The Department of Defense will host a National Leadership Summit on Military Families Nov. 9-10 beginnning at 8 a.m. EST at The Inn and Conference Center, University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md. Gail H. McGinn, performing the duties of the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will deliver the keynote address.
The summit, organized by Military Community and Family Policy, is through collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland. More than 300 leaders who provide support to military families are scheduled to attend. They comprise leaders in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, the National Guard and Reserve, land-grant universities, and other non-governmental partners.
The summit will begin with a call to action reviewing the Defense Department's commitment to family support and readiness. In addition, participants will learn about what current research is telling us about the status of military families, and what challenges we anticipate families will experience in the future. Following the summit, DoD and the University of Maryland will produce a report for leadership with recommendations on ways to improve family support and readiness programs.
Journalists may cover the event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 9 and should plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please contact Maj. April Cunningham at (703) 697-6727 or (571) 309-4734 or via e-mail at April.Cunningham@osd.mil indicating your plan to attend.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Air Force Leaders Meet With African Counterparts to Discuss Needs
By Air Force Maj. Paula KurtzSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 5, 2009 - Mali and Senegal air forces leaders echoed the requests of other African military leaders at a recent senior leader engagement here in asking for help in building airman skills and on improving capacity within their air domain. Those were the key sentiments reiterated by U.S. Embassy and host nation defense officials during the latest Air Forces Africa senior leader engagement in Mali and Senegal from Oct. 26 to 30.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael W. Callan, Air Forces Africa vice commander, spent the week visiting with key leaders and touring facilities for a first-hand look at the capabilities of the two nations' air forces.
"It's important for us to hear directly from the host nation what their priorities are as we work to develop a sustained engagement strategy," Callan said. "While there may be tactical differences in the assistance desired in each nation, the overall themes are the same -- increasing capacity in the air domain and developing a corps of professional officers and noncommissioned officers."
Forces in both of these West African nations perform a variety of military operations, ranging from support to peacekeeping operations to internal border defense to humanitarian assistance. Air mobility is a necessary component if they are to execute these missions successfully, said Gillian Milovanovic, U.S. ambassador to Mali.
"Air capability plays an important role in moving people and forces and projecting security here," Milovanovic said. "Security governs everything here, so we have to be flexible and realistic in the kinds of capabilities we invest in."
Enhanced aircraft maintenance and logistics systems, increased interoperability with U.S. and other regional partners, and further professionalizing defense forces top the list of security objectives.
"We are working with the Mali Ministry of Defense on a 10-year plan," said Lt. Col. Marshall Mantiply, defense attache at the U.S. Embassy in Mali. "We want to execute a smart plan that will lead to real capacity rather than putting a band-aid on a short-term problem."
Malian defense leaders agree, noting that a long-term strategy that improves their capability will benefit other nations in the region and around the world.
"Our common framework is combating terrorism," said Gen. Gabriel Poudiougou, general chief of staff of the Mali air force. "More engagement and discussion will allow us to build a better common operating picture in combating terrorism at a worldwide level."
Callan visited Mali's 33d Parachute Regiment, a unit that carries out operations using tactical vehicles and communication equipment provided by the U.S. Defense and State Departments.
"These vehicles give us the capability for doing pursuit actions and convoy escorts," said Lt. Col. Louis Somboro, deputy commander. "Ninety-five percent of our soldiers were trained by the U.S, and we've engaged with you in exercises like Flintlock, Joint Planning and Assessment Teams and special bilateral training. We're very satisfied with this training, but we are always looking to improve and hope to have opportunities for advanced training in the future."
In Senegal, U.S. Ambassador Marcia Bernicat described the small, but capable defense forces as a "shining example of fellow professionals."
In addition to meeting with the Senegal air force chief of staff and touring operations and maintenance facilities, Callan and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steven Scott, of Air Forces Africa Command, served as guest speakers at the graduation ceremony of the first class of instructors for the Senegalese NCO academy.
Since its inception in 1971, the academy has trained more than 2,100 NCOs, and now has produced the first 12 instructors trained in-house. In his comments, Scott lauded the new instructors for being "out front, leading and shaping the future of your enlisted corps."
He noted that while the new instructors will face challenges, they also will reap great rewards. "You will actually watch as your students learn and grow and become better enlisted members right before your eyes."
Currently, many officers and NCOs attend training courses, ranging from pilot training, to core skill training, to professional military education, in other African and European nations, as well as the United States. The first Senegalese female officer is in her second year at the U.S. Air Force Academy, for example. With a well-developed NCO corps already established, the Senegalese air force is looking to expand its capability to train forces at home.
"We want to depend less on training and resources from other nations," said Maj. Elhadji Diene, a recent graduate of Air Force Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. "There is a need for us to develop the capability to do it by ourselves, for ourselves."
Also in Mali, members of Air Forces Africa were treated to a tour of the Malian Air Force English Language Lab in Bamako, one of three such labs across the country that prepares officers for training in other nations, as well as participation in U.N. peacekeeping missions. The lab will start training NCOs in January, 1st Lt. Fankele Samake, A Malian air force English instructor, said.
The lab conducts two six-month programs and produces about 40
graduates per year, with materials provided by the U.S. Embassy and Defense Department
"Our students learn all aspects of the language -- writing, listening and speaking," Samake said. "Listening is the most important skill, but most students are better at writing." Some students arrive at the lab with a working knowledge of the English language, which is offered as an elective throughout Malian middle and high schools, along with German.
Malian defense forces supplies instructors for the lab. Instructor candidates are given a test and those with top scores attend an immersion course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, funded by the State Department's International Military Education and Training program.
Malian Army Staff Sgt. Niara Diallo attended the Lackland course from September 2007 through April 2008 and now teaches officers from his own defense force in Bamako.
"It was very interesting to meet new people and share knowledge," Diallo said of the course, "and it prepared me to be an instructor."
(Air Force Maj. Paula Kurtz serves with 17th Air Force public affairs.)
Doctor Discusses Navy's Role in Detecting H1N1
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The Navy played a key role last spring in the discovery of the H1N1 influenza's presence in the United States, according to a senior Navy medical officer. In April, technicians at the San Diego-based Naval Health Research Center encountered a puzzling influenza specimen provided by a 10-year-old military family member, said Navy Capt. (Dr.) Tanis Batsel Stewart, director of emergency preparedness and contingency support at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The specimen contained the "A" type of influenza virus that can cause pandemics, Batsel Stewart said, but it couldn't be sub-typed.
"It's very unusual not to be able to sub-type an influenza virus," she said in a recent phone interview with American Forces Press Service.
The specimen, she said, was then sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for more testing, where technicians determined it was a new strain of influenza virus.
A second specimen from a 9-year-old girl that arrived at the NHRC soon afterward was found to be identical to the one submitted by the military family member, Batsel Stewart said. That specimen, too, was sent to the CDC, where it was determined to be the novel influenza A H1N1 virus, commonly known at the time as "swine flu."
"That was a definite red flag -- that we have a new influenza strain circulating that might very well cause a pandemic, and obviously, it has," she said.
The CDC activated its emergency operations center to better coordinate the public-health response to H1N1 on April 22. The U.S. government declared a public health emergency on April 26, and began aggressively implementing the nation's pandemic response plan.
The World Health Organization announced June 11 that the spread of the H1N1 virus had reached pandemic proportions, with cases reported in 70 countries at the time. President Barack Obama issued a national emergency declaration on H1N1 on Oct. 24.
"By rapidly identifying the virus, implementing public health measures, providing guidance for health professionals and the general public, and developing an effective vaccine, we have taken proactive steps to reduce the impact of the pandemic and protect the health of our citizens," the president said in his declaration.
The Washington-based Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery is the headquarters and center for Navy medicine, while the NHRC is a leading research and development laboratory for the Defense Department. The NHRC manages and executes medical research, development and test and evaluation programs for the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.; the Navy Medicine Support Command in Jacksonville, Fla.; and the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department conducts active, laboratory-based surveillance of infectious diseases that affect military personnel and family members, with an emphasis on respiratory illnesses. The department also addresses the safety and efficacy of drugs and vaccines.
The Navy has for years conducted influenza and other infectious-disease surveillance programs in conjunction with the other U.S. military services in partnership with foreign nations and public health organizations, Batsel Stewart said.
The U.S. military's infectious disease research capability "is the largest in the world," she said, noting the U.S. maintains labs in Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru and Thailand that fall under the auspices of the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System.
More than 100 countries, "from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe," participate in the surveillance program, Batsel Stewart said.
A presidential directive established the response system, which falls under the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, in June 1996. The directive expanded the Defense Department's mission to include support of global surveillance, training, research, and response to emerging infectious disease threats.
It also charged the department to strengthen its global disease-reduction efforts through centralized coordination, improved preventive health programs and epidemiological capabilities, and enhanced involvement with military treatment facilities.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department serves as the Navy hub for the surveillance and response system.
"We don't anticipate, at this point, H1N1 becoming a severe pandemic, causing a lot of deaths and very severe illness," Batsel Stewart said. "But, we've been preparing for years within [the Defense Department] and the Navy and Navy medicine for something along the lines of the pandemic of the influenza of 1918, which was horrendously severe."
To help in preventing the spread of influenza viruses, Batsel Stewart recommended that people:
-- Cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow, rather than into their hand;
-- Wash their hands frequently;
-- Stay home if they feel ill;
-- Keep sick children at home; and
-- Distance themselves if they or others are ill.
Public health officials have urged citizens to obtain both H1N1 and regular seasonal flu vaccines. Defense Department officials say the department will have enough H1N1 vaccine available for servicemembers and their families.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon's global infectious disease surveillance network watches for potential pandemics as it also assists foreign partners.
Batsel Stewart recalled a previous duty assignment in Lima, Peru, where she and her colleagues assisted Peruvian health authorities in identifying new strains of dengue fever virus.
"Peru always thought that they had one, maybe two strains of the dengue fever virus circulating," said Batsel Stewart, noting that the fever has four strains. The U.S. medical team, she said, discovered that Peru actually has all four strains of dengue fever virus. One of those strains, she added, is dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes victims to bleed internally and sometimes externally.
"So, the Peruvian government and the Peruvian public health system was better able to respond to some of the cases they were saying they would not have recognized previously," Batsel Stewart said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The Navy played a key role last spring in the discovery of the H1N1 influenza's presence in the United States, according to a senior Navy medical officer. In April, technicians at the San Diego-based Naval Health Research Center encountered a puzzling influenza specimen provided by a 10-year-old military family member, said Navy Capt. (Dr.) Tanis Batsel Stewart, director of emergency preparedness and contingency support at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The specimen contained the "A" type of influenza virus that can cause pandemics, Batsel Stewart said, but it couldn't be sub-typed.
"It's very unusual not to be able to sub-type an influenza virus," she said in a recent phone interview with American Forces Press Service.
The specimen, she said, was then sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for more testing, where technicians determined it was a new strain of influenza virus.
A second specimen from a 9-year-old girl that arrived at the NHRC soon afterward was found to be identical to the one submitted by the military family member, Batsel Stewart said. That specimen, too, was sent to the CDC, where it was determined to be the novel influenza A H1N1 virus, commonly known at the time as "swine flu."
"That was a definite red flag -- that we have a new influenza strain circulating that might very well cause a pandemic, and obviously, it has," she said.
The CDC activated its emergency operations center to better coordinate the public-health response to H1N1 on April 22. The U.S. government declared a public health emergency on April 26, and began aggressively implementing the nation's pandemic response plan.
The World Health Organization announced June 11 that the spread of the H1N1 virus had reached pandemic proportions, with cases reported in 70 countries at the time. President Barack Obama issued a national emergency declaration on H1N1 on Oct. 24.
"By rapidly identifying the virus, implementing public health measures, providing guidance for health professionals and the general public, and developing an effective vaccine, we have taken proactive steps to reduce the impact of the pandemic and protect the health of our citizens," the president said in his declaration.
The Washington-based Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery is the headquarters and center for Navy medicine, while the NHRC is a leading research and development laboratory for the Defense Department. The NHRC manages and executes medical research, development and test and evaluation programs for the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.; the Navy Medicine Support Command in Jacksonville, Fla.; and the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department conducts active, laboratory-based surveillance of infectious diseases that affect military personnel and family members, with an emphasis on respiratory illnesses. The department also addresses the safety and efficacy of drugs and vaccines.
The Navy has for years conducted influenza and other infectious-disease surveillance programs in conjunction with the other U.S. military services in partnership with foreign nations and public health organizations, Batsel Stewart said.
