By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2008 - The core of the U.S. Army is its responsibility to take care of its soldiers, Army Secretary Pete Geren told the graduating class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., today. Geren spoke to the 972 members of the West Point Class of 2008 at Michie Stadium in the academy's 210th graduation since its founding in 1802.
"Regardless of how long you wear the uniform, one thing will never change. You are a leader and the well-being of soldiers will be in your hands," Geren said. "You'll be judged by how you discharge that duty. For if you strip away everything else about the Army, at its core, that's what the Army is all about: soldiers taking care of soldiers."
Geren called today's Army different from any other in history. It is an all-volunteer force, more than half of its soldiers are married, and there are 700,000 children within its military family ranks.
"The all-volunteer force is a national treasure, but it can't be squandered. To sustain our Army, we must provide Army families with a quality of life equal to their service," the secretary said. "As Army leaders, you must take care of Army families."
Geren borrowed from the writings of former U.S. presidents Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy to parallel the threats facing the country today and to outline the challenges the graduating cadets will face in their careers.
He said Jefferson -- the founder of West Point, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and staunch supporter of religious freedom -- would understand the threat posed today by tyranny in the name of religion. Jefferson devoted much of his work to the advancement of liberty and religious freedom and considered his contributions to the cause of religious freedom among his greatest accomplishments.
"Jefferson's ideal of religious freedom and individual liberty stands in stark contrast to the malignant vision of religious oppression and the murderous practices of the Taliban and al-Qaida, to the hatred that murdered 3,000 people on 9/11 and continues its butchery today," Geren said. "Your sons and daughters, our soldiers, stand against a threat to liberty and life that is as old as civilization and a cause that shaped the foundation of our nation."
Geren said the cadets are entering a dynamic period of service and warfare. He borrowed from a 1962 speech by Kennedy to graduates at West Point. His comments, made as America was being drawn into the war in Vietnam, mirror the challenges troops face now in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Your military responsibilities will require a versatility and an adaptability never before required in either war or peace,'" Geren read from Kennedy's speech. "This is another type of war -- war by guerrillas, subversives, insurgents, and assassins -- war by ambush instead of combat, seeking victory by eroding and exhausting us rather than engaging us."
Kennedy's speech predicted their service would include commanding traditional forces in less traditional roles, and risking their lives not as combatants, but as instructors and advisors. Their service would require an understanding of foreign policy and military power, and they would give orders in different languages.
"Your posture and your performance will provide the local population with the only evidence of what our country is really like," Geren read from the 35th president's remarks.
The secretary said the mission of the United States military, then as now, goes beyond the security of its own citizens.
"The United States has always stood as a beacon of hope for those yearning to be free," he said. In the past six years, he noted, the U.S. military has liberated 50 million people in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Geren heralded the graduates for their choice of serving in the military over attending other educational institutions and pursuing civilian careers. They could have gone into private business and on to lucrative job offers, but instead chose the path of duty, honor and country, he told the families in attendance.
"The service our nation is asking of your sons and daughters is important work for our country, for the free world, for liberty loving people everywhere," Geren said. "It will change our nation, and it will change our world for the better."
Geren also pointed out the personal risk in the graduates' chosen profession. Eleven previous West Point graduates have died in the past year in combat, he noted.
"There's always a personal cost in your profession of arms. It is your willingness to bear that cost that ennobles you, your calling and this gathering," he said.
It is in their deaths, though, that the American soldier has built the foundations for the country today, Geren said.
"It is Arlington [National Cemetery] -- not the monuments, malls and memorials -- that tells the story of our nation," he said. "Were it not for that transcendent ideal that has inspired the American soldier on many a weary march, from dripping dusk to drizzling dawn, there would be no monuments, no Capitol and no mall."
It is that same transcendent ideal that calls out to people the world over who yearn to be free, -- "a transcendent ideal that led these men and women of the class of 2008 to choose to be soldiers -- American soldiers -- for the America at war," Geren said.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Gates Laments Burma's Refusal to Accept Cyclone Recovery Aid
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2008 - While the United States and the international community have reached out to Burma, the generals ruling the country "have kept their hands in their pockets," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. In a question-and-answer session after addressing delegates of the annual Asian security conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, Gates addressed the notion that a failed U.S. policy toward Burma has contributed to the junta's refusal to allow in international aid.
Cyclone Nargis struck Burma on May 2. The cyclone hit at the Irrawaddy Delta region – a fertile rice-farming area barely above sea level. The storm – with winds of 135 miles per hour and a storm surge – has killed an estimated 134,000 Burmese. Vast portions of the delta washed away, and nearly a month later, large areas remain cut off from the rest of the country.
The extent of the disaster took a day to sink in, but almost immediately nations around the world offered for the estimated 2.5 million people affected. The Burmese junta at first refused all offers, but on May 6 Burma asked the United Nations for assistance. The Burmese government said it would accept food, medicines, water and other supplies, but would not allow foreign aid workers or foreign military personnel to operate inside the country.
An Italian flight finally was allowed to deliver supplies to Rangoon on May 9. The Burmese finally gave landing permission for a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules airlifter to deliver supplies on May 14. U.S. Pacific Command chief Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating was aboard the first flight, and he met with military leaders at the airport and urged them to allow more flights to the stricken nation. He also offered the Burmese government helicopters to help them deliver the aid to cut-off towns and villages in the hardest-hit areas of the country.
The Burmese since have allowed five C-130 flights a day to go into Rangoon. Through May 28, 75 U.S. flights had delivered 670 metric tons of material – mostly water, rations, plastic sheeting, tents, hygiene packets, water purification equipment and the like.
At the same time, four U.S. ships led by the USS Essex steamed to Burmese waters and awaited permission to land tons of relief supplies. The Essex would have been able to use helicopters and air-cushioned boats to speed 41,000 five-gallon containers of pure water to people who desperately need it. The junta has refused to allow the ships to land the supplies.
It wasn't until May 21 that U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon convinced Burmese leaders to allow international aid workers into the country.
The junta's delay has killed tens of thousands of Burmese, Gates said. Defense officials said more delays will incur "second- and third-order effects" such as deaths from water-borne illnesses, malaria or exposure.
A questioner wanted to know why United States officials believe they can deal with North Korea, but not Burma. "For a productive dialogue to take place, it is necessary for both parties to feel a need to engage in that dialogue," Gates explained. "One of the reasons we are engaged with the North Koreans is that the North Koreans – under pressure – came to the table as part of the Six-Party Talks." The secretary praised China's role in getting the North Koreans to the talks, and stressed the U.S. engagement is not simply a bilateral exercise, but rather is part of a multilateral discussion.
"I think there has been little indication that Burma has any interest in engaging with the United States, and the reality is – as harsh as it may seem – many of those in this room have governments that have tried to engage or do engage with [the country's leaders] and have had zero influence in getting them to open up and accept international assistance for a suffering population," he said. "Governments who have engaged with Burma have had little or no influence in getting them to do the right thing by their own people."
The United States has tried to reason with the Burmese generals, Gates said. He cited Keating's face-to-face appeal when he accompanied the first U.S. relief mission, and added that the United States has reached out to the ruling junta "15 different times" in efforts to convince the generals to let the world community help the Burmese people.
"So it has not been us who have been deaf and dumb in response to the pleas of the international community," Gates said.
An editorial in an official, Burmese government-controlled newspaper said the cyclone victims could "stand by themselves" and criticized U.N. insistence on allowing in aid workers. "The people from Irrawaddy can survive on self-reliance without chocolate bars donated by foreign countries," the Kyemon newspaper editorial said.
Gates offered his condolences "to the many who have suffered, lost loved ones, and face incredible difficulties" as a result of the Burmese typhoon disaster and the powerful May 12 earthquake that killed thousands in China. He noted the solidarity among Pacific nation in responding to the crises.
"Amid the pain and suffering, it has been heartening to see so much international cooperation by so many in this room," Gates said. "Many governments are doing everything they can to help save lives and rebuild livelihoods."
U.S. Pacific Command officials here said the Burmese generals' attitudes do not look as if they will change. The U.S. ships steaming off the coast probably will have to depart the area within days, they said.
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2008 - While the United States and the international community have reached out to Burma, the generals ruling the country "have kept their hands in their pockets," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. In a question-and-answer session after addressing delegates of the annual Asian security conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, Gates addressed the notion that a failed U.S. policy toward Burma has contributed to the junta's refusal to allow in international aid.
Cyclone Nargis struck Burma on May 2. The cyclone hit at the Irrawaddy Delta region – a fertile rice-farming area barely above sea level. The storm – with winds of 135 miles per hour and a storm surge – has killed an estimated 134,000 Burmese. Vast portions of the delta washed away, and nearly a month later, large areas remain cut off from the rest of the country.
The extent of the disaster took a day to sink in, but almost immediately nations around the world offered for the estimated 2.5 million people affected. The Burmese junta at first refused all offers, but on May 6 Burma asked the United Nations for assistance. The Burmese government said it would accept food, medicines, water and other supplies, but would not allow foreign aid workers or foreign military personnel to operate inside the country.
An Italian flight finally was allowed to deliver supplies to Rangoon on May 9. The Burmese finally gave landing permission for a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules airlifter to deliver supplies on May 14. U.S. Pacific Command chief Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating was aboard the first flight, and he met with military leaders at the airport and urged them to allow more flights to the stricken nation. He also offered the Burmese government helicopters to help them deliver the aid to cut-off towns and villages in the hardest-hit areas of the country.
The Burmese since have allowed five C-130 flights a day to go into Rangoon. Through May 28, 75 U.S. flights had delivered 670 metric tons of material – mostly water, rations, plastic sheeting, tents, hygiene packets, water purification equipment and the like.
At the same time, four U.S. ships led by the USS Essex steamed to Burmese waters and awaited permission to land tons of relief supplies. The Essex would have been able to use helicopters and air-cushioned boats to speed 41,000 five-gallon containers of pure water to people who desperately need it. The junta has refused to allow the ships to land the supplies.
It wasn't until May 21 that U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon convinced Burmese leaders to allow international aid workers into the country.
The junta's delay has killed tens of thousands of Burmese, Gates said. Defense officials said more delays will incur "second- and third-order effects" such as deaths from water-borne illnesses, malaria or exposure.
A questioner wanted to know why United States officials believe they can deal with North Korea, but not Burma. "For a productive dialogue to take place, it is necessary for both parties to feel a need to engage in that dialogue," Gates explained. "One of the reasons we are engaged with the North Koreans is that the North Koreans – under pressure – came to the table as part of the Six-Party Talks." The secretary praised China's role in getting the North Koreans to the talks, and stressed the U.S. engagement is not simply a bilateral exercise, but rather is part of a multilateral discussion.
"I think there has been little indication that Burma has any interest in engaging with the United States, and the reality is – as harsh as it may seem – many of those in this room have governments that have tried to engage or do engage with [the country's leaders] and have had zero influence in getting them to open up and accept international assistance for a suffering population," he said. "Governments who have engaged with Burma have had little or no influence in getting them to do the right thing by their own people."
The United States has tried to reason with the Burmese generals, Gates said. He cited Keating's face-to-face appeal when he accompanied the first U.S. relief mission, and added that the United States has reached out to the ruling junta "15 different times" in efforts to convince the generals to let the world community help the Burmese people.
"So it has not been us who have been deaf and dumb in response to the pleas of the international community," Gates said.
An editorial in an official, Burmese government-controlled newspaper said the cyclone victims could "stand by themselves" and criticized U.N. insistence on allowing in aid workers. "The people from Irrawaddy can survive on self-reliance without chocolate bars donated by foreign countries," the Kyemon newspaper editorial said.
Gates offered his condolences "to the many who have suffered, lost loved ones, and face incredible difficulties" as a result of the Burmese typhoon disaster and the powerful May 12 earthquake that killed thousands in China. He noted the solidarity among Pacific nation in responding to the crises.
