By Army Spc. Josh LeCappelain
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 11, 2008 - Some servicemembers' careers are defined by a single deployment. For Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Matthews, frequent deployments have become a way of life.
Matthews' most recent deployment landed him here, where he now enjoys sharing what he's learned about deployments, as well as some empathy, with others.
"I have a ton of Army experience and deployments under my belt," he said. "It's rewarding to pass my knowledge on to other people."
Matthews is the noncommissioned officer in charge of Multinational Division Center's analysis and control element. This is his eighth overseas deployment in 18 years in the Army, on top of numerous relocations stateside. But, he's not complaining.
"I love my job," he said. "The feeling you get, the sense of accomplishment when returning from a deployment, is unbelievable."
A resident Neversink, N.Y. -- known as the birthplace of American fly fishing -- Matthews enlisted as an engineer after his high school graduation in 1990. Before long, he was headed to basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
"I did really well at AIT," he said. "I got more comfortable and felt like I had picked the right job."
Following graduation, Matthews was assigned to the 52nd Engineers at Fort Carson, Colo. Arriving at his new home, he found out his unit was deployed to Saudi Arabia. After a brisk month's work of preparation, the young private found himself in the Middle East.
"Being 19, it is hard being so far away from home in a combat zone," he said of his three-month first deployment. "You try to set a rhythm, but it's hard as a private."
Matthews returned to Fort Carson, continuing to learn his job and the ways of the Army. It was during this time that he married his high school sweetheart, Katrina. Together, they forged their way forward and started a family. They have three children: Britney, 16; Jenna, 12; and Trey, 6.
In 1993, the call came again to deploy. This time, Matthews would be going to Somalia, just months after 18 servicemembers were killed there when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down during a humanitarian mission in the East African nation in an incident chronicled in Mark Bowden's book titled "Black Hawk Down" and the motion picture adapted from the book.
By then, Matthews said, he "was a little more comfortable" about deploying. But, he added, "Somalia was my worst deployment. Following the incidents of 'Black Hawk Down,' my family was really frightened. ... Convincing them I was safe was very difficult."
After four months, Matthews returned to the United States. He soon learned he would be traveling again the following year. "We started training to go to Haiti," he recalled, adding that the deployment would be his most enjoyable one.
"We went to the beach and actually built a beach house," he said, and he recalled memories such as playing football in six inches of water and mud. But it wasn't all fun and games -- a tropical storm hit Haiti, causing destruction and chaos.
"We heard about mudslides and people being killed," he said. "It rained for two of three straight days. You couldn't walk anywhere without walking through a foot of water. We were sleeping on top of our cots, on top of all of our [equipment]."
The soldiers worked long and hard, with their mission being changed to humanitarian assistance. For their efforts, they were awarded Humanitarian Service medals.
Following redeployment, Matthews applied for a position in the White House. After countless screening processes, he received his top-secret clearance, only to learn the position had been filled. But, as one door closes, another opens, he said. As a result of his new clearance, he switched his career field to intelligence.
After AIT at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., the Matthews family headed to Fort Belvoir, Va. Following two years there, he headed to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, with a year-long training stop in Fort Hood, Texas. During this time, Matthews deployed twice to Asia for month-long training exercises in South Korea and Thailand.
Late in 2001, Matthews received orders to Fort Drum, N.Y. It was during his leave in conjunction with his move that the world changed.
"I was en route when 9/11 happened," he said. "I knew my life would never be the same."
Heading to Fort Drum without his family, Matthews received a phone call in his hotel room one night from the 10th Mountain Division intelligence sergeant major, who asked if he was interested in deploying. Needing time to adjust and settle his family into Watertown, N.Y., Matthews declined.
Instead, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, where he served with the rear detachment as the unit deployed to the Middle East. After a year and a half, he asked to move up to division headquarters, where he has served ever since.
During his tenure on the 10th Mountain Division intelligence staff, he has twice deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and now, to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Matthews said he has seen many changes in the Army and quality of life during these overseas tours.
"The comfort of life has greatly increased," he said. "First-time deployers don't really realize how good we have it. I have air conditioning, a television with cable, [and] everyone seems to have laptops now. Before, you'd be in your tent, playing cards with your buddies or writing letters home. Now, we have e-mail and instant messenger. ... It's much easier to stay in touch with home."
With 18 years in uniform, Matthews said, his time in the Army is winding down. But, he still has dreams and aspirations before he calls it a career, such as serving as a first sergeant.
"I think that's an achievable goal," he said. "I'd also like to stay at [Fort] Drum. It is only four hours away from my family."
Matthews credits his wife with the success of his overseas deployments.
"My wife has been great," he said. "Being deployed as much as I've been, you need a strong family relationship. I miss her every single day."
In his spare time here, he has a few activities he uses to unwind, including watching numerous movies and challenging his body.
"I do a lot of running events," Matthews said. "The Army 10-miler was pretty important to me. I ran it while deployed to Afghanistan and again here. I use physical training a lot – especially running – as a stress release. When I'm running, I think about home a lot – about my family."
Professionally, Matthews said, he considers his work in helping manage the day-to-day lives of more than 100 soldiers in the ACE as of the utmost importance.
"There are a lot of people to take care of, a lot of soldier issues to address," he said. "I kind of embrace it. Some people don't like doing administrative work – I like taking care of soldiers. I take care of a lot of problems. When a soldier is upset, you try to relate."
(Spc. Josh LeCappelain serves in the Multinational Division Center public affairs office.)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Arizona Aims to End Scams, Predatory Lending to Troops, Veterans
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 11, 2008 - Financial scams and predatory lending against servicemembers and veterans is so common that the Arizona attorney general has created an advisory board to stop it. "We got so many complaints that were related to either veterans or active-duty military on our consumer line that I felt it was necessary to set up this coordinating council," Terry Goddard said. "It's been very, very rewarding already and its only had one meeting."
Goddard, a retired Navy Reserve commander and Arizona's attorney general for the last six years, said he was sure some of the complaints his office receives were being covered by other entities. But it became clear that wasn't the case, he said.
To address the steady flow of similar complaints, including pay-day lending issues, mortgage and housing problems and other consumer scams, Goddard created the Attorney General's military and Veterans Advisory Council.
The council's first meeting on Nov. 12 included representatives from veterans groups and the military and resulted in an "explosion of additional ideas," Goddard said, adding that his office had been unaware of a problem with questionable charitable solicitations.
The problem occurs when charities solicit money from the general public on the premise of supporting troops and veterans. Some are legitimate and put the money to good use. Others, however, flirt with breaking the law because very little of the funds collected are used for the stated purpose.
"Although we've been working in that area, we were not aware how much of that directly applies to veterans and [servicemembers]," he said. "Something we're doing through our military and Veterans Council is to make sure that we get the word out about those charities that really aren't producing much benefit for the troops.
"I think it's important that the contributors know," he added.
The council also is ready to tackle the problem of foreclosure rescue schemes targeting servicemembers and veterans who find themselves facing foreclosure. The "rescuers" often grab the title to the house rather than actually fulfilling their promise to help to save it, Goddard said.
Payday loans, something regulated by both the federal and Arizona governments, are another problem the council is looking into. The loans typically carry exorbitant interest rates and can land military families or veterans in debt quickly.
"The protections are good, and they help establish a new standard of what would be expected from a short-term, small-dollar lender, but it apparently didn't solve the problem," Goddard said. "What we found is veterans are still vulnerable, [as are] families.
"They're really scurrilous schemes, and we're real concerned about them, and they seem to particularly target the military and the areas around bases," he added.
While the first meeting and the members' initial reactions were positive, Goddard said, he's not ready to market his ideas to his counterparts in other states just yet.
"I'm taking the cue ... from the veterans groups and the active-duty military," he said. "If their feedback after a couple of meetings is that this is working and this is of value, then I plan to go on the road and tell the National Association of Attorneys General that it's something that they really ought to try and duplicate."
More information on the council and consumer scams targeting veterans and servicemembers is available on the Arizona attorney general's Web site.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 11, 2008 - Financial scams and predatory lending against servicemembers and veterans is so common that the Arizona attorney general has created an advisory board to stop it. "We got so many complaints that were related to either veterans or active-duty military on our consumer line that I felt it was necessary to set up this coordinating council," Terry Goddard said. "It's been very, very rewarding already and its only had one meeting."
Goddard, a retired Navy Reserve commander and Arizona's attorney general for the last six years, said he was sure some of the complaints his office receives were being covered by other entities. But it became clear that wasn't the case, he said.
To address the steady flow of similar complaints, including pay-day lending issues, mortgage and housing problems and other consumer scams, Goddard created the Attorney General's military and Veterans Advisory Council.
The council's first meeting on Nov. 12 included representatives from veterans groups and the military and resulted in an "explosion of additional ideas," Goddard said, adding that his office had been unaware of a problem with questionable charitable solicitations.
The problem occurs when charities solicit money from the general public on the premise of supporting troops and veterans. Some are legitimate and put the money to good use. Others, however, flirt with breaking the law because very little of the funds collected are used for the stated purpose.
"Although we've been working in that area, we were not aware how much of that directly applies to veterans and [servicemembers]," he said. "Something we're doing through our military and Veterans Council is to make sure that we get the word out about those charities that really aren't producing much benefit for the troops.
"I think it's important that the contributors know," he added.
The council also is ready to tackle the problem of foreclosure rescue schemes targeting servicemembers and veterans who find themselves facing foreclosure. The "rescuers" often grab the title to the house rather than actually fulfilling their promise to help to save it, Goddard said.
Payday loans, something regulated by both the federal and Arizona governments, are another problem the council is looking into. The loans typically carry exorbitant interest rates and can land military families or veterans in debt quickly.
"The protections are good, and they help establish a new standard of what would be expected from a short-term, small-dollar lender, but it apparently didn't solve the problem," Goddard said. "What we found is veterans are still vulnerable, [as are] families.
"They're really scurrilous schemes, and we're real concerned about them, and they seem to particularly target the military and the areas around bases," he added.
While the first meeting and the members' initial reactions were positive, Goddard said, he's not ready to market his ideas to his counterparts in other states just yet.
"I'm taking the cue ... from the veterans groups and the active-duty military," he said. "If their feedback after a couple of meetings is that this is working and this is of value, then I plan to go on the road and tell the National Association of Attorneys General that it's something that they really ought to try and duplicate."
More information on the council and consumer scams targeting veterans and servicemembers is available on the Arizona attorney general's Web site.
Official Responds to Congressional Findings on Military Linguistics
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 11, 2008 - A congressional assessment of how the Pentagon is implementing its language strategy reflects the Defense Department's progress and shortfalls, a Pentagon official said yesterday. "I think the House Armed Services Committee report accurately reflects the progress that we've made," said Gail McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans. "It also talked about some of the things that we haven't quite accomplished yet, which we knew."
The report, released last month, acknowledges that the department and the services are taking additional action to complement the 90-percent completed tasks it outlined in a language plan launched four years ago. Known as the Defense Language Transformation Roadmap, the broad strategy aims to address national shortfalls in foreign language skills in the United States.
But one of the report's findings is that "inconsistencies" exist in the way the department and the services are approaching language transformation.
The report recommends that the dpartment should clarify its policy characterizing foreign language, regional expertise, and cultural awareness as critical or core competencies essential to its missions as a way to establish greater consistency.
McGinn said the services' leaders understand the importance of foreign languages, but that the demands of language training – an Arabic course lasts 63 weeks, for example – places difficulty on a force with finite manning.
"When you talk about wanting to get more language capability in your officer corps, it's hard to conceive of that in an officer's career," she said in an interview at the Pentagon yesterday.
To mitigate this, the department has begun focusing on pre-accession education, meaning academics undertaken before becoming a military servicemember, she said. The idea is that troops would enter the force having completed previous language training.
As part of this transformation, all three service academies now feature more robust strategic language and cultural program offerings. As a result, more cadets and midshipmen are studying languages of strategic importance. ROTC programs also reap the benefits, with students enjoying a wider array of destinations for study abroad.
Beyond pure language know-how, McGinn said, the military hopes to instill cultural and regional expertise in servicemembers, which often require less labor-intensive instruction and time than language training.
"There's an issue of striking the right balance: we need cultural understanding, we need regional expertise and we need foreign language," she said. "We need to figure out how to fit all of that into the force, and that is still a work in progress."
To ensure that the language transformation occurs smoothly and successfully, the department has appointed senior language authorities in each of the military services and agencies to conduct oversight, execution and planning. McGinn said she meets regularly with these representatives to best determine how to steer policy.
"We want them to know what is needed, what capability already exists, and they also help me formulate policies and programs," she said of senior language authorities.