The U.S. military's infectious disease research capability "is the largest in the world," she said, noting the U.S. maintains labs in Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru and Thailand that fall under the auspices of the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System.
More than 100 countries, "from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe," participate in the surveillance program, Batsel Stewart said.
A presidential directive established the response system, which falls under the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, in June 1996. The directive expanded the Defense Department's mission to include support of global surveillance, training, research, and response to emerging infectious disease threats.
It also charged the department to strengthen its global disease-reduction efforts through centralized coordination, improved preventive health programs and epidemiological capabilities, and enhanced involvement with military treatment facilities.
The Naval Health Research Center's respiratory diseases research department serves as the Navy hub for the surveillance and response system.
"We don't anticipate, at this point, H1N1 becoming a severe pandemic, causing a lot of deaths and very severe illness," Batsel Stewart said. "But, we've been preparing for years within [the Defense Department] and the Navy and Navy medicine for something along the lines of the pandemic of the influenza of 1918, which was horrendously severe."
To help in preventing the spread of influenza viruses, Batsel Stewart recommended that people:
-- Cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow, rather than into their hand;
-- Wash their hands frequently;
-- Stay home if they feel ill;
-- Keep sick children at home; and
-- Distance themselves if they or others are ill.
Public health officials have urged citizens to obtain both H1N1 and regular seasonal flu vaccines. Defense Department officials say the department will have enough H1N1 vaccine available for servicemembers and their families.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon's global infectious disease surveillance network watches for potential pandemics as it also assists foreign partners.
Batsel Stewart recalled a previous duty assignment in Lima, Peru, where she and her colleagues assisted Peruvian health authorities in identifying new strains of dengue fever virus.
"Peru always thought that they had one, maybe two strains of the dengue fever virus circulating," said Batsel Stewart, noting that the fever has four strains. The U.S. medical team, she said, discovered that Peru actually has all four strains of dengue fever virus. One of those strains, she added, is dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes victims to bleed internally and sometimes externally.
"So, the Peruvian government and the Peruvian public health system was better able to respond to some of the cases they were saying they would not have recognized previously," Batsel Stewart said.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Chairman Calls for Better Mental Health Programs
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The military's top officer today urged mental health providers to demonstrate leadership in developing effective programs to treat wounded warriors. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke by teleconference to some 400 attendees gathered here for the Warrior Resilience Conference, sponsored by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Defense Department has generated "a ton of programs" since the wars began in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mullen said, and on their face, all sound great. "But I need programs that work," he said. "I need programs where we can see results and see output. Anything we put in place, we really need to measure how we're doing."
Mullen urged participants to act on what they learn. "Demonstrate the leadership to say, 'Here are the ideas, now how do I turn that into reality?'" he said. "Many of you are in positions of responsibility. Don't wait for somebody else to do it. I hope and direct you to attack these problems for warriors and families."
Leading in this field is particularly challenging, the chairman said. "I see far too many individual efforts that are not particularly well-coordinated," he said.
The chairman urged the attendees to look beyond the department for help and solutions. The American people are looking for ways to help servicemembers and their families, he said, and he encouraged the conferees to tap into the "immense sea of goodwill for servicemembers that exists in this country."
Mullen cited the importance of creating the programs that build resilience. "I have seen servicemembers and their families demonstrate extraordinary resilience," he said. "I admire their ability to sustain operations at the pace we are in." And the need for resilience is not going to go away, he added.
"For the next year or so," Mullen said, "we will continue to shift our main effort from Iraq to Afghanistan, and the deployments are still going to be there."
But the chairman also provided the encouraging news that soldiers and Marines will start getting more "dwell time" at their home stations between deployments. "The two factors I focus on the most is the amount of dwell time and the number of deployments," he said.
Operations themselves affect resilience, Mullen said, noting that he was struck by the resilience of troops who participated in the successful troop surge in Iraq. "They left with a skip in their steps that wasn't present earlier," he said. "They got that skip because they knew they made a difference."
Transitions such as moving in and out of deployments, transitioning in and out of service or being wounded also affect resilience, the chairman told the conferees.. "Those are challenging times, and family support becomes more critical to resilience," he said. "The stronger the support network is, the stronger the servicemembers and families are."
Speed of treatment and getting the right treatment are key to minimizing long-term effects on servicemembers, he said. Leaders also need to smooth the transition between the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and be aware of the needs of those transitioning, he added.
"We have too many troopers who get out who have been living very structured lives," he said. "Many of them have seen hell, and now they are out there all alone. They have no support network, and they don't know where to go to get help. We need to do everything we can to help."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The military's top officer today urged mental health providers to demonstrate leadership in developing effective programs to treat wounded warriors. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke by teleconference to some 400 attendees gathered here for the Warrior Resilience Conference, sponsored by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Defense Department has generated "a ton of programs" since the wars began in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mullen said, and on their face, all sound great. "But I need programs that work," he said. "I need programs where we can see results and see output. Anything we put in place, we really need to measure how we're doing."
Mullen urged participants to act on what they learn. "Demonstrate the leadership to say, 'Here are the ideas, now how do I turn that into reality?'" he said. "Many of you are in positions of responsibility. Don't wait for somebody else to do it. I hope and direct you to attack these problems for warriors and families."
Leading in this field is particularly challenging, the chairman said. "I see far too many individual efforts that are not particularly well-coordinated," he said.
The chairman urged the attendees to look beyond the department for help and solutions. The American people are looking for ways to help servicemembers and their families, he said, and he encouraged the conferees to tap into the "immense sea of goodwill for servicemembers that exists in this country."
Mullen cited the importance of creating the programs that build resilience. "I have seen servicemembers and their families demonstrate extraordinary resilience," he said. "I admire their ability to sustain operations at the pace we are in." And the need for resilience is not going to go away, he added.
"For the next year or so," Mullen said, "we will continue to shift our main effort from Iraq to Afghanistan, and the deployments are still going to be there."
But the chairman also provided the encouraging news that soldiers and Marines will start getting more "dwell time" at their home stations between deployments. "The two factors I focus on the most is the amount of dwell time and the number of deployments," he said.
Operations themselves affect resilience, Mullen said, noting that he was struck by the resilience of troops who participated in the successful troop surge in Iraq. "They left with a skip in their steps that wasn't present earlier," he said. "They got that skip because they knew they made a difference."
Transitions such as moving in and out of deployments, transitioning in and out of service or being wounded also affect resilience, the chairman told the conferees.. "Those are challenging times, and family support becomes more critical to resilience," he said. "The stronger the support network is, the stronger the servicemembers and families are."
Speed of treatment and getting the right treatment are key to minimizing long-term effects on servicemembers, he said. Leaders also need to smooth the transition between the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and be aware of the needs of those transitioning, he added.
"We have too many troopers who get out who have been living very structured lives," he said. "Many of them have seen hell, and now they are out there all alone. They have no support network, and they don't know where to go to get help. We need to do everything we can to help."
Pentagon Sends H1N1 Vaccine to Central Command Area
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - U.S. Central Command has received half of the vaccine needed to inoculate its forces against the H1N1 virus, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. The vaccines arrived in Qatar overnight and should be pushed out to troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other parts of the region within the next day, Morrell said. About 300,000 forces serve in the command's area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, roughly 26,000 doses arrived in South Korea this week for servicemembers assigned there, Morrell said.
"So we're making some progress in terms of getting the H1N1 vaccine to our forces worldwide," he said. "But because we are still operating with a limited quantity, we have to prioritize those who will get it. And according to our prioritization list, our military forces and those who support them are at the top of that list."
The Defense Department does not yet have enough of the vaccine to treat all servicemembers, their families and other support personnel. The department received its initial allotments of the vaccine last week and began distributing them according to a prioritized list of recipients. Vaccines will be made available first to deployed troops, then to deployed health-care workers, including civilian employees and contractors.
"It is imperative that we keep our forces able to do their jobs so as to provide for the protection of our interests around the world," Morrell said.
"They are already in very difficult circumstances. Every one of them is needed, and we can't afford to have an outbreak of the [H1N1] flu in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in any other location where our forces are deployed," he said. "So we're doing everything within our power to make sure our guys downrange get this as soon as possible."
The department also has received several hundred vaccines from the Health and Human Services Department for defense civilians. Because vaccines are coming in relatively small numbers, local commanders are responsible for determining how supplies are distributed.
Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and is highly recommended for family members.
When the first cases of H1N1 were diagnosed in the United States in April, the department bought 2.7 million doses of the vaccine for mission-assurance purposes. HHS later provided 1 million doses to the department, raising the number to 3.7 million, officials said.
In addition to vaccines being received for operational personnel, Defense Department medical treatment facilities now are receiving vaccine for family members living in the United States. Pentagon officials also have an agreement with HHS to provide the vaccine for family members living outside the United States.
Vaccine for family members and the civilian work force will arrive at military medical treatment facilities incrementally, department officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - U.S. Central Command has received half of the vaccine needed to inoculate its forces against the H1N1 virus, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. The vaccines arrived in Qatar overnight and should be pushed out to troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other parts of the region within the next day, Morrell said. About 300,000 forces serve in the command's area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, roughly 26,000 doses arrived in South Korea this week for servicemembers assigned there, Morrell said.
"So we're making some progress in terms of getting the H1N1 vaccine to our forces worldwide," he said. "But because we are still operating with a limited quantity, we have to prioritize those who will get it. And according to our prioritization list, our military forces and those who support them are at the top of that list."
The Defense Department does not yet have enough of the vaccine to treat all servicemembers, their families and other support personnel. The department received its initial allotments of the vaccine last week and began distributing them according to a prioritized list of recipients. Vaccines will be made available first to deployed troops, then to deployed health-care workers, including civilian employees and contractors.
"It is imperative that we keep our forces able to do their jobs so as to provide for the protection of our interests around the world," Morrell said.
"They are already in very difficult circumstances. Every one of them is needed, and we can't afford to have an outbreak of the [H1N1] flu in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in any other location where our forces are deployed," he said. "So we're doing everything within our power to make sure our guys downrange get this as soon as possible."
The department also has received several hundred vaccines from the Health and Human Services Department for defense civilians. Because vaccines are coming in relatively small numbers, local commanders are responsible for determining how supplies are distributed.
Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and is highly recommended for family members.
When the first cases of H1N1 were diagnosed in the United States in April, the department bought 2.7 million doses of the vaccine for mission-assurance purposes. HHS later provided 1 million doses to the department, raising the number to 3.7 million, officials said.
In addition to vaccines being received for operational personnel, Defense Department medical treatment facilities now are receiving vaccine for family members living in the United States. Pentagon officials also have an agreement with HHS to provide the vaccine for family members living outside the United States.
Vaccine for family members and the civilian work force will arrive at military medical treatment facilities incrementally, department officials said.
Brain Injury Research Warrants Urgency, Mullen Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Traumatic brain injury, one of the signature injuries suffered by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, demands a "sense of urgency," the U.S. military's top officer said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Defense Department is in the early stages of understanding the impact of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, a mental condition characterized by headaches, dizziness, lacking motor coordination, memory loss and other symptoms.
"What I worry about is these ... injuries are different," he said at the National Press Club. "This is not like a football head injury or a boxing head injury. It is the catastrophic aspect of this explosion, which just affects the brain differently."
In wide-ranging remarks this morning, Mullen emphasized the importance of focusing on TBI and other issues affecting troops and their families. He said he supports efforts by those within and outside the department to better understand TBI.
"It is very clear the sooner you treat them, the better the outcome is going to be," he said. "So there needs to be a real sense of urgency here, and there are an awful lot of people involved in that. And I try to support what they're doing as much as I possibly can."
Mullen also cited post-traumatic stress -- another prevalent effect of combat -- as a great concern. He said the stigma attached to mental health treatment often contributes to the problem.
"It almost starts with the stigma issue, which we have to continue, as leaders, to break down, because it's hard to say, 'I need help.' And it too often gets used against you," he said.
Mullen added that he and his wife have heard such anecdotes from spouses of servicemembers with post-traumatic stress symptoms who fear seeking help because they don't want to affect their military spouse's career adversely.
"So we've just got to break that down and make it acceptable to ask for help in what is, by and large, something that is a temporary condition that, again, if it's addressed quickly, its effects can be greatly minimized.
Therefore, he said, the Pentagon's military and civilian leaders are focused on the issue. "But we've still got a long way to go," he acknowledged.