"Amid the pain and suffering, it has been heartening to see so much international cooperation by so many in this room," Gates said. "Many governments are doing everything they can to help save lives and rebuild livelihoods."
U.S. Pacific Command officials here said the Burmese generals' attitudes do not look as if they will change. The U.S. ships steaming off the coast probably will have to depart the area within days, they said.
U.S. Will Stand By Deep Commitments in Asia, Gates Pledges
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2008 - The United States has deep, historic ties to Asia and the Pacific and has no intention of turning its back on the region now or in the future, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reassured Asian leaders here today. "For those who worry that Iraq and Afghanistan have distracted the United States from Asia and developments in this region, I would counter that we have never been more engaged with more countries," Gates said during his keynote address at the 7th annual Asia Security Summit.
The summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue after the hotel where it is held, brings together defense ministers, chiefs of staff and other senior security policy-makers from more than 20 Asian nations each year to discuss regional security concerns. Joining Gates at his second summit are Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command.
Gates pointed to longstanding U.S. ties to the region dating to the 19th century and the multiple roles the United States continues to play today. He called any speculation that the United States is losing interest in the region "either preposterous or disingenuous, or both."
"The United States military – even with its ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq – remains engaged with most Asian governments, doing more things in more constructive ways than at any time in our history," he said.
This engagement "has added consistent value to the Asian security equation" for more than 60 years and that continues to be a major force in regional security, he said. "The security of all Asian countries – whether large or small – is strongly and positively enhanced by a strong U.S. presence."
Gates hailed broad developments that have propelled Asia's rise to become "the center of gravity in a rapidly globalizing world."
The United States not only welcomes that rise, but also, by its continued presence in the region, it has helped to make it possible, he said. "This presence has offered other nations the crucial element of choice and enabled their entry into a globalized international society," he said.
Shared globalization and the economic strength it's brought the region have been possible only because of openness – of trade, of ideas and of access to maritime, space and cyber domains, he said. He cited the need for continued common use of these so-called "common spaces" in ways that continue to drive mutual prosperity, and the need to play by internationally accepted rules.
Gates emphasized the importance of alliances in the region that he said are transforming to fit 21st-century realities.
"Our relations with partners and friends, and our engagement in Asia, are more and more the fabric that binds together what is becoming a web of relationships, including our growing ties with India and our increasing engagement with China," he said.
Asked during a question-and-answer session if the United States will lose interest in Asia in light of other commitments around the world, Gates insisted that it won't.
"Partly we won't lose interest because we are an Asian power," he said. "We are a resident power. We have been here a long time. And we will continue to be here – not only because we have sovereign territory in the area, ... but because we have some very longstanding relationships here."
Regardless of who wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Gates said, he's confident that the United States will continue to build on the overlapping and longstanding security partnerships in Asia.
"As the next administration calibrates and refines these important relationships, it is bound to be guided by a single imperative: to make each of our links more relevant, more resilient, more responsive and more enduring," he said.
Progress toward that end during the past eight years has "positioned the next administration in a very strong way looking to the future as you look at this part of the world," he said.
Gates tried to allay concerns that security demands in Europe and the Middle East could divert future U.S. attention from Asia. He said he's aware of no one in the U.S. political arena who doesn't attach high priority to the U.S. relationships and role in Asia.
"I believe that future presidents will sustain an American military that can protect our interests and our friends in all three of those regions," Gates said. "As a global power with global interests and friends and allies around the world who look to us for support, we will sustain those capabilities."
Looking to the future, Gates said the United States will play many roles in Asia in the decades ahead, as circumstances require.
"We will be a protector if that is required in the context of our security alliances," he said. "We will be one who brings humanitarian assistance when that is required. We will partner in training and equipping as that is required.
"So I think it is a very broad-based set of relationships and roles that we have out here," he said. "But I think we see ourselves most broadly as partners and collaborators in Asia in the 21st century."
American Forces Press Service
May 31, 2008 - The United States has deep, historic ties to Asia and the Pacific and has no intention of turning its back on the region now or in the future, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reassured Asian leaders here today. "For those who worry that Iraq and Afghanistan have distracted the United States from Asia and developments in this region, I would counter that we have never been more engaged with more countries," Gates said during his keynote address at the 7th annual Asia Security Summit.
The summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue after the hotel where it is held, brings together defense ministers, chiefs of staff and other senior security policy-makers from more than 20 Asian nations each year to discuss regional security concerns. Joining Gates at his second summit are Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command.
Gates pointed to longstanding U.S. ties to the region dating to the 19th century and the multiple roles the United States continues to play today. He called any speculation that the United States is losing interest in the region "either preposterous or disingenuous, or both."
"The United States military – even with its ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq – remains engaged with most Asian governments, doing more things in more constructive ways than at any time in our history," he said.
This engagement "has added consistent value to the Asian security equation" for more than 60 years and that continues to be a major force in regional security, he said. "The security of all Asian countries – whether large or small – is strongly and positively enhanced by a strong U.S. presence."
Gates hailed broad developments that have propelled Asia's rise to become "the center of gravity in a rapidly globalizing world."
The United States not only welcomes that rise, but also, by its continued presence in the region, it has helped to make it possible, he said. "This presence has offered other nations the crucial element of choice and enabled their entry into a globalized international society," he said.
Shared globalization and the economic strength it's brought the region have been possible only because of openness – of trade, of ideas and of access to maritime, space and cyber domains, he said. He cited the need for continued common use of these so-called "common spaces" in ways that continue to drive mutual prosperity, and the need to play by internationally accepted rules.
Gates emphasized the importance of alliances in the region that he said are transforming to fit 21st-century realities.
"Our relations with partners and friends, and our engagement in Asia, are more and more the fabric that binds together what is becoming a web of relationships, including our growing ties with India and our increasing engagement with China," he said.
Asked during a question-and-answer session if the United States will lose interest in Asia in light of other commitments around the world, Gates insisted that it won't.
"Partly we won't lose interest because we are an Asian power," he said. "We are a resident power. We have been here a long time. And we will continue to be here – not only because we have sovereign territory in the area, ... but because we have some very longstanding relationships here."
Regardless of who wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Gates said, he's confident that the United States will continue to build on the overlapping and longstanding security partnerships in Asia.
"As the next administration calibrates and refines these important relationships, it is bound to be guided by a single imperative: to make each of our links more relevant, more resilient, more responsive and more enduring," he said.
Progress toward that end during the past eight years has "positioned the next administration in a very strong way looking to the future as you look at this part of the world," he said.
Gates tried to allay concerns that security demands in Europe and the Middle East could divert future U.S. attention from Asia. He said he's aware of no one in the U.S. political arena who doesn't attach high priority to the U.S. relationships and role in Asia.
"I believe that future presidents will sustain an American military that can protect our interests and our friends in all three of those regions," Gates said. "As a global power with global interests and friends and allies around the world who look to us for support, we will sustain those capabilities."
Looking to the future, Gates said the United States will play many roles in Asia in the decades ahead, as circumstances require.
"We will be a protector if that is required in the context of our security alliances," he said. "We will be one who brings humanitarian assistance when that is required. We will partner in training and equipping as that is required.
"So I think it is a very broad-based set of relationships and roles that we have out here," he said. "But I think we see ourselves most broadly as partners and collaborators in Asia in the 21st century."
Gates Views Massive Growth Under Way in Guam
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates got a firsthand look at growth under way here to prepare for the arrival of more than 8,000 Marines from Okinawa, Japan, by 2014. The secretary took a helicopter tour of Andersen Air Force Base, Naval Base Guam and other island facilities to see construction already started in preparation of the arrival of members of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force and an estimated 9,000 family members.
Gates noted that the inbound Marines trace their lineage to the 3rd Marine Amphibious Corps that landed in Guam in 1944 to liberate the island.
The incoming Marines and families, in addition to another 4,000 active-duty sailors, airmen and soldiers slated to arrive, will double the U.S. military presence here.
"All in all, it will be one of the largest movements of military assets in decades and continue the historic mission of the United States military presence on Guam: to serve as the nation's first line of defense and to maintain a robust military presence in a critical part of the world," Gates said.
That's especially critical now, in light of "the diffuse nature of the threats and challenges facing our nation in the 21st century -- a century that will be shaped by the opportunities presented by the developing nations of Asia," he said.
During his visit here, Gates met with Gov. Felix Camacho and military leaders to hear their assessments about the move. He vowed to ensure construction -- estimated at $3 billion to $4 billion a year -- proceeds in a manner that respects the local population.
"The people of Guam have been hospitable to our military forces for a very long time, and we want to keep that relationship strong as we go forward and deal with issues associated with the growth ... in a way sensitive to the needs of the people of Guam as well as our military," he said.
The changes ahead are part of a broader Alliance Transformation Realignment agreement between the United States and Japan. "As a sign of how much the world has changed, this move comes with the help of our close ally, Japan," Gates said.
Japan has agreed to contribute about $6 billion toward the cost of facilities, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters traveling with Gates. The United States will contribute about the same amount toward the move, he said.
.
The posture change will reduce the U.S. footprint in Japan to about 10,000 Marines, Morrell said, while taking advantage of opportunities provided in Guam.
"We envision Guam to be of great importance to our Pacific strategic force posture for decades to come," he said.
A U.S. territory more than 3,000 miles southwest of Hawaii, Guam offers a prime strategic location with ready access to potential hot spots throughout the Pacific as well as to U.S. allies, explained Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug Owens, commander of 36th Wing and Andersen Air Force Base. It's two to five hours by air and two days by ship from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia and other key western Pacific locations.
This forward location reduces time required to respond to a crisis or contingency in the region. For example, one of the two Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft that delivered relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Chengdu, China, flew from Guam.
"This is not just another base," a senior defense official traveling with Gates said. "This is a place where you can project power from the continental United States and Hawaii -- ships, aircraft and land troops, as well."
But increasingly, Guam is emerging as a node for multilateral security cooperation in Southeast Asia and for alliance transformation in Northeast Asia, the official said. "It is integral to the force posture transformation," he said.
Vice President Richard B. Cheney emphasized Guam's strategic importance during his visit here in February 2007. That importance, he said, will only increase in the coming years as Marines from Okinawa relocate here.
"By positioning forces on Guam, the United States can move quickly and effectively to protect our friends, to defend our interests, to bring relief in times of emergency and to keep the sea lanes open to commerce and closed to terrorist threats," he said. "The island may be small, but it has tremendous importance to the peace and security in the field."
Another compelling reason for increasing the U.S. military presence in Guam is its status as a U.S. territory, deep in the Pacific. That gives military planners and operators far more leeway in conducting operations than they typically find at an overseas base.
On the island's north side, Andersen Air Force Base offers ready access to air space -- something quickly shrinking in the continental United States, Europe, Korea and Japan. At the same time, it features some 7.5 million square feet of ramp space and extensive open space to support future infrastructure growth, Owens said.
Guam also offers the Air Force's largest fuel supply in the United States, its largest supply of weapons in the Pacific, and a valuable urban training area in an abandoned housing area at a site known as Anderson South. These facilities provide a platform for U.S. forces to surge where needed in the theater.
A new facility under construction will house the Pacific's Global Hawk unmanned drone operation, with three of the aircraft due to arrive here next summer, Owens said. In addition, the base is preparing to become the new home of the incoming Marines' aviation unit and to accommodate the Marine ground forces' deployments.
"On the Air Force side alone, there's a very exciting future ahead for us," Owens said. "Andersen in six years won't look anything like it does today."
To the south, Naval Base Guam, with its protected deep-water harbor, is home port to three attack submarines. The base is building up its infrastructure, increasing inner Apra Harbor's capability to accommodate aircraft carriers, and expanding the training opportunities it's able to offer.
The biggest challenge for Guam to reach its potential is ensuring its infrastructure keeps pace with the need. "There are a lot of interconnected pieces here," Gates said. "There are a lot of pieces of this jigsaw puzzle that have to come together at the same time."