Anther measure of transformational progress is the department's establishment of centers of excellence in each military service to oversee and standardize training and impart essential and mission-targeted cultural training.
Pentagon officials also increased the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center's funding from a fiscal 2001 budget of $77 million to $270 million this fiscal year. DLIFLC, located in Monterey, Calif., is the department's premiere language and cultural training center.
McGinn said the overall goals are three-fold: more foundational and strategic language expertise in the force, the ability to obtain expertise in a language if needed at short notice, and to develop a cadre of linguists with higher-level language skills.
The upshot of foreign language and cultural expertise is that it helps U.S. servicemembers communicate, negotiate and set goals with foreign partners. It also helps troops avoid pitfalls that often surround language barriers.
In American military lingo, for example, the term "field of fire" refers to area in which a person can be engaged by weaponry. "Someone in another culture might see that as a burning wheat field," McGinn pointed out. "And that's not what you mean at all when you said those words."
The maxim "know a language and understand what someone says, but know a culture and understand what someone means" rings true in this example. Unfortunately, U.S. education does not greatly emphasize the study of foreign language and culture, the report notes.
"One problem pointed out in the report is that the American educational system really isn't where we would hope it would be in terms of producing high school grads with foreign language ability," McGinn said. "We are not robust in strategic languages like Arabic and Chinese."
As the committee report states, "The military's lack of language skills and cultural expertise is a symptom of the larger problem facing the nation as a whole."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 11, 2008 - A congressional assessment of how the Pentagon is implementing its language strategy reflects the Defense Department's progress and shortfalls, a Pentagon official said yesterday. "I think the House Armed Services Committee report accurately reflects the progress that we've made," said Gail McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans. "It also talked about some of the things that we haven't quite accomplished yet, which we knew."
The report, released last month, acknowledges that the department and the services are taking additional action to complement the 90-percent completed tasks it outlined in a language plan launched four years ago. Known as the Defense Language Transformation Roadmap, the broad strategy aims to address national shortfalls in foreign language skills in the United States.
But one of the report's findings is that "inconsistencies" exist in the way the department and the services are approaching language transformation.
The report recommends that the dpartment should clarify its policy characterizing foreign language, regional expertise, and cultural awareness as critical or core competencies essential to its missions as a way to establish greater consistency.
McGinn said the services' leaders understand the importance of foreign languages, but that the demands of language training – an Arabic course lasts 63 weeks, for example – places difficulty on a force with finite manning.
"When you talk about wanting to get more language capability in your officer corps, it's hard to conceive of that in an officer's career," she said in an interview at the Pentagon yesterday.
To mitigate this, the department has begun focusing on pre-accession education, meaning academics undertaken before becoming a military servicemember, she said. The idea is that troops would enter the force having completed previous language training.
As part of this transformation, all three service academies now feature more robust strategic language and cultural program offerings. As a result, more cadets and midshipmen are studying languages of strategic importance. ROTC programs also reap the benefits, with students enjoying a wider array of destinations for study abroad.
Beyond pure language know-how, McGinn said, the military hopes to instill cultural and regional expertise in servicemembers, which often require less labor-intensive instruction and time than language training.
"There's an issue of striking the right balance: we need cultural understanding, we need regional expertise and we need foreign language," she said. "We need to figure out how to fit all of that into the force, and that is still a work in progress."
To ensure that the language transformation occurs smoothly and successfully, the department has appointed senior language authorities in each of the military services and agencies to conduct oversight, execution and planning. McGinn said she meets regularly with these representatives to best determine how to steer policy.
"We want them to know what is needed, what capability already exists, and they also help me formulate policies and programs," she said of senior language authorities.
Anther measure of transformational progress is the department's establishment of centers of excellence in each military service to oversee and standardize training and impart essential and mission-targeted cultural training.
Pentagon officials also increased the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center's funding from a fiscal 2001 budget of $77 million to $270 million this fiscal year. DLIFLC, located in Monterey, Calif., is the department's premiere language and cultural training center.
McGinn said the overall goals are three-fold: more foundational and strategic language expertise in the force, the ability to obtain expertise in a language if needed at short notice, and to develop a cadre of linguists with higher-level language skills.
The upshot of foreign language and cultural expertise is that it helps U.S. servicemembers communicate, negotiate and set goals with foreign partners. It also helps troops avoid pitfalls that often surround language barriers.
In American military lingo, for example, the term "field of fire" refers to area in which a person can be engaged by weaponry. "Someone in another culture might see that as a burning wheat field," McGinn pointed out. "And that's not what you mean at all when you said those words."
The maxim "know a language and understand what someone says, but know a culture and understand what someone means" rings true in this example. Unfortunately, U.S. education does not greatly emphasize the study of foreign language and culture, the report notes.
"One problem pointed out in the report is that the American educational system really isn't where we would hope it would be in terms of producing high school grads with foreign language ability," McGinn said. "We are not robust in strategic languages like Arabic and Chinese."
As the committee report states, "The military's lack of language skills and cultural expertise is a symptom of the larger problem facing the nation as a whole."
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 11, 2008
NAVY
DZSP 21 LLC, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $72,675,388 modification to a previously awarded cost plus award fee contract (N62742-05-C-3501) to exercise the fourth option period for Base Operations Support (BOS) services in the Territory of Guam for the Commander, Naval Forces Marianas. The BOS services to be performed include, but are not limited to, general management and administration services; command and staff (public affairs office); public safety (safety and contingency); port operations; ordnance; galley; facilities management; sustainment, restoration/modernization; facilities services; utilities (potable water, wastewater, electrical, and steam); base support vehicles and equipment; and environmental. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $285,376,847. Work will be performed at various installations in the U.S. Territory of Guam, and work for this option is expected to be Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas, Naval Base, Guam is the contracting activity.
ITT Electronic Systems, Clifton, N. J., is being awarded a $32,093,118 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N00019-05-C-0054) to exercise an option for the procurement of 12 AN/ALQ-214 On-Board Jammer Systems and 41 spare ALQ-214 Weapon Replacement Assembly units for the F/A-18E/F Aircraft. Work will be performed at various locations throughout the United States (43.5 percent); Clifton, N.J., (34.4 percent); East Syracuse, N.Y., (8.8 percent); San Diego, Calif., (8.3 percent); and Rancho Cordova, Calif., (5 percent), and 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.
Kollmorgen Elecro-Optical Corp., Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $9,313,962 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee contract for field services, repair and support services for the AN/BVS-1 and the Photonics Mast Variant (PMV) Photonics Imaging System. Tasking will include initial equipment installation and subsequent repair and maintenance that is required during submarine new construction. The tasking will also included post-construction repairs, maintenance and equipment removal and post construction installations. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (70 percent) and Northampton, Mass., (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received via Federal Business Opportunities and on the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, contracts web site. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport is the contracting activity (N66604-09-D-0058).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Turbo Combustor Technology, Inc., Stuart, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $12,195,000 firm fixed price, total set aside, indefinite quantity contract for F-15 afterburner flameholders. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Proposals were originally solicited through DIBBS with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Dec. 18, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va.,
(SPM4A7-09-D-0014).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $9,551,784 firm fixed price, undefinitized contractual action, contract for main rotor blades manufacture components. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was originally a sole source competition. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the DLR Procurement Operations (DSCR-ZC), DLA Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.,
(N00383-06-G-006F-TH01).
ARMY
Smiths Detection, Inc, Edgewood, Md., was awarded on Dec 9, 2008 a, $65,498,978 commercial firm fixed price contract for Joint Chemical Detector. Work will be performed in Edgewood, Md., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground Contracting Division, Edgewood Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-07-C-0054).
Booz, Allen, Hamilton, Inc, McLean, Va., was awarded on Dec. 9, 2008, a $33,700,000 cost plus fixed fee price contract. This contract is in support of Foreign Military Sales Requirement for Saudi Arabia under Case No. SR-B-VTC for Sword Project Management Office Augmentation Support. Work will be performed in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-C-0023).
Thor Defense Inc, Downers Grove, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 9, 2008 a, $5,746,583 firm fixed price contract for 222,219 Close Quarters Battle Kit Multi Magazine Holders. Work will be performed in Downers Grove, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 25, 2013. Bids solicited were via the Web and seven bids were received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-D-0027).
DZSP 21 LLC, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $72,675,388 modification to a previously awarded cost plus award fee contract (N62742-05-C-3501) to exercise the fourth option period for Base Operations Support (BOS) services in the Territory of Guam for the Commander, Naval Forces Marianas. The BOS services to be performed include, but are not limited to, general management and administration services; command and staff (public affairs office); public safety (safety and contingency); port operations; ordnance; galley; facilities management; sustainment, restoration/modernization; facilities services; utilities (potable water, wastewater, electrical, and steam); base support vehicles and equipment; and environmental. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $285,376,847. Work will be performed at various installations in the U.S. Territory of Guam, and work for this option is expected to be Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas, Naval Base, Guam is the contracting activity.
ITT Electronic Systems, Clifton, N. J., is being awarded a $32,093,118 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N00019-05-C-0054) to exercise an option for the procurement of 12 AN/ALQ-214 On-Board Jammer Systems and 41 spare ALQ-214 Weapon Replacement Assembly units for the F/A-18E/F Aircraft. Work will be performed at various locations throughout the United States (43.5 percent); Clifton, N.J., (34.4 percent); East Syracuse, N.Y., (8.8 percent); San Diego, Calif., (8.3 percent); and Rancho Cordova, Calif., (5 percent), and 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.
Kollmorgen Elecro-Optical Corp., Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $9,313,962 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed fee contract for field services, repair and support services for the AN/BVS-1 and the Photonics Mast Variant (PMV) Photonics Imaging System. Tasking will include initial equipment installation and subsequent repair and maintenance that is required during submarine new construction. The tasking will also included post-construction repairs, maintenance and equipment removal and post construction installations. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (70 percent) and Northampton, Mass., (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received via Federal Business Opportunities and on the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, contracts web site. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport is the contracting activity (N66604-09-D-0058).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Turbo Combustor Technology, Inc., Stuart, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $12,195,000 firm fixed price, total set aside, indefinite quantity contract for F-15 afterburner flameholders. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Proposals were originally solicited through DIBBS with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Dec. 18, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va.,
(SPM4A7-09-D-0014).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $9,551,784 firm fixed price, undefinitized contractual action, contract for main rotor blades manufacture components. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was originally a sole source competition. The date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the DLR Procurement Operations (DSCR-ZC), DLA Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.,
(N00383-06-G-006F-TH01).
ARMY
Smiths Detection, Inc, Edgewood, Md., was awarded on Dec 9, 2008 a, $65,498,978 commercial firm fixed price contract for Joint Chemical Detector. Work will be performed in Edgewood, Md., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army RDECOM Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground Contracting Division, Edgewood Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-07-C-0054).
Booz, Allen, Hamilton, Inc, McLean, Va., was awarded on Dec. 9, 2008, a $33,700,000 cost plus fixed fee price contract. This contract is in support of Foreign Military Sales Requirement for Saudi Arabia under Case No. SR-B-VTC for Sword Project Management Office Augmentation Support. Work will be performed in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-C-0023).
Thor Defense Inc, Downers Grove, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 9, 2008 a, $5,746,583 firm fixed price contract for 222,219 Close Quarters Battle Kit Multi Magazine Holders. Work will be performed in Downers Grove, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 25, 2013. Bids solicited were via the Web and seven bids were received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-D-0027).
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Navy to Christen Submarine New Mexico
The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine, New Mexico, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, during a 10 a.m. EST ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va. Rep. Heather A. Wilsonof New Mexico will deliver the ceremony's principal address.
Designated SSN 779, New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the 'Land of Enchantment'. The submarine began construction under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in 2004. The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and at Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa.
The sixth Virginia-class submarine, New Mexico is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions . By doing so, New Mexico will directly enable five of the six Navy Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
Cmdr. Mark A. Prokopius, a native of Seven Hills, Ohio, is the prospective commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Mexico is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4.
Designated SSN 779, New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the 'Land of Enchantment'. The submarine began construction under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in 2004. The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and at Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa.
The sixth Virginia-class submarine, New Mexico is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions . By doing so, New Mexico will directly enable five of the six Navy Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
Cmdr. Mark A. Prokopius, a native of Seven Hills, Ohio, is the prospective commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Mexico is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4.
Defense Officials Recognize Manheim Steamroller for Troop Support
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - For years, musical group Manheim Steamroller has supported U.S. troops by giving away its Christmas CDs and concert tickets. Today, Defense officials paused to thank the group's founder. I represent all the men and women who serve in uniform and [department] civilians, and it's an opportunity for us to say thank you," Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said just before presenting Louis "Chip" Davis Jr. with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service award.