Speaking about the much-reported stress on the force stemming from multiple and lengthy deployments, Mullen said he doesn't see the U.S. military nearing a tipping point where forces will begin losing experienced troops.
"But I think we do have to make sure we keep a laser focus on this, ... support our families who have been extraordinary, take care of those who've been wounded, and ensure that they have lives of great contribution in the future," the chairman said. That care includes education, the right medical care and an opportunity buy a home, he added.
Mullen noted a "sea of goodwill" from an American public interested in showing support in various ways to U.S. forces. One of his challenges, he said, is to transform the outpouring into tangible support.
"The challenge that I and many other leaders here in Washington have is how do you connect that sea of goodwill to the need?" he said. "And we're actually working our way through being able to do that, and we're also looking for anyone who wants to try to assist us in that regard."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Traumatic brain injury, one of the signature injuries suffered by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, demands a "sense of urgency," the U.S. military's top officer said today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Defense Department is in the early stages of understanding the impact of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, a mental condition characterized by headaches, dizziness, lacking motor coordination, memory loss and other symptoms.
"What I worry about is these ... injuries are different," he said at the National Press Club. "This is not like a football head injury or a boxing head injury. It is the catastrophic aspect of this explosion, which just affects the brain differently."
In wide-ranging remarks this morning, Mullen emphasized the importance of focusing on TBI and other issues affecting troops and their families. He said he supports efforts by those within and outside the department to better understand TBI.
"It is very clear the sooner you treat them, the better the outcome is going to be," he said. "So there needs to be a real sense of urgency here, and there are an awful lot of people involved in that. And I try to support what they're doing as much as I possibly can."
Mullen also cited post-traumatic stress -- another prevalent effect of combat -- as a great concern. He said the stigma attached to mental health treatment often contributes to the problem.
"It almost starts with the stigma issue, which we have to continue, as leaders, to break down, because it's hard to say, 'I need help.' And it too often gets used against you," he said.
Mullen added that he and his wife have heard such anecdotes from spouses of servicemembers with post-traumatic stress symptoms who fear seeking help because they don't want to affect their military spouse's career adversely.
"So we've just got to break that down and make it acceptable to ask for help in what is, by and large, something that is a temporary condition that, again, if it's addressed quickly, its effects can be greatly minimized.
Therefore, he said, the Pentagon's military and civilian leaders are focused on the issue. "But we've still got a long way to go," he acknowledged.
Speaking about the much-reported stress on the force stemming from multiple and lengthy deployments, Mullen said he doesn't see the U.S. military nearing a tipping point where forces will begin losing experienced troops.
"But I think we do have to make sure we keep a laser focus on this, ... support our families who have been extraordinary, take care of those who've been wounded, and ensure that they have lives of great contribution in the future," the chairman said. That care includes education, the right medical care and an opportunity buy a home, he added.
Mullen noted a "sea of goodwill" from an American public interested in showing support in various ways to U.S. forces. One of his challenges, he said, is to transform the outpouring into tangible support.
"The challenge that I and many other leaders here in Washington have is how do you connect that sea of goodwill to the need?" he said. "And we're actually working our way through being able to do that, and we're also looking for anyone who wants to try to assist us in that regard."
National Parks Honor America’s Armed Forces
Free Admission on Veterans Day
From the beginnings of our nation to this very day, brave Americans have fought to protect our country and defend the principles on which it was founded.
On Veterans Day, November 11, our country honors the service of those who have answered the call at places like Lexington and Concord. Guilford Courthouse. Saratgoa. Yorktown. Fort McHenry. Horseshoe Bend. Gettysburg. Antietam. Valley Forge. Appomattox. Shiloh. Kennesaw Mountain. Vicksburg. Wilson’s Creek. USS Arizona. The names are ingrained in our national memory. The places are preserved forever as national parks.
“As part of the national observance of Veterans Day, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “This is just a small way we can honor our veterans and active duty military, reserves, National Guard, and their families. It is also an opportunity for all Americans to visit a national park that tells a veteran’s story and learn more about the struggles and the people who have kept our nation strong for more than 200 years.”
To learn more about how national parks preserve and commemorate the service of the American military visit Honor America’s Veterans at Battlefields and Military Parks Preserved in the National Park System. Or search for a close-to-home national park by clicking on “refine your search” and entering your zip code in our park finder.
Many of the 392 national parks have planned special events on Veterans Day including:
World War II Memorial, Washington, DC – 8 a.m. color guard from the Military District of Washington, special speakers, wreath-laying, and taps. Contact: Friends of the National World War II Memorial, (202) 747-4258.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC – 1 p.m. annual Veterans Day Observance at the Wall. Contact: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at (202) 393-0090.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania – 10:30 a.m. wreath laying at the National Memorial Arch with the Friends of Valley Forge Park and the Korea DMZ Veterans Association. Contact: Ann Marie Maher at (610) 783-1006 or maher@valleyforge.org.
General Grant National Memorial, New York – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. living history displays and demonstrations of the evolution of the American Army during the 19th century. Contact: Mindi Rambo at (212) 668-2208 or mindi_rambo@nps.gov.
Free entrance on Veterans Day applies also applies at other areas managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.
From the beginnings of our nation to this very day, brave Americans have fought to protect our country and defend the principles on which it was founded.
On Veterans Day, November 11, our country honors the service of those who have answered the call at places like Lexington and Concord. Guilford Courthouse. Saratgoa. Yorktown. Fort McHenry. Horseshoe Bend. Gettysburg. Antietam. Valley Forge. Appomattox. Shiloh. Kennesaw Mountain. Vicksburg. Wilson’s Creek. USS Arizona. The names are ingrained in our national memory. The places are preserved forever as national parks.
“As part of the national observance of Veterans Day, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “This is just a small way we can honor our veterans and active duty military, reserves, National Guard, and their families. It is also an opportunity for all Americans to visit a national park that tells a veteran’s story and learn more about the struggles and the people who have kept our nation strong for more than 200 years.”
To learn more about how national parks preserve and commemorate the service of the American military visit Honor America’s Veterans at Battlefields and Military Parks Preserved in the National Park System. Or search for a close-to-home national park by clicking on “refine your search” and entering your zip code in our park finder.
Many of the 392 national parks have planned special events on Veterans Day including:
World War II Memorial, Washington, DC – 8 a.m. color guard from the Military District of Washington, special speakers, wreath-laying, and taps. Contact: Friends of the National World War II Memorial, (202) 747-4258.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC – 1 p.m. annual Veterans Day Observance at the Wall. Contact: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at (202) 393-0090.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania – 10:30 a.m. wreath laying at the National Memorial Arch with the Friends of Valley Forge Park and the Korea DMZ Veterans Association. Contact: Ann Marie Maher at (610) 783-1006 or maher@valleyforge.org.
General Grant National Memorial, New York – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. living history displays and demonstrations of the evolution of the American Army during the 19th century. Contact: Mindi Rambo at (212) 668-2208 or mindi_rambo@nps.gov.
Free entrance on Veterans Day applies also applies at other areas managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service.
Mullen Ties Health to Readiness in Latest Podcast
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff noted some indirect factors of military readiness today in his latest podcast, also highlighting appreciation for military families and veterans, as well as preventive measures against the H1N1 influenza. "Readiness isn't just about training, it's about health," the chairman said in the podcast recorded at the Pentagon with his wife, Deborah.
The Defense Department received the initial doses of the H1N1 vaccine yesterday, and already has started sending it out to installations around the world. But the Mullens said precautions still are necessary.
"Flu season is here, and this year we also need to be ready for the H1N1 virus," Deborah Mullen said. "Many of the precautions are the same: covering your mouth when coughing, washing your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth."
The H1N1 strain, also known as swine flu, hit the United States in April, and has swept the nation with nearly 5,000 confirmed cases in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a report released Oct. 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of Americans being hospitalized due to the condition has steadily increased every month, with nearly 300 H1N1-related deaths, the CDC report said.
President Barack Obama proclaimed the virus a national emergency Oct. 24. Raising awareness and taking preventive steps against it, outside of receiving the vaccine, can help to reduce the virus's threat and its spread, the Mullens said.
"Because it's not just about staying well," Deborah Mullen said.
"It's about staying ready," the chairman added.
The Mullens also offered messages recognizing Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and Military Family Appreciation Week, observed Nov. 21 -28 as part of Military Family Month.
"We honor you not out of obligation, but rather with a deep sense of pride and gratitude," the chairman said of military veterans. "You and your families made a difference."
"Whether you saw combat or not, made the military a career or not, you stood up for you country and for your fellow citizens," Deborah Mullen added.
Combat readiness is tied to family readiness, the admiral said, and no military member serves alone. Today's armed forces have the most supportive and combat-ready families he's seen in his 41 years in uniform, he added.
"Our families don't just wait and worry," Deborah Mullen said. "They serve every bit as much as their loved ones."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff noted some indirect factors of military readiness today in his latest podcast, also highlighting appreciation for military families and veterans, as well as preventive measures against the H1N1 influenza. "Readiness isn't just about training, it's about health," the chairman said in the podcast recorded at the Pentagon with his wife, Deborah.
The Defense Department received the initial doses of the H1N1 vaccine yesterday, and already has started sending it out to installations around the world. But the Mullens said precautions still are necessary.
"Flu season is here, and this year we also need to be ready for the H1N1 virus," Deborah Mullen said. "Many of the precautions are the same: covering your mouth when coughing, washing your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth."
The H1N1 strain, also known as swine flu, hit the United States in April, and has swept the nation with nearly 5,000 confirmed cases in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a report released Oct. 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of Americans being hospitalized due to the condition has steadily increased every month, with nearly 300 H1N1-related deaths, the CDC report said.
President Barack Obama proclaimed the virus a national emergency Oct. 24. Raising awareness and taking preventive steps against it, outside of receiving the vaccine, can help to reduce the virus's threat and its spread, the Mullens said.
"Because it's not just about staying well," Deborah Mullen said.
"It's about staying ready," the chairman added.
The Mullens also offered messages recognizing Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and Military Family Appreciation Week, observed Nov. 21 -28 as part of Military Family Month.
"We honor you not out of obligation, but rather with a deep sense of pride and gratitude," the chairman said of military veterans. "You and your families made a difference."
"Whether you saw combat or not, made the military a career or not, you stood up for you country and for your fellow citizens," Deborah Mullen added.
Combat readiness is tied to family readiness, the admiral said, and no military member serves alone. Today's armed forces have the most supportive and combat-ready families he's seen in his 41 years in uniform, he added.
"Our families don't just wait and worry," Deborah Mullen said. "They serve every bit as much as their loved ones."
Navy To Commission Amphibious Transport Dock Ship New York
The Navy will commission the newest San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship New York, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in New York City.
The ship is named New York in honor of the state and the courage and heroism of New Yorkers during and after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. A unique characteristic of the ship is the use of 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage that was incorporated into the construction process. The steel was melted and formed to make the bow stem of the ship. Use of this steel symbolizes the spirit and resiliency of the people of New York. The ship's motto is "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, will also deliver remarks. Dotty England, wife of former secretary of the Navy and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, is serving as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Designated as LPD 21, New York is the fifth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. Four previous ships have been named New York. The first, a gondola that served in 1776; the second, a frigate that served 1800-1814; the third, an armored cruiser that served 1893-1938; and the fourth, a battleship that served 1914-1946.
As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC), the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features.
Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones, a native of Binghamton, N.Y., is the first commanding officer of the ship, leading a crew of approximately 360 officers and enlisted personnel and three Marines. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines. Upon commissioning, New York will be homeported in Norfolk, Va., as a part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Avondale Operations in Louisiana, New York is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet and displaces about 24,900 tons. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds of 24 knots.
For more information about this class of ship, please visit the Navy Fact File: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4 .
The ship is named New York in honor of the state and the courage and heroism of New Yorkers during and after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. A unique characteristic of the ship is the use of 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage that was incorporated into the construction process. The steel was melted and formed to make the bow stem of the ship. Use of this steel symbolizes the spirit and resiliency of the people of New York. The ship's motto is "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, will also deliver remarks. Dotty England, wife of former secretary of the Navy and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, is serving as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
Designated as LPD 21, New York is the fifth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. Four previous ships have been named New York. The first, a gondola that served in 1776; the second, a frigate that served 1800-1814; the third, an armored cruiser that served 1893-1938; and the fourth, a battleship that served 1914-1946.
As a critical element in future expeditionary strike groups, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC), the expeditionary fighting vehicle (EFV) and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features.
Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones, a native of Binghamton, N.Y., is the first commanding officer of the ship, leading a crew of approximately 360 officers and enlisted personnel and three Marines. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines. Upon commissioning, New York will be homeported in Norfolk, Va., as a part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Avondale Operations in Louisiana, New York is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet and displaces about 24,900 tons. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds of 24 knots.
For more information about this class of ship, please visit the Navy Fact File: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4 .
Gates to Thank Armored Vehicle Factory Workers
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will travel to the factory line of the newest version of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle next week to personally thank the workers for their efforts to speed delivery of the vehicles to warfighters. Oshkosh Corp.'s factory in Oshkosh, Wis., produces the new MRAP all-terrain vehicle known as the M-ATV, which is designed to be suited to off-road conditions in Afghanistan's rugged terrain.
The Defense Department has contracted the company to produce 6,600 of the armored vehicles. Gates is scheduled to travel to Oshkosh on Nov. 12, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said in a briefing today.
"The secretary wants to thank the workers there for doing everything they can to expedite the production of these lifesaving vehicles," he said.
Morrell called their efforts an "amazing display of industry and dedication to the war effort."
The factory expects to speed the production of the vehicle from 46 M-ATVs produced in July to 1,000 per month by the end of the year, he said.
The new vehicles are lighter than the MRAPs used in Iraq and offer an independent suspension and shorter wheel base that make it more adaptable to Afghanistan's rocky hills. Its design retains the V-shape hull that helps to divert the blast of roadside bombs.
Morrell emphasized that the new vehicle is only one piece of the department's effort to defeat the improvised explosive devices so prevalent in Afghanistan.
"Secretary Gates is pushing everyone in this building to make sure they are doing everything they possibly can to provide our warfighters with everything they need, be it [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], improved command and control, or additional authorities or even capabilities, so that they can better diagram, dissect and ultimately defeat these IED networks," he said.
Most of the bombs found in Afghanistan are unsophisticated, unlike the more high-tech bombs troops faced in Iraq. But even so, they are the No. 1 killer of troops there, usually employing huge amounts of cheap bomb-making materials to attack troops and vehicles.
Last week, a U.S. Stryker combat vehicle was hit in Afghanistan by a 1,000-pound homemade bomb, killing seven soldiers.
"There's not an armored vehicle you could build that would likely protect you against a thousand-pound fertilizer bomb," Morrell said. "Even if it doesn't penetrate the hull, those inside of it are going to suffer a concussive blast that is clearly going to be a real danger to them."
Gates hosted a meeting at the Pentagon today to bring together most of the key players in the efforts to defeat the IEDs, Morrell said. Participants include representatives of the MRAP and ISR task forces, as well as the Joint IED Defeat Organization. Those deployed joined the meeting via secure teleconference.
Morrell said all groups involved need to collaborate to take an all-encompassing approach toward defeating those who make and emplace the bombs.
"If we're relying simply on better armor at the point of contact, we're not going to succeed," Morrell said. "We need to be attacking this problem from 360 degrees, just as we did in Iraq and proved so successful there, by watching the roads, by watching for patterns of life, by mapping those patterns, by developing intelligence that allows us to penetrate the networks and take them down."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will travel to the factory line of the newest version of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle next week to personally thank the workers for their efforts to speed delivery of the vehicles to warfighters. Oshkosh Corp.'s factory in Oshkosh, Wis., produces the new MRAP all-terrain vehicle known as the M-ATV, which is designed to be suited to off-road conditions in Afghanistan's rugged terrain.
The Defense Department has contracted the company to produce 6,600 of the armored vehicles. Gates is scheduled to travel to Oshkosh on Nov. 12, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said in a briefing today.
"The secretary wants to thank the workers there for doing everything they can to expedite the production of these lifesaving vehicles," he said.
Morrell called their efforts an "amazing display of industry and dedication to the war effort."
The factory expects to speed the production of the vehicle from 46 M-ATVs produced in July to 1,000 per month by the end of the year, he said.
The new vehicles are lighter than the MRAPs used in Iraq and offer an independent suspension and shorter wheel base that make it more adaptable to Afghanistan's rocky hills. Its design retains the V-shape hull that helps to divert the blast of roadside bombs.
Morrell emphasized that the new vehicle is only one piece of the department's effort to defeat the improvised explosive devices so prevalent in Afghanistan.
"Secretary Gates is pushing everyone in this building to make sure they are doing everything they possibly can to provide our warfighters with everything they need, be it [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], improved command and control, or additional authorities or even capabilities, so that they can better diagram, dissect and ultimately defeat these IED networks," he said.
Most of the bombs found in Afghanistan are unsophisticated, unlike the more high-tech bombs troops faced in Iraq. But even so, they are the No. 1 killer of troops there, usually employing huge amounts of cheap bomb-making materials to attack troops and vehicles.
Last week, a U.S. Stryker combat vehicle was hit in Afghanistan by a 1,000-pound homemade bomb, killing seven soldiers.
"There's not an armored vehicle you could build that would likely protect you against a thousand-pound fertilizer bomb," Morrell said. "Even if it doesn't penetrate the hull, those inside of it are going to suffer a concussive blast that is clearly going to be a real danger to them."
Gates hosted a meeting at the Pentagon today to bring together most of the key players in the efforts to defeat the IEDs, Morrell said. Participants include representatives of the MRAP and ISR task forces, as well as the Joint IED Defeat Organization. Those deployed joined the meeting via secure teleconference.
Morrell said all groups involved need to collaborate to take an all-encompassing approach toward defeating those who make and emplace the bombs.
"If we're relying simply on better armor at the point of contact, we're not going to succeed," Morrell said. "We need to be attacking this problem from 360 degrees, just as we did in Iraq and proved so successful there, by watching the roads, by watching for patterns of life, by mapping those patterns, by developing intelligence that allows us to penetrate the networks and take them down."
MILITARY CONTRACTS November 4, 2009
NAVY
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract for $23,685,864 to provide production engineering, integration, testing, inspection and delivery of an integrated system, or other equipment for installation on shore sites and maritime/tactical platforms and vehicles. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $233,657,727. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until November 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the SPAWAR E-commerce web site, with an unlimited number of proposals solicited and four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-10-C-2841).
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
KeyLogic Systems Inc., Morgantown, W. Va.*, was awarded a $24,222,031.76, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract consisting of one one-year base period and four one-year option periods. The solicitation was issued as a 100 percent small business set-aside. One solicitation was issued and posted on FedBizOps with three offers submitted in response to the posting. Performance will be at the Defense Information Systems Agency facilities within the National Capital Region and is for business operations support services. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, National Capital Region is the contracting activity (HC1047-09-C-4025).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
US Foods International, Gardena, Calif.*, is being awarded a maximum $21,113,003 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is La Miranda, Calif. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and child development center. There were originally fifteen proposals solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 22, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3310).
AIR FORCE
ITT Corp., Systems Division of Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., was awarded a $5,847,128 contract which will provide the Eastern and Western Range architecture and requirements option of an additional year. At this time, $768,784 has been obligated. SMC/LRSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract for $23,685,864 to provide production engineering, integration, testing, inspection and delivery of an integrated system, or other equipment for installation on shore sites and maritime/tactical platforms and vehicles. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $233,657,727. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until November 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the SPAWAR E-commerce web site, with an unlimited number of proposals solicited and four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-10-C-2841).
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
KeyLogic Systems Inc., Morgantown, W. Va.*, was awarded a $24,222,031.76, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract consisting of one one-year base period and four one-year option periods. The solicitation was issued as a 100 percent small business set-aside. One solicitation was issued and posted on FedBizOps with three offers submitted in response to the posting. Performance will be at the Defense Information Systems Agency facilities within the National Capital Region and is for business operations support services. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, National Capital Region is the contracting activity (HC1047-09-C-4025).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
US Foods International, Gardena, Calif.*, is being awarded a maximum $21,113,003 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is La Miranda, Calif. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and child development center. There were originally fifteen proposals solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Nov. 22, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3310).
AIR FORCE
ITT Corp., Systems Division of Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., was awarded a $5,847,128 contract which will provide the Eastern and Western Range architecture and requirements option of an additional year. At this time, $768,784 has been obligated. SMC/LRSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001).
Defense Department Aims to Improve Families' Lives
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Military families make tremendous sacrifices in support of the nation and deserve recognition as well as the best programs and policies the Defense Department can deliver, a defense official said yesterday.
Tommy T. Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, underscored the importance of Military Family Month, gave a broad overview of family programs and offered a glimpse at future initiatives in a wide-ranging interview here with the Pentagon Channel.
"We take the time to do this to recognize the sacrifices that our military families have made in defense of this nation," said Thomas, referring to Military Family Month, celebrated every November. "We have many deployed family members -- whether it be mother, son, spouse or daughter. [The] bottom line is we look at that entire entity as a family. And we look at and honor those successes that those families are making for this nation."
Military families face many unique stressors, including maintaining stability at home in the face of deployments and frequent moves, he said. An average civilian may stay in a hometown for 15 to 20 years, he noted, while a military member may move 12 to 14 times in a 27-year period.
"One of the biggest challenges I see is trying to maintain that way of life, just as our civilian counterparts do, and keeping some stability in the family structure," Thomas said. "We have a number of programs that we offer to make that happen."
Thomas pointed out the department's child care and education programs and various programs to offset family child care costs. He added that the military family life consultant program has been a "tremendous benefit to our military families." The consultants provide anonymous, nonmedical counseling support to troops and their family members. "We sit down and listen to the needs and wants of military families," he said.
Additionally, the department's Military OneSource site offers military families 24/7 access on the Internet to counseling services, he said, and commissaries and military exchange stores around the world give servicemembers and their families a "taste of life back home," as well as economic savings.
Thomas also highlighted a pilot program, the Restoration and Resilience Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, aimed at helping servicemembers and their families deal with post-traumatic stress. The program is "serving as a tremendous tool," he said.
Thomas said he received firsthand proof of the program's effectiveness during a visit to Fort Bliss about two weeks ago. He was conducting a focus group when a soldier walked up to him unexpectedly.
"What he said to me is, 'I want you to know, sir, that the resilience and restoration program saved my life,'" Thomas recalled. "It's a true testament to some of the programs we have out there and the effectiveness of those programs."
Defense Department officials always look for ways to tweak programs as they aims to improve them, Thomas said. "You should never rest on your laurels," he said, noting that it's vital to hear from the people who are executing the programs as well as from the end users, the military families.
"I've logged about 32,000 miles going out talking to focus groups on about 16 installations," Thomas said. He takes time to speak with military families around the world and uses that information to assess and improve the department's programs, he added.
It's not always about program quantity, he noted, but effectiveness, which is why tracking usage and soliciting feedback is so important. He said feedback led to a recent addition of family support services. During visits to Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Drum, N.Y. -- both "very high-ops tempo Army installations," he said -- he received requests for more military family life consultants, a sentiment that was echoed in Europe.
As a result, the department added 118 military family life consultants, all due to feedback at the program-execution level.
Thomas said his No. 1 goal is to make a long-term difference for military families. He pledged to work toward getting "the proper funding and resources we need in our baseline" to create adequate and lasting family programs that also can evolve to meet growing needs.
Above all, military families deserve the best possible programs the department can provide, Thomas said.
"We owe that to our military families -- to make sure we're doing whatever we can for them, to make sure they're part of the Defense Department team, that we're working together collectively," he said.
In honor of Military Family Month, the department's Military Community and Family Policy office has several events aimed at improving quality of life for military families, Thomas said, including a Leadership Summit on Military Families on Nov. 9 and 10, a Defense Department/joint services conference called "Improving the Quality of Life for Military Families" from Nov. 16 to 18, and a child development conference, also from Nov. 16 to 18.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 4, 2009 - Military families make tremendous sacrifices in support of the nation and deserve recognition as well as the best programs and policies the Defense Department can deliver, a defense official said yesterday.
Tommy T. Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, underscored the importance of Military Family Month, gave a broad overview of family programs and offered a glimpse at future initiatives in a wide-ranging interview here with the Pentagon Channel.
"We take the time to do this to recognize the sacrifices that our military families have made in defense of this nation," said Thomas, referring to Military Family Month, celebrated every November. "We have many deployed family members -- whether it be mother, son, spouse or daughter. [The] bottom line is we look at that entire entity as a family. And we look at and honor those successes that those families are making for this nation."
Military families face many unique stressors, including maintaining stability at home in the face of deployments and frequent moves, he said. An average civilian may stay in a hometown for 15 to 20 years, he noted, while a military member may move 12 to 14 times in a 27-year period.