Navy Capt. Bob Lee, director of the Joint Guam Program Office overseeing the effort, said he's confident the incoming Marines will have the "the latest and greatest" in facilities awaiting them when they arrive.
"That's why the groundwork we are laying here is so important," he said. "We need to ensure we do all our planning up front, and get it right."
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates got a firsthand look at growth under way here to prepare for the arrival of more than 8,000 Marines from Okinawa, Japan, by 2014. The secretary took a helicopter tour of Andersen Air Force Base, Naval Base Guam and other island facilities to see construction already started in preparation of the arrival of members of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force and an estimated 9,000 family members.
Gates noted that the inbound Marines trace their lineage to the 3rd Marine Amphibious Corps that landed in Guam in 1944 to liberate the island.
The incoming Marines and families, in addition to another 4,000 active-duty sailors, airmen and soldiers slated to arrive, will double the U.S. military presence here.
"All in all, it will be one of the largest movements of military assets in decades and continue the historic mission of the United States military presence on Guam: to serve as the nation's first line of defense and to maintain a robust military presence in a critical part of the world," Gates said.
That's especially critical now, in light of "the diffuse nature of the threats and challenges facing our nation in the 21st century -- a century that will be shaped by the opportunities presented by the developing nations of Asia," he said.
During his visit here, Gates met with Gov. Felix Camacho and military leaders to hear their assessments about the move. He vowed to ensure construction -- estimated at $3 billion to $4 billion a year -- proceeds in a manner that respects the local population.
"The people of Guam have been hospitable to our military forces for a very long time, and we want to keep that relationship strong as we go forward and deal with issues associated with the growth ... in a way sensitive to the needs of the people of Guam as well as our military," he said.
The changes ahead are part of a broader Alliance Transformation Realignment agreement between the United States and Japan. "As a sign of how much the world has changed, this move comes with the help of our close ally, Japan," Gates said.
Japan has agreed to contribute about $6 billion toward the cost of facilities, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters traveling with Gates. The United States will contribute about the same amount toward the move, he said.
.
The posture change will reduce the U.S. footprint in Japan to about 10,000 Marines, Morrell said, while taking advantage of opportunities provided in Guam.
"We envision Guam to be of great importance to our Pacific strategic force posture for decades to come," he said.
A U.S. territory more than 3,000 miles southwest of Hawaii, Guam offers a prime strategic location with ready access to potential hot spots throughout the Pacific as well as to U.S. allies, explained Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug Owens, commander of 36th Wing and Andersen Air Force Base. It's two to five hours by air and two days by ship from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia and other key western Pacific locations.
This forward location reduces time required to respond to a crisis or contingency in the region. For example, one of the two Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft that delivered relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Chengdu, China, flew from Guam.
"This is not just another base," a senior defense official traveling with Gates said. "This is a place where you can project power from the continental United States and Hawaii -- ships, aircraft and land troops, as well."
But increasingly, Guam is emerging as a node for multilateral security cooperation in Southeast Asia and for alliance transformation in Northeast Asia, the official said. "It is integral to the force posture transformation," he said.
Vice President Richard B. Cheney emphasized Guam's strategic importance during his visit here in February 2007. That importance, he said, will only increase in the coming years as Marines from Okinawa relocate here.
"By positioning forces on Guam, the United States can move quickly and effectively to protect our friends, to defend our interests, to bring relief in times of emergency and to keep the sea lanes open to commerce and closed to terrorist threats," he said. "The island may be small, but it has tremendous importance to the peace and security in the field."
Another compelling reason for increasing the U.S. military presence in Guam is its status as a U.S. territory, deep in the Pacific. That gives military planners and operators far more leeway in conducting operations than they typically find at an overseas base.
On the island's north side, Andersen Air Force Base offers ready access to air space -- something quickly shrinking in the continental United States, Europe, Korea and Japan. At the same time, it features some 7.5 million square feet of ramp space and extensive open space to support future infrastructure growth, Owens said.
Guam also offers the Air Force's largest fuel supply in the United States, its largest supply of weapons in the Pacific, and a valuable urban training area in an abandoned housing area at a site known as Anderson South. These facilities provide a platform for U.S. forces to surge where needed in the theater.
A new facility under construction will house the Pacific's Global Hawk unmanned drone operation, with three of the aircraft due to arrive here next summer, Owens said. In addition, the base is preparing to become the new home of the incoming Marines' aviation unit and to accommodate the Marine ground forces' deployments.
"On the Air Force side alone, there's a very exciting future ahead for us," Owens said. "Andersen in six years won't look anything like it does today."
To the south, Naval Base Guam, with its protected deep-water harbor, is home port to three attack submarines. The base is building up its infrastructure, increasing inner Apra Harbor's capability to accommodate aircraft carriers, and expanding the training opportunities it's able to offer.
The biggest challenge for Guam to reach its potential is ensuring its infrastructure keeps pace with the need. "There are a lot of interconnected pieces here," Gates said. "There are a lot of pieces of this jigsaw puzzle that have to come together at the same time."
Navy Capt. Bob Lee, director of the Joint Guam Program Office overseeing the effort, said he's confident the incoming Marines will have the "the latest and greatest" in facilities awaiting them when they arrive.
"That's why the groundwork we are laying here is so important," he said. "We need to ensure we do all our planning up front, and get it right."
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Gates Arrives in Singapore for Asia Security Summit
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Arriving here for the 7th annual Asia Security Summit, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today he plans to assure regional allies and friends that the United States hasn't lost focus on or commitment to the region. It's a message Gate said will be the overarching theme of his fourth major trip to Asia during his 17 months as defense secretary. In addition to a visit yesterday and earlier today in Guam, the trip will include stops in Thailand and South Korea.
"One theme that connects the different stops is affirming that the United States is not distracted by our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from our long-term interests here in Asia and the cultivation and strengthening of our relationships with allies, partners and others here in the region," he told reporters before leaving Guam.
Gates will reaffirm here that message during his keynote address tomorrow at the Shangri-La Dialogue, named for the hotel where it is held. The annual summit, sponsored by the London-based think tank International Institute of Strategic Studies, is recognized as a key event for defense and security diplomacy for the region.
Delegations of defense ministers, chiefs of staff and other senior security policymakers from the 27 invited countries will converge for the three-day conference. In addition to a full slate of formal sessions, Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will participate in several bilateral sessions.
Gates' address at the first plenary session tomorrow will set the stage for the next presidential administration, a senior defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. Pointing to the longstanding U.S. commitment, Gates will assure regional nations of continued commitment, regardless of who wins the U.S. general election, the official said.
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Arriving here for the 7th annual Asia Security Summit, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today he plans to assure regional allies and friends that the United States hasn't lost focus on or commitment to the region. It's a message Gate said will be the overarching theme of his fourth major trip to Asia during his 17 months as defense secretary. In addition to a visit yesterday and earlier today in Guam, the trip will include stops in Thailand and South Korea.
"One theme that connects the different stops is affirming that the United States is not distracted by our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from our long-term interests here in Asia and the cultivation and strengthening of our relationships with allies, partners and others here in the region," he told reporters before leaving Guam.
Gates will reaffirm here that message during his keynote address tomorrow at the Shangri-La Dialogue, named for the hotel where it is held. The annual summit, sponsored by the London-based think tank International Institute of Strategic Studies, is recognized as a key event for defense and security diplomacy for the region.
Delegations of defense ministers, chiefs of staff and other senior security policymakers from the 27 invited countries will converge for the three-day conference. In addition to a full slate of formal sessions, Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will participate in several bilateral sessions.
Gates' address at the first plenary session tomorrow will set the stage for the next presidential administration, a senior defense official traveling with the secretary told reporters. Pointing to the longstanding U.S. commitment, Gates will assure regional nations of continued commitment, regardless of who wins the U.S. general election, the official said.
Face of Defense: Soldier Earns Battlefield Promotion
By Army Sgt. Jason Stadel
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Christian Stephenson has bided his time as a finance noncommissioned officer. Stephenson, who has been in the Army for eight years, was promoted to sergeant four years ago and became promotable to staff sergeant three years ago. He said he's had 720 "promotion points" -- the maximum is 798 -- for a long time, but the cutoff for promotions to staff sergeant in his career field hasn't been below 775 for five years. "It was frustrating working so hard to get those points but never making the cutoff," the Emerald Isle, N.C., native said. "It had been at least six months since I'd even checked the scores. When they come out each month, I knew they wouldn't drop."
But a new promotion program started by Multinational Corps Iraq finally has given him the "rocker" stripe of staff sergeant rank. Stephenson, with the 3rd Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, received a battlefield promotion to staff sergeant May 24.
The battlefield promotion program is in a yearlong test phase that allows deployed soldiers to be recognized for their efforts and be promoted based on their duty performance and, more importantly, on leader recommendations.
"You have to set yourself a mark above the rest," said Army Master Sgt. Michael Flournoy, a Minden, La., native who is noncommissioned officer in charge of 2nd BCT's personnel and administration section and Stephenson's supervisor. "Your chain of command has to say that you're ready for the extra responsibility. In our case, Sergeant Stephenson has been performing in a manner well above his pay grade. He's an expert in his field."
May's battlefield promotion selections marked the first of four scheduled throughout the year. Each brigade was able to promote two privates first class to specialists, one specialist to sergeant and one sergeant to staff sergeant.
Battalions within the Spartan Brigade sent their recommendations for battlefield promotions to the brigade personnel and administration section. From there, the brigade commander, Army Col. Terry Ferrell, and brigade command sergeant major, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane, decided which soldiers should receive the battlefield promotions. Their recommendations went forward to division level, and ultimately to the corps commander for approval.
Other Spartan soldiers selected for battlefield promotion were Sgt. Daniel Demer, from Company C, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment; Spc. Jessica Faaumu, Company B, 26th Brigade Support Battalion; and Spc. Bryan Walton, Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
"Any time you are selected above your peers for anything, it is a huge honor," said 1st Sgt. Travis Bean, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT. He said Stephenson's promotion "could not have gone to a more deserving NCO."
Stephenson said he had heard of the battlefield promotion program but had no idea that he'd been recommended.
"I came to work the other day, and I looked at my [leave and earnings statement], and it was showing staff sergeant pay," Stephenson said. "I asked my NCO about it, and he laughed and said, 'You weren't supposed to know about that yet.'
"It was unexpected. I thought it would go to an infantry guy or something, and they probably deserved it," Stephenson said. "I'm just humbled to be given such an honor. All of the hard work has paid off."
Bean said the promotion program is a great way to recognize those who perform at a high level, no matter their job.
"It's important for all soldiers to realize that everyone on the battlefield plays a vital role, whether you are clearing a building, performing maintenance, working in a [tactical operations center] or ensuring that all soldiers' pay and entitlements are correct," said Bean, from Glennville, Ga.
With his promotion to staff sergeant, Stephenson said, he now would like to work at Fort Jackson, S.C., as a finance instructor in advanced individual training.
"This promotion puts my career in a whole new direction," he said. "I can't say it enough. ... I'm just humbled to be selected."
(Army Sgt. Jason Stadel serves in the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Christian Stephenson has bided his time as a finance noncommissioned officer. Stephenson, who has been in the Army for eight years, was promoted to sergeant four years ago and became promotable to staff sergeant three years ago. He said he's had 720 "promotion points" -- the maximum is 798 -- for a long time, but the cutoff for promotions to staff sergeant in his career field hasn't been below 775 for five years. "It was frustrating working so hard to get those points but never making the cutoff," the Emerald Isle, N.C., native said. "It had been at least six months since I'd even checked the scores. When they come out each month, I knew they wouldn't drop."
But a new promotion program started by Multinational Corps Iraq finally has given him the "rocker" stripe of staff sergeant rank. Stephenson, with the 3rd Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, received a battlefield promotion to staff sergeant May 24.
