as part of the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, set up in November 2004 to directly connect military members to the support of the America people. As the program developed, Barber said, it became a tool to help the general public find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Today, more than 250 "homefront" nonprofit support groups and numerous corporations have joined the ASY team to provide countless forms of support to those on the frontlines of the war on terrorism. A complete list of these groups is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
Just as the "America Support You" program attracted volunteers, the Freedom Walk concept also resonated with Americans who wanted to physically show their support. Many contacted the ASY program expressing their desire to host their own walks.
The response to the first Freedom Walk proved to be so strong, Barber said, particularly among families who called it a healing experience, that defense officials recognized the importance of extending its reach.
"We knew that we had to share the Freedom Walk with more than Washington, D.C.," she said. "And that is why in 2006, on the fifth anniversary of the attacks, we extended the invitation to fellow Americans so they could participate, too."
Defense officials began offering planning guides and information for community leaders who wanted to plan their own Freedom Walks. On the weekend of Sept. 11, 2006, about 15,000 people gathered for the second Freedom Walk in the nation's capital. Several thousand people participated in more than 130 walks in cities and towns in all 50 states.
Communities, volunteer groups and schools had organized their own Freedom Walks, each with its own unique concept. Many had military or community speakers, honor guards, guest vocalists, troop letter-writing opportunities and wreath-laying ceremonies. Most participants came out to the events dressed in patriotic colors or carrying flags and banners.
"The Freedom Walk was integrated into history lessons and provided a way for teachers to explain the attacks on our country while also facilitating an activity that resulted in unity and patriotism within the school body," Barber said.
This year, more than 130 communities have already pledged to participate in Freedom Walks. Defense Department organizers said they hope to get more than 300 cities to take part in the national commemoration, and now is the time for organizations to begin choosing locations and walk routes, contacting potential speakers and planning special events.
One example is College Gate Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska.
Last year, the school commemorated the 9/11 anniversary with walkers silently circling the school five times, a lap for each year that had passed since the attacks. The students then headed back inside to write an essay about what freedom meant to them. They sent the essays to troops serving in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
This year, school leaders are planning to ask a kindergartener whose father is soon deploying to Iraq to assist in planting a "Freedom Tree" in honor of all the men and women serving the nation in uniform.
The Freedom Walks aren't fundraisers or rallies, Barber stressed. They are expressions of respect and remembrance, and they have the same impact on communities and businesses as they do on schools.
More than 2,000 people turned out in Sebring, Ohio, last year to attend a Freedom Walk, for example. Nine-year-old Colton Lockner decided to organize the event after reading about it in his Weekly Reader.
"We are not on the Mall in Washington or on Times Square in New York City," John Smith, Sebring's mayor, said during his welcome to the crowd. "We are gathered here in a small village in northeast Ohio. We would not be here today if it weren't for a 9-year-old boy who had a desire to recognize those whose lives were lost five years ago today and those serving today to keep our freedom alive."
Lockner, now age 10, has already started planning this year's walk by sending out letters and e-mails asking for support.
"Every organization, business, church or school can organize or participate in a local Freedom Walk or the national Freedom Walk in Washington, D.C.," Barber said. "Information is available on the web at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Defense Department to Partner With Local School Systems
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – The Defense Department will work with local schools to try to ensure that military children receive quality education no matter where they attend classes, said the director of the Department of Defense Education Activity. To this end, the department is creating an Educational Partnerships Directorate within DoDEA. The directorate is scheduled to be fully functional by October and will benefit school-age children of servicemembers stationed worldwide, Joseph Tafoya said during an interview last week.
"The quality of education for all military dependents is our new mission within the Defense Department," Tafoya said. "We want to ensure the quality that we believe we have in DoDEA is also there in the schools outside the gate and in the local communities."
The Department of Defense Education Activity educates nearly 91,000 of the 1.2 million school-age students within the military, defense officials said. The rest of the students are educated in public, private and home-based schools.
The number of students being educated outside of the defense system is expected to increase due to the Base Realignment and Closure process, as well as global rebasing of the military. By working with local education agencies, directorate officials said they plan to assist military-connected communities to ensure the best possible educational experience for military students.
The creation of the directorate is a collaboration between DoDEA and the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, which will work closely with the Department of Education, individual states and school districts to support the best practices for schools that educate military students.
By focusing on high-quality teaching, professional development, program improvement, high school initiatives, curriculum consistency and foreign language, Tafoya said the partnership with local schools will have a direct effect on students.