"One of the biggest challenges I see is trying to maintain that way of life, just as our civilian counterparts do, and keeping some stability in the family structure," Thomas said. "We have a number of programs that we offer to make that happen."
Thomas pointed out the department's child care and education programs and various programs to offset family child care costs. He added that the military family life consultant program has been a "tremendous benefit to our military families." The consultants provide anonymous, nonmedical counseling support to troops and their family members. "We sit down and listen to the needs and wants of military families," he said.
Additionally, the department's Military OneSource site offers military families 24/7 access on the Internet to counseling services, he said, and commissaries and military exchange stores around the world give servicemembers and their families a "taste of life back home," as well as economic savings.
Thomas also highlighted a pilot program, the Restoration and Resilience Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, aimed at helping servicemembers and their families deal with post-traumatic stress. The program is "serving as a tremendous tool," he said.
Thomas said he received firsthand proof of the program's effectiveness during a visit to Fort Bliss about two weeks ago. He was conducting a focus group when a soldier walked up to him unexpectedly.
"What he said to me is, 'I want you to know, sir, that the resilience and restoration program saved my life,'" Thomas recalled. "It's a true testament to some of the programs we have out there and the effectiveness of those programs."
Defense Department officials always look for ways to tweak programs as they aims to improve them, Thomas said. "You should never rest on your laurels," he said, noting that it's vital to hear from the people who are executing the programs as well as from the end users, the military families.
"I've logged about 32,000 miles going out talking to focus groups on about 16 installations," Thomas said. He takes time to speak with military families around the world and uses that information to assess and improve the department's programs, he added.
It's not always about program quantity, he noted, but effectiveness, which is why tracking usage and soliciting feedback is so important. He said feedback led to a recent addition of family support services. During visits to Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Drum, N.Y. -- both "very high-ops tempo Army installations," he said -- he received requests for more military family life consultants, a sentiment that was echoed in Europe.
As a result, the department added 118 military family life consultants, all due to feedback at the program-execution level.
Thomas said his No. 1 goal is to make a long-term difference for military families. He pledged to work toward getting "the proper funding and resources we need in our baseline" to create adequate and lasting family programs that also can evolve to meet growing needs.
Above all, military families deserve the best possible programs the department can provide, Thomas said.
"We owe that to our military families -- to make sure we're doing whatever we can for them, to make sure they're part of the Defense Department team, that we're working together collectively," he said.
In honor of Military Family Month, the department's Military Community and Family Policy office has several events aimed at improving quality of life for military families, Thomas said, including a Leadership Summit on Military Families on Nov. 9 and 10, a Defense Department/joint services conference called "Improving the Quality of Life for Military Families" from Nov. 16 to 18, and a child development conference, also from Nov. 16 to 18.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Like Body Armor, Flu Vaccine Aims to Protect Troops
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - Like protective equipment issued to troops downrange, the H1N1 flu vaccine is a measure the Defense Department is taking to safeguard U.S. military forces, a defense official said. "We use other treatment modalities to protect people in the same way we use body armor to protect against other threats," said Ellen P. Embrey, acting assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
"The H1N1 vaccine was purchased specifically for our uniformed servicemembers so they could continue to perform their mission anywhere on the globe," she continued. "And during a pandemic, that's a real threat."
Officials at the department, which received initial allotments of the vaccine last week, said doses will be distributed in coming weeks according to a prioritized list of recipients. Vaccines first will be made available to deployed personnel, bases that receive new military accessions, such as basic training installations and the service academies, and all health-care workers assigned to military medical treatment facilities.
Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and is highly recommended for beneficiaries.
"Our system to manufacture and distribute, and then put shots in arms, is the priority of the government. And [the Defense Department] has been participating with HHS very closely to ensure that we acquire sufficient vaccine to protect the U.S. military's ability to perform its mission globally," Embrey said, referring to the Health and Human Services Department.
Embrey noted that the department has long used vaccinations -– against anthrax, small pox and seasonal flu, for example -- to protect the force and preserve its ability to perform its mission.
"The H1N1 virus is unique because it targets young, healthy people 24 and under and the average age of our force is 24," she said. "So this is particularly important to us that we have the ability to protect the majority of the people who are preserving the national security of this country because if they're down they can't perform."
The department also has received several hundred vaccines from Health and Human Services for defense civilians, Embrey said. Because vaccines may be coming in relatively small numbers initially, local commanders will be responsible for determining how supplies are distributed.
"It will be up to the local commanders to determine the best balance of mission preservation and addressing the individuals who are at high risk of getting the flu whether they're a civilian in our workforce, and according to CDC, we should be paying closest attention to those at highest risk," she said, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
"As additional allotments come in over the next several weeks, there will be sufficient vaccines to give to anyone who would like to have it," she added.
Embrey said HHS allocated additional vaccines for retirees, family members and other individuals living overseas.
"So if you live in those locations and you want a shot, please come in, or if you're at high risk, please come in and get your shots now because those are being distributed as we speak," she said. "This vaccine is safe, it's effective, it's [Food and Drug Administration] approved. If this vaccine is available in your area -- get it."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - Like protective equipment issued to troops downrange, the H1N1 flu vaccine is a measure the Defense Department is taking to safeguard U.S. military forces, a defense official said. "We use other treatment modalities to protect people in the same way we use body armor to protect against other threats," said Ellen P. Embrey, acting assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
"The H1N1 vaccine was purchased specifically for our uniformed servicemembers so they could continue to perform their mission anywhere on the globe," she continued. "And during a pandemic, that's a real threat."
Officials at the department, which received initial allotments of the vaccine last week, said doses will be distributed in coming weeks according to a prioritized list of recipients. Vaccines first will be made available to deployed personnel, bases that receive new military accessions, such as basic training installations and the service academies, and all health-care workers assigned to military medical treatment facilities.
Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and is highly recommended for beneficiaries.
"Our system to manufacture and distribute, and then put shots in arms, is the priority of the government. And [the Defense Department] has been participating with HHS very closely to ensure that we acquire sufficient vaccine to protect the U.S. military's ability to perform its mission globally," Embrey said, referring to the Health and Human Services Department.
Embrey noted that the department has long used vaccinations -– against anthrax, small pox and seasonal flu, for example -- to protect the force and preserve its ability to perform its mission.
"The H1N1 virus is unique because it targets young, healthy people 24 and under and the average age of our force is 24," she said. "So this is particularly important to us that we have the ability to protect the majority of the people who are preserving the national security of this country because if they're down they can't perform."
The department also has received several hundred vaccines from Health and Human Services for defense civilians, Embrey said. Because vaccines may be coming in relatively small numbers initially, local commanders will be responsible for determining how supplies are distributed.
"It will be up to the local commanders to determine the best balance of mission preservation and addressing the individuals who are at high risk of getting the flu whether they're a civilian in our workforce, and according to CDC, we should be paying closest attention to those at highest risk," she said, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
"As additional allotments come in over the next several weeks, there will be sufficient vaccines to give to anyone who would like to have it," she added.
Embrey said HHS allocated additional vaccines for retirees, family members and other individuals living overseas.
"So if you live in those locations and you want a shot, please come in, or if you're at high risk, please come in and get your shots now because those are being distributed as we speak," she said. "This vaccine is safe, it's effective, it's [Food and Drug Administration] approved. If this vaccine is available in your area -- get it."
Shinseki Outlines Plan to End Veteran Homelessness
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - The secretary of veterans affairs today announced the framework of a bold initiative to end homelessness among veterans within five years. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki outlined the comprehensive plan to an audience of VA officials, other government representatives and private-sector homeless outreach organizers at the VA National Summit Ending Homelessness Among Veterans here. He called the goal an ambitious one that will take a nationwide collaborative effort to be successful.
"I learned long ago that there are never any absolutes in life, and a goal of zero homeless veterans sure sounds like an absolute," Shinseki said. "But unless we set ambitious targets for ourselves, we would not be giving this our very best efforts. No one who has served this nation as veterans should ever have to be living on the streets."
VA officials estimate that about 131,000 veterans live on the streets throughout the United States. In 2003, the estimate was around 195,000. Although progress is being made, much work is left to be done, especially at the local levels, Shinseki said.
The five-year plan involves efforts from the Education, Labor, Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development departments. Also, hard work from the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, state VA directors, veteran service organizations and national, state and local community groups is needed.
"Your local initiatives are crucial," Shinseki said. "That's where the creative fires are built, stoked, and bellowed.
"Sitting in Washington with a 2,000-mile screwdriver trying to fine-tune things at the local level never works," he added. "While much of the effort may begin in Washington, we won't even begin to reach our most modest targets unless local efforts are resourced, creative, aggressive, determined, and successful."
Veterans lead the nation in homelessness, depression, substance abuse, and suicides. They're also among the leaders in unemployment, the secretary said. Knowing these facts, Shinseki said, provides a baseline to realistically address the homeless issue by attacking the problem before it starts.
The plan, Shinseki said, speaks to a different approach from past VA efforts. The distinction, he noted, lies in VA's attempt at prevention rather than simply getting veterans off the streets.
"If we want to end veteran homelessness, we must attack the entire downward spiral that ends in homelessness," he said. "We must offer education and jobs, treat depression and fight substance abuse, prevent suicides and provide safe housing."
Shinseki noted the Post 9/11 GI Bill gives veterans better education opportunities. He also said that in fiscal 2008, VA granted $1.6 billion in contracts to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans and encourages other government agencies to do so as well.
"These initiatives are intended to enable veteran-owned small businesses to survive the economic downturn, so they can create jobs for other veterans and help the nation through this economic recovery," he said.
Also, VA will spend more than $3 billion specifically to reduce homelessness, the majority of which is dedicated to medical services, and the remainder -- about $500 million -- on homeless programs, Shinseki said. He added that VA and the Defense Department officially joined forces last week to improve mental health care among servicemembers and veterans.
"The psychological wounds of war affect every generation of veterans," he said. "We know if we diagnose and treat, people usually get better. If we don't, they won't, and sometimes their problems become debilitating. We understand the stigma issue, but we are not going to be dissuaded. We are not giving up on any of our veterans with mental health challenges -- definitely not the homeless."
The secretary also talked about housing for homeless veterans, describing the VA's initiative launched last month to award more than $17 million in grants to create more than 1,100 beds for homeless veterans. The transitional housing will allow "those who slip through our safety nets" to leverage access to VA health care and other benefits, he said. VA officials expect roughly 20,000 veterans to take part in this program this year.
Lastly, Shinseki spoke about VA's concern for incarcerated veterans released from long-term psychiatric care. He noted that an estimated 40,000 veterans are released each year from prison, and if their transition through medical care and employment training are improved, their chances of being re-institutionalized or ending up homeless will lessen.
"We have to do it all -- no missed opportunities in going from 131,000 to zero," he said. "If we are going to end veteran homelessness in five years, we must be efficient, effective, determined, creative and resourceful. We have to get 60 seconds of running out of every minute of homeless work. We have to get 99 cents out of every dollar to end homelessness. We must partner, collaborate, cooperate, and help each other in synergistic ways."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - The secretary of veterans affairs today announced the framework of a bold initiative to end homelessness among veterans within five years. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki outlined the comprehensive plan to an audience of VA officials, other government representatives and private-sector homeless outreach organizers at the VA National Summit Ending Homelessness Among Veterans here. He called the goal an ambitious one that will take a nationwide collaborative effort to be successful.
"I learned long ago that there are never any absolutes in life, and a goal of zero homeless veterans sure sounds like an absolute," Shinseki said. "But unless we set ambitious targets for ourselves, we would not be giving this our very best efforts. No one who has served this nation as veterans should ever have to be living on the streets."
VA officials estimate that about 131,000 veterans live on the streets throughout the United States. In 2003, the estimate was around 195,000. Although progress is being made, much work is left to be done, especially at the local levels, Shinseki said.
The five-year plan involves efforts from the Education, Labor, Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development departments. Also, hard work from the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, state VA directors, veteran service organizations and national, state and local community groups is needed.
"Your local initiatives are crucial," Shinseki said. "That's where the creative fires are built, stoked, and bellowed.
"Sitting in Washington with a 2,000-mile screwdriver trying to fine-tune things at the local level never works," he added. "While much of the effort may begin in Washington, we won't even begin to reach our most modest targets unless local efforts are resourced, creative, aggressive, determined, and successful."