The battlefield promotion program is in a yearlong test phase that allows deployed soldiers to be recognized for their efforts and be promoted based on their duty performance and, more importantly, on leader recommendations.
"You have to set yourself a mark above the rest," said Army Master Sgt. Michael Flournoy, a Minden, La., native who is noncommissioned officer in charge of 2nd BCT's personnel and administration section and Stephenson's supervisor. "Your chain of command has to say that you're ready for the extra responsibility. In our case, Sergeant Stephenson has been performing in a manner well above his pay grade. He's an expert in his field."
May's battlefield promotion selections marked the first of four scheduled throughout the year. Each brigade was able to promote two privates first class to specialists, one specialist to sergeant and one sergeant to staff sergeant.
Battalions within the Spartan Brigade sent their recommendations for battlefield promotions to the brigade personnel and administration section. From there, the brigade commander, Army Col. Terry Ferrell, and brigade command sergeant major, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane, decided which soldiers should receive the battlefield promotions. Their recommendations went forward to division level, and ultimately to the corps commander for approval.
Other Spartan soldiers selected for battlefield promotion were Sgt. Daniel Demer, from Company C, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment; Spc. Jessica Faaumu, Company B, 26th Brigade Support Battalion; and Spc. Bryan Walton, Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
"Any time you are selected above your peers for anything, it is a huge honor," said 1st Sgt. Travis Bean, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT. He said Stephenson's promotion "could not have gone to a more deserving NCO."
Stephenson said he had heard of the battlefield promotion program but had no idea that he'd been recommended.
"I came to work the other day, and I looked at my [leave and earnings statement], and it was showing staff sergeant pay," Stephenson said. "I asked my NCO about it, and he laughed and said, 'You weren't supposed to know about that yet.'
"It was unexpected. I thought it would go to an infantry guy or something, and they probably deserved it," Stephenson said. "I'm just humbled to be given such an honor. All of the hard work has paid off."
Bean said the promotion program is a great way to recognize those who perform at a high level, no matter their job.
"It's important for all soldiers to realize that everyone on the battlefield plays a vital role, whether you are clearing a building, performing maintenance, working in a [tactical operations center] or ensuring that all soldiers' pay and entitlements are correct," said Bean, from Glennville, Ga.
With his promotion to staff sergeant, Stephenson said, he now would like to work at Fort Jackson, S.C., as a finance instructor in advanced individual training.
"This promotion puts my career in a whole new direction," he said. "I can't say it enough. ... I'm just humbled to be selected."
(Army Sgt. Jason Stadel serves in the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Gates Honors 66-Year Federal Employee at Retirement
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute to a legendary figure here who was retiring from the federal government with 66 years of service. Gates lauded Seikichi "Mr. Paul" Kaneshiro for embodying the principles of Americanism during Kaneshiro's retirement today as the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron's vertical repair superintendent during ceremonies at the base theater.
"Our country is only as strong as its citizens and their willingness to serve the greater good," Gates said. "In this respect, Mr. Paul is an example to us all -- an example of the extraordinary service required to keep our nation safe, prosperous and strong."
A native of Hilo, Hawaii, Kaneshiro joined the Army in 1943 and served for three years with 522nd Field Artillery in Germany, France and Italy. His unit was part of the famed 442nd "Go for Broke!" Battalion made up of Japanese-American soldiers who collectively earned 20 Medals of Honor and seven Presidential Unit Citations.
After the war, Kaneshiro began working as a woodcraftsman at Hickam Air Depot in Hawaii. He came to Guam in 1946 for what he expected to be a two-year stint helping to rebuild the island after Typhoon Querida.
But 62 years later, Kaneshiro is still in Guam, where he rose through the ranks to become Andersen Air Force Base's vertical repair superintendent.
Gates hailed Kaneshiro as "a man who traveled halfway around the world to fight for freedom on Europe's battleground and who spent the rest of his career supporting generations of men and women devoted to keeping the world safe from tyranny."
Kaneshiro's handiwork is everywhere at the base. "He has helped construct Andersen from the ground up, literally," Gates said.
He designed and built countless storage cabinets, conference room tables and display cases -- most from solid oak. He has designed and overseen the construction of several buildings, including the Airman Leadership School and the command post, which took two and a half years of planning.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, commander of 36th Wing here, praised Kaneshiro for his "distinguished and long-serving career." Owens noted that Kaneshiro recently restored the base's dedication plaque -- one originally dedicated when he was on duty here in April 1950 -- for the Air Force's 60th anniversary.
"He has been a valued team member who represents the history of Andersen Air Force Base," Owens said.
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute to a legendary figure here who was retiring from the federal government with 66 years of service. Gates lauded Seikichi "Mr. Paul" Kaneshiro for embodying the principles of Americanism during Kaneshiro's retirement today as the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron's vertical repair superintendent during ceremonies at the base theater.
"Our country is only as strong as its citizens and their willingness to serve the greater good," Gates said. "In this respect, Mr. Paul is an example to us all -- an example of the extraordinary service required to keep our nation safe, prosperous and strong."
A native of Hilo, Hawaii, Kaneshiro joined the Army in 1943 and served for three years with 522nd Field Artillery in Germany, France and Italy. His unit was part of the famed 442nd "Go for Broke!" Battalion made up of Japanese-American soldiers who collectively earned 20 Medals of Honor and seven Presidential Unit Citations.
After the war, Kaneshiro began working as a woodcraftsman at Hickam Air Depot in Hawaii. He came to Guam in 1946 for what he expected to be a two-year stint helping to rebuild the island after Typhoon Querida.
But 62 years later, Kaneshiro is still in Guam, where he rose through the ranks to become Andersen Air Force Base's vertical repair superintendent.
Gates hailed Kaneshiro as "a man who traveled halfway around the world to fight for freedom on Europe's battleground and who spent the rest of his career supporting generations of men and women devoted to keeping the world safe from tyranny."
Kaneshiro's handiwork is everywhere at the base. "He has helped construct Andersen from the ground up, literally," Gates said.
He designed and built countless storage cabinets, conference room tables and display cases -- most from solid oak. He has designed and overseen the construction of several buildings, including the Airman Leadership School and the command post, which took two and a half years of planning.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, commander of 36th Wing here, praised Kaneshiro for his "distinguished and long-serving career." Owens noted that Kaneshiro recently restored the base's dedication plaque -- one originally dedicated when he was on duty here in April 1950 -- for the Air Force's 60th anniversary.
"He has been a valued team member who represents the history of Andersen Air Force Base," Owens said.
Mullen Cites Value of Hotline, Military Contacts With China
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - In the wake of the first operational use of a new hotline linking U.S. and Chinese military leaders, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he hopes military-to-military ties between the countries continue to increase and evolve. In an interview with a Chinese television crew here, where he's attending the Shangri-La Dialogue -- a conference focusing on the security challenges in Asia -- Mullen called the hotline he suggested last year that became operational this year "a very positive step forward."
A May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan province that killed more than 68,000 people resulted in the hotline's first use, Mullen noted. He used the opportunity presented by the Chinese television interview to express condolences.
"I'd certainly like to offer my condolences and heartfelt sympathies to all of the Chinese people, and particularly those families who lost loved ones in the earthquake," Mullen said.
When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command used the new hotline to reach out to Chinese counterparts immediately after the earthquake, it facilitated speedy U.S. relief efforts, he added.
"It really was the use of that hotline by Admiral Keating that allowed immediate contact in a crisis, which is one of the things the hotline was for," he said. "It created clear communications so the United States could offer assistance and the Chinese government could accept assistance."
Because the line is still new, Mullen said, he would like to see it mature before suggesting changes to the process. But he said it's an example of the growing military-to-military contacts between the United States and China.
"It's important that we stay engaged to create a better understanding of what our intentions are and our goals are," the chairman said. "I've expressed concern before about the increased defense budget in China and the technologies it's focused on. All of this argues for the need for us to stay in discussion so we can understand strategic intent."
Chinese strategic intent -- why China is developing these capabilities and how the country intends to use them once they're developed -- remains unclear, Mullen said, adding that he'd like to see communications between the U.S. and Chinese militaries continue to improve.
Noting that leadership exchanges already take place between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, Mullen said he would like to see a similar investment for the countries' younger officers, "so that when they grow up to be senior officers and run the military, they have that kind of background."
Mullen said he wants to continue education, training and exercise cooperation between the United States and China, "and small steps taken at the very senior level between the leaders and between the militaries ... that work together. At this stage of our relationship, doing that to create a better understanding is critical."
Mullen also answered questions about tensions between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. He said the United States has not changed its position on the "One China" policy, but that he hopes "with the tension being low, over time, the Taiwan issue would become much less of an issue."
The One China U.S. position is reflected in the Three Communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act. The United States does not support Taiwan's independence and insists on the peaceful resolution of differences between Beijing and Taipei.
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, who took office May 20, said in his inaugural speech that he wants to be a peacemaker, and not a troublemaker, with Beijing.
"[The Taiwan Straits] is a critical area," Mullen said during the interview. "Historically there has been tension, and I'm hopeful that tension will reduce to a level that sends a signal for the long run it will stay very low."
Mullen said the United States will continue its current arms sales policies toward Taiwan, stressing that the arms sent to Taiwan are defensive.
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - In the wake of the first operational use of a new hotline linking U.S. and Chinese military leaders, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he hopes military-to-military ties between the countries continue to increase and evolve. In an interview with a Chinese television crew here, where he's attending the Shangri-La Dialogue -- a conference focusing on the security challenges in Asia -- Mullen called the hotline he suggested last year that became operational this year "a very positive step forward."
A May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan province that killed more than 68,000 people resulted in the hotline's first use, Mullen noted. He used the opportunity presented by the Chinese television interview to express condolences.
"I'd certainly like to offer my condolences and heartfelt sympathies to all of the Chinese people, and particularly those families who lost loved ones in the earthquake," Mullen said.
When Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command used the new hotline to reach out to Chinese counterparts immediately after the earthquake, it facilitated speedy U.S. relief efforts, he added.
"It really was the use of that hotline by Admiral Keating that allowed immediate contact in a crisis, which is one of the things the hotline was for," he said. "It created clear communications so the United States could offer assistance and the Chinese government could accept assistance."
Because the line is still new, Mullen said, he would like to see it mature before suggesting changes to the process. But he said it's an example of the growing military-to-military contacts between the United States and China.
"It's important that we stay engaged to create a better understanding of what our intentions are and our goals are," the chairman said. "I've expressed concern before about the increased defense budget in China and the technologies it's focused on. All of this argues for the need for us to stay in discussion so we can understand strategic intent."
Chinese strategic intent -- why China is developing these capabilities and how the country intends to use them once they're developed -- remains unclear, Mullen said, adding that he'd like to see communications between the U.S. and Chinese militaries continue to improve.
Noting that leadership exchanges already take place between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, Mullen said he would like to see a similar investment for the countries' younger officers, "so that when they grow up to be senior officers and run the military, they have that kind of background."
Mullen said he wants to continue education, training and exercise cooperation between the United States and China, "and small steps taken at the very senior level between the leaders and between the militaries ... that work together. At this stage of our relationship, doing that to create a better understanding is critical."
Mullen also answered questions about tensions between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. He said the United States has not changed its position on the "One China" policy, but that he hopes "with the tension being low, over time, the Taiwan issue would become much less of an issue."
The One China U.S. position is reflected in the Three Communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act. The United States does not support Taiwan's independence and insists on the peaceful resolution of differences between Beijing and Taipei.
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, who took office May 20, said in his inaugural speech that he wants to be a peacemaker, and not a troublemaker, with Beijing.
"[The Taiwan Straits] is a critical area," Mullen said during the interview. "Historically there has been tension, and I'm hopeful that tension will reduce to a level that sends a signal for the long run it will stay very low."
Mullen said the United States will continue its current arms sales policies toward Taiwan, stressing that the arms sent to Taiwan are defensive.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Chairman Upbeat After Meeting Indonesian Leaders
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Meetings with Indonesian leaders here were constructive and friendly, and they hold great promise for the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's visit was designed to enhance military-to-military contacts and to discuss progress and challenges in the U.S.-Indonesia relationship.