Through Manheim Steamroller, which plays what Davis refers to as "18th Century Classical Rock," Davis has played for military crowds and donated millions of CDs to troops and their families. And this year is no different.
For its 2008 support effort, dubbed "A Million Reasons to be Thankful," the group is providing 1 million Manheim Steamroller CDs to troops and their families at home and abroad.
"When somebody like yourself does that, you represent the American people to [the troops]," England said. "So it's a way of the American people saying thanks to them when people like you step forward and do this."
Davis has no plans of lessening his support any time soon, he said.
"You can plan on us continuing," he said. "It's something we love to do."
And it's from the heart, he said.
"I was thinking about ... the men and women over there at Christmastime and not being able to necessarily be with their families," he said. "I wanted to just simply give. I think a lot of times, it's highly underestimated what happens out there in the big world and all of the things that the soldiers do for us to protect and keep our country free."
Davis and Manheim Steamroller have a long history of troop-support efforts through the United Service Organizations and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - For years, musical group Manheim Steamroller has supported U.S. troops by giving away its Christmas CDs and concert tickets. Today, Defense officials paused to thank the group's founder. I represent all the men and women who serve in uniform and [department] civilians, and it's an opportunity for us to say thank you," Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said just before presenting Louis "Chip" Davis Jr. with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service award.
Through Manheim Steamroller, which plays what Davis refers to as "18th Century Classical Rock," Davis has played for military crowds and donated millions of CDs to troops and their families. And this year is no different.
For its 2008 support effort, dubbed "A Million Reasons to be Thankful," the group is providing 1 million Manheim Steamroller CDs to troops and their families at home and abroad.
"When somebody like yourself does that, you represent the American people to [the troops]," England said. "So it's a way of the American people saying thanks to them when people like you step forward and do this."
Davis has no plans of lessening his support any time soon, he said.
"You can plan on us continuing," he said. "It's something we love to do."
And it's from the heart, he said.
"I was thinking about ... the men and women over there at Christmastime and not being able to necessarily be with their families," he said. "I wanted to just simply give. I think a lot of times, it's highly underestimated what happens out there in the big world and all of the things that the soldiers do for us to protect and keep our country free."
Davis and Manheim Steamroller have a long history of troop-support efforts through the United Service Organizations and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Military Books
Military-Writers.com is pleased to announce the addition of these servicemembers to the website:
Major General Robert E. Wagner
Captain Robert LeRoy Thorson, USN (ret.)
Captain George Brennan, USN (ret.)
Captain Norman E. Berg, USN (ret.)
Captain Bud Gore, USN (ret.)
Captain Byron A. Lee, USN (ret.)
Colonel Wilson Allen Heefner, MD, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Robert F. Casemore, USA (ret.)
Lieutenant Commander A. M. “Mike” Granat, USN (ret.)
Major Richard N. Hathaway, USN (ret.)
Major Frederick F. Nyc, USAF (ret.)
First Lieutenant B. David Mann, USA (ret.)
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
Major General Robert E. Wagner
Captain Robert LeRoy Thorson, USN (ret.)
Captain George Brennan, USN (ret.)
Captain Norman E. Berg, USN (ret.)
Captain Bud Gore, USN (ret.)
Captain Byron A. Lee, USN (ret.)
Colonel Wilson Allen Heefner, MD, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Robert F. Casemore, USA (ret.)
Lieutenant Commander A. M. “Mike” Granat, USN (ret.)
Major Richard N. Hathaway, USN (ret.)
Major Frederick F. Nyc, USAF (ret.)
First Lieutenant B. David Mann, USA (ret.)
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
Disability Awards Shed Light on Underrepresented Workers
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - The Defense Department recognized some of its outstanding disabled employees in a ceremony here yesterday that doubled as a forum to advance the cause of disabled workers. Though federal employers should focus on disabled workers' abilities, not their limitations, that's more wishful thinking than reality, a government official said yesterday at the Defense Department's Disability Awards Ceremony here.
"People with disabilities are much more likely to be unemployed than to be hired by the federal government. And there's something wrong with that picture," said Christine M. Griffin, commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and keynote speaker at the ceremony.
Griffin characterized as "dismal" the current number of disabled employees on Uncle Sam's payroll, representing less than 1 percent of the federal work force.
"We can always do better," Griffin said. "We are at kind of an all-time low."
Of the 6,000 federal senior executives, only 35 are severely disabled, Griffin said. And disabled federal employees endure pay gaps compared to the salaries of their counterparts, she added.
"This doesn't reflect the public we serve," said Griffin, who was paralyzed in a car crash while in college and uses a wheelchair. "This is not what society looks like."
Griffin said employment correlates to one's level of life satisfaction, and she stressed that champions of disabled workers must emerge to change employers' perceptions and hiring practices.
"I know that self worth and net worth are linked together," she said. "To deny that to millions and millions of people with disabilities is wrong."
David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the Defense Department employs about 5,000 disabled workers, or 1 percent of its civilian work force.
"While that percentage may be higher than some other agencies, we know we can do better," Chu said. "The emphasis should not be on what you can't do; the emphasis should be on what you can do."
A network of programs in the federal community helps disabled workers and their employers.
Dinah F.B. Cohen directs the Defense Department's Computer Electronic Accommodations Program, which has provided technical assistance to disabled employees for nearly 20 years. In fiscal 2008, she said, the program filled more than 10,000 requests for accommodations, almost half of which supported wounded servicemembers.
"When you see that 44 percent of those accommodations were directly related to support our men and women with devastating injuries, I feel we are making a difference," Cohen said. "We have gotten rid of that excuse, 'I can't afford to accommodate [disabled employees]."
On behalf of the Defense Department, Chu presented awards to the following outstanding employees with disabilities:
-- Gary Szymanski, Department of the Army;
-- Dierdre McVoy, Department of the Navy;
-- Joanne Jordan, Department of the Air Force;
-- Darrell H. Gates, Army and Air Force Exchange Service;
-- Frank William Jenkins, Jr., Defense Commissary Agency;
-- Yvonne E. Brauer, Defense Contract Management Agency;
-- Richard Allen Larue, Defense Finance and Accounting Service;
-- Michael D. Martin, Defense Information Systems Agency;
-- David E. Anders, Defense Logistics Agency;
-- Georgia Williams-Fitzpatrick, Department of Defense Education Activity;
-- Dorthea Barbour, National Guard Bureau; and
-- Paul W. Kahn, National Security Agency.
In addition, the Department of the Army took the honors for best military department, the Defense Logistics Agency accepted the award for best mid-size agency, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency earned the prize for the best small agency.
Award recipient David E. Anders works as a supply supervisor at a Defense Logistics Agency office in Columbus, Ohio. Anders, who was paralyzed from the chest down at age 16 after a car accident, uses a wheelchair in the office. Despite his injury, he's no less efficient than his coworkers.
"Actually, I move a little faster than most of them do. I get yelled at all the time for buzzing around," said Anders, who has completed five marathons, including one that he was forced to finish with a flat tire on his wheelchair.
Anders -- who calls himself not "disabled" but "super-abled" -- said a positive attitude can help one transcend a handicap and change people's perceptions.
"If you have a positive attitude, a can-do attitude, people will look past the disability," he said.
His advice to employers who are skeptical of disabled workers: "Give them a chance, and let them show you what they can and can't do."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - The Defense Department recognized some of its outstanding disabled employees in a ceremony here yesterday that doubled as a forum to advance the cause of disabled workers. Though federal employers should focus on disabled workers' abilities, not their limitations, that's more wishful thinking than reality, a government official said yesterday at the Defense Department's Disability Awards Ceremony here.
"People with disabilities are much more likely to be unemployed than to be hired by the federal government. And there's something wrong with that picture," said Christine M. Griffin, commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and keynote speaker at the ceremony.
Griffin characterized as "dismal" the current number of disabled employees on Uncle Sam's payroll, representing less than 1 percent of the federal work force.
"We can always do better," Griffin said. "We are at kind of an all-time low."
Of the 6,000 federal senior executives, only 35 are severely disabled, Griffin said. And disabled federal employees endure pay gaps compared to the salaries of their counterparts, she added.
"This doesn't reflect the public we serve," said Griffin, who was paralyzed in a car crash while in college and uses a wheelchair. "This is not what society looks like."
Griffin said employment correlates to one's level of life satisfaction, and she stressed that champions of disabled workers must emerge to change employers' perceptions and hiring practices.
"I know that self worth and net worth are linked together," she said. "To deny that to millions and millions of people with disabilities is wrong."
David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the Defense Department employs about 5,000 disabled workers, or 1 percent of its civilian work force.
"While that percentage may be higher than some other agencies, we know we can do better," Chu said. "The emphasis should not be on what you can't do; the emphasis should be on what you can do."
A network of programs in the federal community helps disabled workers and their employers.
Dinah F.B. Cohen directs the Defense Department's Computer Electronic Accommodations Program, which has provided technical assistance to disabled employees for nearly 20 years. In fiscal 2008, she said, the program filled more than 10,000 requests for accommodations, almost half of which supported wounded servicemembers.
"When you see that 44 percent of those accommodations were directly related to support our men and women with devastating injuries, I feel we are making a difference," Cohen said. "We have gotten rid of that excuse, 'I can't afford to accommodate [disabled employees]."
On behalf of the Defense Department, Chu presented awards to the following outstanding employees with disabilities:
-- Gary Szymanski, Department of the Army;
-- Dierdre McVoy, Department of the Navy;
-- Joanne Jordan, Department of the Air Force;
-- Darrell H. Gates, Army and Air Force Exchange Service;
-- Frank William Jenkins, Jr., Defense Commissary Agency;
-- Yvonne E. Brauer, Defense Contract Management Agency;
-- Richard Allen Larue, Defense Finance and Accounting Service;
-- Michael D. Martin, Defense Information Systems Agency;
-- David E. Anders, Defense Logistics Agency;
-- Georgia Williams-Fitzpatrick, Department of Defense Education Activity;
-- Dorthea Barbour, National Guard Bureau; and
-- Paul W. Kahn, National Security Agency.
In addition, the Department of the Army took the honors for best military department, the Defense Logistics Agency accepted the award for best mid-size agency, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency earned the prize for the best small agency.
Award recipient David E. Anders works as a supply supervisor at a Defense Logistics Agency office in Columbus, Ohio. Anders, who was paralyzed from the chest down at age 16 after a car accident, uses a wheelchair in the office. Despite his injury, he's no less efficient than his coworkers.
"Actually, I move a little faster than most of them do. I get yelled at all the time for buzzing around," said Anders, who has completed five marathons, including one that he was forced to finish with a flat tire on his wheelchair.
Anders -- who calls himself not "disabled" but "super-abled" -- said a positive attitude can help one transcend a handicap and change people's perceptions.
"If you have a positive attitude, a can-do attitude, people will look past the disability," he said.
His advice to employers who are skeptical of disabled workers: "Give them a chance, and let them show you what they can and can't do."
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 10, 2008
NAVY
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $362,283,452firm fixed priced delivery order #0010 under previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of Category I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles with Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) upgrades for enhanced maneuverability with greater armor protection. This delivery order will procure 400 Category I MRAP MaxxPro DASH vehicles to provide protection for U.S. Military personnel currently in theater. The MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with blast resistant underbodies designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary, and direct fire weapons. Work will be performed in WestPoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by the end of May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
CBZG Design Builders, LLC, (Clark, Blinderman, M+W Zander, and Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer) Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $48,230,067 modification under a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N40083-06-C-4017) to exercise option #0004 which provides for the last phase of the Camp Porter Barracks and infrastructure project at the Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes. The work to be performed under this option provides for the design and construction of a Special Recruit Barracks as well as the demolition of two buildings on-site. The award of this option will be the final and third barracks building under this contract to complete the barracks complex. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $201,850,341. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity.
Solpac Construction Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $23,076,612 modification under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8615) firm fixed price task order to exercise options 0005 and 0007 which provides for the design and construction of a Hardware in the Loop and Flight Tables at the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake. The work to be performed provides for design and construction of a new high bay building enclosing three different anechoic chambers, control rooms, shielded target generation rooms, and preparation laboratory spaces, and equipment room. The total task order amount after exercise of these two options will be $40,385,259. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Agilent Technologies, Inc., Englewood, Calif., was awarded a $15,279,350 firm fixed price requirements contract on Dec. 9, 2008, to manufacture synthesized sweep generators to support the General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment Weapons System. Work will be performed in Singapore, and work is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with ten proposals solicited and four offers received. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-09-D-D002).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $11,988,449 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for research and development services in support of the Technology Development phase of an InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) system for the F/A-18E/F. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (50 percent) and Orlando, Fla. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. 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.
