A network of land-, air-, sea- and spaced-based sensors confirms that the U.S. military intercepted a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite which was in its final orbits before entering the earth's atmosphere.
At approximately 10:26 p.m. EST today, a U.S. Navy AEGIS warship, the USS Lake Erie (CG-70), fired a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) hitting the satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. USS Decatur (DDG-73) and USS Russell (DDG-59) were also part of the task force.
The objective was to rupture the fuel tank to dissipate the approximately 1,000 pounds (453 kg) of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel which could pose a danger to people on earth, before it entered into earth's atmosphere. Confirmation that the fuel tank has been fragmented should be available within 24 hours.
Due to the relatively low altitude of the satellite at the time of the engagement, debris will begin to re-enter the earth's atmosphere immediately. Nearly all of the debris will burn up on reentry within 24-48 hours and the remaining debris should re-enter within 40 days.
DoD will conduct a press briefing at 7 a.m. EST to provide further information related to the operation. The briefing can be viewed live on www.Defenselink.com through the Pentagon Channel.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
MILITARY CONTRACTS February 20, 2008
ARMY
River City Construction, L.L.C., East Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a $74,210,000 firm-fixed-price contract for changes to the U.S. Transportation Command and its Joint Intelligence Operations Center. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 9, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was announced on Nov. 1, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-0007.
Arviso Construction Co. Inc., Fort Wingate, N.M., was awarded on Feb. 19, 2008, a $66,475,280 firm-fixed-price contract for replacement of Wingate High School and Dormitory. Work will be performed in Fort Wingate, N.M., and is expected to be completed by May 2, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 10 bids solicited on Sep. 18, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity W912PP-08-C-0002.
Oshkosh Truck Corp. Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Feb. 19, 2008, a $48,906,410 firm-fixed-price award ceiling price modification for family of heavy Tactical Vehicle systems. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 23, 2006, and one bid was received. The Tank Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-07-C-0248.
Combat Support Associates, Orange, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2008, a $30,926,621 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contract modifications for expansion of postal operations support. Work will be performed in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was posted on Oct. 30, 1998, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity DASA02-99-C-1234.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a $20,552,074 firm-fixed-price contract for small caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 23, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was posted on Jan. 18, 2005, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-05-G-0002.
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a $6,972,000 firm-fixed-price contract for 30mm ammunition. Work will be performed in Radford, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Jan. 16, 2008, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-07-C-0035.
Woodward Governor Co., Rockford, Ill., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a delivery order amount of $6,427,580 as part of a $28,879,222 firm-fixed-price contract for fuel control equipment for the Black Hawk helicopter. Work will be performed in Rockford, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Jan. 8, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-07-D-0174.
Purcell Construction, Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a delivery order amount of $66,100,000 as part of a $150,532,382 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of three 624-person barracks. Work will be performed in Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sep 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were three bids solicited on Dec. 7, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity W91236-08-D-0014.
NAVY
Global Security and Engineering Solutions, a Division of L-3 Services, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a ceiling value $326,318,075 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity requirements contract to design, fabricate, install, and test the Tactical Video Capture System (TVCS) for various Marine Corps bases worldwide. The Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC) staff and personnel will use the TVCS for Real-Time Visualization (RTV) and Situational Awareness (SA) while Marine Units are conducting Military Operation in TVCS to conduct After Action Reviews (AAR) of the just completed training exercise. The contractor will perform system design, development, integration, installation, logistics, engineering, and training of the TVCS. Work will be performed at government sites worldwide, and the work is expected to be completed Feb. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This effort was competitively procured as a full and open competition procurement, with one offer to the solicitation received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-8000).
BAE Systems, Land and Armaments Group, Ground Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., is being awarded a $33,938,132 cost-plus-incentive fee contract to provide engineering support services. This contract contains options which, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value of this contract to $109,497,949. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., (24 percent); Brea, Calif., (23 percent); Plymouth, Minn., (18 percent); Aberdeen, S.D., (14 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (10 percent); Nashua, N.H., (9 percent); Austin, Texas, (2 percent), and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-08-C-0025).
Allied Pacific Builders, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, and David's Custom Roofing & Painting, Inc.*, Pearl City, Hawaii, are being awarded a not to exceed $20,000,000 (base period and four option years) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for roof repairs and maintenance for Navy, Marine Corps, and miscellaneous Federal and other facilities at various locations in Oahu, Hawaii. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2009 (Feb 2013 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 11 proposals solicited and eight offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-08-D-4014 and N62478-08-D-4015).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a contract modification for $182,615,911. This action provides for sustainment of the F-22 Weapon System during Calendar Year's 2008 and 2009. At this time $258,763,747 has been obligated. ASC/YFK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2897).
The United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney, of East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded an undefinitized contract modification for $101,168,373. This contract will provide CY08 sustainment for the F-22 Raptor F119 Engine. At this time $129,834,373 has been obligated. ASC/YFK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2896).
TAC Industries of Springfield Ohio is being awarded a contract for $34,450,420.50. This action provides for quantity of 68,750 each for top cargo tiedown nets; 137,600 each side cargo tie-down nets. At this time all funds have been obligated. 642nd CBSSS/GBZO-PKAC, Robins Air Force Base Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8533-05-D-0001-0010).
General Atomics of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus incentive fee contract for $6,094,533. This effort is for the change to enhance the Maintenance Level Technical Orders, which are a part of the system development and demonstration of the MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Air Vehicles. At this time no funds have been obligated. 658th AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-G-4035, Order 002316).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Seagoing Uniforms, Marshville, N.C.,* is being awarded a maximum $7,536,579.00 firm fixed price, total set aside, indefinite quantity contract for Navy utility uniform items. Other locations of performance are N. C., S. C., and Ga. Using service is Navy. This proposal was originally Web solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option year three (except for Item 0005 – Utility Trousers). Date of performance completion is Mar.31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-04-D-0457).
River City Construction, L.L.C., East Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a $74,210,000 firm-fixed-price contract for changes to the U.S. Transportation Command and its Joint Intelligence Operations Center. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 9, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was announced on Nov. 1, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-0007.
Arviso Construction Co. Inc., Fort Wingate, N.M., was awarded on Feb. 19, 2008, a $66,475,280 firm-fixed-price contract for replacement of Wingate High School and Dormitory. Work will be performed in Fort Wingate, N.M., and is expected to be completed by May 2, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 10 bids solicited on Sep. 18, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity W912PP-08-C-0002.
Oshkosh Truck Corp. Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Feb. 19, 2008, a $48,906,410 firm-fixed-price award ceiling price modification for family of heavy Tactical Vehicle systems. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 23, 2006, and one bid was received. The Tank Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-07-C-0248.
Combat Support Associates, Orange, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2008, a $30,926,621 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contract modifications for expansion of postal operations support. Work will be performed in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was posted on Oct. 30, 1998, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity DASA02-99-C-1234.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a $20,552,074 firm-fixed-price contract for small caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 23, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was posted on Jan. 18, 2005, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-05-G-0002.
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a $6,972,000 firm-fixed-price contract for 30mm ammunition. Work will be performed in Radford, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Jan. 16, 2008, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-07-C-0035.
Woodward Governor Co., Rockford, Ill., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a delivery order amount of $6,427,580 as part of a $28,879,222 firm-fixed-price contract for fuel control equipment for the Black Hawk helicopter. Work will be performed in Rockford, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Jan. 8, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-07-D-0174.
Purcell Construction, Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2008, a delivery order amount of $66,100,000 as part of a $150,532,382 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of three 624-person barracks. Work will be performed in Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sep 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were three bids solicited on Dec. 7, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity W91236-08-D-0014.
NAVY
Global Security and Engineering Solutions, a Division of L-3 Services, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a ceiling value $326,318,075 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity requirements contract to design, fabricate, install, and test the Tactical Video Capture System (TVCS) for various Marine Corps bases worldwide. The Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC) staff and personnel will use the TVCS for Real-Time Visualization (RTV) and Situational Awareness (SA) while Marine Units are conducting Military Operation in TVCS to conduct After Action Reviews (AAR) of the just completed training exercise. The contractor will perform system design, development, integration, installation, logistics, engineering, and training of the TVCS. Work will be performed at government sites worldwide, and the work is expected to be completed Feb. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This effort was competitively procured as a full and open competition procurement, with one offer to the solicitation received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-8000).
BAE Systems, Land and Armaments Group, Ground Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., is being awarded a $33,938,132 cost-plus-incentive fee contract to provide engineering support services. This contract contains options which, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value of this contract to $109,497,949. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., (24 percent); Brea, Calif., (23 percent); Plymouth, Minn., (18 percent); Aberdeen, S.D., (14 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (10 percent); Nashua, N.H., (9 percent); Austin, Texas, (2 percent), and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-08-C-0025).
Allied Pacific Builders, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, and David's Custom Roofing & Painting, Inc.*, Pearl City, Hawaii, are being awarded a not to exceed $20,000,000 (base period and four option years) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for roof repairs and maintenance for Navy, Marine Corps, and miscellaneous Federal and other facilities at various locations in Oahu, Hawaii. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2009 (Feb 2013 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 11 proposals solicited and eight offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-08-D-4014 and N62478-08-D-4015).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a contract modification for $182,615,911. This action provides for sustainment of the F-22 Weapon System during Calendar Year's 2008 and 2009. At this time $258,763,747 has been obligated. ASC/YFK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2897).
The United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney, of East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded an undefinitized contract modification for $101,168,373. This contract will provide CY08 sustainment for the F-22 Raptor F119 Engine. At this time $129,834,373 has been obligated. ASC/YFK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2896).
TAC Industries of Springfield Ohio is being awarded a contract for $34,450,420.50. This action provides for quantity of 68,750 each for top cargo tiedown nets; 137,600 each side cargo tie-down nets. At this time all funds have been obligated. 642nd CBSSS/GBZO-PKAC, Robins Air Force Base Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8533-05-D-0001-0010).
General Atomics of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus incentive fee contract for $6,094,533. This effort is for the change to enhance the Maintenance Level Technical Orders, which are a part of the system development and demonstration of the MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Air Vehicles. At this time no funds have been obligated. 658th AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-G-4035, Order 002316).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Seagoing Uniforms, Marshville, N.C.,* is being awarded a maximum $7,536,579.00 firm fixed price, total set aside, indefinite quantity contract for Navy utility uniform items. Other locations of performance are N. C., S. C., and Ga. Using service is Navy. This proposal was originally Web solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option year three (except for Item 0005 – Utility Trousers). Date of performance completion is Mar.31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-04-D-0457).
Gates Departs on Nine-Day World Trip
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates left today on a nine-day trip around the world aimed at reinforcing relationships with some countries he has yet to visit as defense secretary. Gates will visit U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii, participate in annual bilateral talks with Australia, and discuss security matters with his counterparts in Indonesia, India and Turkey.
The Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations are the principal forum for bilateral talks between the two allies. It brings the U.S. secretaries of state and defense together with their Australian counterparts, along with other senior officials from both countries.
The trip also coincides with the day the Navy plans to try to shoot down a dead U.S. intelligence satellite. The window for the shoot-down opened this morning after the landing of the space shuttle Atlantis.
Defense officials said yesterday that they are evaluating the situation and will advise the secretary when they have a shot to take. President Bush has empowered Gates to order the shoot-down, and based upon the advice he gets, he is prepared to do so during this trip, officials said yesterday.
Preparing for Promotion sponsored this blog and blog entry.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates left today on a nine-day trip around the world aimed at reinforcing relationships with some countries he has yet to visit as defense secretary. Gates will visit U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii, participate in annual bilateral talks with Australia, and discuss security matters with his counterparts in Indonesia, India and Turkey.
The Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations are the principal forum for bilateral talks between the two allies. It brings the U.S. secretaries of state and defense together with their Australian counterparts, along with other senior officials from both countries.
The trip also coincides with the day the Navy plans to try to shoot down a dead U.S. intelligence satellite. The window for the shoot-down opened this morning after the landing of the space shuttle Atlantis.
Defense officials said yesterday that they are evaluating the situation and will advise the secretary when they have a shot to take. President Bush has empowered Gates to order the shoot-down, and based upon the advice he gets, he is prepared to do so during this trip, officials said yesterday.
Preparing for Promotion sponsored this blog and blog entry.
America Supports You: States Honor Wounded With Silver Star Banner
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2008 - More than 60 years after the custom was last observed, five states have endorsed the Silver Star banner as their official symbol for honoring war-wounded veterans. The practice began in 1918, and the Silver Star banner was granted semi-official status by the Army adjutant general, said Steve Newton, founder of Silver Star Families of America. Sometime between the end of World War I and the beginning of World War II, he said, the practice was lost.
Silver Star Families of America has been working to get the banner granted official status since 2005, Newton said. "When Congress approved the Blue Star and the Gold Star (as official service banners), it did not designate a Silver Star banner," Newton said.
Blue Star banners designate families with a member serving in the military, while a Gold Star banner honors a family member who was killed in action.
The efforts of Newton's group to work with Congress to get the Silver Star banner designated nationally as an official service banner led to some stalling points, however. Congress wanted the Silver Star Families of America to narrow its definition of wounded, Newton said.
"We decided to ... go state by state, because we didn't want to leave out post-traumatic stress (disorder) or Agent Orange or Gulf War Syndrome or accidents that occur in the war zone that will affect somebody for the rest of their lives," Newton said. "We thought that they needed to be honored also."
In 2007, the group presented each state with a proclamation to endorse the Silver Star banner as its official service banner to honor war wounded. To date, five states -- Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana and Missouri -- have done so.
"To me it's a sign of honor," Newton said. "When a state takes an action like this, it means that they want to remember the sacrifices of the wounded."
Janie Orman, the group's president, said that while the five states agreed quickly and others are on the brink of declaring the Silver Star banner their official service banner for the wounded, some declined.
"A couple of them said, 'No, thank you,'" she said. "A couple of them felt like they had their own programs, I believe."
In 2007, 44 states honored their war wounded by proclaiming May 1 as "Silver Star Day for the Wounded," with at least two of those states working to make the proclamation permanent, Orman said. Silver Star Families of America hopes at least that many states will endorse the Silver Star banner, she added.
The Missouri-based group is a supporter of America Support You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2008 - More than 60 years after the custom was last observed, five states have endorsed the Silver Star banner as their official symbol for honoring war-wounded veterans. The practice began in 1918, and the Silver Star banner was granted semi-official status by the Army adjutant general, said Steve Newton, founder of Silver Star Families of America. Sometime between the end of World War I and the beginning of World War II, he said, the practice was lost.
Silver Star Families of America has been working to get the banner granted official status since 2005, Newton said. "When Congress approved the Blue Star and the Gold Star (as official service banners), it did not designate a Silver Star banner," Newton said.
Blue Star banners designate families with a member serving in the military, while a Gold Star banner honors a family member who was killed in action.
The efforts of Newton's group to work with Congress to get the Silver Star banner designated nationally as an official service banner led to some stalling points, however. Congress wanted the Silver Star Families of America to narrow its definition of wounded, Newton said.
"We decided to ... go state by state, because we didn't want to leave out post-traumatic stress (disorder) or Agent Orange or Gulf War Syndrome or accidents that occur in the war zone that will affect somebody for the rest of their lives," Newton said. "We thought that they needed to be honored also."
In 2007, the group presented each state with a proclamation to endorse the Silver Star banner as its official service banner to honor war wounded. To date, five states -- Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana and Missouri -- have done so.
"To me it's a sign of honor," Newton said. "When a state takes an action like this, it means that they want to remember the sacrifices of the wounded."
Janie Orman, the group's president, said that while the five states agreed quickly and others are on the brink of declaring the Silver Star banner their official service banner for the wounded, some declined.
"A couple of them said, 'No, thank you,'" she said. "A couple of them felt like they had their own programs, I believe."
In 2007, 44 states honored their war wounded by proclaiming May 1 as "Silver Star Day for the Wounded," with at least two of those states working to make the proclamation permanent, Orman said. Silver Star Families of America hopes at least that many states will endorse the Silver Star banner, she added.
The Missouri-based group is a supporter of America Support You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Pentagon Opens Window of Time to Shoot Down Satellite
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2008 - The Pentagon has opened the window of time in which it will shoot down a malfunctioning U.S. reconnaissance satellite, a senior U.S. military officer said here today. Today's return of the space shuttle Atlantis to Earth prompted the start of the optimal time period for shooting down the satellite, which extends until about the end of the month, the senior officer told Pentagon reporters.
Only "tens of seconds" will be available each day for a favorable launch of a ship-based SM-3 interceptor missile, the senior officer said. "The window is small, ... but we're looking for the best orientation of the satellite" before launching the missile, the officer explained.
The 5,000-pound satellite malfunctioned soon after it was launched in 2006, making it unresponsive to ground control. It is carrying a tank full of hydrazine, a toxic rocket fuel. The satellite, orbiting every 90 minutes or so, was expected to fall to Earth in February or March with its tank of hydrazine intact, possibly endangering human populations.
President Bush directed the Defense Department to engage the satellite just before it enters the atmosphere at about 150 miles above the Earth. The goal is for the missile to hit and rupture the tank of rocket fuel, causing the hydrazine to burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere, along with debris from the stricken satellite.
About 50 percent of debris produced by the missile strike is expected to burn up during the stricken satellite's first two orbits after being hit, the senior military officer said, with the rest burning up shortly after. The strike is designed to leave no space debris.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is to give the order to launch, based upon commanders' recommendations, the senior officer said. Gates will be advised as to the optimal time to launch by the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, based at Offutt Air Force Base, in Omaha, Neb.
All space sensor and missile-tracking activity related to the missile launch is being coordinated by the Joint Space Operations Center, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Sensors, such as large radars and telescopes, are being coordinated by the Joint Integrated Missile Defense Team in Colorado Springs, Colo., under the U.S. Army's Space and Missile Defense Command.
Three U.S. Navy ships -- the cruiser USS Lake Erie and the destroyers USS Decatur and USS Russell -- are posted in the Pacific Ocean waiting for an optimal time to launch, the senior officer said. The Erie is slated to shoot at the satellite, and it is fitted with two SM-3 missiles. The Decatur has one, and the Russell has none. The missiles were modified to carry additional sensor equipment for the mission, the senior officer said.
The launch will be conducted during daytime over the Pacific, the senior officer explained, so that all sensors involved can better track the results of the missile launch. Necessary criteria for launch include satisfactory alignment of all pre-launch sensor-supplied data, as well as favorable weather conditions, he said.
Currently, the wave height about the ships is unfavorable to launch, the officer said. However, this and other conditions are subject to change, he added.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 20, 2008 - The Pentagon has opened the window of time in which it will shoot down a malfunctioning U.S. reconnaissance satellite, a senior U.S. military officer said here today. Today's return of the space shuttle Atlantis to Earth prompted the start of the optimal time period for shooting down the satellite, which extends until about the end of the month, the senior officer told Pentagon reporters.
Only "tens of seconds" will be available each day for a favorable launch of a ship-based SM-3 interceptor missile, the senior officer said. "The window is small, ... but we're looking for the best orientation of the satellite" before launching the missile, the officer explained.
The 5,000-pound satellite malfunctioned soon after it was launched in 2006, making it unresponsive to ground control. It is carrying a tank full of hydrazine, a toxic rocket fuel. The satellite, orbiting every 90 minutes or so, was expected to fall to Earth in February or March with its tank of hydrazine intact, possibly endangering human populations.
President Bush directed the Defense Department to engage the satellite just before it enters the atmosphere at about 150 miles above the Earth. The goal is for the missile to hit and rupture the tank of rocket fuel, causing the hydrazine to burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere, along with debris from the stricken satellite.
About 50 percent of debris produced by the missile strike is expected to burn up during the stricken satellite's first two orbits after being hit, the senior military officer said, with the rest burning up shortly after. The strike is designed to leave no space debris.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is to give the order to launch, based upon commanders' recommendations, the senior officer said. Gates will be advised as to the optimal time to launch by the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, based at Offutt Air Force Base, in Omaha, Neb.
All space sensor and missile-tracking activity related to the missile launch is being coordinated by the Joint Space Operations Center, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Sensors, such as large radars and telescopes, are being coordinated by the Joint Integrated Missile Defense Team in Colorado Springs, Colo., under the U.S. Army's Space and Missile Defense Command.
Three U.S. Navy ships -- the cruiser USS Lake Erie and the destroyers USS Decatur and USS Russell -- are posted in the Pacific Ocean waiting for an optimal time to launch, the senior officer said. The Erie is slated to shoot at the satellite, and it is fitted with two SM-3 missiles. The Decatur has one, and the Russell has none. The missiles were modified to carry additional sensor equipment for the mission, the senior officer said.
The launch will be conducted during daytime over the Pacific, the senior officer explained, so that all sensors involved can better track the results of the missile launch. Necessary criteria for launch include satisfactory alignment of all pre-launch sensor-supplied data, as well as favorable weather conditions, he said.
Currently, the wave height about the ships is unfavorable to launch, the officer said. However, this and other conditions are subject to change, he added.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Bush Voices Support for Kosovo Independence
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 18, 2008 - President Bush voiced his support for Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia during an interview today with NBC in Arusha, Tanzania. "We'll watch and see how the events unfold today," Bush said about the Balkan state. "But, the Kosovars are now independent. It's something that I have advocated, along with my government."
Yesterday, U.S. and NATO officials urged restraint following Kosovo's declaration of independence. Kosovo, a 90-percent ethnic Albanian enclave, has been under the sovereignty of Serbia, where officials in the capital of Belgrade refused to relinquish the province.
