Military

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  Stars and Stripes

• As separation rates plummet, military getting more selective

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:00 pm

  Fewer servicemembers are retiring or leaving the military than at any time in the past five years, according to Defense Department data.

• In Golestan, changing mission could mean troops must move on

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 pm

  When U.S. Marines first entered this stark, scenic valley nearly two years ago, their mission was to build up local security forces and eliminate the Taliban resistance. Marine commanders are wondering: Now that they have been committed to Golestan for the past two years, how can they just leave?

• USO to focus on women

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 pm

  For years, the United Service Organizations has been sending care packages filled with items such as DVDs, phone cards, beef jerky and playing cards. But now, some of the boxes will contain items specifically for women in the war zones

• Army unit to return to region of deadly battle

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 pm

  The 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment is heading back to the same region where it took part in the Army's deadliest battle in Afghanistan.

• Nine hurt as military plane makes emergency landing in Mali

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 pm

  A military aircraft carrying U.S. Africa Command personnel was forced to make an emergency landing Thursday in Mali, causing non-life-threatening injuries to the nine people aboard the cargo plane, AFRICOM reported Friday.

• 
  Wired: Danger Room

• Marines Use Brain Scans to Spot PTSD Before the War

  Katie Drummond

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:27 pm

  The military has launched a new program that’ll use genetic testing and brain scans to figure out whether troops are vulnerable to post-traumatic stress — before they head off to war and experience that stress. The initiative is a cooperative venture between the Marine Corps, Department of Veterans Affairs and Navy Medicine. Testing on 1,000 Marines started last year, and another 673 were recently recruited: participants undergo a battery of exams to reveal underlying “triggers” that might predispose someone to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Examinations…

• Navy’s ‘Affordable’ Shoreline Ship: $477 Million Overbudget

  Nathan Hodge

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:12 am

  It only took an extra half billion dollars, but the Navy is now inching closer to having a fleet of stealthy, shore-hugging surface ships. The future USS Independence, the Navy’s second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), this week completed “acceptance trials,” a sort of test drive for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. During the two-day trials, the ship completed demonstrations of the combat systems suite, steering, anchoring, and propulsion. Vice Admiral D.C. Curtis, the commander of Naval Surface Forces, said the successful trials brought the Navy “another…

• Military Video System Is Like YouTube With Artillery

  David Hambling

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:25 am

  Making footage shareable and searchable online has sparked a revolution in the cute animal,  stupid human, and delicious tamale communities. New software just might mean a similar upgrade for military video intelligence: Think of it as a real-time YouTube with heavy artillery. The release of the new version has just been announced. The U.S. military’s Task Force ODIN demonstrated the effectiveness of combining the video inputs from networked drones, aircraft and helicopters. When a roadside bomb went off, the team could wind back the video to see who planted it — and where they…

• Gates: Expect a Slow-Mo ‘Surge’ to Afghanistan

  Nathan Hodge

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:29 am

  In early 2007, the U.S. military was able to “surge” five additional brigades to Iraq in relatively short order. But in Afghanistan, any major troop increase won’t happen overnight. Speaking yesterday to reporters at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert Gates tamped down expectations of a rapid, across-the-board troop increase — although he suggested that the first reinforcements could arrive there soon. “First of all, the situation in Afghanistan is very different than the situation we faced in Iraq in the sense that we do not have the same kind of…

• Caption This: The Governator in Baghdad

  Nathan Hodge

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:01 am

  Caption contest! Here’s California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visiting the gym at Camp Victory, Iraq. Tell us what’s really going on… [PHOTO: U.S. Department of Defense]

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  ProPublica: National Security

• ProPublica’s Dafna Linzer Discusses Gitmo Plea Deals

  ProPublica

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:15 am

  by Mike Webb, ProPublica - Today, at 3 p.m. EST, reporter Dafna Linzer will appear on To The Point with Warren Olney on KCRW in Los Angeles to discuss her report about the plea deals the United States is negotiating with some of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Yesterday, Linzer was a guest on the Diane Rehm Show on WAMU in Washington, DC along with a former legal advisor to the Bush Administration and a counselor from Human Rights First to talk about the 9/11 terror suspects trial. Check the shows out to hear more about the Obama Administration’s plans to deal with Gitmo detainees: The…

• Happy Birthday, Gitmo

  ProPublica

  13 Nov 2009 | 12:59 pm

  by Dafna Linzer, ProPublica - o Much has occurred today with regards to Guantanamo Bay and many decisions are yet to come. But there is another milestone worthy of note: Today marks the eighth anniversary of the creation of the legal foundation for the prison and the second-tier justice system established to try terrorism suspects there. On Nov. 13, 2001, President George W. Bush signed what has become known as Military Order No. 1 in what he termed a Global War on Terrorism. Without informing his national security adviser, his secretary of state, his chief of staff or his communications…

• With Few Strong Cases, Government Rushes Toward Plea Deals for Guantanamo Detainees

  ProPublica

  13 Nov 2009 | 8:59 am

  by Dafna Linzer, ProPublica - Please note that our Creative Commons license does NOT apply to this story. As the United States moves to prosecute Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four others accused of being conspirators behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, federal and military prosecutors are racing each other to strike plea deals with at least a dozen additional Guantanamo detainees whose testimony could be used against some of the most notorious prisoners. The plea bargaining exposes the difficulty the government faces in bringing prosecutable cases against these defendants and others still in…

• Honoring Veterans of the Disposable Army

  ProPublica

  11 Nov 2009 | 1:14 pm

  by T. Christian Miller, ProPublica - Today we honor the veterans who have served in the country's armed forces. Nobody seriously questions whether they deserve such recognition. The men and women who defended this country and fought its wars made immeasurable sacrifices. I have spent much of the last year writing about another group of people who suffered losses on behalf of U.S. interests abroad: the civilian contractors injured or killed while doing their jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are not, of course, soldiers. They could quit their jobs and go home any time they wanted. Many were…

• ACLU Sues FBI for Imprisonment of New Jersey Man in Africa

  ProPublica

  10 Nov 2009 | 11:57 am

  by Christopher Flavelle, ProPublica - The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Investigation, saying it illegally detained and mistreated an American, Amir Meshal, who was held in Kenya, Somalia and Ethopia for four months in 2007 before being released. According to the ACLU’s complaint, which was filed in district court in Washington this afternoon, Meshal, who is now 26, traveled to Mogadishu, the Somalian capital, in 2006, to study Islam. In January 2007, he fled Somalia after fighting flared up in the country’s long-run­­ning…

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  Op For

• Part II

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:13 am

  President Karzai began his second administration today. As we have noted before, the election that got him to this point wasn't all that it could be, and the run-off that wasn't certainly didn't make things much clearer. Karzai was sworn in to a second five-year term by the head of the Supreme Court during a ceremony attended by hundreds of Afghan and foreign dignitaries from more than 40 countries. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and British Foreign Minister David Miliband were among them. Heavily armed soldiers stood beside armored…

• More Fallout from Hood

  17 Nov 2009 | 4:06 am

  Brief forward (John): All, we're honored to have with us a new blogger -- Shannon Meehan. Shannon is -of course- a VMI man and an Army armor officer with combat experience in Iraq. He's also the author of Beyond Duty, a gritty war memoir that's well worth your time. Shannon has an insider edge on the Hood fallout, as he was treated in an office next to Hasan's (here's a link to a Dallas Morning News piece, hot off the wires, where Shannon is quoted extensively). Please join me in welcoming our newbie to the family -- all of us at OPFOR are very excited to have him. Hasan’s violent action…

• Stepping Out Smartly

  15 Nov 2009 | 10:55 pm

  A very good article in the WaPo on the French units operating near Kabul. (Excellent photos as well; and note please that it's Marines and Legionnaires!) TAGAB VALLEY, AFGHANISTAN -- Hundreds of French and Afghan troops on Sunday pushed into a hostile valley in eastern Afghanistan where militants launch quick attacks and then disappear into hillside villages. The mission: Secure the area for a planned bypass road around the Afghan capital to move supplies from neighboring Pakistan. About 700 French troops, joined by 100 Afghan soldiers, moved into the Tagab valley before dawn with more than…

• "Maj. Hassan's Worst Offense"

  14 Nov 2009 | 4:15 am

  In today's WaPo, Colbert King writes; "For the formal charges, Hasan will be tried in a court of law. But a verdict on him as a sworn military officer already can be rendered."

• We Couldn't Agree More

  12 Nov 2009 | 7:46 pm

  "An Officer's Outrage Over Fort Hood": As an officer in the United States Army, I'm angry for so many reasons over what happened at Ft. Hood. I'm angry that twelve of my fellow soldiers and a contractor were murdered. I'm angry that over thirty people have suffered life altering injuries from which they will never fully recover. I'm angry that the lives of so many families have been forever ruined. I'm angry that this happened on an Army post on American soil where soldiers should be safe. And I'm angry that the murderer was a terrorist who masqueraded as an Army officer for half a dozen…

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  Honor, Duty, eMail

• We've Got Giveaways for our Military Community

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:34 am

  We've got goodies! Did you miss it? We kicked off 3 great giveaways in honor of Veterans Day last week and today is the very last day to get your entries in. Check them out below:1 Military Purse Giveaway3 $50 SweetGrabs Gift Certificate Giveaways5 Book Giveaways Be sure to click the links, follow the directions and spread the word! Good luck!If you've been searching for a way to support our troops easily, you've found it! Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to eMail/Mail our military one-on-one. Connect with eMail Our Military (eMOM) on twitter at:…

• Veterans Day Sweet Grabs Giveaway

  11 Nov 2009 | 8:31 am

  It's been a great week so far with all kinds of fun giveaways for our military community in honor of Veterans Day.We kicked off Monday with a Military Purse giveaway and on Tuesday we launched a book giveaway from a Veteran author. Today we're pleased to bring you yet another great giveaway...We've got THREE $50.00 gift certificates to give away thanks to the great folks over at SweetGrabs.com! At SweetGrabs you'll find something for everyone and all at a great value.Everyone loves shopping and the holidays are right around the corner so we're so pleased to be able to partner with SweetGrabs…

• Have You Hugged A Veteran Today?

  11 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  Gary Varvel, Indiana -- The Indianapolis Star-NewsPlease contact your local newspaper editor if you want to see Gary Varvel's cartoons in your hometown paper. If you've been searching for a way to support our troops easily, you've found it! Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to eMail/Mail our military one-on-one. Connect with eMail Our Military (eMOM) on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary, follow our blog feed at: @eMOMs or connect with us through one of the services below. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your…

• Veterans Day Book Giveaway

  10 Nov 2009 | 8:37 am

  At eMail Our Military we support our troops but what you may not know is that we're quite passionate about supporting our veterans too, in many different ways. That's why when we met Joe Gillan, an author and Army Veteran from the Vietnam War era, we knew he was going to be an amazing person to learn more about.The more we got to know Joe, the more we loved him. We thought one great way to show our support for a veteran who had just released his first novel was to share a little about him here and do a fun book giveaway, in honor of all our Veterans this Veterans Day."Joe is fascinating. He's…

• Happy 234th Birthday U.S. Marines

  10 Nov 2009 | 5:52 am

  Wishing all United States Marines a very happy 234th Birthday from your friends at eMail Our Military.# # # If you've been searching for a way to support our troops easily, you've found it! Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to eMail/Mail our military one-on-one. Connect with eMail Our Military (eMOM) on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary, follow our blog feed at: @eMOMs or connect with us through one of the services below. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support,…

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  BLACKFIVE

• SGM STEVE VALLEY ON WBT-CHARLOTTE

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:12 pm

  Steve Valley, who was on tour with me in Iraq, is on WBT in Charlotte tonight.  Tune in from the internet on WWW.WBT.COM.  He discusses the media in Iraq, his book 'Inside The Fortress' and many other things.He's always a great interview.TUNE IN!Wolf

• Iraqi detainees asking for a good waterboarding

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:27 pm

  This is just plain wrong as Drewzer pointed out in the comments.BAGHDAD - It seems that the Brett Favre-Green Bay Packers saga is such a worldwide phenomenon that it's being used by detainees in American military camps.According to a military official, detainees at a Wisconsin National Guard camp in Iraq are using Brett Favre as a manner of getting at the guard troops there."They know Favre by name," said First Lieutenant Tim Boehnen, who is from New Richmond, Wis. "One of the big words they know now is shenanigan.  They'll constantly talk about 'Favre shenanigans,' 'He's so good for…

• Checking In

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:54 pm

  U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Sean Cain, with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, performs a radio check during a security patrol in the Nawa district of the Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Nov. 9, 2009. The 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment is a ground combat element deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7, which conducts counterinsurgency operations in partnership with Afghan National Security Forces in southern Afghanistan.   DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Harris, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released) [After the USAF Pink Smoke photo, had to put something else on the front page of the…

• Popping Pink Smoke

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:31 pm

  Students in the Combat Airman Skills Training Course use a smoke diversion tactic while practicing patrol maneuvers on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 12, 2009. U.S. airmen assigned to the 421st Combat Training Squadron teach the course to prepare airmen for upcoming deployments. The squadron is assigned to the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol

• Vote to help wounded vets

  blackfive@gmail.com (Pundit Review Radio)

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:51 am

  A note about a good cause you can help with a couple of clicks.Friends: Many of you may know of a friend of me and Court is author and Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell.  He is one of the hosts of the Outdoor Channel's Beretta's Wild and Raw.  They are competing in the Golden Moose Awards and if they win (with your vote) their show will continue and they will be able to take wounded vets out on many of their hunts featured on the show. Please go to: http://www.outdoorchannel.com/GMARegister.aspx and register.  Then when you are able to vote, please vote for Beretta's Wild and Raw in each of…

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  Defense Tech

• Army Launches Examination of Armor Testing

  christian

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:40 am

  If the service thought they’d buried the issue of armor testing, they forgot to ask their new Secretary. ArmySec John McHugh announced today he had enlisted the services of the National Research Council to examine the service’s armor testing procedures and compliance protocols in light of a recent GAO report calling into question the Army’s adherence to QA standards. Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced today that the National Research Council (NRC) will perform an independent assessment of the Army’s body armor testing, following last month’s recommendation by the Government…

• New Camo Pattern on the Block

  christian

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:38 am

  As if we didn’t already have enough to consider with Marpat, UCP, UCP-D, MultiCam and Desert Brush, in comes another pattern making inroads in the milgear blogosphere. I’ve been trolling over at our friends Soldier Systems’ site over the past couple days, and the editor over there is obsessed with the development of this new pattern. Not one day after I scoped his post, our partners at Tactical-Life forwarded me an article (that looked more like a press release to me) unveiling the new, multi-environment pattern. Companies participating in this unprecedented launch include Remington,…

• BAE to Market Mantis UAV to North America

  christian

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:38 am

  This article first appeared in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report. Manufacturer BAE Systems is formulating its marketing of the Mantis medium-altitude long-endurance UAV demonstrator air vehicle in the U.S., following the recent kickoff of test flights of the U.K. version. Mark Brown, BAE Systems vice president of unmanned aerial systems, is positioning the Mantis as a next-generation UAV. “When we talk about Mantis specifically, you’re talking about a theater/strategic platform that has the ability to satisfy intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance requirements and also be a…

• Pinnacle’s New Armor

  christian

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:30 am

  Not really…but got you to look, right? My colleague Bryant Jordan ran across this photo and passed it along to Defense Tech just to show how very far we’ve come with ballistic protection. According to a caption from the archival section at Corbis, these garcons are French soldiers of the Army Ordnance Department showing off the test articles of their WW I-era body armor. I can’t even see what this is made of, but it sure looks like cold rolled steel and leather. I’m digging the groin protector and the jaunty dude on the right with a 45 hole right in his junk. Also, what gives on the…

• Zapping Drones from a Truck

  christian

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:07 am

  It took more than six months, but the Air Force coughed up some details yesterday on a laser program it’s developing to plink drones and other flying objects from the sky. Out at China Lake in May, a joint team sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab that included the engineers from the Naval Air Warfare Center fired a 2 Kilowatt class laser at a series of five UAVs, tracking them and shooting them down  “at long ranges and using relatively low laser power,” according to a release from the laser maker Boeing. The so-called Mobile Active Targeting Resource for Integrated…

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  Army Strong Stories

• Why I love my Job.

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:56 pm

         Most of the time there are plenty of reasons to say why they do not like their jobs. but yesterday was different. I got a chance to work with someone that was having a hard time with the sticking some one with a needle. Not to mention that he never used the type of needle that day. So after talking with him, explaining how the needle works with a dummy artery, and seeing him make that stick on the third try when it was about to give up give a huge sense of meaning and purpose. Being able to help people when other people are ready to give up on them just…

• AMSUS - St. Louis

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:39 pm

  For the last 6 days I have been at the 115th annual AMSUS meeting in St. Louis.  AMSUS stands for the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States.  Even though the name mentions surgeons, the organization is composed of everyone in the health professions. The Army Dental Corps uses this as an opportunity to bring the leadership together so that everyone gets the same information and guidance from the source.  All the Army dental attendees. In addition to COL Wong our Commander and his staff that spoke to us, we also had several VIPs including: Retired Dental Corps…

• Barnstorming the Volunteer State

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:13 pm

  The Concert Band and the Soldiers' Chorus spent about a week performing throughout Tennesse.  The first performance was in Newbern, TN.  Like many of our performances, a local color guard presented the Colors for the National Anthem.  Here you can see some very orange berets.  Just about everywhere we went in Tennessee there was lots of "Volunteer Orange." The tools to stay in touch with family back home (or to check how you are doing in fantasy football) have certainly changed over the years.  Here, SGM Joel Dulyea is backstage in Jackson, TN.  Yet…

• Gold Bar Recruiting at Minnesota State University, Mankato

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:47 pm

  I am officially on Active Duty and just received my first paycheck. It is a relieving feeling to have the security of a guaranteed check the 1st and 15th of every month. Although being in college was fun, I am starting to like and appreciate the duty day hours for my job as a Gold Bar Recruiter. The process for acquiring my job was just a matter of requesting it before commissioned into Active Duty, and if there is a slot available, and you meet the qualifications you're hired. The way it works is a new Lieutenant generally has a few months after he or she commissions before going to their…

• Lucky Friday the 13th!