Stauder Technologies*, St. Peters, Mo., is being awarded a $5,949,359 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-07-C-2062) for additional StrikeLink Systems/spares through the Tactical Location Designation Hand-off System Program. Work will be performed in St. Peters, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $55,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Air Force
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to McDonnell Douglas Corporation, St. Louis, Mo. for $110,224,001. This contract action will exercise the Lot 5 Option for Small Diameter Bomb, Increment I Production for munitions, carriages, and technical and logistical support. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 681 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity (FA8672-09-C-0047).
The Air Force is awarding a contract to Latrobe Specialty Steel Company, Latrobe, Penn. for $44,126,211. This action is for the Phase I OSD Title III Program to improve domestic access to multiple grades of low-alloy, iron-based Vacuum Induction Melting Vacuum Arc Re-melting steels. At this time, $16,606,000 has been obligated. Detachment 1 AFRL/PKMD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-2-5506).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz. for $7,924,403. This action is for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Air Intercept Missile – Greece Offset Administration. This action is a modification to the Production Lot 21 contract. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 695 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity (FA8675-07-C-0055, modification P00020).
Army
BL Harbert International, Birmingham, Ala., was awarded on Dec 9, 2008 a, $53,848,000 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity firm fixed price contract for Advanced Individual Training, and Basic Training Barracks, as well as Warrior-in-Transition Facilities. Work will be performed in Fort Jackson, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Dec 8, 2011. Bids solicited were via Phase 2-5 Offerors and bids received were via Phase 2-5 Offerors. US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-09-D-0017).
Shavers- Whittle Construction, LLC, Covington, La., was awarded on Dec. 8, 2008, a $32,010,875 firm fixed price contract for west banks and vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana Hurricane Protection Project, west of Algiers Canal, Contracts 3b, Hero Pumping Station to Algiers Canal east of Harvey Canal Floodwall, Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes, Louisiana. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parrish, La., with an estimated completion date of Feb 2, 2010. Bids solicited were via FedBizOpps and eight bids were received. USA Corp of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-C-0008).
RAND Enterprises, Inc, Newport News, Va., was awarded on Dec. 8, 2008 a, $14,964,759 firm fixed price contract for design/build dining facilities, Leonard Wood, Missouri. The project shall include site work, building, food service equipment and furnishings. Work will be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug 30, 2010. Bids solicited were via the FedBizOpps and four bids were received. USACE Norfolk District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-09-D-0014).
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $362,283,452firm fixed priced delivery order #0010 under previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of Category I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles with Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) upgrades for enhanced maneuverability with greater armor protection. This delivery order will procure 400 Category I MRAP MaxxPro DASH vehicles to provide protection for U.S. Military personnel currently in theater. The MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with blast resistant underbodies designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary, and direct fire weapons. Work will be performed in WestPoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by the end of May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
CBZG Design Builders, LLC, (Clark, Blinderman, M+W Zander, and Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer) Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $48,230,067 modification under a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N40083-06-C-4017) to exercise option #0004 which provides for the last phase of the Camp Porter Barracks and infrastructure project at the Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes. The work to be performed under this option provides for the design and construction of a Special Recruit Barracks as well as the demolition of two buildings on-site. The award of this option will be the final and third barracks building under this contract to complete the barracks complex. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $201,850,341. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity.
Solpac Construction Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $23,076,612 modification under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8615) firm fixed price task order to exercise options 0005 and 0007 which provides for the design and construction of a Hardware in the Loop and Flight Tables at the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake. The work to be performed provides for design and construction of a new high bay building enclosing three different anechoic chambers, control rooms, shielded target generation rooms, and preparation laboratory spaces, and equipment room. The total task order amount after exercise of these two options will be $40,385,259. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Agilent Technologies, Inc., Englewood, Calif., was awarded a $15,279,350 firm fixed price requirements contract on Dec. 9, 2008, to manufacture synthesized sweep generators to support the General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment Weapons System. Work will be performed in Singapore, and work is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with ten proposals solicited and four offers received. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-09-D-D002).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $11,988,449 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for research and development services in support of the Technology Development phase of an InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) system for the F/A-18E/F. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (50 percent) and Orlando, Fla. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. 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.
Stauder Technologies*, St. Peters, Mo., is being awarded a $5,949,359 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-07-C-2062) for additional StrikeLink Systems/spares through the Tactical Location Designation Hand-off System Program. Work will be performed in St. Peters, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $55,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Air Force
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to McDonnell Douglas Corporation, St. Louis, Mo. for $110,224,001. This contract action will exercise the Lot 5 Option for Small Diameter Bomb, Increment I Production for munitions, carriages, and technical and logistical support. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 681 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity (FA8672-09-C-0047).
The Air Force is awarding a contract to Latrobe Specialty Steel Company, Latrobe, Penn. for $44,126,211. This action is for the Phase I OSD Title III Program to improve domestic access to multiple grades of low-alloy, iron-based Vacuum Induction Melting Vacuum Arc Re-melting steels. At this time, $16,606,000 has been obligated. Detachment 1 AFRL/PKMD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-2-5506).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz. for $7,924,403. This action is for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Air Intercept Missile – Greece Offset Administration. This action is a modification to the Production Lot 21 contract. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 695 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity (FA8675-07-C-0055, modification P00020).
Army
BL Harbert International, Birmingham, Ala., was awarded on Dec 9, 2008 a, $53,848,000 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity firm fixed price contract for Advanced Individual Training, and Basic Training Barracks, as well as Warrior-in-Transition Facilities. Work will be performed in Fort Jackson, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Dec 8, 2011. Bids solicited were via Phase 2-5 Offerors and bids received were via Phase 2-5 Offerors. US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-09-D-0017).
Shavers- Whittle Construction, LLC, Covington, La., was awarded on Dec. 8, 2008, a $32,010,875 firm fixed price contract for west banks and vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana Hurricane Protection Project, west of Algiers Canal, Contracts 3b, Hero Pumping Station to Algiers Canal east of Harvey Canal Floodwall, Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes, Louisiana. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parrish, La., with an estimated completion date of Feb 2, 2010. Bids solicited were via FedBizOpps and eight bids were received. USA Corp of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-C-0008).
RAND Enterprises, Inc, Newport News, Va., was awarded on Dec. 8, 2008 a, $14,964,759 firm fixed price contract for design/build dining facilities, Leonard Wood, Missouri. The project shall include site work, building, food service equipment and furnishings. Work will be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Aug 30, 2010. Bids solicited were via the FedBizOpps and four bids were received. USACE Norfolk District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-09-D-0014).
Support Group's Scholarships Help Spouses Finish Education
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - Military spouses with an eye on professional certification or a post-secondary education may not have to foot the entire bill, thanks to a National Military Family Association scholarship program. The group is accepting applications for its annual Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to spouses or surviving spouses of servicemembers on active duty or in the National Guard or reserves and spouses of military retirees.
The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,000, can be used for tuition, fees, and school room and board while the spouse obtains professional certification or attends post-secondary or graduate school.
The number of scholarships awarded each year varies, depending on funding. But thanks to a partnership with the Fisher House and Folds of Honor foundations, the association is able to provide a larger number of scholarships.
Scholarship selection is based on answers to survey questions used to help the association advocate for education changes on the applicant's behalf.
Applications are accepted online only, through the National Military Family Association Web site, http://www.nmfa.org, and must be submitted by midnight Feb. 1.
Association officials said they started the scholarship program to recognize that unique challenges, including frequent moves and deployments, can interfere with military spouses' ability to complete their education. The association also has created a Web portal at http://www.nmfa.org/SpouseEd that's stocked with Military spouse education resources and information to help spouses reach their career and educational goals.
(From a National Military Family Association news release.)
Dec. 10, 2008 - Military spouses with an eye on professional certification or a post-secondary education may not have to foot the entire bill, thanks to a National Military Family Association scholarship program. The group is accepting applications for its annual Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to spouses or surviving spouses of servicemembers on active duty or in the National Guard or reserves and spouses of military retirees.
The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,000, can be used for tuition, fees, and school room and board while the spouse obtains professional certification or attends post-secondary or graduate school.
The number of scholarships awarded each year varies, depending on funding. But thanks to a partnership with the Fisher House and Folds of Honor foundations, the association is able to provide a larger number of scholarships.
Scholarship selection is based on answers to survey questions used to help the association advocate for education changes on the applicant's behalf.
Applications are accepted online only, through the National Military Family Association Web site, http://www.nmfa.org, and must be submitted by midnight Feb. 1.
Association officials said they started the scholarship program to recognize that unique challenges, including frequent moves and deployments, can interfere with military spouses' ability to complete their education. The association also has created a Web portal at http://www.nmfa.org/SpouseEd that's stocked with Military spouse education resources and information to help spouses reach their career and educational goals.
(From a National Military Family Association news release.)
All Military Services Meet or Exceed November Recruiting Goals
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - All active-duty and reserve-component U.S. military services met or exceeded their November recruiting goals, according to a Defense Department news release issued today.
-- The Army signed up 5,605 new active-duty soldiers, 106 percent of its target number of 5,275 enlistees.
-- The Navy signed up 3,082 new active-duty sailors, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
-- The Marine Corps signed up 1,868 new active-duty Marines, 105 percent of its target number of 1,782 enlistees.
-- The Air Force signed up 2,916 new active-duty airmen, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
The Army, the largest military service, has met its annual recruiting goals for the past three years, said Douglas Smith, spokesman for U.S. Army Recruiting Command based at Fort Knox, Ky.
"We just finished up our third year in a row of recruiting success, and we're very pleased with what we're seeing as we enter into [fiscal] 2009," Smith said.
The active Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy also met or exceeded their retention goals for November, according to the news release.
Guard and Reserve forces also met or exceeded their November recruiting goals.
-- The Army National Guard signed up 5,516 new soldiers, 113 percent of its target number of 4,889 enlistees.
-- The Army Reserve signed up 3,270 new soldiers for 116 percent of its goal of 2,811 enlistees.
-- The Navy Reserve signed up 719 new sailors, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
-- The Marine Corps Reserve signed up 550 new Marines, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
-- The Air National Guard signed up 649 new Air Guardsmen, 110 percent of its target number of 588 enlistees.
-- The Air Force Reserve signed up 610 new airmen, 101 percent of its target of 603 enlistees.
Attrition losses in all reserve components are within acceptable limits, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - All active-duty and reserve-component U.S. military services met or exceeded their November recruiting goals, according to a Defense Department news release issued today.
-- The Army signed up 5,605 new active-duty soldiers, 106 percent of its target number of 5,275 enlistees.
-- The Navy signed up 3,082 new active-duty sailors, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
-- The Marine Corps signed up 1,868 new active-duty Marines, 105 percent of its target number of 1,782 enlistees.
-- The Air Force signed up 2,916 new active-duty airmen, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
The Army, the largest military service, has met its annual recruiting goals for the past three years, said Douglas Smith, spokesman for U.S. Army Recruiting Command based at Fort Knox, Ky.
"We just finished up our third year in a row of recruiting success, and we're very pleased with what we're seeing as we enter into [fiscal] 2009," Smith said.
The active Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy also met or exceeded their retention goals for November, according to the news release.
Guard and Reserve forces also met or exceeded their November recruiting goals.
-- The Army National Guard signed up 5,516 new soldiers, 113 percent of its target number of 4,889 enlistees.
-- The Army Reserve signed up 3,270 new soldiers for 116 percent of its goal of 2,811 enlistees.
-- The Navy Reserve signed up 719 new sailors, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
-- The Marine Corps Reserve signed up 550 new Marines, meeting its target number of enlistees for the month.
-- The Air National Guard signed up 649 new Air Guardsmen, 110 percent of its target number of 588 enlistees.
-- The Air Force Reserve signed up 610 new airmen, 101 percent of its target of 603 enlistees.
Attrition losses in all reserve components are within acceptable limits, officials said.
Some Tour Lengths in Korea to Increase
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - Tour lengths for some family-accompanied assignments in South Korea will be extended to three years, Pentagon officials announced today. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, signed the directive Dec. 1, calling on the services to present implementation plans by March 1. After reviewing the plans, DoD officials will set an implementation date.
Under the directive, accompanied tours will be extended from 24 to 36 months in Pyeongtaek, Osan, Daegu, Chinhae and Seoul. Tours in Dongducheon and Uijongbu will change from not allowing family accompaniment to allowing 24-month accompanied tours.
Unaccompanied tour lengths are unaffected, and remain fixed at 12 months at all seven locations and 24 months for key personnel.