As Albanian Kosovars celebrated yesterday's declaration with fireworks and parades, Serbia's prime minister dismissed Kosovo as a "false state" while protesters
converged on the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade and rioting occurred elsewhere, according to reports.
Kosovo has been under United Nations administration and policed by 16,000 NATO peacekeepers, known as KFOR, following a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 1999 that expelled the Serb army and prevented "ethnic cleansing" of the region's Albanians. Some 1,500 U.S. forces are stationed in the province as part of KFOR.
"During this sensitive period, KFOR will respond swiftly and firmly against anyone who might resort to violence in Kosovo," NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement yesterday. "NATO urges all parties involved to exercise the maximum restraint and moderation."
"On Kosovo, our position is that its status must be resolved in order for the Balkans to be stable," Bush said yesterday during a visit to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. "The United States will continue to work with our allies to do the very best we can to make sure there's no violence."
UN Special Envoy Marti Ahtisaari has drawn up a plan for Kosovo's "supervised independence," that has been widely accepted by leaders in the U.S. and European nations.
"We have strongly supported the Ahtisaari plan," Bush said yesterday, adding that he is encouraged that Kosovo's leaders have shown its willingness and desire to support the rights of the province's Serb minority.
"We also believe it's in Serbia's interests to be aligned with Europe, and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America," he said.
A statement issued yesterday by the U.S. State Department called on all parties to "exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any provocative act," according to a Reuters report.
"The United States is now reviewing the issue and discussing the matter with its European partners," the statement said. "We expect to issue a statement shortly."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 18, 2008 - President Bush voiced his support for Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia during an interview today with NBC in Arusha, Tanzania. "We'll watch and see how the events unfold today," Bush said about the Balkan state. "But, the Kosovars are now independent. It's something that I have advocated, along with my government."
Yesterday, U.S. and NATO officials urged restraint following Kosovo's declaration of independence. Kosovo, a 90-percent ethnic Albanian enclave, has been under the sovereignty of Serbia, where officials in the capital of Belgrade refused to relinquish the province.
As Albanian Kosovars celebrated yesterday's declaration with fireworks and parades, Serbia's prime minister dismissed Kosovo as a "false state" while protesters
converged on the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade and rioting occurred elsewhere, according to reports.
Kosovo has been under United Nations administration and policed by 16,000 NATO peacekeepers, known as KFOR, following a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 1999 that expelled the Serb army and prevented "ethnic cleansing" of the region's Albanians. Some 1,500 U.S. forces are stationed in the province as part of KFOR.
"During this sensitive period, KFOR will respond swiftly and firmly against anyone who might resort to violence in Kosovo," NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement yesterday. "NATO urges all parties involved to exercise the maximum restraint and moderation."
"On Kosovo, our position is that its status must be resolved in order for the Balkans to be stable," Bush said yesterday during a visit to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. "The United States will continue to work with our allies to do the very best we can to make sure there's no violence."
UN Special Envoy Marti Ahtisaari has drawn up a plan for Kosovo's "supervised independence," that has been widely accepted by leaders in the U.S. and European nations.
"We have strongly supported the Ahtisaari plan," Bush said yesterday, adding that he is encouraged that Kosovo's leaders have shown its willingness and desire to support the rights of the province's Serb minority.
"We also believe it's in Serbia's interests to be aligned with Europe, and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America," he said.
A statement issued yesterday by the U.S. State Department called on all parties to "exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any provocative act," according to a Reuters report.
"The United States is now reviewing the issue and discussing the matter with its European partners," the statement said. "We expect to issue a statement shortly."
America Supports You: Group Packs Laughter in Care Packages
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - If laughter is the best medicine, deployed troops are getting huge doses when they open care packages full of red clown noses. "The mission of The Red Nose Institute is to share the art of clowning, spread joy and laughter to our military, and perhaps boost their morale by the distribution of red foam noses," said Cheryl Herrington, the institute's president and a professional clown known as "Sweet Pea."
Clowning is a sideline for Herrington, who works as a psychiatric nurse and knows the value of a simple smile. She grew up as an Air Force "brat" and lost a brother in Vietnam.
"We mean no disrespect whatsoever to our military. Our only intent is to help improve their mental health by giving them something to smile about," she said. "And you have to admit, a red clown nose is pretty unexpected!"
If the photos on the Missouri-based institute's Web site are any indication, the noses are accomplishing their goal. In fact, families and friends who request the noses on behalf of servicemembers seem to have as much fun sending them as the servicemembers do receiving them, Herrington said.
Since the program began in July, Herrington and "Pappy," her partner in laughter and in this endeavor, have sent 10,000 red foam noses to troops. Recently, 525 of those went to a Coast Guard unit at the request of its commanding officer. He wanted to give the unit's members something to laugh about -- their deployment to patrol frigid waters during the holidays certainly wasn't doing that, according to the group's Web site.
Sweet Pea and Pappy -- a former Marine and also a professional clown -- can fill requests as small as 25 noses for an individual and up to 1,000 or more. There's no charge to the requestor or the recipients.
Though the duo's main intent is to brighten the troops' days, their secondary goal is no laughing matter.
"It is our hope that some noses will be given to children in communities where the troops are stationed," Herrington said. "We believe that by sharing the art of clowning, our servicemembers will have an opportunity to interact with the children and ... perhaps gain more understanding and awareness of them."
The flip side of that is that perhaps the children will begin to trust the servicemembers, Herrington said.
A new supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, The Red Nose Institute is looking forward to the networking opportunities and exposure the affiliation will bring.
Herrington said the credibility of being associated with the Defense Department's program perhaps will be the greatest benefit, however.
"We are well aware that this project is not for everyone," she said. "Some folks see it as demeaning and totally miss the focus of The Red Nose Institute, which is only to put smiles on the face of our troops!"
The America Supports You program connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - If laughter is the best medicine, deployed troops are getting huge doses when they open care packages full of red clown noses. "The mission of The Red Nose Institute is to share the art of clowning, spread joy and laughter to our military, and perhaps boost their morale by the distribution of red foam noses," said Cheryl Herrington, the institute's president and a professional clown known as "Sweet Pea."
Clowning is a sideline for Herrington, who works as a psychiatric nurse and knows the value of a simple smile. She grew up as an Air Force "brat" and lost a brother in Vietnam.
"We mean no disrespect whatsoever to our military. Our only intent is to help improve their mental health by giving them something to smile about," she said. "And you have to admit, a red clown nose is pretty unexpected!"
If the photos on the Missouri-based institute's Web site are any indication, the noses are accomplishing their goal. In fact, families and friends who request the noses on behalf of servicemembers seem to have as much fun sending them as the servicemembers do receiving them, Herrington said.
Since the program began in July, Herrington and "Pappy," her partner in laughter and in this endeavor, have sent 10,000 red foam noses to troops. Recently, 525 of those went to a Coast Guard unit at the request of its commanding officer. He wanted to give the unit's members something to laugh about -- their deployment to patrol frigid waters during the holidays certainly wasn't doing that, according to the group's Web site.
Sweet Pea and Pappy -- a former Marine and also a professional clown -- can fill requests as small as 25 noses for an individual and up to 1,000 or more. There's no charge to the requestor or the recipients.
Though the duo's main intent is to brighten the troops' days, their secondary goal is no laughing matter.
"It is our hope that some noses will be given to children in communities where the troops are stationed," Herrington said. "We believe that by sharing the art of clowning, our servicemembers will have an opportunity to interact with the children and ... perhaps gain more understanding and awareness of them."
The flip side of that is that perhaps the children will begin to trust the servicemembers, Herrington said.
A new supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, The Red Nose Institute is looking forward to the networking opportunities and exposure the affiliation will bring.
Herrington said the credibility of being associated with the Defense Department's program perhaps will be the greatest benefit, however.
"We are well aware that this project is not for everyone," she said. "Some folks see it as demeaning and totally miss the focus of The Red Nose Institute, which is only to put smiles on the face of our troops!"
The America Supports You program connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Bush Voices Support for Kosovo Independence
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 18, 2008 - President Bush voiced his support for Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia during an interview today with NBC in Arusha, Tanzania. "We'll watch and see how the events unfold today," Bush said about the Balkan state. "But, the Kosovars are now independent. It's something that I have advocated, along with my government."
Yesterday, U.S. and NATO officials urged restraint following Kosovo's declaration of independence. Kosovo, a 90-percent ethnic Albanian enclave, has been under the sovereignty of Serbia, where officials in the capital of Belgrade refused to relinquish the province.
As Albanian Kosovars celebrated yesterday's declaration with fireworks and parades, Serbia's prime minister dismissed Kosovo as a "false state" while protesters
converged on the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade and rioting occurred elsewhere, according to reports.
Kosovo has been under United Nations administration and policed by 16,000 NATO peacekeepers, known as KFOR, following a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 1999 that expelled the Serb army and prevented "ethnic cleansing" of the region's Albanians. Some 1,500 U.S. forces are stationed in the province as part of KFOR.
"During this sensitive period, KFOR will respond swiftly and firmly against anyone who might resort to violence in Kosovo," NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement yesterday. "NATO urges all parties involved to exercise the maximum restraint and moderation."
"On Kosovo, our position is that its status must be resolved in order for the Balkans to be stable," Bush said yesterday during a visit to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. "The United States will continue to work with our allies to do the very best we can to make sure there's no violence."
UN Special Envoy Marti Ahtisaari has drawn up a plan for Kosovo's "supervised independence," that has been widely accepted by leaders in the U.S. and European nations.
"We have strongly supported the Ahtisaari plan," Bush said yesterday, adding that he is encouraged that Kosovo's leaders have shown its willingness and desire to support the rights of the province's Serb minority.
"We also believe it's in Serbia's interests to be aligned with Europe, and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America," he said.
A statement issued yesterday by the U.S. State Department called on all parties to "exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any provocative act," according to a Reuters report.
"The United States is now reviewing the issue and discussing the matter with its European partners," the statement said. "We expect to issue a statement shortly."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 18, 2008 - President Bush voiced his support for Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia during an interview today with NBC in Arusha, Tanzania. "We'll watch and see how the events unfold today," Bush said about the Balkan state. "But, the Kosovars are now independent. It's something that I have advocated, along with my government."
Yesterday, U.S. and NATO officials urged restraint following Kosovo's declaration of independence. Kosovo, a 90-percent ethnic Albanian enclave, has been under the sovereignty of Serbia, where officials in the capital of Belgrade refused to relinquish the province.
As Albanian Kosovars celebrated yesterday's declaration with fireworks and parades, Serbia's prime minister dismissed Kosovo as a "false state" while protesters
converged on the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade and rioting occurred elsewhere, according to reports.