"We're obviously focusing on communities most impacted by BRAC," he said. According to Tafoya, there have been several times in the last few years when BRAC-impacted communities have asked for assistance from the Defense Department, but DoDEA was unable to assist.
Following the most recent Defense Appropriation Act, Congress has now allowed DoDEA to work cooperatively with local school districts to ease the transition of students from military to public schools.
Tafoya said the focus of the program is primarily on curricular transition issues. He said he wants to ensure that what is being taught within DoDEA is transferable to schools outside the military.
"We're doing a lot of things internally to assure parents that when they leave us and go to the next location, that their kid is ready for the next curriculum and whatever program is available to them in the local schools," he said. "Becoming a better partner with the local schools will help us understand that process a little better."
The ability to be an educator and serve military kids is a special calling, Tafoya said. Between parent's deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and frequent moves from school to school, he said teachers help military kids who experience a lot of transition in their lives.
"I can't think of a better opportunity to be an educator and also serve the need of the kids we have in DoDEA," he said. "Our ability to give them a great program is the highlight of my career."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – The Defense Department will work with local schools to try to ensure that military children receive quality education no matter where they attend classes, said the director of the Department of Defense Education Activity. To this end, the department is creating an Educational Partnerships Directorate within DoDEA. The directorate is scheduled to be fully functional by October and will benefit school-age children of servicemembers stationed worldwide, Joseph Tafoya said during an interview last week.
"The quality of education for all military dependents is our new mission within the Defense Department," Tafoya said. "We want to ensure the quality that we believe we have in DoDEA is also there in the schools outside the gate and in the local communities."
The Department of Defense Education Activity educates nearly 91,000 of the 1.2 million school-age students within the military, defense officials said. The rest of the students are educated in public, private and home-based schools.
The number of students being educated outside of the defense system is expected to increase due to the Base Realignment and Closure process, as well as global rebasing of the military. By working with local education agencies, directorate officials said they plan to assist military-connected communities to ensure the best possible educational experience for military students.
The creation of the directorate is a collaboration between DoDEA and the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, which will work closely with the Department of Education, individual states and school districts to support the best practices for schools that educate military students.
By focusing on high-quality teaching, professional development, program improvement, high school initiatives, curriculum consistency and foreign language, Tafoya said the partnership with local schools will have a direct effect on students.
"We're obviously focusing on communities most impacted by BRAC," he said. According to Tafoya, there have been several times in the last few years when BRAC-impacted communities have asked for assistance from the Defense Department, but DoDEA was unable to assist.
Following the most recent Defense Appropriation Act, Congress has now allowed DoDEA to work cooperatively with local school districts to ease the transition of students from military to public schools.
Tafoya said the focus of the program is primarily on curricular transition issues. He said he wants to ensure that what is being taught within DoDEA is transferable to schools outside the military.
"We're doing a lot of things internally to assure parents that when they leave us and go to the next location, that their kid is ready for the next curriculum and whatever program is available to them in the local schools," he said. "Becoming a better partner with the local schools will help us understand that process a little better."
The ability to be an educator and serve military kids is a special calling, Tafoya said. Between parent's deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and frequent moves from school to school, he said teachers help military kids who experience a lot of transition in their lives.
"I can't think of a better opportunity to be an educator and also serve the need of the kids we have in DoDEA," he said. "Our ability to give them a great program is the highlight of my career."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gridiron Greats Visit Troops in Iraq
By Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – To increase troops' morale, three National Football League players, weighing in at a combined 662 pounds, set aside their football gear for a trip to Iraq to visit with Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers April 16. As part of the Gridiron Greats Tour 2007, Chris Harris, a safety with the Chicago Bears, Nick Harper, a cornerback with the Indianapolis Colts, and Israel Idonije, a defensive end with the Chicago Bears, autographed everything from posters to footballs for the soldiers.
One behind the other, soldiers filed into the Liberty Morale, Welfare and Recreation building to get closer than 50-yard-line seats could get them to the three Super Bowl XLI players wearing desert tan and Army green camouflage gear.
"It's motivational for people, especially people we label celebrities, that seem above everybody else, to just come out and condone what we do and say 'We support you,'" said Sgt. Robert Harbour, a signal support systems specialist with Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.
"It gives everybody a chance to meet people you don't usually run into when you're back home," said Harbour, a native of Broken Bow, Okla.
"These players understand what (soldiers) are doing and they understand how (they) are serving and they want to give back to the community, the greater community of the Army," said Joe Canfield, the manager of the three players.