Veterans lead the nation in homelessness, depression, substance abuse, and suicides. They're also among the leaders in unemployment, the secretary said. Knowing these facts, Shinseki said, provides a baseline to realistically address the homeless issue by attacking the problem before it starts.
The plan, Shinseki said, speaks to a different approach from past VA efforts. The distinction, he noted, lies in VA's attempt at prevention rather than simply getting veterans off the streets.
"If we want to end veteran homelessness, we must attack the entire downward spiral that ends in homelessness," he said. "We must offer education and jobs, treat depression and fight substance abuse, prevent suicides and provide safe housing."
Shinseki noted the Post 9/11 GI Bill gives veterans better education opportunities. He also said that in fiscal 2008, VA granted $1.6 billion in contracts to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans and encourages other government agencies to do so as well.
"These initiatives are intended to enable veteran-owned small businesses to survive the economic downturn, so they can create jobs for other veterans and help the nation through this economic recovery," he said.
Also, VA will spend more than $3 billion specifically to reduce homelessness, the majority of which is dedicated to medical services, and the remainder -- about $500 million -- on homeless programs, Shinseki said. He added that VA and the Defense Department officially joined forces last week to improve mental health care among servicemembers and veterans.
"The psychological wounds of war affect every generation of veterans," he said. "We know if we diagnose and treat, people usually get better. If we don't, they won't, and sometimes their problems become debilitating. We understand the stigma issue, but we are not going to be dissuaded. We are not giving up on any of our veterans with mental health challenges -- definitely not the homeless."
The secretary also talked about housing for homeless veterans, describing the VA's initiative launched last month to award more than $17 million in grants to create more than 1,100 beds for homeless veterans. The transitional housing will allow "those who slip through our safety nets" to leverage access to VA health care and other benefits, he said. VA officials expect roughly 20,000 veterans to take part in this program this year.
Lastly, Shinseki spoke about VA's concern for incarcerated veterans released from long-term psychiatric care. He noted that an estimated 40,000 veterans are released each year from prison, and if their transition through medical care and employment training are improved, their chances of being re-institutionalized or ending up homeless will lessen.
"We have to do it all -- no missed opportunities in going from 131,000 to zero," he said. "If we are going to end veteran homelessness in five years, we must be efficient, effective, determined, creative and resourceful. We have to get 60 seconds of running out of every minute of homeless work. We have to get 99 cents out of every dollar to end homelessness. We must partner, collaborate, cooperate, and help each other in synergistic ways."
MILITARY CONTRACTS November 3, 2009
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
American Auto Logistics, LP, of Park Ridge, N.J., is being awarded a $207,382,618 firm, fixed-price modification for an earned award term under a previously awarded contract (DAMTOI-03-D-0184) to provide continuing services for the transportation and storage of privately owned vehicles. Work will be performed at worldwide locations and is expected to be completed Oct. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
L-3 Fuzing & Ordnance Systems, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on Oct. 30, 2009 a $98,510,380 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and delivery of M734A1 fuzes, M783 fuzes, M734A1/M783 inert fuzes, M734A1 cutaway fuzes, and M783 cutaway fuzes with four firm-fixed-priced options. Work is to be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Joint Munitions & Lethality, Army Contracting Command, Combat Ammunition Systems Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0015).
Akima Logistics Services, Anchorage, Ark., was awarded on Nov. 2, 2009 a $29,958,521 firm-fixed-price contract for vehicle operations & vehicle maintenance for the West Point, NY Garrison. Work is to be performed in West Point, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2004. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, DOC, West Point, N.Y., was the contacting activity (W911SD-10-C-0001).
Avon Protection Systems, Inc., Cadillac, Mich., was awarded on Oct. 28, 2009 a $6,576,570 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for 75,000 audio frequency amplifiers for the joint service general purpose mask program. Work is to be performed in Cadillac, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research and Development Command (RDECOM), Edgewood Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-05-D-0011).
Dix Corp., Spokane, Wash., was awarded on Oct. 28, 2009 a $5,506,002 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract includes all operations required to provide the design and to perform the work required to rehabilitate both existing 375-ton bridge cranes as well as rail replacement and power distribution installation at the John Day Powerhouse. The bridge cranes shall be rerated, tested and certified at 385 tons. Work includes: A. Structural work to replace operator cabs including new captain-style operator's chair with integrated control console on both the north and south bridge cranes. B. Crane rail track replacement. C. Mechanical work includes: replace all wire rope, replace all motors, brakes, and replace coupling, replace seals and bearing, align machinery and gearing to obtain proper alignment, rebuild main and auxiliary lower and upper blocks. D. Electrical work includes: replace the complete existing power and control systems and associated equipment including main line conductors, panels, enclosures, transformers, wiring, wire ways, festoons, and conduit; motors and brakes with winding and enclosure heaters; gear case heater; limit switches; and lighting. As part of the new control system, provide new flux-vector variable frequency drives (VFD) for all hoists, and provide open-loop vector VFDs for all travel. Work is to be performed at John Day Dam located on the Columbia River at Rufus, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Ore., is the contracting activity (W9127N-10-C-0002).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Nov. 2, 2009 a $5,356,500 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is to procure the refurbishment of one Egyptian Air Force VIP UH-60 helicopter. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0118).
NAVY
Kollmorgen Corp., Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $17,100,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6248) for the procurement of AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast sensor units. The AN/BVS-1 photonics mast sensor unit is a non-hull penetrating electronic imaging subsystem of the command and control system. These units incorporate visible, infrared and electronic support measures sensors and stealth features that will provide new capabilities for attack submarines. Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass. (77 percent); Seattle, Wash. (9 percent); Methuen, Mass. (5 percent); Westfield, Mass. (5 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (2 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Solpac, Inc. dba Soltek Pacific, San Diego Calif., is being awarded $6,496,350 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1058) for the design and construction of repairs to Bachelor Enlisted Quarters 210636 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The contract also contains a planned modification, which if issued would increase cumulative contract value to $7,996,350. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pa. (N00189-10-D-0007) and Sherwin Williams, Cleveland, Ohio (N00189-10-D-0006), are each being a $6,483,838 awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with fixed unit prices contract to provide marine coatings approved for Navy shipyards. This contract contains a one-year base period with three one-year option periods, which if exercised, the total contract value is $35,150,321. PPG Industries is receiving a base amount of $1,985,963 with an estimated value if all options are exercised of $10,543,747. Sherwin Williams is receiving a base amount of $4,497,875, with an estimated value if all options are exercised of $24,606,573. Work is to be performed in Puget Sound, Wash. (66 percent); Norfolk, Va. (11 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (15 percent); and Portsmouth, Va. (8 percent). Work is expected to be complete December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through Government Points of Entry, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison Inc., Lauderdale, Fla.* is being awarded a maximum $9,344,135 firm fixed price contract for diesel engines with containers. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. This is a five year long term contract. The date of performance completion is October 27, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich. (SPRDL1-10-D-0011).
AIR FORCE
VLOC, Inc. of New Port Rickey, Florida was awarded a $6,054,165 contract which will provide for viable manufacturer of high-energy laser weapons systems-grade polycrystalline laser gain material that is responsive to customer requirements. At this time, $4,929,941has been obligated. AFRL/PKMD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. (FA8650-10-2-5504)
American Auto Logistics, LP, of Park Ridge, N.J., is being awarded a $207,382,618 firm, fixed-price modification for an earned award term under a previously awarded contract (DAMTOI-03-D-0184) to provide continuing services for the transportation and storage of privately owned vehicles. Work will be performed at worldwide locations and is expected to be completed Oct. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
L-3 Fuzing & Ordnance Systems, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on Oct. 30, 2009 a $98,510,380 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and delivery of M734A1 fuzes, M783 fuzes, M734A1/M783 inert fuzes, M734A1 cutaway fuzes, and M783 cutaway fuzes with four firm-fixed-priced options. Work is to be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Joint Munitions & Lethality, Army Contracting Command, Combat Ammunition Systems Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0015).
Akima Logistics Services, Anchorage, Ark., was awarded on Nov. 2, 2009 a $29,958,521 firm-fixed-price contract for vehicle operations & vehicle maintenance for the West Point, NY Garrison. Work is to be performed in West Point, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2004. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, DOC, West Point, N.Y., was the contacting activity (W911SD-10-C-0001).
Avon Protection Systems, Inc., Cadillac, Mich., was awarded on Oct. 28, 2009 a $6,576,570 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for 75,000 audio frequency amplifiers for the joint service general purpose mask program. Work is to be performed in Cadillac, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research and Development Command (RDECOM), Edgewood Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-05-D-0011).
Dix Corp., Spokane, Wash., was awarded on Oct. 28, 2009 a $5,506,002 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract includes all operations required to provide the design and to perform the work required to rehabilitate both existing 375-ton bridge cranes as well as rail replacement and power distribution installation at the John Day Powerhouse. The bridge cranes shall be rerated, tested and certified at 385 tons. Work includes: A. Structural work to replace operator cabs including new captain-style operator's chair with integrated control console on both the north and south bridge cranes. B. Crane rail track replacement. C. Mechanical work includes: replace all wire rope, replace all motors, brakes, and replace coupling, replace seals and bearing, align machinery and gearing to obtain proper alignment, rebuild main and auxiliary lower and upper blocks. D. Electrical work includes: replace the complete existing power and control systems and associated equipment including main line conductors, panels, enclosures, transformers, wiring, wire ways, festoons, and conduit; motors and brakes with winding and enclosure heaters; gear case heater; limit switches; and lighting. As part of the new control system, provide new flux-vector variable frequency drives (VFD) for all hoists, and provide open-loop vector VFDs for all travel. Work is to be performed at John Day Dam located on the Columbia River at Rufus, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Ore., is the contracting activity (W9127N-10-C-0002).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Nov. 2, 2009 a $5,356,500 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is to procure the refurbishment of one Egyptian Air Force VIP UH-60 helicopter. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0118).
NAVY
Kollmorgen Corp., Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $17,100,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6248) for the procurement of AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast sensor units. The AN/BVS-1 photonics mast sensor unit is a non-hull penetrating electronic imaging subsystem of the command and control system. These units incorporate visible, infrared and electronic support measures sensors and stealth features that will provide new capabilities for attack submarines. Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass. (77 percent); Seattle, Wash. (9 percent); Methuen, Mass. (5 percent); Westfield, Mass. (5 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (2 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Solpac, Inc. dba Soltek Pacific, San Diego Calif., is being awarded $6,496,350 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1058) for the design and construction of repairs to Bachelor Enlisted Quarters 210636 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The contract also contains a planned modification, which if issued would increase cumulative contract value to $7,996,350. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pa. (N00189-10-D-0007) and Sherwin Williams, Cleveland, Ohio (N00189-10-D-0006), are each being a $6,483,838 awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with fixed unit prices contract to provide marine coatings approved for Navy shipyards. This contract contains a one-year base period with three one-year option periods, which if exercised, the total contract value is $35,150,321. PPG Industries is receiving a base amount of $1,985,963 with an estimated value if all options are exercised of $10,543,747. Sherwin Williams is receiving a base amount of $4,497,875, with an estimated value if all options are exercised of $24,606,573. Work is to be performed in Puget Sound, Wash. (66 percent); Norfolk, Va. (11 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (15 percent); and Portsmouth, Va. (8 percent). Work is expected to be complete December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through Government Points of Entry, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities, with two offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison Inc., Lauderdale, Fla.* is being awarded a maximum $9,344,135 firm fixed price contract for diesel engines with containers. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. This is a five year long term contract. The date of performance completion is October 27, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich. (SPRDL1-10-D-0011).
AIR FORCE
VLOC, Inc. of New Port Rickey, Florida was awarded a $6,054,165 contract which will provide for viable manufacturer of high-energy laser weapons systems-grade polycrystalline laser gain material that is responsive to customer requirements. At this time, $4,929,941has been obligated. AFRL/PKMD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. (FA8650-10-2-5504)
Leaders Urged to Promote Resilience in Troops
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - Resilience is not issued when you join the service, but it can and must be built to prevent post-war mental health problems, a Navy official told attendees at the Warrior Resilience Conference here today. Navy Rear Adm. Karen Flaherty, director of the Navy's Nurse Corps and deputy chief of the Bureau of Medicine's wounded, ill and injured section, urged more than 400 people who gathered here to learn the best practices in the mental health care of soldiers and veterans.
The conference is subtitled "Full Operational Capability," and it has two connotations. The first is that warriors affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries or other combat-related psychological ailments receive the care they need and deserve to return to full capability.