Kosovo has been under United Nations administration and policed by 16,000 NATO peacekeepers, known as KFOR, following a U.S.-led bombing campaign in 1999 that expelled the Serb army and prevented "ethnic cleansing" of the region's Albanians. Some 1,500 U.S. forces are stationed in the province as part of KFOR.
"During this sensitive period, KFOR will respond swiftly and firmly against anyone who might resort to violence in Kosovo," NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement yesterday. "NATO urges all parties involved to exercise the maximum restraint and moderation."
"On Kosovo, our position is that its status must be resolved in order for the Balkans to be stable," Bush said yesterday during a visit to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. "The United States will continue to work with our allies to do the very best we can to make sure there's no violence."
UN Special Envoy Marti Ahtisaari has drawn up a plan for Kosovo's "supervised independence," that has been widely accepted by leaders in the U.S. and European nations.
"We have strongly supported the Ahtisaari plan," Bush said yesterday, adding that he is encouraged that Kosovo's leaders have shown its willingness and desire to support the rights of the province's Serb minority.
"We also believe it's in Serbia's interests to be aligned with Europe, and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America," he said.
A statement issued yesterday by the U.S. State Department called on all parties to "exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any provocative act," according to a Reuters report.
"The United States is now reviewing the issue and discussing the matter with its European partners," the statement said. "We expect to issue a statement shortly."
Window to Open for Satellite Shoot-Down, Gates to Issue Order
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - The anticipated landing tomorrow of the space shuttle Atlantis will open the window of opportunity for the U.S. military to shoot down a dying intelligence satellite headed toward Earth, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. President Bush has authorized Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to give the shoot-down order, and the secretary received a briefing on the plan today, Morrell said. The secretary is prepared to make that call from the road, if necessary, during his nine-day, around-the-world trip that begins tomorrow, he said.
Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters last week the window of opportunity for shooting down the satellite would last seven or eight days.
"We have a pretty wide aperture with which to take this shot," Morrell said today. "I think the commanders that are evaluating this are looking at all the conditions that could impact this to make sure that when we do take this shot, it can be as successful as possible."
Cartwright, Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and other experts across the military and U.S. government "are evaluating the situation and will advise the secretary when they have a shot to take," Morrell said.
Pentagon officials began studying the situation in early January when it become clear that a malfunctioning U.S. spy satellite could cause death or injury if it fell in a populated area. Of particular concern is that the satellite could release hydrazine, a toxic chemical used as a maneuvering fuel.
A Pentagon plan was put together to strike the incoming satellite just above the atmosphere, rupturing the hydrazine tank in the process.
All systems appear to be "go" for the launch order. The Navy has prepared for the mission by modifying three SM-3 missiles aboard Aegis ships to strike the satellite, Cartwright said last week.
The international community has been informed of the mission and why it's being conducted, Morrell said. "So I think everybody is up to date on what our thinking is and what our course of action is going to be, and we will keep them apprised of how it develops over the coming days," he said.
The Federal Aviation Administration today issued a 24-hour notice warning aircraft and ships to steer clear of the projected shoot-down zone in the Pacific. New warnings will be issued every 24 hours during the anticipated shoot-down window, Morrell said.
The Pentagon will issue a written statement within an hour of the launch and will hold a news conference regarding the effort within the following hours, Morrell told reporters. "We can probably tell you at that point whether or not there has been an intercept," but not necessarily if it destroyed the fuel tank, he said. "That may require some additional time," he acknowledged.
Cartwright and other commanders associated with the mission "have a high confidence this engagement will indeed be successful, and I think Secretary Gates shares that confidence," Morrell told reporters.
Morrell emphasized that the mission isn't designed to test U.S. anti-satellite capabilities. "We did that in 1985. Been there, done that," he said.
"This operation is designed to alleviate a threat to human beings on this planet. There is a large tank of hydrazine fuel onboard that satellite that would pose a significant threat to people within the immediate vicinity of it if it were to hit land," Morrell said. "So not wishing to take that risk, the president has asked -- ordered -- this department to shoot down that satellite.
"And that is what we are now evaluating," he continued, "and that is what the secretary will decide to do, based upon the advice of the commanders."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - The anticipated landing tomorrow of the space shuttle Atlantis will open the window of opportunity for the U.S. military to shoot down a dying intelligence satellite headed toward Earth, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. President Bush has authorized Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to give the shoot-down order, and the secretary received a briefing on the plan today, Morrell said. The secretary is prepared to make that call from the road, if necessary, during his nine-day, around-the-world trip that begins tomorrow, he said.
Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters last week the window of opportunity for shooting down the satellite would last seven or eight days.
"We have a pretty wide aperture with which to take this shot," Morrell said today. "I think the commanders that are evaluating this are looking at all the conditions that could impact this to make sure that when we do take this shot, it can be as successful as possible."
Cartwright, Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and other experts across the military and U.S. government "are evaluating the situation and will advise the secretary when they have a shot to take," Morrell said.
Pentagon officials began studying the situation in early January when it become clear that a malfunctioning U.S. spy satellite could cause death or injury if it fell in a populated area. Of particular concern is that the satellite could release hydrazine, a toxic chemical used as a maneuvering fuel.
A Pentagon plan was put together to strike the incoming satellite just above the atmosphere, rupturing the hydrazine tank in the process.
All systems appear to be "go" for the launch order. The Navy has prepared for the mission by modifying three SM-3 missiles aboard Aegis ships to strike the satellite, Cartwright said last week.
The international community has been informed of the mission and why it's being conducted, Morrell said. "So I think everybody is up to date on what our thinking is and what our course of action is going to be, and we will keep them apprised of how it develops over the coming days," he said.
The Federal Aviation Administration today issued a 24-hour notice warning aircraft and ships to steer clear of the projected shoot-down zone in the Pacific. New warnings will be issued every 24 hours during the anticipated shoot-down window, Morrell said.
The Pentagon will issue a written statement within an hour of the launch and will hold a news conference regarding the effort within the following hours, Morrell told reporters. "We can probably tell you at that point whether or not there has been an intercept," but not necessarily if it destroyed the fuel tank, he said. "That may require some additional time," he acknowledged.
Cartwright and other commanders associated with the mission "have a high confidence this engagement will indeed be successful, and I think Secretary Gates shares that confidence," Morrell told reporters.
Morrell emphasized that the mission isn't designed to test U.S. anti-satellite capabilities. "We did that in 1985. Been there, done that," he said.
"This operation is designed to alleviate a threat to human beings on this planet. There is a large tank of hydrazine fuel onboard that satellite that would pose a significant threat to people within the immediate vicinity of it if it were to hit land," Morrell said. "So not wishing to take that risk, the president has asked -- ordered -- this department to shoot down that satellite.
"And that is what we are now evaluating," he continued, "and that is what the secretary will decide to do, based upon the advice of the commanders."
Gates Discusses Adriatic Charter Defense Ministers' NATO Aspirations
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met today with the defense ministers of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia to discuss their progress in making the reforms required for them to join NATO, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters. Gates hosted Albanian Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu, Croatian Defense Minister Branko Vukelic and Macedonian Defense Minister Lazar Elenovski as part of the fourth annual U.S.-Adriatic Charter defense ministerial conference.
This year's conference is the first to be held in the United States, and today's secretary-level session kicked off lower-level sessions slated to start tomorrow and wrap up early Feb. 21, Morrell said.
The Adriatic Charter was formed in May 2003 to help Albania, Croatia and Macedonia work toward becoming NATO members. The United States, which signed on as a partner in the charter, agreed to continue helping the three NATO aspirants make the reforms required to join the alliance.
During today's meeting, the leaders discussed relations among their countries, NATO enlargement and the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Morrell said. In August 2005, the Adriatic Charter sent a joint 12-person medical team to NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, marking its first jointly conducted international mission. In addition, both Albania and Macedonia are members of the coalition in Iraq.
"These are all countries that are certainly punching above their weight class when it comes to their contributions to those respective wars," Morrell said.
The issue of Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia Feb. 17, also arose during the discussions, Morrell said. However, the talks did not venture into discussions about the Kosovo Force mission, which Morrell emphasized is not affected by the Kosovars' declaration of independence. That mission "remains as it has been, to provide a safe and secure environment, and to do so in an impartial and fair way," he said.
U.S. forces, which make up about 10 percent of the 16,000 KFOR troops, "will remain there for at least the foreseeable future," Morrell said.
The Adriatic Charter agreement reaffirms the parties' shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, civil society, rule of law, market economies and NATO-compatible militaries. The countries also agree to fight corruption and crime and promote human rights and civil liberties in Albania, Croatia, Macedonia and other southeastern European countries.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met today with the defense ministers of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia to discuss their progress in making the reforms required for them to join NATO, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters. Gates hosted Albanian Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu, Croatian Defense Minister Branko Vukelic and Macedonian Defense Minister Lazar Elenovski as part of the fourth annual U.S.-Adriatic Charter defense ministerial conference.
This year's conference is the first to be held in the United States, and today's secretary-level session kicked off lower-level sessions slated to start tomorrow and wrap up early Feb. 21, Morrell said.
The Adriatic Charter was formed in May 2003 to help Albania, Croatia and Macedonia work toward becoming NATO members. The United States, which signed on as a partner in the charter, agreed to continue helping the three NATO aspirants make the reforms required to join the alliance.
During today's meeting, the leaders discussed relations among their countries, NATO enlargement and the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Morrell said. In August 2005, the Adriatic Charter sent a joint 12-person medical team to NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, marking its first jointly conducted international mission. In addition, both Albania and Macedonia are members of the coalition in Iraq.
"These are all countries that are certainly punching above their weight class when it comes to their contributions to those respective wars," Morrell said.
The issue of Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia Feb. 17, also arose during the discussions, Morrell said. However, the talks did not venture into discussions about the Kosovo Force mission, which Morrell emphasized is not affected by the Kosovars' declaration of independence. That mission "remains as it has been, to provide a safe and secure environment, and to do so in an impartial and fair way," he said.
U.S. forces, which make up about 10 percent of the 16,000 KFOR troops, "will remain there for at least the foreseeable future," Morrell said.
The Adriatic Charter agreement reaffirms the parties' shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, civil society, rule of law, market economies and NATO-compatible militaries. The countries also agree to fight corruption and crime and promote human rights and civil liberties in Albania, Croatia, Macedonia and other southeastern European countries.
Combating Illicit Trafficking in Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material
The IAEA released a reference manual that details how to prevent, detect, and respond to an incidence of nuclear terrorism. Combating Illicit Trafficking in Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material serves as a how-to booklet on several topics related to criminal acts involving nuclear and radioactive material. The 150+ page text is intended for a broad audience, including law enforcement agencies, legislators, customs and border patrol personnel, intelligence officials, emergency response teams and users of nuclear technology.