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:05 pm

  Friday the 13th was an amazing day in Paradise!! The day started like everyday should - with PT! One of our stellar Soldiers , SPC Christel Hornstra, led us up KoKo Head Crater at sunrise! Koko Crater is a cinder cone remaining from the last active volcano that occurred on O'ahu approximately 10,000 years ago. This crater is the tallest tuff ring in Hawaii, measuring 1,207 feet in height. The climb is straight up 1,100+ “stairs”; railroad ties from a WWII track up the crater. The hike is no joke and gave us all an exceptional workout. My quads are still sore 3 days later! But it…

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  Michael Yon - Online Magazine

• FYI: Paperwork for Afghanistan Media Embed

  Michael Yon

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:56 pm

  17 November 2009 There has been much curiosity about the procedures involved during the embed process.  The process is constantly changing, and is different for Iraq than for Afghanistan.  A Philippines embed is different still, and requires embassy approval because, am told, the State department is worried about what one might say.  In Afghanistan, the process with the British and Lithuanians also varies.  The process can be dramatically different for powerful media outlets, who often come in on "junkets."  In Iraq, in 2005, saw CNN have two helicopters dedicated to it for a day in…

• Smithsonian Air&Space on Kopp-Etchells Effect

  Smithsonian

  4 Nov 2009 | 7:11 pm

  November 04, 2009 Helo Halo Luminous halos twirled above a Boeing CH-47 Chinook on a recent night around 11:30 p.m. local time at Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as helicopters ferried casualties and supplies in and out of the base. The photographer was independent journalist Michael Yon, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who has covered Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines with a camera. Helicopter pilots don't have a name for the effect, but one explained to Yon, "Basically it is a result of static electricity created by friction…

• Great Britain Loses one of its Finest

  Michael Yon

  2 Nov 2009 | 9:34 pm

  03 November 2009 British soldiers at war are an incredible group.  Courageous, competent, and committed in very difficult conditions.  An email came today from London, from a BBC correspondent who has been to Afghanistan saying that Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid had been killed. To see the article in the BBC was deeply saddening: Soldier Killed While Defusing 65th Bomb. On a side note, the British soldiers are conservative.  Though this is not very important, it’s difficult to imagine that Olaf had only destroyed 64 bombs before being killed.  Just on this single mission, during which all…

• Adopt-a-stan

  Michael Yon

  18 Oct 2009 | 5:03 pm

  18 October 2009By Michael Yon The inbox was peppered with hyperlinks to Dexter Filkins’ story in the New York Times, Stanley McChrystal’s Long War.  One message came from Kathryn Lopez at National Review, asking if I had seen the article and for any thoughts. It should be said that I respect the work of Dexter Filkins.  Mr. Filkins is a seasoned war correspondent whose characterizations of Iraq ring true, while Stanley McChrystal’s Long War resonates with my ongoing experiences in Afghanistan.  Despite the great length of the article, the few points that did not resonate were more…

• MARKET GARDEN

  Michael Yon

  12 Oct 2009 | 6:42 am

  Market Garden A Remembrance During Time of War Kandahar City, Afghanistan Slowly, surely, the city is being strangled.  Signaling the depth of our commitment, security forces are thinner in Kandahar than the Himalayan air.  During the days and evenings, there were the sounds of occasional bombs—some caused by suicide attackers, and others by firefights.  The windows in my room had been blown out recently and now were replaced.  We came here to kill our enemies, but today we want to make a country from scratch. A world away from Afghanistan, over in Holland, was approaching the 65th…

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  The Long War Journal

• Islamabad police capture 'Ghazi Force' commander

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:55 pm

  Islamabad police recently captured a senior operational leader in a shadowy Taliban group behind several high-profile attacks in the capital. Police say the suspect, Jamshed, who is also known as Tahir, is the mastermind of four of the five suicide attacks that took place in Islamabad this year, including the Oct. 5 attack at the World Food Programme office that killed five employees. Jamshed is a senior commander in a little-known Taliban group called the Ghazi Force. He is said to have scouted the attack on the World Food Programme office and provided the suicide vest to the bomber. Police…

• Suicide bomber strikes in western Afghanistan

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:13 am

  Mullah Hayatullah, the Taliban commander in Farah province. He runs suicide training camps in the western province. Taliban suicide bombers struck for the second day straight throughout Afghanistan. Today a suicide bomber driving a motorcycle detonated his explosives in a market in Farah City, killing 17 people and wounding 29. A second suicide bomber killed five bodyguards of a member of parliament in an attack north of Kabul. Provincial officials in Farah said a senior police official, who was killed in the explosion, was the target of the suicide attack. Two of the senior police official's…

• US strikes Taliban camp in North Waziristan, kills 8

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:41 am

  Unmanned US strike aircraft killed eight Taliban and al Qaeda operatives in the second attack in North Waziristan in two days. Today the US aircraft hit a Taliban training camp in the village of Palooseen near Mir Ali. "At least eight people were killed in the drone attack," a Pakistani intelligence official told AFP. "A compound used by militants was targeted." Three "foreigners," a term used to describe al Qaeda operatives, were among those killed. No senior leaders have been reported killed. The town of Mir Ali is a known stronghold of al Qaeda leader Abu Kasha al Iraqi, an Iraqi national…

• Suicide bomber kills 19 outside Peshawar courthouse

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:29 am

  A suicide bomber has killed 19 Pakistanis and wounded 50 more in an attack outside the Peshawar judicial complex. The strike is the latest in the Taliban's suicide campaign that has recently zeroed in on the provincial capital. The suicide bomber detonated outside the main gate of the complex, which contains the provincial criminal and civil courts and administration buildings. "The bomber was on foot and tried to get into the Judicial Complex through its main entry gate," an official told Dawn. "He blew himself up, when he was stopped." Police reportedly had intelligence that the complex was…

• US airstrike kills 4 Taliban in North Waziristan

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:26 pm

  The US has killed four Taliban fighters in just the second airstrike in Pakistan's tribal areas this month. Unmanned aircraft, likely remotely piloted Predator or Reaper drones, hit a Taliban compound in the village of Shanakhora, which lies six miles west of Miramshah in North Waziristan, with two Hellfire missiles. “It was a US drone attack which targeted a militant compound killing four militants and wounding five others,” a senior Pakistani security official in the region told AFP. “The compound was being used by Taliban militants, however it is not clear whether there were any…

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  Mudville Gazette

• Day is done

  Greyhawk

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:21 pm

  Lest we forget: MEMORIAL SALUTE - Members of a rifle detail perform a 21-gun salute during a memorial service for nine Marines and one sailor on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2009. The U.S. Marine Corps's 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, held the service for the troops, who were killed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mark Fayloga. Click for larger version.)

• They still walk among us (and always will)

  Greyhawk

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:33 am

  Lieberman: General Keane... Do you think that political correctness may have played some role in the fact that these dots were not connected? The first two words of the general's response were "Yes, absolutely". But there were more, including these:But in fairness to many of the people who are associating with him, based on what preliminary research I have done and I think what the committee is doing, I think we're going to find very clearly that we do not have specific guidelines on dealing with Jihadist extremism in terms of the obligations of the members of the military to identify a…

• MilBlogger Down - Thoughts and Prayers Please

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:23 am

  Military blogger "Concrete Bob" could use your thoughts and prayers, however he'd rather they go to others than to him.Short and sweet, I had a serious heart attack on Wednesday night. I`m in the hospital, hooked up to a bunch of tubes. I have had a catheterization done and a stint put in, but there is still some blockage. So next Wednesday the doctors are going to do a little carving and install some new parts. No big deal. Pray for the doctor and my family."No big deal" - now isn't that just like him. Go here and wish him well \

• The war on corruption

  Greyhawk

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:08 am

  The best answer to the question "can we win in Afghanistan in spite of corruption in the government?" might be another question: which government? *****

• Muslim Leader Calls Fort Hood Review Critical to National Security

  Greyhawk

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:50 am

  "Qaseem Ali Uqdah, executive director of the American Muslim Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Council, and a retired Marine gunnery sergeant, credits military leaders with establishing a climate that's prevented any backlash against Muslims servicemembers since the Nov. 5 shooting."The fact that Hasan is Muslim, he said, doesn't matter. A review would have been necessary whatever the perpetrator's religion, as a "preventative measure" to prevent a similar incident from ever happening again, he said. And to be truly effective, he said, the review should go beyond Muslims, to help identify and…

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  MilBlogs

• Veteran's Day 2009

  LTC John

  11 Nov 2009 | 6:55 am

  Every year, this day has meant more to me.

• Welcome Back Veterans Video Thanks

  Soldier's Mom

  9 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pm

  I know you'll be celebrating Veteran's Day this Thursday. But if you are looking for an extra way to honor our Veterans, this might be up your alley. Major League Baseball and Welcome Back Veterans are asking people to share their message of thanks to American veterans: http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/thanks They will be displaying many of the messages on the Welcome Back Veterans website, and making sure all of them are sent to Veterans themselves -- to show them how much we all stand behind them. Hope you can take a second to take a look and join the movement.

• AfPak & Vietnam, what we should be reading

  CDR Salamander

  28 Oct 2009 | 4:28 pm

  In a media dominated by Baby Boomers and their resulting cultural reference, it is little wonder that we hear a lot about Vietnam vs. Afghanistan; just like we did with Vietnam and Iraq. That is no shock, what is though is a day when CDR Salamander finds himself in rough alignment with the WaPo's Richard Cohen. Does he read my blog? No, I don't think so. However, he is getting close. He is reading Sorley. As it turned out, South Vietnam was ultimately defeated because Congress turned its back on it - not pretty or necessarily honorable but effective. Yes, yes, great Caesar's ghost --- yes.

• Valour-IT '09

  Greyhawk

  27 Oct 2009 | 6:58 am

  It has begun: Join a team here!

• In memoriam: Sgt. Christopher M. Rudzinski

  Greyhawk

  21 Oct 2009 | 7:58 am

  Generations of Valor -- [Anne Morse/NRO] Mike Rudzinski, is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the son of a Vietnam vet, and the father of Chris Rudzinski, who served in the 4th Infantry Division in Iraq. His son's time in the sand "was much more perilous than mine," Rudzinski wrote. When asked why so many sons of Vietnam veterans saw their sons volunteer for service in Iraq, Rudzinski replied "I believe Chris joined because he loved his country and he loved his family and he wanted to do something for both. I'd like to think that my dad and I were an inspiration to Chris: after all, my…

• 
  Headlines

• Lejeune Marines Got Shoddy Care

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:50 am

  Marines treated at Camp Lejeune for post-traumatic stress had to undergo therapy for months in temporary trailers where they could hear bomb blasts, machine-gun fire and war cries through the thin walls, according to servicemen and their former psychiatrist.

• Cole Mastermind Not Off the Hook Yet

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:06 am

  Military prosecutors said Friday they plan to seek new charges against the alleged mastermind of the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole.

• Focus on Emails Between Hasan and Cleric

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:53 am

  The government intercepted at least 18 e-mails between the alleged Fort Hood gunman and a radical Muslim cleric, and a key senator says there could be more communications that might have tipped off law enforcement or military officials. Levin also said he considers Hasan's shooting spree, an act of terrorism.

• Army to Allow Media at Palin Book Event

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:52 am

  The U.S. Army said Friday it would open Sarah Palin's appearance on Fort Bragg to media, a reversal from earlier in the week when the military wanted the event closed out of fears it would prompt political grandstanding against President Barack Obama.

• Change Could Mean Troops Must Move On

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:50 am

  When U.S. Marines first entered this stark, scenic valley nearly two years ago, their mission was to build up local security forces and eliminate the Taliban resistance.

• 
  Benefits & Legislative Updates

• Military Spouse Relief Act Becomes Law

  When the military orders servicemembers to move, spouses who move with them often have to pay taxes in a new state or locality and lose the right to vote in the place considered to be home.

• Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag

  Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations render the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag.

• USO, Skype Holiday Connection Offer

  Skype and the USO have joined to give troops in the Guam, Yokosuka, and Camp Hansen (Okinawa) USO centers the chance to connect with their families stateside.

• VA Plan to End Vet Homelessness

  Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department's comprehensive plan to end homelessness among veterans.

• See All Updates

  Stay up-to-date on benefits news and events.

• 
  Counterterrorism Blog

• Al-Qaida's Mustafa Abu al-Yazid Blames Blackwater for Peshawar Bombings

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:58 am

  The NEFA Foundation has obtained a transcript of a video message from Shaykh Mustafa Abu al-Yazid (a.k.a. “Shaykh Saeed”) titled ““Blackwater and the Peshawar Bombings”. Addressing the recent violence in Pakistan, Al-Yazid stated, “We totally reject these bombings which occur in Muslim marketplaces and amongst residents. This is something that we as well as others from our brother Mujahidoon have clarified on various occasions. We have nothing to do with them. The reasons the Mujahidoon are fighting is to make Islam supreme, to establish Islamic law, and to aid and defend our…

• Conflict & Computer Science

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:11 pm

  Conflict has often been a driver for technological advances and computer science has been no exception. The requirements of code breaking during World War II led to the construction of Colossus – the first totally electronic computer device, while the Internet was originally constructed to provide a secure communications network for the military in the event of a nuclear war. While terrorist use of technology, and particularly the Internet, receives tremendous press, the current conflict is also sparking important developments in computer science that will have impacts far beyond the…

• NEFA Foundation: Interview with Spokesman for Pakistani Al-Qaida

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:36 am

  The NEFA Foundation has obtained a transcript of an interview, produced by the As-Sahab Media Foundation, with Dr. Ahmad Farooq, Senior Media Official, Al-Qaida in Pakistan. During the interview, Dr. Farooq was asked "how Pakistani individuals" had become a part of Al-Qaida, which "is commonly known as an Arab organization.” He explained, "“The claim can be true to the extent that a great majority of the Mujahideen – many of whom have been martyred to this day - who laid its foundation and joined it at the start, was that of the Arab brothers; and even today, a large part of Al-Qaeda…

• CTR Vantage: The Shooting of Luqman Abdullah

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:25 pm

  “Police, so what? Police die too! Feds die too! ... Do not carry a pistol if you’re going to give it up to police. You give them a bullet.” - Luqman Abdullah, the late imam of Masjid Al-Haqq An October 2009 shootout at a warehouse in Dearborn, Michigan, claimed the life Luqman Abdullah, the imam of Detroit’s Masjid al-Haqq, and in the process garnered national attention. Abdullah had been a Detroit representative to al-Ummah, which the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) describes as “an association of mosques in several cities in the U.S. that coordinates religious and social…

• Radical U.S. Muslim Group Defames Moderate, Defends Fort Hood Attack

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:16 pm

  A New York-based Muslim extremist group known for its unabashed support for violence against Jews and others posted a link on its website Tuesday branding American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) Executive Director, M. Zuhdi Jasser, a "murtad," or apostate. Being labeled an apostate – a Muslim who renounces Islam – is a very serious accusation, often resulting in a death sentence in many places throughout the Muslim world. And while this is not a certainty in all cases and contexts, it is troubling that Revolution Muslim (RM) thought it acceptable to bestow upon themselves the license…

• 
  washingtonpost.com: Faces of the Fallen

• Chief Warrant Officer Earl R. Scott III

  7 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Chief Warrant Officer Earl R. Scott III

• Chief Warrant Officer Mathew C. Heffelfinger

  7 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Chief Warrant Officer Mathew C. Heffelfinger

• Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright

  6 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright

• Spec. Gary L. Gooch Jr.

  4 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Spec. Gary L. Gooch Jr.

• Spec. Aaron S. Aamot

  4 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Spec. Aaron S. Aamot

• 
  Blogs of War

• Need to Know Weekend Edition: 11/21/2009

  Blogs of War

  21 Nov 2009 | 5:24 am

  Congress Cyber Report Tilts At China I’d be interested to know what definition of ‘attack’ is being used across DoD. Reason being that it wasn’t so long ago that DoD were claiming millions of daily ‘probes’ and ’scans’, which were often referred to as ‘attacks’. Boycott Microsoft Bing Western corporations have often behaved embarrassingly in China, sacrificing [...]

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Spoof

  Blogs of War

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:38 pm

   

• Video: Soviet Ilyushin Il-62 Landing on Grass

  Blogs of War

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:12 pm

  There’s more on the Ilyushin Il-62 at wikipedia but I don’t have any info on the ballsy pilot who stuck that aircraft in the dirt.

• Need to Know: 11/19/2009

  Blogs of War

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:40 am

  Born in U.S., a Radical Cleric Inspires Terror Mr. Awlaki, 38, the son of a former agriculture minister and university president in Yemen, has never been accused of planting explosives himself. But experts on terrorism believe his persuasive endorsement of violence as a religious duty, in colloquial, American-accented English, has helped push a series of Western [...]

• Pakistan: Peshawar Bomb Kills Five

  Blogs of War

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:06 pm

  Khyber Road is a dangerous place: A bomb blast outside the main gate of a court building in the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar has killed at least five people. Follow the #pakistan hashtag on Twitter for the latest.

• 
  Last-Of-Iraqis

• Countless, useless checkpoints

  4 Nov 2009 | 9:43 pm

  Yesterday I had an interview with a French TV channel , the subject was about the checkpoints and it’s effectiveness specially after the two bloody days with the “quality explosions” as the media say…well, I though it’s a good subject to discuss specially that many of people who haven’t been in Iraq doesn’t really know much about this subject.Checkpoints are everywhere, and I mean literally

• Another day at the office, another bloody day in Baghdad

  26 Oct 2009 | 9:36 am

  I was working in the clinic as usual when I heard two explosions, with very short interval between them. Well, that’s something normal, no problem…about thirty minutes later the phone of one of my female colleagues rang and it was her husband, he said he miraculously made it, he was in the ministry of justice when the explosions happened “it was something that can be described, it was something

• I’m back (Explosions and H1N1 with neglect)

  21 Oct 2009 | 3:16 am

  I know it has been a really long time since I last posted but dear readers it was for many reasons, to begin with I was really busy and I really couldn’t find time to write anything, then there was the internet censorship thing and later I received a threat from an international organization aimed to kill Iraqis!! But here am I again…please spread the word. Let’s begin with the explosion thing

• Crossroads

  28 Jun 2009 | 1:16 pm

  I strongly doubt that any person with the slightest interest in the politics don't look at these days as a very important crossroads and a milestone. The US troops will withdraw from the Iraqi streets and be deployed in their bases and Iraq will gain its "sovereignty" as they say in the next few days, but what is behind the news? What is really happening on the ground? And what are the possible

• Watch the kids

  23 May 2009 | 9:50 pm

  Few days ago we were getting back home at night from a visit to a relative of us, when we reached our neighborhood; two blocks away from my house, we noticed a gathering of people at the door of one of the houses, it was clear from the faces of the people and the way they were acting that something unpleasant happened. I stopped the car and got out to offer my help in case they needed it.

• 
  Military Top Stories Center

• Change Could Mean Troops Must Move On

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm

• Police Capture 'Ghazi Force' Commander

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm

• Focus on Emails Between Hasan and Cleric

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm

  The government intercepted at least 18 e-mails between the alleged Fort Hood gunman and a radical Muslim cleric, and a key senator says there could be more communications that might have tipped off law enforcement or military officials. Levin also said he considers Hasan's shooting spree, an act of terrorism.

• Cole Mastermind Not Off the Hook Yet

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm

• Lejeune Marines Got Shoddy Care

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm

• 
  A Soldier's Perspective

• My Two Cents

  Marcus

  13 Nov 2009 | 2:57 pm

  CJ is one of my closest friends and the attacks on him from the PTA of the middle school and the lack of support from the Army has me completely sick. I have so many thoughts running through my mind that are begging to get out. Let me very clear about the following to anyone from the Huntsville schools before I begin. I am in no way expressing the opinion of CJ or Emily. I can not be intimidated by you calling my command as I am a Marine stationed in South Carolina. I will not have a problem finding a lawyer without "conflicts of intrest" to sue you back to the stone age should you…

• ASP Closed for Business

  The Staff of ASP

  10 Nov 2009 | 9:04 am

  Instead of just a screen, we want people to have access to the archives, so we're just posting the main screen as a separate post. That way you can also leave your comments. Blogging is no longer worth the trouble. Everything is fine as long as the stories are happy and positive. The military wants happy stories, not honest stories. Everything must be 100% in concert with the Army spin. If it's not, you're considered an "embarrassment" to the Army, the installation, and/or the NCO Corps. Integrity is no longer an accepted method of leadership. If I can't be…

• Going to Battle With A Trumpet

  CJ

  10 Nov 2009 | 3:40 am

  Happy Veterans Day to all veterans and current troops! Thank you for your service. I wanted to take an opportunity to focus on a great story about one such veteran named Capt. Jack Tueller. You can read this story HERE.