The longer tours will improve regional security objectives, as well as benefit training and cost savings, Pentagon officials said.
"Longer tours translate to better grounding in local operations, thus improved performance, and sends a clear signal of U.S. resolve in the region," Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.
Longer tours would enhance training for servicemembers and reduce personnel turmoil while increasing stateside "dwell time" at home stations and reduce costs incurred when servicemembers move more frequently, officials said.
But officials acknowledged that longer tours have downsides, including the need for more schools, clinics, day-care centers and stores to accommodate the families. Also, defense leaders will have to determine if troops in South Korea on long tours would be available for deployments out of the country. All these issues would be subject to discussions with South Korean allies, officials said.
The move is the culmination of a long process. U.S. commanders in Korea – including current U.S. Forces Korea chief Army Gen. Walter Sharp – have long argued that conditions in South Korea have improved and that more accompanied tours are appropriate.
Under agreements with the South Korean government, U.S. forces are moving out of camps established in 1953 at the end of the Korean War. As the U.S. forces move from the Demilitarized Zone and from the headquarters in Seoul, U.S. officials have the opportunity to re-examine the short-tour approach to assignments.
With changes in the footprint of American forces in the nation, now is the perfect time for a change, officials said. Currently, 90 percent of U.S. servicemembers assigned to South Korea serve a year-long unaccompanied tour. Key personnel serve two-year tours. About 27,500 American servicemembers serve in South Korea.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 10, 2008 - Tour lengths for some family-accompanied assignments in South Korea will be extended to three years, Pentagon officials announced today. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, signed the directive Dec. 1, calling on the services to present implementation plans by March 1. After reviewing the plans, DoD officials will set an implementation date.
Under the directive, accompanied tours will be extended from 24 to 36 months in Pyeongtaek, Osan, Daegu, Chinhae and Seoul. Tours in Dongducheon and Uijongbu will change from not allowing family accompaniment to allowing 24-month accompanied tours.
Unaccompanied tour lengths are unaffected, and remain fixed at 12 months at all seven locations and 24 months for key personnel.
The longer tours will improve regional security objectives, as well as benefit training and cost savings, Pentagon officials said.
"Longer tours translate to better grounding in local operations, thus improved performance, and sends a clear signal of U.S. resolve in the region," Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.
Longer tours would enhance training for servicemembers and reduce personnel turmoil while increasing stateside "dwell time" at home stations and reduce costs incurred when servicemembers move more frequently, officials said.
But officials acknowledged that longer tours have downsides, including the need for more schools, clinics, day-care centers and stores to accommodate the families. Also, defense leaders will have to determine if troops in South Korea on long tours would be available for deployments out of the country. All these issues would be subject to discussions with South Korean allies, officials said.
The move is the culmination of a long process. U.S. commanders in Korea – including current U.S. Forces Korea chief Army Gen. Walter Sharp – have long argued that conditions in South Korea have improved and that more accompanied tours are appropriate.
Under agreements with the South Korean government, U.S. forces are moving out of camps established in 1953 at the end of the Korean War. As the U.S. forces move from the Demilitarized Zone and from the headquarters in Seoul, U.S. officials have the opportunity to re-examine the short-tour approach to assignments.
With changes in the footprint of American forces in the nation, now is the perfect time for a change, officials said. Currently, 90 percent of U.S. servicemembers assigned to South Korea serve a year-long unaccompanied tour. Key personnel serve two-year tours. About 27,500 American servicemembers serve in South Korea.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Air Force Center Serves Soldiers With Brain Injuries
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - The Air Force's only traumatic brain injury center, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is diagnosing and treating predominantly Army patients with a focus on improving their chances of a full recovery. The center began as an ad-hoc clinic in February 2007 to treat redeploying soldiers at neighboring Fort Richardson, Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Peter Osterbauer, chief of neurology services for the 3rd Medical Group, told American Forces Press Service.
The Army mobilized a team of 13 medical specialists to help the Air Force screen and treat the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade soldiers for several months after their return from Iraq. Their unit deployed to Iraq as part of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, but was reflagged shortly after its late-2006 redeployment.
Less than two years after its initial standup, the clinic has expanded into a full-fledged TBI center that has treated more than 1,300 patients, Osterbauer said. The center continues to screen about 10 more a week who report on a redeployment survey that they have experienced a head injury or lost consciousness.
A 10-member civilian staff – two neurologists, four medical technicians, a nurse case manager, nurse practitioner, social worker and speech therapist – provides continuity and ensures patients who require additional care receive it quickly and without having to go outside the military system, he said.
"One of the best things I see of having a designated TBI center is that before, after we screened them, we had to send them [to downtown Anchorage] for cognitive rehabilitation," Osterbauer said. "Now, we're able to treat them here, where I know they patients I care about are getting cared for the way they should."
Traumatic brain injuries typically are caused by a blow or jolt to the head that results from a roadside bomb or other explosive. Victims usually experience double or blurry vision, fatigue, reduced concentration, memory loss, irritability, balance coordination problems and ringing in the ears.
Alaska has the dubious distinction of having more TBI cases than any other state – likely due to its extreme sports culture, Osterbauer said – but servicemembers' injuries often are more serious than those civilians face due to the percussive wave of blasts. "It's like a second hit," he said. "It's not a single injury, but it's magnified."
Osterbauer said he's amazed at the progress many patients show when treated quickly. About 70 percent of patients with mild cases are back to normal within three to six months. Within a year, he said, about 80 percent return to normal.
But about 15 percent of those with TBI won't return to normal functioning.
"That doesn't mean they won't recover some, but they won't get back 100 percent of what they were," Osterbauer said. "My goal is to make sure we give them every opportunity we can to get back to normal, or as normal as they can be."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - The Air Force's only traumatic brain injury center, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is diagnosing and treating predominantly Army patients with a focus on improving their chances of a full recovery. The center began as an ad-hoc clinic in February 2007 to treat redeploying soldiers at neighboring Fort Richardson, Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Peter Osterbauer, chief of neurology services for the 3rd Medical Group, told American Forces Press Service.
The Army mobilized a team of 13 medical specialists to help the Air Force screen and treat the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade soldiers for several months after their return from Iraq. Their unit deployed to Iraq as part of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, but was reflagged shortly after its late-2006 redeployment.
Less than two years after its initial standup, the clinic has expanded into a full-fledged TBI center that has treated more than 1,300 patients, Osterbauer said. The center continues to screen about 10 more a week who report on a redeployment survey that they have experienced a head injury or lost consciousness.
A 10-member civilian staff – two neurologists, four medical technicians, a nurse case manager, nurse practitioner, social worker and speech therapist – provides continuity and ensures patients who require additional care receive it quickly and without having to go outside the military system, he said.
"One of the best things I see of having a designated TBI center is that before, after we screened them, we had to send them [to downtown Anchorage] for cognitive rehabilitation," Osterbauer said. "Now, we're able to treat them here, where I know they patients I care about are getting cared for the way they should."
Traumatic brain injuries typically are caused by a blow or jolt to the head that results from a roadside bomb or other explosive. Victims usually experience double or blurry vision, fatigue, reduced concentration, memory loss, irritability, balance coordination problems and ringing in the ears.
Alaska has the dubious distinction of having more TBI cases than any other state – likely due to its extreme sports culture, Osterbauer said – but servicemembers' injuries often are more serious than those civilians face due to the percussive wave of blasts. "It's like a second hit," he said. "It's not a single injury, but it's magnified."
Osterbauer said he's amazed at the progress many patients show when treated quickly. About 70 percent of patients with mild cases are back to normal within three to six months. Within a year, he said, about 80 percent return to normal.
But about 15 percent of those with TBI won't return to normal functioning.
"That doesn't mean they won't recover some, but they won't get back 100 percent of what they were," Osterbauer said. "My goal is to make sure we give them every opportunity we can to get back to normal, or as normal as they can be."
Africa Command Welcomes Army Component
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - Southern European Task Force cased its old colors, ending the airborne chapter of its history, and uncased its new colors signifying acceptance of its new mission as the Army component in support of U.S. Africa Command in a ceremony here today. The ceremony followed an official announcement by the U.S. and Italian governments Dec. 3 in Rome that SETAF would become U.S. Army Africa.
"We are honored and privileged to be the first members of U.S. Army Africa," Army Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, SETAF commanding general, said. "This is a huge responsibility, as our decisions and actions will establish the foundation that others will build upon in the years ahead."
Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, and Army Gen. Carter Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army, attended the ceremony, which highlighted SETAF's long, proud history.
"I welcome all of you to the U.S. Africa Command team," Ward said. "I am confident that this great command is up to the challenge."
Garrett, who was promoted from brigadier general to major general earlier today, said that while SETAF's mission has changed, its relationship with the command's Italian partners will not.
"The enduring relationship between the United States and Italy will only get stronger; new opportunities will spring from common objectives and a shared vision for a prosperous Africa," he said.
SETAF, stationed in Italy since 1955, has a long history of operating on the African continent and working with African nations. During the past 15 years, SETAF has provided crisis response, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance on the continent.
During the next year, SETAF soldiers will learn and grow to lay the foundation for future success as U.S. Army Africa, Garrett said. This foundation includes building and strengthening relationships with African Army organizations, along with national and international partners, to promote peace, security and stability in Africa, he said.
(From a Southern European Task Force news release.)
Dec. 9, 2008 - Southern European Task Force cased its old colors, ending the airborne chapter of its history, and uncased its new colors signifying acceptance of its new mission as the Army component in support of U.S. Africa Command in a ceremony here today. The ceremony followed an official announcement by the U.S. and Italian governments Dec. 3 in Rome that SETAF would become U.S. Army Africa.
"We are honored and privileged to be the first members of U.S. Army Africa," Army Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, SETAF commanding general, said. "This is a huge responsibility, as our decisions and actions will establish the foundation that others will build upon in the years ahead."
Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, and Army Gen. Carter Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army, attended the ceremony, which highlighted SETAF's long, proud history.
"I welcome all of you to the U.S. Africa Command team," Ward said. "I am confident that this great command is up to the challenge."
Garrett, who was promoted from brigadier general to major general earlier today, said that while SETAF's mission has changed, its relationship with the command's Italian partners will not.
"The enduring relationship between the United States and Italy will only get stronger; new opportunities will spring from common objectives and a shared vision for a prosperous Africa," he said.
SETAF, stationed in Italy since 1955, has a long history of operating on the African continent and working with African nations. During the past 15 years, SETAF has provided crisis response, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance on the continent.
During the next year, SETAF soldiers will learn and grow to lay the foundation for future success as U.S. Army Africa, Garrett said. This foundation includes building and strengthening relationships with African Army organizations, along with national and international partners, to promote peace, security and stability in Africa, he said.
(From a Southern European Task Force news release.)
Face of Defense: Man Drops More Than 100 Pounds to Join Marines
By Marine Corps Sgt. M. Trent Lowry
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - Before Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Allan Desruisseaux could become a Marine, he had to become a loser. Desruisseaux lost more than 100 pounds between his first visit to a Marine Corps recruiting substation and the day he graduated from Marine recruit training in April 2007, just 10 months later.
"It was one of those 180-degree turnarounds in life," said Desruisseaux, 21, a telephone systems and personal computer repair technician with Regimental Combat Team 5's Provisional Rifle Platoon 3, from Mesa, Ariz.
At 326 pounds, Desruisseaux decided to join the Marine Corps, but was turned down by recruiters at Recruiting Substation Chandler, Ariz.
Desruisseaux's ex-girlfriend, who had just left him with their infant son, told him he would not be able to make it through boot camp anyway. But instead of giving up, Desruisseaux took the doubt around him and transformed it into motivation.
"I took that as a challenge, and I wanted to prove them all wrong," Desruisseaux said. "I was told it would be impossible for me to join, so I said, 'I'll show you, then!'"
Desruisseaux began a steady regimen of cardiovascular exercise and healthy eating as he worked to obtain his goal of joining the Marines as quickly as possible.
His determination led him to drop 100 pounds in six months.
Desruisseaux returned to the recruiting substation five months after his first visit and watched the Marines' jaws drop. He weighed in at 226 pounds.
"Everyone in there freaked out and couldn't believe it was me," Desruisseaux said. "I had to show my ID, but once I could prove who I was, they were happy to start the enlistment paperwork."
Despite losing the weight, Desruisseaux still faced a physical-fitness challenge. When he originally tried to enlist, he could not complete one dead-hang pull up, and his time in the one-and-a-half-mile run exceeded the required 12 minutes.
Desruisseaux continued to work hard, and by the time he graduated from boot camp, he could do seven pull-ups and run three miles in about 21 and a half minutes. Standing just over 6 feet tall, he weighed in at 189 pounds, which was well under his maximum allowed weight of 208.