More Information
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2008/02/combating-illicit-trafficking-in.html
More Information
http://terrorism-online.blogspot.com/2008/02/combating-illicit-trafficking-in.html
Monday, February 18, 2008
MANHUNTING
February 18, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing servicemembers who have authored books. The website added former U.S. Air Force servicemember George Crawford to the growing list of military personnel who have authored books.
George Crawford served over 22 years in the most sensitive, trusted positions in intelligence, special operations and ballistic missiles. His highly decorated Air Force military career includes “boots-on-the-ground” operational experience ranging from hostile-fire zones in the Balkans, Central Asia and Afghanistan to key command positions in the United States, Europe and Asia. George Crawford is the author of Manhunting: Reversing the Polarity of Warfare.
According to the description of Manhunting: Reversing the Polarity of Warfare, “Six years after terrorist attacks shocked the world, news headlines portray petty politics, backstabbing bureaucrats and a mired military. How did a small group of extremists frustrate the most powerful nation on the planet? The author, a seasoned special operations intelligence officer, answers the question. America is fighting a twenty-first-century conflict with a national security establishment that was created for the middle of the twentieth century.
Examining trends in military history, the author traces America’s gradual shift toward a new national security strategy. Setting outdated war fighting concepts on their head, he proposes a solution. We can influence, capture, or if necessary kill those who would harm our people. Manhunting, a radical new form of warfare, promises to solve not only the terrorist dilemma. By adopting Manhunting doctrine, we could make warfare personal to our enemies, reverse the polarity of warfare and ensure U.S. security for the next century.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 74 current or former military servicemembers and their 152 books.
George Crawford served over 22 years in the most sensitive, trusted positions in intelligence, special operations and ballistic missiles. His highly decorated Air Force military career includes “boots-on-the-ground” operational experience ranging from hostile-fire zones in the Balkans, Central Asia and Afghanistan to key command positions in the United States, Europe and Asia. George Crawford is the author of Manhunting: Reversing the Polarity of Warfare.
According to the description of Manhunting: Reversing the Polarity of Warfare, “Six years after terrorist attacks shocked the world, news headlines portray petty politics, backstabbing bureaucrats and a mired military. How did a small group of extremists frustrate the most powerful nation on the planet? The author, a seasoned special operations intelligence officer, answers the question. America is fighting a twenty-first-century conflict with a national security establishment that was created for the middle of the twentieth century.
Examining trends in military history, the author traces America’s gradual shift toward a new national security strategy. Setting outdated war fighting concepts on their head, he proposes a solution. We can influence, capture, or if necessary kill those who would harm our people. Manhunting, a radical new form of warfare, promises to solve not only the terrorist dilemma. By adopting Manhunting doctrine, we could make warfare personal to our enemies, reverse the polarity of warfare and ensure U.S. security for the next century.”
Military-Writers.com currently lists 74 current or former military servicemembers and their 152 books.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Marine Barracks Holds Valentine Lunch for Wounded Warriors
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 17, 2008 - It was a Valentine's Day lunch, and there was a lot of love in the air for wounded warriors at the Marine Barracks here yesterday. Retired Marine Gen. Peter Pace and his wife, Lynne, continued a tradition they started during his service as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Paces hosted picnics at their quarters for wounded warriors and their families, and hosted this at historic Crawford Hall – a beautifully restored section of the Marine Barracks founded in 1801. The Marine Band's "Free Country Quartet" – down to a trio due to sickness – provided the entertainment.
"This is quite simply to say that we love you," Pace told the warriors. "(This event) is in some small way a chance to tell you your fellow countrymen respect you and what you've done for all of us."
Pace told the servicemembers and their families, "There are no rules: just relax and enjoy yourselves."
And they did. More than 30 wounded personnel undergoing treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., enjoyed a meal donated by Franco Nuchese, owner of Café Milano – an A-list Georgetown restaurant.
"I'm not sure what I just ate," said Army Sgt. Brad Judd, a Utah National Guardsman undergoing treatment at Walter Reed. Told it was eggplant parmegian, he said, "Who'd have thought eggplant could taste so good?"
Vice President Richard B. Cheney's daughters Mary and Elizabeth turned out to help serve and to speak with the servicemembers and their families, and the Marine Corps leadership turned out in force. Marine Commandant Gen. James T. Conway, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, Assistant Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Magnus and Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, the Joint Staff's strategy chief, and their ladies came to meet and mingle with the wounded servicemembers.
Enlisted aides from all services donated their time and expertise to the event. "We sent a e-mail out asking for volunteers, and everyone responded," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Patrick Modreski, an enlisted aide who works with the Cartwrights.
Three of the wounded warriors had one leg among them – and that one had just had an operation.
"I was doing well; I was up and walking, but had a setback. They had to do the operation," said Marine Cpl. Chad Watson. "But that was it. I'll be up and walking again in no time." Watson's goal is to walk down the aisle in August for his marriage to his fiancée, Jillian.
Family was a big part of the lunch, and children soon hit a sugar high with the candied hearts and chocolate that decorated each of the 17 tables. Three-year-old Kelsey Hennagin was a perpetual motion machine, running between the tables and charming everyone in sight. When she finally ran down, she sat in her father's lap in his motorized wheelchair – he lost both legs to an improvised explosive device in June 2007. Marine Cpl. Ray Hennagin showed one and all a cell-phone picture of him standing on his new legs. "Just got fitted two days ago," he said. "Looks pretty good, huh?"
"None of these young men or women see themselves as victims," said Ambassador Lloyd Hand, who also attended. "They all want to get through recovery and move on."
In fact, Hand told Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Kinnard, a severely wounded platoon leader who is working in DoD's general counsel's office, to give him a call after he gets his law degree.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 17, 2008 - It was a Valentine's Day lunch, and there was a lot of love in the air for wounded warriors at the Marine Barracks here yesterday. Retired Marine Gen. Peter Pace and his wife, Lynne, continued a tradition they started during his service as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Paces hosted picnics at their quarters for wounded warriors and their families, and hosted this at historic Crawford Hall – a beautifully restored section of the Marine Barracks founded in 1801. The Marine Band's "Free Country Quartet" – down to a trio due to sickness – provided the entertainment.
"This is quite simply to say that we love you," Pace told the warriors. "(This event) is in some small way a chance to tell you your fellow countrymen respect you and what you've done for all of us."
Pace told the servicemembers and their families, "There are no rules: just relax and enjoy yourselves."
And they did. More than 30 wounded personnel undergoing treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., enjoyed a meal donated by Franco Nuchese, owner of Café Milano – an A-list Georgetown restaurant.
"I'm not sure what I just ate," said Army Sgt. Brad Judd, a Utah National Guardsman undergoing treatment at Walter Reed. Told it was eggplant parmegian, he said, "Who'd have thought eggplant could taste so good?"
Vice President Richard B. Cheney's daughters Mary and Elizabeth turned out to help serve and to speak with the servicemembers and their families, and the Marine Corps leadership turned out in force. Marine Commandant Gen. James T. Conway, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, Assistant Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Magnus and Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, the Joint Staff's strategy chief, and their ladies came to meet and mingle with the wounded servicemembers.
Enlisted aides from all services donated their time and expertise to the event. "We sent a e-mail out asking for volunteers, and everyone responded," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Patrick Modreski, an enlisted aide who works with the Cartwrights.
Three of the wounded warriors had one leg among them – and that one had just had an operation.
"I was doing well; I was up and walking, but had a setback. They had to do the operation," said Marine Cpl. Chad Watson. "But that was it. I'll be up and walking again in no time." Watson's goal is to walk down the aisle in August for his marriage to his fiancée, Jillian.
Family was a big part of the lunch, and children soon hit a sugar high with the candied hearts and chocolate that decorated each of the 17 tables. Three-year-old Kelsey Hennagin was a perpetual motion machine, running between the tables and charming everyone in sight. When she finally ran down, she sat in her father's lap in his motorized wheelchair – he lost both legs to an improvised explosive device in June 2007. Marine Cpl. Ray Hennagin showed one and all a cell-phone picture of him standing on his new legs. "Just got fitted two days ago," he said. "Looks pretty good, huh?"
"None of these young men or women see themselves as victims," said Ambassador Lloyd Hand, who also attended. "They all want to get through recovery and move on."
In fact, Hand told Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Kinnard, a severely wounded platoon leader who is working in DoD's general counsel's office, to give him a call after he gets his law degree.
America Supports You: Troops Battle Pro Athletes Via Xbox
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - Deployed troops have no doubt been in fights they'd rather have avoided, but thanks to a new program, they can now pick their battles, and have some fun doing it. "Pros vs. GI Joes" is a California-based troop-support group that's offering servicemembers deployed throughout the Middle East the chance to challenge professional athletes on their favorite Electronic Arts game via Xbox Live.
"(It's) not your typical 'support the troops' nonprofit organization that packages up all the good stuff that our troops miss when they're deployed," said Greg Zinone, founder of Pros vs. GI Joes. "I created (the program) with my wife, who's a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and currently serving her second tour in Iraq, for the simple reason of wanting to give a little something to our troops that they can only get because they are ... overseas."
At United Service Organizations centers throughout the Middle East, selected troops will sit in ultimate game chairs and play their favorite games against their favorite pro athletes back home. The games will play on a big-screen TV. Two additional sets will allow for live interaction between the two competitors, Zinone said.
Matches will be held on a rolling basis as the athletes make themselves available. Additionally, Pros vs. GI Joes plans to hold three five-week, cross-country tours that will coincide with major league sports seasons as well as special-event matches throughout the year, he added.
"Supporting our troops is a no-brainer," Zinone said. "Pros vs. GI Joes gives those people that love sports and video games, or those that just feel that it's a heck of an idea, a chance to do something for the troops that they ... would love to do while, at the same time, feeling a personal connection."
Pros vs. GI Joes recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
The group hopes to gain some exposure from the affiliation, exposure they would gladly share with other troop-support groups, Zinone said. "There are a lot of amazing (troop-support) organizations out there, and each one deserves all the attention it can get," he said. "If some of that attention can run through Pros vs. GI Joes, well, then let it flow!"
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - Deployed troops have no doubt been in fights they'd rather have avoided, but thanks to a new program, they can now pick their battles, and have some fun doing it. "Pros vs. GI Joes" is a California-based troop-support group that's offering servicemembers deployed throughout the Middle East the chance to challenge professional athletes on their favorite Electronic Arts game via Xbox Live.
"(It's) not your typical 'support the troops' nonprofit organization that packages up all the good stuff that our troops miss when they're deployed," said Greg Zinone, founder of Pros vs. GI Joes. "I created (the program) with my wife, who's a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and currently serving her second tour in Iraq, for the simple reason of wanting to give a little something to our troops that they can only get because they are ... overseas."
At United Service Organizations centers throughout the Middle East, selected troops will sit in ultimate game chairs and play their favorite games against their favorite pro athletes back home. The games will play on a big-screen TV. Two additional sets will allow for live interaction between the two competitors, Zinone said.