• Win Free Boots For Life

  CJ

  9 Nov 2009 | 6:10 am

  Your boots have endured everything you've thrown at them. Drilling. Marching. Combat. Miles upon miles through never-ending plains, scorching deserts, and urban jungles. Whatever your boots' story may be, we want to see 'em. The Converse Military Boots For Life Contest is searching the planet to find the oldest, most worn-out set of boots. The more battered and tattered, the better. Whether you've crawled through swamps or scaled mountains, you could own the winning pair…and score a LIFETIME SUPPLY OF CONVERSE BOOTS! Submit a photo of your boots along with a brief…

• The Warrior Song

  CJ

  8 Nov 2009 | 8:49 am

  Get pumped up folks. It's Veterans Day week! Honor our Warriors past and present. This song is available on iTunes for $.99 and all profits are donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. You can check out more about the song at www.thewarriorsong.com. ©2009 by Echo Sonic, All Rights Reserved The Warrior Song Project would like to thank all of the following individuals for their selfless contributions to this effort: James De Vito, US Marine Corps, for vocals Sachiko De Vito, for being brilliant Rock Williams, for vocals Sean Hurwitz, for the guitars Bernie Pershey, for the marching…

• 
  Secrecy News

• China’s Navy Makes “Impressive” Strides, Says ONI

  Steven Aftergood

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:59 am

  An ongoing modernization effort has provided China with an increasingly sophisticated and proficient naval force, the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) said in a new assessment (large pdf). Notably, China has “developed the world’s only anti-ship ballistic missile,” which ONI said was “specifically designed to defeat U.S. carrier strike groups” in the event of military conflict over Taiwan. “China’s modernization efforts have principally focused on preparing for a Taiwan conflict, with a large portion directed at developing capabilities to…

• The Rise of China’s Auto Industry

  Steven Aftergood

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:52 am

  “In recent years, China has become the world’s fastest growing automotive producer,” according to a new report (pdf) from the Congressional Research Service. “[China's] annual vehicle output has increased from less than 2 million vehicles in the late 1990s to 9.5 million in 2008. In terms of production volume in 2008, China has surpassed Korea, France, Germany, and the United States, trailing only Japan.” “China’s automobile industry has continued to expand despite the global economic downturn. From January to October 2009, more than 10 million vehicles were…

• Legal Issues Surrounding Military Commissions

  Steven Aftergood

  18 Nov 2009 | 12:04 pm

  The role of military commissions in adjudicating the cases of suspected terrorist detainees at Guantanamo and elsewhere was critically examined in two House Judiciary Subcommittee hearings last July, the records of which have just been published. “My concern remains,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), who chaired the hearings, “that we may be creating a system in which we try you in Federal court if we have strong evidence, we try you by military commission if we have weak evidence, and we detain you indefinitely if we have no evidence.” “That is not a justice…

• 2010 Army Weapon Systems Handbook

  Steven Aftergood

  18 Nov 2009 | 12:03 pm

  The U.S. Army has published the latest edition of its Army Weapon Systems handbook, cataloging dozens of Army weapons with descriptive information, status updates, contractor relationships, and images. “The systems listed in this book are not isolated, individual products,” the introduction says. “Rather, they are part of an integrated investment approach to make the Army of the future able to deal successfully with the challenges it will face.” “We have received extraordinary funding support through wartime Overseas Contingency Operations funds, but they have…

• A Critical Look at Navy v. Egan

  Steven Aftergood

  16 Nov 2009 | 6:29 am

  A 1988 U.S. Supreme Court decision known as Department of the Navy v. Egan has often been interpreted to support broad presidential authority over national security generally and over access to classified information in particular.  Along with United States v. Reynolds, Curtiss-Wright, and a few other cases, Egan is regularly cited in support of strong, even unchecked executive authority and judicial deference to executive claims.  It has become a cornerstone of national security law as practiced today. But the case has often been misunderstood and misrepresented, according to a new study…

• 
  Stryker Brigade News

• SPC Joseph M. Lewis

  Todd

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:39 pm

  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Joseph M. Lewis, 26, of Terrell, Texas died on Nov. 17 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. Related: Official DoD Announcement Bomb kills Fort Lewis soldier - The News Tribune

• Iraqi Army, U.S. Forces Work to Build Better Security

  Todd

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:32 am

  Story by Spc. Anthony Jones, 145th MPAD DIYALA, Iraq – The Iraqi army with the help of U.S. Soldiers and contractors placed two large concrete towers and several concrete blast walls near the Diyala province, Nov. 14. "The towers will go a long way in helping the Iraqi army provide better security for the Iraqi citizens," said 1st Lt. Jacob Magill, a platoon leader with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. The first of the two towers was erected near the village of al Sada, where al- Qaeda has been moving, according to 1st…

• Stryker Memorial

  Todd

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:50 am

  Ft. Lewis held a memorial yesterday for two 5/2 SBCT soldiers killed in Iraq. The News Tribune provided coverage. [I]nsurgents detonated a bomb underneath their 20-ton Stryker, killing Spc. Aaron Seth Aamot and Spc. Gary Lee Gooch Jr., both 22 years old. Hundreds gathered at the North Fort Chapel on Thursday to mourn the 27th and 28th losses from 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Aamot, a soldier from Custer, near Bellingham, was remembered for his deep Christian faith and deep love of military history. Gooch, a radio telephone operator from central Florida, was remembered for having a…

• Mechanics Keep Task Force Legion Rolling

  Todd

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:56 am

  Story by Pvt. Luke Rollins, 22nd MPAD FORWARD OPERATING BASE RAMROD, Afghanistan – This year marks the first time the sands of southern Afghanistan have seen the tire treads of Army Strykers. The 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division's campaign in the Kandahar province depends upon the vehicles freely roaming the desert, disrupting counterinsurgency patterns and enemy supply chains. While the Soldiers inside the Strykers score victories against enemy forces in the Afghan countryside, behind the scenes teams of mechanics work to keep the motor pool at full strength. At…

• Task Force Legion Arrives in Maywand District

  Todd

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:55 am

  Story by Pvt. Luke Rollins FORWARD OPERATING BASE RAMROD, Afghanistan – Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, have spent the first months of their deployment introducing themselves to the people of the Kandahar region and its terrain. 2/1 Soldiers, part of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, are patrolling along Afghanistan's Highway 1 to prevent the insurgent flow of men, weapons and equipment. The mission has seen success in its early stages, said Capt. Matt Quiggle, commander of Alpha Troop, on loan from the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment of…

• 
  Training for Eternity

• God, Words, and Lima Beans

  Chaplain Lewis

  24 Oct 2009 | 12:31 pm

  There are a lot of ways to say things.For instance, instead of using the word “rich” you could say “affluent”.Or instead of using “gossip” you could use “quidnunc”.One might say, “I like waffles!”Or one might say, “Waffles are massively preferable to lima beans.”It is the art of wordsmithery, which may actually not be an art at all, at least not in the sense that you might visit a Wordsmithery Gallery.Rather, it is a way of saying or writing things and events, in such a way as to make them more readable.Generally, when I retell the story of something that happened to…

• One of Those Days

  Chaplain Lewis

  6 Jul 2009 | 11:25 am

  There are days I really don't want to be a chaplain.I'm not really sure how I got there, but there I was standing in the operating room of the hospital on our FOB watching doctors and nurses of varying sorts work on a US Soldier, trying desperately to keep him alive.Several hours earlier a group of our guys had begun a patrol or a convoy or something other military activity and at some point encountered some very bad men with very bad intentions. I wish I could report what happened to them but I can't because I really don't know. All I know is that there I was, several hours later watching…

• D-Day Remembered

  Chaplain Lewis

  6 Jun 2009 | 9:23 am

  American Cemeteries on Foreign SoilAisne-Marne, France- 2,289 interred, 1,060 missing rememberedArdennes, Belgium – 5,329 interred, 462 missing rememberedBrittany, France – 4,410 interred, 498 missing rememberedBrookwood, England – 468 interred, 563 missing rememberedCambridge, England – 3,812 interred, 5,127 missing rememberedEpinal, France – 5,255 interred, 424 missing rememberedFlanders Field, Belgium – 368 interred, 43 missing rememberedFlorence, Italy – 4,402 interred, 1,409 missing rememberedHenri-Chapelle, Belgium – 7,992 interred, 450 missing rememberedLorraine, France…

• Doing the Math

  Chaplain Lewis

  13 May 2009 | 9:23 am

  Today began like every other day in this vacation spot known as Afghanistan. My alarm went off, like normal. I hit snooze, like normal. It screamed at me again, like normal. I turned it off, like normal. And like normal, I rolled over to take a few well earned moments as I slowly made the transition from hating my alarm clock to laying there a little too long and on into actually being awake. It was just about this point in my day, roughly 2 minutes old at the time, that "normal" took a detour.As I lay there, almost waking up, with the morning light breaking into my window,…

• Catching a Buz

  Chaplain Lewis

  23 Apr 2009 | 3:08 am

  I think Robert Di Nero explained it rather well as Al Capone in 'The Untouchables' when he said in his thickest, 1920ish, prohibition-like, Mafioso accent, Enthusiasms! What are mine? What draws my admiration? What is that which gives me joy? Baseball! A man...A man stands alone at the plate. This is the time for what? For individual achievement. There he stands alone. But in the field, what? Part of a team.Baseball. Our national pastime. What could be better than sitting in (or if your 10 years old, under) the bleachers, eating a hot dog, and watching the big game? The smell of freshly cut…

• 
  AF.mil Top Stories

• Air Force firefighters demonstrate skills at 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:26 pm

• Nominees sought for Air Force Sergeants Association Pitsenbarger Award

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:47 pm

  Air Force Sergeants Association officials here are seeking nominations for the 2010 Pitsenbarger Award. The annual AFSA Pitsenbarger Award recognizes an Air Force enlisted servicemember who has performed a heroic act, on or off duty, that result in saving a life or preventing serious injury to another person or persons. The heroic act must be of such a nature as to have placed the nominee in risk of personal danger and been a legitimate attempt to save life or prevent serious injury to another person or persons. The award period is Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009.more...

• New physical fitness standards effective July 1, biannual testing begins Jan. 1

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:06 pm

• Air Force leaders speak at 2009 Global Warfare Symposium

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:02 pm

• Squadron Officer College staff offers new distance learning courses

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:24 pm

  Squadron Officer College instructors here will be offering four new distance learning courses, based on selected competencies from the Air Force Competency List, to company grade officers beginning in 2010. Basing the courses on Air Force competencies is important, said Dr. Norm Wagner, a Squadron Officer College faculty member and Company Grade Officer Leadership Development Program coordinator. "That makes these course relevant to these officers," he said. "Although targeting Air Force company grade officers, all courses will eventually be open to Air Force active-duty, Air Force Reserve…

• 
  USO Girls

• The Girdle and the Gimp

  Jamie

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

  Last Friday was our annual USO Banquet and once again Caroline was my date..for the 4th year in a row. Sad? Yes. Did I have a great time? Of course! Just a few days earlier I had been on crutches. I slipped and fell on the bleachers at bootcamp, but did that stop me from wearing heels? Oh no. Best advice my step mother has ever given me is "vanity before pain." She told me this after I told her I was going to wear flats with my dress because it hurt to walk. The gasp in her voice was too much to handle. Good thing I didn't tell her about my cardigan until after the event. Apparently, this was…

• Wordless Wednesday

  Jamie

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:54 am

• Thank You To Our Veterans

  Caroline

  11 Nov 2009 | 6:22 am

  Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. - Winston ChurchillThere are some great posts today from some of our milblogging friends so take some time to see how our soldiers will honor the day.Mothax at The BurnpitMcQ and Blackfive at BlackfiveThe Sniper Jonn at This Ain't HellMrs. GI Joe at ACUs, Stiletto Shoes and Pretty Pink TutusThank you to everyone who has served and is currently serving, we appreciate your service.

• Dusting Off the Mullet Wig

  Jamie

  2 Nov 2009 | 6:13 pm

  Ah yes, another Halloween at the USO with Caroline providing the costumes for our shift. It was a slow day so we pretty much had to entertain ourselves. Caroline, Dan (as Joe Dirt), Sissi, and Bud The cupcake fairy The angel and the devil, which one should I be? Miss Jr Pre-Teen Santa Barbara and she stole my crown!

• Wordless Wednesday

  Caroline

  28 Oct 2009 | 6:51 am

• 
  The Sandbox

• IN AFGHANISTAN

  David Stanford

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:48 am

  IN AFGHANISTAN Name: SANDBOX DUTY OFFICER David Stanford Posting date: 11/17/09  We haven't had any images on the site recently, so I thought I'd link to a remarkable collection of photographs by David Guttenfelder, chief Asia photographer for The Associateed Press, which is posted on the Denver Post's website   U.S. Marines from the 2nd MEB, 1st Battalion 5th Marines sleep in their fighting holes inside a compound where they stayed for the night, in the Nawa district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, Wednesday July 8, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

• ANOTHER WRETCHED TRIP

  David Stanford

  13 Nov 2009 | 7:03 am

  ANOTHER WRETCHED TRIPName: Old BluePosting date: 11/13/09Returned to: AfghanistanMilblog: Afghan QuestJust returned from another wretched trip to Pogadishu, once again challenging my moral endurance. One of the more blatant signs of disconnection from reality; several Soldiers complaining vociferously about Pizza Hut running out of beef while nearby a Soldier who was passing through Bagram to go on leave had come from a FOB where running out of water for days at a time was relatively common, and where needed supplies were unable to be delivered due to a lack of airlift capacity. The…

• 11/11

  David Stanford

  11 Nov 2009 | 9:32 am

  11/11Name: Alex HortonPosting date: 11/11/09Returned from: IraqHometown: Frisco, TexasMilblog: Army of DudeEmail: hortonhearsit@hotmail.com Today my literature class continues our unit discussion of poetry. The instructor asked us to bring in our favorite poems and read them aloud. I try to sequester the words 'vet,' 'Iraq,' and 'war' from my vocabulary when I'm rubbing elbows with teenagers and twentysomethings, but I might need to break the habit so they can understand my eyes misting up when reading this:In Flanders FieldsBy: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD…

• DEALING WITH THE ANA

  David Stanford

  9 Nov 2009 | 7:57 am

  DEALING WITH THE ANAName: KPosting date: 11/9/09Returned from: AfghanistanMilblog: Embedded in AfghanistanGetting what you want out of the Afghan National Army (ANA) is a huge part of the job. If you can't get along with your ANA commander, and get him to do things your way, then you aren't going to get much done, because most ANA commanders can't be relied upon to show any initiative to improve and do their jobs well. We all certainly had our ups and downs in the relationships with the different ANA commanders we worked with. Sometimes some of us, myself included, didn't do…

• WE'RE EVERYWHERE!

  David Stanford

  6 Nov 2009 | 8:25 am

  WE'RE EVERYWHERE!Name: Air Force WifePosting date: 11/6/09Spouse: deployedMilblog: SpouseBUZZ For thirty years (since I was about 5 years old) I have wanted to go to Disney World. How much have I wanted to go to Disney World? I would pick Disney over a cruise to Hawaii. I would pick Disney over a world tour (at least the first time).  I would pick Disney World over dinner with Abraham Lincoln if a time machine existed and I were somehow able to secure a special invitation to the White House in 1864.Disney World has been a really big deal on the airforcewife list of things to do.

• 
  The Stupid Shall Be Punished

• Old Boats And Old Shipmates

  Bubblehead

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:38 pm

  The Navy website has quite a few new photographs of one of my old boats, USS Connecticut (SSN 22), participating in the U.S. - Japan ANNUALEX a few days ago. Here's one:Others can be found here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.It's always good to see your old boat. I also enjoy seeing old shipmates and friends do well, so I was happy to see the results of the FY11 Submarine Major Command and Major Program Manager Selection Board. It looks like this would have been the year I would have been up had I made it that far. I was especially happy to see two of my old JO running mates from USS…

• USS Hartford JAGMAN Released

  Bubblehead

  18 Nov 2009 | 6:10 am

  Two media outlet -- The New London Day and Navy Times -- both published stories based on obtaining the "heavily redacted" investigation report into the recent USS Hartford (SSN 768) collision in the Straits of Hormuz. Excerpts: The Hartford's command leadership routinely observed informal behavior by sailors operating the submarine, the report says, but did not immediately correct it. Those driving the ship would often slouch in their seats with one hand on the controls, and sometimes take their shoes off. Sonar operators and radiomen were missing from their stations for extended periods.

• This Is Why Ensigns Shouldn't Have More Than One Ribbon

  Bubblehead

  13 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pm

  Check out this newest Navy Nuclear Power propaganda video on the official Navy channel on YouTube. Overall, it's not too bad, except for one epic fail. Check out the ribbon "rack" of the Ensign who shows up about 6 seconds into the video:I'm pretty sure they haven't put the Pistol and Rifle Marksmanship ribbons ahead of the National Defense Service Medal in precedence. I'm not surprised an Ensign would mess up on something complicated like that, but I am a little bit amazed that no one in the video approval chain picked up on it.

• Submarining Is Scary

  Bubblehead

  12 Nov 2009 | 9:09 am

  There are lots of scary things you have to put up with in submarining. To me, the scariest involved things like seeing an officer with a tool, a Doc on the Dive, the Nav or Weps heading back aft for their monthly proficiency EOOW watch, or a YN in ERLL for any reason.What are some of the submarine things that give you the clammy shivers when you think about them?

• A Day To Honor Veterans

  Bubblehead

  11 Nov 2009 | 4:39 am

  Today, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we take time to honor the Veterans of our Armed Forces.To all my fellow Veterans, thank you for your service.

• 
  Army of Dude

• The Thing I Carried - Special Edition

  Alex

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:25 pm

  A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of hearing Tim O'Brien speak at Texas State University about the art of writing. He read from a recent magazine article and entertained a few questions. During his book signing I presented a copy of "The Things They Carried" that I literally did carry in Iraq. Its edges were torn and bent, the pages browned by dust and sand. I brought an edited copy of an old favorite entry on here, The Thing I Carried, thanked him for the reading, and handed over the copy. The version I gave him is reproduced here. Enjoy.The Thing I CarriedOut of the Army and into school.

• 11/11

  Alex

  10 Nov 2009 | 10:13 pm

  Today my literature class continues our unit discussion of poetry. The instructor asked us to bring in our favorite poems and read them aloud. I try to sequester the words 'vet,' 'Iraq,' and 'war' from my my vocabulary when I'm rubbing elbows with teenagers and twentysomethings, but I might need to break the habit so they can understand my eyes misting up when reading this:In Flanders FieldsBy: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)Canadian ArmyIn Flanders Fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing,…

• Funny Name, Serious Movie

  Alex

  28 Oct 2009 | 5:49 pm

  When I think of sublime director-actor couplings in cinema the past thirty years, only a few come to mind. Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, The Coen Brothers and John Goodman, Tommy Wiseau and himself. Another pair is sure to join the list: Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon. Greengrass is the shaky cam zen master, taking the helm for the excellent Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatium, United 93 and Bloody Sunday. His new collaboration with his protege is Green Zone, slated for March 10 of next year:If you're wondering about the title (was REMF For A Dream taken?), it's based on the book Imperial Life…

• Make It Rain!

  Alex

  21 Oct 2009 | 2:55 pm

  Have you been stop-lossed? Like wads of cash? You can get $500 bucks for every month you were retained by the pleasure of the government. Grab your DD-214 and go here to start the registration process. The full press release provides email contacts for alternative routes. You have one year to do this, so get to it!

• VA to call students to discuss GI Bill, timeshare opportunities in Florida

  Alex

  20 Oct 2009 | 4:50 pm

  The VA will be conducting a special telephone outreach this week to students enrolled in the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The staff will be ready to answer questions you may have, the most pressing likely being, "Where my money?" But wait, there's more! The full release:Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be telephoning Veterans across the country to explain their education benefits under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill and ensure beneficiaries are able to receive payments due them.“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of our highest priorities,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs…

• 
  Defense Industry Daily

• UAE Orders PC-21 Turboprop Trainers

  Joe Katzman

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:42 pm

  Pilatus PC-21 (click to view full) During the 2009 Dubai airshow, the United Arab Emirates signed a contract with Pilatus to buy 25 PC-21 intermediate trainer aircraft, in a package worth $511... [summary]

• Up to $233M to BAE Systems for SPAWAR C4ISR Systems Support

  Fred Donovan

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:09 am

  BAE Systems received a contract worth up to $233 million to support the US Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) with engineering services, production engineering,... [summary]

• Gulf States Requesting ABM-Capable Systems

  Joe Katzman

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:39 am

  Patriot PAC-2 (click to view full) A 2007 US National Intelligence Assessment [redacted NIE summary] believes Iran’s nuclear program has stopped, but others, including the United Nations and... [summary]

• No Dr. Strangelove Here: USAF Takes Steps to Beef Up ICBM Security

  Fred Donovan

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:01 am

  Dr. Strangelove (click to view larger) In the 1960s dark comedy Dr. Strangelove, a rogue US Air Force general succeeds in usurping the US “fail-safe” security system preventing... [summary]

• Up to $118M to Valero for Aviation Turbine Fuel under FMS Program

  Fred Donovan

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:42 am

  Valero Marketing & Supply Co. in San Antonio, TX won a maximum $118 million fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for aviation turbine fuel... [summary]

• 
  From the Halls to the Shores

• Sad that it has to be said

  Mike the Marine

  12 Nov 2009 | 6:18 pm

  The upsetting part here is that some Army jackoff wearing stars on their shoulders will probably go after THIS Major for stating the facts. And why not? No less than the Army Chief of Staff said that the worst thing about the Fort Hood attack wasn't the death of US soldiers. No, no... it was the threat posed to "diversity." Not to knock the Army (even though under normal circumstances I take

• Until the day we die

  Mike the Marine

  9 Nov 2009 | 10:04 pm

  Happy Birthday, Marines!Watch this video at YouTube (in HQ) or LiveLeakLast year's video and all my creations can be found by clicking the YouTube and LiveLeak channels on the sidebar.

• Valour-IT

  Mike the Marine

  6 Nov 2009 | 8:55 pm

  Been really busy and almost forgot to put up the link this year. I'll go haze myself now...And I'm back.Go give and help the Marine Team smoke the competition this year. Sure the money all goes to the same place, but to quote Big Worm, "there's principalities in this".-----------------About Project Valour-IT

• A case study...

  Mike the Marine

  1 Nov 2009 | 8:51 am

  ... in everything that Dubya wasn't. I leave it to you on how to interpret this photo op solemn moment.More.

• Because I think it's cool

  Mike the Marine

  23 Oct 2009 | 6:34 pm

  I'm a video game junkee, much to the beloved Wif's chagrin. Oh yes, it's true. I can hit line drives and snipe bad guys with the best of 'em, from right here behind this keyboard. I don't have an XBOX 360... and given my current status as husband and daddy, I may - nay, probably WILL - never have one. But I sure as hell wish I did, if for no other reason than to play THIS. As proven by a

• 
  Miserable Donuts

• Veteran's Day 2009

  LTC John

  10 Nov 2009 | 8:28 pm

  Veteran's Day. Growing up it usually meant a day off from school. And as I got older, I started to learn what it meant to the Veteran most involved in my life... Dad, home on leave, from the Navy in 1945.Later I learned what it meant to an uncle... USAAF 1943 photo - yeah, that award is what you think it is...Then I made friends with someone who had a double appreciation of the day... The Inner Prop, getting his due, with BG(ret) Dad along side...Then I became a brother in arms to one who has an awful lot to remember this day...CSM Bones being decorated by the French contingent in…

• One Year Home

  LTC John

  5 Nov 2009 | 5:28 am

  Exactly one year ago today, I stumbled off a plane at the Topeka Airport, got on a bus and was hauled to Fort Riley to start demobilizing.Seems like it wasn't all that long ago.