The other is a challenge for commanders, supervisors, clinicians and care givers to ensure the processes and policies are in place to give those affected the best care. "In the Navy, we want to make sure the seabag is full of things that make a difference as we move forward," Flaherty said.
Resilience is the human capacity to prepare for, recover from and adjust to life in the face of stress, adversity or trauma, she said, and can be gained, lost and taught.
Resilience is a result of biology, the environment and the choices people make, Flaherty said. "It is important for us to understand how individuals, families and units can build resilience and can be better prepared to adapt and even thrive in stressful environments," she said.
Mental health professionals need to understand what contributes to personal resilience, Flaherty said, listing critical attributes as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills, a positive outlook, an ability to embrace change and a sense of humor.
"Trusting and supportive relationships also play a role in resilience," she said. "The ability to investigate solutions without getting worked up and the ability to manage strong feelings and impulses also contribute."
In the military, units also must be resilient, Flaherty said, and that happens with high morale, unit cohesion, pride in the unit's mission and pride in leaders. Units that face adversity can even strengthen their resilience, she said, as they become more agile and can adapt easier.
Individuals can increase resilience through common-sense strategies such as getting enough sleep, eating correctly and exercising, she said. It also helps for commanders to use after-action reports and critiques to encourage troops to talk about their experiences, she added.
Leaders must understand that they are as responsible for the good mental health of their servicemembers as they are of the physical health of their troops, Flaherty said.
"Tough, realistic training develops physical and mental strength and endurance," she said. "It enhances each servicemember's confidence in their abilities and their ability to cope with the familiar and unfamiliar."
Medical, ministry and other support groups are critical to building resilience. "It is about the team," she said.
But it is the line leaders – the unit commanders and noncommissioned officers – who have the largest responsibility, Flaherty said. "They balance the operational requirement to expose those servicemembers to risk against the imperative to preserve their health and readiness," she said.
Leaders have to be aware of the strains that servicemembers and their families are under. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the department has invested billions of dollars in trying to help families, Flaherty said.
"Our military families, when compared to families at large, are quite resilient, but also quite vulnerable," she said. "The frequency and length of deployments can create extraordinary pressure for many."
Developing resilience is not a science, and it will take years to determine what works best. "But we need to move now," she said. "We'll know more in five years, but we know more today than we did a year ago, so we act upon what we know and move forward.
"We can't wait for the perfect solution," she continued, "because the war will continue, the warriors will continue to be wounded, and we'll still have gaps in care."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - Resilience is not issued when you join the service, but it can and must be built to prevent post-war mental health problems, a Navy official told attendees at the Warrior Resilience Conference here today. Navy Rear Adm. Karen Flaherty, director of the Navy's Nurse Corps and deputy chief of the Bureau of Medicine's wounded, ill and injured section, urged more than 400 people who gathered here to learn the best practices in the mental health care of soldiers and veterans.
The conference is subtitled "Full Operational Capability," and it has two connotations. The first is that warriors affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries or other combat-related psychological ailments receive the care they need and deserve to return to full capability.
The other is a challenge for commanders, supervisors, clinicians and care givers to ensure the processes and policies are in place to give those affected the best care. "In the Navy, we want to make sure the seabag is full of things that make a difference as we move forward," Flaherty said.
Resilience is the human capacity to prepare for, recover from and adjust to life in the face of stress, adversity or trauma, she said, and can be gained, lost and taught.
Resilience is a result of biology, the environment and the choices people make, Flaherty said. "It is important for us to understand how individuals, families and units can build resilience and can be better prepared to adapt and even thrive in stressful environments," she said.
Mental health professionals need to understand what contributes to personal resilience, Flaherty said, listing critical attributes as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills, a positive outlook, an ability to embrace change and a sense of humor.
"Trusting and supportive relationships also play a role in resilience," she said. "The ability to investigate solutions without getting worked up and the ability to manage strong feelings and impulses also contribute."
In the military, units also must be resilient, Flaherty said, and that happens with high morale, unit cohesion, pride in the unit's mission and pride in leaders. Units that face adversity can even strengthen their resilience, she said, as they become more agile and can adapt easier.
Individuals can increase resilience through common-sense strategies such as getting enough sleep, eating correctly and exercising, she said. It also helps for commanders to use after-action reports and critiques to encourage troops to talk about their experiences, she added.
Leaders must understand that they are as responsible for the good mental health of their servicemembers as they are of the physical health of their troops, Flaherty said.
"Tough, realistic training develops physical and mental strength and endurance," she said. "It enhances each servicemember's confidence in their abilities and their ability to cope with the familiar and unfamiliar."
Medical, ministry and other support groups are critical to building resilience. "It is about the team," she said.
But it is the line leaders – the unit commanders and noncommissioned officers – who have the largest responsibility, Flaherty said. "They balance the operational requirement to expose those servicemembers to risk against the imperative to preserve their health and readiness," she said.
Leaders have to be aware of the strains that servicemembers and their families are under. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the department has invested billions of dollars in trying to help families, Flaherty said.
"Our military families, when compared to families at large, are quite resilient, but also quite vulnerable," she said. "The frequency and length of deployments can create extraordinary pressure for many."
Developing resilience is not a science, and it will take years to determine what works best. "But we need to move now," she said. "We'll know more in five years, but we know more today than we did a year ago, so we act upon what we know and move forward.
"We can't wait for the perfect solution," she continued, "because the war will continue, the warriors will continue to be wounded, and we'll still have gaps in care."
Mullen Praises World War II Japanese-American Troops
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - For three days in October 1944, a Japanese-American military unit fought in dense woods, heavy fog and freezing temperatures in the mountains of France, answering the prayers of an American battalion pinned down by German forces. In a bloody rescue mission that became one of World War II's most famed battles, more than 800 troops fighting with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team died as the unit saved 217 American forces.
"The 442nd, for its size and length of service, is the most decorated unit in the entire history of the United States military," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said this week in remarks before the Japanese American Memorial Fund. "Their story has taught me so many things and has likely inspired all who have heard it."
German forces had cut off the Texas National Guard's 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, in the Vosges Mountains when commanders ordered in the 442nd. The German troops already had repelled repeated rescue attempts by the 141st's other two battalions.
Nearly half of the men in the Japanese-American unit would be dead or wounded three days later, with the Texas battalion still isolated.
"Then, something happened in the 442nd," according to an official account at the Army Center for Military History. "By ones and twos, almost spontaneously and without orders, the men got to their feet and, with a kind of universal anger, moved toward the enemy position. Bitter hand-to-hand combat ensued as the Americans fought from one fortified position to the next. Finally, the enemy broke in disorder."
The original 4,000 men had to be replaced nearly three and a half times. In total, about 14,000 men served at the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, ultimately earning 9,486 Purple Hearts, 21 Medals of Honor, and an unprecedented eight Presidential Unit Citations, Mullen told an audience that included troops from the 442nd and 141st.
"I am truly humbled in the deepest sense possible to be in their midst, to share with you some of the many lessons I have learned from their intrepid service," he said. "Their story has taught me so many things and has likely inspired all who have heard it."
Mullen said a study of what inspired Japanese-American troops is a lesson in pride, courage and a heartfelt belief in the liberties promised by the U.S. Constitution.
"These Japanese-Americans nobly volunteered to serve the very country who persecuted and imprisoned them and their families," Mullen said, referring to the U.S. policy of placing Japanese-Americans in internment camps following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. "Yet, these Japanese-Americans who chose to serve felt not only a deep sense of patriotism, but they also felt that they had to prove their patriotism, their loyalty to a then-ungrateful nation."
The chairman said he derives another important lesson from the 442nd from an anecdote about one of the unit's officers. When a Colonel Kim, a Korean-American, was told to transfer out of the unit because of a historical Korean-Japanese friction, he refused the order.
"'They are Americans. I am an American. And together, we are going to fight for America,'" Mullen said, quoting Kim.
"In everything we do, every choice we make," Mullen continued, "we should strive to make our communities and this nation as rich and diverse as possible by living up to the principles upon which the United States of America was founded."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - For three days in October 1944, a Japanese-American military unit fought in dense woods, heavy fog and freezing temperatures in the mountains of France, answering the prayers of an American battalion pinned down by German forces. In a bloody rescue mission that became one of World War II's most famed battles, more than 800 troops fighting with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team died as the unit saved 217 American forces.
"The 442nd, for its size and length of service, is the most decorated unit in the entire history of the United States military," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said this week in remarks before the Japanese American Memorial Fund. "Their story has taught me so many things and has likely inspired all who have heard it."
German forces had cut off the Texas National Guard's 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, in the Vosges Mountains when commanders ordered in the 442nd. The German troops already had repelled repeated rescue attempts by the 141st's other two battalions.
Nearly half of the men in the Japanese-American unit would be dead or wounded three days later, with the Texas battalion still isolated.
"Then, something happened in the 442nd," according to an official account at the Army Center for Military History. "By ones and twos, almost spontaneously and without orders, the men got to their feet and, with a kind of universal anger, moved toward the enemy position. Bitter hand-to-hand combat ensued as the Americans fought from one fortified position to the next. Finally, the enemy broke in disorder."
The original 4,000 men had to be replaced nearly three and a half times. In total, about 14,000 men served at the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, ultimately earning 9,486 Purple Hearts, 21 Medals of Honor, and an unprecedented eight Presidential Unit Citations, Mullen told an audience that included troops from the 442nd and 141st.
"I am truly humbled in the deepest sense possible to be in their midst, to share with you some of the many lessons I have learned from their intrepid service," he said. "Their story has taught me so many things and has likely inspired all who have heard it."
Mullen said a study of what inspired Japanese-American troops is a lesson in pride, courage and a heartfelt belief in the liberties promised by the U.S. Constitution.
"These Japanese-Americans nobly volunteered to serve the very country who persecuted and imprisoned them and their families," Mullen said, referring to the U.S. policy of placing Japanese-Americans in internment camps following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. "Yet, these Japanese-Americans who chose to serve felt not only a deep sense of patriotism, but they also felt that they had to prove their patriotism, their loyalty to a then-ungrateful nation."
The chairman said he derives another important lesson from the 442nd from an anecdote about one of the unit's officers. When a Colonel Kim, a Korean-American, was told to transfer out of the unit because of a historical Korean-Japanese friction, he refused the order.
"'They are Americans. I am an American. And together, we are going to fight for America,'" Mullen said, quoting Kim.
"In everything we do, every choice we make," Mullen continued, "we should strive to make our communities and this nation as rich and diverse as possible by living up to the principles upon which the United States of America was founded."
Mental Health Pros Meet to Consider Treatments
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - Improving mental health care for servicemembers and veterans requires a coordinated effort beyond health care providers and the military community, the Pentagon's top mental health expert said here today. Opening the second Warrior Resilience Conference, Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Loree K. Sutton, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, asked the more than 400 attendees to learn from each other and the presenters as the military looks for the best way to build psychological resilience in the force.
The conference brings together line supervisors, clinicians, care providers and experts from around the United States to deal with the signature psychological injuries of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq: post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
The general set the tone early about the scope of the problem. "As a nation, we have never asked so much from so few on behalf of so many," Sutton said. "Failure is not an option. The needs of our warriors, our veterans, their family members, must come first."
Candor, transparency, speed, and accountability are non-negotiable virtues for treating those in the field. Results – real, measurable results – must guide the effort as it moves forward, she said.
"And we must work as a team," she added. "This is not about competition."
Sutton joked that her office, which serves as a clearinghouse for treatments, steals the good ideas of others. "Yes. Of course we do!" she said. "We exist so we can look over the horizon and we can dig into the other agencies.
"It is our privilege to leave no stone unturned in finding leading practices and promising principles ... so we can catalyze new knowledge and action and we can accelerate positive change," Sutton said as she called for a Manhattan Project-type of national unity and effort to help those most affected.
The invisible wounds of war are a public health challenge, Sutton said, and the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are not the sole owners of the effort. People and communities across the United States have to participate as well, said the general added.
And the movement in support of psychological health is not limited to mental health professionals, Sutton said. Members of faith communities, business communities, schools and employers also must be involved with treatment and must work together to ensure that servicemembers and their families get the help they need, she told the conferees.
The use of the reserve components in the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan means that men and women from almost every community in the United States are doing their part, the general said. But because they don't live on or near a military installation, they may not be getting the support they need. She asked that all at the conference look for ways to reach out to these people.
U.S. troops and their families understand resilience in a way that most Americans don't, Sutton said. "They know what's important: relationships, families, connections," she said. The conference mission is to help troops and families strengthen that resilience, she said, adding that the effort will require a new outlook for the military.