Matches will be held on a rolling basis as the athletes make themselves available. Additionally, Pros vs. GI Joes plans to hold three five-week, cross-country tours that will coincide with major league sports seasons as well as special-event matches throughout the year, he added.
"Supporting our troops is a no-brainer," Zinone said. "Pros vs. GI Joes gives those people that love sports and video games, or those that just feel that it's a heck of an idea, a chance to do something for the troops that they ... would love to do while, at the same time, feeling a personal connection."
Pros vs. GI Joes recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
The group hopes to gain some exposure from the affiliation, exposure they would gladly share with other troop-support groups, Zinone said. "There are a lot of amazing (troop-support) organizations out there, and each one deserves all the attention it can get," he said. "If some of that attention can run through Pros vs. GI Joes, well, then let it flow!"
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Top Army Doc Cites Progress One Year After Walter Reed Revelations
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - The Army has made huge improvements in the way it cares for combat-wounded troops during the year since news reports brought problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to light, the Army surgeon general told Congress today. Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Eric Schoomaker, who also commands U.S. Army Medical Command, told the House Armed Service Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee the Army's medical action plan "is continuing to move forward" and making steady progress in improving care for wounded warriors.
"We as an Army are committed to getting this right and providing a level of care and support to our warriors and families that's equal to the quality of their service," he said.
Navy Vice Adm. (Dr.) Adam Robinson and Air Force Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James Roudebush, their services' surgeons general, joined Schoomaker at the table during today's hearing. However, one year after a Washington Post series outlined serious gaps in care at the Army's premier medical center, the bulk of the discussion focused on the Army's efforts through its medical action plan.
Schoomaker called the day the first of those articles appeared "a painful day" for Army medicine, but one he said has strengthened the Army's collective resolve to do better. Because of those revelations and the Army leadership's response, "we truly are a better Army today with respect to how we care for our soldiers," he told the panel.
Schoomaker called new warrior transition units the backbone of the Army medical action plan designed to address the problem.
More than 2,400 soldier-leaders -- up from fewer than 400 this time last year -- now are assigned as cadre to 35 of these units, he told the panel.
The warrior transition units, collocated Army-wide with medical treatment facilities, offer a "triad" that includes a soldier's primary-care physician, nurse case manager and squad leader, he explained. All work together to attend to the needs of wounded soldiers and their families.
The triad provides "a web of overlapping responsibility" to ensure no soldiers ever fall between bureaucratic cracks for the duration of their treatment, recovery, rehabilitation and transition back to military service or to civilian life, Schoomaker said.
A new Medical Command-wide ombudsman program is another improvement in the care provided to wounded, ill or injured troops, he said. Ombudsman at 26 installations work outside the chain of command but have direct access to the hospital, garrison and installation commanders "to get problems fixed," Schoomaker said.
The Army also has established a toll-free hotline for wounded soldiers and their families, he said. The Department of Veterans Affairs has expressed interest in setting up a similar hotline, which gives wounded soldiers and family members 24-hour access to assistance regarding their care or administrative concerns.
"We have fielded in excess of 7,000 calls to date, and we answer that call and find a solution for them and get the process going to get it ultimately fixed within 24 hours," Schoomaker said.
Schoomaker pointed to the hotline and ombudsman programs as examples of multiple feedback mechanisms now in place to ensure Army leaders are "seeing the full picture" in ways they didn't a year ago. The Army is now able to monitor and evaluate its performance through 18 internal and external means, including patient surveys. These "provide a very granular view of how our patients and families feel we're doing for them," Schoomaker said.
Despite these successes, he said, there's much still to be done. More research is needed into psychological health and traumatic brain injury, he said. The physical disability and evaluation system needs to be changed to make it less antagonistic, more understandable, more user-friendly and more equitable.
A good start, he said, is a pilot program under way in the Washington, D.C., area designed to bring the Defense Department's and VA's programs more in line. "I want to continue to pursue changes in the disability evaluation system as aggressively as possible and to get legislative relief for a single system of adjudication," he said.
Schoomaker thanked the panel for its support for these and other initiatives to help wounded warriors and their families, and he reiterated the Army's resolve in ensuring they're treated fairly.
"The Army's unwavering commitment and a key element of our warrior ethos is that we never leave a soldier behind on the battlefield or lost in a bureaucracy," he said. "We are doing a better job of honoring that commitment today than we were at this date last year. ... We have turned the corner."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - The Army has made huge improvements in the way it cares for combat-wounded troops during the year since news reports brought problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to light, the Army surgeon general told Congress today. Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Eric Schoomaker, who also commands U.S. Army Medical Command, told the House Armed Service Committee's Military Personnel Subcommittee the Army's medical action plan "is continuing to move forward" and making steady progress in improving care for wounded warriors.
"We as an Army are committed to getting this right and providing a level of care and support to our warriors and families that's equal to the quality of their service," he said.
Navy Vice Adm. (Dr.) Adam Robinson and Air Force Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James Roudebush, their services' surgeons general, joined Schoomaker at the table during today's hearing. However, one year after a Washington Post series outlined serious gaps in care at the Army's premier medical center, the bulk of the discussion focused on the Army's efforts through its medical action plan.
Schoomaker called the day the first of those articles appeared "a painful day" for Army medicine, but one he said has strengthened the Army's collective resolve to do better. Because of those revelations and the Army leadership's response, "we truly are a better Army today with respect to how we care for our soldiers," he told the panel.
Schoomaker called new warrior transition units the backbone of the Army medical action plan designed to address the problem.
More than 2,400 soldier-leaders -- up from fewer than 400 this time last year -- now are assigned as cadre to 35 of these units, he told the panel.
The warrior transition units, collocated Army-wide with medical treatment facilities, offer a "triad" that includes a soldier's primary-care physician, nurse case manager and squad leader, he explained. All work together to attend to the needs of wounded soldiers and their families.
The triad provides "a web of overlapping responsibility" to ensure no soldiers ever fall between bureaucratic cracks for the duration of their treatment, recovery, rehabilitation and transition back to military service or to civilian life, Schoomaker said.
A new Medical Command-wide ombudsman program is another improvement in the care provided to wounded, ill or injured troops, he said. Ombudsman at 26 installations work outside the chain of command but have direct access to the hospital, garrison and installation commanders "to get problems fixed," Schoomaker said.
The Army also has established a toll-free hotline for wounded soldiers and their families, he said. The Department of Veterans Affairs has expressed interest in setting up a similar hotline, which gives wounded soldiers and family members 24-hour access to assistance regarding their care or administrative concerns.
"We have fielded in excess of 7,000 calls to date, and we answer that call and find a solution for them and get the process going to get it ultimately fixed within 24 hours," Schoomaker said.
Schoomaker pointed to the hotline and ombudsman programs as examples of multiple feedback mechanisms now in place to ensure Army leaders are "seeing the full picture" in ways they didn't a year ago. The Army is now able to monitor and evaluate its performance through 18 internal and external means, including patient surveys. These "provide a very granular view of how our patients and families feel we're doing for them," Schoomaker said.
Despite these successes, he said, there's much still to be done. More research is needed into psychological health and traumatic brain injury, he said. The physical disability and evaluation system needs to be changed to make it less antagonistic, more understandable, more user-friendly and more equitable.
A good start, he said, is a pilot program under way in the Washington, D.C., area designed to bring the Defense Department's and VA's programs more in line. "I want to continue to pursue changes in the disability evaluation system as aggressively as possible and to get legislative relief for a single system of adjudication," he said.
Schoomaker thanked the panel for its support for these and other initiatives to help wounded warriors and their families, and he reiterated the Army's resolve in ensuring they're treated fairly.
"The Army's unwavering commitment and a key element of our warrior ethos is that we never leave a soldier behind on the battlefield or lost in a bureaucracy," he said. "We are doing a better job of honoring that commitment today than we were at this date last year. ... We have turned the corner."
Face of Defense: Real Estate Agent Chooses to Serve
By Sgt. Brandon Little, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 14, 2008 - A little more than two years ago, Juliana Rizzo was a real estate agent living in Long Island, N.Y., with her two children, Angelo and Amanda, when she decided it was time to fulfill her childhood dream. That dream was to join the United States Army.
"As a little girl, I always wanted to join the Army, because my father and grandfather spent several years in the military and served their country proudly," said Rizzo, a supply specialist in Company E, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 12, Multinational Division Baghdad.
"I don't know if my father ever deployed, but my grandfather served in the Korean War and Vietnam," she said. "They've both become very successful (in jobs outside the military), but they started their education in the Army."
Rizzo, the daughter of an airplane mechanic and granddaughter of a NASA radio communications transmitter, also has achieved plenty of her own success in the short time she's been in the military.
"When (Rizzo) arrived to unit, only three days after the unit was established, she was a private fresh out of advanced individual training and she had a hip problem that really bothered her," said Army 1st Sgt. Foy Dix, of Company E. "I had a talk with her and told her that being in the Army means sometimes you have to overcome pain. Within 60 days, she nearly scored (the maximum) 300 points on her physical fitness test."
In addition to overcoming physical adversity, the new private also had to learn her job quickly and with little supervision.
"Her supply sergeant went to the basic noncommissioned officer course while the unit was still being set up, so she had to set up the unit supply office by herself," said Dix, a native of Ventura, Calif. "She also helped run a company that had no commander -- just a first sergeant and three flight lieutenants."
Even though her leaders said they already were impressed by her work ethic and determination in keeping track of more than $3.5 million worth of unit equipment, Rizzo's most attention-grabbing performance was yet to come.
"When we were in (Hohenfels, Germany) going through 'Iron Warrior' training, she went up to the Iraqi role players and started talking to them in their own language," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Cuomo, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, a native of Troy, N.Y. "Nobody knew that she spoke Arabic, and it especially shocked the role players; she was definitely the hero of the battle out there."
"I learned Arabic in my Long Island neighborhood, and I pretty much taught myself a lot of the (words and phrases) I didn't know," Rizzo said. "I'm not very fluent in Arabic, but I do know enough to communicate. I also speak Spanish, and I know some phrases in Hindu."
Rizzo does a lot more than just handle unit supplies; she operates the company arms room, does public affairs for Company E, and she takes time to listen to some of the issues her fellow soldiers are having, Dix said.
She made such a strong impression throughout the battalion that she was sent to the Warrior Leadership Course as a private first class, Cuomo said. Soldiers usually attend the course at the rank of specialist or sergeant.
"I went down and talked with the WLC sergeant major two days after the course started, and I asked him, 'If I had a high-speed private first class, would you take that person?'" he said. "The course was a little rough for her, because she was the only private first class there, but she made it through and graduated in the top 17 percent of her class."
Rizzo was promoted to specialist shortly after arriving in Iraq and went to the sergeant's promotion board four months later. She received 150 points in the promotion board, and was recently laterally promoted to corporal. She continues to set the standard and then to exceed that standard, Dix said.