• A Parting Thought for the American Legion

  LTC John

  2 Nov 2009 | 6:58 am

  From my non-renewal of membership:To Post ___,I shall not be renewing my membership with the Post, or the American Legion. Please remove me from the mailing list.Should you care for an explanation, I can give two small recollections that stand out in my mind; The first is from 2004, when my wife delivered my membership renewal in person to the Post (I was in Afghanistan at the time) When my wife explained that she was dropping it off, since I was deployed overseas, she got a total response of “Okay, thanks”. The second was when I emailed the Post in 2007 to mention that I would once again…

• Am I sleeping??

  CSMBones

  12 Oct 2009 | 8:19 pm

  Meet the People Who Were Passed Over for President Obama's virtual award. There is a price he is expected to pay for this. Wait and see.Sima Samar, women's rights activist in Afghanistan: "With dogged persistence and at great personal risk, she kept her schools and clinics open in Afghanistan even during the most repressive days of the Taliban regime, whose laws prohibited the education of girls past the age of eight. When the Taliban fell, Samar returned to Kabul and accepted the post of Minister for Women's Affairs."Ingrid Betancourt: French-Colombian ex-hostage held for six years.Dr. Denis…

• Fallen Warriors TF Phoenix VIII/33rd IBCT Final Salute

  CSMBones

  8 Oct 2009 | 11:41 am

  Golden Cross!

• 
  LT Nixon Rants

• One Acceptable Reason for the Obama Bow

  Nixon

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:27 am

  Someone needs to contact Gibbs about the whole bow to the Japanese Emperor row. Because in the Hot Air comments, someone has come up with an excellent excuse that any guy can sympathize with. If Obama was sporting a major boner, then it would be acceptable to hunch over at that ridiculous an angle.

• In Defense of Populism

  Nixon

  16 Nov 2009 | 1:36 am

  Generally, Christopher Hitchens has some pretty interesting things to say, but I thought this dull criticism of Sarah Palin was a bit routine with the same tired attempts to summarize the "teabaggers" as imbeciles who can't think for themselves. And I'm not Pro-Palin either. From Newsweek:The United States has to stand or fall by being the preeminent nation of science, modernity, technology, and higher education. Some of these needful phenomena, for historical reasons, will just happen to concentrate in big cities and in secular institutions and even—yes—on the dreaded East Coast.

• Veterans Day

  Nixon

  11 Nov 2009 | 4:18 am

  Maybe if our society understood that going to war is a shared responsibility among the nation, we wouldn't be treated to such nonsense in our Op-Ed pages on Veterans Day. Today's turd is from David Ignatius, who, having an apparent change of heart from his Harvard days, once referred to the "needle-popping" Army in an article about why Mao would make a decent President:Through all its own difficulties, the military has kept its stride. That sense of balance comes partly from the fact that soldiers are anchored to the American bedrock. This includes the stereotypical small towns in the South…

• Wall Street Descends into Cartoonish Super Villainy

  Nixon

  9 Nov 2009 | 12:42 am

  The CEO of Goldman SachsNot long ago, Godman Sachs was famously called the Great Vampire Squid Wrapped Around the Face of Humanity. Well that squid certainly has some good connections with the CDC to get this many H1N1 vaccines when health care workers and the military are up in arms about the shortage. From Guardian:New York's health department confirmed that vaccines had been shipped to banks - Citigroup, which asked for 7,200 doses, received 1,200 while Goldman Sachs, which applied for 5,400, was given 200. A spokeswoman said distributing vaccines in workplaces would "alleviate stress and…

• Fort Hood Massacre

  Nixon

  6 Nov 2009 | 12:28 am

  Not much to say. It's all very sad. And I think that sadness is captured pretty well in this image that was part of an MSNBC slideshow.People in the military are accustomed to mentally preparing for danger and carnage abroad, but you just never really expect it on the homefront. I'm not going to speculate here, since the facts are still coming in, but Noah Shachtman has some eye-popping statements that the shooter made previously. And I'm a bit surprised that David Neiwert is criticizing "wingnuts" for being so judgmental, because I'm sure if it was a white guy, he would've talked about how…

• 
  The Captain's Journal

• So much for the Pakistani military offensive in Waziristan

  Herschel Smith

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:59 pm

  As we discussed in Pakistan Crumbles, the Pakistan Taliban have melted away into the mountains of the Hindu Kush in the face of the Pakistani military offensive against them.  More detail: … there are those in the diplomatic circles of Islamabad who say the Pakistani military leadership would soon realize that the troops in South Waziristan are actually chasing shadows because the TTP militants have simply melted into the vastness of the inhospitable surrounding territory. It appears that the militants in Waziristan, headed by the Pakistani Taliban – the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan…

• Pakistan Crumbles

  Herschel Smith

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:39 pm

  Pakistan’s military offensive against the Taliban in Swat has not produced the desired effect, as commander Maulana Fazlullah and many of his fighters have escaped the region (Fazlullah is in Afghanistan).  Much the same thing is happening with the Taliban in Waziristan as a result of the Pakistani offensive there. On Tuesday, the military escorted journalists on a tour of the area, where it closely restricts access, showing piles of things they had seized, including weapons, bombs, photos and even a long, curly wig. “It all started from here,” said Brig. Muhammed Shafiq, the…

• Swat Taliban Commander Fazlullah Escapes to Afghanistan

  Herschel Smith

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:51 pm

  From Dawn: PESHAWAR: Maulana Fazlullah, one of the most wanted Taliban leaders, has told the BBC that he has escaped to Afghanistan and is planning new attacks on Pakistani forces. Fazlullah was said by officials to have been wounded or killed in July, during the operation in Swat. ‘I have reached Afghanistan safely,’ he told BBC Urdu. ‘We are soon going to launch full-fledged punitive raids against the army in Swat.’ The BBC reporter in Peshawar who spoke to the Taliban leader said the voice was recognisably Fazlullah’s — he has a very distinct way of pronouncing words. ‘I have…

• Wanat Video II

  Herschel Smith

  16 Nov 2009 | 9:36 pm

  In Wanat Video we saw from the U.S. perspective what the Battle of Wanat looked like, especially from the air.  Courtesy of the NEFA Foundation, ABC News aired a video of the battle from the perspective of the Taliban.  Taliban commander Maulvi Mandibula claims to have orchestrated the attack, but there some significant propaganda in this video.  He claims that the locals “tipped off” the Taliban to the location of VPB Wanat. This makes it sound like an ad hoc operation by the Taliban.  In reality, the U.S. had planned VPB Wanat for approximately one year and the Taliban began…

• Battling the Rules of Engagement in Afghanistan

  Herschel Smith

  15 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  From The Washington Times: KASHK-E-NOKHOWD, Afghanistan | Army Capt. Casey Thoreen wiped the last bit of sleep from his eyes before the sun rose over his isolated combat outpost. His soldiers did the same as they checked and double-checked their weapons and communications equipment. Ahead was a dangerous foot patrol into the heart of Taliban territory. “Has anyone seen the [Afghan National Army] guys?” asked Capt. Thoreen, 30, the commander of Blackwatch Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment with the 5th Stryker Brigade. “Are they not showing up?” A soldier,…

• 
  Afghan&Military Blog

• Border Crossings

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:41 am

  After observing approximately 15-20 bad guys cross the Afghan-Pakistan border in the same spot for two nights in a row, I decided to take a squad of Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers, my Embedded Tactical Trainer (ETT) NCO, and myself to set up an overnight ambush along their avenue of approach.   Now for all of you Monday morning quarterbacks who are already saying to yourself why didn’t you set up an ambush after the first night or use mortars, artillery, or even call in air assets to eliminate this threat.  Well, those are courses of action that were discussed but other…

• Did this have to happen?

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:01 pm

  http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=110601&sectionid=351020403 In a rare fatal incident, two American troops have drowned in Afghanistan, while trying to recover equipment from a northwestern river, security officials say. The soldiers died on Wednesday, while trawling in the Badghis province’s Bala-Murghab River for lost supply packages, the area’s Deputy Police Chief Mohammed Jabbar told a Press TV correspondent. The supplies were lost as a US aircraft was dropping caissons and food parcels on the troops’ base. It is such a waste and so sad that these two brave…

• Bouhammer in the News

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  17 Nov 2009 | 4:34 pm

  I was featured in an article on the front page of The Buffalo News yesterday. I had been interviewed by Lou the week before and was not sure when or if it would run. I was surprised to see my picture in the print version (it is not in the online version). It is a pretty good article with different opinions on the worth of the war in Afghanistan by three of us who have all been there at different times. Anyway, what is even more interesting is the friggen WHACKOS who comment on the online version of the article. I was going to reply to some of them, but honestly I don’t have the energy…

• Gives new meaning to COMBAT CAMERAMAN

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  17 Nov 2009 | 2:24 pm

  This is a great story and I glad SPC Carter was awarded what he deserved. Combat will change a soldier and sometimes those that you think would be Heroes turn out to be Zeroes or the other way around. I am not saying he was neither, but regardless of what his MOS was, he is a soldier first and this proves that nobody in the Army can use their MOS as an excuse not to be ready and squared away. Congrats SPC Carter… http://www.military.com/news/article/gi-reporter-earned-silver-star-in-afghan-ambush.html

• Retirement Party

  troy@bouhammer.com (Bouhammer)

  16 Nov 2009 | 5:10 am

  This last Saturday night, I long with family and friends celebrated my retirement from the Army with one awesome party. Thanks to my wonderful wife, PH, CP, and DG who all pitched in to help her they put one one great event. I had people from all different aspects of my life there. I had family, neighbors, past soldiers, current soldiers, my last 3 commanders, war buddies, parents of my soldiers, etc. etc. Thanks to several other conflicting events, a size-able number of people could not attend, however many of them sent me messages of support and regret for not being there. When I got up to…

• 
  WW1: Experiences of an English Soldier

• Letter to Jack, 18th November 1919

  Pte Harry Lamin

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:46 pm

  Nov 1840843/ Royal MunsterFusiliers A.P.O Box L1 D CoyI.E.F. ItalyDear Jack,Just a line to let you know that I am in good health, but am wanting to get home, and there seems no sign of it yet. the last train from here went 5 or 6 weeks ago. goodness knows when the next is going. It is over fourteen months since my last leave and I belong to the 1916 men, but in December. Young lads are getting home, 1918 men, on compassionate grounds. I would be glad if you would try and get me a leave by writing to the war office. dont write hear as it would be of no use, as only special leaves are going, if…

• Christmas Orders for the Book

  Pte Harry Lamin

  10 Nov 2009 | 7:59 am

  If you're considering the book as a Christmas present, it would be a good idea to order quite soon. If I get my orders wrong and run out of stock, it's going to add another week or so to the process. There are two links over to the left, one for a signed and dedicated copy from me, one for a copy from Amazon.I also have a few sets of the "Harry" postage stamp, which can be added to a book order to complete a gift for a "Harry" fan. I'll add that to the book order page. Click to order.

• Letter to Jack, 24th October 1919

  Pte Harry Lamin

  24 Oct 2009 | 1:08 am

  Oct 24/191940843/1st Garr BattRoyal Munster FusiliersA.P.O Box R L9 I.E.F.ItalyDear JackI have just received your letter and was very pleased with it. I am glad to hear that you and Agnes are keeping in the best of health, as I am in the pink only this last day or two I have had the tooth ache but I think it is a cold. I have had a letter from Ethel and they are all keeping well at Ilkeston. You ask me if I was cooking. No I have finished cooking and am doing guards and escorting Austrian prisoners but I can do it. I could have had a job yesterday cooking for two officers but I am not having…

• Dieter Finzen's Blog - now in English. (and French)

  Pte Harry Lamin

  19 Oct 2009 | 7:04 am

  A wonderful complement to Harry's blog is Dieter Finzen's diaries. Dieter is, as close as we are likely to get, to an equivalent of Harry on the German side.The diaries are published in real time using the same "time-shift" process as with Harry's letters only with a shift of 93 years so that in "Dieter time" we are now approaching the end of 0ctober 1916.Dieter finished his basic training and traveled to France, arriving in the combat zone, opposite the British lines on the Somme, in September 1916.The Battle of the Somme initiating the “big push”, commenced, disastrously for the allies,…

• Letter to Kate, 9th October 1919

  Pte Harry Lamin

  9 Oct 2009 | 12:13 am

  Oct 9/1940843/1st Garr BattRoyal Munster FusiliersA.P.O Box R L9I.E.F. ItalyDear KateJust a line to let you know that I am getting on alright, but have heard nothing yet about leave. There are some men with two or three months in more than I have got but I hope to be home before Christmas. I was very pleased to hear that Connie was getting on alright and to hear that she was very happy. I should like to hear of her walking. I mean paying her a visit the first chance I get. If I hear anything about coming home I will write and let you know . I have just wrote to Annie its the first time I have…

• 
  Acute Politics

• The 11th hour...

  Teflon Don

  11 Nov 2009 | 1:35 pm

  ...of the 11th day of the 11th month...Happy Armistice Day, everyone. May someday all war actually cease.To the veterans among you, thank you, and to the rest, thank you for supporting us.I was walking from class today. The air was crisp, and the flag in the quad fluttered gently at half mast. In that moment, I felt more melancholy than I have all week as I remembered a few veterans.Staff Sergeant George Nickel. He's still in jail, looking at a possible plea deal being offered by the prosecutor (I refuse to speculate that she has realized she has an unwinnable case).The combat wounded, combat…

• The Continuing Story

  Teflon Don

  13 Oct 2009 | 2:29 pm

  The VA jumped in to try to right the problems faced by thousands of veterans who switched over to the "Post-911 GI Bill" who then experienced delays in getting their money. This is now called the VA GI Bill Emergency Payment process, and it pays out a $3000 advance to anyone enrolled in college with post-911 active duty service. Unfortunately, it sounds like it can be hard to get banks to take the emergency checks.Rock, meet hard place.I'm so glad I didn't switch over this year.In the time I save not having to worry about my GI Bill coming through, I read. I've got Children of Dust coming in…

• Et tu, VA?

  Teflon Don

  25 Sep 2009 | 8:12 am

  The Washington Times reports that thousands of veterans have been approved for GI Bill funds but have not received their money:The Veterans Affairs Department blamed a backlog of claims filed for GI Bill education benefits that has left veterans who counted on the money for tuition and books scrambling to make ends meet. (clip)Out of more than 277,000 veterans who have filed for the college tuition benefits this semester, more than 200,000 claims have been processed and approved, but fewer than 11 percent of the veterans have received the funding, according to the Iraq and Afghanistan…

• Roundup

  Teflon Don

  24 Sep 2009 | 9:22 am

  The Department of Defense may soon be releasing a comprehensive policy for social media. This would most likely include blogging, as well as Facebook and other social networking sites. ROBERTS: And what is the current Pentagon policy on social media?Mr. FLOYD: It currently doesn't exist. Right now, there is no policy on working with or in social networking sites or media. It's currently under review. It's on course to be finished within about two weeks, or at the end of the month, it's supposed to be done, presented to the leadership and a decision made. And that decision is supposed to be…

• Badger Update

  Teflon Don

  9 Aug 2009 | 9:04 am

  Last week you read about SSG George Nickel. You know who he is and what he's been through. Many of you emailed and commented, asking what you could do to help.The people from the Idaho Veterans Network have established the George Nickel Fund. This fund will go to pay the legal fees and costs that Staff Sergeant Nickel will incur.You can make your donation at any Wells Fargo Bank or you can send it to the branch where the fund was established.George G. Nickel FundIdaho Veterans Network Corporationc/o Wells Fargo BankIdaho Center Branch5607 E. Franklin RoadNampa, Idaho 83687

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  ArmyWifeToddlerMom

• 3 days?

  Army Wife

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:17 pm

  Really, 3 bad days are possible?Who knew?First off there is nothing going on here, nothing new, or exciting. Frankly it is boring here. GO BORING. There is no drama in my house, it is not allowed. (Well other than me being upset about the dog) Second, I think my suspicions are right. For those who have not been reading long. SR did go through IQ testing, he maxed it out. I also know IQ tests are one of those things that folks can argue all day about. However, until someone comes up with something better, it is a tool we decided to use to help our child. We did not use it to simply say WOW. We…

• Another rough day @ school for SR

  Army Wife

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:51 am

  Yesterday was yet another rough day for SR. Once again I knew it when I picked him up. Head was down, etc.First problem is boredom. I got in touch with the school psychologist, the one who facilitated his IQ testing, she had a very good hold of things, as far as SR was concerned last year. Hopefully we can get this sorted out. In good news his teacher is WONDERFUL, and on top of things, and doing what she can. The problem is, he is mainstreamed into his 2nd grade, and for now really that is the only alternative. His emotions have not caught up with his intellect, when this does happen maybe…

• Before I go to the much deserved bubble bath...

  Army Wife

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:38 pm

  thought I would drop in.The week is WILD, long days, long nights. Work is soooo busy, the day is over before I know it. Poof. PN helped me make the cookies, they turned out yummy. SR missed the first word EVER on a spelling test, and absolutely fell apart today. Poor kid. When I picked him up, his head was down, and he was tearful. I stopped and talked to the teacher as she directed traffic...The entire time we spoke, SR kept crying and saying "I am going to go home and lock myself in a box for an hour."(The entire time he is saying this, I am thinking, holy crap, the teacher is going to…

• Gingerbread men recipe

  Army Wife

  16 Nov 2009 | 9:06 pm

  Ingredients * 1/2 cup butter, softened * 1/2 cup brown sugar * 2/3 cup molasses * 2 eggs * 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice * 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves * 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger # Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).# In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the molasses and eggs. Combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger; beat into the molasses mixture. Gradually stir in the…

• Other than fresh bread, gingerbread is one of the best smells ever...

  Army Wife

  16 Nov 2009 | 8:00 pm

  It is late. 10:00pm too late to be making 49 or so gingerbread boys and girls. However it is Monday.Mondays. I am not sure if anyone likes Mondays. If you do, good for you. Our Mondays have been doused by activity. So there is no time really spent thinking how horrid it is, it is a day spent getting ready for the next hour. Our Mondays make the rest of the week look like a breeze. I have friends who have this schedule EVERYDAY. Bless you, I have no idea how you do it. I am not complaining, so much as I cannot believe the speed of the day. Seriously. I will be glad to see Tuesday arrive!Things…

• 
  Gazing at the Flag

• Wednesday Hero - SSG Dennisur Thompson

  Flag Gazer

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:22 pm

  Staff Sgt. Dennisur ThompsonStaff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, overcompensates a left turn while on a driving simulator as a part of the Save a Life Tour in Kaiserslautern, Germany.Photo Courtesy of U.S. ArmyThese brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

• Military Appreciation Day at the Golden Corral

  Flag Gazer

  15 Nov 2009 | 12:03 am

  Golden CorralMilitary Appreciation DayMonday, November 16, 2009Active Duty Military and Veterans Eat for FREEFor hours and more information, go here:http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

• Pitchfork Brigade; Pitch in to help a Veteran who’s rights have been trampled

  Terri

  14 Nov 2009 | 6:18 am

  I'm reposting a post that was written on another Blog. This is a story which I'm very passionate about, as the Soldier who's rights are being trampled on at all levels is a very close friend of mine. Unfortunately due to these events, his blog, which has been one of the top Military Blogs for quite some time, has been shut down. Please read the below article and do whatever you can to help. H/T Troy at Bouhammer http://www.bouhammer.com/**11/13/09 UPDATE, if you want to hear a lot more of the story and from Emily directly listen to her interview with Dale Jackson from this…

• 13 Counts Of Premeditated Murder Filed Against Hasan

  Terri

  13 Nov 2009 | 6:30 am

  On Thursday, it was announced that the Army has formally filed 13 counts of premeditated murder against Major Nidal Hasan. The charges were read to Hasan in his hospital room at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. His civilian attorney, John Galligan apparently wasn't present and was upset that he wasn't there when the charges were read to Hasan. At this time, an Army CID spokesman said that they were still determining whether he would be charged with an additional count of murder in the death of the unborn child who died as a result. Additional charges are still possible. In my…

• Veteran's Day 2009

  Flag Gazer

  11 Nov 2009 | 11:47 am

  The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month....It was the end of WWI - 1918 - we had fought the War to End All Wars.Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Poppy Day.The Red Poppies grew every where the land had been disturbed at the graves of the fallen, at the trenches, in the tire and tread tracks.France was ablaze with the red poppies each spring.Now they are a symbol of remembrance.Remember them we should,Remember them we must,Thank them, always.*******************IT IS THE SOLDIERIt is the Soldier, not the ministerWho has given us freedom of religion.It is the Soldier, not the…

• 
  One Marine's View

• Keeping the bad guys on the run

  Maj Pain

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:18 am

  Gang- Its been a freaking whirlwind to date. Getting ready to deploy, staying, getting ready to deploy again etc, then finally departing. Flying, no shit, around the world stopping in every third world country then arriving in country and start moving again. Now we are somewhat stationary. Mail has gotten better as has our way of life. We have improved from Wag-bags (burning poop) to port a johns and we get two hot meals a day…pretty damn good chow too.  Living conditions are austere, no salsa nights here, just warriors patrolling their butts off and going where the enemy thought they…

• An Amazing Man, an Amazing Team

  Maj Pain

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:13 am

  Please read below a message from an amazing Marine.  Read down and then go check out his website at www.SemperMax.com:Hello All-Happy Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day. I hope you can take a minute andappreciate your self. Yes, yourself. If you are receiving an e-mail from me, then you either were/are a warrior; or you support warriors. And it is thosetwo groups that keep our country safe. Of course, my primary focus is on wounded warriors.  As most of you know, I am retired from the Marine Corps. And I have now created a new unit; a Team. Let's face it, I'm addicted to being…

• Your Veterans

  Maj Pain

  11 Nov 2009 | 11:00 am

  Nov 10th, 1775, was the date the Marine Corps was established.  Yesterday we celebrated the 234th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. On this Veteran's Day, and every day we are at war, your veterans are keeping the wolf at bay. Throughout history your warriors take the fight to defend America in the most gruesome conditions. Regardless of location, the honor to defend our country is something that will stay with us forever and can never be taken away.  Even though your service members are all over the globe, your Marines stopped to pay honor and celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday,…

• Departing

  Maj Pain

  8 Nov 2009 | 11:34 am

  Try saying goodbye to your loved ones before you deploy. Then try saying good bye 5-6 times after flights get canceled. It’s a gut check from hell. Thinking you are departing then all of a sudden you are not. Departing is hard enough for service members but even harder for families. Its never easy….it never gets easier.