Mullen praised Indonesian leaders for making the tough decisions to reform the government and sticking with the program. The chairman met with his counterpart, Indonesian army Gen. Djoko Santoso, Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Ady during his visit.
Indonesian civilian and military leaders have taken steps to transform the military to a professional, external security force that can provide domestic support to civilian security forces as necessary. In 1999, Indonesian leaders decided to separate the police from the army, and they completed that process in 2000. Much like in the United States, the military would step in to a situation only if the local police were overwhelmed. The Indonesian military did great work, for example, following the tsunami that struck the country in December 2004.
As part of this professionalization of the military, successive governments have worked with military leaders to de-emphasize the role the military plays in the Indonesian congress and to put the military under civilian control.
Mullen called his visit a reaffirmation of the strong military-to-military relationship the United States has with Indonesia, noting that the two countries have worked hard to increase the numbers of activities, exercises and training opportunities.
"A few years ago, the number of activities that took place between the two militaries in a given year was in the single digits," Mullen said during an interview yesterday. "This year it is some 130. It has increased significantly, and it is designed to reaffirm this very important partnership that we feel very strongly about."
International military education and training is important, Mullen said, "because probably the most significant thing we can do is invest in our young officers and noncommissioned officers, because it won't be too long before they will be leading our militaries, and having that embedded relationship when they are young is very important."
From 1991 to 2005, Indonesia was under some form of U.S. military sanctions. Training for young Indonesian officers and NCOs in the United States halted, as did bilateral exercises. As a result, the two militaries did not train together and were unfamiliar with how to work together in operations, and that showed through during the tsunami relief operations, officials traveling with Mullen said.
In its push to reform, the Indonesian military stresses human rights training for its servicemembers. Any U.S. training for the Indonesian military would also stress that, officials said.
After wrapping up his Indonesia visit, the chairman traveled to Singapore to join Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual Asia security conference.
American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - Meetings with Indonesian leaders here were constructive and friendly, and they hold great promise for the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's visit was designed to enhance military-to-military contacts and to discuss progress and challenges in the U.S.-Indonesia relationship.
Mullen praised Indonesian leaders for making the tough decisions to reform the government and sticking with the program. The chairman met with his counterpart, Indonesian army Gen. Djoko Santoso, Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo Ady during his visit.
Indonesian civilian and military leaders have taken steps to transform the military to a professional, external security force that can provide domestic support to civilian security forces as necessary. In 1999, Indonesian leaders decided to separate the police from the army, and they completed that process in 2000. Much like in the United States, the military would step in to a situation only if the local police were overwhelmed. The Indonesian military did great work, for example, following the tsunami that struck the country in December 2004.
As part of this professionalization of the military, successive governments have worked with military leaders to de-emphasize the role the military plays in the Indonesian congress and to put the military under civilian control.
Mullen called his visit a reaffirmation of the strong military-to-military relationship the United States has with Indonesia, noting that the two countries have worked hard to increase the numbers of activities, exercises and training opportunities.
"A few years ago, the number of activities that took place between the two militaries in a given year was in the single digits," Mullen said during an interview yesterday. "This year it is some 130. It has increased significantly, and it is designed to reaffirm this very important partnership that we feel very strongly about."
International military education and training is important, Mullen said, "because probably the most significant thing we can do is invest in our young officers and noncommissioned officers, because it won't be too long before they will be leading our militaries, and having that embedded relationship when they are young is very important."
From 1991 to 2005, Indonesia was under some form of U.S. military sanctions. Training for young Indonesian officers and NCOs in the United States halted, as did bilateral exercises. As a result, the two militaries did not train together and were unfamiliar with how to work together in operations, and that showed through during the tsunami relief operations, officials traveling with Mullen said.
In its push to reform, the Indonesian military stresses human rights training for its servicemembers. Any U.S. training for the Indonesian military would also stress that, officials said.
After wrapping up his Indonesia visit, the chairman traveled to Singapore to join Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual Asia security conference.
Army Adjusts to New Battlefield, General Says
By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - The Army has continued to refine the way it fights in today's modern battlefield, a senior military official said yesterday. "We have an important new concept that is working, that we need to essentially give capability to, and that's the modular force," Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Speakes, the service's deputy chief of staff for programs, said during a conference call with online journalists and bloggers.
"The way that we're going to empower the modular force is through Future Combat Systems," Speakes said.
For almost 10 years, the Army has researched and developed technology that eventually will replace Cold War–era systems with the modular capability that will be used to fight in today's modern battlefield. Fund shortages in the late 1990s put some programs on hold, and the military has had to restart critical research and development for technologies that the military has known for some time that it needs, Speakes explained.
"It took us time to develop the capabilities that we'll now see the results from," he said. "So, the first point was we had to start a brand-new concept of research, development, and technology investment. The second point is that we had to have the ... new vision of how we're going to fight."
The Army wants to keep soldiers safer on the battlefield, the general said. "What we want is a concept that through both manned and unmanned systems, aerial and ground systems, all primarily through robotics, that we're able to extend the battlefield and also reduce the risk of soldiers," he explained. But he cautioned that reduced risk won't make soldiers invulnerable on the battlefield.
"What we're going to try to do is extend the battlefield through the network," Speakes said. "Ultimately, our vision is to bring the network to the soldier." It's critical for soldiers to have the capability to communicate through text, voice, and visual images from anywhere to anyone, he said.
"So the concept then, [is one] of robotics, empowered by the network, all designed to reduce soldiers' vulnerability and increase soldiers' situational awareness," the general said.
Military officials recently introduced the first of eight new vehicles that are part of the modernization plan that harmonizes capabilities using common platforms, Speakes said. The new vehicles use a system that is 70 percent common in order to harmonize their capability or a common platform, Speakes said. And because the new techniques and technology are evolving, he added, there will be no need to keep creating new armor.
"The lessons of the IED battlefield what we've seen over the last three or four years have now been reflected in the important changes," he said.
The Army has never created a whole new concept for its technology and weapons development, the general said.
"If we did something for a good reason five years ago that is not right today, we'll go ahead and move forward and change that design plan in order to make it relevant for today and tomorrow," he said.
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 30, 2008 - The Army has continued to refine the way it fights in today's modern battlefield, a senior military official said yesterday. "We have an important new concept that is working, that we need to essentially give capability to, and that's the modular force," Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Speakes, the service's deputy chief of staff for programs, said during a conference call with online journalists and bloggers.
"The way that we're going to empower the modular force is through Future Combat Systems," Speakes said.
For almost 10 years, the Army has researched and developed technology that eventually will replace Cold War–era systems with the modular capability that will be used to fight in today's modern battlefield. Fund shortages in the late 1990s put some programs on hold, and the military has had to restart critical research and development for technologies that the military has known for some time that it needs, Speakes explained.
"It took us time to develop the capabilities that we'll now see the results from," he said. "So, the first point was we had to start a brand-new concept of research, development, and technology investment. The second point is that we had to have the ... new vision of how we're going to fight."
The Army wants to keep soldiers safer on the battlefield, the general said. "What we want is a concept that through both manned and unmanned systems, aerial and ground systems, all primarily through robotics, that we're able to extend the battlefield and also reduce the risk of soldiers," he explained. But he cautioned that reduced risk won't make soldiers invulnerable on the battlefield.
"What we're going to try to do is extend the battlefield through the network," Speakes said. "Ultimately, our vision is to bring the network to the soldier." It's critical for soldiers to have the capability to communicate through text, voice, and visual images from anywhere to anyone, he said.
"So the concept then, [is one] of robotics, empowered by the network, all designed to reduce soldiers' vulnerability and increase soldiers' situational awareness," the general said.
Military officials recently introduced the first of eight new vehicles that are part of the modernization plan that harmonizes capabilities using common platforms, Speakes said. The new vehicles use a system that is 70 percent common in order to harmonize their capability or a common platform, Speakes said. And because the new techniques and technology are evolving, he added, there will be no need to keep creating new armor.
"The lessons of the IED battlefield what we've seen over the last three or four years have now been reflected in the important changes," he said.
The Army has never created a whole new concept for its technology and weapons development, the general said.
"If we did something for a good reason five years ago that is not right today, we'll go ahead and move forward and change that design plan in order to make it relevant for today and tomorrow," he said.
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
DOSS Aviation, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a minimum $21,518,284.32 firm fixed price contract for government-owned, contractor operated fuel services. Other location of performance is Fla. Using service is Navy. This proposal was originally FedBizOps solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2016. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-C-5809).
City of Chicopee Inc., Chicopee, Mass.*, is being awarded a maximum $19,913,238.00 firm fixed price, prospective price redetermination contraction for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of electric distribution system. Other location of service is Westover ARB, Massachusetts. Using service is Air Force Reserves. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2058. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-C-8254).
Icaro Diecisiete, LTDA, Colombia, South America is being awarded a minimum $11,459,120.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1256).
World Fuel Services Corp., Miami, Fla.*, is being awarded a minimum $5,890,718 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel services. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1258).
Public Warehousing Co., Sulaiba, Safat is being awarded a maximum $2,801,334,120 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jun. 1, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3128).
NAVY
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $162,059,556 firm-fixed-priced modification to Delivery Order #0007 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for engineering change proposals to support Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
IBIS TEK,* Butler, Pa., is being awarded a ceiling amount $158,075,500 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to purchase 360 Degree Lighting Kits for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. This is one of multiple awards under the solicitation. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative ceiling value of this contract to $474,226,500. Work will be performed in Butler, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Office, with three offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-D-5046).
LOM,* Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a ceiling amount $149,730,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to purchase 360 Degree Lighting Kits for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. This is one of multiple awards under the solicitation. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative ceiling value of this contract to $449,190,000. Work will be performed in Suwanee, Ga., and work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procure via Navy Electronic Commerce Office, with three offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-D-5010).
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $78,500,000 ceiling-priced indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for the analysis, design, development, manufacture, test, installation, upgrade and logistical support of the MV-22 Aircraft Maintenance Trainer (AMT) and CV Flight Training Device/Full Flight Simulator (CV FTD/FFS) Products. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas (70 percent); and Philadelphia, Pa. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-08-D-0007).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $25,954,182 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for F/A-18E/F Service Life Assessment Program support services. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., (68 percent) and El Segundo, Calif., (32 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Dec. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Materials Sciences Corp.*, Horsham, Pa., is being awarded a $24,590,613 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering services in support of the Phase III Small Business Innovative Research, Topic # N01-078; sonar domes for the AN/SQS-53C sonar system. Efforts will include engineering and technical services for U.S. Naval Fleet support by developing materials, processes, molds, tools, and other parts necessary for the development and fabrication of panels, windows, and sonar domes; specifically the AN/SQS-53C dome. The contractor will also design, fabricate, install, test, and deliver panels, windows, sonar dome sections or full sonar domes utilizing a multi-phase woven hybrid Low Insertion Loss composite material system and a composites resin infusion molding manufacturing process. Work will be performed in Horsham, Pa., (60 percent) and Gulfport, Miss., (40 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $776,845 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Newport, R.I.,is the contracting activity (N66604-08-D-0034).
SFA, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $10,636,713 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contractto provide support services for integration, upgrade, and testing of Management and Control systems in ship and at shore facilities, including associated engineering, technical, and logistics support services. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $73,874,128. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (70 percent) and San Diego, (30 percent) and is expected to be completed by May 2009. If all options are exercised, work will continue until May 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the SPAWAR Systems Center E-Commerce website and one offer was received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-5801).
Armtec Countermeasures Co., Coachella, Calif., is being awarded a $10,528,066 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for countermeasures in support of the Naval Air Systems Command Airborne Expendable Countermeasures (AECM) Program Office and the 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. Work will be performed in Lillington, N.C., and work is expected to be completed by May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with two proposals solicited and one offer received. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-08-D-K048).
Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $9,688,495 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0002) for logistics support, technical engineering support services, and spare engines and associated parts for the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J, which includes the AE2100D3 turboprop engine and R391 propeller. Work will be performed at the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., and work is expected to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Kollmorgen Corp., Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $9,630,153 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6248) for engineering services and the associated support in support of the Photonics Mast Systems. The Photonics Mast is a non-hull penetrating electronic imaging subsystem of the command and control system. The Photonics Mast incorporates visible, infrared (IR) and electronic support measures (ESM) sensors and stealth features that will provide new capabilities for attack submarines. Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass., (70 percent), Seattle, Wash., (8 percent), Westfield, Mass., (6 percent), Boston, Mass., (6 percent), Joplin, Mo., (4 percent), Cincinnati, Ohio, (2 percent), Orlando, Fla., (2 percent), and Hackensack, N.J., (2 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command Washington Navy Yard, D.C. is the contracting activity.
CM Technologies Corp.*, Coraopolis, Pa., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with an estimated value of $9,562,581 for the procurement of up to 2,000 Hand-held Aircraft Wiring Testers (HAWT) and associated data item deliverables for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. The initial order under this contract is for six HAWT units and associated data item deliverables for the U.S. Navy. Work will be performed in Coraopolis, Pa., and work is expected to be completed in Jun. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals, with eight offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-D-0017).
Camber Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $8,575,896 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for program management, acquisition management, and engineering and technical services in support of the CH-53D, CH-53E, MH-53E, and CH-53K. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and work is expected to be completed in Nov. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N000421-08-C-0044).
AIR FORCE
Booz-Allen and Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $50,534,488 (Estimated). This action will provide Naval Network Warfare Command Survivability Analysis. At this time $1,000,152 has been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO 0254).
Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $7,016,117 (Estimated). This action will develop biomonitoring methods for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and other toxic industrial chemicals to measure exposure from terrorist threats and incidents, or other emergency response incidents or exercises. At this time $241,546 has been obligated. AETC 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-1380, DO 0542).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract awarded to Aerojet General Corporation, Aerojet Propulsion Division of Redmond, Wash., for $5,788,718. This effort is a modification for the Liquid Engine Alternate Propellant Development Program to provide the development of subsystems and components and efforts to integrate subsystems and components into system prototypes for field experiments and/or tests in a simulated environment. ATD includes concept and technology demonstrations of components and subsystems or system models. The model may be form, fit and function prototypes or scaled models that service the same demonstration purpose. The results of this type of effort are proof of technological feasibility and assessment of subsystem and component operability and producibility rather than the development of hardware for service use. At this time $1,050,000 has been obligated. AFFTC/PK, Edwards AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04611-01-C-0003 P00023).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Co., of Fort Worth Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract not to exceed $233.6 million. This action will provide for twenty-four F-16 Block 52 aircraft, along with associated support equipment, alternate mission equipment and support elements for the Government of Morocco. This effort will support foreign military sales to the Government of Morocco. At this time $124.3 million has been obligated. 312AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-08-C-6050).
DynCorp Technical, LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a fixed price contract for $47,756,568. The subject contract covers responsibility for receipt, inventory, accountability, maintenance, repair, periodic inspection and test, serviceability, marking, storage, security, shipping, and reporting of War Reserve Materiel resources. It required the contractor out-load and reconstitution of pre-positioned War Reserve Materiel in the United States Air Forces Central Area of Responsibility. Pre-positioned equipment includes but is not limited to: harvest falcon; Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources; medical; munitions; Tanks, Racks, Adapters, and Pylons; Fuels Mobility Support Equipment/Fuels Operational Readiness Capabilities Equipment; vehicles; Aerospace Ground Equipment; Air Base Operability equipment; war consumables; associated Mobility Readiness Spares Packages; and Peacetime Operating Stocks at designed WRM storage sites locations. The contractor is responsible for the maintenance and repair of Government furnished facilities and property while meeting environmental compliance requirements. When requested the contractor shall provide exercise and contingency logistics support by performing all aspects of: serviceability check, deployment out-load, in transit visibility, receipt, set-up, inventory, sustainment, condition sampling, redeployment or onward movement of assets/systems, and assist in tear-down and subsequent reconstitution, refurbishment, and storage of WRM assets/system. At this time no funds have been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKC SunTrust Building, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-C-0004).
Northrop Grumman Information Technology of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract not to exceed $26,552,441. This action will provide landing gear pistons, quantity of 802, in support to the T-38 aircraft. At this time $13,276,220 has been obligated. Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Contracting, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8203-08-C-0106).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co. of St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a contract for $17,214,995 (Estimated). This action will provide for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C Mission Training System contractor operations, maintenance, and instructor support for calendar years 2008-2010. This effort support foreign military sales to the Royal Saudi Air Force. This action will provide landing gear pistons, quantity of 802, in support to the T-38 aircraft. At this time $17,214,995 has been obligated. 558 ACSG/PK, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8223-08-C-0002).
The Air Force is modifying a firm-fixed price contract with McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of St Louis, Mo., for $8,628,700. This action will provide for Joint Direct Attack Munition High Data Rate Compact Telemetry Units, quantity of 300. The HCTMs are flight test instrumentation hardware which is used to gather real-time JDAM weapon data during testing. The JDAM weapon system provides the Air Force and the Navy with an improved aerial delivery capability for existing 500, 1000 and 2000-pound bombs. The JDAM is a strap-on kit with Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning Systems capability. In addition, this procurement includes 100 HCTM Adapter Kits in support of Test and Integration activities. At this time all funds have been obligated. 678 ARSS/PK (JDAM), Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-07-C-0002 P00004).
Missile Defense Agency Contract Award
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC of Burlington, Mass. is being awarded a $7,233,850 contract modification to repair and flight test the Widebody Airborne Sensor Platform to ensure it meets airworthiness standards. Work will be performed at the contractor's facility and Aeroframe Services LLC, a subcontractor, facilities in Lake Charles, La., and is expected to be complete by Oct. 2008. This is a sole source contract modification. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-08-C-0009). The contract will use FY 08 research and development funds.
ARMY
Stewart & Stevenson TVS, LP, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on May 29, 2008, a $37,356,777 firm-fixed price contract for low signature armor cabs in a box. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 28, 2007. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-A500).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on May 29, 2008, a $22,963,325 firm-fixed price contract for UH-60 Blackhawk spares, procurement for blades and rotor wings. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 13, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-D-0116).
Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co, LLC, Independence, Mo., was awarded on May 28, 2008, an $8,087,459 firm-fixed price contract for small caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jan. 2, 2008. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAA09-99-D-0016).
DOSS Aviation, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a minimum $21,518,284.32 firm fixed price contract for government-owned, contractor operated fuel services. Other location of performance is Fla. Using service is Navy. This proposal was originally FedBizOps solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2016. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-C-5809).
City of Chicopee Inc., Chicopee, Mass.*, is being awarded a maximum $19,913,238.00 firm fixed price, prospective price redetermination contraction for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of electric distribution system. Other location of service is Westover ARB, Massachusetts. Using service is Air Force Reserves. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2058. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-C-8254).
Icaro Diecisiete, LTDA, Colombia, South America is being awarded a minimum $11,459,120.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1256).
World Fuel Services Corp., Miami, Fla.*, is being awarded a minimum $5,890,718 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel services. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1258).
Public Warehousing Co., Sulaiba, Safat is being awarded a maximum $2,801,334,120 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jun. 1, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3128).
NAVY
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $162,059,556 firm-fixed-priced modification to Delivery Order #0007 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for engineering change proposals to support Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
IBIS TEK,* Butler, Pa., is being awarded a ceiling amount $158,075,500 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to purchase 360 Degree Lighting Kits for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. This is one of multiple awards under the solicitation. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative ceiling value of this contract to $474,226,500. Work will be performed in Butler, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Office, with three offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-D-5046).
LOM,* Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a ceiling amount $149,730,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to purchase 360 Degree Lighting Kits for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. This is one of multiple awards under the solicitation. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative ceiling value of this contract to $449,190,000. Work will be performed in Suwanee, Ga., and work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procure via Navy Electronic Commerce Office, with three offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-D-5010).
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $78,500,000 ceiling-priced indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for the analysis, design, development, manufacture, test, installation, upgrade and logistical support of the MV-22 Aircraft Maintenance Trainer (AMT) and CV Flight Training Device/Full Flight Simulator (CV FTD/FFS) Products. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas (70 percent); and Philadelphia, Pa. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-08-D-0007).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $25,954,182 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for F/A-18E/F Service Life Assessment Program support services. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., (68 percent) and El Segundo, Calif., (32 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Dec. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Materials Sciences Corp.*, Horsham, Pa., is being awarded a $24,590,613 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering services in support of the Phase III Small Business Innovative Research, Topic # N01-078; sonar domes for the AN/SQS-53C sonar system. Efforts will include engineering and technical services for U.S. Naval Fleet support by developing materials, processes, molds, tools, and other parts necessary for the development and fabrication of panels, windows, and sonar domes; specifically the AN/SQS-53C dome. The contractor will also design, fabricate, install, test, and deliver panels, windows, sonar dome sections or full sonar domes utilizing a multi-phase woven hybrid Low Insertion Loss composite material system and a composites resin infusion molding manufacturing process. Work will be performed in Horsham, Pa., (60 percent) and Gulfport, Miss., (40 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $776,845 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Newport, R.I.,is the contracting activity (N66604-08-D-0034).
SFA, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $10,636,713 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contractto provide support services for integration, upgrade, and testing of Management and Control systems in ship and at shore facilities, including associated engineering, technical, and logistics support services. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $73,874,128. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (70 percent) and San Diego, (30 percent) and is expected to be completed by May 2009. If all options are exercised, work will continue until May 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the SPAWAR Systems Center E-Commerce website and one offer was received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-5801).
Armtec Countermeasures Co., Coachella, Calif., is being awarded a $10,528,066 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for countermeasures in support of the Naval Air Systems Command Airborne Expendable Countermeasures (AECM) Program Office and the 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. Work will be performed in Lillington, N.C., and work is expected to be completed by May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with two proposals solicited and one offer received. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-08-D-K048).
Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $9,688,495 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0002) for logistics support, technical engineering support services, and spare engines and associated parts for the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J, which includes the AE2100D3 turboprop engine and R391 propeller. Work will be performed at the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., and work is expected to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Kollmorgen Corp., Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $9,630,153 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6248) for engineering services and the associated support in support of the Photonics Mast Systems. The Photonics Mast is a non-hull penetrating electronic imaging subsystem of the command and control system. The Photonics Mast incorporates visible, infrared (IR) and electronic support measures (ESM) sensors and stealth features that will provide new capabilities for attack submarines. Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass., (70 percent), Seattle, Wash., (8 percent), Westfield, Mass., (6 percent), Boston, Mass., (6 percent), Joplin, Mo., (4 percent), Cincinnati, Ohio, (2 percent), Orlando, Fla., (2 percent), and Hackensack, N.J., (2 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command Washington Navy Yard, D.C. is the contracting activity.
CM Technologies Corp.*, Coraopolis, Pa., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with an estimated value of $9,562,581 for the procurement of up to 2,000 Hand-held Aircraft Wiring Testers (HAWT) and associated data item deliverables for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. The initial order under this contract is for six HAWT units and associated data item deliverables for the U.S. Navy. Work will be performed in Coraopolis, Pa., and work is expected to be completed in Jun. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals, with eight offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-D-0017).
Camber Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $8,575,896 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for program management, acquisition management, and engineering and technical services in support of the CH-53D, CH-53E, MH-53E, and CH-53K. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and work is expected to be completed in Nov. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N000421-08-C-0044).
AIR FORCE
Booz-Allen and Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $50,534,488 (Estimated). This action will provide Naval Network Warfare Command Survivability Analysis. At this time $1,000,152 has been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO 0254).
Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $7,016,117 (Estimated). This action will develop biomonitoring methods for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and other toxic industrial chemicals to measure exposure from terrorist threats and incidents, or other emergency response incidents or exercises. At this time $241,546 has been obligated. AETC 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-1380, DO 0542).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract awarded to Aerojet General Corporation, Aerojet Propulsion Division of Redmond, Wash., for $5,788,718. This effort is a modification for the Liquid Engine Alternate Propellant Development Program to provide the development of subsystems and components and efforts to integrate subsystems and components into system prototypes for field experiments and/or tests in a simulated environment. ATD includes concept and technology demonstrations of components and subsystems or system models. The model may be form, fit and function prototypes or scaled models that service the same demonstration purpose. The results of this type of effort are proof of technological feasibility and assessment of subsystem and component operability and producibility rather than the development of hardware for service use. At this time $1,050,000 has been obligated. AFFTC/PK, Edwards AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04611-01-C-0003 P00023).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Co., of Fort Worth Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract not to exceed $233.6 million. This action will provide for twenty-four F-16 Block 52 aircraft, along with associated support equipment, alternate mission equipment and support elements for the Government of Morocco. This effort will support foreign military sales to the Government of Morocco. At this time $124.3 million has been obligated. 312AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-08-C-6050).
DynCorp Technical, LLC of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a fixed price contract for $47,756,568. The subject contract covers responsibility for receipt, inventory, accountability, maintenance, repair, periodic inspection and test, serviceability, marking, storage, security, shipping, and reporting of War Reserve Materiel resources. It required the contractor out-load and reconstitution of pre-positioned War Reserve Materiel in the United States Air Forces Central Area of Responsibility. Pre-positioned equipment includes but is not limited to: harvest falcon; Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources; medical; munitions; Tanks, Racks, Adapters, and Pylons; Fuels Mobility Support Equipment/Fuels Operational Readiness Capabilities Equipment; vehicles; Aerospace Ground Equipment; Air Base Operability equipment; war consumables; associated Mobility Readiness Spares Packages; and Peacetime Operating Stocks at designed WRM storage sites locations. The contractor is responsible for the maintenance and repair of Government furnished facilities and property while meeting environmental compliance requirements. When requested the contractor shall provide exercise and contingency logistics support by performing all aspects of: serviceability check, deployment out-load, in transit visibility, receipt, set-up, inventory, sustainment, condition sampling, redeployment or onward movement of assets/systems, and assist in tear-down and subsequent reconstitution, refurbishment, and storage of WRM assets/system. At this time no funds have been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKC SunTrust Building, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-C-0004).
Northrop Grumman Information Technology of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract not to exceed $26,552,441. This action will provide landing gear pistons, quantity of 802, in support to the T-38 aircraft. At this time $13,276,220 has been obligated. Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Contracting, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8203-08-C-0106).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co. of St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a contract for $17,214,995 (Estimated). This action will provide for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C Mission Training System contractor operations, maintenance, and instructor support for calendar years 2008-2010. This effort support foreign military sales to the Royal Saudi Air Force. This action will provide landing gear pistons, quantity of 802, in support to the T-38 aircraft. At this time $17,214,995 has been obligated. 558 ACSG/PK, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8223-08-C-0002).
The Air Force is modifying a firm-fixed price contract with McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of St Louis, Mo., for $8,628,700. This action will provide for Joint Direct Attack Munition High Data Rate Compact Telemetry Units, quantity of 300. The HCTMs are flight test instrumentation hardware which is used to gather real-time JDAM weapon data during testing. The JDAM weapon system provides the Air Force and the Navy with an improved aerial delivery capability for existing 500, 1000 and 2000-pound bombs. The JDAM is a strap-on kit with Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning Systems capability. In addition, this procurement includes 100 HCTM Adapter Kits in support of Test and Integration activities. At this time all funds have been obligated. 678 ARSS/PK (JDAM), Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-07-C-0002 P00004).
Missile Defense Agency Contract Award
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC of Burlington, Mass. is being awarded a $7,233,850 contract modification to repair and flight test the Widebody Airborne Sensor Platform to ensure it meets airworthiness standards. Work will be performed at the contractor's facility and Aeroframe Services LLC, a subcontractor, facilities in Lake Charles, La., and is expected to be complete by Oct. 2008. This is a sole source contract modification. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-08-C-0009). The contract will use FY 08 research and development funds.
ARMY
Stewart & Stevenson TVS, LP, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on May 29, 2008, a $37,356,777 firm-fixed price contract for low signature armor cabs in a box. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 28, 2007. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-A500).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on May 29, 2008, a $22,963,325 firm-fixed price contract for UH-60 Blackhawk spares, procurement for blades and rotor wings. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 13, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-D-0116).
Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co, LLC, Independence, Mo., was awarded on May 28, 2008, an $8,087,459 firm-fixed price contract for small caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jan. 2, 2008. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAA09-99-D-0016).
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Soldiers Join Forces With Kansas City Runners to Help Brain Injury Victims
By By Army Spc. Jason Jordan
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 29, 2008 - On opposite sides of the globe, two groups of people in very different environments worked together to raise money for individuals suffering from brain injuries. This Memorial Day, Army soldiers deployed here were joined by an army of volunteer citizens in Kansas City, Kan., and the two fought as one for their causes.
Soldiers with 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, joined the 21st Annual Amy Thompson Run to Daylight. The charity event consists of 2-mile and 8-kilometer events in Kansas City.
Amy Thompson was a 23-year-old college graduate enjoying her life as a third-grade teacher in Kansas City when she was shot twice in the head during an attempted robbery at a neighborhood party on Halloween night 1986. After awakening from a six-week coma, Thompson survived against terrible odds, struggling to resume life after a brain injury.
Although she fought valiantly for three years, Thompson died unexpectedly Christmas night 1989. On Memorial Day the previous year, a group of Thompson's closest friends and family began the Run to Daylight in her name.
"When run officials in the states contacted us with their desire for us to participate in their charity event, we immediately discovered that our struggles were very much related," said Army Capt. Peter Hofman, a chaplain with 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment. "We were very excited to participate in such a noble cause. And with Memorial Day upon us and the fact that servicemembers are suffering brain injuries in explosions, it just all fit. It made sense for us to join their cause."
Hofman coordinated with Kansas City officials to help make the run possible for servicemembers in Iraq.
Run officials in Kansas City were clearly excited about the troop involvement, as well. Newspaper articles and a special on the nightly news segment announced the runners would be joined by servicemembers in Iraq this year.
"The original plan was to have the soldiers conduct the run at the same time as the Kansas City runners. But ... that would be between 5 and 6 in the evening, which would make it somewhere around 110 degrees or higher in the desert," Mary Thompson O'Connor, Amy's sister and a run official, said on a special segment of Kansas City's KMBC-TV news show.
To show their support for the soldiers on their Memorial Day run, the Kansas City runners wore T-shirts honoring those serving in combat. Run officials also sent flyers, official city run bibs and T-shirts to those who would be running in Iraq.
O'Connor also insisted on providing the battalion with $1,200 in Amazon.com gift cards to be awarded to the top three male and female runners in both the 2-mile and 8-kilometer events.
Airmen and civilian contractors serving with 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, soldiers ran along side the regiment.
"There was no shortage of volunteers willing to participate in such a good cause," Hofman said. "The average maximum participation has been 100 people in past events on the base. We were delighted to inform those in Kansas City that 147 people showed up in the early morning hours to participate in the Amy Thompson run."
"What better cause could you find for which to volunteer your time?" said 10th Brigade Support Battalion's Spc. David Andrade, 1st place runner of the 2-mile event. "You are benefiting your body with exercise while participating in a good cause and honoring America's servicemembers. And everyone could use an Amazon gift card."
Both groups of runners on each side of the world held a moment of silence before their run, honoring servicemembers. The 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment soldiers spoke aloud the names of 11 members of 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, who were killed since their deployment began in September. A moment of silence followed each name.
(Army Spc. Jason Jordan serves with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 29, 2008 - On opposite sides of the globe, two groups of people in very different environments worked together to raise money for individuals suffering from brain injuries. This Memorial Day, Army soldiers deployed here were joined by an army of volunteer citizens in Kansas City, Kan., and the two fought as one for their causes.
Soldiers with 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, joined the 21st Annual Amy Thompson Run to Daylight. The charity event consists of 2-mile and 8-kilometer events in Kansas City.
Amy Thompson was a 23-year-old college graduate enjoying her life as a third-grade teacher in Kansas City when she was shot twice in the head during an attempted robbery at a neighborhood party on Halloween night 1986. After awakening from a six-week coma, Thompson survived against terrible odds, struggling to resume life after a brain injury.
Although she fought valiantly for three years, Thompson died unexpectedly Christmas night 1989. On Memorial Day the previous year, a group of Thompson's closest friends and family began the Run to Daylight in her name.
"When run officials in the states contacted us with their desire for us to participate in their charity event, we immediately discovered that our struggles were very much related," said Army Capt. Peter Hofman, a chaplain with 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment. "We were very excited to participate in such a noble cause. And with Memorial Day upon us and the fact that servicemembers are suffering brain injuries in explosions, it just all fit. It made sense for us to join their cause."
Hofman coordinated with Kansas City officials to help make the run possible for servicemembers in Iraq.
Run officials in Kansas City were clearly excited about the troop involvement, as well. Newspaper articles and a special on the nightly news segment announced the runners would be joined by servicemembers in Iraq this year.
"The original plan was to have the soldiers conduct the run at the same time as the Kansas City runners. But ... that would be between 5 and 6 in the evening, which would make it somewhere around 110 degrees or higher in the desert," Mary Thompson O'Connor, Amy's sister and a run official, said on a special segment of Kansas City's KMBC-TV news show.
To show their support for the soldiers on their Memorial Day run, the Kansas City runners wore T-shirts honoring those serving in combat. Run officials also sent flyers, official city run bibs and T-shirts to those who would be running in Iraq.
O'Connor also insisted on providing the battalion with $1,200 in Amazon.com gift cards to be awarded to the top three male and female runners in both the 2-mile and 8-kilometer events.
Airmen and civilian contractors serving with 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, soldiers ran along side the regiment.
"There was no shortage of volunteers willing to participate in such a good cause," Hofman said. "The average maximum participation has been 100 people in past events on the base. We were delighted to inform those in Kansas City that 147 people showed up in the early morning hours to participate in the Amy Thompson run."
"What better cause could you find for which to volunteer your time?" said 10th Brigade Support Battalion's Spc. David Andrade, 1st place runner of the 2-mile event. "You are benefiting your body with exercise while participating in a good cause and honoring America's servicemembers. And everyone could use an Amazon gift card."
Both groups of runners on each side of the world held a moment of silence before their run, honoring servicemembers. The 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment soldiers spoke aloud the names of 11 members of 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, who were killed since their deployment began in September. A moment of silence followed each name.
(Army Spc. Jason Jordan serves with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.)
Army Deploys Prevention Programs to Combat Soldier Suicides
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
May 29, 2008 - The Army is deploying a multitude of prevention programs as part of efforts to stop soldiers from taking their own lives, senior Army officials said here today. The Army should train its soldiers how to cope with psychological challenges as well as physical ones, Army Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, assistant surgeon general for force protection, told reporters during a Pentagon roundtable.
For example, the Battlemind training program prepares soldiers for a combat environment, Cornum said, adding that troops who've taken Battlemind training report fewer psychological health problems.
Last year, the Army initiated a chain-teaching program to educate all soldiers and leaders about symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and mild brain injury, Cornum said. More than 900,000 soldiers were trained since July, she noted.
Cornum saluted Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' decision to change Question 21 of the questionnaire for national security positions, regarding mental and emotional health. The revised question, she said, now excludes non-court-ordered counseling related to marital, family or grief issues, or counseling for issues related to military service in a combat zone.