"I just try to give 100 percent in everything I do," Rizzo said, "and I always try to do above what is expected of me."
The soon-to-be sergeant is taking online classes toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. She said she hopes to one day be an Army career counselor or an Arabic linguist.
Dix said he won't be surprised if Rizzo is selected to be a staff sergeant by the end of her deployment.
"If she continues to do what she's doing know, I see her being a sergeant promotable before we leave Iraq," Dix said. "I know I couldn't do as much she does and continue to smile. I have no doubt that if I had five of her, I could run an entire platoon."
(Army Sgt. Brandon Little serves with Task Force 12 Public Affairs in Multinational Division Baghdad.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 14, 2008 - A little more than two years ago, Juliana Rizzo was a real estate agent living in Long Island, N.Y., with her two children, Angelo and Amanda, when she decided it was time to fulfill her childhood dream. That dream was to join the United States Army.
"As a little girl, I always wanted to join the Army, because my father and grandfather spent several years in the military and served their country proudly," said Rizzo, a supply specialist in Company E, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Task Force 12, Multinational Division Baghdad.
"I don't know if my father ever deployed, but my grandfather served in the Korean War and Vietnam," she said. "They've both become very successful (in jobs outside the military), but they started their education in the Army."
Rizzo, the daughter of an airplane mechanic and granddaughter of a NASA radio communications transmitter, also has achieved plenty of her own success in the short time she's been in the military.
"When (Rizzo) arrived to unit, only three days after the unit was established, she was a private fresh out of advanced individual training and she had a hip problem that really bothered her," said Army 1st Sgt. Foy Dix, of Company E. "I had a talk with her and told her that being in the Army means sometimes you have to overcome pain. Within 60 days, she nearly scored (the maximum) 300 points on her physical fitness test."
In addition to overcoming physical adversity, the new private also had to learn her job quickly and with little supervision.
"Her supply sergeant went to the basic noncommissioned officer course while the unit was still being set up, so she had to set up the unit supply office by herself," said Dix, a native of Ventura, Calif. "She also helped run a company that had no commander -- just a first sergeant and three flight lieutenants."
Even though her leaders said they already were impressed by her work ethic and determination in keeping track of more than $3.5 million worth of unit equipment, Rizzo's most attention-grabbing performance was yet to come.
"When we were in (Hohenfels, Germany) going through 'Iron Warrior' training, she went up to the Iraqi role players and started talking to them in their own language," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Cuomo, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, a native of Troy, N.Y. "Nobody knew that she spoke Arabic, and it especially shocked the role players; she was definitely the hero of the battle out there."
"I learned Arabic in my Long Island neighborhood, and I pretty much taught myself a lot of the (words and phrases) I didn't know," Rizzo said. "I'm not very fluent in Arabic, but I do know enough to communicate. I also speak Spanish, and I know some phrases in Hindu."
Rizzo does a lot more than just handle unit supplies; she operates the company arms room, does public affairs for Company E, and she takes time to listen to some of the issues her fellow soldiers are having, Dix said.
She made such a strong impression throughout the battalion that she was sent to the Warrior Leadership Course as a private first class, Cuomo said. Soldiers usually attend the course at the rank of specialist or sergeant.
"I went down and talked with the WLC sergeant major two days after the course started, and I asked him, 'If I had a high-speed private first class, would you take that person?'" he said. "The course was a little rough for her, because she was the only private first class there, but she made it through and graduated in the top 17 percent of her class."
Rizzo was promoted to specialist shortly after arriving in Iraq and went to the sergeant's promotion board four months later. She received 150 points in the promotion board, and was recently laterally promoted to corporal. She continues to set the standard and then to exceed that standard, Dix said.
"I just try to give 100 percent in everything I do," Rizzo said, "and I always try to do above what is expected of me."
The soon-to-be sergeant is taking online classes toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. She said she hopes to one day be an Army career counselor or an Arabic linguist.
Dix said he won't be surprised if Rizzo is selected to be a staff sergeant by the end of her deployment.
"If she continues to do what she's doing know, I see her being a sergeant promotable before we leave Iraq," Dix said. "I know I couldn't do as much she does and continue to smile. I have no doubt that if I had five of her, I could run an entire platoon."
(Army Sgt. Brandon Little serves with Task Force 12 Public Affairs in Multinational Division Baghdad.)
Reserve-Component Units Cited for Superb Family Support
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - Seven reserve-component units were recognized for their superlative support of families of deployed servicemembers during an award ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes today. Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, hosted the annual Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards presentation, which highlighted the best National Guard and reserve unit family readiness support programs in 2007.
"You know, you recruit individuals and retain families," Hall said before presenting the awards. "It is so important that we emphasize families, and we're going to continue to do that."
The seven awardees are recognized as "the best of the best" in providing readiness and deployment-support programs for reserve-component servicemembers and their families, Hall said.
Each recognized unit received an engraved wood Defense Department plaque and a certificate signed by Hall. Award recipients also received a certificate and $1,000 from the Military Officers Association of America.
Sharon M. Semrow is a volunteer family-support coordinator for the award-winning Marine Corps Reserve 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based in Chicago. Semrow works with families of Marines assigned to the battalion's Fox Company, which is located in Milwaukee.
"It is an honor to receive this award, and the whole battalion worked hard," Semrow said. Marines assigned to Fox Company are currently deployed to Iraq, she said.
"We pass information from the command to the family members," Semrow explained. Semrow's husband, Jeffrey, is a Marine gunnery sergeant in the reserve who served a duty tour in Iraq.
Family support is important, she said, "So the Marines can focus on the job that they're doing and not worry about us back at home."
Maintaining communications between deployed servicemembers and their families is important for morale, said Leslie B. Holland, a family-support coordinator for the award-winning Coast Guard Reserve Port Security Unit 308 based in Gulfport, Miss. PSU 308 personnel have deployed for duty at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, she said.
Holland maintains a list of phone numbers that can be used to quickly contact deployed servicemembers' commands in case of family emergencies or other contingencies back home.
"Within a matter of minutes, we can get a message out" to servicemembers at Guantanamo asking them to contact their families, Holland explained.
The Coast Guard members and spouses feel "relieved there is an extra group of people that are helping their families," Holland said.
Other units recognized at the ceremony include:
-- Air Force Reserve: 944th Mission Support Flight, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.;
-- Air National Guard: 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno, Calif.;
-- Army National Guard: 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, Milwaukee;
-- Army Reserve: 108th Training Command, Charlotte, N.C., and;
-- Navy Reserve: Naval Air Systems Command 6066, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
The department's Reserve Family Readiness Awards program was established in 2000. Robust family support programs are important and vital to mission success, officials said, as significant numbers of servicemembers have deployed overseas in support of the global war on terrorism.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - Seven reserve-component units were recognized for their superlative support of families of deployed servicemembers during an award ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes today. Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, hosted the annual Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards presentation, which highlighted the best National Guard and reserve unit family readiness support programs in 2007.
"You know, you recruit individuals and retain families," Hall said before presenting the awards. "It is so important that we emphasize families, and we're going to continue to do that."
The seven awardees are recognized as "the best of the best" in providing readiness and deployment-support programs for reserve-component servicemembers and their families, Hall said.
Each recognized unit received an engraved wood Defense Department plaque and a certificate signed by Hall. Award recipients also received a certificate and $1,000 from the Military Officers Association of America.
Sharon M. Semrow is a volunteer family-support coordinator for the award-winning Marine Corps Reserve 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based in Chicago. Semrow works with families of Marines assigned to the battalion's Fox Company, which is located in Milwaukee.
"It is an honor to receive this award, and the whole battalion worked hard," Semrow said. Marines assigned to Fox Company are currently deployed to Iraq, she said.
"We pass information from the command to the family members," Semrow explained. Semrow's husband, Jeffrey, is a Marine gunnery sergeant in the reserve who served a duty tour in Iraq.
Family support is important, she said, "So the Marines can focus on the job that they're doing and not worry about us back at home."
Maintaining communications between deployed servicemembers and their families is important for morale, said Leslie B. Holland, a family-support coordinator for the award-winning Coast Guard Reserve Port Security Unit 308 based in Gulfport, Miss. PSU 308 personnel have deployed for duty at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, she said.
Holland maintains a list of phone numbers that can be used to quickly contact deployed servicemembers' commands in case of family emergencies or other contingencies back home.
"Within a matter of minutes, we can get a message out" to servicemembers at Guantanamo asking them to contact their families, Holland explained.
The Coast Guard members and spouses feel "relieved there is an extra group of people that are helping their families," Holland said.
Other units recognized at the ceremony include:
-- Air Force Reserve: 944th Mission Support Flight, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.;
-- Air National Guard: 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno, Calif.;
-- Army National Guard: 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, Milwaukee;
-- Army Reserve: 108th Training Command, Charlotte, N.C., and;
-- Navy Reserve: Naval Air Systems Command 6066, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
The department's Reserve Family Readiness Awards program was established in 2000. Robust family support programs are important and vital to mission success, officials said, as significant numbers of servicemembers have deployed overseas in support of the global war on terrorism.
Missing WWII Airmen Are Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three U.S. servicemen, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
They are 2nd Lt. John F. Lubben, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Sgt. Albert A. Forgue, of North Providence, R.I.; and Sgt. Charles L. Spiegel, of Chicago, Ill.; all U.S. Army Air Forces. They will be buried on April 18 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
On Dec. 12, 1944, these men crewed an A-20J Havoc aircraft departing from Coullomiers, France, to bomb enemy targets near Wollseifen, Germany. The aircraft was last seen entering a steep dive near Cologne, Germany. Several searches and investigations of this area and reviews of wartime documents failed to provide information concerning the incident.
In 1975, a German company clearing wartime mines and unexploded ordnance near Simmerath, Germany, reported the discovery of a gravesite northeast of Simmerath where American servicemembers were buried. U.S. officials evaluated the remains and determined they represented three individuals, but they could not make identifications at that time. The remains were subsequently buried as unknowns in the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium.
In 2003, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) was notified that a group of German citizens had information correlating the three servicemembers who were buried as unknowns with the crew from the 1944 A-20J crash. Based on that information, JPAC exhumed the three unknown graves from the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in 2005.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169
They are 2nd Lt. John F. Lubben, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Sgt. Albert A. Forgue, of North Providence, R.I.; and Sgt. Charles L. Spiegel, of Chicago, Ill.; all U.S. Army Air Forces. They will be buried on April 18 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
On Dec. 12, 1944, these men crewed an A-20J Havoc aircraft departing from Coullomiers, France, to bomb enemy targets near Wollseifen, Germany. The aircraft was last seen entering a steep dive near Cologne, Germany. Several searches and investigations of this area and reviews of wartime documents failed to provide information concerning the incident.