"If we fail to transform our culture, we will have missed the boat," Sutton said. "This 'suck-it-up' [military] culture yields a vulnerability that places our health, our safety, our security, our families and our futures at risk. To prevail, leaders at all levels must work together to build strength through nurturing, connection, trust, courage and resilience."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - Improving mental health care for servicemembers and veterans requires a coordinated effort beyond health care providers and the military community, the Pentagon's top mental health expert said here today. Opening the second Warrior Resilience Conference, Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Loree K. Sutton, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, asked the more than 400 attendees to learn from each other and the presenters as the military looks for the best way to build psychological resilience in the force.
The conference brings together line supervisors, clinicians, care providers and experts from around the United States to deal with the signature psychological injuries of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq: post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
The general set the tone early about the scope of the problem. "As a nation, we have never asked so much from so few on behalf of so many," Sutton said. "Failure is not an option. The needs of our warriors, our veterans, their family members, must come first."
Candor, transparency, speed, and accountability are non-negotiable virtues for treating those in the field. Results – real, measurable results – must guide the effort as it moves forward, she said.
"And we must work as a team," she added. "This is not about competition."
Sutton joked that her office, which serves as a clearinghouse for treatments, steals the good ideas of others. "Yes. Of course we do!" she said. "We exist so we can look over the horizon and we can dig into the other agencies.
"It is our privilege to leave no stone unturned in finding leading practices and promising principles ... so we can catalyze new knowledge and action and we can accelerate positive change," Sutton said as she called for a Manhattan Project-type of national unity and effort to help those most affected.
The invisible wounds of war are a public health challenge, Sutton said, and the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are not the sole owners of the effort. People and communities across the United States have to participate as well, said the general added.
And the movement in support of psychological health is not limited to mental health professionals, Sutton said. Members of faith communities, business communities, schools and employers also must be involved with treatment and must work together to ensure that servicemembers and their families get the help they need, she told the conferees.
The use of the reserve components in the fights in Iraq and Afghanistan means that men and women from almost every community in the United States are doing their part, the general said. But because they don't live on or near a military installation, they may not be getting the support they need. She asked that all at the conference look for ways to reach out to these people.
U.S. troops and their families understand resilience in a way that most Americans don't, Sutton said. "They know what's important: relationships, families, connections," she said. The conference mission is to help troops and families strengthen that resilience, she said, adding that the effort will require a new outlook for the military.
"If we fail to transform our culture, we will have missed the boat," Sutton said. "This 'suck-it-up' [military] culture yields a vulnerability that places our health, our safety, our security, our families and our futures at risk. To prevail, leaders at all levels must work together to build strength through nurturing, connection, trust, courage and resilience."
Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization System
ERDC/EL TR-09-11
Methods for Tier 1 Modeling within the Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization System by Mark S. Dortch, Jeffrey A. Gerald, and Billy E. Johnson
Abstract:
The Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization System (TREECS) is being developed for the Army with varying levels of capability to forecast the fate and risk of munitions constituents (MC), such as high explosives (HE), within and transported from firing/training ranges to surface water and groundwater. The overall objective is to provide the range manager with tools to assess range management strategies to meet environmental compliance goals. Tier 1 will consist of screening-level methods that require minimal data input requirements and can be easily and quickly applied by range managers or their local environmental staff to assess whether or not there is potential for MC compliance concern, such as predicted surface water and/or groundwater MC concentrations exceeding protective health benchmarks at receptor locations.
This report describes the Army’s existing and perceived future requirements for TREECS Tier 1 tools and provides recommendations and a plan for technology developments to meet those needs. The information provided in this report is sufficient to serve as design and specifications for development of models and software that will comprise Tier 1 of TREECS. The details of the model formulations provided herein can also serve as documentation for the Tier 1 TREECS models.
The highly conservative assumptions of steady-state (time-invariant) conditions and no MC degradation are used. Thus, MC loadings to the range are constant over time, and fluxes to and concentrations within receiving water media reach a constant MC concentration for comparison to protective ecological and human health benchmarks. Tier 1 will include an analytical range soil model with its computed leaching flux linked to a semi-analytical-numerical aquifer model and with its computed runofferosion flux linked to a numerical surface water model. Tier 1 will also include an MC loading module, a hydro-geo-chemical toolkit for estimating input parameters, constituent databases for chemical-specific properties, and a database of ecological and human protective health benchmarks. All components will be packaged within a user-friendly PC client-based application with an emphasis on ease of use.
If you wish to access/download the document (68 pages, 1.91 mb) in pdf format, the address is: http://libweb.wes.army.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/EL-TR-09-11.pdf
Methods for Tier 1 Modeling within the Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization System by Mark S. Dortch, Jeffrey A. Gerald, and Billy E. Johnson
Abstract:
The Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization System (TREECS) is being developed for the Army with varying levels of capability to forecast the fate and risk of munitions constituents (MC), such as high explosives (HE), within and transported from firing/training ranges to surface water and groundwater. The overall objective is to provide the range manager with tools to assess range management strategies to meet environmental compliance goals. Tier 1 will consist of screening-level methods that require minimal data input requirements and can be easily and quickly applied by range managers or their local environmental staff to assess whether or not there is potential for MC compliance concern, such as predicted surface water and/or groundwater MC concentrations exceeding protective health benchmarks at receptor locations.
This report describes the Army’s existing and perceived future requirements for TREECS Tier 1 tools and provides recommendations and a plan for technology developments to meet those needs. The information provided in this report is sufficient to serve as design and specifications for development of models and software that will comprise Tier 1 of TREECS. The details of the model formulations provided herein can also serve as documentation for the Tier 1 TREECS models.
The highly conservative assumptions of steady-state (time-invariant) conditions and no MC degradation are used. Thus, MC loadings to the range are constant over time, and fluxes to and concentrations within receiving water media reach a constant MC concentration for comparison to protective ecological and human health benchmarks. Tier 1 will include an analytical range soil model with its computed leaching flux linked to a semi-analytical-numerical aquifer model and with its computed runofferosion flux linked to a numerical surface water model. Tier 1 will also include an MC loading module, a hydro-geo-chemical toolkit for estimating input parameters, constituent databases for chemical-specific properties, and a database of ecological and human protective health benchmarks. All components will be packaged within a user-friendly PC client-based application with an emphasis on ease of use.
If you wish to access/download the document (68 pages, 1.91 mb) in pdf format, the address is: http://libweb.wes.army.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/EL-TR-09-11.pdf
Test Pilot Takes Equipment Downrange
By Kari HawkinsSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 3, 2009 - Experimental test pilot Army Chief Warrant Officer Cary Nadeau views his job as being the consumer advocate for Army aviators. And like any good consumer advocate, he reaches out to his customers – in his case, in combat zones. Nadeau, 38, recently left for his fourth deployment – his third to Iraq – as one of the Army's 30 experimental test pilots to show Chinook pilots the benefits of new technology tested by the Redstone Test Center here.
Chinook helicopters flown by pilots of the 25th Infantry Division's 25th Combat Aviation Brigade are the first to be equipped with a laser-based countermeasure system designed to shoot laser energy at incoming infrared missiles to redirect them away from the aircraft.
"It looks like two R2-D2 heads on the side of the aircraft," Nadeau said. "They provide an added layer of protection against infrared missiles by using laser energy to spoof them or direct them in a different direction. The lasers work automatically to confuse the missile. It's all about increasing the survivability of the aircraft."
Because of their limited number, experimental test pilots are assigned only to brigades fielding equipment being used for the first time on major systems or airframes. Nadeau has flown test flights with the laser-based countermeasure system that he will support in Iraq, and possibly Afghanistan, where he could be transferred about midway through the deployment to support another unit of Chinooks being equipped with the system.
"Eventually, all of the Army's Chinooks will have this system," he said.
Nadeau recently transferred to Redstone Arsenal as part of the merger of Fort Rucker's Aviation Technical Test Center with the Redstone Technical Test Center. He is assigned to the Redstone Test Center to perform test flights on new technology for Chinook helicopters.
During his six-month deployment, Nadeau said, his mission, first of all, is to be a soldier. "Second, it is to embed with the aviation brigade to impart my experience in flight testing," he said.
"My job is to dispel myths and rumors about the new equipment, to train the soldiers on how the technology works and to bring information back to Redstone Test Center on how well the system is operating in real use situations," he explained. "I've seen this system flown. I've seen it work against real live missiles. I can impart that confidence to the pilots of the 25th."
It's critical, when flying a Chinook, that the aircraft have the "capability of protecting itself from outside forces," Nadeau said. Geneva Convention rules prohibit medical evacuation Chinooks from shooting back when fired upon, so their crews must rely heavily on armed escorts and multilayered defense systems, he added.
Nadeau will serve as a liaison between the brigade and the test center.
"We're shifting this system from testing to now flying," he said. "We will gain more experience from the pilots in Iraq that we can use productively in the test community. This keeps us relevant."
Nadeau's role is an offshoot of a program started after 9/11 when the Army Test and Evaluation Command and Fort Rucker's test center used forward operational assessment teams in theater in support of new technology.
"ATTC realized then the importance to staying relevant to the fight," Nadeau said. "We needed to look at new systems in theater and help in the deployment of new systems." Since then, commanders began requesting experimental test pilots for their brigades.
"We offer a very good liaison capability between the brigade and program managers, airworthiness managers and test managers," Nadeau said. "We can get commanders things - information, technology and equipment - that they can use in their brigades while in theater."
Nadeau enlisted in the Air Force and served as a firefighter for seven years before joining the Army's warrant officer program 12 years ago. He first deployed to Kosovo in 1999 and 2000, where he flew Black Hawk helicopters. During his first deployment to Iraq in 2003, Nadeau served with the 507th Medical Company, assigned to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, where he flew Chinook medical evacuation missions.
"It was during the initial invasion, the main push into Baghdad," he recalled. "It was real quick. Most of our medevac missions involved soldiers who happened to get injured by a mine in a field."
In his second deployment to Iraq, he flew a medevac Chinook for the 1st Marine Division, mostly in the western regions of Fallujah and Ramadi. "The enemy had gotten smarter, and there were a lot of [improvised explosive devices]," he said. "Our bus picked up a lot of Marines."
Nadeau left Oct. 24 for his third deployment to Iraq. Before leaving Redstone, he met with Army Maj. Gen. Jim Myles, commander of the Aviation and Missile Command, and aircraft program managers to establish a rapport that will serve him well in his liaison role.
"The message I received from General Myles and all the program managers is that they are there to support the warfighter 24/7," he said.
Besides supporting warfighters, Nadeau views his deployment as a way to gain a better understanding of theater requirements.
"I think staying relevant is the big thing," he said. "We need to keep our testers relevant to the current fight so that we keep our credibility with the soldiers.
"It's sort of a role reversal," he continued. "To stay credible with soldiers and soldier pilots, I'm going over there to eat dirt, walk my boots in the sand, fly missions and be a soldier with them."
Although he will fly Chinooks and primarily support technical issues involving the Chinook, Nadeau also supports technical questions involving the unit's Black Hawk, Apache and Kiowa helicopters.
"Army pilots typically fly one airframe," he said. "But as an experimental test pilot, those divisions go away, the lines dissolve. I will be used where my expertise is, but I can also work outside my expertise to provide a fresh view of any of the airframes flown by the brigade."
For example, if a technical issue arises involving the brigade's Apache helicopter, Nadeau has the expertise to get involved, formulate the issue and communicate it back to program managers for resolution.
Being an experimental test pilot has allowed Nadeau to get more involved in how the Army acquires new aircraft. "I fly a plethora of different aircraft, and test lots of systems," he said.
During experimental testing, pilots look for flaws in new systems. Nadeau recently performed several test flights for a new infrared exhaust suppressor that reduces the Chinook's heat signature so that it is more difficult to detect by heat-seeking missiles. During those tests, Nadeau discovered flaws in the infrared exhaust suppressor system that resulted in a system redesign.
"We don't say 'Buy it' or 'Don't buy it,'" he said. "We tell the good things, the bad things and the safety things about an aircraft or its systems and subsystems. We answer questions like 'Is it safe?' and 'Does it function the way it is supposed to?'"
Once his deployment is complete, Nadeau will return to Redstone and resume flight testing for the test center.
"The projects we test are always changing," he said. "I will just fall right back into the test schedule."
(Kari Hawkins works in the U.S. Army Garrison Redstone public affairs office.)
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