Although they arrived here to raise the spirits of the soldiers fighting in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the players departed with a glimpse of what it means to be a soldier.
"It's been an eye-opener to see what soldiers go through, where they stay, how they live," Idonije said. "The unbelievable amount of courage and sacrifice and dedication that these guys have - it's unbelievable."
During the 6-foot-6-inch player's stay, he got a chance to talk to young men and women and hear some of their stories.
"Stories about losing friends and how they manage to go back out and continue to do their jobs everyday are truly inspirational," he said.
Idonije added that back home, media can be very negative and although many people want to support soldiers, not many people take that extra step to see what's really happening on the ground.
For this African-born, Canadian-grown football player, this tour has allowed him to see and experience what's happening on the ground using the soldiers as his eyes into this war.
"Being out here and having exposure to the military, exposure to the soldiers, allows them to go back and share the good things that are going on here," Canfield said. "We know the media doesn't always promote the welfare of the soldier or promote the image.
"These guys can go back to their fellow athletes, their fellow teams, the NFL, their friends and family and share the good things that are occurring and promote a positive image of the Army overall," Canfield said.
With the recent announcement of extended tours for troops on the ground, these professional athletes had an even greater task at hand.
"It gives them a greater responsibility to be more energetic, more active and raise the morale of the troops who just realized they are staying here for another three months," Canfield said.
Harbour said all the small things, something as small as a handshake or a snapshot, can make a difference by helping soldiers keep their minds off the sudden, but expected, three-month extension.
"In times of war, it takes special people to come together and do what's necessary to stand for what's right, what we believe in as a people," Idonije said. "I am not here every day crossing the wire, so for me to be able just to hang out with the guys and thank them personally is an honor I am grateful for."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
(Army Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma is assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 19, 2007 – To increase troops' morale, three National Football League players, weighing in at a combined 662 pounds, set aside their football gear for a trip to Iraq to visit with Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers April 16. As part of the Gridiron Greats Tour 2007, Chris Harris, a safety with the Chicago Bears, Nick Harper, a cornerback with the Indianapolis Colts, and Israel Idonije, a defensive end with the Chicago Bears, autographed everything from posters to footballs for the soldiers.
One behind the other, soldiers filed into the Liberty Morale, Welfare and Recreation building to get closer than 50-yard-line seats could get them to the three Super Bowl XLI players wearing desert tan and Army green camouflage gear.
"It's motivational for people, especially people we label celebrities, that seem above everybody else, to just come out and condone what we do and say 'We support you,'" said Sgt. Robert Harbour, a signal support systems specialist with Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.
"It gives everybody a chance to meet people you don't usually run into when you're back home," said Harbour, a native of Broken Bow, Okla.
"These players understand what (soldiers) are doing and they understand how (they) are serving and they want to give back to the community, the greater community of the Army," said Joe Canfield, the manager of the three players.
Although they arrived here to raise the spirits of the soldiers fighting in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the players departed with a glimpse of what it means to be a soldier.
"It's been an eye-opener to see what soldiers go through, where they stay, how they live," Idonije said. "The unbelievable amount of courage and sacrifice and dedication that these guys have - it's unbelievable."
During the 6-foot-6-inch player's stay, he got a chance to talk to young men and women and hear some of their stories.
"Stories about losing friends and how they manage to go back out and continue to do their jobs everyday are truly inspirational," he said.
Idonije added that back home, media can be very negative and although many people want to support soldiers, not many people take that extra step to see what's really happening on the ground.
For this African-born, Canadian-grown football player, this tour has allowed him to see and experience what's happening on the ground using the soldiers as his eyes into this war.
"Being out here and having exposure to the military, exposure to the soldiers, allows them to go back and share the good things that are going on here," Canfield said. "We know the media doesn't always promote the welfare of the soldier or promote the image.
"These guys can go back to their fellow athletes, their fellow teams, the NFL, their friends and family and share the good things that are occurring and promote a positive image of the Army overall," Canfield said.
With the recent announcement of extended tours for troops on the ground, these professional athletes had an even greater task at hand.
"It gives them a greater responsibility to be more energetic, more active and raise the morale of the troops who just realized they are staying here for another three months," Canfield said.
Harbour said all the small things, something as small as a handshake or a snapshot, can make a difference by helping soldiers keep their minds off the sudden, but expected, three-month extension.