• What is the origin of the 21-gun salute?

  Maj Pain

  27 Oct 2009 | 5:57 pm

  This post is brought to you by the Great Americans out there that know & care about Marines that shop at Costco...thx for thinking about us guys! The use of gun salutes for military occasions is traced to early warriors who demonstrated their peaceful intentions by placing their weapons in a position that rendered them ineffective. Apparently this custom was universal, with the specific act varying with time and place, depending on the weapons being used. A North African tribe, for example, trailed the points of their spears on the ground to indicate that they did not mean to be hostile.

• 
  The Life of the Wife

• Question

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:20 am

  You know those segments of file footage of obese people walking around from the neck down used by news stations? I wonder if people ever recognize themselves...don't you think that would be mortifying?Ok, some movie reviews:The ProposalOur rating: B-It was ok, with some funny moments. And you get to see Ryan Reynolds with his shirt off. The ending is thin and leaves you hanging, but overall it was mildly enjoyable.The Ugly TruthOur rating: DWe didn't fail this movie because the production and cinematography were passable. The plot was ridiculous (wait...was there a plot?) and the situations…

• Cut the fat

  18 Nov 2009 | 11:33 pm

  A bit of a follow-up to my facebook etiquette post.I was tired of being reminded of people I sort of "knew" in highschool but were either mean to me or to whom I was just ambivalent. So...I deleted about 100 of my "friends" on facebook. It's liberating! I know people that have over 1200 "friends" which is just ridiculous. No one can possibly have over 1000 friends--you're kidding yourself if you think you can.

• 16 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  We are exhausted after a string of smoke-ourselves days. Sunday, we did 2 workouts; 1 of which was Eva, a particularly gnarly WOD. I wanted to throw my stupid dumbbell out the window. I hate high rep heavy KB swings. Anyway, over the past few days, I have been doing over 100 pull-ups a day...and my left hand looks close to hamburger. We were hoping for a rest from pull-ups today and guess what? No such luck! Only 45 reps today, though.I have like nothing to blog about, so forgive me. Howie is still sick with some skin thing...his pills keep getting bigger so I have to keep getting creative on…

• PR!

  12 Nov 2009 | 10:20 pm

  So, after many months of being able to deadlift well over 200 pounds, I had never successfully cleaned over 90 pounds. Oh, a clean (and jerk) is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sdIlcc_MuA (This video is from 1976, but I liked his form). So, I had a total mental block. 95lbs sounded so scary and I felt like I was going to kill myself or something (not true and remember that I have been trained in Oly lifting. Do not attempt oly lifts without a coach to give you proper technique).ANYWAY, Loqi has been making super sweet amazing progress lately, bc she's a bad ass and all and I saw that…

• 10 Nov 2009 | 1:11 am

  10 Nov 2009 | 1:11 am

  Here's what's going on: We still have a 6 week window for deployment. That window starts in 4 weeks. I find this whole situation to be SUPER cute as I am still unable to plan for the holidays.Howie was constipated and dehydrated this weekend which constituted us staying home with him all day Saturday and playing WiiSportsResort. He has repaid us for this favor by taking 2 dumps in the house and peeing by the front door. Hugs, little buddy.We went to a brew pub (brauhaus) this weekend in Heidelberg. We stopped for lunch, I wanted something light, so I got the cheese platter with a small salad.

• 
  Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys..

• Colonel Lewis Millett, the rest of the story.

  John

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:19 am

  We've already noted Colonel Millett's passing.  I thought you might be interested in a few more details, courtesy the Armed Forces Press Service.Face of Defense: Soldier Who Led Last Bayonet Charge Dies American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2009 - Retired Army Col. Lewis L. Millett, who earned the Medal of Honor during the Korean War for leading what reportedly was the last major American bayonet charge, died Nov 14. Retired Army Col. Lewis L. Millet wears his Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and other medals earned in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

• Deployment

  Boq

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:00 am

  Same Uniform, Same Army, Same War. Same Tearful Good-byes, Same Invocation By The Chaplain...

• DEATH TO ALL WOMEN!!!

  Denizens

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:19 am

  Well, that's what it seems like these days. First there was the report earlier this week recommending that women delay annual mammograms until the age of 50, and then only get them every other year. And then today... there's this headline: Now, Women Told: Delay Cervical Exam

• Today's Medal of Honor Moment for 20 November

  John

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:49 am

  There are 12 Medals awarded for actions on this day, spanning from the Civil War to Vietnam.  That's above the average of 10 per day, and is high for this time of year - as is the number of pre-WWI Medals, as this was not prime campaigning time for 19th century warfare.Civil War, and four Medals for a busy day near Knoxville, Tennessee in 1863.  Three soldiers who burned some building being used as sniper nests and one messenger.  One has to wonder if today's press wouldn't excoriate those soldiers for the destruction of houses.FALCONER, JOHN A. Rank and organization:...

• Love that salute, girl.

  John

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:18 am

  Dear Blogger, Please enjoy this sneak peak of upcoming material from Archie Comic Publications, Inc.   Archie & Friends meet president obama President Obama has asked teens to volunteer and Veronica Lodge, the richest girl in comics, has stepped forward to answer the call.

• 
  Neptunus Lex

• Ho Hum

  lex

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:40 pm

  Just another day at the airport.

• Somebody’s Got Some ‘Splaining To Do

  lex

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:27 am

  The world has stopped getting warmer, defying the complex models that predicted anthropogenic global warming to continue until it reached crisis proportions: Global warming appears to have stalled. Climatologists are puzzled as to why average global temperatures have stopped rising over the last 10 years. Some attribute the trend to a lack of sunspots, while others explain it through ocean currents. At least the weather in Copenhagen is likely to be cooperating. The Danish Meteorological Institute predicts that temperatures in December, when the city will host the United Nations Climate…

• Cost/Benefit Analysis

  lex

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:22 am

  Rationed health care, when it comes, will not come all at once. It will creep in stealthily, measure by measure. At first few will object. Because at first, a charismatic politician will tell us of blue pills that work better than red pills costing twice as much. Then, a government sponsored panel of experts – none of them oncologists – will tell us that mammograms for women in the 40-50 year old cohort simply don’t save enough lives to justify the “false positive” rate. Because under the previous recommendation to start screenings at age 40, only two in one…

• The Heartland

  lex

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:05 am

  It’s where the work is.

• Egg

  lex

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:39 am

  It’s what’s for faces, at least at the LA Times when Patterico is on the job. Update: This Breitbart fellow is swinging for the fences. Hannity: Are you saying, Andrew, that there are more tapes? Breitbart: Oh my goodness there are!  Not only are there more tapes, it’s not just ACORN.  And this message is to Attorney General Holder: I want you to know that we have more tapes, it’s not just ACORN, and we’re going to hold out until the next election cycle, or else if you want to do a clean investigation, we will give you the rest of what we have, we will comply with you, we…

• 
  Murdoc Online

• Palin on Newsweek Cover

  Murdoc

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:59 am

  Palin angered by ’sexist’ Newsweek cover Though Murdoc thinks this is just another example of how shallow and entertainment-driven the news media has become, I wonder if Newsweek’s attempt to marginalize Palin with this (if that was their intent) doesn’t net her MORE fans in the end. When I saw the headline my initial thought was “If she doesn’t want pictures like that, why’d she pose for them?” But then I saw the photo, and immediately realized it was from the Runner’s World story on her last year. For the record, Murdoc would be lukewarm…

• Better than Mr. Fusion

  Murdoc

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:32 am

  A 25-Year Battery Batteries that harvest energy from the nuclear decay of isotopes can produce very low levels of current and last for decades without needing to be replaced. A new version of the batteries, called betavoltaics, is being developed by an Ithaca, NY-based company and tested by Lockheed Martin. The batteries could potentially power electrical circuits that protect military planes and missiles from tampering by destroying information stored in the systems, or by sending out a warning signal to a military center. The batteries are expected to last for 25 years. The anti-tamper…

• At least he didn’t yell “Go Buckeyes!”

  Murdoc

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:59 am

  Bruce Springsteen thought he was in Ohio during a concert in Detroit on Friday.

• Iraqi M1 Tank Training

  Murdoc

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:45 am

  An Iraqi tank crew member loads a .50 caliber machine gun during a live fire training exercise with an M1 Abrams tank, in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 14. A few more at DVIDS.

• Hartford Leadership to Blame for Collision

  Murdoc

  16 Nov 2009 | 7:59 am

  Report: Lax leadership led to Hormuz collision An informal atmosphere — along with crew complacency, a “weak” command and inferior submariner skills — are named as contributors to the March 20 collision between the attack submarine Hartford and the amphibious transport dock New Orleans in the Strait of Hormuz. And according to a heavily redacted 102-page Judge Advocate General Manual investigation obtained by Navy Times through a Freedom of Information Act request, what turned into a major embarrassment for the submarine fleet was entirely “avoidable.” No blame lies with the crew…

• 
  instapinch.com

• What a GREAT Story!

  Pinch

  21 Nov 2009 | 5:17 am

  What is that old saying?  The best revenge is living well?  Navy Commander Hung B. Le, who as a 5 year old in 1975 spent 2 days with his family bobbing about in the South China Sea after they fled South Vietnam ahead of communist forces bent on the “peaceful reunification” process.  Picked up by the USS Barbour County (LST 1195), the Le family eventually made their way to Northern Virginia where Le ended up graduating as valedictorian at Gar-Field High School (the school where Pinchette #1 graduated from and the current school of Pinchette #2), went on to the Naval Academy and…

• We’re In The Best Of Hands, Vol 3

  Pinch

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:16 pm

  So….what was the amount of  “Stimulus Money”  that the Obama administration awarded to non-existent congressional districts? $6.7 billion how much?? $6.7 billion. In Illinois alone (Obama’s home state, so its only proper…the “Chicago” way!), the invisible districts that received $6.5 million of our newly printed or newly borrowed money: The 0′th (yes, that is not a typo….that is the “0′th”, as in “Zero’eth”) Congressional District The 20th Congressional District The 21st Congressional District The 22nd…

• The Union and the Boy Scout

  Pinch

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:20 pm

  From the “You’ll Never Guess What The Liberal Morons Are Doing Now” file… A Pennsylvania union leader has come under fire after threatening legal action against the city of Allentown for allowing a Boy Scout to voluntarily clear a walking path in a local park. Nick Balzano, president of the Service Employees International Union’s Allentown chapter, said last week that the union might file a grievance against the city for allowing 17-year-old Kevin Anderson to clear the hiking trail, instead of paying some of the 39 recently laid-off SEIU members to do the work.

• The VA….Update

  Pinch

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:37 pm

  Update 2: I suppose I should amend my remarks once more, Mr. Speaker.  I am aware of all the wonderful good that the Veterans Administration does for the veteran servicemen and women of our country and I thank them for it. Having said that, however, my main beef is with the absurd amount of effort that has to go into getting a simple answer to a simple question – or to not getting a simple answer to a simple question, as was my case here.  I sent them an email, after much hunting for someone or something to write to, commenting that I could not find the answer, simple or otherwise,…

• The VA

  Pinch

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:54 am

  Update:  Let me amend the first sentence just a bit… Is there any question about the Veterans Administration Web Designers being are a bunch of typical government bureaucratic pile of pencil-necked geek-a-noid dweeb-like small-weinered  losers? I went to their web site a few weeks ago looking for contact info or just some information on how to go about getting a VA physical to determine any status of disability I might have  – hearing loss from being around jet engines, shoulder rotator-cuff  surgery while on active duty, that sort of thing. As with most government-run web…

• 
  SpouseBUZZ

• From the Mailbag: Make it Stop!

  Andi

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:18 am

  SpouseBUZZ received an interesting email this week, which reminded me of something we've discussed many times here at SpouseBUZZ. As Sarah says, "One person's weird is another person's normal." Our lives are rarely in sync. At any given time, we're in varying stages of life; just entering military spousedom, no deployment on the horizon, pre-deployment, deployment, post-deployment, approaching service separation, etc. I think we often react to issues based on where we are in our personal lives. Something that bothers me may not bother you. Something that…

• Taking 2010 by Storm: On the Road Again.....

  Andi

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:08 am

  2010 is going to be a busy year for SpouseBUZZ. We'll host a minimum of four SpouseBUZZ LIVE events next year. I say "minimum" because we may add one or two more events to the calendar. Today, we can announce that we'll be in Las Vegas on May 1, 2010 for SpouseBUZZ LIVE Nellis Air Force Base. All military spouses are invited. We'll announce more events when dates and locations are locked in, so stay tuned. We'd like to thank the companies who make it possible for us to bring these events to military communities across the country. The companies below were…

• Holiday Gifts for Troops

  Love My Tanker

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am

  Wondering how to support our troops over the holiday season? Sending holiday gifts Care packages are a welcome treat for deployed servicemembers, especially when they are away from home during the holidays. Here are a few tips from the Department of Defense: Citizens desiring to send care packages, cards and letters to deployed servicemembers are encouraged to identify troops through family and friends. Individuals may also partner with some of the America Supports You homefront groups listed at Our Military. They have direct contact with many of the servicemembers and units and can tell you…

• 'Hooah Mail'

  Love My Tanker

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:26 pm

  What could be faster than sending letters via snail mail?  It's coming on 1 December! Hooah! Postal service to speed up for Soldiers Snail mail going to people deployed to Afghanistan could flow a little quicker starting next month. The U.S. Army is spending $500,000 to launch HooahMail, a service starting Dec. 1 in which family and friends can send letters electronically to anyone serving in Afghanistan, Bill Hilsher, the Army’s postal program manager, said. Participants can register immediately online to have some personal letters delivered in as little as 24 hours — a far cry…

• Would you want your child to serve?

  Joan D'Arc

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:26 pm

  On Veteran's Day I received a sweet note from a friend - she thanked me (back in the day I was in the Army) and my husband for serving, as well as a handful of her other military (or former military) friends.  My friend mentioned that she would be very proud if any of her sons (she has 3) ever joined the military.Two of the other recipients of this note from my friend did a "reply all" and I was surprised at their reaction to my friend mentioning her sons ever possibly joining the military. The first response I read is from another friend of mine who has served close to 20…

• 
  ArmsControlWonk

• The Problem of Redundancy Problem [1]

  geoffrey_forden

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:49 pm

  Michael Krepon, in both his recent ACW article and in the Stimson Center Occasional Paper on the 1990 Indo-Pak crisis , does a thorough job of discussing the problems associated with some the conclusions raised in Seymour Hersh’s past investigative work on nuclear weapons and Pakistan. Since I cannot add anything new to that discussion, I would like to talk about a related issue: just how effective US “aid” might be in preventing Pakistani nukes from falling into the wrong hands. Hersh mentions a disturbing possibility in his recent New Yorker article, that Pakistan would try to remove…

• JASON LEP Study [16]

  jeffrey

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:12 am

  Warhead replacement is dead. Or it should be. Several of us have been eagerly awaiting the release of the JASON report on Life Extension Programs, which reportedly concluded that Life Extension was preferred to warhead replacement. It’s here. Arms Control Wonk.com has an early copy of the full text of the unclassified executive summary of Lifetime Extension Program (LEP), JSR-09-334E. JASON concludes that stockpile stewardship, and the Life Extension Program, is working: JASON finds no evidence that accumulation of changes incurred from aging and LEPs have increased risk to…

• V-Poot, Hip Hop Fan

  jeffrey

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:46 am

  Posted without comment.

• Sy Hersh and Pakistan’s Nukes [13]

  michael_krepon

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:03 am

  Seymour Hersh deserves every one of many awards for investigative journalism he has received, but not for his reporting on Pakistan, where his sourcing is weak and his conclusions are suspect. Hersh’s latest, Defending the Arsenal, Can Pakistan’s nuclear weapons be secured? (The New Yorker, November 16, 2009) has one headline grabbing assertion: Current and former officials said in interviews in Washington and Pakistan that [the Obama] Administration has been negotiating highly sensitive understandings with the Pakistani military. These would allow specially trained American units to…

• Modified Limited Hangout @ Qom, MNSR [40]

  joshua_pollack

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:32 am

  Now that the IAEA’s latest Iran and Syria reports have leaked out, the fun begins. The conversations last September in Tehran about the enrichment site at Qom must have been really something. Perhaps they went something like this: PRESIDENT: You think, you think we want to, want to go this route now? And the—let it hang out, so to speak? DEAN: Well, it’s, it isn’t really that— HALDEMAN: It’s a limited hang out. DEAN: It’s a limited hang out. EHRLICHMAN: It’s a modified limited hang out. PRESIDENT: Well, it’s only the questions of the thing…

• 
  Thomas P.M. Barnett :: Weblog

• Al Qaeda tries another door on Saudi Arabia

  Thomas P.M. Barnett

  21 Nov 2009 | 2:59 am

  MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA: "Saudis and Yemenis versus jihadists: A bloody border; Trouble on the frontier between Saudi Arabia and Yemen is getting out of hand," The Economist, 7 November 2009. Saudi Arabia's AQ branch announced earlier this year that it was moving across the border into Yemen to take advantage of the growing instability there, thus birthing the new Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). So the House of Saud faces the usual problem: spray in one apartment and find they move over nearby into the dirtiest one. Per capita income in Yemen is one-tenth that of Saudi Arabia.

• GPS's impact on farming

  Thomas P.M. Barnett

  21 Nov 2009 | 1:00 am

  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: "Agriculture and satellites: Harvest moon; Artificial satellites are helping farmers boost crop yields," The Economist, 7 November 2009. Fascinating description of how GPS allows farmers--even in less developed economies--to start managing their fields in a much more discrete manner. Good example: customized seed packets and fertilizer premixed by providers according to exact needs presented by predetermined zones--measured hectare by hectare via satellites. France is considered the leader in applying this technology (precision farming).

• Seven Reasons to Give Thanks That the World Didn't End This Year

  Thomas P.M. Barnett

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:24 am

  David Hughes Economic meltdown? Social anarchy? World War III? Go humbug yourself. Our foreign-policy analyst looks back on the 2009 fears that weren't, so we can all count our global blessings this holiday season. Continue reading this week's World War Room column at Esquire.com.

• When economics gets ahead of politics: beats the hell out of the alternative

  Thomas P.M. Barnett

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:46 am

  LEADERS: "So much gained, so much to lose: Over the past 20 years economic freedom has outpaced political liberty. Neither should be taken for granted," The Economist, 7 November 2009. Logic very much in my vein: economics has raced ahead of politics since the Wall fell, disappointing the democracy-now! types. Does the slo-mo movement toward political pluralism negate the link between economic liberty and political liberty? No. Economics has made globalization nearly global, but politics remains stubbornly local. That gap defines danger as globalization moves forward, but this isn't 1914 by…

• When the Iranian clergy switch sides

  Thomas P.M. Barnett

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:39 am

  ARTICLE: Future Perfect, By Geneive Abdo, Newsweek , Nov 18, 2009 This fits nicely with the mullahs-have-lost-power scenario unfolding. Khamenei has so sold his soul to the Revolutionary Guard that the clergy are slowly coming to the conclusion that the faith would be better served detached from the government. When this happens, a major portion of the clergy then switch over to the green movement and we get a Poland/Solidarnosc scenario that moves with great power. (Thanks: jjennings)

• 
  Ask June!