"So, the change was made because accessing professional help for those mental health issues should not be perceived to jeopardize your career," Cornum said. "On the contrary, failure to seek care for those kinds of issues might actually increase the likelihood that your psychological distress could escalate to a more serious mental health condition, and that more serious condition could, in fact, preclude an individual from performing those sensitive duties.
"War is hard on soldiers and it can be even harder on families," she observed. "When soldiers return home, most will experience a readjustment period, but they will also experience a successful home transition."
Some returning servicemembers will require short- or long-term counseling to assist in that transition, Cornum said, noting that situation is not unusual.
"We believe there is more to be done, and we are committed to maximizing prevention, as well as treating psychological health problems as they occur," Cornum said.
The Army's personnel directorate and the Army Surgeon General hosted the initial Suicide Prevention General Officer Steering Committee on Feb. 11. That committee will take a critical look at policies, procedures, climate and culture as they pertain to suicide prevention, according to Army documents.
The 144-page Army Suicide Event Report released today said 115 soldiers took their lives in calendar year 2007, the highest number of suicides since record-keeping began in 1980, according to officials. Five of the deceased were female soldiers. Ninety-three of the departed soldiers were active-duty troops, and 22 were either in the National Guard or Army Reserve.
Army records show 102 soldiers died by their own hands in 2006, of which 11 were women.
Most soldiers that killed themselves were young and male, according to the report, with failed personal relationships cited as the number one cause. Most soldiers that committed suicide did so at their home stations and not overseas. In fact, of the 115 soldiers who killed themselves last year, 32 died in Iraq, while 4 died in Afghanistan. Drug or alcohol use was cited in 30 percent of the suicide cases.
The majority of the suicide cases last year did not have a known history of a mental disorder, according to Army documents.
The current active-duty Army suicide rate is 18.8 per 100,000 soldiers, according to officials. The Army suicide rate goes down to 16.8 per 100,000 soldiers when the reserve components are added. The adjusted U.S. population suicide rate is 19.5 per 100,000 people.
There've been 38 confirmed soldier suicides so far this year, officials said.
"Obviously, suicide is a very complex phenomenon with a lot going on," said Army Col. Elspeth C. Ritchie, director of the Army Surgeon General's office for behavioral health. "The main motive for suicide is related to breakup of relationships, usually with a partner."
Other soldier-suicide motivators include getting in trouble at work or elsewhere, Ritchie noted.
"We know that the multiple deployments and the length of the deployment are major stressors back at home; so, there're kind of a lot of different factors," Ritchie said. "We certainly would hope that all of our indicators of quality of life get better as the deployments get shorter and there's more 'dwell time' back at home." Dwell time is the time at home station between deployments.
"But, I don't think we would be able to say we predict that at this time," Ritchie continued. "We also know that we're doing a lot of mitigating strategies at (suicide) prevention and resilience, and we hope that those would help, as well."
One soldier suicide is too many, said Lt. Col. Thomas E. Languirand, who works in Army's deputy chief of staff for personnel office.
"We value each and every soldier, and we look continually ... at how we can put our policies and programs in place to help with the resiliency of our soldiers and their families to better enhance their life-coping skills," Languirand said. "And, we obviously believe that behavioral health is a very important, key part of preventing suicides in the Army."
Languirand observed that high operational tempo is causing stress across the Army's ranks.
"We understand that we are a force under stress, and we do the best that we can to mitigate those risks -- not only the risks that you may associate with persistent conflict, but also the risks that are normal and prevalent in everyday society," Languirand said.
Yet, Ritchie said, there doesn't seem to be a statistical link between wartime operations and an increase in soldier suicides.
"Actually, we're not seeing a clear relationship between conflict increase and suicide," Ritchie said.
American Forces Press Service
May 29, 2008 - The Army is deploying a multitude of prevention programs as part of efforts to stop soldiers from taking their own lives, senior Army officials said here today. The Army should train its soldiers how to cope with psychological challenges as well as physical ones, Army Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, assistant surgeon general for force protection, told reporters during a Pentagon roundtable.
For example, the Battlemind training program prepares soldiers for a combat environment, Cornum said, adding that troops who've taken Battlemind training report fewer psychological health problems.
Last year, the Army initiated a chain-teaching program to educate all soldiers and leaders about symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and mild brain injury, Cornum said. More than 900,000 soldiers were trained since July, she noted.
Cornum saluted Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' decision to change Question 21 of the questionnaire for national security positions, regarding mental and emotional health. The revised question, she said, now excludes non-court-ordered counseling related to marital, family or grief issues, or counseling for issues related to military service in a combat zone.
"So, the change was made because accessing professional help for those mental health issues should not be perceived to jeopardize your career," Cornum said. "On the contrary, failure to seek care for those kinds of issues might actually increase the likelihood that your psychological distress could escalate to a more serious mental health condition, and that more serious condition could, in fact, preclude an individual from performing those sensitive duties.
"War is hard on soldiers and it can be even harder on families," she observed. "When soldiers return home, most will experience a readjustment period, but they will also experience a successful home transition."
Some returning servicemembers will require short- or long-term counseling to assist in that transition, Cornum said, noting that situation is not unusual.
"We believe there is more to be done, and we are committed to maximizing prevention, as well as treating psychological health problems as they occur," Cornum said.
The Army's personnel directorate and the Army Surgeon General hosted the initial Suicide Prevention General Officer Steering Committee on Feb. 11. That committee will take a critical look at policies, procedures, climate and culture as they pertain to suicide prevention, according to Army documents.
The 144-page Army Suicide Event Report released today said 115 soldiers took their lives in calendar year 2007, the highest number of suicides since record-keeping began in 1980, according to officials. Five of the deceased were female soldiers. Ninety-three of the departed soldiers were active-duty troops, and 22 were either in the National Guard or Army Reserve.
Army records show 102 soldiers died by their own hands in 2006, of which 11 were women.
Most soldiers that killed themselves were young and male, according to the report, with failed personal relationships cited as the number one cause. Most soldiers that committed suicide did so at their home stations and not overseas. In fact, of the 115 soldiers who killed themselves last year, 32 died in Iraq, while 4 died in Afghanistan. Drug or alcohol use was cited in 30 percent of the suicide cases.
The majority of the suicide cases last year did not have a known history of a mental disorder, according to Army documents.
The current active-duty Army suicide rate is 18.8 per 100,000 soldiers, according to officials. The Army suicide rate goes down to 16.8 per 100,000 soldiers when the reserve components are added. The adjusted U.S. population suicide rate is 19.5 per 100,000 people.
There've been 38 confirmed soldier suicides so far this year, officials said.
"Obviously, suicide is a very complex phenomenon with a lot going on," said Army Col. Elspeth C. Ritchie, director of the Army Surgeon General's office for behavioral health. "The main motive for suicide is related to breakup of relationships, usually with a partner."
Other soldier-suicide motivators include getting in trouble at work or elsewhere, Ritchie noted.
"We know that the multiple deployments and the length of the deployment are major stressors back at home; so, there're kind of a lot of different factors," Ritchie said. "We certainly would hope that all of our indicators of quality of life get better as the deployments get shorter and there's more 'dwell time' back at home." Dwell time is the time at home station between deployments.
"But, I don't think we would be able to say we predict that at this time," Ritchie continued. "We also know that we're doing a lot of mitigating strategies at (suicide) prevention and resilience, and we hope that those would help, as well."
One soldier suicide is too many, said Lt. Col. Thomas E. Languirand, who works in Army's deputy chief of staff for personnel office.
"We value each and every soldier, and we look continually ... at how we can put our policies and programs in place to help with the resiliency of our soldiers and their families to better enhance their life-coping skills," Languirand said. "And, we obviously believe that behavioral health is a very important, key part of preventing suicides in the Army."
Languirand observed that high operational tempo is causing stress across the Army's ranks.
"We understand that we are a force under stress, and we do the best that we can to mitigate those risks -- not only the risks that you may associate with persistent conflict, but also the risks that are normal and prevalent in everyday society," Languirand said.
Yet, Ritchie said, there doesn't seem to be a statistical link between wartime operations and an increase in soldier suicides.
"Actually, we're not seeing a clear relationship between conflict increase and suicide," Ritchie said.
America Supports You: Troop-Support Group Added to 'Top-Rated' Charities
American Forces Press Service
May 29, 2008 - After stringent review by one of the country's premier charity watchdogs, a Massachusetts-based troop-support group has been added to a list of top-rated charities. The American Institute of Philanthropy has reviewed Homes for Our Troops' finances and included the group in their "Top-Rated Veterans & Military Charities" listing.
Homes for Our Troops is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
"Homes for Our Troops is proud to be included in [American Institute of Philanthropy's] list of top rated veterans and military charities," said Tom Benoit, vice president and chief financial officer of Homes for Our Troops. "Our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to efficiently raise the funds needed to build homes across the country for severely injured veterans.
"The support we receive from our corporate partners and from individuals and companies across the country made it possible for Homes for Our Troops to spend only 7 percent on administration and fundraising in our fiscal year [ending] Sept. 30, 2007, and to complete 11 homes in 2007," he added. "Our goal is to complete 30 homes in 2008."
Founded in 2004, Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specially adapted homes to servicemembers severely injured while fighting in the global war on terrorism. The organization has provided 25 veterans and their families with homes suited to meet the each veteran's individual challenges. Over the next few years, Homes for Our Troops is committed to providing at least 100 additional homes for injured troops, organization officials said.
Only five of the 32 veterans charities listed in the American Institute of Philanthropy's most recent report are included in the top-rated category, according to institute officials.
The watchdog's review process focuses on the percent of costs spent on "program service costs" and the efficiency of organizations in raising funds.
Rather than just using figures reported by charities in financial disclosure forms, the institute adjusts for direct mail, telemarketing and solicitation costs that are sometimes allocated to program service costs. It also excludes the value of donated goods and services, which can be difficult to measure.
Because of their thorough review process, the institute was described as "the pit bull of watchdogs" by the New York Times. Newsweek said, "It's the toughest of the bunch. Because it disregards certain, potentially suspect, expenses and donations, it fails some nonprofits that the other raters approve."
May 29, 2008 - After stringent review by one of the country's premier charity watchdogs, a Massachusetts-based troop-support group has been added to a list of top-rated charities. The American Institute of Philanthropy has reviewed Homes for Our Troops' finances and included the group in their "Top-Rated Veterans & Military Charities" listing.
Homes for Our Troops is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
"Homes for Our Troops is proud to be included in [American Institute of Philanthropy's] list of top rated veterans and military charities," said Tom Benoit, vice president and chief financial officer of Homes for Our Troops. "Our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to efficiently raise the funds needed to build homes across the country for severely injured veterans.
"The support we receive from our corporate partners and from individuals and companies across the country made it possible for Homes for Our Troops to spend only 7 percent on administration and fundraising in our fiscal year [ending] Sept. 30, 2007, and to complete 11 homes in 2007," he added. "Our goal is to complete 30 homes in 2008."
Founded in 2004, Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specially adapted homes to servicemembers severely injured while fighting in the global war on terrorism. The organization has provided 25 veterans and their families with homes suited to meet the each veteran's individual challenges. Over the next few years, Homes for Our Troops is committed to providing at least 100 additional homes for injured troops, organization officials said.
Only five of the 32 veterans charities listed in the American Institute of Philanthropy's most recent report are included in the top-rated category, according to institute officials.
The watchdog's review process focuses on the percent of costs spent on "program service costs" and the efficiency of organizations in raising funds.
Rather than just using figures reported by charities in financial disclosure forms, the institute adjusts for direct mail, telemarketing and solicitation costs that are sometimes allocated to program service costs. It also excludes the value of donated goods and services, which can be difficult to measure.
Because of their thorough review process, the institute was described as "the pit bull of watchdogs" by the New York Times. Newsweek said, "It's the toughest of the bunch. Because it disregards certain, potentially suspect, expenses and donations, it fails some nonprofits that the other raters approve."
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