"He's not the biggest guy, but he's pretty [strong]," said Sgt. David Lara, 30, a squad leader with PRP-3. "When you used to be over 300 pounds like he was, and now you can regularly crank out 17 pull-ups, that's strong."
Now deployed to Iraq, Desruisseaux said he shocks his family and friends every time he goes home to visit.
"In the states, I do a lot of cardio, because it's running and burning fat, and it's easy to find the time and place to run," he said. "On this deployment, though, I'm trying to gain as much muscle and get as big as possible so people will see the improvement. It's a great feeling when people from home see me and say, 'You look completely different.'"
In Iraq, Desruisseaux is serving as a basic rifleman with the PRP-3.
"He's a good Marine; he does what he's asked and he really knows his stuff," said Cpl. Jordan Carranza, a fire team leader with PRP-3. "He quickly retains the knowledge and utilizes it."
Desruisseaux has embraced his role in the Marine Corps and is proud of his accomplishments so far. "The Marine Corps has given me a lot of good memories and the opportunity to get my life back on track," he said.
He plans to earn a degree in American history, and said he wants to make a better life for his son, Michael, who just turned 3.
"I love him very much," Desruisseaux said. "It's hard to be away from him, but it's worth it -- the time spent away -- because by being in the Marine Corps I can help provide for him. He's the only one on my mind right now."
The last step in Desruisseaux's improvement plan is to have surgery to remove excess skin from his heavier days. It is an operation his mother, Lorri, had more than five years ago after she had a similar reduction in weight.
"When I lost the weight, it made me feel good, because I knew my mom was proud," Desruisseaux said. "I feel great. The fact I accomplished this just shows that hard work pays off.
"It's nice to have the help of others, but just because you don't doesn't mean you give up," he said. "Anybody can change their life."
(Marine Corps Sgt. M. Trent Lowry serves in the Regimental Combat Team 5.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - Before Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Allan Desruisseaux could become a Marine, he had to become a loser. Desruisseaux lost more than 100 pounds between his first visit to a Marine Corps recruiting substation and the day he graduated from Marine recruit training in April 2007, just 10 months later.
"It was one of those 180-degree turnarounds in life," said Desruisseaux, 21, a telephone systems and personal computer repair technician with Regimental Combat Team 5's Provisional Rifle Platoon 3, from Mesa, Ariz.
At 326 pounds, Desruisseaux decided to join the Marine Corps, but was turned down by recruiters at Recruiting Substation Chandler, Ariz.
Desruisseaux's ex-girlfriend, who had just left him with their infant son, told him he would not be able to make it through boot camp anyway. But instead of giving up, Desruisseaux took the doubt around him and transformed it into motivation.
"I took that as a challenge, and I wanted to prove them all wrong," Desruisseaux said. "I was told it would be impossible for me to join, so I said, 'I'll show you, then!'"
Desruisseaux began a steady regimen of cardiovascular exercise and healthy eating as he worked to obtain his goal of joining the Marines as quickly as possible.
His determination led him to drop 100 pounds in six months.
Desruisseaux returned to the recruiting substation five months after his first visit and watched the Marines' jaws drop. He weighed in at 226 pounds.
"Everyone in there freaked out and couldn't believe it was me," Desruisseaux said. "I had to show my ID, but once I could prove who I was, they were happy to start the enlistment paperwork."
Despite losing the weight, Desruisseaux still faced a physical-fitness challenge. When he originally tried to enlist, he could not complete one dead-hang pull up, and his time in the one-and-a-half-mile run exceeded the required 12 minutes.
Desruisseaux continued to work hard, and by the time he graduated from boot camp, he could do seven pull-ups and run three miles in about 21 and a half minutes. Standing just over 6 feet tall, he weighed in at 189 pounds, which was well under his maximum allowed weight of 208.
"He's not the biggest guy, but he's pretty [strong]," said Sgt. David Lara, 30, a squad leader with PRP-3. "When you used to be over 300 pounds like he was, and now you can regularly crank out 17 pull-ups, that's strong."
Now deployed to Iraq, Desruisseaux said he shocks his family and friends every time he goes home to visit.
"In the states, I do a lot of cardio, because it's running and burning fat, and it's easy to find the time and place to run," he said. "On this deployment, though, I'm trying to gain as much muscle and get as big as possible so people will see the improvement. It's a great feeling when people from home see me and say, 'You look completely different.'"
In Iraq, Desruisseaux is serving as a basic rifleman with the PRP-3.
"He's a good Marine; he does what he's asked and he really knows his stuff," said Cpl. Jordan Carranza, a fire team leader with PRP-3. "He quickly retains the knowledge and utilizes it."
Desruisseaux has embraced his role in the Marine Corps and is proud of his accomplishments so far. "The Marine Corps has given me a lot of good memories and the opportunity to get my life back on track," he said.
He plans to earn a degree in American history, and said he wants to make a better life for his son, Michael, who just turned 3.
"I love him very much," Desruisseaux said. "It's hard to be away from him, but it's worth it -- the time spent away -- because by being in the Marine Corps I can help provide for him. He's the only one on my mind right now."
The last step in Desruisseaux's improvement plan is to have surgery to remove excess skin from his heavier days. It is an operation his mother, Lorri, had more than five years ago after she had a similar reduction in weight.
"When I lost the weight, it made me feel good, because I knew my mom was proud," Desruisseaux said. "I feel great. The fact I accomplished this just shows that hard work pays off.
"It's nice to have the help of others, but just because you don't doesn't mean you give up," he said. "Anybody can change their life."
(Marine Corps Sgt. M. Trent Lowry serves in the Regimental Combat Team 5.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 9, 2008
ARMY
Daimler Trucks North America, Portland, Ore., was awarded on Dec 5, 2008 a $129,424,014 firm fixed price contract for delivery order 0109 adds 603 each, M916A3 Light Equipment Transporters to the original contract. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Sept 18, 2009. Bids solicited were via the www and two bids were received. Tacom LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-S022).
Aimpoint, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Dec. 4, 2008, a $22,807,398 firm fixed price contract. Work will be performed in Aimpoint Jagershillgatan, Sweden, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2009. Bids solicited were via Website and one bid was received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Command, Picatinny, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0010).
General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 8, 2008 a, $19,946,886 cost plus fixed price contract for research of the primary objective of the Biofuels-Cellulosic and Algal Feedstock program is to develop the technical capability commercial algae production experience, resources, and commitment to demonstrate and ultimately commercialize the affordable production of JP-8 surrogate fuel from algal feedstock . Work will be performed in General Atomics, San Diego, Calif ., Scripps Institutions of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif., Arizona State University, Mesa, Ariz., Blue Sun Biodiesel, Golden, Colo., Martek, Colo., Texas A&M AgriLIFE, College Station, Texas, UOP LLC, Des Plains, Ill., Hawaii Bio Energy, Honolulu, Energy and Environ-metal research Center (Univ of North Dakota), Grand Forks, N. D., and Utah State, Logan, Utah, with an estimated completion date of Jun. 8, 2010. Bids solicited were via the Broad Agency Announcement and seventeen bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0034).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 5, 2008 a $8,041,451 cost plus fixed price contract for systems technical support (STS) for the Abrams Tank Program to include rest fielding & deprocessing. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. Tacom, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
Air Force
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract to Alloy Surface Company, Inc., Chester, Penn. for a Maximum of $51, 887,660. This action will provide spares for the MJU-51 Infrared countermeasure decoy. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PK, Hill AFB, Utah is the contracting activity (FA8213-09-D-0001).
The Air Force is modifying a Fixed Price Incentive Firm contract with Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif. not to exceed $18,222,000. This action will provide additional long lead associated with 5 Global Hawk Air Vehicles, 2 Ground Segments, 2 EISS and 2 ASIP sensor payloads. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/PK Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-3001, modification P00005).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Science Application International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $160,573,654 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract to support replenishment parts and industrial hardware. Performance locations are Anniston Army Depot, Anniston, Ala., and Red River Army Depot, Texarkana, Texas, locations directly serving customers worldwide. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Five proposals were originally solicited with five responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Fiscal Year 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-9005).
Navy
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $12,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2100) for emergent and supplemental work for the accomplishment of the fiscal year 2008 Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) of USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The CVN 65 FY08 EDSRA is a ship depot availability of approximately 16-month duration. EDSRAs are similar to overhauls in that they restore the ship, including all subsystems that affect combat capability and safety, to established performance standards. Additionally, an EDSRA provides an opportunity to perform hull inspections and recoating, and other maintenance related evolutions below the waterline that cannot be accomplished while the ship is waterborne. The EDSRA provides sufficient time to perform more extensive propulsion plant repairs and testing than is possible during an Extended Selected Restricted Availability (ESRA). Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $12,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2100).
Kongsberg Maritime, Inc., Houston, Texas, is being awarded an $11,000,000 fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract to procure and/or design, develop, and manufacture hardware, logistics support, spares, commercial technical manuals, and associated data related to the manufacture and sustainment of the AMPHIB Low Light Surveillance System Program. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, Scotland, (80 percent); and Lakehurst, N.J., (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2013. 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, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-D-0088).
Briartek, Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $7,000,071 firm fixed price blanket purchase agreement contract for manufacture of man overboard indicator components for use on U.S. Navy vessels. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2013. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-09-A-ZE01).
Electric Boat Corp., (a General Dynamics Company), Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,587,708 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-4063) for operations and maintenance of the Government Owned Contractor Operated drydock Shippingport (ARDM-4). The contractor shall provide operational support, perform organizational level maintenance and preserve the vessel during normal operations, maintain operational support during the vessel's service craft overhaul period, and re-certify the vessel upon completion of its overhaul. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (60 percent), and Charleston S.C., (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $6,587,708 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc., Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $5,684,296 modification to firm fixed price Task Order FZN1 under previously awarded contract (N62470-08-D-1007) to exercise options 1 and 2 for range clearance at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, engineering, materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and transportation to accomplish the surface clearance of range residue from target areas. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2010. The total task order amount after exercise of these options will be $9,956,042. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $5,667,089 firm fixed price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) to provide sustaining engineering support for the Taiwanese Air Force E-2C Program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. 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.
Daimler Trucks North America, Portland, Ore., was awarded on Dec 5, 2008 a $129,424,014 firm fixed price contract for delivery order 0109 adds 603 each, M916A3 Light Equipment Transporters to the original contract. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Sept 18, 2009. Bids solicited were via the www and two bids were received. Tacom LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-S022).
Aimpoint, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Dec. 4, 2008, a $22,807,398 firm fixed price contract. Work will be performed in Aimpoint Jagershillgatan, Sweden, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2009. Bids solicited were via Website and one bid was received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Command, Picatinny, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0010).
General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 8, 2008 a, $19,946,886 cost plus fixed price contract for research of the primary objective of the Biofuels-Cellulosic and Algal Feedstock program is to develop the technical capability commercial algae production experience, resources, and commitment to demonstrate and ultimately commercialize the affordable production of JP-8 surrogate fuel from algal feedstock . Work will be performed in General Atomics, San Diego, Calif ., Scripps Institutions of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif., Arizona State University, Mesa, Ariz., Blue Sun Biodiesel, Golden, Colo., Martek, Colo., Texas A&M AgriLIFE, College Station, Texas, UOP LLC, Des Plains, Ill., Hawaii Bio Energy, Honolulu, Energy and Environ-metal research Center (Univ of North Dakota), Grand Forks, N. D., and Utah State, Logan, Utah, with an estimated completion date of Jun. 8, 2010. Bids solicited were via the Broad Agency Announcement and seventeen bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0034).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 5, 2008 a $8,041,451 cost plus fixed price contract for systems technical support (STS) for the Abrams Tank Program to include rest fielding & deprocessing. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. Tacom, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
Air Force
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract to Alloy Surface Company, Inc., Chester, Penn. for a Maximum of $51, 887,660. This action will provide spares for the MJU-51 Infrared countermeasure decoy. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PK, Hill AFB, Utah is the contracting activity (FA8213-09-D-0001).
The Air Force is modifying a Fixed Price Incentive Firm contract with Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif. not to exceed $18,222,000. This action will provide additional long lead associated with 5 Global Hawk Air Vehicles, 2 Ground Segments, 2 EISS and 2 ASIP sensor payloads. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/PK Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-3001, modification P00005).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Science Application International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $160,573,654 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract to support replenishment parts and industrial hardware. Performance locations are Anniston Army Depot, Anniston, Ala., and Red River Army Depot, Texarkana, Texas, locations directly serving customers worldwide. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Five proposals were originally solicited with five responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Fiscal Year 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-9005).