• Thinking outside the (tax) box

  June Walbert

  12 Nov 2009 | 3:01 pm

  Q: This will be my first year filing taxes as a married man and I’m confused about how I should file—married filing jointly or separately.  I completely trust my wife, and know her financial liabilities/health.  My question is based more in the military venue.  I am currently stationed in Iraq, and therefore my income is tax free.  My wife is working as a server (waitress).  Her taxable income (approx $40k) will be quite a bit more than mine.  Would it make more financial sense to file jointly, or separately? -Joshua, in-the-box A: Congratulations on…

• Retiree spousal benefits

  June Walbert

  6 Nov 2009 | 12:47 pm

  Q: As an Air Force retiree and divorced, will my new spouse be eligible for retired benefits, such as an ID card and medical care? -Joe, Europe A:  Joe, sign her up!  Your new spouse will be eligible for medical benefits after you register her in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).  This registration will also allow her to get an ID card.  Don’t forget to check out your options when it comes to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).  Remember, I'm a big fan of that program!  On the SBP front, your options will depend on what…

• Splitting military retirement can be complicated

  June Walbert

  29 Oct 2009 | 3:35 pm

  Q: My ex-husband entered the active army in 1973. We were married in 1974. He was active duty for 3 years; from 1976 to 1995 he was in the reserves. In 1995 he went into the AGR and is planning to retire in 2013 as an O6 with an active federal retirement. We were divorced in 2007 after 34 years of marriage. Our divorce decree states that I am to get 50% of the retirement he earned while married plus SBP. I am on track with all the paperwork according to the Former Spouse Division in Cleveland DFAS. My question is, how can I calculate what my monthly check will be in 2013 so I can work with my…

• Which is best: renting or owning?

  June Walbert

  22 Oct 2009 | 9:24 am

  Q:  June, do you think it is better to rent or own?  I have read several articles on-line stating your money is better off in a 401k or some other portfolio than in real estate/owning a home. -Don, Md. A: The old saying “timing is everything” is especially relevant to your question of renting or owning.  There are definitely points in all of our lives where renting makes all the sense in the world.  To name a few, these include times when: employment is uncertain or job security is lacking you will be in a particular location only for a few years your proverbial…

• To be or not to be...a veteran?

  June Walbert

  14 Oct 2009 | 8:16 am

  Q: As a former member of the Army National Guard, I served 5 years and received a General Discharge under Honorable Conditions. I competed all over the country on our unit's rifle team winning many awards, and I enrolled in college for two years and received the G.I. Bill. I never was called up to active duty or war, but I completed Basic Training and A.I.T as well as monthly drills plus each summer I was not at basic or A.I.T. we drilled for a two week summer camp. My question is what requirements have to be met to be called a Veteran. Am I a Veteran or not? Or could you tell me how I…

• 
  The IAVA Blog: All

• IAVA Daily Brief 11.20.09

  Michael

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:33 am

  <!--break-->  Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA.  Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking?  Follow us on Twitter at @twitter.com/iavapressroom. MUST READS 1) Gates orders full-spectrum Pentagon review of Fort Hood massacre  On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said the Pentagon will conduct a department-wide review in the aftermath of the Fort Hood shooting, taking a broad look at the mental health of the force as well as at procedures for sharing intelligence and assessing…

• Senate Passes Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act

  Tom Tarantino

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:57 pm

  <!--break--> By a vote of 98-0 the Senate has passed S. 1963, the Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.  The fight for this vital piece of legislation has been difficult, but thanks to the combined efforts of the veterans community, we are one-step closer to upgrading our VA health care system.  This bipartisan legislation contains: Enhancements in VA health care for female veterans, including new training for VA mental health providers to handle veterans who experienced military sexual trauma.  (Key IAVA Priority) Support to family caregivers of severely disabled…

• Our Best Veterans Week Yet

  Michelle McCarthy

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:42 am

  IAVA just wrapped up its best Veterans Week yet.  From the Third Annual Heroes Gala in New York to dozens of parades held around the country, IAVA Supporters and Member Veterans were out in full force last week to show our newest generation of heroes that we've got their back.  Click here to check out some of the highlights, including videos and photos from events held around the country.

• 
  American Forces Press Service News Feed

• VA Recognizes Agent Orange Link to More Diseases

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Based on an independent study by the Institute of Medicine last month, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki has directed broader health coverage from his department for Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.

• Gates Highlights Canada's Efforts in Afghanistan

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recognized the contributions and sacrifices that Canadian servicemembers have made in Afghanistan during a speech to the Halifax International Security Forum.

• Clinton Stresses Mission's Importance to Troops in Afghanistan

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged international forces in Afghanistan to help President Hamid Karzai realize the vision for Afghanistan he expressed when he took office for his second five-year term.

• Gates Urges More Western Hemisphere Cooperation

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  The United States and other Western Hemisphere nations must increase cooperation and collaboration for their continued security, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.

• Gates Shares Views on Guard's Role in Iraq, Afghanistan

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Though the National Guard has a role in reconstruction missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's a temporary one, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.

• 
  AFCEA SIGNAL Scape

• SIGNAL Says

  Katie Packard

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:43 am

  “What we have today is scalable, so it’s allowing us to manage the growth that’s always involved in providing bandwidth. Because of that, we can truly migrate everything over IP. We can truly become a network-centric Army.”–Lt. Col. Joseph Dupont, USA, product manager, Defense Communications Systems–Europe Find out what he’s talking about here in the current issue of SIGNAL Magazine, online now.

• Nations Discuss Road to the Future in Rome

  Maryann Lawlor

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:42 pm

  More than 300 representatives from 30 nations are examining solutions to future warfighting challenges in Rome this week at the 2009 Concept Development and Experimentation Conference. Specifically, members of U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) and NATO nations are conducting work that will promote multinational cooperation. Conference participants are discussing concept development and experimentation in the areas of countering hybrid threats, providing security force assistance, developing strategic communications and deterring non-state actors. Although the concepts that are being discussed…

• Cool App-titude: AP Stylebook

  Katie Packard

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 am

  This application is near and dear to all of us in the SIGNAL newsroom. We follow AP Style, and with the AP Stylebook app, journalists like us can have error-free writing even when they’re away from their desks—and their editors. The tool features searchable listings for sections like sports, business and punctuation (my favorite), and users can even add their own customized entries and notes. More information about the AP Stylebook app is available on AP’s Web site. The application is available for download from iTunes for iPhones and iPod Touch. Share your favorite app with us in the…

• The Best the Webbys Have to Offer

  Rita Boland

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:03 am

  Each day, millions of people use the Internet for purposes of work and play. Each year, the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences—a 550-member body composed of leading Web experts, business figures and others—distributes Webby awards for the best Web sites in a variety of categories. All of the nearly 70 categories include two prizes—the Webby Award and the People’s Choice Award, voted for by the online community. The groupings include one for Consumer Electronics, which features some very creative work. TomTom Secret Services This Webby Award winner in the Consumer…

• SIGNAL Says

  Katie Packard

  13 Nov 2009 | 7:24 am

  “The problem is our warfighters are digital natives. They understand the technology they could have and are looking at what they’re getting and they’re saying, ‘Hey, this isn’t good.’” — Timothy J. Harp, deputy assistant secretary of defense, command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information technology acquisition, OASD(NII)/DOD CIO Find out what he’s talking about here in the current issue of SIGNAL Magazine, online now.

• 
  Air Force Blues - Updated weekdays

• Well…

  Farva

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:01 pm

  I guess I can expect my pay to be completely jacked up on the 1st for this… Oh well. This one time, at Laughlin, I wrote down every phone number I had for finance, and went over and sat outside the customer service area.  I called each number from my cell phone, and not a single phone rang.  So remember, the next time you want to get mad at finance for never answering the phone when you need them, don’t blame them. Blame Comm. (Hmmm, I wonder which is worse - having my pay screwed up or my network access revoked…) Don’t forget to check out the Crew Dogs for more of…

• A question for the ages

  Farva

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:27 pm

  Sorry this is late.  I started it late and it took a little longer than I thought it would. Took a break from the crossover while Tim does some real-world Air Force stuff.  It’ll probably only be for today. -Farva

• Stratofossil

  Farva

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:01 pm

  Say what you will about the BUFF, but it really is a workhorse.  I’m amazed they can still get that thing up, STS.  Maybe they’re putting Viagra in the JP-8.  (Hey, there was that “alternative fuel” program done on it in 2006…) There are a ton of fascinating bits about it over at Wikipedia, including something about the USAF wanting to keep it in service until 2040.  I don’t know if that’s true, but geez… It’s kind of neat to think that planes like the SR-71, F-4 and F-117, and soon the F-15 and 16, were developed, served their purpose…

• Well, who’s hungry?

  Farva

  16 Nov 2009 | 9:01 pm

  Today I begin learning Flash.  Now all I have to do is get my hands on a copy of it for home use.  Does anyone know if our enrollment in CCAF entitles us to the Adobe student discount?  I really want to get the whole Adobe Creative Suite legit, but they make it all but inaccessible to individual end users who aren’t wealthy, which, as a lowly E-5, I’m not. Don’t forget to check out the crossover strips at Crew Dogs! -Farva

• Local brew it is

  Farva

  15 Nov 2009 | 9:01 pm

  I’m in a hurry to post this, so I’m going to keep it short, STS. A big thanks to Will Martin and the rest of the cadets from the University of Maryland’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 330 for a great time Saturday.  It was a blast hanging out with them, and if that group of future lieutenants is any indication of what the next generation of USAF leadership looks like, I might just consider sticking around a while. Don’t forget to check out today’s companion strip at The Crew Dogs. -Farva

• 
  Broadside Blog

• Maersk Alabama – then and now

  Bacon

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:01 am

  Maersk Alabama (Photo from Atlantic Council) Remember the Maersk Alabama? About seven months ago the vessel was seized by Somali pirates, and her skipper, Captain Richard Phillips was taken hostage. As bad as that was, the story ended well for everyone but the pirates. Now that the monsoon season has ended, the bad guys are at it again. But this time their reception was different. Read the article and see the adjustments that have been made to beef up security. The article: “Maersk Alabama Crew Repels Suspected Pirate Attack”

• A tribute to WWII veterans

  Bacon

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 am

  This video was sent to me by Mason Jarre. He wrote the words, wrote the music, and compiled the video in this heartfelt tribute. Click here to view the embedded video.

• Bacon’s Castle

  Bacon

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:55 am

  This picture was taken by Kevin, a frequent contributor. I don’t live in Suffolk, Virginia, but if I did…

• The wartime chaplains

  Bacon

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:00 am

  Maj. Michael DuCharme (DOD photo) I was reading through the Heroes section hosted by DOD and stumbled upon the story of Major Michael DuCharme, an Army chaplain. He joined the Army later in life, after the war in Iraq had started, knowing he would be deployed. And he was – twice. He is still on active duty, and now understands his calling. “’[Soldiers] … face all the things: death, loss, heat, separation from family. And even though it’s hard, they go out and do it, day in and day out…with the goal of bringing each other home,’ DuCharme said. ‘When bad things…

• Greenside of the Week – Nov 18, 2009

  Bacon

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:00 am

  Visit the Greenside Archives! (click here)

• 
  The Long War Journal

• Islamabad police capture 'Ghazi Force' commander

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:55 pm

  Islamabad police recently captured a senior operational leader in a shadowy Taliban group behind several high-profile attacks in the capital. Police say the suspect, Jamshed, who is also known as Tahir, is the mastermind of four of the five suicide attacks that took place in Islamabad this year, including the Oct. 5 attack at the World Food Programme office that killed five employees. Jamshed is a senior commander in a little-known Taliban group called the Ghazi Force. He is said to have scouted the attack on the World Food Programme office and provided the suicide vest to the bomber. Police…

• Suicide bomber strikes in western Afghanistan

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:13 am

  Mullah Hayatullah, the Taliban commander in Farah province. He runs suicide training camps in the western province. Taliban suicide bombers struck for the second day straight throughout Afghanistan. Today a suicide bomber driving a motorcycle detonated his explosives in a market in Farah City, killing 17 people and wounding 29. A second suicide bomber killed five bodyguards of a member of parliament in an attack north of Kabul. Provincial officials in Farah said a senior police official, who was killed in the explosion, was the target of the suicide attack. Two of the senior police official's…

• US strikes Taliban camp in North Waziristan, kills 8

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:41 am

  Unmanned US strike aircraft killed eight Taliban and al Qaeda operatives in the second attack in North Waziristan in two days. Today the US aircraft hit a Taliban training camp in the village of Palooseen near Mir Ali. "At least eight people were killed in the drone attack," a Pakistani intelligence official told AFP. "A compound used by militants was targeted." Three "foreigners," a term used to describe al Qaeda operatives, were among those killed. No senior leaders have been reported killed. The town of Mir Ali is a known stronghold of al Qaeda leader Abu Kasha al Iraqi, an Iraqi national…

• Suicide bomber kills 19 outside Peshawar courthouse

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:29 am

  A suicide bomber has killed 19 Pakistanis and wounded 50 more in an attack outside the Peshawar judicial complex. The strike is the latest in the Taliban's suicide campaign that has recently zeroed in on the provincial capital. The suicide bomber detonated outside the main gate of the complex, which contains the provincial criminal and civil courts and administration buildings. "The bomber was on foot and tried to get into the Judicial Complex through its main entry gate," an official told Dawn. "He blew himself up, when he was stopped." Police reportedly had intelligence that the complex was…

• US airstrike kills 4 Taliban in North Waziristan

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:26 pm

  The US has killed four Taliban fighters in just the second airstrike in Pakistan's tribal areas this month. Unmanned aircraft, likely remotely piloted Predator or Reaper drones, hit a Taliban compound in the village of Shanakhora, which lies six miles west of Miramshah in North Waziristan, with two Hellfire missiles. “It was a US drone attack which targeted a militant compound killing four militants and wounding five others,” a senior Pakistani security official in the region told AFP. “The compound was being used by Taliban militants, however it is not clear whether there were any…

• 
  TacOps Security

• Commander Paul Gillen Memorial Service

  admin

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:56 am

  November 19, 2009 – In a small ceremony held in front of the Police Memorial at the new Police Administration Building, Commander Paul Gillen was memorialized for his service and sacrifice to the Department and City.  Family members including Commander Gillen’s wife Margie, dignitaries, active and retired personnel and invited guests watched as Assistant Commanding Officer of Special Operations Bureau, Commander Scott Kroeber unveiled the portrait of Commander Guillen which will be permanently displayed in the new Police Administration Building.  Police Chief Charlie Beck also…

• Reseda High School Police Academy Magnet Valley Bureau Children’s Room Distribution Day

  admin

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:36 am

  On Monday November 9, four Police Academy Magnet cadets, Officer Joel Frias, Alise Cayen and three members of a non-profit organization called TKO (Turning Kindness On) loaded crates full of children’s book up in a police van and headed out to Van Nuys Division.  It was an event that had been in the works since Alise Cayen, Reseda’s Police Academy Magnet Coordinator saw Topanga Division’s children’s room first hand at their grand opening ceremony. Ms. Cayen was so in awe over the room’s aesthetics and so moved by the story behind the mural that it was at that event that she…

• Two Teenage Robbers Sought in Koreatown

  admin

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:51 pm

  Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying a pair of teenagers who robbed and kidnapped a man in the Koreatown on November 2, 2009. At around 6:20 p.m., two male teens approached a man who was walking on Wilshire and Harvard Boulevards.  One of the teens demanded the victim to turn over his wallet and the other punched him in the face. Afterwards, the suspects ordered the victim to a nearby Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and demanded he withdraw and undisclosed amount of money from his account.  The suspects then took the…

• Commercial Burglaries in Koreatown

  admin

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:30 am

  Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public's help for information leading to the identification and arrest of a burglary crew targeting Koreatown businesses.   On September 20, 2009 at around 11:45 p.m., three suspects forced their way into a commercial building in the 3500 block of West Olympic Boulevard. The burglary crew then used pry tools to break into individual office suites.  Once inside, the suspects ransacked the offices and made off with small hand held valuables including cash, jewelry and laptop computers. Cameras caught…

• In memory of LAPD Specialist Reserve Max Kerstein R1367

  admin

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:02 pm

  The Reserve Officer and Volunteer Section of the Los Angeles Police Department regret to announce the passing of one of its dedicated members.  Specialist Reserve Max Kerstein passed away on November 17, 2009 in West Los Angeles, California.Max joined the LAPD Reserve Corps back in 1983 at the young age of 60.  Max became a Specialist Reserve at Pacific Division working with officers and detectives.  Max developed a specialty of utilizing the law enforcement data bases to search for outstanding warrants on suspects.  Max became so proficient at his craft that he turned…

• 
  DoD Buzz

• Film Offers Gospel of the Surge

  Colin Clark

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:05 pm

  President Obama will announce his new strategy on Afghanistan and Pakistan sooner or later. Given that the key decision -- at least publicly -- will be how many more troops to send to Afghanistan it seems propitious to consider the Bush administration's decision to surge roughly 30,000 troops to Iraq. How it worked and why is the subject of a new film, "The Surge: The Untold Story."

• U.S. Power Slipping, Analysts Warn

  Greg Grant

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:02 am

  Two influential analysts told lawmakers on Capitol Hill this week that America’s strategic position in the world is eroding. America is losing its technological edge and is in deep financial trouble, while purchasing power is shifting from the West to Asia. Those trends cannot be undone, they warned, so the U.S. must adapt and seek greater cooperation with allies and establish “rules of the road” with potential rivals.

• US Cyber Defenses Full of Holes

  Colin Clark

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:26 pm

  When it comes to cyber attacks, the odds are against us. The head cyber protection guy at the National Security Agency, Richard Schaeffer, told the Senate Judiciary subcommittee that about 80 percent of attacks on our networks can be prevented. That is "unacceptable," Sen. Ben Cardin, subcommittee chairman, told Schaeffer and the other government officials testifying before him. "We would never ponder a defense budget that is dependent on an 80 percent success rate."

• Troop Costs Vie With Weapons

  Greg Grant

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:29 am

  The non-partisan CBO said defense budgets must grow by at least six percent beginning next year to pay for weapons programs currently on the books. The base defense budget would have to increase to an average of $567 billion annually for two decades. While that might not appear all that high, it must be viewed in the context of sluggish U.S. economic growth, record deficits, and the need to pay interest on that growing pile of debt.

• Airlift Gap Looms For Last Mile

  Greg Grant

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:18 pm

  Amid warnings of the perilous state of the rotary-wing industry comes a new GAO report warning of a looming “tactical airlift gap” because no aircraft can move the Army’s “medium weight” weapons about the battlefield. The Air Force and Army are looking at the Joint Future Theater Lift (JFTL) effort, still in the conceptual stages, to provide a new aircraft that might fit the bill. The JFTL could be a massive rotary-wing aircraft, if the Army gets its way.

• 
  Popular Science - Technology

• CERN Successfully Brings Large Hadron Collider Back Online

  Paul Adams

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:54 pm

  Much beset by magnet quenches, birds, bread, black holes, evil time travelers, and fools, the Large Hadron Collider successfully came online and orbited a proton beam today! Photographs of the triumphant moment are within.

• Intel Wants Brain Implants in Its Customers' Heads by 2020

  Jeremy Hsu

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:00 am

  Researchers expect brain waves to operate computers, TVs and cell phones If the idea of turning consumers into true cyborgs sounds creepy, don't tell Intel researchers. Intel's Pittsburgh lab aims to develop brain implants that can control all sorts of gadgets directly via brain waves by 2020. The scientists anticipate that consumers will adapt quickly to the idea, and indeed crave the freedom of not requiring a keyboard, mouse, or remote control for surfing the Web or changing channels. They also predict that people will tire of multi-touch devices such as our precious iPhones, Android smart…

• Mourning the Death of the Meta Media Experience

  Tom Conlon

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:15 am

  Face it: On-demand is the future of TV. But is passive channel surfing and collective viewing something we won't know the value of until it's gone? I tend to think of my cable bill kind of like my health insurance premium. Every month, I begrudgingly pony up the funds necessary to continue this so-called “service” wondering the what the heck it is I’m actually paying for--especially since most of what I regularly watch can be found online in some form--all the while deathly afraid of the consequences should I ever stop wiring in my money. Every month, I consider amputating cable from my…

• New Space Telescope Could Search for Both Exoplanets and Dark Energy

  Jeremy Hsu

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:42 am

  Europe's proposed Euclid mission would use a microlensing technique to hunt both ET and dark energy Dark energy may not have much in common with aliens, unless there's a flotilla of freaky monoliths out there with really weird physical properties. But astrophysicists hope to build a two-in-one space telescope that can search for signs of dark energy along with exoplanets. Europe's proposed Euclid space telescope would use a microlensing technique to detect the bending of light as it travels through clumps of dense matter. That would allow scientists to map out the locations of galaxies…

• High-Tech Space Gloves Win NASA's Astronaut Glove Challenge

  Jeremy Hsu

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:59 am

  Two teams claimed $250,000 and $100,000 prizes for besting NASA's current top glove design Glove designers walked away with a total of $400,000 in prize money at NASA's second Astronaut Glove Challenge yesterday. The U.S. space agency awarded the money because the private glove designs beat the in-house version, and NASA may incorporate the designs into the Constellation spacesuit intended for next-gen astronauts returning to the moon. Peter Homer of Maine took the first place prize of $250,000, based on a souped-up version of his glove design that won the 2007 challenge. Ted Southern of New…

• 
  News Releases RSS Feed

• Media Advisory: Army Officials to Discuss Army's Suicide Prevention Efforts

  15 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

• Army orders probe at Arlington National Cemetery, releases investigation findings

  12 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced Friday that he has ordered an investigation into allegations of lost accountability of some graves, poor record keeping and other issues at Arlington National Cemetery.