"In times of war, it takes special people to come together and do what's necessary to stand for what's right, what we believe in as a people," Idonije said. "I am not here every day crossing the wire, so for me to be able just to hang out with the guys and thank them personally is an honor I am grateful for."
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
(Army Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma is assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates to Meet With Mubarak in Delayed Trip to Egypt
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service
April 18, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here this morning for a series of meetings with Egyptian leaders, including President Hosni Mubarak. The secretary was supposed to travel from Amman, Jordan, to Cairo yesterday, but the trip was delayed when severe sandstorms and high winds forced the closure of Cairo International Airport.
In a news conference in Amman yesterday, Gates said he was looking forward to hearing Mubarak's views on "the situation in the region, ... conditions and circumstances in Iraq, his views on Iran and Iran's role with respect to Iraq."
He also said he was interested in hearing the Egyptian president's views on Lebanon.
"So I'm really just interested in hearing his thoughts as one of the elder statesmen in the region about his view of developments throughout the entire region," Gates said of Mubarak.
Echoing a theme prevalent in meetings in Jordan, Gates said he plans to encourage Egypt's support for the unity government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and for the reconciliation process in Iraq.
He said he also would ask Mubarak for "whatever he can do to encourage others in the region to invest in Iraq and to contribute to economic development there."
A senior defense official traveling with Gates explained that Egypt is sensitive to any reductions in U.S. military assistance that might be visited upon the country because of the expense of the war in Iraq. During this visit, Gates will "reassure them that regardless of the war, that our relationship with Egypt is a long one, it goes way back, and it is one that will continue," the official said.
Gates is scheduled to deliver a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce here about Egypt's traditional leadership role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The secretary will encourage Egypt "to reassert that particular leadership role," the official said.
"The more regional players we can get to assume responsibility and take action on resolution of the Palestinian ... the better," the official said.
Another subject of discussion will be the U.S.'s longstanding role as a force and funding provider for the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai Peninsula between Egypt and Israel. Since early 1982, U.S. soldiers and troops from several other countries have manned the region to ensure compliance with the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 18, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here this morning for a series of meetings with Egyptian leaders, including President Hosni Mubarak. The secretary was supposed to travel from Amman, Jordan, to Cairo yesterday, but the trip was delayed when severe sandstorms and high winds forced the closure of Cairo International Airport.
In a news conference in Amman yesterday, Gates said he was looking forward to hearing Mubarak's views on "the situation in the region, ... conditions and circumstances in Iraq, his views on Iran and Iran's role with respect to Iraq."
He also said he was interested in hearing the Egyptian president's views on Lebanon.
"So I'm really just interested in hearing his thoughts as one of the elder statesmen in the region about his view of developments throughout the entire region," Gates said of Mubarak.
Echoing a theme prevalent in meetings in Jordan, Gates said he plans to encourage Egypt's support for the unity government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and for the reconciliation process in Iraq.
He said he also would ask Mubarak for "whatever he can do to encourage others in the region to invest in Iraq and to contribute to economic development there."
A senior defense official traveling with Gates explained that Egypt is sensitive to any reductions in U.S. military assistance that might be visited upon the country because of the expense of the war in Iraq. During this visit, Gates will "reassure them that regardless of the war, that our relationship with Egypt is a long one, it goes way back, and it is one that will continue," the official said.
Gates is scheduled to deliver a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce here about Egypt's traditional leadership role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The secretary will encourage Egypt "to reassert that particular leadership role," the official said.
"The more regional players we can get to assume responsibility and take action on resolution of the Palestinian ... the better," the official said.
Another subject of discussion will be the U.S.'s longstanding role as a force and funding provider for the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai Peninsula between Egypt and Israel. Since early 1982, U.S. soldiers and troops from several other countries have manned the region to ensure compliance with the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Why We Serve: Marine Says Iraqis Appreciate U.S. Military
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
April 18, 2007 – A Marine who served two tours in Iraq, and is now speaking in American communities about his experiences, said that today's Iraqi Army soldiers prefer their current system to life in Saddam Hussein's military. "It wasn't the same structure that we have," Marine 1st Lt. Matthew H. Hilton, 28, said of the old Iraqi military. Hilton served as the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance company advisor to the 7th Iraqi Army Division, among other duties, during his tours in Iraq.
In the old Iraqi army, soldiers, NCOs and officers were treated as servants and were often forced to perform degrading tasks for superiors, Hilton noted. It's therefore understandable, he said, that today's Iraqi troops favor the American military's more democratic system.