In 1975, a German company clearing wartime mines and unexploded ordnance near Simmerath, Germany, reported the discovery of a gravesite northeast of Simmerath where American servicemembers were buried. U.S. officials evaluated the remains and determined they represented three individuals, but they could not make identifications at that time. The remains were subsequently buried as unknowns in the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium.
In 2003, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) was notified that a group of German citizens had information correlating the three servicemembers who were buried as unknowns with the crew from the 1944 A-20J crash. Based on that information, JPAC exhumed the three unknown graves from the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in 2005.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169
Pentagon to Set Up Nationwide Troop, Family Support Network
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act provides for the establishment of a nationwide center of excellence network that will assist servicemembers of all components in readjusting and reintegrating with their families when they return from overseas deployments, a senior Defense Department official said here today. Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, announced the new initiative today at the Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony that highlighted the best National Guard and reserve unit family readiness and support programs in 2007.
The new organization will be established quickly, Hall said, noting it will assist and coordinate efforts of more than 700 military family-support centers located across the country.
Efforts to obtain funding and staffing for the organization are under way, Hall said, adding it will have a central staff based in the Washington, D.C., area, and will have a board of directors.
The new support network will assist active duty, National Guard and reserve servicemembers, as well as their families, Hall pointed out.
"We've got to get that 'jointness' throughout (the system), and this is one of the things that this center for excellence is going to talk about," Hall said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act provides for the establishment of a nationwide center of excellence network that will assist servicemembers of all components in readjusting and reintegrating with their families when they return from overseas deployments, a senior Defense Department official said here today. Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, announced the new initiative today at the Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony that highlighted the best National Guard and reserve unit family readiness and support programs in 2007.
The new organization will be established quickly, Hall said, noting it will assist and coordinate efforts of more than 700 military family-support centers located across the country.
Efforts to obtain funding and staffing for the organization are under way, Hall said, adding it will have a central staff based in the Washington, D.C., area, and will have a board of directors.
The new support network will assist active duty, National Guard and reserve servicemembers, as well as their families, Hall pointed out.
"We've got to get that 'jointness' throughout (the system), and this is one of the things that this center for excellence is going to talk about," Hall said.
Defense Agency Makes Big Advances in Prosthetics Research
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - A Defense Department program is tapping into the realm of science fiction to develop life-like, functional prosthetic devices for wounded combat troops so they can go on to live normal lives. Army Col. Geoff Ling, manager of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Revolutionizing Prosthetics programs, said the agency is making tremendous headway in advancing technology considered unimaginable just a few years ago.
DARPA's initial prosthetics program, Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2007, "has done remarkably well" and is generating excitement among other federal agency heads that could someday lead to full-scale production, Ling said.
Researchers at DEKA Research and Development Corp. in Manchester, N.H., have developed what Ling calls a "strap-and-go-arm" that users activate with the flick of a switch.
"All you have to do is strap it on, and you're ready to go," he said. "It requires no surgery or any of that stuff. All you do is literally wake up in the morning and put it on like you could a jacket, and you just go."
Three volunteers in the test program reported strong acceptance for the device that comes in three models: one for amputees who have lost a complete arm and others for those with amputations above and below the elbow.
"These arms are working just beyond anyone's wildest imagination," Ling said, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.
Embedded electronics enable users to activate a switch, either with a foot or their chin, to activate it. By flicking the switch, they can cycle through five different gripping actions to match the task at hand, whether it's using a pen, picking up a key, lifting a coffee cup or using a power drill.
"It's very easy to master," Ling said. "Guys who have it will tell you they can master the use of the arm in an hour or two."
All were able to "perform remarkably" with the device, he said. One tester who lost his arm at the shoulder was able to field strip and reassemble an M-16 rifle using the prosthesis. An above-the-elbow amputee was able to grab a root beer bottle off a shelf, open it with a bottle opener and drink it. Another, who lost both hands in combat, reported he now feels able to take on a civilian job.
"When you watch it, you realize that what we have provided is not so much an arm, but really a functionality and a return to life," Ling said. "This is exactly what we had hoped for. It's tremendously gratifying."
The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration have all shown interest in the program and are expected to join forces with the Defense Department in the months ahead to move it forward. "This is the government coming together, making things right for the right people," Ling said.
Getting a governmental agreement in place will be a big step forward to getting the devices mass-produced so they're available for wounded troops, veterans and ultimately, anyone else who might need them, he said.
As this effort advances, DARPA is pushing forward its even more ambitious Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2009 program that will enable a user to control the prosthesis through thought. The limb, as envisioned, would enable users to move as they normally do, without having to think about the actual process to make it happen.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore are exploring this technology, and Ling said he hopes to see a contract moving the project into its second phase finalized in the coming months.
The device connects directly into the peripheral and central nervous system so users can operate it naturally, just as they move their biological arm. "It will look as natural and smooth as you possibly can imagine, because it will be controlled directly by your nervous system," Ling said. "When you think about moving your arm to reach out and grab a coffee cup, that's exactly what you will do."
The prosthetic will provide capabilities even beyond what the DEKA prosthesis delivers, even enabling people to play the piano, he said. "I don't necessarily expect users to play at the level of Tchaikovsky, but it will be a clear improvement, even over the DEKA arm," he said. "And the DEKA arm is clearly a dramatic improvement over what's available today.
"DARPA is pushing the future," he said.
DARPA's prosthetics programs represents the largest pool of funding for prosthetics in at least a decade in a field that advanced at a snail's pace for centuries. "If you look at the history of prosthetics, especially in the upper arm, it's been incredibly slow," Ling said.
The metal hook, introduced in the 1600s, didn't get its first major upgrade until the 1900s, when new technology enabled the hook to open and close, he said. "Today, you can go to the finest hospitals in the land, and what they will give you is a rubber arm with a hook at the end that opens and closes," he said.
Ling said the technology being developed through DARPA will have a broad impact, improving the lives of wounded warriors and all other amputees as well.
"Amputees everywhere in the country and possibly the world are going to benefit from this," he said. "This is not a secret government program. We have been as transparent as you can possibly be. We plan on sharing this with the world. Out of the tragedy of war comes an opportunity for a lot of people."
Ling said it's exciting to be a part of developing such cutting-edge technology.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to see. It will blow your socks off," he said. "We are really shooting for the stars, and actually achieving it is amazing."
Adding to that excitement, he said, is knowing that the effort is helping wounded warfighters return to a normal life.
"I don't think any of us could have a better way of spending our time than being able to provide care and comfort to the most deserving Americans anyone could find," he said. "For me, it's a tremendous honor."
Entry sponsored by Police Books.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 15, 2008 - A Defense Department program is tapping into the realm of science fiction to develop life-like, functional prosthetic devices for wounded combat troops so they can go on to live normal lives. Army Col. Geoff Ling, manager of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Revolutionizing Prosthetics programs, said the agency is making tremendous headway in advancing technology considered unimaginable just a few years ago.
DARPA's initial prosthetics program, Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2007, "has done remarkably well" and is generating excitement among other federal agency heads that could someday lead to full-scale production, Ling said.
Researchers at DEKA Research and Development Corp. in Manchester, N.H., have developed what Ling calls a "strap-and-go-arm" that users activate with the flick of a switch.
"All you have to do is strap it on, and you're ready to go," he said. "It requires no surgery or any of that stuff. All you do is literally wake up in the morning and put it on like you could a jacket, and you just go."
Three volunteers in the test program reported strong acceptance for the device that comes in three models: one for amputees who have lost a complete arm and others for those with amputations above and below the elbow.
"These arms are working just beyond anyone's wildest imagination," Ling said, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.
Embedded electronics enable users to activate a switch, either with a foot or their chin, to activate it. By flicking the switch, they can cycle through five different gripping actions to match the task at hand, whether it's using a pen, picking up a key, lifting a coffee cup or using a power drill.
"It's very easy to master," Ling said. "Guys who have it will tell you they can master the use of the arm in an hour or two."
All were able to "perform remarkably" with the device, he said. One tester who lost his arm at the shoulder was able to field strip and reassemble an M-16 rifle using the prosthesis. An above-the-elbow amputee was able to grab a root beer bottle off a shelf, open it with a bottle opener and drink it. Another, who lost both hands in combat, reported he now feels able to take on a civilian job.
"When you watch it, you realize that what we have provided is not so much an arm, but really a functionality and a return to life," Ling said. "This is exactly what we had hoped for. It's tremendously gratifying."
The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration have all shown interest in the program and are expected to join forces with the Defense Department in the months ahead to move it forward. "This is the government coming together, making things right for the right people," Ling said.
Getting a governmental agreement in place will be a big step forward to getting the devices mass-produced so they're available for wounded troops, veterans and ultimately, anyone else who might need them, he said.
As this effort advances, DARPA is pushing forward its even more ambitious Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2009 program that will enable a user to control the prosthesis through thought. The limb, as envisioned, would enable users to move as they normally do, without having to think about the actual process to make it happen.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore are exploring this technology, and Ling said he hopes to see a contract moving the project into its second phase finalized in the coming months.
The device connects directly into the peripheral and central nervous system so users can operate it naturally, just as they move their biological arm. "It will look as natural and smooth as you possibly can imagine, because it will be controlled directly by your nervous system," Ling said. "When you think about moving your arm to reach out and grab a coffee cup, that's exactly what you will do."
The prosthetic will provide capabilities even beyond what the DEKA prosthesis delivers, even enabling people to play the piano, he said. "I don't necessarily expect users to play at the level of Tchaikovsky, but it will be a clear improvement, even over the DEKA arm," he said. "And the DEKA arm is clearly a dramatic improvement over what's available today.
"DARPA is pushing the future," he said.
DARPA's prosthetics programs represents the largest pool of funding for prosthetics in at least a decade in a field that advanced at a snail's pace for centuries. "If you look at the history of prosthetics, especially in the upper arm, it's been incredibly slow," Ling said.
The metal hook, introduced in the 1600s, didn't get its first major upgrade until the 1900s, when new technology enabled the hook to open and close, he said. "Today, you can go to the finest hospitals in the land, and what they will give you is a rubber arm with a hook at the end that opens and closes," he said.
Ling said the technology being developed through DARPA will have a broad impact, improving the lives of wounded warriors and all other amputees as well.
"Amputees everywhere in the country and possibly the world are going to benefit from this," he said. "This is not a secret government program. We have been as transparent as you can possibly be. We plan on sharing this with the world. Out of the tragedy of war comes an opportunity for a lot of people."
Ling said it's exciting to be a part of developing such cutting-edge technology.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to see. It will blow your socks off," he said. "We are really shooting for the stars, and actually achieving it is amazing."
Adding to that excitement, he said, is knowing that the effort is helping wounded warfighters return to a normal life.
"I don't think any of us could have a better way of spending our time than being able to provide care and comfort to the most deserving Americans anyone could find," he said. "For me, it's a tremendous honor."
Entry sponsored by Police Books.
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