• Army Releases October Suicide Data

  12 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

• Army Chief of Staff to visit Master Resilience Training

  12 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey is scheduled to arrive November 16, 2009 and will be available to speak to media at 9:55 a.m.. All interested media must be on site no later than 9:15 a.m. to register in the William Fontaine room of the Sheraton Philadelphia University Hotel.

• ARMY MEDIA ADVISORY November 10, 2009 Army conducts Master Resilience Training for Soldiers, Family Members

  9 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey will be available to speak to media at 9:55 a.m. November 12. All interested media must be on site no later than 9:30 a.m. to register in the William Fontaine room of the hotel. Soldiers-students attending the course, staff from the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program and Faculty from the Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania will be available to answer questions.

• 
  You Served

• The Substance of Things Hoped For…

  Claire

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:47 pm

  Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I have always loved this definition of faith and find it compelling. There are many things around me that provide me of the substance of what I have hoped for, but the evidence of the unseen is all around us too. Spritually speaking I know the verse is pointing back to Christ. He was the substance of what the World needed and longed for, and we have faith today even though we do not see with our own eyes. It’s a definition that shows the irony of faith – substance and hope along with…

• Stars and Stripes Holiday Greetings for Troops

  Claire

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:54 am

  I checked the submission site out and you can submit a note with or without a picture. You have a week to get it to them! It’s easy and free! You can submit to have your message online or in print. I submitted one for my son this morning. Stars and Stripes Holiday Messages are now open for submissions! Visit the Stripes Holiday Messages website to submit a Holiday Message to a loved one. Messages submitted before Nov 27th will appear in the newspaper according to their publishing schedule. H/t Brat at Assoluta Tranquillita

• Nov 19th You Served Radio Live Blog

  Troy

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:13 pm

  8:10:22 PM: We are talking with LTG Ben Freakley 8:12:19 PM: LTG Freakley’s bio is at http://bit.ly/3pWQre 8:13:29 PM: New blog entry: Nov 19th You Served Radio Live Blog http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/?p=3637 8:14:59 PM: LTG Feakley is the CG of the US Army Accessions Command 8:19:04 PM: LTG Freakley says every year of his 34 years is the Year of the NCO 8:22:05 PM: the LTG just said TIVO was one of the best inventions ever 8:22:39 PM: LTG Freakley is talking about twitter, facebook, yahoo, myspace and ArmyStrongStories.com 8:29:14 PM: LTG Freakley is talking about impressive…

• Honoring SGT Munley

  CJ

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:43 pm

  On November 5, 2009, a religious extremist entered a Soldier processing facility and opened fire, killing or injuries 43 people. There’s some controversy over who exactly felled Hasan that day. The point is that ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Sergeant Kimberly Munley went charging up to protect those troops and civilians in the building, whether she fired a shot or not. She placed herself in harm’s way without knowing exactly what the threat was. Her valor and heroism should still be commended and used as an example. Great Americans has a blog tribute up to SGT Munley..

• Interview with person on Blog World Expo floor

  Troy

  17 Nov 2009 | 2:46 pm

  This interview is with another expo booth floor member. She was at a booth behind the milblog lounge. I wanted to see what her knowledge was of milblogs in general.

• 
  Now Serving Quantico: Forum

• Do You Have Baby Girls Clothes etc. To Donate To A Needy Family?

  Katy

  I am currently trying to help a needy family who is expecting a baby girl in June. If you know anyone or you yourself have any baby girl items that you would be willing to donate to this family please contact me via my email at familiaperezfk@hotmail.com Thank You In Advance:)

• A PCS Celebration

  Jen Preston

  In Okinawa, we have a great tradition called the Olympics. No, this does not involve javelins or lap pools, balance beams or 50-meter dashes. But it’s definitely NOT a spectator sport. The Olympics is the whirlwind of events preceding a PCS that usually involves trips to as many Okinawan hot spots as you can squeeze into a 2-week period. Said PCS-er determines what restaurants, hikes, scuba spots, and tourist destinations they absolutely must see before they leave the island for good, and then all their friends make it happen. Ironically, I believe the term Olympics found its origin because…

• Sports & Health In Dale City GREAT 4 FAMILIES!

  Katy

  I recently discovered the Sport & Health gym in Dale City. It has been a lifesaver since we moved here. It is hard in a new area when you have little ones. You do not know anyone to use for babysitting for alone time with your spouse much less even think about getting to the gym. Joining this gym has taken care of all of that for our family. They have a fantastic place for kids in the gym called the Kids Klub. It looks like a small indoor park with the tubes and climbing nets etc. The caretakers are amazing and do a really good job with the kids. I go to the gym, sign my little one in and…

• The Messy Truth

  Lucia

  I have recently gotten a couple of comments about how the projects we do seem to be effortless and mess-free. Here's the truth. The pictures I post don't show it all. When I first became a mom I couldn't wait to pull out the paint, glue, clay, etc and let my kids run free with their creativity. I had memories from my childhood of the pure joy that comes with creating things all by yourself. I had images in my head of perfect sunny afternoons filled with happy, shining little faces creating, painting, building one masterpiece after another.But many of the early arts and crafts experiences with…

• Working on Becoming Me: Relationship Priorities

  Joelle Yamada

  My grandmother died this weekend. Unfortunately, we weren’t close, having lived on opposite coasts for most of my growing up years. I was lucky to see her once a year and since adulthood even less. My husband and I have been stationed overseas for the last seven years, and I haven’t seen her in that whole time. But in her 80’s she became internet savvy and so for a number of years I sent her email updates and I felt she came to know me and my family better. During this last year, as her health has failed, her internet time has decreased and thereby chances to stay in touch. For the last…

• 
  America's North Shore Journal

• The future of Public Health in the United States

  Chuck Simmins

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:24 pm

  Monroe County, NY, Department of Public Health list of positionsI am currently involved with what may be the largest Public Health effort undertaken in Monroe County and Rochester, New York, in decades. I am volunteering for the H1N1 vaccine clinics being held by the county this week. This, and my normal coverage of health issues, has brought to a head some thoughts on Public Health agencies and practices I have been mulling for some time. In a series of posts, I will try to point out where we have gone wrong, what needs to be fixed and what is right with the system. The Monroe County…

• New York State swine flu report through November 7 2009

  Chuck Simmins

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:32 pm

  New York State follows the example of the CDC and its reporting is at least a week behind at any given time. In the week ending November 7 2009, flu activity continued to explode in upstate New York. New York State is reporting the level of this pandemic in several ways. In labs statewide for the week ending November 7, over 4,000 specimens tested positive for the A flu virus, 99% of those testing positive for flu. At the state laboratory, 43 of 45 specimens tested positive for Swine Flu. The state is also tracking visits to hospital emergency departments for influenza like illnesses (ILI).

• Swine Flu worldwide for November 8 2009

  Chuck Simmins

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:24 pm

  First, the latest on the Ukraine: 17 November 2009 — Preliminary tests reveal no significant changes in the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus based on investigations of samples taken from patients in Ukraine. Analyses are being performed by two WHO influenza collaborating centres as part of the global influenza surveillance network. Preliminary genetic sequencing shows that the virus is similar to the virus used for production of the pandemic influenza vaccine, reconfirming the vaccine’s efficacy at this time. Additional questions about the pandemic virus circulating in Ukraine will be…

• Swine Flu in the United States for November 7 2009

  Chuck Simmins

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:16 pm

  The CDC continues to release data on Fridays for the previous week. The data in this report is for the week ending November 7 and was released November 13, 2009. Click for larger image Visits to doctors for influenza like illness: second week that rates have declined. Now 6.7% and the seasonal baseline is 2.3%. Note, however, that many doctors are telling patients who call with ILI symptoms not to come in to the office unless it is serious. Hospitalizations for lab confirmed influenza: still climbing. Deaths from pneumonia and influenza: still increasing. 46 states report widespread flu…

• Iraqi Navy adds ship

  Chuck Simmins

  16 Nov 2009 | 9:00 am

  Iraq navy patrol ship Nasir arrives in homeport, Umm Qasr. Photo by Lt. Ryan Schumacher The Iraqi navy welcomed the Patrol Ship Nasir to its new homeport here in a ceremony Nov. 12. The Nasir is the second of four ships contracted from the Fincantieri Shipyard in La Spezia, Italy. The Iraqi manned ship departed Italy Oct. 15, completing the more than 5,000 mile journey in about a month. The ceremony included a naval review of the Nasir and several other Iraqi ships and boats, as well as a demonstration of boarding tactics and a synchronized diver demonstration. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James M.

• 
  Okinawa Hai Society

• Ok I am eithere stupid or just not really there anymore,lol

  Kelly Santoro

  Ok sense getting in my home I have been just dying to go to an hundred yen store but of course cant find one or something than again I love my hubby but he has no sence of direction.lol. So I am sure some of you wonderful ladies that have been here for a while would no how to get to a hundred yen store right. All directions to any cool parks for kids or resturants would also be so helpful I am starting to get horrible stuck feeling and I want to adventure or have fun in some way, as long as the kids can them little one are with me all the time, heehee. Please in need of fun Kelly

• BOB Hope Parking Options!

  Melinani

  So out of all the places to blog I figure this is the best, none of my friends in the states will read this and I can vent all I want. Now I am not a violent person, but OMG the parking at BOB Hope Primary at Kadena, well... WHAT PARKING! You have a choice go there at 2pm and wait until 3:05 pm when the kids actually get out and get a parking spot in front of the school. ( I do this sometimes and sit and listen to music and draw or write) Option 2 Park in the visitors parking in the housing area across the street and get dirty looks from all the residents! (I give dirty looks back I mean its…

• A lil sad to admit...

  Laura Lee

  That we may lose our orders. We went for the medical clearance and I will admit..my oldest son (who has ADHD) and I (who am bipolar) got raked over the coals. I was so upset after leaving that I just came home and cooked and cooked and cooked. Due to my illness there is apparently a pretty good chance we will lose our orders.... I was told by a couple of people that if my medication cannot be provided by my base then I will most likely get told no b/c other bases probably dont carry it as well. Of course, my base doesnt carry my medication. Now what I fail to understand though is that it is a…

• meds

  regina diaz

  How can I find out about my meds if they are there or not. I have really bad Migraine headaches. I am seen out in town by a nerologist and I have two meds that I can not get on base here at Camp Lejeune. So I am wondering if I have to get my meds changed, I really hope not they are working. Thank you for reading this and if you have an answer that would be great. We will be there in Jan.

• meds

  regina diaz

  How can I find out about my meds if they are there or not. I have really bad Migraine headaches. I am seen out in town by a nerologist and I have two meds that I can not get on base here at Camp Lejeune. So I am wondering if I have to get my meds changed, I really hope not they are working. Thank you for reading this and if you have an answer that would be great. We will be there in Jan.

• 
  okinawa hai!

• House Moving Tips - for families moving from one off-base home to another

  Jannine Myers

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:34 pm

  During the summer my husband and I decided that the Kadena flightline, located directly across the road from our off-base home, wasn’t necessarily a great landmark to have near our front yard. Watching my youngest child throw her hands up over her ears more times in a day than I could care to count was just one of the factors that prompted us to move; the smell of aircraft fumes wafting in through our windows each morning was another major factor. Hence the process of moving house and all that it involves quickly began. Since moving, my husband and I have encountered several people who for…

• Feeling holiday stress? Relax in a Hyperbaric Chamber

  Mary Richardson

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pm

  Years ago, when pictures of Michael Jackson sleeping peacefully, if not bizarrely, in an oxygen chamber hit the media, the American public simply passed off the "treatment" as just another wacky stunt from the late eccentric pop singer. However, what may be viewed as "on the fringe" in the States is actually a fairly common health practice in Japan. I was to learn this very fact one day as I discovered the oxygen pod in Okinawa.It turns out that oxygen chambers have gained popularity as of late for all kinds of conditions such as achy muscles, poor memory, dull complexion,…

• Tsubak i ya

  Larissa Traquair

  18 Nov 2009 | 2:58 pm

  If you want to share your recent dining experience with all our readers please send a restaurant review, along with photos, to toeatinokinawa@yahoo.com.  I'd love to hear from you.     This 70-seat izakaya, complete with sunken-floor type seating, is a local Courtney eatery.  We frequent this restaurant, on 75, almost weekly.  The atmosphere, service and food are great.  We like to eat dinner early so most evenings we are the only customers in the place - it's like being at home with a private chef and no dish…

• Giving Thanks (for shopping!)

  Jeanine Czubik

  17 Nov 2009 | 2:30 pm

  Having just surpassed the one year point on Okinawa, I feel especially aware of the proximal occurrences of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.  Whether it’s living so close to base, participating in more spouses events, or simply living overseas, I am particularly overwhelmed with gratitude.   Thankful for our military sacrificing their freedoms to provide ours.  Thankful for my husband and the opportunity to live overseas, and experience the Okinawan and Japanese cultures.  When I contemplate my first year, I am also thankful for the shopping…

• Built-in Friends: Our Military Family

  JaNae Burger

  16 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pm

  We are instinctively drawn to people that have similar interests, careers and hobbies as we do. So a nurse, a counselor, a business owner, a college student, a day care provider, a teacher, a veterinarian tech, a military member, a stay-at-home mom and an ecologist make a pretty unlikely group. And yet, there we all were, dressed in the funkiest outfits and singing na-na-na-na together while shaking our hips. We weren't just putting on a show at the 2009 Spouses Dinning In, we were having a great time and looking good while doing it! As unlikely as it is that we would have ever…

• 
  Milblogging.com

• Prayers for MilBlogger "Concrete Bob", Suffers Serious Heart Attack

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:28 am

  Military Blogger "Concrete Bob" Miller, who goes out of his way to make me, my wife and my kids smile every time we see him, always manages to put others at ease.  In his own words:The rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.Short and sweet, I had a serious heart attack on Wednesday night. I'm in the hospital, hooked up to a bunch of tubes. I have had a catheterization done and a stint put in, but there is still some blockage. So next Wednesday the doctors are going to do a little carving and install some new parts. No big deal.Pray for the doctor and my family.You can read…

• Huntsville Times: Soldiers' letters home hold heart, soul - then and now

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:51 pm

  (al.com)  Merrimack Hall this weekend presents "Letters Home," a drama about soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan told through their letters home. The Times asked Soldier's Diary columnist Maj. Ken Arnold, recently returned from Afghanistan, to write about how soldier's correspondence home has changed over the years. Some of the earliest memories of my father are from the words he sent through his letters home. My dad was a career airman, and much of his time was spent in far flung parts of this world. Read the entire story here.

• Military Blogger's Project Gaining Support: 'The School Supplies for Afghan Children' started when an Afghan boy asked for Pen

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pm

  (Afghanistan My Last Tour)  From Liisa, SMSgt Rex Temple’s wife:  Rex wanted me to post a quick “Thank You” to the USF Bulls and to his home base at Tampa’s MacDill AFB for adopting the “School Supplies for Afghan Children” project at this Saturday’s football game against Louisville. It’s an honor to have this project be part of the team’s military appreciation game. And I’m thrilled to have Rex’s friend SPC Christopher “Kit” Lowe join us at the game; he’ll be enjoying a few days of leave from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in D.C. and his rigorous…

• RIP: Fallen TA Soldier Andrew Fentiman also wrote from Frontlines

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:38 am

  The BBC and other news organizations as well as fellow bloggers like Daniel Bennett have more information on Rifleman Andrew Fentiman, a Territorial Army Soldier who was killed earlier this week in Afghanistan.  A blog that Andrew wrote on November 4th is receiving a lot of attention because he writes about waiting on new body armor and helmets.  God bless Andrew, his family and friends, and his battle buddies.  In Andrew’s last post, Andrew also wrote about everyday life on the frontlines:One of the best things out here is that cigarettes are $5 for 200! There is the odd…

• Have you seen the NEW DoD Social Media Hub? It looks like something BIG could be announced soon (or not)

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:18 am

  With the much-anticipated publishing of the DoD’s Social Media policy, the DoD has been launching its own social media sites online.  Earlier today, I stumbled upon the DoD Social Media Hub (which right now appears to be down).   But by the looks of the Social Media Hub and other online efforts by the DoD, something could be announced soon. I found the DoD Social Media Hub link through DoD Live in a story titled “How to Stay Cyber Safe, and NetSmart” – which is an interview with Mr. Price Floyd, the principal deputy assistant Secretary of Defense for Public…

• 
  War On Terror News

• Forces in Afghanistan Kill Militant, Detain Suspects

  MsMarti -

  21 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am

  Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs 11.20.2009 KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and international forces in Afghanistan killed an enemy militant and detained several terrorism suspects Nov. 20, military officials reported. A combined Afghan-international security force killed an enemy militant in Takhar province while pursuing a facilitator for the...

• Punitive Steps Against Iran on Agenda for Next P5+1 Meeting

  MsMarti -

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:30 am

  US Says Next Big-Power Meeting on Iranian Nuclear Program Will Take Up Punitive Steps 20 November 2009 VOA David Gollust | State Department The State Department says the international community's patience with Iran is limited, and that another meeting of the P5+1 grouping will be held shortly to take up...

• Airpower Summary for November 18

  MsMarti -

  21 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

  U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs 11.20.2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations November 18 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Operations in Afghanistan: Abchakan Air Force F-15E...

• Afghan MP Escapes Assassination Attempt in Kabul

  MsMarti -

  21 Nov 2009 | 3:30 am

  VOA Sean Maroney | Kabul 20 November 2009 Five bodyguards were killed. Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber killed at least 16 people in southwestern Afghanistan, while two roadside bombs killed 4 others in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan police say a member of parliament escaped an assassination attempt Friday night...

• If You Want the MSM to Start Fair Coverage, Quit Rewarding Them For Bad Coverage

  Editor

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:43 pm

  This icon is not only historic, it is not only a symbol of WWII, it's not just the motto of Our Site, but the rallying cry that gave rise to the Milblogging Community. New sites pop up daily based on this premise, that the MSM is not properly covering the...

• 
  Navy CyberSpace

• Launch or Dinner?

  NCCM(ret)

  16 Nov 2009 | 6:42 pm

  Contemplating our own death is something we humans do, we wonder how our life will come to an end. Some would argue that religion and the thought of an after-life were created only to ease our fear of the inevitable. We all hope for a peaceful, painless demise, perhaps to slip away while in a deep sleep without any indication of its coming. But, lets face it; most of us will feel the breath of the grim reaper just before our passing, and it will terrify us. If we find the breath to have been just a warning and the end didn’t come as expected, we claim some earthly luck or divine providence,…

• Veterans Day 2009

  NCCM(ret)

  10 Nov 2009 | 4:43 pm

  Tomorrow is Veterans Day. To help commemorate the day I suggest that you start your two minutes of silence at 1100 (time that major hostilities of World War I were formally ended on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918) that you donate to the Soldier’s Angels Project Valour-IT campaign. 100% of your donation to Project Valour-IT will be used to purchase laptops and other technology that will support recovery, provide independence, and freedom to our wounded Warriors. H/t SJS Your gift will leverage technology to help those who sacrificed so much, assisting them in living a better…

• Broadside for Valour-IT!

  NCCM(ret)

  3 Nov 2009 | 11:22 am

  HA! You have to love Navy Recruiting cartoons done in good taste by famous cartoonists! Jeff Bacon, author of the Broadside cartoons, published his latest work to help support the Valour-IT fund raising campaign. Gahh, enough with me talking, read the comic strip! See the rest of this cartoon on Jeff Bacon’s Broadside blog and don’t forget to donate to Valour-IT!! Hey, I just realized – Today, 29 years ago, I started my first day of Navy bootcamp at RTC Orlando. Dang, time flies. 2009 Military Pay Chart2010 Military Pay ChartBroadside for Valour-IT!