Navy
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $12,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2100) for emergent and supplemental work for the accomplishment of the fiscal year 2008 Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) of USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The CVN 65 FY08 EDSRA is a ship depot availability of approximately 16-month duration. EDSRAs are similar to overhauls in that they restore the ship, including all subsystems that affect combat capability and safety, to established performance standards. Additionally, an EDSRA provides an opportunity to perform hull inspections and recoating, and other maintenance related evolutions below the waterline that cannot be accomplished while the ship is waterborne. The EDSRA provides sufficient time to perform more extensive propulsion plant repairs and testing than is possible during an Extended Selected Restricted Availability (ESRA). Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $12,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2100).
Kongsberg Maritime, Inc., Houston, Texas, is being awarded an $11,000,000 fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract to procure and/or design, develop, and manufacture hardware, logistics support, spares, commercial technical manuals, and associated data related to the manufacture and sustainment of the AMPHIB Low Light Surveillance System Program. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, Scotland, (80 percent); and Lakehurst, N.J., (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2013. 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, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-D-0088).
Briartek, Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $7,000,071 firm fixed price blanket purchase agreement contract for manufacture of man overboard indicator components for use on U.S. Navy vessels. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2013. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-09-A-ZE01).
Electric Boat Corp., (a General Dynamics Company), Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,587,708 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-4063) for operations and maintenance of the Government Owned Contractor Operated drydock Shippingport (ARDM-4). The contractor shall provide operational support, perform organizational level maintenance and preserve the vessel during normal operations, maintain operational support during the vessel's service craft overhaul period, and re-certify the vessel upon completion of its overhaul. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (60 percent), and Charleston S.C., (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $6,587,708 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc., Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $5,684,296 modification to firm fixed price Task Order FZN1 under previously awarded contract (N62470-08-D-1007) to exercise options 1 and 2 for range clearance at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, engineering, materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and transportation to accomplish the surface clearance of range residue from target areas. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2010. The total task order amount after exercise of these options will be $9,956,042. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $5,667,089 firm fixed price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) to provide sustaining engineering support for the Taiwanese Air Force E-2C Program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. 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.
Gates Meets With Biden, Works for Smooth Transition
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met yesterday with Vice President-elect Joe Biden as he continues to work to ensure the department's transition between the two administrations is as seamless as possible, the Pentagon press secretary said today. Gates also had a working lunch with leaders of the president-elect's transition team today, Geoff Morrell said at a Pentagon briefing.
Gates' talks with the team are not yet aimed at tackling specific issues, but rather are dealing with the transition process, Morrell said.
"Right now this is about establishing a team, building the construct in which they will work and moving forward from there. But we're still at the early stages of this process," Morrell said.
Morrell emphasized, though, that Gates' priority is working with the current administration to ensure national security.
Morrell was questioned during the briefing about possible U.S. military assistance to India in response to the terrorist attacks in its financial capital of Mumbai two weeks ago.
Gates condemned the attacks last week as Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with senior Pakistani officials in Islamabad, pressing them to explore any ties between the attacks and groups based in Pakistan. The attacks left nearly 200 people dead.
Morrell said India has not asked for U.S. military assistance, but that Pentagon officials are in close discussion with the militaries of both India and Pakistan.
"I think ... the problems that we have emanating from Pakistan terror-wise show us ... that this is a problem that needs to be dealt with on a sustained basis," Morrell said. "That it can't be done in fits and starts, that there needs to be a constant and vigilant effort to go after the terrorist networks that exist there and throughout the region."
Morrell also fielded several questions about the possibility of closing the U.S. military detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Morrell reiterated Gates' position that it would be best to see the facility closed, but said new legislation is needed to determine the disposition of detainees and that there are no immediate plans to close the facility.
Morrell called the detainees there "dangerous."
"If they haven't killed Americans, they have made it clear that it is their desire to do so. So we need to provide for what would happen to these people ... should they be transferred stateside," Morrell said.
The press secretary also addressed an impending DoD Inspector General's report yet to be released concerning the Marine Corps' responsiveness in 2005 to requests by commanders in the field asking for more mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles.
A brief of the report was released on the IG's Web site today stating that DoD officials were aware of the threat posed by mines and improvised explosive devices in low-intensity conflicts and the availability of mine-resistant vehicles before insurgent actions began in Iraq in 2003. But, it claims, the DoD did not develop requirements for, fund, or buy MRAP-type vehicles for low-intensity missions.
Morrell said there was an evolution of the threat in the combat theater. Larger, more heavily armored vehicles were used at the start of the war, and as the mission changed, the vehicle types were scaled down. But, as the enemy saw the U.S. military using lighter vehicles, it started hitting harder with roadside bombs, he explained.
As the U.S. military reinforced its Humvees, the insurgents again modified their tactics to used deeply buried IEDs that exploded underneath the Humvees striking the less-armored belly.
In May 2007, Gates made purchasing MRAPs a Defense Department priority and has spent $22 billion in the past 18 months to put 12,000 MRAPs in theater, Morrell said.
"We've seen the enemy adapt to us, and we've had to adapt to them," he told reporters. "As the threat has evolved, so have our force-protection measures."
Morrell conceded that department officials would have liked to have moved faster or more efficiently at times, but he said there was no implied neglect.
"To suggest that there was any sort of neglect or people were sitting on their hands ignoring the urgent requests of commanders in the field is just not accurate," Morrell said. He called the Defense Department's efforts "herculean" in ensuring U.S. troops have best possible protection.
Morrell also said DoD is trying to get more MRAPs into Afghanistan, and that officials are looking to build a lighter version of the vehicle to deal better with the rugged Afghan terrain.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met yesterday with Vice President-elect Joe Biden as he continues to work to ensure the department's transition between the two administrations is as seamless as possible, the Pentagon press secretary said today. Gates also had a working lunch with leaders of the president-elect's transition team today, Geoff Morrell said at a Pentagon briefing.
Gates' talks with the team are not yet aimed at tackling specific issues, but rather are dealing with the transition process, Morrell said.
"Right now this is about establishing a team, building the construct in which they will work and moving forward from there. But we're still at the early stages of this process," Morrell said.
Morrell emphasized, though, that Gates' priority is working with the current administration to ensure national security.
Morrell was questioned during the briefing about possible U.S. military assistance to India in response to the terrorist attacks in its financial capital of Mumbai two weeks ago.
Gates condemned the attacks last week as Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with senior Pakistani officials in Islamabad, pressing them to explore any ties between the attacks and groups based in Pakistan. The attacks left nearly 200 people dead.
Morrell said India has not asked for U.S. military assistance, but that Pentagon officials are in close discussion with the militaries of both India and Pakistan.
"I think ... the problems that we have emanating from Pakistan terror-wise show us ... that this is a problem that needs to be dealt with on a sustained basis," Morrell said. "That it can't be done in fits and starts, that there needs to be a constant and vigilant effort to go after the terrorist networks that exist there and throughout the region."
Morrell also fielded several questions about the possibility of closing the U.S. military detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Morrell reiterated Gates' position that it would be best to see the facility closed, but said new legislation is needed to determine the disposition of detainees and that there are no immediate plans to close the facility.
Morrell called the detainees there "dangerous."
"If they haven't killed Americans, they have made it clear that it is their desire to do so. So we need to provide for what would happen to these people ... should they be transferred stateside," Morrell said.
The press secretary also addressed an impending DoD Inspector General's report yet to be released concerning the Marine Corps' responsiveness in 2005 to requests by commanders in the field asking for more mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles.
A brief of the report was released on the IG's Web site today stating that DoD officials were aware of the threat posed by mines and improvised explosive devices in low-intensity conflicts and the availability of mine-resistant vehicles before insurgent actions began in Iraq in 2003. But, it claims, the DoD did not develop requirements for, fund, or buy MRAP-type vehicles for low-intensity missions.
Morrell said there was an evolution of the threat in the combat theater. Larger, more heavily armored vehicles were used at the start of the war, and as the mission changed, the vehicle types were scaled down. But, as the enemy saw the U.S. military using lighter vehicles, it started hitting harder with roadside bombs, he explained.
As the U.S. military reinforced its Humvees, the insurgents again modified their tactics to used deeply buried IEDs that exploded underneath the Humvees striking the less-armored belly.
In May 2007, Gates made purchasing MRAPs a Defense Department priority and has spent $22 billion in the past 18 months to put 12,000 MRAPs in theater, Morrell said.
"We've seen the enemy adapt to us, and we've had to adapt to them," he told reporters. "As the threat has evolved, so have our force-protection measures."
Morrell conceded that department officials would have liked to have moved faster or more efficiently at times, but he said there was no implied neglect.
"To suggest that there was any sort of neglect or people were sitting on their hands ignoring the urgent requests of commanders in the field is just not accurate," Morrell said. He called the Defense Department's efforts "herculean" in ensuring U.S. troops have best possible protection.
Morrell also said DoD is trying to get more MRAPs into Afghanistan, and that officials are looking to build a lighter version of the vehicle to deal better with the rugged Afghan terrain.
Today's More Capable Military Must Continue Worldwide Offensive, Bush Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - In his last scheduled visit to a service academy while in office, President George W. Bush told Army cadets today that the U.S. military has transformed to face threats it faces now and in the future. Bush charted the progress of his administration in the war on terror and spoke of what remains to be done in a half-hour address at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.
The president said that as the Cold War was ending, another war against extremists was beginning.
"In hidden corners of the world, violent religious extremists were plotting ways to advance their radical aims and their grim ideology," he said.
Terror attacks against the World Trade Center in 1993, against Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, against the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and the strike on the USS Cole were part of this war. But it wasn't until Sept. 11, 2001, that Americans woke to the fact that hostilities had started. The attacks in New York and Washington were just one part of the terror campaign, Bush said.
"In the space of a single morning, we realized that we were facing a worldwide movement of fanatics pledged to our destruction," he said. "We saw that conditions of repression and despair on the other side of the world could bring suffering and death to our own streets."
All of America's might had to be concentrated against such an onslaught, and the U.S. government and international partners worked together in ways unthinkable a few years before, the president said.
"Here at home, we hardened our defenses and created the Department of Homeland Security," Bush said. He pointed to the Patriot Act, reorganization in the intelligence agencies and increased financial pressures as other examples.
"We also made dramatic changes to our military strategy and the military itself," he said. "We resolved that we would not wait to be attacked again, and so we went on the offense against the terrorists overseas so we would not have to face them here at home."
U.S. servicemembers and their diplomatic colleagues worked with allies to strengthen their counterterrorism capabilities, Bush said.
"We understood that if we wait for threats to fully materialize, we will have waited too long," he said. "So we made clear that hostile regimes sponsoring terror or pursuing weapons of mass destruction would be held to account." American diplomats also engaged in efforts "to discredit the hateful vision of the extremists and advance the hopeful alternative of freedom," said he added.
Bush said the first order after Sept. 11 was to take the fight to the enemy, he said.
"From the Horn of Africa to the islands of Southeast Asia to wherever these thugs hide, we and our allies have applied the full range of military and intelligence assets to keep unrelenting pressure on al-Qaida and its affiliates," he said.
The efforts have weakened the terrorists, but Osama bin Laden remains at large and extremists still can launch attacks such as the one in Mumbai, India, last month, Bush said.
"Yet, [the terrorists] are facing pressures so intense that the only way they can stay alive is to stay underground," Bush said. "The day will come. The day will come when they receive the justice they deserve."
Intelligence sharing and counterterrorism training became buzz words around the world, and the United States worked with a range of allies who have made enormous contributions in the war on terror, Bush said.
"One of the most important challenges we will face, and you will face in the years ahead, is helping our partners assert control over ungoverned spaces," he told the cadets. "The problem is most pronounced in Pakistan, where areas along the Afghanistan border are home to Taliban and to al-Qaida fighters. The Pakistani government and people understand the threat, because they have been victims of terror themselves."
The United States stands ready to help to train Pakistani security forces, the president said. "And at the same time, we have made it clear to Pakistan and to all our partners that we will do what is necessary to protect American troops and the American people," he said.
U.S. friends and foes around the world agree that governments that sponsor terror are as guilty as the terrorists and will be held accountable, Bush said. In Afghanistan, it resulted in a U.S.-led coalition ousting the Taliban and shutting down al-Qaida training camps, he said.
"Now, America and our 25 NATO allies and 17 partner nations are standing with the Afghan people as they defend their free society," he said.
Iraq also posed a danger, Bush said. "After seeing the destruction of Sept. 11, we concluded that America could not afford to allow a regime with such a threatening and violent record to remain in the heart of the Middle East. So we offered Saddam Hussein a final chance to peacefully resolve the issue. And when he refused, we acted with a coalition of nations to protect our people, and liberated 25 million Iraqis."