Hilton is among a group of eight servicemembers possessing duty experience in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa who have been selected to tell their stories to the American people at community, business, veterans' and other gatherings as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
The "Why We Serve" program, initially the idea of Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began last fall, noted Air Force Maj. Ann N. Biggers, the program's director. Eight military members, two from each service, are selected to participate in the program, which is conducted in quarterly segments, she explained.
"We know that the American public is hungry to hear about what these young men and women have been doing," Biggers said. "It's important for our speakers, as well, because they are out there serving their country and they want to be able to tell their stories."
Military service is a Hilton family tradition, the Fairfax, Va., native said. After graduating from George Mason University, also in Fairfax, in 2002, Hilton obtained his commission through the Marine Corps Officers' Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Hilton is now assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif.
In Iraq, Hilton taught basic combat patrol techniques and other military skills to Iraqi army officers, noncommissioned officers, and junior enlisted soldiers assigned to the Iraqi army's 7th Division. Many Iraqi servicemembers had prior experience in Saddam's military, he noted, and thereby learned rapidly.
The Iraqis quickly warmed to the U.S. military's egalitarian system, Hilton said, where mutual respect of all servicemembers regardless of rank is employed up and down the chain of command.
"They like the overall camaraderie, trust and confidence" evinced by U.S. servicemembers of all ranks, Hilton said.
The Marine lieutenant performed other duties during his 2004-2005 and 2006 tours in Iraq. He conducted cordon-and-knock and combat patrols alongside Iraqi troops to find weapons caches from Ramadi to al Qaim along the Euphrates River Valley and also trained up a platoon of Iraqi military police.
"They know what they're doing. They're smart people," Hilton said of his Iraqi military counterparts.
The Iraqi army is getting better every day, but it needs to work on its supply and command-and-control systems, Hilton noted.
"The logistical piece to the Iraqi army is the difficult part," he said. "That was one of our main (training) efforts."
Hilton said he was determined to personally "connect" with and learn more about his Iraqi hosts.
"I remembered a lot of their names and I'd stop and talk," Hilton recalled, noting he'd developed good relationships with several Iraqis. An Iraqi battalion commander was so fond of Hilton that he bestowed the young Marine with a friendly nickname.
"The Iraqi people are great people," Hilton said. "They're very hospitable people, and I think the American people don't get a chance to see the warm, inviting culture that they have, that I was able to experience."
For general questions about the "Why We Serve" program, call Maj. Ann Biggers at (703) 695-3845.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
April 18, 2007 – A Marine who served two tours in Iraq, and is now speaking in American communities about his experiences, said that today's Iraqi Army soldiers prefer their current system to life in Saddam Hussein's military. "It wasn't the same structure that we have," Marine 1st Lt. Matthew H. Hilton, 28, said of the old Iraqi military. Hilton served as the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance company advisor to the 7th Iraqi Army Division, among other duties, during his tours in Iraq.
In the old Iraqi army, soldiers, NCOs and officers were treated as servants and were often forced to perform degrading tasks for superiors, Hilton noted. It's therefore understandable, he said, that today's Iraqi troops favor the American military's more democratic system.
Hilton is among a group of eight servicemembers possessing duty experience in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa who have been selected to tell their stories to the American people at community, business, veterans' and other gatherings as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
The "Why We Serve" program, initially the idea of Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began last fall, noted Air Force Maj. Ann N. Biggers, the program's director. Eight military members, two from each service, are selected to participate in the program, which is conducted in quarterly segments, she explained.
"We know that the American public is hungry to hear about what these young men and women have been doing," Biggers said. "It's important for our speakers, as well, because they are out there serving their country and they want to be able to tell their stories."
Military service is a Hilton family tradition, the Fairfax, Va., native said. After graduating from George Mason University, also in Fairfax, in 2002, Hilton obtained his commission through the Marine Corps Officers' Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Hilton is now assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif.
In Iraq, Hilton taught basic combat patrol techniques and other military skills to Iraqi army officers, noncommissioned officers, and junior enlisted soldiers assigned to the Iraqi army's 7th Division. Many Iraqi servicemembers had prior experience in Saddam's military, he noted, and thereby learned rapidly.
The Iraqis quickly warmed to the U.S. military's egalitarian system, Hilton said, where mutual respect of all servicemembers regardless of rank is employed up and down the chain of command.
"They like the overall camaraderie, trust and confidence" evinced by U.S. servicemembers of all ranks, Hilton said.