• The Valour-IT Auction

  NCCM(ret)

  1 Nov 2009 | 6:41 am

  Last night you gave out about $30 worth of candy to a bunch of little kids – how about today you pledge at least that like amount to our wounded warriors? Either use the widget in the sidebar or go to this very special E-Bay auction where you can bid on everything from autographed baseballs to beautiful lithographs, all profits will go to our wounded warriors via Project Valour-IT! Here is the link! E-Bay Valour-IT As Neptunus Lex puts it, “Now, besides the warm glow of knowing that you’ve helped a wounded troop reconnect with his family, friends and the world, you can also…

• Employment Cost Index

  NCCM(ret)

  30 Oct 2009 | 12:37 pm

  Today, the latest Employment Cost Index (ECI) percentages were released. What makes today’s release important is that it is the figure used to determine the military pay proposal for the 2011 defense budget. As you may be aware, last years figure was 2.9% – the figure used by President Obama for his proposal to congress (congress subsequently added .5% (to 3.4%) which was signed into law 28 October). This years figure is 1.5% – the question will be, will congress again add an additional .5% or will congress, in the coming election year, state the military pay and allowances…

• 
  Army Household6

• Beer Bread is good!

  Tammy

  16 Nov 2009 | 1:59 pm

  I don’t normally blog about things I cook or bake (only because there is usually lots of OTHER stuff to blog about ). I was so proud of this one I just have to share with all of you ! I decided to try making some beer bread from scratch  – tried it at a craft show and it was soooooo good! Here is the final outcome : picture taken with my cell phone .. sorry it's fuzzy! I think it turned out looking pretty darn good considering our resident baker (aka SGT Daddy) wasn’t here to tell me what I was doing wrong/right. : ) Want the recipe – let me know! (sorry all…

• And the winner is …

  Tammy

  12 Nov 2009 | 6:39 pm

  …. all of our Wounded Warriors and Project VALOUR-IT!! The Project Valour-IT fundraiser (and friendly bloggers’ competition) has come to a close. It was a fun time and some friendly ribbing among all the teams! (even though Team Army didn’t win this year ) All the teams managed to raise a grand total of  $103,246.00 Basically that means that over 170 wounded warrior will get to participate in the program!

• Happy Veterans Day

  Tammy

  11 Nov 2009 | 7:39 am

  A big thank you goes out to ALL our veterans and their families for their service, sacrifice and commitment to our nation’s security.

• Happy Birthday Marines

  Tammy

  10 Nov 2009 | 9:39 am

  Just wanted to wish a very happy birthday to the Marines! Semper Fi!

• Bless You Boys!

  Tammy

  8 Nov 2009 | 6:32 pm

  Now I normally don’t talk about sports (well except for hockey) but I had to post this! The New Orleans Saints are now 8 – 0 with their win over Carolina today! If that wasn’t amazing enough, this is the FIRST time in franchise history, they have been  8 – 0!!      Way to GEAUX* !!! My father and grandfather has been regular season ticket holder since the beginning ! The dome wasn’t even built yet when they first started attending games. They were held at Tulane Stadium back then. So, its been a LONG time. Heck – I even started going to Saints games…

• 
  Manatee's Military Moms

• Patience, please!

  18 Nov 2009 | 4:03 am

  No communications.The Bonhomme Richard’s Facebook page is a great way to feel connected to our Marines and Sailors, except when people start to speculate or freak out, and that happens when communications are down for one reason or another.A letter from the Captain reminded us that there are very important reasons for that, and reassured us that our loved ones are well:From the Captain...Greetings family and friends. Life is great on BHR as we sail today. Your Sailors and Marines continue to do remarkable work keeping this great ship humming and ready to perform any mission that comes our…

• A final salute for one who served

  15 Nov 2009 | 3:32 am

  Have you ever envisioned your funeral? How many people would be there? Would they be sad?Not at all a question of narcissism, really, but a gauge of the imprint left on your community.Right?Wrong.Recently, there was a funeral with no mourners and no family. No one searched their pockets for a tissue, or blinked away a tear except a small group of funeral and cemetery employees, three soldiers, and a solitary man with a flag.This was the funeral of a veteran who fought for our country and died alone…alone!Friend and Patriot Guard Rider Terry Longpre told me about this shameful…

• Thanks to our Veterans

  11 Nov 2009 | 4:22 am

  From the rawest recruit to the saltiest old sailor, today we thank the men and women who served our country.It doesn’t seem quite enough, one day, to recognize these folks as they strive to keep us secure, strong, safe.Right now, all around the world, there are U.S. troops who are working hard through the day which was created to honor them.To them, and to all who served -- past, present and future -- God bless you.--Tiffany_________A special ceremonyclick here to read_________Happy Birthday, Marine Corps!_________Around the military:U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexander McCall, a crew…

• Another heaping helping of Marine Corps life, please

  8 Nov 2009 | 4:47 am

  Sometimes my son surprises me. Not often, but it happens:“I got my re-enlistment papers to fill out. It’s too good to pass up and I’m good at what I do here. Plus, no civilian job would allow me to be me. I hope to have your support, which I’m sure I will. I know you'll have questions and concerns, but hold off on any doubts and worries.”That he was re-enlisting did not surprise me in the least; he is good at what he does and is well-suited for the Marine Corps. The surprise was his concern over my reaction.Typically, Daniel is considerate of my feelings. He is a thoughtful young…

• Military moms, serving with love

  4 Nov 2009 | 3:36 am

  A flag fluttered in the breeze where there hadn’t been one the day before; it was planted solidly next to a “Welcome Home” banner on the lawn of a house I drive past every day.Circling around, I drove on auto-pilot back to the little house and was out of my car and knocking on the door before I could have a second thought.“It’s my son-in-law. He’s coming home from Iraq,” said a smiling woman who invited me inside without hesitation. A child a few months old smiled serenely from his seat in a stroller; the child who had only seen his father once at his birth was about to be…

• 
  Defense Update News

• New Armored Vehicles Exhibition Attracts Industry Attention

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:26 am

  The International Armored Vehicles Exhibition, taking place on the 1st to the 5th February, at the ExCel Centre, London is picking up momentum. According to the organizers, the exhibition, which is taken place alongside the main conference at International Armored Vehicles, is attracting a huge amount of interest from the AFV community, with over 50 exhibitors signed up already. Oshkosh will be joined by an array of vehicle manufacturers and major OEMs, vehicle system suppliers and service providers. Companies include Force Protection, Iveco, MDH Bioquell, Hutchison and Tyron. Defense Update…

• ScanEagle to get MAD Hunting for Submarines

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:26 am

  Boeing is working on modifying the Compresses Carriage ScanEagle UAV into an aerial sensor capable of tracking submarines. Working under a U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) contract, Boeing is converting the Scan Eagle's diesel engine to operate in 'magnetically silent' mode, enabling the drone to employ magnetic anomaly detection systems tracking submarines underwater.

• Test Flight Complete Mantis' Technical Evaluation Phase

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:26 am

  BAE Systems has successfully flown the Mantis, largest fully autonomous unmanned aircraft ever to be built in the UK. The first flight took place October 21, 2009 in Woomera, South Australia. The trials have concluded the 19 month technology demonstration program, funded jointly by UK MOD and UK Industry. The Mantis currently awaits further testing, pending further approval from the British MOD.

• French, German Experiment Evaluates Future Warfighting Techniques

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:26 am

  ARTIST, a recent field experiment held by the French and German forces in Germany evaluated advanced warfighting concepts introduced by modern command, control, intelligence and weapon systems, paving the way for further studies as part of the Air-land operational digitalization study (Bulle Opérationnelle Aéroterrestre - BOA).

• Proposals are in for FRES -SV

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:26 am

  General Dynamics and BAE Systems have both submitted bids to provide the British Army's next generation of reconnaissance Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV). The winner of the £2bn first phase of the Future Rapid Effect System – Specialist Vehicles (FRES SV) vehicle is expected to be announced within 4-5 months, will replace the CVR(T) Scimitar, offering greatly improved protection, firepower and reconnaissance abilities.

• 
  Armor Links

• New Armored Vehicles Exhibition Attracts Industry Attention

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:14 am

  The International Armored Vehicles Exhibition, taking place on the 1st to the 5th February, at the ExCel Centre, London is picking up momentum. According to the organizers, the exhibition, which is taken place alongside the main conference at International Armored Vehicles, is attracting a huge amount of interest from the AFV community, with over 50 exhibitors signed up already. Oshkosh will be joined by an array of vehicle manufacturers and major OEMs, vehicle system suppliers and service providers. Companies include Force Protection, Iveco, MDH Bioquell, Hutchison and Tyron. Defense Update…

• India Plans to buy over 500 APCs for land forces

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:13 am

  In an effort to strengthen its mechanized forces, the Indian Army plans to field over 100 new Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), with plans for additional 400 in the pipeline. The Army has recently floated a request for information for such vehicles and plans to initiate the acquisition process.

• ARTIST Experiment Evaluates Advanced Warfighting Techniqiues

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:12 am

  A recent field experiment held by the French and German forces in Germany evaluated advanced warfighting concepts introduced by modern command, control, intelligence and weapon systems, paving the way for further studies as part of the Air-land operational digitalization study (Bulle Opérationnelle Aéroterrestre - BOA). The ARTIST experiment was managed by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), the French Army, and an industry group including Thales, Nexter and Sagem.

• Proposals are in for FRES -SV

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:10 am

  General Dynamics and BAE Systems have both submitted bids to provide the British Army's next generation of reconnaissance Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV). The winner of the £2bn first phase of the Future Rapid Effect System – Specialist Vehicles (FRES SV) vehicle is expected to be announced within 4-5 months, will replace the CVR(T) Scimitar, offering greatly improved protection, firepower and reconnaissance abilities.

• Airbag RPG Countermeasure Completes First Testing Phase

  30 Oct 2009 | 4:03 am

  Textron Defense Systems' Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Airbag Protection System, (TRAPS), has recently completed the first phase of testing at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) in Socorro, New Mexico. During these tests the system defeated live RPGs fired at different angles and from both short and long ranges.

• 
  U.S. Pacific Fleet

• PacificFleet: Dewey heading to San Diego - http://bit.ly/8ljVPa

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:49 pm

  PacificFleet: Dewey heading to San Diego - http://bit.ly/8ljVPa

• PacificFleet: Helpful link from: RT @NBCPAO: Sailor's Creed: http://bit.ly/1NJdzy via @addthis

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:29 pm

  PacificFleet: Helpful link from: RT @NBCPAO: Sailor's Creed: http://bit.ly/1NJdzy via @addthis

• PacificFleet: Hey PACFLT'ers! Thanks for the support and have a great weekend!

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:27 pm

  PacificFleet: Hey PACFLT'ers! Thanks for the support and have a great weekend!

• PacificFleet: RT @FlexPlexico: Eight Fort Hood wounded will still deploy

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:18 pm

  PacificFleet: RT @FlexPlexico: Eight Fort Hood wounded will still deploy

• PacificFleet: News: Blue Ridge Wraps Up Fall Deployment http://bit.ly/4tJQ2r

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:08 pm

  PacificFleet: News: Blue Ridge Wraps Up Fall Deployment http://bit.ly/4tJQ2r

• 
  Navy Reads

• UPDATE: Halsey’s Typhoon II -- Integrity

  15 Nov 2009 | 7:28 pm

  By Bill DoughtyFor former chief petty officer (retired lieutenant commander) Archie DeRyckere, the leadership lessons of Typhoon Cobra -- “Halsey’s Typhoon” -- are personal and last a lifetime.We linked DeRyckere’s website, Typhoon Cobra 1944 on our last blog post. He sent the following email to Navy Reads:Sir,That is interesting.The heroism by Captain Plage and hisship should be interesting to patriots.I have been earnestly attempting to have Captain Plage awarded the Medal of honor for his performance as he definitely saved the life of myself and 54 others.President Gerald R. Ford…

• Typhoon Cobra - Nimitz & Leadership '...Lessons of'

  8 Nov 2009 | 11:16 pm

  If you don’t read the entire review that follows, do yourself a favor and read Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet ADM Nimitz’s confidential letter of Feb. 13, 1945. It’s a thoughtful, reasoned and balanced treatise on accountability in time of war. It shows why Nimitz was such a great leader -- a man whose emotional intelligence matched his analytical abilities.Fleet Admiral Chester A. NimitzHalsey’s Typhoon by Bob Drury and Tom ClavinReview by Bill DoughtyTheir decks, already top-heavy with armaments and equipment, were pushed nearly vertical in mountainous seas. Sixty-five years…

• Dr. Betances: "You Can't Lead if You Don't Read"

  18 Oct 2009 | 12:56 pm

  How important is reading? Ask Dr. Samuel Betances, diversity advisor to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, and three U.S. presidents...Betances, who conducted "Strengthening the Navy Through Diversity" training for nearly 1,000 people at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Oct. 13-15, talks about the power of books...and words...and mentors...and, most importantly, diversity.The cover of Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough's book John Adams flashes on the screen early in one of Dr. B's training, along with this quote from Adams:"Freedom is a wonderful thing, provided you have the courage to…

• "Negotiating With Iran: Wrestling the Ghosts of History"

  21 Sep 2009 | 12:15 am

  NPR's Scott Simon interviewed John W. Limbert, professor of International Affairs at the U.S. Naval Academy, this weekend about his new book, Negotiating With Iran: Wrestling the Ghosts of History.Ambassador Limbert, who was held as an Iranian hostage for 444 days 30 years ago, offers his perspective on a dialog with Iran. Is negotiation equivalent to surrender or appeasement or weakness?NPR's Michele Kelemen interviewed Limbert for a story late last month, too, focusing on the importance of listening, showing respect and demonstrating a willingness to engage... President Barak Obama says he…

• Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky

  7 Sep 2009 | 8:26 pm

  Review by Bill Doughty Superfreakonomics comes out soon, as we learned earlier this month when our blog and Roxanne Darling’s photo from USS Nimitz were featured on the New York Times .com’s Freakonomics blog. Meantime, here’s a book in a similar vein... Here Comes Everybody grabs you from the first chapter. What happens when someone loses her phone in the back seat of a taxi and the finder of the phone refuses to give it back? The unfriendly, recalcitrant phone-finder gets a virtual butt-whupping, thanks to the power of social media to share information, encourage cooperation and…

• 
  Military Embedded Systems

• Chassis Plans CCI-17 & CCI-19 Rugged Industrial Grade 1U LCD Keyboard Drawers

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:01 am

  San Diego, Calif – November 20, 2009 - Chassis Plans, The Original Industrial Computer Source®, a leader in providing rugged rackmount systems to the military and other challenging markets, today introduced the CCI-17 and CCI-19 Rugged Industrial Grade 1U Rackmount LCD Keyboard drawers. These products are designed and manufactured in the USA. The displays are 17- or 19-inch TFT LCDs providing 1280x1024 resolution. An anti-glare hard coat is provided over the LCD for protection and better display clarity. Three industrial grade Genesis LCD controllers are available providing a mix…

• Extreme Engineering Solutions Introduces XPedite5501: First Conduction-Cooled PrPMC / XMC Module Targeting Freescale Dual-Core QorIQ(tm) P2020 Processor

  19 Nov 2009 | 9:49 pm

  Middleton, WI – November 20, 2009 – Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) announces the availability of XPedite5501, the first conduction-cooled PMC/XMC single-board computer based on Freescale Semiconductor’s dual-core QorIQ™ P2020 processor. XPedite5501 provides a high-performance, feature-rich solution for current and future generations of embedded applications.XPedite5501 operates with two 1.2 GHz PowerPC e500 cores, and supports:• Up to 4 GB DDR3-800 ECC SDRAM• Up to 8 GB of NAND flash and 256 MB of redundant NOR flash• 32-bit/33-MHz PCI (PMC…

• Sharing Laboratory Test Equipment: Model 7203 Remotely Controllable BNC Switch

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:28 am

  Electro Standards Laboratories (ESL), Cranston, RI, announces the new Model 7203 BNC A/B Switch with remote control, which allows access to two separate BNC ports via the Common port. This versatile network switch can be used to share test equipment in laboratories as shown in the diagram found at weblink below: www.electrostandards.com/images/user/Image/appl[...] Offering both manual front panel pushbutton control and remote control via RS422 ASCII commands, this BNC switch also features three isolated BNC port connectors on rear panel and switch ports that are transparent to all data. This…

• Telemedicine Pilot in Iraq Succeeds Via Army's Electronic Medical Recording System, MC4

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:03 am

  By Bill Snethen and Ray Steen Craniotomies on five year-old kids and repairing ruptured bladders were not run-of-the-mill procedures for Lt. Col. T. Sloane Guy IV, M.D. A highly-skilled cardiothoracic surgeon, Lt. Col.Guy specializes in cracking open chests to conduct bypass surgeries, replacing cardiac valves and completing lung resections. Although out of his comfort zone, Lt. Col. Guy successfully completed all of his procedures while deployed to Salerno, Afghanistan, as the chief of clinical services with the 249th General Hospital from 2005 to 2006. At the time, Lt. Col. Guy would have…

• Crestron Hosts Second Annual Dealer Conference in Sydney, Australia

  18 Nov 2009 | 5:26 am

  ROCKLEIGH, NJ, November 17, 2009 – Crestron today announced that over 130 delegates converged at the Four Points by Sheraton in Sydney, Australia’s picturesque Darling Harbour for the Second Annual Crestron Conference in early November. Along with the local Crestron team, the company’s commitment to this region was clearly demonstrated by the attendance of Randy Klein, Crestron Executive Vice President; Jason Tirado, International Sales Director, and David Silberstein, Global Product Sales Specialist. "This year’s conference was focused on developing our…

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  At War

• One Evening at the Close of Ramazan, Ere the Better Moon Arose

  By JOHAN SPANNER

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:30 am

  Pigeons sit under a full Baghdad moon.

• The Lede: Defining Terrorism

  By THE NEW YORK TIMES

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:44 am

  What does the word mean to different people? And in what situations can it be applied?

• ... and Little Optimism

  By ALISSA J. RUBIN AND TAIMOOR SHAH

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:01 pm

  There was little enthusiasm among Afghan voters as President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a second term.

• No Cheering, No Parade

  By MOISES SAMAN

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:45 am

  This was not the inauguration of a popular president.

• Workmen in Kabul

  By MOISES SAMAN

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:00 am

  A worker carries a hose that is used to pump water from an excavation site on the outskirts of Kabul.

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  Wars of the World

• Islamophobia in Germany - Pregnant Muslim Woman Killed in Court

  Zeeshan

  15 Nov 2009 | 8:04 am

  Marwa el-Sherbini, an Egyptian woman asked a German man, Alex W., to clear a swing in a playground so that her child could use it. The German man who sat in the swing, smoking, hurled racial abuse at the woman. Marwa took him to court where Alex was fined for his deeds. This incident happened in 2008.In 2009, Alex made an appeal in the court and both parties were called in for hearing. Alex

• Hollow Victory

  Zeeshan

  11 Nov 2009 | 7:52 am

  Author: JOHN J. MEARSHEIMERThe conventional wisdom among most Republicans is that while the United States had serious difficulty in Vietnam during the early years, by the early 1970s things were turning around, and victory was on the verge. Unfortunately, the craven Democrats in Congress bowed to widespread anti-war sentiment and forced the Ford administration to end almost all support to South

• Clinton in Pakistan Encounters Widespread Distrust of U.S.

  Zeeshan

  3 Nov 2009 | 7:15 am

  Author: Alex RodriguezEvery time Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton tried to win over Pakistanis during her three-day charm offensive last week, they fired back a polite but firm message:We don't really trust your country.No matter how hard Clinton tried to reassure audiences in Lahore and Islamabad with talk of providing economic aid where it's needed most, Pakistanis seized on her visit

• Helicopter Rumour Refuses to Die

  Zeeshan

  30 Oct 2009 | 11:13 am

  Helicopter Rumour Refuses to DieAuthor: Ahmad Kawoosh in Mazar-e-SharifPersistent accounts of western forces in Afghanistan using their helicopters to ferry Taleban fighters, strongly denied by the military, is feeding mistrust of the forces that are supposed to be bringing order to the country.One such tale came from a soldier from the 209th Shahin Corps of the Afghan National Army, fighting

• US Official Resigns Over Aghanistan - Criticizes War Objectives & Strategy

  Zeeshan

  29 Oct 2009 | 11:21 am

  Senior American civilian official stationed in Afghanistan has resigned stating that he has lost confidence in the purpose of the war. Mr. Matthew Hoh was working in the Afghan province of Zabul. He is a former marine and an Iraq war veteran. He let his superiors know in a letter that the American presence in Afghanistan is of no use as the country is failing and is the continued presence is