The fight in Iraq has been longer and tougher than expected, Bush said. In 2006, in fact, the nation was on the verge of civil war.
"So we adopted a new strategy, and rather than retreating, sent more troops into Baghdad and Iraq," he said. "And when the surge met its objective, we began to bring our troops home under a policy of return on success."
American leaders recognize long-term solutions are needed to turn people away from joining the terrorists, Bush said.
"When we overthrew the dictators in Afghanistan and Iraq, we refused to take the easy option and install friendly strongmen in their place," he said. "Instead, we're doing the tough work of helping democratic societies emerge as examples for people all across the Middle East."
A final peg in the new strategy is the transformation of the military, Bush said.
"This transformation was a top priority for the enterprising leader who served as my first secretary of defense, Donald Rumsfeld," he said. "Today, because of his leadership and the leadership of Secretary Bob Gates, we have made our military better trained, better equipped and better prepared to meet the threats facing America today and tomorrow and long in the future."
Troops have real-time battlefield intelligence capabilities that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, Bush said. In Iraq and Afghanistan, troops use global positioning systems to direct air strikes that take out the enemy while sparing innocent life, he said.
More special operations forces are needed in the global war on terror, and the military is getting them, Bush said.
"Over the past eight years, we have more than doubled funding for special operators," he said. "We created the first-ever special operations command within the Marines. We have given [U.S.] Special Operations Command the lead role in the global war against the terrorists."
New ways of mixing civilian and military capabilities, such as the provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, have a long-term affect on the fight, Bush said.
"In both Iraq and Afghanistan, these teams are helping local communities create jobs and deliver basic services and keep the terrorists from coming back," he said.
Conventional forces also are changing. "We have begun the most sweeping transformation of America's global force posture since the end of World War II," Bush said. Troops now can surge more rapidly to trouble spots around the world, he added.
"We've established new military commands to meet challenges unique to Africa and to support our homeland," Bush said. "We've invested more than a half trillion dollars in research and development so we can build even more advanced capabilities to protect America from the dangers of a new century."
The United States put in place limited missile defense and is working with Russia to draw down nuclear weapons, he said.
"These reductions are part of a new approach to strategic deterrence that relies on both nuclear and conventional strike forces as well as strong defenses," he said. "This approach sends a clear message to the world. We will reduce our reliance on nuclear weapons, while keeping America's strategic deterrents unchallenged."
The U.S. military is stronger today than it was eight years ago, Bush said.
"In the years ahead, our nation must continue developing the capabilities to take the fight to our enemies across the world," he said. "We must stay on the offensive. We must be determined and we must be relentless to do our duty to protect the American people from harm."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - In his last scheduled visit to a service academy while in office, President George W. Bush told Army cadets today that the U.S. military has transformed to face threats it faces now and in the future. Bush charted the progress of his administration in the war on terror and spoke of what remains to be done in a half-hour address at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.
The president said that as the Cold War was ending, another war against extremists was beginning.
"In hidden corners of the world, violent religious extremists were plotting ways to advance their radical aims and their grim ideology," he said.
Terror attacks against the World Trade Center in 1993, against Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, against the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and the strike on the USS Cole were part of this war. But it wasn't until Sept. 11, 2001, that Americans woke to the fact that hostilities had started. The attacks in New York and Washington were just one part of the terror campaign, Bush said.
"In the space of a single morning, we realized that we were facing a worldwide movement of fanatics pledged to our destruction," he said. "We saw that conditions of repression and despair on the other side of the world could bring suffering and death to our own streets."
All of America's might had to be concentrated against such an onslaught, and the U.S. government and international partners worked together in ways unthinkable a few years before, the president said.
"Here at home, we hardened our defenses and created the Department of Homeland Security," Bush said. He pointed to the Patriot Act, reorganization in the intelligence agencies and increased financial pressures as other examples.
"We also made dramatic changes to our military strategy and the military itself," he said. "We resolved that we would not wait to be attacked again, and so we went on the offense against the terrorists overseas so we would not have to face them here at home."
U.S. servicemembers and their diplomatic colleagues worked with allies to strengthen their counterterrorism capabilities, Bush said.
"We understood that if we wait for threats to fully materialize, we will have waited too long," he said. "So we made clear that hostile regimes sponsoring terror or pursuing weapons of mass destruction would be held to account." American diplomats also engaged in efforts "to discredit the hateful vision of the extremists and advance the hopeful alternative of freedom," said he added.
Bush said the first order after Sept. 11 was to take the fight to the enemy, he said.
"From the Horn of Africa to the islands of Southeast Asia to wherever these thugs hide, we and our allies have applied the full range of military and intelligence assets to keep unrelenting pressure on al-Qaida and its affiliates," he said.
The efforts have weakened the terrorists, but Osama bin Laden remains at large and extremists still can launch attacks such as the one in Mumbai, India, last month, Bush said.
"Yet, [the terrorists] are facing pressures so intense that the only way they can stay alive is to stay underground," Bush said. "The day will come. The day will come when they receive the justice they deserve."
Intelligence sharing and counterterrorism training became buzz words around the world, and the United States worked with a range of allies who have made enormous contributions in the war on terror, Bush said.
"One of the most important challenges we will face, and you will face in the years ahead, is helping our partners assert control over ungoverned spaces," he told the cadets. "The problem is most pronounced in Pakistan, where areas along the Afghanistan border are home to Taliban and to al-Qaida fighters. The Pakistani government and people understand the threat, because they have been victims of terror themselves."
The United States stands ready to help to train Pakistani security forces, the president said. "And at the same time, we have made it clear to Pakistan and to all our partners that we will do what is necessary to protect American troops and the American people," he said.
U.S. friends and foes around the world agree that governments that sponsor terror are as guilty as the terrorists and will be held accountable, Bush said. In Afghanistan, it resulted in a U.S.-led coalition ousting the Taliban and shutting down al-Qaida training camps, he said.
"Now, America and our 25 NATO allies and 17 partner nations are standing with the Afghan people as they defend their free society," he said.
Iraq also posed a danger, Bush said. "After seeing the destruction of Sept. 11, we concluded that America could not afford to allow a regime with such a threatening and violent record to remain in the heart of the Middle East. So we offered Saddam Hussein a final chance to peacefully resolve the issue. And when he refused, we acted with a coalition of nations to protect our people, and liberated 25 million Iraqis."
The fight in Iraq has been longer and tougher than expected, Bush said. In 2006, in fact, the nation was on the verge of civil war.
"So we adopted a new strategy, and rather than retreating, sent more troops into Baghdad and Iraq," he said. "And when the surge met its objective, we began to bring our troops home under a policy of return on success."
American leaders recognize long-term solutions are needed to turn people away from joining the terrorists, Bush said.
"When we overthrew the dictators in Afghanistan and Iraq, we refused to take the easy option and install friendly strongmen in their place," he said. "Instead, we're doing the tough work of helping democratic societies emerge as examples for people all across the Middle East."
A final peg in the new strategy is the transformation of the military, Bush said.
"This transformation was a top priority for the enterprising leader who served as my first secretary of defense, Donald Rumsfeld," he said. "Today, because of his leadership and the leadership of Secretary Bob Gates, we have made our military better trained, better equipped and better prepared to meet the threats facing America today and tomorrow and long in the future."
Troops have real-time battlefield intelligence capabilities that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, Bush said. In Iraq and Afghanistan, troops use global positioning systems to direct air strikes that take out the enemy while sparing innocent life, he said.
More special operations forces are needed in the global war on terror, and the military is getting them, Bush said.
"Over the past eight years, we have more than doubled funding for special operators," he said. "We created the first-ever special operations command within the Marines. We have given [U.S.] Special Operations Command the lead role in the global war against the terrorists."
New ways of mixing civilian and military capabilities, such as the provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, have a long-term affect on the fight, Bush said.
"In both Iraq and Afghanistan, these teams are helping local communities create jobs and deliver basic services and keep the terrorists from coming back," he said.
Conventional forces also are changing. "We have begun the most sweeping transformation of America's global force posture since the end of World War II," Bush said. Troops now can surge more rapidly to trouble spots around the world, he added.
"We've established new military commands to meet challenges unique to Africa and to support our homeland," Bush said. "We've invested more than a half trillion dollars in research and development so we can build even more advanced capabilities to protect America from the dangers of a new century."
The United States put in place limited missile defense and is working with Russia to draw down nuclear weapons, he said.
"These reductions are part of a new approach to strategic deterrence that relies on both nuclear and conventional strike forces as well as strong defenses," he said. "This approach sends a clear message to the world. We will reduce our reliance on nuclear weapons, while keeping America's strategic deterrents unchallenged."
The U.S. military is stronger today than it was eight years ago, Bush said.
"In the years ahead, our nation must continue developing the capabilities to take the fight to our enemies across the world," he said. "We must stay on the offensive. We must be determined and we must be relentless to do our duty to protect the American people from harm."
University Provides Care for Wounded Warriors
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - Wounded servicemembers are finding an unlikely resource for care at Arkansas State University in a new program officials there hope will catch on at other college campuses. Susan Tonymon, director of the Beck Pride Center at the university's Jonesboro campus, described the program in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio.com.
The university opened the center in October 2007 as a supplement to Veterans Affairs programs, Tonymon said. The campus is an ideal place to reach out to wounded troops, she said.
"Arkansas State University is a very military-friendly campus," Tonymon said. With a National Guard armory on campus, an ROTC program and the development of a student veterans group, the campus "provides a service for them to connect with others in this area for social interaction and cohesiveness."
The center provides services such as physical and occupational therapy, mental health counseling and social services to combat-injured servicemembers, veterans and their families. It was funded for 50 participants and now has 62, Tonymon said.
"We don't want to duplicate a service," Tonymon said. "Many of our servicemembers have heard about the vet centers, but sometimes they are too far away and they will choose to come to a center on our campus."
Participants often go to Arkansas State for services not offered at VA centers near them, Tonymon said. And, with mental health providers trained to help combat veterans, they find the care specific to their needs.
Most participants come from outside the Jonesboro area, some from as far away as California and Washington state, to take advantage of the program's unique opportunities, Tonymon said.
Program officials recently helped a wounded warrior relocate to Jonesboro from Missouri, where he faced a 70-mile commute to the nearest VA center. The center provided him with temporary housing and got him financial resources because he had not yet been discharged from the military, Tonymon said.
"We have an area on campus where military servicemembers can live in a community with day care and get physical therapy right here on campus," she said.
Tonymon said she is interested in helping other campuses start their own programs.
"Universities like Arkansas State are in a unique position to help, mainly because we can centralize many of the services that the wounded servicemember may need for recovery," she said. "The university itself provides a safe therapeutic and healing environment."
(Jamie Findlater works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 9, 2008 - Wounded servicemembers are finding an unlikely resource for care at Arkansas State University in a new program officials there hope will catch on at other college campuses. Susan Tonymon, director of the Beck Pride Center at the university's Jonesboro campus, described the program in an "ASY Live" interview on BlogTalkRadio.com.
The university opened the center in October 2007 as a supplement to Veterans Affairs programs, Tonymon said. The campus is an ideal place to reach out to wounded troops, she said.
"Arkansas State University is a very military-friendly campus," Tonymon said. With a National Guard armory on campus, an ROTC program and the development of a student veterans group, the campus "provides a service for them to connect with others in this area for social interaction and cohesiveness."
The center provides services such as physical and occupational therapy, mental health counseling and social services to combat-injured servicemembers, veterans and their families. It was funded for 50 participants and now has 62, Tonymon said.
"We don't want to duplicate a service," Tonymon said. "Many of our servicemembers have heard about the vet centers, but sometimes they are too far away and they will choose to come to a center on our campus."
Participants often go to Arkansas State for services not offered at VA centers near them, Tonymon said. And, with mental health providers trained to help combat veterans, they find the care specific to their needs.
Most participants come from outside the Jonesboro area, some from as far away as California and Washington state, to take advantage of the program's unique opportunities, Tonymon said.
Program officials recently helped a wounded warrior relocate to Jonesboro from Missouri, where he faced a 70-mile commute to the nearest VA center. The center provided him with temporary housing and got him financial resources because he had not yet been discharged from the military, Tonymon said.
"We have an area on campus where military servicemembers can live in a community with day care and get physical therapy right here on campus," she said.
Tonymon said she is interested in helping other campuses start their own programs.
"Universities like Arkansas State are in a unique position to help, mainly because we can centralize many of the services that the wounded servicemember may need for recovery," she said. "The university itself provides a safe therapeutic and healing environment."
(Jamie Findlater works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
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