The Marine lieutenant performed other duties during his 2004-2005 and 2006 tours in Iraq. He conducted cordon-and-knock and combat patrols alongside Iraqi troops to find weapons caches from Ramadi to al Qaim along the Euphrates River Valley and also trained up a platoon of Iraqi military police.
"They know what they're doing. They're smart people," Hilton said of his Iraqi military counterparts.
The Iraqi army is getting better every day, but it needs to work on its supply and command-and-control systems, Hilton noted.
"The logistical piece to the Iraqi army is the difficult part," he said. "That was one of our main (training) efforts."
Hilton said he was determined to personally "connect" with and learn more about his Iraqi hosts.
"I remembered a lot of their names and I'd stop and talk," Hilton recalled, noting he'd developed good relationships with several Iraqis. An Iraqi battalion commander was so fond of Hilton that he bestowed the young Marine with a friendly nickname.
"The Iraqi people are great people," Hilton said. "They're very hospitable people, and I think the American people don't get a chance to see the warm, inviting culture that they have, that I was able to experience."
For general questions about the "Why We Serve" program, call Maj. Ann Biggers at (703) 695-3845.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Vice Chairman: Future of Military Transformation Depends on Service Integration
By Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 18, 2007 – Integration between services and becoming part of the joint community are vital to the U.S. military's ability to transform, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told members of Submarine Group Two and students at the submarine school here yesterday. Integrating the deterrent capability of submarines into the future is important for the nation and in addition, there are operational and tactical reasons for having a vibrant and viable submarine force, Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani said.
"The ability to collect intelligence, to surveil and to do reconnaissance are so important," he said. "These have been characteristics that have been around for a long time. They will remain around for a very long time. You would be amazed at the importance that these bring within the joint community."
Members of the joint community rely on other services to provide information critical to accomplishing the mission, he said.
"A joint officer who goes out and commands somewhere does not care where he gets the intelligence from," Giambastiani said. "All the joint officer cares about is getting it on time, when he needs it, and accurately to support what he does."
This attitude toward mission accomplishment is a change from the way operations were conducted 20 years ago, Giambastiani noted.
"In the Cold War, we in the submarine force and submarine community did everything in our power not to communicate with other people," he said. "As long as we had the information coming to our submarines, we were happy. That's just the way it was. We focused our attention on not allowing other people to talk with us other than to provide us information."
Giambastiani said that senior leaders in the submarine community realized that mindset had to change. One example of that was a high-speed satellite antenna, which evolved into a tri-band satellite antenna on submarines. Giambastiani and others worked to develop this technology in the early 1990s.
Giambastiani challenged the leaders here with a thought-provoking question about joint operations and how they could impact future generations.
"One of the questions for you as an organization and for you as leaders is, 'What are you doing to think ahead? How you can bring additional capability?'" he said.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump is assigned to the Joint Staff public affairs office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
April 18, 2007 – Integration between services and becoming part of the joint community are vital to the U.S. military's ability to transform, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told members of Submarine Group Two and students at the submarine school here yesterday. Integrating the deterrent capability of submarines into the future is important for the nation and in addition, there are operational and tactical reasons for having a vibrant and viable submarine force, Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani said.
"The ability to collect intelligence, to surveil and to do reconnaissance are so important," he said. "These have been characteristics that have been around for a long time. They will remain around for a very long time. You would be amazed at the importance that these bring within the joint community."
Members of the joint community rely on other services to provide information critical to accomplishing the mission, he said.
"A joint officer who goes out and commands somewhere does not care where he gets the intelligence from," Giambastiani said. "All the joint officer cares about is getting it on time, when he needs it, and accurately to support what he does."
This attitude toward mission accomplishment is a change from the way operations were conducted 20 years ago, Giambastiani noted.
"In the Cold War, we in the submarine force and submarine community did everything in our power not to communicate with other people," he said. "As long as we had the information coming to our submarines, we were happy. That's just the way it was. We focused our attention on not allowing other people to talk with us other than to provide us information."
Giambastiani said that senior leaders in the submarine community realized that mindset had to change. One example of that was a high-speed satellite antenna, which evolved into a tri-band satellite antenna on submarines. Giambastiani and others worked to develop this technology in the early 1990s.
Giambastiani challenged the leaders here with a thought-provoking question about joint operations and how they could impact future generations.
"One of the questions for you as an organization and for you as leaders is, 'What are you doing to think ahead? How you can bring additional capability?'" he said.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump is assigned to the Joint Staff public affairs office.)
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
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